2015: 10 govs threaten to dump PDP by Vanguard Media Limited

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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Shekau shot, deposed, claims Boko Haram's spiritual leader

2015: 10 govs threaten to dump PDP BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

•Serve Jonathan notice •Presidency jittery over govs' threat

BUJA—A MAJOR setback to the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan is looming, as no fewer than 10 governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP have served notice of their intention to leave the party ahead of the 2015 election. The governors, according to competent sources,

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COLUMNIST:

DONU KOGBARA •P.17

ADISA ADELEYE •P.48

Mr & Mrs

FLAG LAUNCH: From left— Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Chief Henry Ajomale, former Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Lagos; Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State Deputy Governor; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Chief Kemi Nelson, former Women Affairs Commissioner, and others at the formal inauguration of All Progressives Congress, APC, flag in Lagos, yesterday.

3 human heads found in hotel C M Y K

Godogodo, S-West robbery czar nabbed

ONITSHA WONDER:

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C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

CONFERENCE—The three-day 37th Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition ended in Lagos yesterday. From left: Mr Ciro Anthonio Pagano,Vice Chairman & MD NAOL; Engr Tolu Ogunkoya, Director, SPE African Region; Mr Osayande Igiehon, Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council; Engr Anthony Ogbuigwe, Group ED R&P NNPC and Engr Toni Ezeukwu, GM, Pan Ocean Oil Exploration at the occasion. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

2015: 10 govs threaten to dump PDP; Presidency jittery Continues from page 1 have already communicated their decision to jump ship, to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the leader of the PDP. It remained unclear, however, at press time if the aggrieved governors were moving over to the newly-registered All Progressives Congress, APC, or working to float their own party with a view to presenting one of their colleagues as a

presidential candidate in the next election. But Vanguard gathered authoritatively that the five governors of Sokoto, Niger, Adamawa, Kano and Jigawa, were among those ready to dump the party. An impeccable source told Vanguard that the five governors communicated their threat to quit the party to President Jonathan when he summoned them for a peace parley last week. It was learnt that the

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

It does not cost too much to do good, do as much good as you can. You really cannot lose.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams — Eleanor Roosevelt

TEVE Goodier wrote about the future not being ours to see, I’m okay with that because I go along with Dolly Parton in her song “You just remember that the magic is inside you, there ain’t no crystal ball.” The magic is inside you, maybe not the magic to see into the future, but certainly the magic to shape it. And I dare say that the miracle of turning your life the way you want it to be is right inside you. You just have to believe and know with intense certainty. At the end of this life, what will matter to you? It will be beautiful to know you have a hand in shaping your own destiny. I refuse to think my life is in the hands of the fates and what will be, will be. I have dreams. I have longings. I have significant aspirations for my own future and even for the world. Although much of the world one cannot influence but an individual can control their thoughts, words and actions. That is the magic inside everyone and the miracle to largely shape who we are becoming every moment.

Rivers State Governor, who was also at the Villa penultimate Friday for talks with the President, confirmed to the President that he was aware of the threat by his colleagues to jettison PDP as a result of the way he, Amaechi was being treated by the Presidency and the party. The source explained that the meeting between Amaechi and the President was facilitated by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd)who reasoned that the escalating political crisis in Rivers State and the raging security challenges in the North, if not checked could trigger a national upheaval. “It is true that the NSA's office facilitated the meeting, which enabled Amaechi to meet with the President last Friday but there was a snag because the governor refused to open up to Jonathan on his grievances with the party and the Presidency,” a governor familiar with the meeting, said. “What he told the President was that he was not fighting for himself and that there were other governors who were angry over the way he (Amaechi) was being humiliated and harassed by forces close to the Presidency for no just

cause.

What Amaechi told Jonathan

“Governor Amaechi told the President that there were indeed 10 governors who were so upset that they were ready to quit the PDP because of the persistent attacks on him and his administration,” the governor said. Amaechi was said to have assured the President that he was ready to support him and work for him if the other governors, who were aggrieved over his treatment in the hands of government agencies, decide to work with Jonathan. President Jonathan was said to have been taken aback by the decision of the 10 governors to dump PDP, when five northern governors, who met him a day after Amaechi’s meeting with him, repeated what the governor had told him. One of the governors, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that they were ready to meet the President again before taking a final decision on whether to leave the party for the opposition or float their own party. Asked to comment on what the grievances of the group were, the governor said they were an-

gry over attempts by the Presidency to weaken the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, since Amaechi courageously contested and won the last election by defeating Governor David Jang of Plateau State by 19 votes to 16 votes. The governor said they were also opposed to the move by the Presidency to cause unnecessary chaos in Rivers State so as to drive away the elected governor because of his unsubstantiated political ambition. Despite being taken aback by the action of the governors, the Presidency last week described the aggrieved governors as agents of the opposition in the ruling PDP and warned them to desist from continuing to engage in acts capable of heating up the polity and distracting Mr. President from delivering on his promises to Nigerians. The Political Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who

made the allegation, said the governors were arrogating to themselves roles not assigned to them by either the President as the leader of the party or the party leadership. “I can tell you that the five governors do not mean well for the party and the country. They are acting the script of some elements bent on distracting Mr. President and causing confusion where none should exist in the country. “A discernible pattern from what the five governors are doing is that their grandstanding is not about a genuine concern to put things right in the country as they claim but how to bring down President Jonathan so that one of them can step in. “But what I can assure them is that they are bound to fail woefully because Nigerians know that they don’t have any genuine concern for the country,” the political aide had said.

Eko Disco assures on 20-hr power supply by December BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

AGOS—THE Chief Executive Officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. Oladele Amoda, yesterday, assured customers within its network, of 20 hours stable electricity supply by December and 22 hours supply in 2014. Amoda gave the assurance at the conferment of his Africa Distinguished Gold Service Award by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa, CDGA as Honorary Distinguished Member. He said that all distribution companies had been mandated by the Federal Government that all cities across the country be supplied with at

least 20-hour electricity starting from December. According to him, “ we at Eko Distribution Company also want to key into the Federal Government's instruction and ensure customers within our network enjoy 20hour uninterrupted power supply by December. “We urge customers to support the Disco to achieve the projections, the present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan has improved the power sector tremendously to benefit the masses.” Amoda stated that the sector had been in a comatose and neglected for over 20 years during the military era.

6 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Gunmen abduct 3 female school teachers in Edo BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY — GUN MEN suspected to be kidnappers, yesterday, abducted three female primary school teachers at Orogbua Primary School, Upper Ekenwa Road, Benin City, Edo State. The victims, Patience Osadolor, Momodu Aisha and Patience Okoshone, were abducted on the premises of the school after the gunmen who came in a commando style, shot sporadically and escaped in a car belonging to one of the victims. A stray bullet was said to have hit one Mr Derick Akpotu, who was in the school to check on his daughter. Vanguard was informed that he was being treated at an undisclosed hospital. The Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Moses Egoevoen, said the command had mounted a manhunt for the suspects, reiterating that “Edo State cannot be a haven for kidnappers. The Edo Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Folunsho Adebanjo, had made it clear that any criminal that failed to repent will be dealt with in the state. “So, we are not relenting and those behind the crime will be apprehended no matter how fast they try to run.”

Godogodo,the suspect.

Man absconds as wife delivers triplet zPlease, come back home for the babies' sake, wife begs BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — A 30-YEAROLD mother of triplets, Bose Akapo, has cried out for help in search of her husband, Biodun Akapo, 45, who reportedly absconded shortly after his wife was delivered of a set of triplet. Vanguard gathered that the father of the triplet, who is a farmer at Afojupa village, a suburb of Owode-Egba town in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, bolted when she received the news of the birth of the triplet. It was further gathered that the wife and the runaway husband are indigenes of Ibadan and have been living together as a happy family in the village for over a decade, before arrival of the triplet. Narrating her ordeal, Bose, who delivered the babies last Wednesday at a maternity home in the town, explained that she was bailed out at the hospital by a traditional ruler of the town, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, who paid the hospital bill. She further said her husband had gone out before she started having pains and was assisted to the hospital on a motorcycle by a neighbour. According to her, “I never thought of three babies until when I put to bed because I already have two children who are five and eight years old. I surprisingly gave birth to triplet and when the news got to my husband he did not visit me throughout my admission in the hospital, and has since remained incommunicado. I don’t even know his whereabouts till now, but I

am begging him to come home for the sake of these innocent babies. “When I got to the hospital, because I could not find my husband, I contacted our traditional ruler who rendered financial assistance and provided clothings and other medical materials for the babies.” She, however, appealed to the state government, individuals and groups to come to the aid of the family, just as she sought for employment to alleviate the family’s plight, saying she could be reached through phone numbers 08025213476 and 08061640242. Vanguard gathered that the woman and the triplet are all in stable condition and have been discharged from the hospital. Speaking on the development, the royal father of the town, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, expressed optimism that the state government would attend to the needs

of the family, describing the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration as a government known for

the welfare of the citizens and residents.

Mrs Bose Akapo and the triplet.

Godogodo, S-West robbery czar nabbed in Lagos zI started robbing 17 years ago zI do not regret my actions – Suspect BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, yesterday, arrested, a suspected leader of a notorious robbery gang that has been terrorizing Lagos and other states within the SouthWest region. The suspect identified as Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka Abbey Godogodo, said to be on SARS wanted list, reportedly met his waterloo after the operatives laid ambush for him at his Egbeda home in Ibadan, Oyo State. The operatives were said to have laid ambush for the suspect for three weeks which eventually paid off as they recovered two AK47 rifles and 10 fully loaded magazines in his apartment. Godogodo, as he is popularly called, allegedly masterminded the July 7, 2013 murder of seven persons at O4 Hotel in Ajah area of Lagos. He reportedly confessed to killing some policemen and two other security guards at a popular hotel, along Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta area on the same day. Police sources told Vanguard: “Godogodo narrowly escaped arrest on July 14, 2013, when he and members of his gang engaged SARS operatives in shoot-out on Eko

Bridge, Lagos Island, after they killed two policemen at Ebute-Ero and Ajao Estate respectively. "Five members of his gang were reportedly gunned down during the encounter, while Godogodo and two others escaped." A police source, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said the suspect confessed to have led several bank robberies in Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun States.

How he was arrested According to the sources, “he is the biggest and the most notorious armed robber we have in the South-West in the past 14 years. “We arrested him at about 11am today (yesterday) in his mansion at Olowu area of Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State and recovered two AK47 rifles and 10 loaded AK-47 magazines in his house. “We have arrested some members of his gang and recovered several rifles from them. But he kept recruiting more to replace those arrested."

I do not regret my actions —Suspect

In an interview, the 36-yearold suspect who hails from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, simply said he had no regrets for his actions, disclosing that he started robbery 17 years ago. He said: “I started robbing in 1996. I have spent more than seven years in prison. My prolonged stay in prison for minor crime of fighting hardened me and I vowed to pay back the police for that injustice. “After I was released, I went to Katangua, in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos to meet my friend, Odun, who was arrested by the police recently at O4 Hotel in Ajah. Odun was an armed robber then and we started operating. “We worked with several other gangs and I invested the loots in purchasing arms. I have built five houses in Ifo, Ilaro, Ikorodu and Ibadan. “I usually kill policemen and take their rifles because policemen have killed several of my boys and taken most of our rifles from them. “I have no regrets for all I have done and I have no advice for young people who want to become armed robbers like me. “I have three children from three women. The police should take all my property if they wish.”

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3 human heads, 2 AK-47 rifles, army caps found in hotel zIt’s a set up —Arrested hotelier BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

NITSHA — THERE was pandemonium in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday, following the discovery of three decomposing human heads, two AK-47 riffles, two army camouflaged caps and magazines loaded with ammunition in a hotel near Ose-Ekwodu market in the heart of the city. The heads — that of two males and a female — according to eye-witnesses, were recovered by the police on a tip-off, during which the owner of the hotel known as Upper Class Hotel, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe, was arrested. Confirming the incident, the

Police Area Commander for Onitsha, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP and the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, said only two heads were recovered, adding that on a brief interrogation, the hotel owner told the police that it was a set up. Wordu who also confirmed that the raid on the hotel was on a tip-off, wondered how the owner could not perceive the odour of the decomposing heads inside a room close to his office, adding that the case had been transferred to the state headquarters of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Awkuzu, for investigations. On the army camouflage

caps, Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Military Cantonment, Onitsha, Col. T. A. Gagariga, said in a telephone

chat, yesterday, sad that soldiers had nothing to do with such a hotel, adding that army uniforms could be bought from the market.

The hotel.

Policewoman seeks dissolution of 19-yr-old marriage zMy wife is promiscuous —Police hubby

AGOS – A 39-year-old fe male Inspector of Police, Mary Igah, yesterday, pleaded with an Igando Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 19-year-old marriage, over alleged threats to her life. She told the court that her husband, Emmanuel, threatened to deal with her, and that it was not long after that she saw her pant and brassieres in his bag. She said: “My husband took my underwear without my consent; I saw my pant and brassieres in his hand bag when he wanted to leave for work. I am scared of staying with him, I no longer feel safe in his house.” Igah alleged that her husband was fond of disgracing her in public, including her place of work, adding: “My husband always comes to embarrass me at my place of work. He will drag me out of my office with beatings, calling me a prostitute.” The respondent, 46-year-old Emmanuel Igah, is also a police officer, denied the allegations levelled against him by his wife. He alleged that his wife was promiscuous. “I heard about my wife’s infidelity, so, I went to her office to find out and fortunately for me, I met her with the man. “I did not embarrass her, I only excused her outside and asked what she was doing with the man and she started shouting. “I did not beat her. In short, I have never raised my hand

against her since I married her 19 years ago,” he said. He begged the court not to

grant his wife’s wish because he still loved her.

The court president, Mr R.I. Adeyeri, adjourned the case till August14 for judgment.

Court dissolves 9-yr-old marriage over wife's infidelity zHe rapes me when I’m not in the mood – Wife

AGOS — A CUSTOMARY court in Igando, Lagos, yesterday, dissolved a nine-year-old marriage between Emmaunel Adegbola and his wife, Olufunke, on grounds of infidelity by the woman. Olufunke, however, also accused her estranged husband of always raping her anytime she was not in the mood to make love. The court President, Mr R. I. Adeyeri, said it appeared that the estranged couple was tired of the marriage and that efforts to reconcile both parties had failed. “Since both parties consented to the dissolution of the marriage, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union. “Both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to go their separate ways,”he said. Adeyeri ruled that the issue of custody of their four children, aged between eight years and four years, including a set of twins, should be referred to the family court within the Lagos Judicial Division. The court president also ordered the petitioner to pay N50,000 as rehabilitation cost to the respondent. Adegbola, a 63-year-old businessman, had filed the suit on June 26, seeking dissolution of his nine-year-old marriage over infidelity on the part of the wife. He told the court that his wife

was having an affair and that the other man was always coming to his wife’s house whenever he (Adegbola) travelled out of Lagos on business. “My wife was harbouring her concubine in the house I rented for her; anytime I went there unannounced, I always met the man. My wife was unable to give a satisfactory answer as to the

man’s mission in my house.” He also said that his wife started threatening his business by setting up shop in the same business, close to his business address and was diverting his customers to her shop. “Initially, I told her that we should start a pure water business together, she told me she was not interested.

Cult group kills 2 in Ogun

JEBU-ODE —TWO per sons were killed by suspected cult members in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at Ajegunle-Ijada and Ishado areas of the town. According to reports, the victims, Lekan Ojaewele, 22, and Muyiwa Adeyemi, 20, were apprentices in the barbing and electronics businesses. Investigations, however, revealed that the deceased were accidental victims as their bosses were the targets. While Ojaewele was said to have been killed on his way to his boss’ shop by the cultists, Adeyemi was murdered while sleeping inside a shop belonging to his boss. An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the cult members came on motorcycles to launch the attacks. Mr Yemi Odukoya,Head of Ijebu-Ode vigilance group, said the victims died in retaliatory attacks launched over the killing of a member of the Aye cult by the Eiye cult, Tuesday night. Odukoya, who lamented the incessant killings in the town by cult groups, said his security outfit could not do much due to limited resources. DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incidentand urged members of the community to assist the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the hoodlums.

Rivers monarch places curse on corrupt subjects BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT—THE paramount ruler of Ekpeye Kingdom cutting across Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, Robison O. Robison, Eze Ekpeye Logbo II of Ekpeyeland, has placed a death curse on community leaders who betray the kingdom. The monarch joined by his Council of Chiefs in libations and prayers of anger to liberate his kingdom from stagnation called on the ancestors to

visit death on any son or daughter of the kingdom who abuses any position held in trust for general good of the people. He pointed to greed and betrayal of trust among politicians, representatives of the oil host communities in the area, youth leaders, chiefs, elders and other leaders of thought representing the kingdom in various positions of trust. He said: “We want people to be honest in the course of service to the land. Representatives of the people are no longer rendering honest serv-

ice to the people and they are now bigger than the people. “This kingdom is very rich with natural resources. There are many oil companies operating here, yet our people are dying of hunger because few individual have decided to take what belongs to the people. “Any representative, whether in oil companies, politics, village headship, community leaders, youth leaders who delights in collecting gratification to glorify self or divert development opportunities coming to the kingdom, that person will die.”

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

All Progressives Alliance, APC, supporters at the party's rally at Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday.

Reactions trail APC's registration zVilla not worried— Presidency zWe will now see a vibrant political activity— IBB zWe are not part of merger——APGA zWe still have legal right to acronym—Rival group BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, HENRY UMORU, BEN AGANDE, WOLE MOSADOMI, OLASUNKANMI AKONI, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BUJA—MIXED reactions, yesterday, greeted the registration of All Progressives Congress, APC, a merger of opposition parties, as a political party by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While some hailed the emergence of the new party, others expressed misgivings. The Presidency, yesterday, described the registration of APC by INEC as the most eloquent testimony of openness and transparency of President Goodluck Jonathan. Welcoming APC on board as a political party, the Presidency noted that it was good for democracy, boasting that before now, the merger parties were defeated individually, but with the registration, they will be defeated collectively. It added that the existence of APC as a political party would lessen the burden of PDP, which will now concentrate its effort in tackling one party rather than several parties at the same time. The Presidency also said that if President Jonathan decides to contest the 2015 presidential election, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will have no choice than to give him the ticket, add-

ing that nobody can beat the President whenever he makes up his mind to join the race. Speaking with journalists, yesterday, at Wadata Plaza, PDP, National Secretariat, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said: “The registration of APC is perhaps the most powerful, the most eloquent testimony of the openness, transparency, honesty and political liberalism of President Goodluck Jonathan. “This would not have happened under many Africa Presidents, especially when it is obvious to those who care to study the situation properly that there were obvious hurdles and obstacles to that registration, which could have been exploited, and could have been amplified and could have been used by people of lesser integrity to frustrate the APC. “This is a testament and this is a testimony that we have no fear whatsoever about APC registration. We are not in any way anxious.

‘We fight one instead of four'

“These are people that were beaten individually before and collectively we will defeat them randomly. But we are glad that at least now instead of fighting three or four par-

ties, we can concentrate on one and get it done. “I can assure you that there is nobody in the villa that is worried. For us it is a good thing, it is a great development. “I don’t know whether the opposition is credible enough. I cannot attest to that. But at least you know, we have political parties that have been inept previously, that have been extremely weakened and of no serious political importance before now and have now come together under one umbrella with an attempt to challenge the status quo . We will see how far they can go.

On Jonathan in 2015, Rivers crisis

“If the President decides to run, why should the party pick somebody else? The only advantage it will have in contesting is that it has an incumbent President who will not be telling Nigerians that ‘vote for me I will do this.’ “He will be telling Nigerians ‘vote for me I have done this'. “All these people who are saying there is no automatic ticket, what they are saying is politically unwise and is impracticable and they cannot come to pass. “There is no problem in Rivers State. I have said it and I

am saying it again, Governor Rotimi Amaechi has a problem with some members of House of Assembly. “Within the House of Assembly in Rivers State there are divisions and it is not strange. It is not unusual. “Over 18 Speakers have been removed in this our young democracy and nothing happened. Like I told you, this is 2015 live. “Everything you hear about Rivers State, anything you hear about governors moving all over the place has nothing to do with Rivers State.”

IBB reacts

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, described the registration of APC as a new development, saying it will give room for “vibrancy” into the politics of the country, especially 2015 general elections. He told newsmen in Minna, yesterday: “With the emergence of the new party, we will now see a vibrant political activity and what is left for the electorate and the press is to ensure that the votes count and also allow the people to make their choice. “I have been and will continue to be a strong believer of two-party system and like PDP itself said on the emergence of APC, it is a welcome development. “But that is not to say that other registered political parties are dead. It is, however, clear that we now have two strong parties in the country.”

APGA demands N20 billion damages

All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has, however, re-

jected the inclusion of its logo in the advertorial placed in some national dailies, yesterday, by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State hailing the registration of APC. The party said it was shocked by the development and consequently demanded a retraction by way of advertorial and a fee of N20 billion as damages done to it within seven days. The party also demanded for a formal apology. Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, said: “We are shocked to see in a national daily of today (yesterday) an advertorial placed by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, congratulating APC for scaling the registration hurdle of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and in the publication, four party logos were lifted, ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA. “We are shocked that Governor Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, can so mischievously place this advertorial which included the logo of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA. “Of course, the clear intention of this advertorial was to give the impression that APGA is now part of APC, that APGA is no longer a political party. “Coming from a SAN, we know that Fashola knows the implication for these adverts. It is a mischief to deceive all our teeming supporters in Nigeria and abroad that APGA has now become part of APC. “While we congratulate them of realising their dream of coming together to form a mega party called APC, fraudulently using APGA logo cannot be accepted by our party. “The obvious damage this would do our party are well known to Nigerians. We are also passing this to our lawyers to make a demand of N20 billion damages. “Fashola must pay this money to APGA. Politics of confusion must be avoided in Nigeria. Anybody can meet to do anything as he wished but within the law.” He said his party never held any convention along side the three parties as part of the processes for merger, adding that INEC, while announcing withdrawal of Certificates of Registration of ACN, ANPP and CPC, did not include APGA.

Rival group's position

African Peoples Congress, one of the political associations contesting the APC acronym with the registered All Progressives Congress, yesterday, said the decision by INEC to register All Progressives Congress does not take away its legal right over the APC acronym. The group also lampooned the commission, saying that the registration of APC, despite the

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—9

APC RALLY: From left— Prince Gboyega Famodun, All Progressives Congress, APC, Secretary in Osun State; Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Secretary to Osun State Government; Elder Lowo Adebiyi, Osun State APC Chairman; Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Deputy Governor of Osun State; Sunday Akere, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Mr. Wole Adunola, former CPC Chairman in Osun State (at the back of Akere); Biyi Odunlade, Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Youths, Sports and Special Needs, during APC's rally at Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday.

Reactions trail APC's registration Continues from Page 8 pending court matter, was a deliberate plan by the commission to plunge the country into anarchy. National Chairman of African Peoples Congress, Chief Onyinye Ikeagwuonu, at a briefing at the association’s headquarters in Abuja, said despite what he described as a set back, his group would continue with the preparations to contest the Anambra governorship election slated for November this year. Ikeagwuonu said: “The decision of INEC to recognise APC does not take away our legal right over the APC acronym as we are the first to apply with the name and we are in court seeking to reverse the injustice done to us. “Note here that at the time INEC registered the merger APC, the acronym APC was not available and up till now, it is still not available as we, the original owners, are still pursuing the last phase of our registration with the ongoing judicial review which the court will soon rule on. “With the purported registration of All Progressives Congress as a political party, it is no longer news that Attahiru Jega and his mercantile officials in INEC have shamelessly but effectively aligned with the All Progressives Congress to plunge Nigeria’s democratic process into chaos. “As long as our case is in court, the acronym APC is not yet available as the process of registration, which ends with a judicial review, is still ongoing. “Nigerians must note that INEC fully acknowledged that we were the first to apply with

the name APC and are fully in court with us over our move to upturn the decision to deny us registration. “One then wonders on what ground the Jega-led INEC decided to register a group whose acronym is same as ours.

Legal angle...

“What will happen to INEC and the merger parties when the court gives judgment in our favour and reinstates our right over the APC acronym. “We have surmounted the many hurdles and conspiracies being thrown at us in the past and will continue to surmount. “The court has remained firm on the rule of law and has continued to reject all frivolous applications deliberately filed to derail our case “INEC is sufficiently aware of the fact that the African People’s Congress, APC, is legitimately pursuing a judicial review of the commission’s decision to reject its application for registration in the court of law, which is an integral part of the party registration process unambiguously provided for in the country’s Electoral Act. “The actions of the commission that led to this ridiculous registration of the All Progressives Congress had always been put in public space by the African People’s Congress and another look at them conveys an outrageous aversion to the tenets of the rule of law by the wheeler-dealer leadership of the commission.

“We want Anambrarians to note that we are not going to let them down. We will announce our guber candidate at our state congress/rally in Awka in the weeks ahead and will immediately forward the name to INEC via DHL.”

stone that will make the Goliath fall. “There is now a choice to articulate the better change. The most I can say is congratulations for the job well done so far. As you know the only reward that you can get for job well done is more work.”

Fashola hoists APC flag

Basis for meaningful choice — Oshiomhole

Following the registration of APC, Governor Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, hoisted APC flag at a symbolic event at the state secretariat of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Ikeja. The governor said all Nigerians must commend the progressive party leaders, for shifting grounds to provide alternative platform that would enable good citizens achieve the desired change. Speaking earlier before hoisting the new party flag, he commended INEC for taking the bold step by registering the party against all odds. He said: “I salute their sacrifice. We all must learn enduring lesson from their sacrifice to get this party. “We must remember their effort and sacrifice anytime we do anything with APC. We must always remember that for us to have a bigger merger party, it would require many more sacrifices. “This is not about the individual it is about the nation. Individuals will come and go, but the nation will remain. For me, this is not just a merger, but a history. “In Nigeria political history, this has never happened before. “For every Goliath, there is a stone. The new party is the

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has also said that the registration of APC as a political party was good for democracy, saying that it will keep politicians on their toes to deliver on campaign promises. Speaking with State House correspondents after briefing President Jonathan on circumstances leading to the closure of Benin Airport, Oshiomhole said politicians will now act more responsibly. Oshiomhole said: “It means that I am now a member of APC and I will take my registration card. I will register in accordance with the constitution. “For me, it’s all about democracy and I believe that the media and myself in my former calling and even now, are now activists struggling to entrench and deepen democracy for the good of the country. “It’s all about battle of ideas, battle of programmes and the welfare of our people. And if you have two viable parties that are capable of engaging, then the people will have the basis for genuine and meaningful choice. “If you ask me, I think it enhances the credibility of INEC in the eyes of the Nigerian public. It’s nice for the country.”

Emergence of stronger parties—Ikokwu

Second Republic chairman of

the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP, in Anambra State and one of the founders of PDP, said APC’s registration would “definitely enhance democracy and our nation because we shall be moving towards a smaller number of political parties capable of mobilising its followers and winning seats at both the states and national assemblies. “The parties will become less ethnic and more national. They will dwell more on issues and not on personalities as many are doing right now. “However, APC will need to be properly managed rather than depend on the antics of its Alhaji Lai Mohammed of ACN as if ACN has no national chairman or secretary or leaders. “Time will tell if our democracy is strengthened and made more articulate.”

Harriman reacts

Speaking on the development, a chieftain of the new party, Ms Temi Harriman a former member of the House of Representatives, said: “The registration of APC is a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. “It is an opportunity and a formidable choice for the Nigerian people in the political space. “I urge all people of goodwill to support the new party in it’s progressive drive to lead Nigeria in the future path of equity, development and nationhood.”

Junaid Mohammed, too

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, said: “The registration ought not to have raised dusts in the polity because any group of Nigerians has a fundamental human right to register a political party. He said: “All this noise over APC registration was because INEC and the Presidency were playing politics with the registration of the party. “PDP and INEC were trying to manipulate the registration exercise and I hope in the nearest future, no party will be subjected to this kind of humiliation APC went through before the eventual registration. “There is nothing spectacular about the registration, but I wish them the best.”

Okunniyi salutes INEC

The leader and governorship candidate of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in Ogun State, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi applauded INEC for registering APC. In a statement by his Media Office, Okunniyi congratulated the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, for taking the bold step to register APC in spite of all obstacles.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Abimbola Fashola to commission Core Media corporate office BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

IFE OF the La gos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, will next week, lead other dignitaries to unveil the new corporate office of Core Media Services, an event management and media services outfit in Lagos. The outfit has been operations since five years ago. Chief Executive Officer of Core Media, Mr. Jide Adediran, at a briefing in Ikeja, said that the twinbuilding located on LagosIbadan expressway, beside Compass Newspaper, would be officially opened by the governor’s wife on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 to mark the fifth anniversary of the organisation.

Zenith Bank lauds ED’s appointment as SSG

HE MANAGEMENT of Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of one of its executive Directors, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government. While congratulating him on the appointment, the Bank expressed a firm belief that Mr. Emmanuel will be a worthy ambassador of Zenith Bank which he had served excellently over the years. Reacting to his appointment, the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said, the bank was pleased and highly honoured to release “Mr. Udom Emmanuel to be of service to his state, Akwa Ibom, and by extension, our dear country, Nigeria.” Emefiele said, Emmannuel has all it takes to succeed in this new portfolio. “We wish him well in his new assignment,” he said. PUBLIC NOTICE LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THE ORIGINAL LETTER OF A L L O C AT I O N A N D L A N D AGREEMENT ISSUED TO MR. FRANK OPUAMA BY NIGERIA CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS, FCT COMMAND, CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INITIATIVE ARE MISSING. ALL EFFORTS TO LOCATE THE SAID DOCUMENTS HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND NSCDC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

‘Deportation’ publicity politically motivated, says Fashola zAka Ikenga, Umeh kick BY CHARLES KUMOLU, FLORENCE AMAGIYA & MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

LAGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said the publicity generated by the alleged ‘deportation’ of some citizens of Anambra State by Lagos State, was politically motivated. Governor Fashola faulted the purported petition to President Goodluck Jonathan over the issue by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, saying, “It is unfortunate that my colleague governor has made this a media issue.” This came barely 24 hours after Governor Obi petitioned the Presidency, demanding its intervention, while the Onitsha branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA also, threatened to drag the Lagos State Government to court. Speaking with reporters after inspecting the on-going light rail project and jetties in Mile 2 axis of the state, Fashola said the propaganda was meant to smear the credibility and reputation of the state government before the people of Anambra State. According to him: “It is unfortunate that my colleague governor has made this a media issue. “As I speak to you, I haven’t received any telephone call or letter from him, complaining over the issue. And I don’t think that is the way government works. “The relationship between Lagos and Anambra has always remained cordial. I remember that on less important matters, he had called me before and we discussed at length. “I know that this is a political season and Anambra will be up for contest. In a political season, unusual things happen and perhaps, we are living in an interesting time. “It is really important to say that our hospitality in Lagos State is legendary. It is a global legend that the people of Lagos State are hospitable people. So is the present government of the state and previous administration.” The governor explained that those hiding under the controversy to portray the state government in bad light before the Igbo speaking community had failed to realise the bond between the state government and the people. He said: “I think that there are large Igbo communities in the state. “Their presence is evident in Alaba International Market, the ASPAMDA market, among others.

“They are doing their businesses peacefully while the state government is working tirelessly to provide the required transport system that will help improve their businesses. “There is too much at stake for anyone to begin to incite the Igbo community against their host state. There is too much at stake here. “It is a very dangerous and unwarranted precedent. I hope that common sense will prevail here. Also, those who are praying for blood, should know that there is too much at risk here.” He added that when he got a formal complaint from the government of Anambra State or notification from Presidency he would lay the facts bare. However, National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Victor Umeh, at a briefing in Abuja, said: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication where the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has protested to President Goodluck Jonathan in the dump-

ing of destitute by Governor Fashola in Onitsha, Anambra State.” “In fact, on Tuesday night the Governor of Anmabra State showed me a report on the State Security Service that about 72 destitute were dumped at Onitsha by the officials of Lagos State Government claiming that those destitute and criminals are from Anambra State. From the interrogations carried, some of the destitute were from Niger Republic, Delta, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers States and other parts of Nigeria. Fashola in his professed desire to rid Lagos of criminals decided to convert Anambra state as a dumping ground for criminals.” “This type of thing is not allowed within the Nigerian constitution. I hereby joined the Governor of Anambra State in calling on Fashola to go to Onitsha and carry these destitute back to Lagos. They are not citizens of Anambra State.” Meanwhile, the Pan Igbo Sociocultural group, Aka Ikenga, yesterday, called on Governor Babatunde Fashola, to probe the

leadership of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, over the alleged abduction and deportation of some residents to Anambra State. At a briefing in Lagos, President General of the group, Chief Goody Uwazurike, described the action of the agencies as an infringement on the personal liberty of the affected persons and noted that plans had been concluded to meet with the governor on the issue. According to him: ‘’Aka Ikenga the Igbo Think Tank, condemns without reservation the clandestine abduction, detention and deportation of peoand protect the right of all residents of Lagos State. “Let there be no more violation of the people’s rights. We know that Governor Raji Fashola is one of the most detribalised Nigerians. “He is also one of the best governors in Nigeria today. “As a matter of fact, Lagosians are very hospitable and do not really do anything to obstruct other people who reside here.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—11

Ogun PDP takes Amosun's govt to task on cholera outbreak BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, faulted the claims of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, that it was politicising the cholera outbreak in some parts of the state. A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, said it merely urged the state government to live up to its responsibility and stem the tide of the cholera outbreak, rather than hiding behind some medical jargons. The party reminded the government that it has a primary responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. “We wish to state for the umpteenth time that if the ACN-led government had been up to its responsibilities of promoting healthy living, provision of quality healthcare and potable water, rather than some white elephant projects that have brought pain and anguish to our people, this epidemic would have been avoided. “The government is glossing

over a very serious health issue that has, even by its own admission, claimed over 100 lives in Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode local government areas,” the party said. It called on the Federal Government, the World Health Or-

ganisation, WHO, Doctors Across Borders, DAB, and other relevant institutions to come to the aid of the state. The ACN had cautioned the PDP against playing politics with the outbreak of gastroenteritis in the state. The party in a statement is-

sued, Wednesday, by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Sola Lawal described as “cheap politics” the call by the PDP in the state that the World Health Organisation, WHO, should quickly come to the aid of the people against further spread of the disease.

From left, Governor Seriake Dickson and the aggrieved PDP members who withdrew their cases against PDP as the Reconciliation Committee headed by the governor 'wins' souls.

Oyo NSCDC arrests 3 suspected vandals BY BOSE ADELAJA

BADAN— THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, yesterday, said it arrested three suspected pipeline vandals. The Commandant, Mr. Shem Obafaiye, who paraded the suspects in Ibadan, said they were apprehended at Ibudo Jesu area

of Surulere Local Government, Ogbomoso. Obafaiye said the arrest would not have been possible without the help of men of the state Joint Task Force popularly known as “Operation Burst.” According to him, an ambush was laid on the suspects’ hideout after a tip-off while items worth millions of naira were re-

covered from the scene. He said the suspects had already tapped into an NNPC pipeline that passed through the area and were only waiting to convey the products when they were arrested. He said: “Our commitment in curtailing the activities of vandals will serve as a deterrent to others on the long run.

“The public have been doing their best in availing us with information on activities of criminals and this is aided by the cordial relationship and trust we share with them. “Our intelligence gathering personnel are also up to the task and with time, if these vandals have sponsors, they too will be caught.”

IG orders investigation into Orudu - Oyekan crisis

HE INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered fresh investigation into the unabated crisis and incessant violence in Orudu-Oyekan, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The IG’s order was sequel to

a petition by counsel to the Basorun Adebayo Ajao, owner of the 653 acres of land located in the area. The petition by Shola Lamid, had reported eight persons (names withheld) in the area for ‘unlawful possession of firearms, threat to life, malicious damage and criminal trespass.’

The crisis, which is not unconnected with the acquisition of 653 acres of land by Ajao from Orudu-Oyekan family in 1972, is said to be unabated despite various court pronouncements and police intervention in the matter. The indicted persons were said to have turned the land

into a no-go area by unleashing violence and chasing away ‘Basorun Ajao and his staff on site, threatening to kill and throw their corpses into river. “The above-named persons have constituted themselves into a ‘government within government’ and have become ter

Osun approves new monarch for Eko-Ende

SOGBO — THE Osun State government, yesterday, approved the selection of Alhaji Abdul Ajiboye as the new Elende of EkoEnde in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere said this in a statement issued in Osogbo. “The approval is in accordance with the recommendation of Ifelodun Traditional Council which was forwarded by Ifelodun Local Government in conformity with the provisions of Section 20(1-5) of the State Chiefs Law 2002,” the statement said. It also said that the king makers had after the demise of the former monarch on December 7, 2012, selected the successor out of three candidates presented by the Olaigbo ruling house. The statement added that the Owa of Igbajo Chieftaincy Declaration was also amended, “ to reflect the proper ordering and listing of king makers in Igbajo as recommended by the Boluwaduro Traditional Council.”

Mimiko names Ademujimi, Iroju as commissioners

OVERNOR OLUSEGUN Mimiko of Ondo State has sent the names of two commissioner nominees to the Ondo State House of Assembly. They included Mrs. Adenike Ademujimi and Mr. Iroju Ogundeji, whose names were sent earlier yesterday; they are from Okitipupa and Odigbo local government areas respectively.

AUCTION SALES

There will be an Auction Sales of Motor vehicles and Household items at the Nigerian Police Force, Rumukpakani Division, Port Harcourt, 21 days of this publication. l Scrap Toyota Corolla car Reg. No.AJ562KMR l Scrap Jetta Reg. No. XY838PHC l Scrap Highlander Jeep Reg. No.AQ609BRS l Srab Nissan Bluebird Reg. No. DL329LSR Lagos l Scrab Kin holar head of generator l Black woman handbag damaged Nokia handset l Black shirt, Orange colour paint wooden calve image l Pair of black slippers, black blouse l Damaged Nokia handset l CamouflageArmy jacket l Polo shirt l Native mortar pestle l Broken plastic bucket l Black Handset l Iron cage l Black spotted gown, headtie, woman blouse, 6 shirts Signed: Alh. Ubalio Danu

12—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

REPORT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) receives report of the panel set up to investigate a fire incident at the Ministry of Education from chairman of the panel, Justice Rowland Amaize in Benin City, yesterday.

Panel on Edo ministry fire submits report BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY—THE panel of Inquiry set up by Edo State Government to investigate the fire outbreak at the Ministry of Higher Education, yesterday, submitted its report to Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The report raised concern over the indiscriminate siting of fuel stations in residential areas. Chairman of the panel, Justice Roland Amaize (rtd), said that the panel received 22 memoranda from members of the public and 23 witnesses testified before the panel. He said “the report consists of the main report and two other volumes. I hope

that the recommendations of the panel will assist the government in avoiding a reoccurrence in future.” He drew the governor’s attention to the danger in siting petrol stations in residential areas, noting that same portends grave danger to the people. Speaking after receiving the report, Governor Oshiomhole commended the committee and said it would study the report with a view to implementing same. He said: “I want to thank you for accepting to assist the state government by looking into the possible causes of the fire incident. I am confident that if we learn the right lessons from

what has happened, it will be possible to prevent a reoccurrence. “We will study the report, look at the executive summary and hope the report will help us. I want to thank you for drawing our attention to the possible danger that would arise from indiscriminate approval by the Ministry of Lands and Survey for people to locate petrol stations in residential areas. It is something that we ought to have known. It is a pity that for a long time, the Ministry of Lands and Survey never bothered to do its work. “It is bad enough when structures obstruct the right of way but it is a serious safety issue when structures like petrol stations are located in residential areas”

Edo communities demand direct receipt of 13% derivation money BY EMMA ELEBEKE

ENIN—OIL producing communities in Edo State, have demanded for the direct control of proceeds from the 13 per cent derivation fund to them, calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to discontinue forthwith, the payment of the fund to the state government. In a letter to the President, leaders of the communities, urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the recently released report of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, and ensure that those found to have corruptly enriched themselves in the oil communities were brought to book. The letter by Mrs. Nowan Uhunmwangho, Elder Peter Agbonkoko, Donyegha Ben, Mrs V. Potoki, Mr. Edwin Ikinbor, Pastor

Reuben Milton, Pastor A. Imafidon, Brasana Ekomiyenyefa, Olu Oyeh, Segun Imafidon, Karaki Ebi, Victor Omoruyi, Jackson Ikinbor and Mrs. Queen Donyegha, noted that the Supreme Court had held that the 13 per cent derivation fund was

not part of state consolidated revenue or that of the local government, adding that the last RMAFC also agreed with the above position that the fund was not part of the consolidated revenue of any tier of government.

Jonathan summons emergency FEC meeting A top official who spoke BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—AN emer gency meeting of the Federal Executive Council has been summoned by President Goodluck Jonathan today in what is seen as a prelude to the change in cabinet by the president. Though the agenda of the meeting is still unknown as at press time, some ministers are already jittery over the meeting which they believe may be the long awaited cabinet reshuffle by the President.

on the development had however doused the impression and the hype the announcement has created stating that it was not unusual for the President to call for an emergency meeting. The presidential official had stated further that “there is no need for the ministers to be jittery or the meeting to be hyped as it is not unusual for the President or any organisation to hold emergency meetings to iron out issues”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 13

ALUU 4: Prosecution substitutes charges as suspect plead not guilty BY EGUFEYAFUGBORHI

LAUNCHING: From left: Head, Marketing , Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, Mr. Vikram Varma, DG, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotions, NOTAP, Mr. Umar Buba Bindir, COO, KFC, Mr. Rahul Takalkar, and CEO, KFC, Mr. Vishal Kapur, at the launch of KFC Store in Abuja.Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

ORT HARCOURT—THE prosecution, yesterday, substituted the charges against 11 persons, accused of having a hand in the mob killing of four students of University of Port Harcourt on October 5, 2012 in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. It will be recalled that Justice T. Oji of Rivers State High Court, had in April, withdrawn from the case. The new trial judge, Justice L. Nyordee, yesterday, granted leave to the prosecution to sub-

stitute the charges, following the prosecution’s request, after adding one more name to the 11 earlier on trial. The charge was consequently read to the 12th accused person, who pleaded not guilty to all the counts in the charge. The accused persons are being tried for murder, negligence and refusal to prevent a felony. Counsel to the 9th accused person and former President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief O. C. J. Okocha, SAN, had argued that the prosecution, under any law, has no powers to withdraw and substitute the origi-

nal charge. The prosecution led by Solicitor General of Rivers, Mr Rufus Godwin, had asked for the substitution of the charge so as to add one more suspect to the case. Justice Nyordee in his ruling on the application, granted the prosecution a leave to substitute of charge and later adjourned the case till August 15, for hearing of the bail application of the accused persons. Four Uniport students, Binnga Lordson (Theartre Arts), Ugonna Obuzor (Geology), Mike Toku (Civil Engineering) and Tekena Erikene, were killed by a mob in Aluu.

Leadership: Itsekiri group kicks against interference

ARRI—UNITED Daudu Progressive Movement, UDPM, has expressed concern over interference by nonindigenes in the leadership affairs of Alder’s Town Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State. UPDM said it has been working over the years for the development of the communities that make up the Daudu area, which comprise Ogedegbe, Iyara, Pessu, Alders Town, Ereku, among others. Chairman of the movement, Mr Dere Cheke, expressed displeasure over the imposition of non-natives as executive

by strangers, whose singular objective, according to him is to protect their personal interest to the detriment of the community, which bears the brunt of bad leadership. The group also frowned at the situation where aborigines were relegated to the background by strangers, adding “this trend must stop, the voice of the people in the community must be heard as is done in other Itsekiri communities for anything short of it will be resisted.” He thanked Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for rebuilding the Alder’s Town Primary School to international standard, pledging to protect the facilities in the school from been damaged by hoodlums.

Group supports Dafinone for Senate

GHELLI—NATIONAL Coordinator of Urhobo Political Initiative, Dr Dafe Akpocha, has endorsed Ede Dafinone for the Delta Central Senatorial by-election. The group, which addressed youth organisations at a forum titled “The Urhobos, The Way Forward,” in Ughelli, Delta State, stressed the need to endorse Ede Dafinone as the representative of the Urhobos in the National Assembly. Noting that having lost a youthful and vibrant Senator, Pius Ewerido, whom God has called at the time he was needed most to champion the Urhobo

agenda, the group noted that the people were tired of the old brigade syndrome, “which has not favoured our course and positioning the Urhobos towards a proper political platform. “The Urhobos will reject by any means, any form or plan to impose a candidate, who lacks the political will and pedigree to move the course of the Urhobos forward. Consequently, having looked at the background of the Dafinones, which cut across the shores of Nigeria, there is need to allow Ede Dafinone, a vibrant and well articulated Urhobo son to represent us and a good replacement for the late Pius Ewerido.” C M Y K

14— Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—15

Turaki, journalists in war of words over Boko Haram peace c'ttee's findings BY VICTORIA OJEME BUJA—CHAIRMAN of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolutions of Security Challenges in the North, Alhaji Taminu Turaki, yesterday, confronted journalists over quest to know the true position of the committee on claims that it was in contact with the leadership of Boko Haram. The minister, who was visibly angry when asked if the committee was in correspondence with Abubalkar Shekau, the top leader of the Islamic sect, angrily said: “I have the right to refuse to talk.” Drama started after the committee’s meeting with members of the diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Irked by the persistence of journalists on the committee’s position on communication with Boko Haram leaders, he said: “I have responded to it severally. We can’t go on and be speaking on the same issue everyday now. Much as I want to be speaking with the press, you must be mature in the way you do things. “I speak on something today, I speak on it tomorrow and day after and you want me to speak on it again....there must be decorum. You as stakeholders, what are you doing as stakeholders to solve the problems? “Your write-ups are not the ones that encourage dialogue. You are the people at the forefront; you suffered a lot of casualties. Can you tell me any concerted efforts that you as a critical sector has made to assist dialogue? The question and answer session went thus: Journalists: “We have lost our men.” Turaki: “It is not about losing your men. What proactive steps have you taken to assist dialogue, tell me?” Journalists: “It was in the course of doing our work that we lost our men.” Turaki: “No. No. You are there to report for your organisations and make money! I am asking you what have you journalists done to assist peace process as Nigerians as stakeholders? Tell me.” Journalists: “Have you had contact with Shekau and other Boko Haram leaders?” Turaki: “Answer me first before I answer your own.” Journalists: “What assurance do you want to give Nigerians?” Turaki: “You see when you ask questions like this, let us not begin to have a different view of journalists. It is not good. When I tell you I don’t want to talk again and you are trying to harass me. I want to see journalists as my

friends you know I have the right to refuse to talk". On findings of the committee so far, he, however, said the committee was yet to start writing

its report, “so when we begin to write our reports, we will definitely make findings and it is on the basis of these findings that we will draw our

conclusions and our recommendations will follow. "So, Nigerians will definitely see what our recommendations will be when we submit the document.”

VISIT—From left: Governor Muhktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr Osita Chidoka, during a visit to the governor in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

EFCC didn't invite me — SARAKI BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday, denied report that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, to answer questions on his administration and Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria, SGBN. Saraki said he would not hesistate to honour any invitation from the EFCC to help them with the required information. In a statement signed by his aide, Bamikole Omishore, Saraki described the report that he was invited by the ant-graft agency as mischievous and designed to tarnish his image. The statement read: “If he receives an invitation from the agency to assist them in their findings he will be more than happy to honour it as he has nothing to hide,with regards to his tenure as governor but rather he is proud of his achievements as governor of Kwara State. "The attention of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s office has been drawn to a publication in a National daily (not Vanguard) yesterday where Senator Abubakar BukolaSaraki was alleged to have shunned an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. "We will like to emphasise and categorically state that Senator

Abubakar Bukola Saraki has not received any letter of invitation from EFCC". "When on Monday the said paper wrote the story that the agency intends to invite Senator Saraki for investigation on his tenure as Governor for 8 years and investigation into SGBN, in as much as we do not think its on the pages of newspapers that professional

organisation like EFCC will invite people. “Senator Saraki nevertheless, directed his office staff in Abuja, Ilorin and Lagos who are currently on recess to report to work to make sure they were on ground to receive any invitation and neither did we receive an invitation nor a visit from the EFCC officials on Monday and Tuesday respectively".

War against terror not over yet, says IG BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA—IN the aftermath of the terrorists bombings at Sabon Gari, Kano State, which left over 40 persons dead last Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said the attack was a painful reminder that the war against terrorism was not over yet. Speaking with Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police at a meeting he summoned to reappraise the security situation in the country, the IG said there was need by AIGs and CPs to redouble efforts as crime wave was rising across the country. His words: “In spite of the emergency rule in Adawawa, Borno and Yobe states, the insurgents still inflict untold hardship on peace loving residents of these states. “I urge you to pay more attention to this and other incidents of rising crime waves across the country. Daily situation reports bear testimonies to this phenomenon. “I hasten to add that you must redouble your efforts and restructure the existing crime fighting architecture at your disposal to ensure that the zones, commands and formations under your watch are kept secured.” He directed the AIGs to collaborate with sister security agencies in their jurisdictions in the war against crime.

...detains party chairman over alleged N66m property scam BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

BUJA—TWO-TIME presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party, HDP, Chief Ambrose Owuru, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged property scam worth N66 million. Owuru, who is also the National Chairman of the party, was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday over alleged involvement in the scam. Acting Media Head of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of Owuru in a statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja,

yesterday. The commission explained that Owuru, a lawyer, was arrested for obtaining the said amount from one Ikechukwu Eze under false pretence. The complainant alleged that he paid the sum of N60 million through Skye Bank, Olu Obansanjo Road branch, Port Harcourt, to Barrister Owuru for a property located on Nzimiro Street, Amadi flat, Port Harcourt. The complainant in a petition to the commission alleged that in the process of taking possession of the property, he discovered that a portion of the said property had been sold to another person. Owuru is reported to have demanded additional N6 million from Eze to settle the other buyer, one Chief Austin Omire, which Eze promptly paid, bringing the total amount to N66 million.

The commission said however, that its investigations revealed that since the payment of the amount to Owuru, Eze had not been allowed to gain access to the property and his money not refunded to him. The commission said: “Upon receipt of the petition and commencement of investigation, the EFCC invited the suspect severally but he refused to honour the invitations, prompting us to arrest him” . He is to appear in court soon, Vanguard learnt. Owuru has contested as the Presidential candidate of the HDP twice without winning even a local government in the country but that has not deterred him from contesting. C M Y K

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Shekau shot, deposed —Boko Haram spiritual leader zMohammed appointed new leader, says ceasefire working BY UDUMA KALU WITH

AGENCY REPORTS

ORNO—SHEIKH Abubakar Shekau, leader of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, has reportedly been shot and deposed by members of his own sect, Boko Haram. A new leader, Abu Zamira Mohammed, who is the sect’s leader negotiating with the federal government has been appointed new leader by the group’s Shura Council. The group also said that its ceasefire declaration is working, pointing out that there has not been any suicide bombing since the declaration. It noted its condemnation of the Yobe massacre where 40 students were killed, adding that some politicians now commit murder and ascribe it to Boko Haram On the Kano blasts last Monday, which led to the death of about 45 people, the group blamed it on federal government’s tardiness in responding to the ceasefire agreement. A joint report published yesterday, by Dr. Stephen Davis, a conflict resolution expert and an adviser to the last three Nigerian Presidents and Phillip van Niekerk, President of Calabar Africa, a strategic advisory company focusing on Africa, and former Editor of South Africa’s Mail & Guardian newspaper, in the US

based online newspaper, huffingtonpost.com, quoted one Imam Liman Ibrahim, spiritual leader of Boko Haram, as saying that the change in leadership was prelude to peace negotiations with the federal government. A faction of Boko Haram has entered into a back-channel dialogue with the government in the search for an elusive peace to a conflict that has seen multiple suicide bombings, attacks on government buildings and churches, and has claimed thousands of lives since 2011. The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Restoration of Peace in the NorthEast, Tanimu Turaki, last month announced that his committee had reached an “understanding for ceasefire” with members of the Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lih Da’awa Wal Jihad, JAS, more commonly known as Boko Haram. JAS leadership also nominated five people to enter peace discussions with the Federal Government: Abu Liman Ibrahim, Abu Zamira Mohammed, Abu Adam Maisandari, Kassim Imam Biu and Mallam Modu Damaturu. In its press statement, JAS said the ceasefire would be in effect for 60 days, and that during the period, any attacks in its name or in the name of its leader, Imam Shekau, would be bogus attacks. Boko Haram has been in pre-

liminary discussions with government emissaries since the organisation declared a ceasefire on June 26. Abu Zamira Mohammed told the paper that his group was still waiting for the Federal Government’s response to the ceasefire declaration. The contacts are still at an early, fragile stage, and there is no guarantee that the talks will achieve a breakthrough. The writers said: “It has now come to light that Boko Haram’s

terrorists attacks on some Nigerian communities has been foiled. “The leader of the group who had fled Nigeria when the terrorist camps were sacked was reportedly recruiting fresh hands and training them for renewed terrorist activities in Nigeria. “The intention of the group is to focus its attacks on some towns around the Nigeria-Niger Republic

the recent death of students ... this is not the way of the Holy Qu’ran. We could tolerate it no longer. “Imam Liman explained that Shekau was given a choice of joining the peace dialogue with the Nigerian government, forming his own sect or being killed. Several senior Boko Haram commanders including Shekau’s Chief of Security and personal bodyguard, Abdullahi Hassan, have claimed that Shekau has since been shot in the lower leg, thigh and shoulder,” the paper went on.

CAN, Catholic Church condemn Kano attack

BY SAM EYOBOKA

AGOS—PRESIDENT of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Adewale Martins are saddened by the twin explosions by Boko Haram in Kano metropolis where no fewer than 53 people were killed and scores injured. The Catholic cleric through the Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, condemned the blasts in Kano, saying that it was particularly painful that the attack

JTF, Niger Republic troops foil planned terrorists regrouping BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI BUJA—FOLLOW ING the military onslaught by special forces of the JTF in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states which resulted in scores of Boko Haram terrorists escaping across border communities to neighbouring countries, plans by the sect to regroup have been thwarted by combined Nigerian-Nigerien troops. Making the disclosure yesterday, the Defence headquarters noted that a leader of the group who fled the North East in the wake of the aerial and land bombardment of the terrorists camps in Borno, was behind the plans to regroup, with a view to launching fresh attacks. A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, said: “The plan by a band of terrorists who relocated to Niger Republic to remobilize and rearm insurgents with the aim of carrying out fresh

leadership sent representatives to the capital Abuja on June 25, 2013 where they revealed to the government that Shekau was no longer their leader.” Imam Liman Ibrahim, the spiritual leader of Boko Haram, explained that the teaching of Shekau was becoming increasingly harsh and began to depart from the Holy Qu’ran. “It was harsh, harsh, harsh,” Imam Liman said when explaining the reasons for the change of leadership. “The beheadings, the killings,

border. “Intelligence operatives of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, had been on the trail of the leader until he was eventually arrested in Karanga, Niger Republic on Saturday with the cooperation of Nigerien forces. “His other accomplices were later picked up in other villages in Nigeria. They are currently being interrogated.”

occured during the holy month of Ramadan. He said: “We are sincerely saddened by the latest development especially coming at a time when the committee set up by the Federal Government to ensure peace in the North has assured the nation that it is on top of the situation. We are tired of speaking on the state of insecurity in the nation.” Pastor Oritsejafor was particularly traumatized by the news from Biu, Borno State that 16 Christians were handcuffed and burnt to death by members of the Boko Haram sect within the pre-

cinct of a church in the ancient city on Sunday, a day before one of the explosions in Kano went off at the Christ Salvation Pentecostal Church at the peak of evening worship. On behalf of CAN, the President commiserated with the victims of the bomb attack, the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the Kano and Biu tragedies, insisting that these happenings were a further confirmation that the primary targets of the Boko Haram sect are Christians and their churches. He prayed that God should grant unto the families of the departed the grace of comfort at this trying moment.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 17

XENOPHOBIA! A

Xenophobic hostility This xenophobic hostility towards “outsiders” reared its ugly head again when it was announced that concerned citizens, including Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, and Femi Falana (SAN), the distinguished human rights lawyer, were planning to participate in a demonstration in Port Harcourt, to protest about the undemocratic conduct of some of Amaechi’s enemies. A local militant outfit, Ijaw Freedom Fighters, IFF and an NGO, the Ijaw Peoples’ Development Initiative, IPDI, reacted to this news by issuing veiled threats and warning Soyinka et al that the safety of any non-Niger Deltans who showed up at the protest march could not be guaranteed. According to IPDI spokesman, Austin Ozobo: C M Y K

*Protesters marching in support of Gov. Chibuike Amaechi “The crisis in Rivers State is a minor issue that does not need external solution as warring leaders could resolve their differences if they mean well for Rivers.” Ozobo is right about one thing: The opposing camps have the power to end the crisis and should make peace if they have the state’s best interests at heart. However, I’m amazed that Ozobo regards the conflict as “minor”, given the wideranging damage it has caused and the fact that it has hugged domestic newspaper headlines for several weeks and attracted international attention! Disgraceful acts of violence have been inflicted on indigenes and visitors. There have been alarming hospitalisations. There has been a thuggish invasion of the State House of Assembly premises and a crude attempt to impeach its Speaker. The Governors’ Forum has been split into two factions. And the Governors’ Forum Chairman has been suspended from the PDP. And one of his most prominent supporters has been arrested for allegedly trying to kill a legislator colleague. And the Senate has called for the removal of the Commissioner of Police. Meanwhile, a whole President of the Federal Republic and his First Lady

have been openly accused of instigating this unholy mess. How serious, scandalous, scary, toxic and high-profile does a political drama have to become before Mr Ozobo will face reality and describe it as “major”?! As for all this anti“outsider” talk, Nigeria is

few days ago, four Northern Governors visited their embattled Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, to discuss the problems he has been having with various opponents. The visitors were met at Port Harcourt Airport by a baying anti-Amaechi mob, which slung rocks at their convoy. I know some of the senior Rivers people who have been fighting our Governor; and when I cornered one of them to complain about this shameful incident, which gave the world the impression that our state is populated by savages who think that it is OK to launch attacks on un-belligerent guests, I was told that: “Those Northern Governors are known Amaechi sympathisers; and they deserved to be stoned because they are outsiders who should stay in their own zones and stop interfering in a Rivers State crisis that is not their business.”

in any part of this country. I don’t feel that I should only dare to comment on - or throw myself into - debates and events that take place within my ancestral terrain. I therefore think that if a

All I am saying is that no Nigerian should be regarded as “outsider” when any issue that involves fellow Nigerians – from anywhere - is at stake

supposed to be a modern nation, not a backward collection of tribal or regional cabals that view each other with intense suspicion and only come together when they absolutely have to. Most human beings, this columnist included, are prone to prejudice. But we should all grow up and become more high-minded and more patriotic and stop discriminating against each other on ethnic and geographical grounds! I feel entitled to be part of (and to express views about) anything that is happening

Yoruba, Northerner or Igbo is worried about developments in Rivers State or any other segment of the Niger Delta, he or she should not be insulted for getting involved alongside Niger Deltans. After all, not every quarrel can be resolved internally and privately. People who are at loggerheads are usually too wrapped up in their own selfishness or hurt feelings to see the wood for the trees…which is why the United Nations was established and why couples who are having problems often seek external advice

from pastors, priests and professional marriage guidance counsellors. All I am saying is that no Nigerian should be regarded as “outsider” when any issue that involves fellow Nigerians – from Anywhere - is at stake. Also please note that while “outsiders” can sometimes play useful neutral mediation roles, they are also allowed, in my opinion, to take sides, disagree with whoever they want to disagree with and be “vexatious” (as Mr Ozobo put it!). When I said, on this page, that Northern girls should be protected from grown men who seek to marry minors, a couple of Northern Vanguard readers contacted me to tell me that their customs were none of my business. But I’m not going to meekly accept this ridiculous attempt to gag me because I am a Southern “outsider”. I will continue to speak for female victims of paedophilia because any human rights violation in my country is my business.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 ANYONE who says he understands how elections in Nigeria work is only making a claim. Whether at the local government, state or federal levels, elections are mysteries various authorities sustain for their own purposes. It would not be in the interest of powerseekers to conduct free and fair elections. Many politicians believe loose implementation of laws leave them a chance of manipulating the process to access the benefits of power. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has not been helpful. It is a law to itself. Billions of Naira invested in its operations does not reflect in the results it delivers. After leading Nigerians through promises of improved performances, INEC reclines to the most ridiculous excuses for its failing. Its conduct of the 2011 elections is praised by those who lower standards to accommodate mediocrity. What did INEC do in 2013 that was different from elections conducted from 1999? Have we moved away from the failings of 1999?

BYGODWIN ETAKIBUEBU

LHAJI Bamaga Tukur, the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority, former Executive Governor of Gongola State, the only individual African to have been given the privileged opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly in a personal capacity, is a household name around the world. His larger than life resume has even been made larger since President Goodluck Jonathan single-handedly picked him as the Chairman of the presumed largest political party in Africa –the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The later position is why we hear him more than the previous offices he occupied. The big man from Adamawa State made a statement recently, while reacting to the political tornado ravaging Rivers State, that the problem cannot derail democracy in Nigeria. His assertion is based on the fact [his naive opinion anyway] that “Rivers State is just one of the thirty six states in the federation” and as such, “there is no way issue of one state could jeopardise the whole country”. If this quote is truly the thought of Tukur, then permit me to conclude that he is either a bad student of history, suffering from a political mundane syndrome or even might be suffering from distorted memory. He need to be told a fact of history, if only to help him appreciate that the first Military Coup on the night of January 15, 1966, which threw Nigeria into the political market of madness for 40 years originated from “only one region” out of the four regions that were C M Y K

Culture Of Election Failings We do not think so. From the registration of voters to voting, the processes are flawed. There is no agreed explanation of the Electoral Act, making it a decorative document that remains legally challenging, failing to provide succour for those who seek comfort in its provisions. Why would election riggers not take advantage? Why would rigging stop when the punishments the Electoral Act prescribes are ignored? There are fines, jail terms for almost any conceivable electoral offence. INEC does not prosecute electoral offenders, the major reason being that its officials are among the biggest offenders. If the matter is diligently investigated, field officers who compromise elections may not be acting alone. What have

their supervisors done to deter them? INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, as usual, is brimming with optimism over the 2015 elections. No proper account of the 2011 elections have been given, especially how the technological advances that cost billions of Naira did not facilitate improvements in the process. INEC has moved on, and expects Nigerians to do the same. Perpetrators of electoral fraud, Jega says, have been punished quietly. Our concerns about elections are many. For all the importance they bear to our future, INEC has failed to provide the transparency required to make them credible. Its plans skirt vital issues of fairness to contestants, access to information for all – these contribute to the fidelity of elections. Voters’ education is relegated to the background, though international donors funnel billions of Naira to INEC’s purses for the purpose. INEC must show by its conduct that it is changing. A good start would be an account of the 2011 elections and punishments, according to the law, for those whose conducts thwarted transparency of the elections.

OPINION Let political leaders be careful contending for political decoration of that time in Nigerian history. In fact, it was an argument of what was right or wrong from a few, maybe two, leaders of that region. It means, therefore, that one single state has enough “political poisonous gas content” to blow the whole country into political “Armageddon” if care is not taken. It happened before and it can happen again. On this assertion, let us listen to what the late Chief Bola Ige – assassinated Attorney General and Minister of Justice for the Federal Republic of Nigeria - once said. “It has been proved that people don’t learn from history, hence history has a way of repeating itself,” he said in his oratorical wisdom. Unfortunately, Ige himself did not learn from history. By accepting to join the government of “come and chop”, in the words of the late Chief Sunday Afolabi, then Minister of Internal Affairs and staunch member of the PDP, when describing the invitation extended to Ige by President Olusegun Obasanjo to serve, he “rode the tiger’s back and ended up in the tiger’s stomach”. We shall never be wiser to follow that same path of self annihilation which we followed from 1960 into 1966. Another error of commission our political leaders, mostly those on the driver seat of the PDP political vehicle, are making is the conclusion that because of uninterrupted democratic process of the last 14 years, there can never be a military coup in Nigeria again. This is a flamboyant fallacy. Our leaders should look at Egypt in the

northern Horn of the African continent, to re-assure themselves if they still understand the dynamics of the route for democratic sustainability. Maybe Egypt is too far. A few weeks ago, the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, warned about the possibility of “a revolution in Nigeria”.

he Speaker drew our attention to happenings in Nigeria that are indicators of impending revolution. He mentioned the quantum of corruption [a country where a man caught stealing billions of Naira will pay a fine of less than one million Naira to become a free man while another caught stealing less than N2000 goes to jail for 15 years with hard labour], evidence of abject squalor, injustice, unemployment, total disregard for lives and property, lack of respect for democratic ethic, were just but few of many vices the Speaker mentioned as glaring evidences of impending doom. We can only ignore such warning to our collective peril. A more direct warning was to come, after Tambuwal's words of caution. This time, it came from the respected soldier and gentleman of the gun himself, retired General Abdusalam Abubakar, a one-time Military Head of State of this beleaguered country. His was to tell political leaders to “safe-guard this democracy ”. This is coming from a man who knows everything about the barrel of the gun and what it does, even on the dangerous night of a coup d’état.

Let us not delude ourselves therefore that there can never be return of the gun anymore in Nigeria - God forbid bad thing. The only thing that can keep our democracy permanently on course is the presence of good governance. At the absence of political sanity, as presently being exhibited by Nigerian dealers, parading themselves as leaders, the words of Sergeant Adolf Hitler in Germany, becomes an inescapable fact of life. He said that “if the State becomes a machinery of oppression, then revolution is not only a right but a duty for the citizenry”. Thank God that one of the very first wise things Obasanjo did when he became President was the setting up of the Justice Chukwudi Oputa Commission, because the most profitable product of that exercise was the thorough disgrace of the Military as an institution and its personnel, on the futility of coming into government. But for that wise step, in addition to other international organisations put in place, the story would have been probably different by now. Yet, we should not over-ride our luck. Let us understand the situation we are today and admit to the fact that there is danger just around the corner. The state of emergency declared by the President is the most cohesive thing to do in view of the senselessness of the lunatic group called Boko Haram. That the declaration itself has not, as yet, achieved the totality of what it is set out to curb might be manifestation of a wrong in methodology of the EXECUTIVE ORDER, at least for now. *Mr. Etakibuebu, a political analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013— —19

HEN Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was sworn in as the Governor of Lagos State, to take over from his mentor, I was one of those who vouched for him, urging my friends in our small but very closed forum of lawyers who are pastors to monitor and watch the actions of Lawyers in Power. I boasted that here comes the first SAN, as a Governor, who will show Nigerians that lawyers have the key to the challenges of this blessed nation, and that Lagos will soon experience a turn around for good. Today, we all agree that he has done well and still doing well except for one terrible and dangerous tendency his government has displayed too frequently. Around December 2009,the LASG, provided buses and was paying a sum ranging from N8,000 toN15,000 to anyone who wanted to leave Lagos. What was baffling was that the evacuation targeted people from the SouthSouth and South East of Nigeria, especially the Igbos. Any man who wants people to leave “their Lagos” so shabbily is wickedly inconsiderate because some of these citizens being urged to depart or relocate from Lagos may have come here when some

of them in power today were toddlers. Some of these persons so believed in Lagos, that they gave their children Yoruba names like myself. They only discovered late in life, like I now do, that many of these men who are in power have refused to outgrow their dislike for Igbos! To me, that action signaled the possibility of BRF waking up any morning to ask a whole group, and ethnic group to leave Lagos. Igbos could be made to leave Lagos one day, if nothing is done now. I quickly took this thought to my forum of Pastor Lawyers, and after a good argument, they disagreed with me, but we all agreed to watch BRF closely to observe anything that will prove my thoughts or to confirm my fears for the Igbo people in Lagos. After BRF’s reelection in 2011, we all agreed that the man will become bolder, more blunt, daring, and even wicked in his second term. This was purely based on his body language in everything he did, after he was sworn in for the second term. Soon after, LASG had a serious brush with the Igbo traders in Alaba International Market, Ojo. He threatened to close their market, and we noted it. Then he hit the Okada riders very hard, and as that was settling down, he hit the Ladipo Igbo traders early this

The deportation of Nigerians from Nigeria was the worst assault on the pride of Igbo people in Lagos; it was deliberately calculated to see what the Igbo people would do, and it is in very bad taste to me

year, and closed the market indefinitely! It took the intervention of Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State to reach BRF’s milk of mercy and he reopened Ladipo Market, but not without a warning! I, had to, and without any apologies, come to the painful conclusion that it is either that someone very high up in the LASG does not like Ndigbo, or it is BRF himself. What angered me more was that Owelle had to beg him for Ndigbo.

his Igbo people I complained, when will they wake up to know and accept that no one likes them in this

Abia @ 22, the tortuous journey so far BY NDUKWE UGBUAJA

Y August 27 this year, Abia State will be 22 years old having been created out of the old Imo State by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration. Scientifically, the age of maturity for a human being is 12 years old, but at 12 Abia State was crawling. Successive governments in the state ran the affairs of the state with impunity and recklessness, especially during the military era. But they did not do it without the collaboration of some civilians from the state who served as fronts for the military boys in looting the state. Hiding under the guise of businessmen and government contractors, they registered phony companies and government contracts were awarded to them and funds released to them. At the end, no contract would be executed and nobody would ask for the refund of the public fund already paid to them. That was the kind of leadership provided for the state for more than a decade. The hope and expectation of the people for a change in the status quo with the inception of democracy in the country in 1999 never materialised. This was because the same characters that connived with the military leaders to impoverish and underdevelop the state for almost a decade ploughed the looted funds into the politics to hijack the state's leadership. So nothing changed in terms of leadership style, though there was a change in the system of government as military rule gave way to democratic governance. Between 1999 and 2007, there was no sign of government in the state, especially in the area of infrastructural development. It was only in the area of curting unnecessary political controversies to attract undue attention from the media and public that the government in the state excelled. Another area the government was proficient in was media propaganda. The decayed infrastructures that were begging for government attention were C M Y K

abandoned, while people in the government were busy building their business empires and that of their family members. Igbere, a suburb in Bende council area of the state became a Mecca of sorts for politicians seeking for appointment into the government. Political thugs were groomed under the guise of security outfits to harass perceived political opponents. People were intimidated, suppressed and maimed. Nobody dared ask questions or constructively criticise government policies or actions which were in most cases anti-people. By the time the second term of the government expired in 2007, the state was left worse than it was in 1999. The decayed infrastructure in the sectors of the state’s economy became dilapidated. No access roads, the health sector was in shambles as residents went for medicare in the neighbouring states. The state of education was pathetic and the rate of examination malpractices was at its peak as special centres which encourage examination malpractices became dominant in the state. The state debt profile was high as N29.9 billion. No foundation was laid for the incoming government to take off. The civil service system which was supposed to be the driver of the government’s policies was characterised by petty and clannish politics that was encouraged by the government. The state capital Umuahia remained the same glorified village it was at its creation in 1991.

oming into the office in 2007, the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji, a seasoned public servant presented a vision and blueprint on how to transform the state. But unknowing to him, his predecessor on whose party’s platform Orji was elected, had a different agenda which was to maintain the status quo in the state. For almost four years, Orji was just a figurehead and the system at the national level encouraged the situation, courtesy of his predecessor. It was obvious then that any attempt by Gov. Orji to change the status quo would have been disastrous for him.

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

Stop this Igbo bashing in Lagos

arrangement called Nigeria, and comport themselves properly at all times and in all they do? To confirm that I was correct, on the July 26 morning, Onitsha people at the bridge head area woke up to the deportation of about 70 Igbos by LASG to Anambra State! What BRF has told Ndigbo by this action include: That Lagos State under his administration will not tolerate Igbo failed citizens in the state; Lagos will allow only those who contribute immensely to the Internally Generated Revenue of the State, and if any becomes unable to pay tax for any reason, LASG will send him back to Igboland. Don’t ever think you can do anything about how LASG, treats Ndigbo,whether their treatment of Igbos is constitutional or not, no one can do anything about it. Since Igbo Governors may only come to beg him for mercy, he might as well just send their people back to them, good riddance of bad rubbish! Finally, L ASG can and will disregard the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when it concerns Ndigbo, because they are ACN! The deportation of Nigerians from Nigeria was the worst assault on the pride of Igbo people in Lagos; it was deliberately calculated to see what the Igbo people would do, and it is in very bad taste to me. The meaning was that a governor who thinks and goes ahead to approve the

It is quite obvious now that since the creation of the state 22 years ago, it is the present government that is laying the solid foundation for its sustainable development

May be by now, he would have not been alive to govern the state. It could be recalled that at the inception of his administration, he had narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by unknown gunmen on his way back from airport after a trip outside the state. Up till today nobody has told Nigerians who wanted him dead then and why. Having seen it all in government as Chief of Staff for eight years, Governor Orji tarried for the best time to strike and liberate the state from menace of the godfather. This feat he achieved before the 2011 general elections, after due consultations with the people on what they wanted. That was how the state breathed the air of freedom. And since then, Gov. Orji’s government has been in hurry to cover lost grounds, even though it appears daunting; but the government has remained resolute. And from all evidences, the situation is paying off. There is no incessant political crisis in the state, especially in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Brothers do sit down now and peacefully discuss the way forward for the state. A new Government House befitting the state capital is under construction. So, also an ultra modern International Conference Centre, New Workers Secretariat, and so many other giant developmental strides in different sectors of the state, including the civil sector that has been re-

transportation and relocation of these Nigerian citizens from his state, has succeeded in flouting and abusing the constitutional rights of these citizens to a place of domicile, to stay and earn their living in any part of Nigeria. If the Federal Government does not speak and do something about this, there will be cause for any Igbo man to worry about this contraption called Nigeria that we have all so believed in. LASG must be made to account for these persons, cater and provide for them, because it was in Lagos that they lost focus and their destiny ruined. Lagos Area Boys run wild, extorting money from bus drivers, causing nuisance with impunity ostensibly encouraged by LASG. I just wonder when this insult of Ndigbo will end.The growing trend of disrespecting the Igbo people in Lagos, and wherever in Nigeria must stop. If nothing is done about this by the FG, many will have to brace up for a fight for their constitutional right, or pack away from Lagos State. And this is because my Igbo people say that if your fowl comes out in the morning from its cage and starts pursuing you, it is wise that you run for your dear life, because it may have developed sharp teeth overnight!

*Mr. Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

formed and repositioned for effective performance. The kidnapping menace that nearly crippled activities in the state is now a thing of the past. That is why Abia has remained the most peaceful state in the country today and has become a haven for prospective investors. There is also steady power supply in the capital and its environs courtesy of the power evacuation from Ohiya power station by the state government in partnership with the Federal Government. It is quite obvious now that since the creation of the state 22 years ago, it is the present government that is laying the solid foundation for its sustainable development. And in the face of this obvious fact, some misinformed and hired armchair critics who were part and parcel of the poor leadership that bedevilled the state for more than a decade are not happy that the present government is using resources and funds realised in the past six years to tackle accumulated decayed infrastructure of more than a decade. This is without asking questions on what happened to the funds that accrued to the state since its creation that were obviously mismanaged by successive governments before now. The Abia liberation paved way for the solid foundation laid by the present government and what is paramount is sustaining the situation and improving on it to ensure that the dark years of political godfatherism and looting spree will not return to the state. So ahead of the 2015 general elections, all hands must be on deck to ensure that people of questionable character will not find their way into the Abia Government House. As we can see they are already jostling for the seat, hoping for what they will grab, but when the time comes the people will make their choice, because they are wiser now and the present government has set a pace that the incoming government must follow to consolidate on the great impact already made.

•Elder Ugbuaja, a community leader, wrote from Arochukwu, Abia State

20— Vanguard ,

FRID AY , A UGUS T 2 , 20 13 FRIDA AUGUS UGUST 201

Pain that won’t go away •Touching story of widow who lost father, husband in collapsed building BY BOSE ADELAJA

HREE weeks after a building at Number 29 Oloto Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos, collapsed and killed her father and husband, including some other victims, Mrs Fatimo Alake is yet to come to terms with the reality of that tragedy. The incident which occurred around 2.30am on Thursday July 11, 2013 claimed a total of eight lives, including that of an 18 months old baby, a couple, and a pregnant woman. Although the remains of her father and husband have since been buried according to Muslim rites, she is still shattered by the tragic loss and has been reduced to a shadow of her former self. In fact, when Vanguard Metro, VM, met her recently, all the signs were there that the widow may soon end up being hospitalised, especially as she now talks without prompting about the loss of her beloved ones to anyone who cares to listen.

Loss of two important persons Fatimo is haunted by the fact that apart from losing two important persons in her life, virtually all her life earnings were destroyed in the disaster. Although friends and relatives have been trying hard to sustain this widow but the memories of the tragedy still linger, paralysing her will and leaving her feeling like giving up hope. While VM’s visit lasted, Fatimo wept uncontrollably like a baby and she refused to be comforted. ‘’I am ruined. I lost

•Heart broken... Mrs Fatimo Alake the third street but due to accommodation challenges, her family decided to settle down

ing the aged father on the spot; her husband was trapped in the rubbles and he was rescued by rescue officials but he never survived this as he died later on his hospital bed. Going down memory lane, Fatimo informed that the Alades rented the mini-flat two years ago, a rent that expired three days to the disaster. ‘’We paid an annual rent of N120,000 and the rent was renewed on Monday July 8, 2013. I lived on the next street until I had an accommodation problem and we packed into the mini-flat.

Cracks all over the building The house was quite affordable to many but the incident had dealt a blow on me, ‘’ she said amidst tears. On why they acquired the apartment in spite of the cracks all over the building, she said: ‘’The building did not appear distressed when we moved in. It was in a good shape and I wouldn’t have parked in if I knew it was substandard?’’ On the accusation against her landlord, she had this to say: ‘’Our landlord was nice to us; he was always patient with erring tenants. Also, the rent was affordable to many although we just renewed the rent which was to expire in June 2014".

Group donates borehole to Lagos community BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

Where do I start from now ? I lost my father and my husband in that collapsed building; also, all our earnings are gone

my father and my husband in that collapsed building. Also, all our life earnings are gone. Where do I start from now?” she wept bitterly. In an emotion-laden voice, she told VM her family took up the tenancy of the said building about two years ago to solve their lingering accommodation problem. The Lagos petty trader said she lived on

at No 29b, oblivious of the tragedy waiting to happen there.

Recounting her ordeal, Fatimo said her child and husband had a narrow escape but her father was fast asleep and could not respond to the alarm raised by neighbours and this resulted to her husband going to lend a helping hand to his in-law. ‘’My immediate family escaped the incident but my aged father was on the bed, and the thought of rescuing him came to mind,’’ she sobbed. Fatimo’s husband rushed back to the room to save his father-in-law. But as he was trying to carry him to safety, he stumbled on an object and both were trapped until the building finally caved in kill-

ESIDENTS of Ade ku Village, Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State are presently in a celebration mood thanks to the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, which recently donated a standard borehole water system, with reservoir tanks to them. The association also donated various educational materials, such as mathematical sets, note books, writing and instructional materials among others, to representatives of two different schools in old Alimosho. They are Millennium Senor Secondary School Egbeda and Community Grammar School, Akowonjo. Making the presentation at separate events, Mr. Nasiru Shaka, cap’n of the NAS, a.k.a Pirates Confraternity, Hawkins Deck, Egbeda, urged the recipients to utilise the

materials for the purpose they were meant for in the interest of the general populace. According to Shaka: “The gesture is one of our cardinal objectives of adding value to the society and empowering the less-privileged in having access to some of the things lacking in their environment as well as enhance their living standard. NAS, all over the world is about rendering service to the needy by impacting positively on any community we find ourselves. This is one of the numerous ventures we have undertaken in the past.” The Bale of Adeku Community, Alhaji Taiwo Adeolu(Ebifemiloye I), while commending members of NAS for the much needed borehole donated to the community, noted that the gesture was a welcome relief to residents as they now have access to potable water. He lamented that residents for many years had to patronise water vendors

who supply water from questionable sources. Adeolu, however, assured the donor that the infrastructure would be adequately maintained and utilized for the purpose it was meant for. Also, receiving the educational materials, principals of both schools, Mrs. Aderemi Ojumuand Mrs. Funmi Adeleke, commended the association for the kind gesture with an assurance that it would go a long way in enhancing standard of learning and better performance on the part of the pupils. “It will encourage the pupils to work harder in their education,” they enthused. They urged other groups, individuals and corporate entities to come forward in assisting the state government in the provision of qualitative education and development, because: “Education is the best legacy we can bequeath the emerging generation for the overall national development.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 21

CommVault partners DataGroupIT on efficient data management BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

NE of the leading data solution storage providers in the country, CommVault has partnered with DataGroupIT to provide efficient, reliable and cost effective data storage solution to Nigerian businesses. The Country Manager, Nigeria & Ghana, DataGroupIT, Mr. Victor Ajua who made this known on the sidelines of an event organized for customers of DataGroupIT in Lagos recently said that the event became imperative as a result of issues among Nigerian clients in the areas of back up data “If you ask any customer the most important thing they value most in his organization, he will tell you that it is the management of data or data integrity. This is because anything else can be replaced but not the data. They can replace the building, the people, the infrastructure but they cannot replace data. So they have to manage their data knowing how critical it is to the business”. He noted that the problem really is not just managing the data but managing the data growth. “This is because data is getting bigger by the day and as it gets bigger it becomes a bigger challenge to manage by the systems administrators and invariably the CIO”. According to him, “In the event of a disaster, can you recover it as fast enough, quick enough, can you recover the right data at the right time? So the CommVault approach is basically finding an easy way for people to manage their data growth and manage the recovery of their data with ease”.

118.25

-2.05

2,293.00

+6.00

16.99

0.06

107.34 +0.43 104.59 +1.51 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.76 235.1888 205.3201 166.6236 1.5824 0.2941 233.9586 25.2479 41.2638 27.5369 234.1983

155.26 235.9486 205.9834 167.1619 1.5875 0.3041 234.7145 25.3299 41.3971 27.6258 234.955

SELLING 155.76 236.7085 206.6468 167.7003 1.5926 0.3141 235.4704 25.4119 41.5305 27.7148 235.7116

CBN Exchange rate as at 01/08/2013

LAUNCH: From left: Mrs Amaka Onwughalu, Executive Director South East/Treasurcy, Skye Bank Plc; Mr Kehinde

Durosimi-Etti, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank; Mrs Ngozika Obidike, Head Consumer Protection Council and Mr Dotun Adeniyi, Executive Director, Risk Management, Skye Bank Plc; during the launch of Customer Service Charter, by the bank, in Lagos. PHOTO: KEHINDE GBADAMOSI.

Shell invests N45bn in Niger Delta in 2012 …Lost N112bn to crude theft in Nigeria in Q2 BY MICHAEL EBOH

HELL Petroleum Development Company Plc, SPDC, said it invested $281.2 million (N44.99 billion) in the Niger Delta in 2012. Speaking at the launch of its ‘Let’s Go’ advertising campaign, in Lagos, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, SPDC, said the funds were invested in alleviating certain environmental issues in the region and also a part of its contribution to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Giving a breakdown of the investments, he said $103.2 million (N16.51 billion) was spent in addressing social and economic development challenges in the Niger Delta, while over $178 million (N28.48 billion) was contributed to the NDDC as required by law. Also, parent company of SPDC — Royal Dutch Shell — yesterday, said it lost about $700 million (N112 billion) to crude theft and other sundry issues in Nigeria in the second quarter of 2013. According to its second quarter financial statement, rising costs, oil theft in Nigeria and weak U.S. shale liquids production have hurt its profits, in addition to upward pressure on spending and to uncertainty on output growth. Peter Voser, outgoing chief executive of Shell, said this led to its abandoning its target to deliver four million barrels a day of production by 2017. Voser called the company’s second quarter result, published, yesterday, disappointing, adding, however, that a financial target to achieve $175 billion

to $200 billion of cash flow from operations for the period 2012 to 2015 was intact. He said, “Higher costs, exploration charges, adverse currency exchange rate effects and challenges in Nigeria have hit our bottom line. These results were undermined by a number of factors - but they were clearly disappointing for Shell.” Adjusted second quarter net earnings on a current cost of supply (CCS) basis came in at $4.6 billion, down from $5.7 billion a year ago and below analysts’ expectations of around last year’s figures. Commenting on the ‘Let’s Go’

advertising campaign, Sunmonu said the company launched the campaign to share its goal of being the most competitive and innovative energy company. According to him, the campaign is intended to demonstrate Shell’s contributions towards a better future for Nigeria and its people. He said, “Shell’s messages are built around gas, health, education and job creation, and we believe these ‘life’ issues will enable Nigerians relate better to the challenges of a secure energy future.”

‘No Premium No Cover’ has increased earnings — Operator

he Executive Director, Business Development, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Mr Gbenga Ogunko, on Tuesday said that the ‘No Premium No Cover’ policy has increased the fortune of the insurance industry. Ogunko said at a press briefing in Lagos that since the implementation of the policy on Jan. 1, 2012, the number of policyholders had increased. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the policy was introduced by the National Insurance Commission to check non-payment of premium/bad debt in the industry. According to Ogunko, the implementation has created much insurance awareness among Nigerians. ”No Premium No Cover’ is beneficial to the industry. Before Jan. 1, operators were not sure whether the policy would work,

but now, many companies are smiling to the banks. “It shows that insurance has come of age. Now, people pay premium and are doing it joyously,” he said. Ogunko said that more people were realising that insurance could serve as a useful tool to check losses. The executive director said that the industry had also created more awareness on how to obtain a third party policy. According to him, some policyholders have also benefited from huge claims from insurance companies. Ogunko said that insurance premium was scientifically fixed, and that insurance business revolved around a pool of funds.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 201 3

ASHON targets 40m investors in capital market BY PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNORUM

SSOCIATION of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, said market operators are very hopeful and looking forward to a capital market with 40 million investors from the current five million. Speaking at an award ceremony, the Chairman of ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, said “We are also expecting a state-of-the-art trading platform that promises great customers and operators experience, $1trillion market capitalisation and one that is the main driver of economic development,” he said. The ASHON chairman called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the efforts to attract more patronage to the market. “To our partners on this project called the capital market, our fellow regulators, investors and other stakeholders, we ask for support, understanding and cooperation as we work collectively to position the market to play it pivotal role in the development of our economy,” he said. He further noted that the intervention of Assets

Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, in the financial sector by buying off delinquent loans from banks, cleaning up their balance sheets and reposition them to perform their role of economic financing and development of the country was commendable. At its inaugural Capital Market Night in Lagos,

ASHON honoured AMCON as the Capital Market Institution award, which has just been introduced by the brokers to recognise outstanding institutions that have made significant contributions to the development of the financial sector and economy in general. According to ASHON boss “ The forbearance package given to brokers that have to do with margin loan also complemented AMCON’s intervention in the banking

PRESENTATION: From left: Mrs. Olufola Wiltshire, Head, HR/Admin FSDH Merchant Bank Limited; Mrs. Olushola Taiwo, FSDH Merchant Bank; Mr. Moshood Mayegun, Education Secretary, Lagos Island Local Government; Mrs. Olubukola Lanipekun-Lawal, FSDH; Mrs. A.A. Ogundimu, Head Teacher, St. Mary’s Convent School, Ajele, Lagos Island, with other officials of the school at FSDH’s Merchant Bank’s presentation of computers to pupils of the school, in Lagos.

FMDQ OTC dealers platform set to commence operations By NKIRUKA NNOROM

HE Nigerian financial market is set to receive a boost as plans have been concluded for the commencement of operations by the FMDQ OTC dealers. The Financial Markets Dealers Association, an association of the treasurers of banks and discount houses in Nigeria, commenced the project to create a selfregulatory organisation (SRO) in 2009 with the primary purpose of deepening the inter-bank OTC market trading in various securities and products. Thereafter the association promoted the formation of FMDQ OTC PLC. The company was licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, as a selfregulatory organisation, SRO, to organise and provide oversight on the Over-theCounter, OTC, market in the Nigerian capital market in November 2012.

sector. “Without AMCON, no one knows where the Nigerian economy would have been by now. The cleaning up of banks’ balance sheets impacted positively on the economy in general and the capital market in particular because the banking sector and capital market works together to grow the economy. In recognition of its contributions, ASHON decided to recognise AMCON as the Capital Market Institution for 2013.” he said.

FMDQ OTC will provide issuers, investors and endusers of financial market products with world-class market governance for capital transfer. The subscribers to the company’s shares are banks, discount houses and the Nigerian Stock Exchange through its subsidiary NSE

Consult. FMDQ OTC will organise the OTC market and standardise the operations, practice and business conduct of its members and their representatives with a view to protecting investors and the public interest. The immediate focus is the Nigeria inter-bank markets money, repo, foreign

exchange, treasury bills and bonds The establishment of FMDQ OTC would address governance structure and single operating platform, aggregating pre-trade and post-trade data to promote transparency. FMDQ OTC would also promote international best practices, including Straight-ThroughProcessing, STP, in clearing and settlement arrangements for OTC products, said the chairman, Aigboje AigImoukhuede.

CPC okays Skye Bank initiative on customer service charter BY PETER EGWUATU

HE Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has expressed satisfaction over Syke Bank Plc’s initiative in pioneering the customer service charter that is designed to give customers confidence in their transactions. The Head of Lagos office of the CPC, Mrs. Ngozi Obidike, who gave the commendation at the launch of the charter said, Syke Bank needs to send a copy of the charter to the council so that it can make its input being a consumer protection agency that has the interest of consumers generally, adding that “ the initiative is a lovely one.” Speaking at the launch of the charter on Wednesday, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, described the charter as the bank’s contract with its customers to demonstrate its commitment to providing quality customer service through its people, processes and systems. Describing the charter as a pace setting and industrydefining innovation, the Skye Bank boss said the customercentric model seeks continuous service improvement in a bid to make customers of the bank happy and satisfied. “This charter outlines the type of service we aim to provide, how customers can contact us to give us feedback, especially on areas of improvement and how they can partner with us for continuous service improvement”, he said. Durosinmi-Etti who observed that customer service remained the key differentiator in the financial services industry all over the world, said the charter became imperative because today’s customers are more sophisticated, discerning and more demanding than ever before.

Oando’s shareholders okay N5.1bn dividend BY PETER EGWUATU

HAREHOLDERS of Oando Plc have unanimously approved the proposed N5.1billion dividend declared by its Board of Directors for the financial year ended December 31, 2012. The shareholder also commended the board and management for the impressive results under review period. Oando group listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) reported a jump of 526 per cent in profit after tax in 2012, standing at N10.9 billion, up from N1.8 billion in 2011. The profit was made from a turnover of N675.5 billion, which showed a growth of 18 per cent from N573.2 billion in 201. Based on the performance, the directors recommended a dividend N5.1 billion which translated into 75 kobo per share.

The shareholders who spoke at the 36th Annual General Meeting(AGM) held in Lagos last Thursday said the dividend came at the right time considering the fact no dividend was paid in respect of 2011. Addressing the shareholders at the AGM, Chairman of Oando Plc, Oba Michael Gbadebo, said the company has a very brighter future, saying the company is on the cusp of achieving its desire to grow the high margin upstream

business following the acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigerian companies. “2013 will witness the closure of this deal, thereby signalling our arrival as a major upstream player in Nigeria,” Gbadebo said. He noted that Oando’s midstream business continue to expand its pipeline network, while the downstream businesses would grow their already leading market share position as well as focus on new areas.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 23

BY DANIEL GUMM

ECA tasks ECOWAS on regional integration

IGERIA earned about N305.1 billion within the first three months of 2013, according to the National Bureau of Statistics has indicated. A breakdown of the figures highlighted under “2013 Export First Quarter” in the NBS’ report on ‘Merchandise Trade’, indicated that export from natural rubber was N158.38 billion; raw cocoa beans attracted N62.198 billion; Sesame seeds, N20,76 billion; cotton yarn, N16.44 billion; and Leather products, N8.56 billion. Similarly, within the period under review, the export value of flowers and buds stood at N8.19 billion; footwear, N7.07 billion; tanned or crust hides, N5.41 billion; frozen shrimps and prawns, N4.96 billion; ginger, N4.09 billion; sacks and bags, N3.84 billion; cigarettes, N2.75 billion; and aluminum alloys, N2.54 billion. The exports mentioned above, which are captured under the sub-heading, “2013 Export First Quarter ” in the NBS report, totalled about N305 billion. However, the NBS further said, “analysis on exports by section showed that mineral products contributed N3,034.2 billion or 87.9 per cent of total exports during the quarter,

MEETING — From left: Mr. Olayemi Isaac Oluwole, Chairman, Agric and Non-Oil Group of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Thessa Bagu and Claudia Saumell, both of Naijalink, a Dutch-Nigerian market-entry consultancy company for international companies that wish to do business in Nigeria at a meeting in Lagos recently.

Nigeria earns N305bn from non-oil export — NBS followed by plastic, rubber and associated articles with N168.1 billionn or 4.9%t; and prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirit, vinegar and tobacco with N115.2 billion or 3.3%. “Exports to various continents showed that Europe ranked first with N1.66 billion or 48 per cent of total exports, followed by the

Obasanjo’s farm to generate 30,000 jobs for Liberians

IBERIA’S Minister of Agriculture, Dr Florence Chenoweth, has said that Obasanjo Farms in Liberia would create about 30,000 job opportunities for the citizens. Chenoweth made the observation during the dedication ceremony of Obasanjo Farms Liberia Incorporated at Gbah Foboi, Grand Cape Mount County, in Liberia. She noted that the Liberian government had focused its attention on the agriculture

Hon. Daniel Reyenieju addressing the13th Afro-Arab Parliamentary Conference, in Rabat, Morocco recently.

sector in its efforts to create jobs for the people. She, however, urged legislators, chiefs and superintendents from Cape Mount County to advise youths in the area to seize the opportunities presented by the new farm to become productive, while ensuring the area’s development. Chenoweth stressed that the establishment of Obasanjo Farms would help in addressing one the salient aspects of the government’s efforts to ensure food security. She noted that more than 40 per cent of Liberian children had stunted growth, stressing the need to solve the problem by fast-tracking the production of eggs and poultry in Liberia. “We need to produce proteins either in beans or meat, which the cattle, goat and piggery produce, in Liberia, so as to ensure balance diets for our people’s nutrition,” she said. Earlier, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf described President Olusegun Obasanjo as a visionary leader who was responsive to the needs of the people in critical areas. She commended Obasanjo for his constant support for Liberia and for having faith in the future of the country.

Americas with N830.2 billion or 24.1 per cent; Asia with N591.8 billion or 17.1 per cent and Africa with N304.2 billion or 8.8%.” Out of the exports to Africa, however, the report noted that ECOWAS contributed N178.2 billion or 58.6 per cent. Exports by country of destination showed that United States took the lead with N414.1 billion, followed by Netherlands with N386.0 bllion; Brazil with N343.0billion, India with N332.6billion and Spain with N327.6billion. The NBS added that exports to various continents showed that Europe ranked first with N1.66 billion or 48 percent of total exports, followed by the

United States with N830.2billion or 24.1 percent; Asia with N591.8billion or 17.1 percent and Africa with N304.2billion or 8.8 percent. Out of the exports to Africa, ECOWAS contributed N178.2billion or 58.6 percent. Furthermore, exports by country of destination showed that the United States took the lead with N414.1 billion, followed by Netherlands with N386.0 billion; Brazil (N343.0billion); India (N332.6billion) and Spain (N327.6billion). Non-oil exports have become a major contributor to the growth of the country ’s Gross Domestic Product within the last one year.

West Africa’ll be Africa’s fastest growing region in 2014 — AfDB

HE African Development Bank’s (AfDB) lead Research Economist, John Anyanwu, said that West Africa would be the fastest-growing region in Africa between 2013 and 2014, with 6.7 per cent and 7.4 per cent economic growth rate. He made this known at the launch of the Africa Economic Outlook by the bank in Abuja. He said: “West Africa is expected to continue its rapid growth with rates of 6.7 per cent in 2013 and 7.4 per cent in 2014, thereby becoming the fastest-growing region of the continent in the period under review. “Growth in the region is not only driven by oil and mineral sectors but also by agriculture and services and on the demand side often by consumption and investment.” Commenting on the continent, he said that in 2012, growth performance varied widely, adding that oil-

exporting countries achieved significantly higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth than oil importers. This, he said, was mainly because of the rebound of oil production in Libya, noting that better growth performance of oil exporters would likely continue in 2013 and 2014. Anyanwu said that Nigeria’s average growth was expected to continue growing by between 6.7 per cent and 7.3 per cent in 2013 and 2014 respectively, while that of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire would likely exceed eight per cent and nine per cent respectively during the period under review. He noted: “In most countries of the region, growth is expected to pick up during the period under review, exceeding five per cent, but in a few countries such as Benin, Cape Verde and GuineaBissau, growth will remain more subdued.”

S opinions continue to differ over the planned common currency regime for the West African nations, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to fast-track the monetary process, in order to speed up integration of the sub-region. According to the Director of Regional Integration and Trade for ECA, Mr. Stephen Karinge, for a functioning common currency regime to be achieved, there has to be a coordinated monetary and fiscal policy. Modelled after the European Union (EU), ECOWAS is a regional economic bloc, established in 1975 to accelerate socio-economic development among the then 16 member countries through the free movement of people, goods and services. “I think from the experience that we have seen from Europe, the reason they are having the crisis is because even though they have a coordinated monetary policy, you also need to have coordination of fiscal policy for you to have a functioning common currency. “So for us, we have to ask ourselves the convergence criteria that we have in ECOWAS. Is it such that we will be able to stick to a fiscal policy that is actually coordinated? Do you really need to cede some level of sovereignty so that at least fiscal policy in Nigeria does not disrupt the functioning of the common currency? “Because you actually need to have balances in your budget, fiscal balance in such a way that you don’t create problems for the others, because you are able to show that like in Greece we have the situation whereby there was fiscal balance in a negative very high way, so you have to get countries like Germany to come in to try to help in solving this fiscal mess.” It would be recalled that as part of measures to fasten economic integration, the organisation has been working towards a common currency known as ‘eco’ for the region, a move that will harmonise the CFA currency, common among the eight Francophone members, and the individual currencies of the other members.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

aibat Morenike Okusi is an all rounder in the hospitality industry in Nigeria, having served in all sections ranging from front office to house keeping before berthing in the kitchen. The Ogun State born chef grew up always wanting to be a cook, so it was not surprising that she bagged degrees in Hotel and Catering Management from Kwara state Polytechnic and Ogun state university. As one of the senior executive chefs at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Okusi in this interview with JIMOH BABATUNDE shares her experience working and what it takes to be a good chef. Here is an excerpt. On why she went into catering I had always loved cooking. I remember telling my mates in my primary school that I will want to be a cook. I have always had the passion for the profession as I love cooking. When we were growing up, most of the cooking at home was done by my mum, so whenever she cooked, she invites us to the kitchen especially the local dish of my people. From that tender age, I developed interest in cooking. On the first food she learnt how to cook The first food I learnt to cook was my local dish called ikokore. It is prepared from wateryam and very delicious. On what her training look like It was very difficult as you have lots of courses to take apart from the main courses in hotel management. We did lots of borrowed courses in management. We took courses in statistics, chemistry and economics and computer among others. It was different from what people thought. On working experience When I graduated from

BRIEFS! Ife people celebrates Odun Oranmiyan

No room for lazy people in hospitality business — Okusi

•Taibat Morenike Okusi

Kwara poly there was an advert in the paper for jobs in then Durbar hotel. I applied as a receptionist and was employed. So, I have worked in the reception, house keeping, and reservation. When I left the hotel in 1993 after spending about 10years, I moved down to Lagos Airport hotel. On getting here, I was in house keeping before I was moved to the kitchen. I have spent almost 10 years in the kitchen now. Working in the kitchen is difficult as it takes more of your time. There are some functions here in the hotel that you need to stay for up to three days without going home. There are times you put all it takes into preparing a meal at the end the feed back will not be encouraging. This is so because of the different tastes of people, some will appreciate while others will not, but we are used to it. I see it as a challenge when I get such feedbacks. On her greatest moment in the kitchen

The greatest moment for me was a time my boss was not around and I acted for him. When the head of department saw what I achieved, he was so impressed and those we cooked for were also impressed; they were full of commendations. On her food philosophy My food philosophy is when you eat, you eat right. Eating right to me means taking food in moderation and what is beneficiary to your health. Some people eat, but don’t eat right. When you are growing old there are certain foods like snacks you don’t need to eat. You need more of fruits and vegetable so that you have long life On her favourite dish on the menu It is Edikaikon, though it is an Efik recipe, but when you eat it, it is purely vegetable. It is very rich with snails and fish. It conforms with my philosophy of eating right. On cooking tips for a novice I like them to start from the

scratch; they should learn the basis of the food they want to prepare. They should know the nutrient value to the body. As starters they need theory too as that will aid their being able to put the theories to practise. On advice to young people coming into the profession I will ask them to love what they are doing as it is when they have passion for it that they will excel. I will advice them not to be lazy as the lazy ones have no place in this industry, because there are times you work 24 hours non stop. If you have the passion and zeal for what you do, you will excel. Apart from working for someone, it is a profession you can be self employed. Don’t also think about money first, think of winning the confidence of your clients before any other thing.

Nigerians now book dinner online — Sheraton boss G

ENERAL Manager, Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Mr. Alexander Gassauer, has disclosed that Nigerians have started imbibing the culture of booking dinning tables online. He said before now, Nigerians will prefer to come to the hotel for their meals and wine deciding to pay cash, but •gthe cashless bug has caught up with many.• Speaking at the introduction of the Triple Benefits loyalty programme from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide , Alexander Gassauer said online bookings that took other countries decades to achieve that Nigerians are doing in less than three years. “We want to see more booking done online as we want to see more Nigerians book tables through website. The drive to online booking in Nigeria is growing and the future is the web booking.” Gassauer disclosed that Starwood hotel groups will soon be opening up four new properties in Nigeria as arrangement has been concluded to have two more hotels in Lagos and one each in Ibadan and Benin City. He said the decision of the hotel brand not to have beach resort in the

country as in other destinations is because Nigeria beaches are not save for such investments. On the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) “Triple Benefits” programme for its members, he said for three months from July, SPG members will enjoy three exclusive benefits whenever they dine at one of over 600 participating restaurants and bars in Starwood hotels &resorts around the world. While disclosing that there are currently four starwoord hotels in Nigeria with Sheraton Hotels in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, as well as the Four point hotel in Lagos, Alexander Gassauer explained that the Triple Benefits has been launched to give members more reasons to enjoy the company’s Food &Beverage options when they are on the road or at home in their local destinations. “SPG continues to be the hospitality industry’s leading loyalty program with the most complete benefits, including 24-hour check-in, one-to-one Starwood Ambassador and lifetime membership status.”

HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has given the go ahead to a tour company to package a festival to celebrate Oranmiyan in Ile Ife later this month. The festival is expected to attract all Ife indigenes and the entire Yorubas at home and in diaspora like Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Cuba United States of America to the source of Yoruba people. Oranmiyan was one of the seven sons of Okanbi, the only child of Oduduwa and reigned as the 6th OONI OF IFE. He was famed as a strong enigmatic leader who led his people into greatness which has lasted several centuries, leaving a heritage that endures till today. His Cenotaph popularly known as OPA ORANMIYAN is in Ile Ife and is a Tourist destination. In a release made available to Vanguard by Bukola Awoyemi, the festival will also be a celebration of a deity and warrior of the Yoruba, “Oranmiyan is arguably the most deified of the whole Yoruba deities. He was only the Yoruba King that was confirmed to have established other towns, like Oyo and Benin, became their King and later returned to his abode and also became a King before his eventual transformation as denoted in the Oranmiyan Cenotaph.

La Campagne Tropicana voted best resort in Lagos

a Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort has been voted the Best Resort in Lagos by the general public and operators in the Travel and Tourism trade. This was unveiled at the Travellers Awards Nigeria 2013 ceremony held recently during Bantaba show in Abuja . Elated by the award, the management of the resort described it as a welcome development and a testimonial of the exceptional natural ambiance and quality of the resort, which over the years has striven to offer to the world international standard facility nestled against untempered natural beauty and traditional Africa hospitality. The award, which is widely endorsed and celebrated by the industry players, as it is devoted to rewarding and recognising excellent service and product, said the management would be cherished and further serve as a boost for the resort. While pledging to continue to improve on the resort and its service delivery, the management expressed thanks to the organisers of Travellers Awards for its commitment to developing the industry and the general public as well as its numerous clients for voting for the resort and its patronage over the years.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013— —25

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26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2,

2013

R. I. P. Alade Odunewu, Long live Allah de BY LANRE IDOWU

UDDENLY, the news hit us July 25; Hadj. Alade Odunewu, journalism’s gift to Nigeria, is no more. As a small measure of his worth, the media have been abuzz with stories of his passage. Tributes have been pouring in from all strata of the society - the media, politicians, academics, titled and untitled Nigerians, sincere patriots; and indeed court jesters for whom our lamented icon gave a wide berth in his lifetime. At his burial, July 26, the media was well represented by a good mix of the ancient and modern practitioners. Today, eighth day Fidau prayers will be offered for the repose of his soul. His passage affords us the opportunity to examine what it was that endeared him to us. On a personal note, I have lost a mentor, who readily shared the gift of a rich and analytical mind. By his passage, my annual Sallah visits to some select Muslim faithful has declined by one. Gone is the familiar peering as he tried to understand your viewpoint, the shiny pate, the hearty laughter, and the quaint expressions. In Odunewu, Nigeria has lost a decent soul. In a land where Lilliputians masquerade as giants, Odunewu was a giant who had the common touch. His modesty, graceful airs, and rich mind earned him the confidence of the high and mighty, the low and

•Hadj Alade Odunewu worthy lessons to bequeath. As a professional, Odunewu is an enduring lesson in single-minded pursuit of an objective. Ever since he was in school in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Onitsha, he had been exposed to the writings of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who, through a chain of newspapers, was the leading public opinion moulder of the 40s and 50s. Odunewu’s elder brother, Mobolaji, was a journalist, who edited one of Azikiwe’s papers, The Eastern Nigerian Guardian. If young Alade’s interest in Journalism was kindled by the writings in the Zikist papers, his career pursuit was guided by his brother. Journalism was good path to fame and public service.

Training in Journalism LANRE IDOWU vulnerable to whose causes he lent the weight of his craft. Six years ago, when he turned 80, I said of the Odunewu appeal: «It is part of the measure of our self worth when we acknowledge goodness in others. In a nation acutely lacking in authentic heroes, it is always refreshing to find someone whose story is exemplary enough to examine and share with others. So collectively, we can say that society renews itself when it promotes positive values through the lives of its members who have

Odunewu was already familiar with the writings of Anthony Enahoro and Ebenezer Williams and it is fair to say alongside the duo of Azikiwe and Mobolaji, the quartet shaped Odunewu’s initial journalistic steps. He was one of the earliest Nigerians to receive formal training in Journalism as he secured a Government scholarship to study Journalism at Regent Polytechnic (now University of Westminster). Alongside obtaining his diploma in Journalism, he also won the New Statesman prize for best all round student.

His career began at the Daily Times in 1950 when he was recruited as a reporter. He later moved to The Tribune as editor/managing editor,195657; Daily Service as editor, 1959-60; Allied Newspapers as editor-in-chief, 1960-64. He was Sunday Times editor in 1964, before being uplifted as the Daily Times editor, 196468 and editor-in-chief, 196869.

Communications assignments He later served as CEO of the publications division. So it can be said that Odunewu has held all the important positions in journalism: reporter, sub editor, editor, columnist, editor-in-chief and CEO. He has also held some of the most challenging public communications assignments: Commissioner of Information, Tourism and Culture in Lagos State, Public Complaints Commissioner and Electoral Commissioner at the national level. His achievements in both worlds are commendable. Odunewu’s voice of wisdom from his columns in various newspapers from the 60s to as recent as 2004 rings loud again in his relaunched book, Winners take all. Hadj. Odunewu’s strength as a journalist lies in his intellectual depth, elegant wit, biting sarcasm and disarming simplicity of language. Until death, the arrogant intruder that rides on every passing breeze, called, he remained not only a

TRIBUTE

respected name in the industry but also an actor in the continuous search for journalistic excellence and responsibility. Well after retiring, he served as chairman of the Nigerian Press Council for a decade, giving it some garb of respectability. That the Federal Government remains unclear about what to do with the Press C o u n c i l accounts for the decline in its fortunes today, leaving it open to relentless assault from the organised media. Odunewu’s passage may well serve as an opportunity to re-examine the two contending models - a statutory press council favoured by government and the independent ombudsman mechanism, initiated by the media - to mediate between the media and the public in the inevitable brushes that characterise their relationships. He also lent his name and stature to the pursuit of that which is noble, fair and just in our profession. Sponsor of the Informed Commentary category of the Diamond

have done the profession and country p r o u d . We must commend those behind these noble ideas. Beyond the top media jobs he held, Odunewu enjoyed the institutional recognition of the media. This ranged from the Nigeria Union of Journalists to the Nigerian Guild of Editors of which he was a past president, to the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, to a training school like the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, to the 1999 industry-led initiative of late Tunji Oseni where he was named one of the 14 icons of Journalism development in 140 years of Nigerian Journalism, to DAME and Thisday which honoured him with Lifetime Achievement awards. On July 19, 2011, Diamond Publications, with support from the Press Council, presented a major book, Nigerian Columnists and their Art, which I edited, in his honour.

Worthy addition A worthy addition to Journalism literature, contributors to it include: Adidi Uyo, Mike Awoyinfa, Ben Lawrence, Felix Adenaike, Tony Momoh, Dan Agbese, Gbenga Omotoso, Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, Stanley Egbochuku, and Maxim Uzoatu. It also features samples of the writings of such columnists as late Olabisi Onabanjo, Peter Enahoro, Abiodun Aloba, Alade Odunewu, Sam Amuka, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Tunji Oseni, Ray Ekpu, Stanley Macebuh, Olatunji Dare, Adebayo Williams, Odia Ofeimun, Reuben Abati, Ochereome Nnanna, Tunde Fagbenle, Azu Ishiekwene,

In Odunewu, Nigeria has lost a decent soul. In a land where Lilliputians masquerade as giants, Odunewu was a giant who had the common touch

Awards for Media Excellence, DAME, since inception in 1992, he served as chairman of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, NMMA, where he appropriately also sponsored the Best Columnist of the year prize since 2006. Both award schemes have made unparalleled private sector contributions to the conscious effort to enhance professionalism in the media. In 2007, Odunewu acknowledged the awards have impacted heavily on Journalism practice. People are now conscious of the fact that they are being looked at; competition is getting keener by the year. Quite a good number of awardees have gone to greener pasture and

Pini Jason, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Doyin Abiola, Dele Omotunde, Muhammed Haruna, and Sam Omatseye. That work alongside his own published work, Winners take all, should serve as worthy tributes to the craft of informed commentary and remind some of our emerging writers that literary grandstanding or egoistic vituperation is not. That way, even as Alade Odunewu has gone the way of all flesh, Allah de would still be around. May the heavens accept his soul! •Lanre Idowu is CEO, Diamond Publications and Trustee of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 —27

•Doris Simeon

•Laide Bakare

•Monalisa Chinda

Unending saga of

Nollywood divorces

F marriages are meant to be celebrated then what happens to divorces? In the last couple of weeks what hasbeen pouring out of Nollywood are stories of divorces. If there are any marriages, they are not hot enough to make good news. Okay, there are enough movies making their rounds of the cinemas and maybe some endorsement deals are being pulled off but aren’t they a bit of backstage stuff to take the shine out of these divorces? With recent divorce of Nollywood superstar actress, Funke Akindele, it is no longer news that most marriages involving top Nollywood actresses hit the rocks just as soon as the oaths were taken. Maybe Funke’s drama with husband of barely one year tops the list, given the glamour that accompanied the solemnisation of their matrimony and the manner in which the separation was served to the public. Everybody felt for Funke. At least the C M Y K

By AYO ONIKOYI and JULIET EBIRIM method employed by the husband, choosing the social media to break the news, even to his wife, got Funke a drove of sympathisers who were ready to take her husband apart. Maybe, that emboldened Funke because she has since shrugged it off and is already painting the town red as she was spotted last weekend, looking her smashing self at the Miss Global pageant . Then Chika Ike steps into the mix. Although she has been separated from her husband, Tony Eberiri for close to two years but the glee with which she announced the divorce she got from an Abuja High Court on Monday set adrift once again another divorce saga which has an uncanny resemblance to that of Funke Akindele’s . While Funke’s husband, Kehinde Oloyede took to Facebook to announce his separation from his wife, Chika chose Twitter to tell her fans that “she was finally free of Mr Tony Eberiri”. “I’m now officially divorced. Thanks,” she tweeted. Funke and Chika may now be on the spot but they have a long list of others before them. While a lot has been speculated on why these marriages fail, investigations have revealed that top on the list are abuse, infidelity, violence and what they have come to term ‘irreconcilable differences’. The story of Laide Bakare was another messy divorce saga. She was report-

•Funke Akindele

edly married to Mr. Okunfulire who unknown to her was married to another woman with two children. But most of the facts were not made public until Laide was delivered of a baby for another man, Mr Tunde Oriowo. She however had a daughter for her estranged husband. Her own case was termed “glaring injustice”. Nollywood diva, Stella Damasus is probably unlucky. She lost her first husband, Jaiye Aboderin to the cold hands of death shortly after their marriage. After that, she tried to get on with life and tried her luck with Emeka Nzeribe. That luck did not hold as they separated just after two years, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’. Saheed and Fathia Balogun were the perfect couple, almost a model for what a celebrity marriage should be until cracks

It is no longer news that most marriages involving top Nollywood actresses hit the rocks just as soon as the oaths were taken

in that perfect picture began to manifest. While Saheed accused Fathia of infidelity, Fathia was always crying of domestic violence from her partner. Willy-nilly the marriage crashed despite interventions from families and colleagues. Although, Lola Alao, another Yoruba actress, has said she has forgiven her husband, Dare Ogunlana, allegations made by the man during the heat of the divorce saga are still fresh. Dare described Continues on page 28

I N S I D E:

Jude Okoye in love Pg 29

Queen Globe

hits runway Pg 29

Fans lash out at Chika Ike over divorce announcement Pg 29

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Synopsis T

his movie tells the story of Ovo who is on a plot to kill her best friend Nana, for having an affair with her husband Olumide. Ovo’s attempt to kill Nana is interrupted and she is surprised to be attended to by a psychotherapist rather than a lawyer. A greater shock hits her when the psychotherapist narrates that her 3yr old marriage to Olumide never really took place. As she struggles to prove her wedding story to her doctor, police chief and husband, her sanity is more in question. The Psychotherapist is torn between two very believable stories when both women present wedding pictures, wedding certificates and narrates the same wedding story of them and Olumide. Who is Olumide really married to? Nana or Ovo? Is Ovo in a battle to save her marriage or at a combat to cure her sanity? Torn is a suspense filled thriller about love, sanity and a misconstrued relationship… The movie stars top nollywood actors Joseph Benjamin, Monalisa Chinda, Ireti Doyle and is directed and produced by Moses Iwang .

Unending saga of Nollywood divorces

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK WHITE HOUSE DOWN SIDE EFFECTS DESPICABLE ME HOUSE OF GOLD

Continues from pg 27 Lola as “diabolical, deceitful and a woman not to be trusted”, to which the woman responded with maturity by keeping mum. In a recent interview Lola agreed his ex husband was a nice man but got carried away by the pain of the separation. According to her “that man is a very nice man, it just didn’t work out between us”, she said. Ayo Adesanya and Goriola Hassan probably didn’t do badly. Their marriage lasted eight years and Ayo and her movie director husband were always together, in the house and on location until it seemed they got tired of seeing each other around. Ayo fingered ‘jealousy’ as the virus that stole into their home to eat out the nuptial knot. It was hard to believe that Doris Simeon and her director husband,

Exhibition Schedule from Aug. 2 - Aug 8, 2013 •Chika Ike ried to a UK-based businessman, she alleged that the man had other relationships. Unable to bear it, she came back to continue her life in Nigeria, where she met her present husband, an Enugu-based police officer. After a number of failed marriages, fans were happy that Shan George had found love again, when she announced that she was getting married to Tony Nwosisi. They got married, but the marriage did not last, her reason, being ‘incompatibility’ Eucharia Anunobi, now an evangelist married Charles Ekwu in 2000 and they divorced in 2009 on many grounds including infidelity, abandonment and lack of responsibility to their only child. She disclosed to an Ikeja High Court, how her ex-husband allegedly slept with their 13-year old housemaid several times in their matrimonial home. The suit was filed in 2007 but suffered several setbacks until 2009. The list is endless. Hilda Dokubo, Monalisa Chinda, Foluke Daramola, Clarion Chukwura, Ngozi Ezeonu, Kate Henshaw, Jennifer Eliogu, Stephanie Okere and many more have experienced bitter pills of divorce and in most cases the reasons are not so dissimilar. Most often than not, these super stars knew they were diving into troubled waters but for one reason or another they just didn’t give a damn. Funke Akindele’s husband was known to have fathered over ten kids by different women before Funke decided to settle with him. Monalisa Chinda, who is romancing Lanre Nzeribe cannot say she is so wet behind the ears not to know that the guy is known as a top playboy. Many Nollywood actresses have also married at the expense of some other women who have had to relinquish their men to their beauty, fame and influence.

Most often than not, these super stars knew they were diving into troubled waters but for one reason or another they just didn’t give a damn.

Daniel Ademinokan would go their separate ways after showing so much love and affection the way couples who seem to be in love do. They were married for a few years and then broke up. At a point, Doris accused her Daniel of scrounging on her.

tephanie Okereke-Linus is now enjoying the bliss of her second marriage, her marriage to big boy Idahosa Linus.The A-list actress is said to have been very happy with her divorce from her ex-footballer husband Mike Iloanyusi, who, at a point allegedly completely likened Stephanie to a piece of football he played around. She divorced him on account of battery and infidelity.The breakup of the marriage of this top actress is said to be based on extra-marital affairs. For Chiege Alisigwe, who was marC M Y K

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Torn : 3:00pm,7:20pm Side Effects : 11:50am,8:20pm Despicable Me 2 : 11:50am,1:40pm,3:40pm House of Gold : 6:30pm White House Down : 4:05pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Torn : 12:25pm,6:45pm Side Effects : 11:30am,4:15pm,8:55pm House of Gold : 1:40pm,6:30pm Despicable Me 2:10:30am,2:20pm Admission : 2:00pm White House Down: 4:10pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORTHARCOURT Torn : 2:40pm,4:50pm,6:50pm,8:50pm Side Effects : 2:10pm,7:00pm,9:00pm Despicable Me 2: 11:30am,1:35pm White House Down : 3:40pm,6:15pm,8:50pm Admission : 12:20pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:50pm,9:00pm House of Gold : 12:30pm,4:40pm,9:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Torn: 12:30pm,1:35pm,6:45pm House of Gold : 4:40pm,8:50pm White House Down: 11:35am,4:05pm Temptation : 1:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS SEC, ABUJA Torn: 12:10pm,4:20pm,8:30pm Side Effects : 12:40pm,2:50pm,7:10pm,9:20pm House of Gold: 2:05pm,6:20 Despicable Me 2 : 1:10pm,3:10pm,5:10pm Admission : 5:00pm White House Down : 12:30pm,3:00pm,5:30pm,8:00pm After Earth : 11:40am,7:00pm Fast and Furious 6 : 2:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Torn : 11:30am,1:25pm,3:20pm,5:15pm,7:10pm House of Gold : 12:15pm,2:25pm,4:35pm,6:55pm Facade : 11:45am,2:00pm Admission : 11:55pm,2:10pm,4:30pm,6:50pm After Earth : 12:20pm,2:35pm,4:40pm,7:00pm Letter to My Mother : 12:00pm,4:25pm Temptation : 2:05pm,6:45pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Torn : 2:25pm,8:20 House of Gold : 6:30pm Despicable Me 2 : 10:30am,12:30pm White House Down : 12:10pm,7:55pm Afer Earth : 10:05am Fast and Furious 6 : 12:10pm, GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, LAGOS Torn : Fri-Sat : 12:45pm,5:15pm,7:30pm,11:55pm Side Effects : 9:30pm,11:50pm House of Gold : 10:30am,3:00pm,9:45pm White house Down: 6:40pm Admission : 10:15am,5:50pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Torn: 10:40am, 3:10pm, 7:40pm Side Effects: 2:30pm, 9:40pm, 4:05pm,9:40pm White House down : 9:50am,2:20pm,6:50pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Torn : 12:40pm,5:00pm,9:20pm House of Gold : 10:30am,2:50pm,7:10pm White House Down : 12:20pm,8:05pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, SURULERE Torn: 10:30am, 12:20pm, 2:10pm Side Effects: 4:00pm, 6:15pm White House Down: 8:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Torn : 12:05pm,3:50pm Side Effects : 3:40pm,5:50pm After Earth : 10:00am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR House of Gold : 11:00am White House Down : 2:35pm,m7:55pm •Laide Bakare

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 29

Fans lash out at Chika Ike over divorce announcement BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

OLLYWOOD actress, Chika Ike may run the risk of being blacklisted by fans as loads of criticism keep rocking her boat since she publicly announced that she’s now officially divorced. Probably in a move to get sympathy from fans, the actress took to social network Twitter in the wee hours of Monday, July 29, 2013, to announce to her teeming fans that the court has finally granted her a divorce. “Hi fans. Thank you all for your love and support over the years. It’s been an emotional journey and I want to announce to you guys that the court has granted me a divorce. I’m now officially divorced. Thanks,” she tweeted. But her fans seem not to be okay with the news as lashes of words soon started pouring in. While just few congratulated her and urged her to move on with her life, many didn’t find the news funny, criticizing her of going public with her divorce as if it were a good development.

Prince Charming said “What an announcement! Just more like a thanksgiving. Well, who knows, maybe it’s better this way for her.” Another fan by the name Flavia called Chika a “stupid woman” for being happy that she’s again a single woman when many ladies are out in search of men to call their own. Choosing to go by the name Anonymous, another said the actress is lucky her ex-husband, Tony has been quiet about it unlike Funke Kindele’s ex-husband who gave the actress a public disgrace. He advised her to move on with her life instead of washing her dirty underwear in public. “Chika we have heard you o! You are going around announcing your divorce as if it is a good thing. You are lucky that Tony is a good man and he is highly literate! So he hid your secret ! You know what you did now! Thank God you do not have an Agbero husband like Funke Akindele’s husband that dis-

Queen Globe hits runway BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

FTER rigorous screenings, twenty-four female finalists have eventually

emerged, ready to storm the runway for the Queen Globe 2013 beauty pageant. The grand finale of the pageant which will parade the carefully selected and deserved beauties, will see the girls slugging it out for the crown on August 17 at the Grand Hotel, Asaba. On the D-day as part of the side attraction, ten exclusive designers will also showcase their designs for all to see. The winner of the pageant, Queen Globe will walk away with a one year salary, a brand new car and the chance to

Jude Okoye in love BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

•Chika-Ike graced her in public. Take a chill pill and stop bringing his name into the news. The guy has moved on,so move on with your life. Very soon you’ll say you need your privacy. Learn to keep some things within the family.”

represent Nigeria at Miss Globe International to be held in Cyprus. Also, the 1st Runner Up gets the opportunity to contest alongside other West African beauties at the Miss West African International to be held soon. Runner ups represent Nigeria at World Super Model in Carin Austarlia. A teen queen will also be crowned to represent the country at the Teen World Super Model also in Carin Australia. The pageant is sponsored by D.Sinatra Entertainment, Haier Thermocool Asaba, Hyundai Motors (Real Point West African LTD), First Brightway Vision,CNOEF, HPZ Asaba and Pagiz Network.

OR those of you ladies looking for a man to call yours, sorry, Jude is no longer available, strike him out of your list! We gathered that the elder brother to P-square has already found an ideal woman with whom he will soon walk down the aisle. According to our source, What attracted Jude to the lucky lady is that she’s a damsel and one who truly understands him and what he does for a living. He said she isn’t the too jealous type and not clinging, especially when female fans swarm around him for photographs. Then why isn’t he yet married? Jude says he isn’t in a rush to tie the knot because people think he’s old enough to do so. He’s waiting for the right time •Jude-Okoye when he’ll be totally committed to his wife.

Reality show for unemployed youths

OUTH Empowerment and Enterprise Series, YEES an international award winning employment scheme is in Nigerian to help teeming unemployed youths. Towards that end a whooping sum of N100 million has been earmarked for the lucky 12 contestants that will be groomed in an enterprise challenge reality show where they are trained in different industries and compete in enterprise challenges to win cash prizes to set up a business or pay for further education to improve job prospects. Already 12 states have been short listed over 1,200 entries received for the pilot edition of the annual event, which started in Accra, Ghana in 2010 as Make Me A Success. They include Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Abia and Kogi States.

Comedian Odogwu gets standing ovation

•Oyibo Lolita

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

AYO ONIKOYI onikoyi68@gmail.com OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

LL is now set for the launch of a new comedy album entitled Standing Ovation by fast-rising comedian, Odogwu. Standing Ovation is the first official comedy album from the Business Administration graduate of University of Abuja. The studio made audio CD which will be marketed by Alaba-based Markings Premiere Limited parades the trio of comedians; Owen Gee, De Don and Mc Abbey. An excited Odogwu revealed that plans were concluded for the event which held on Sunday July 28 at the upscale SS Lounge, 7 Sapara Williams off Idowu Martins beside Mega Plaza, VI. Sylvester Obialor who cut his teeth

many years ago at Gbenga Adeyinka 1st show many years ago has gradually evolved and has been described as one of the most original rib-cracker in the country. Some of the special guests for the occasion include Mr.Seyi Akinwumi, Chairman Lagos Football Association as Chairman of the day, StanleyOkafor, CEO, Basot Oil & Gas and Integrated Marine as special guest and Ali Baba as Father of the day. Also expected is the duo of Gloria and Elvina Ibru. Among those to add colour to the evening were Yaw, Owen Gee, Mc Abbey, De Don, Omo Baba, Koffi, Gbenga Adeyinka, Tee A, Bovi,Buchi, Akpororo, Emeka Smith, Shakara, Acapella and Elenu.

•Odogwu C M Y K

30— Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013— —31

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32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Omotola

(MBGN Gown)

Omosexy was her usual confident self in that controversial zebra inspired dress she wore to be a judge at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant last week, where she was a judge and an award winner, but she could have fooled us. She looked divine from neck up and her little anti-child marriage speech was sleek, opportune and clever; but the extensive outfit made her look as though she had something to hide. A quick look under the dress reveals that indeed, she does. Unfortunately the stripes on the outfit played up her newly acquired weight far more than it hid, making her gigantic hip area reminiscent of a whale’s. Definitely the worst, most unflattering dress Omotola has ever worn in public. Her stylists, take note.

Right girl, wrong dress

Mo Abudu

( TV launch outfit) Usually the very epitome of style, not a few people wondered what went wrong with the outfit of self-styled media mogul Mo Abudu at the Lagos launch of her EbonyLife TV. While we are busy wondering, Mo had better get her hands on all the photos and get them burned so we can all put the flashin-the-pan episode behind us. The expensive looking green trouser outfit looked like pyjamas done in lace and exactly whose idea were the pants in the first place?

Kenny Saint Brown

(Miss Nigeria) This ageless true diva has admitted to crying alone since the separation from heartthrob Eddy Remedy, but that is no excuse for turning up flat and frumpy to the Miss Nigeria finale this month. The hair is totally out of sync, not to mention a tad tatty, and though the look has been picked by some sites as one of the best of that evening, here it simply makes the distinction of being the sorriest: the dress is too long, it does not flatter her juicy body, the colour is all wrong (Big girls, dark colours, remember?) and please don’t even mention the neckwear…

Ruki Sanda

(movie premiere) Rosy Ruki Sanda definitely crossed the line between trashy and classy with the ill fitting black (or is it grey/silver) sequined dress she wore to the Lagos premiere of the Yvonne Nelson produced movie House of Gold. Bringing her girls our to play was not the issue. Harassing us with the threat of seeing evil with the centre not holding was the problem. Very ugly, very un-Ruki dress too!

Caroline Danjuma

(butterscotch evenings) Her peachy beauty is certainly not in contest, but it appears the bad taste of hubby dear has rubbed off on her. Her outfit to May Butterscotch evening event gave the impression she couldn’t be bothered to finish taking off her day clothes before throwing on her evening clothes. Her flirty beach skirt was definitely not on the same page as her beautiful satin shoes and neither were her bold necklace and her blouse. It was a case of the school girl look gone wrong and Caroline should not step out of the house like that.

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*Omotola

*Mo Abudu

*Kenny Saint Brown

Worldbank, WHO and Development Gateway

Crowdfunding site catapult.org with Chime For Change, funds 210 projects in 81 countries for girls’ and women’s rights

atapult.org, a crowfunding site dedicated to girls’ and women’s health and rights, and a Women Deliver project, last week announced it has funded 210 projects in 81 countries from funds raised at THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE benefit concert held in London in June, 2013. In partnership with CHIME FOR CHANGE, a campaign founded by Gucci, Catapult raised $3.9 million at THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE and featured performances by Beyoncé, Florence + The Machine, John Legend, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, Timbaland, Jessie J and other artists. The partnership between Catapult and CHIME FOR CHANGE marked the first time that benefit concert attendees could choose exactly where their money went, by using gift cards to direct their donations to individual projects on Catapult.org. Catapult founder Maz Kessler explains how “Catapult helps people use the open democracy of the web to choose girls and women’s projects closest to their hearts, and 100% of their online donation goes directly to the projects.” “This approach – participating in the solution – is key to a young and rising global citizenship movement.”. CHIME FOR CHANGE brought musicians and

celebrities to curate projects on Catapult, encouraging online donors and concert-goers to join them in crowdfunding causes about which they feel passionately. Curators include Jada Pinkett, Madonna and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, who is supporting scholarships to Camp SMART in Houston, USA. The project will allow girls 1215 years old to attend a two-week summer camp that focuses on science, math and technology in her hometown, to encourage young women to pursue careers that currently have fewer females. CHIME FOR CHANGE is a global campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls’ and women’s empowerment. CHIME FOR CHANGE serves to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world, with a focus on three key areas: Education, Health and Justice. The CHIME FOR CHANGE campaign, launched in February 2013, presented its first major fundraising event, THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE, a global concert held on 1 June at London’s Twickenham Stadium. The concert brought together some of the world’s most talented artists and renowned activists to raise funds and awareness for girls and women. Broadcast in more than 150 countries globally reaching an audience of one billion viewers, the concert enabled people from around the world to support real change for girls and women. One of Catapult’s partners, One Heart World-Wide, is on their way, in the face of serious challenges, to

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 —

Catering for kids at the dinner table S

itting around a table and eating together is indisputably one of the most enriching and vital events of the day, but chances are you are all eating the same thing. In this weight watching, cholesterol-bashing era, many children are being denied of crucial nutrition if their parents and other adults in the family are too watchful. When children are growing up their bodies are going through a lot of changes. For this reason children have different nutritional needs to adults, especially if they’re under the age of five. Approaching your child’s diet with common sense and a conscientious attitude will keep them fit and healthy for the future. There’s a lot of information and help out there if you’re unsure about any aspect of diet for children so do your research, keep in the know and your child will have a happy and healthy childhood.

U-fives, School Age and Beyond

They need a lot of calories and nutrients, but in small enough portions for their bodies to cope with. You need to make sure your child isn’t eating food which will fill them up too much, meaning that they won’t have room to take in the right nutrients they need. Too many fibrerich foods will fill a young child up. Low-fat diets are great for older children and adults, but under-fives need to eat food w h i c h contains a good amount of fat, and the right fats. Oily fish and full-fat milk are

upgrading one more health post in Nepal so that it may function as a certified birthing centre! One Heart World-Wide will cover funding for the renovation of the birthing centre and the purchase of necessary medical equipment, in addition to providing technical expertise needed for the set up of the Neonatal and Maternal Health unit in Phoksundo, including data collection and quality assurance tools, as well as trainings for skilled birth attendants, a staff nurse, female community health volunteers, and local Amchi practitioners. Once complete, the Phoksundo birthing centre will be the third of five birthing centres they plan to build within the Dolpa district in order to ensure that no woman has to walk more than five hours; for many women in the area, the walk to a health facility can currently take up to five days. Reducing the challenges that women face in accessing care when it is needed is leading to healthier birth outcomes and saving lives. Catapult has dozens of partners.

better than cakes, biscuits and chocolate which contain few vitamins and minerals. Children under-five shouldn’t drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk. As kids start approaching five they should be moving towards a low fat, high fibre diet which is low in sugar and salt. This is when kids should start to eat their five a day just like an adult diet. When kids reach the age of 15 they’ll often need to eat more than fully grown adults to support growth spurts. They’ll need a lot more niacin, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium than adults.

Salt and Calories

Children also need far less salt than adults so you need to be careful about adding extra salt to your family meals. The sodium in salt is linked to problems like high blood pressure and heart failure. This is the maximum salt intake for different age groups. Chid obesity is a growing problem but on the other hand we don’t want to start putting children on diets which will affect their growth. Children do need a lot of calories to grow; often it’s just the food sources of these calories which might need adapting. It’s the common sense solution of reducing chocolates, unhealthy drinks and replacing them with healthy snacks and drinks which will help keep your child healthy and in some advanced countries that is actually a school policy.

Water

Total water requirements (from beverages and foods) are also higher in infants and children than for adults. Children have larger body surface area per unit of body weight

and a reduced capacity for sweating when compared with adults, and therefore are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality from dehydration. Parents may underestimate these fluid needs, especially if infants and children are experiencing fever, diarrhoea, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Essential fatty acids Requirements for fatty acids or fats on a per kilogram basis are higher in infants than adults. Some fatty acids play a key role in the central nervous system. However infants and children should not ingest large amounts of foods that contain predominantly fats, so it is important to get the balance right. STATISTICS

2.3 billion

Obesity and diet-related chronic diseases and undernutrition collectively affect an estimated 2.3 billion people globally – about one third of the world’s population. Together they have significant negative health and economic consequences in both high-income and lower-income countries and have become global public health priorities.

1.4 billion

Obesity is a significant and growing public health issue that has been characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “global epidemic”. While obesity has been a challenge in highincome countries for some time, it is now prevalent in a growing number of lower-income countries including Nigeria. Approximately 1.4 billion people are overweight, of which about 500 million are obese.

32 million

Over 32 million overweight children are living in lower-income countries, compared to 10 million in high-income countries.

2.8 million

At least 2.8 million adults are estimated to die annually due to being overweight and obese, making these the fifth leading risk for death globally. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers.

2-3%

*Beyonce

Overall, many countries are estimated to lose 2-3% of their gross domestic product to undernutrition.

3-10X

* Catapult

In lower-income countries, sales of packaged foods are increasing from three to ten times faster than in high income countries. Levels of packaged food production and the number of supermarket retail outlets is growing and will likely continue to do so as a result of further urbanization, economic growth and rising income levels.

Twelve companies (including Coca-Cola Danon Heinz Nestlé PepsiCo Unilevers) state clear commitments to play a role in addressing undernutrition through their own philanthropic foundations. Such programs tend to focus more on hunger and food security than on addressing micronutrient deficiencies in lower income countries, and they are generally implemented on a responsive basis. Six companies, however, have a structured approach towards addressing undernutrition through philanthropy that is global and implemented in a variety of lower income countries. Lipstick 31/07/2013

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34—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Between Zakaatul-Fitr and Zakaat and his wife— even if she is wealthy on her own— and his children and parents, if they are poor, and his daughter, if she is married but the marriage has not yet been consummated. If his son is rich, he does not

In this part of the world, grains such as rice, garri, beans etc are given as charity or its money equivalent. Every free Muslim must pay Zakatul-Fitr for himself, his wife, children, and dependants. It is only obligatory

OME Muslims most often confused annual Zakah with Zakatul-Fitr while some who understand the difference still observe the two in the month of Ramadan merely to attract more reward. The latter though is acceptable but must not take the place of Zakaatul-Fitr. Zakat is the fouth pillar of Islam, the calculation of your 2.5% dues on your assets annually which is committed to charity. However, we should remember that Zakat becomes due, one year after a person’s wealth reaches the value of Nisab (minimum amount paid) and according to most scholars, a Muslim’s wealth has to remain above that Nisab level throughout the year. This means he must be free from all indebtedness and liabilities before he pays Zakat. This is done annually at a predetermined period. If one chooses to pay it in every Muharram or every Zhul-Qada, so be it. So, it is impossible for the whole Ummah to have reached the obligation of paying Zakat, at the beginning or end of Ramadan. We should be clear that this type of Zakat is not tied to the month of Ramadan. It can be anytime of the year. But paying it in Ramadan is more rewarding. An individual can bring forward his Zakat due date, in order to take advantage of the multi-fold blessings of Ramadan. In fact, to make it easy on the recipients whose needs have to be met, one might choose Ramadan for the extra Sadaqah he gives out. That does not mean he cannot give ZakatulFitr. The scope of Zakatul-Fitr on the other hand is charity we give for the purpose of celebrating the eid-ul-Fitr to the have nots. Zakatul-Fitr is obligatory at this time we are bidding farewell to Ramadan. That is why the suffix fitr is attached to it— to commemorate the occasion of breaking the fast. For the umpteenth time, a man has to pay on behalf of himself

A Muslim traveller is also enjoined to pay his zakat where he spends the last two days of Ramadan. If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakatul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he had fasted all the days of the month

have to give Zakatul-Fitr on his behalf. A man has to give Zakatul-Fitr on behalf of a divorced wife, whose divorce process (Talaaq) is not yet concluded (i.e., she is still in the ‘iddah of first or second talaaq). But not in the case of one whose divorce is finalised. Zakatul-Fitr however is done with staple food consumable in a particular area.

on those who have more than what is required to give as zakatul-Fitr. For example, if you have more than one bowl of staple food in your house, then it is obligatory upon you to give another Muslim who does not have. It should be given on the eve of eid-il-Fitr, or from fajr on the day of eid and not later

LECTURE: From left: Abiodun Kareem, Publicity Director, Barry Wonder Fans Club; Alhaja Funmilayo Otitoloju-Obabiyi, Adviser; Awonaike Adeleke, Secretary General; Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul Azeez, associate of late Dr Ayinde Barrister; Shamsudeen Balogun, son of the late Ayinde Barrister and Alhaji Lediju Kamila, President, Barry Wonder Fans Club during a Ramadan lecture and prayer organised in memory of thr late Dr Ayinde Barrister by Barry Wonder Fans Club in his residence, Isolo, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

after the eid prayer has been said. The popular measurement of it is four handful on behalf of one person. If it has to be given in money, although this is not encouraged but the societal demands and circumstances sometimes call for it, it has to be well-calculated that the appropriate money equivalent is given in accordance with the existing price of the desired foodstuff in the market; and at the right time too, to meet the immediate need and purpose to which it was given. A Muslim traveller is also enjoined to pay his zakat where he spends the last two days of Ramadan. If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakatul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he had fasted all the days of the month, but if a child is born on or before Maghrib on

the last day of Ramadan, it would be obligatory to pay Zakatul-Fitr on his or her behalf. A man must pay on a wife whose divorce is not yet concluded. In essence, the rationale behind it is to make others happy during the festive period; it purifies the fasting Muslim from any shortcoming during the fasting period. And since every Muslim needs this, it is therefore obligatory on him whether rich or poor. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Make them (i.e. the poor and destitute) rich on the day of `Eid-ul-Fitri. Put succinctly, for anyone who has more than a bowl of staple food or excess of what he can take for a day at home is qualified to give fitrah to the poor and needy to make a happy celebration for all. “The Zakah are only for the Fuqaraa (poor), and the Masaakeen (the needy) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” Q9:60. Allahuma ar-zuquni fihi fadhala lailatul Qadri, wa swayirr umuri fihi minal usuri ilaal-yussuri. Allahumo inaka afuuwun, tuibul-afwa faa afuwa nii. O Allah, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from being difficult to being easy. O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.

Hajj: Katsina announces 20 13 fares 201

HE Katsina State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Monday announced the final fares for the 2013 Hajj. The board’s Executive Director, Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, told newsmen in Katsina that the release followed the approval of rates by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Danbaba said that N639,496.52 with 750 dollars Basic Transport Allowance (BTA) was the minimum fare, while the medium fare was N675,996.52 with 1,000 dollars BTA and N753,996.52 with 1,500 dollars BTA as the maximum. He urged intending pilgrims to hasten payment of their balances in good time to avoid embarrassment. Danbaba said “the payments must be made in bank drafts payable to the board”. He emphasised that transactions must be done only with Hajj Zonal Officers in the state. The director added that the state government had released N234,416 million as accommodation subsidy for pilgrims in Makka. He explained that 1,104 seats or 20 per cent slots were

reduced from the state’s allocation by NAHCON but explained that the reduction affected only old timers. According to him, 4,416 pilgrims will perform the Hajj as against the initial allocation of 5,520 seats. Meanwhile, it was gathered that the Federal Government had approved Kabo Air, Medview, Max Air, Meridian Airlines and Skypower Express Airways for the airlift of pilgrims from each airline’s operating base. NAS Air charter, a Saudi Arabia-based Airline, and Trade craft Nigeria Ltd have been approved as carriers for the international pilgrims through tour operators. The Med-view Travel Konsult Ltd, Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd and Slim Aviation Services Ltd were approved as pilgrims’ excess luggage carriers, the statement said. It requested that states and other pilgrims’ agencies speed up the process of collecting the balance of the Hajj fares from intending pilgrims and remit same to NAHCON to facilitate early conclusion of necessary arrangements. About 76,000 pilgrims will

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—35

Islamic clerics back Oshiomhole on death penalty •Condemn Rivers crisis

Preparing for Eid-il-Fitr T

HE first day of Shawwal is fast approaching and by implication, the Eid-ilFitr celebration is at hand. What is obvious is that by next Friday, we shall be in Shawwal whether first or second of it. So, it is about time we exchange gifts, get new dresses as some people are wont to, show love to friends and neighbours and thank Allah for witnessing another Eid. What can be more gratifying than being in good health, seeing the begining of the month and now witnessing it to the end. Alhamdullilah. But remember, we have to look out for the moon and watch out for announcement from the

right source on the night th of 29 day of Ramadan. Ramadan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot of spiritual renewal. It is not merely abstinence from food and drink but also abstinence from all kinds of evils and unlawful practices. How much have you changed? How have you imbibed the spirit of holiness and how would you want to continue in that direction? Some people are out there shopping for the celebration. Delicious food and drinks are indispensable part of preparation for the festivity. There is no harm in preparing sumptious meals and cuisine to celebrate the festival if we have the means. It is time we wear nice clothes, eat

whatever we desire from the halal, go to the praying ground, perform the two rakah nafil, exchange good wishes and give alms to the poor. The celebration of Eidil-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation. In some foreign countries, people decorate their houses and the atmosphere is charged with funfare. The celebration of Eidul-Fitr no doubt perks up the righteousness inherent in the month, we can only reflect on this and bring it to bear in all facets of our lives. Be righteous and return even bad deed with goodness. That is the lesson.

SLAMIC clerics in Edo State have thrown their weight behind the recent execution of condemned criminals in Edo State saying it is in accordance with the laws of God. Led by the Chief Imam of Benin and Chairman League of Imams in Edo State, Mallam Abdul Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed the Governor for frowning at same sex marriage proposal of some European countries. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor yesterday, the Chief Imam who led other Imams in the state to the Government House in Benin City commended the governor for abiding by the dictates of the constitution of the nation and his readiness to uphold and support the African value system. “Recently when the Comrade Governor signed the warrant for four convicted criminals

in the state, there was criticisms from some quarters. We the League of Imams took a look at the gravity of the crime which they committed that warranted such. After carefully studying the briefing of the Honourable Commiisioner for Justice and Atthoney-General of Edo State on the issue, we were all satisfied Edo state government has done the right thing at the right time. “Even the Almighty God will not be happy if the governor had not signed the death warrant. Apart from the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Holy Books, (the Bible and Glorious Quran) support that those who kill by the sword shall die by the sword. Those criticizing your action should study the constitution properly and seriously evaluate the seriousness of the crime committed by these fellows. It was a

508 Muslims from Kwara in S/Arabia for Umrah

•Preparing for Eid-il-Fitr celebration.

ASK YOUR IMAM On chronic illness during Ramadan Question: You are rather silent on people with chronic illness like diabetes, on and off gastric and duodenal ulcers among others. Please I need to learn more about this? Answer: People with chronic illness like those you mentioned can also leave out fasting depending on the state of their health and the advice from their doctors. The Quran has given concension to the sick especially those with chronic illness but to pay later. Again, if the illness persists throughout the year, feeding of the poor becomes wajib, (necessary). However, if their doctors rather opine that fasting from dawn to dusk will not affect their condition of health when their drugs and medication can be administered before dawn and after iftar, then they can fast. But if the condition is serious that they cannot, then they can leave out fasting. The condition of fidya (feeding the poor) in this regard is that they can feed the poor if they have been certified that they cannot fast. They can feed the poor so as to be free of any indebtedness of Ramadan fast in the case of death as a result of their chronic sickness. But if they become alright before the next Ramadan, even after they have fed the poor in place of their missed Ramadan, they can still observe the fast later and get their reward in double folds. May Allah make it easy for us and remove all sorts of impediments to fully observe Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak. Thanks. May Allah guide us aright since He knows best.

total of 508 intending pilgrims have been airlifted by the Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to Saudi Arabia for the 2013 lesser Hajj. The Board’s Chairman, Alhaji Usman Olosun, told newsmen Sunday in Ilorin that the pilgrims took off from the IIorin International Airport at about 8.30 p.m. on Saturday. According to him, the 508 pilgrims constitute the only batch from Kwara comprising sponsored pilgrims by the state government as

well as local councils in the state. “There will not be any other batch from Kwara for this year’s lesser Hajj; all pilgrims from the state including officials have been airlifted,” Olosun said. On why the number of pilgrims was less than previous years; the chairman attributed the development to non issuance of enough visas by the Saudi authorities.. He also said reports from Saudi Arabia indicated that all the 508 pilgrims had arrived Medina safely.

grievous crime committed against innocent souls, nobody has the right to take another person’s soul,” he noted. The Imams who also frowned at the protracted crisis in Rivers state said, “when the good people refused to do nothing, evil people will continue to prosper in such environment. The latest drama in Rivers state is not an issue one should shy away from. It was not only a slap and shame on democracy it was a civilian coup d’etat. The Imams took a swipe at the Presidency for recognizing the Jonah Jang faction of the Governor’s Forum which had 16 votes as against the 19 votes cast for Governor Rotimi Amaechi and also for recognizing a factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly who emerged Speaker with the support of only five Assembly men. In his remarks, Governor Oshiomhole commended the League of Imams in Edo State for the courage to speak the truth to those in the corridors of power without fear. The Governor said it is lamentable that “men who occupy high political positions like the office of the governor, some go to church to receive communion and those who go to mosque and shout Allah on Fridays, because of reasons of the political exigencies of the moment in fear of man rather the fear of God chose to turn the truth upside down. “If governors can be oppressed, you Imams can not only be oppressed, but suppressed. If you uphold the truth, you spoke that truth to power. When people use power to oppress, suppress, they are playing God and they shall come to judgment before God.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Mallam Abdul Fattah Enabulele, Chief Imam of Benin and Chairman, League of Imams, Edo State during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Benin City.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Benin Airport saga: Afemai youths fault arrest of revenue boss BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—AFEMAI youths in Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State have condemned the detention of Chairman of Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Useni Elamah, Tuesday, by the police. They vowed to resist the police in future. Elamah was detained by the police but released late Tuesday

Mission

HE 20th edition of free medical mission programme of O. B. LuluBriggs Foundation comes up in Enwang community, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, from August 5 to 9 at the community’s health centre. It will attract over 60 medical professionals to attend to eye, dental, surgery and general ailments for mothers, fathers, youths and children.

after he shut down the administrative block of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, at the Benin Airport, over the failure to remit N15 million tax money owed to the state government. The youths, in a statement by Mr. Wesley Olowojaiye, said that the constant use of the police to intimidate Nigerians by Federal Government’s agencies was capable of causing chaos if not checked. It said: “Elamah’s detention is totally unacceptable, unjust, callous, and capable of distracting him from his job of ensuring prompt remittance of taxes to the state government to support its

developmental agenda for which the state government has received commendations. “It is more intriguing that

Elamah is being persecuted by the police, which is empowered by the constitution to enforce lawful orders even when a proper

NBA wants Chapter 2 of Constitution justiciable BY INNOCENT ANABA

HAIRMAN, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Committee on Constitutional Review and Law Reform, Charles UwensuyiEdosomwan (SAN), has called for the amendment of Chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution, to allow for the justiciability of the aspirations provided in the same

chapter. Edosomwan spoke during a visit of the committee to the Law Reform Commission in Abuja. He said: “Seriously, the people’s aspirations expressed in Chapter 2 of the present Constitution that are ordinarily non-justiciable need legislations to bring them to effect in the lives of the citizens. “This is because when its pro-

NAOC moves to settle striking Kwale gas plant workers the international headquarters of damage was done to its internaBY EMMA AMAIZE

WALE—THE parent company of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, in Milan, Italy, has directed its Nigerian managers to meet with leaders of aggrieved junior workers and resolve the dispute that led to the shutting down of the Kwale/Okpai Gas Plant in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Tuesday. Vanguard was informed that

Exhibition

NITED Kingdom’s ACE Event Management holds its trade exhibition tagged Water Africa and West Africa Building & Construction in Abuja from November 25 to 27. The event will include seminars on water, sanitation, building and construction. ACE said in a statement that the event will provide an ideal opportunity for exhibitors to get to know the problems and needs of the water, building and construction sectors in West Africa and to provide information on their products and services.

order of court of competent jurisdiction was obtained for the sealing of the Benin Airport for defaulting in tax payments.”

NAOC in Italy was not comfortable with the strike action, which entered its fourth day today. The workers, mainly of Ndokwa descent, alleging slave labour and inhuman treatment, had on July 30, at 6a.m., laid siege to the main entrance into the gas facility and prevented other workers from gaining entry to their various offices. A source said yesterday: “The headquarters in Milan, Italy, directed the Nigerian managers to address the issues before more

tional corporate image. By Wednesday, the gas plant managers met with indigenous labour service contractors. “Later, a tripartite meeting was held with leaders of the striking workers to resolve the impasse. “Among the contractors at the meeting were Chief Paul Otuya, Chief Phillip Olisa, Mr. Nelson Onochie and Secretary of Nigeria Agip Service Contractors Association, NASCA, a body of AGIP contractors, Musa Odili.”

visions may not be ordinarily justiciable, government is in place to effect them when possible. This is one of the reasons why government is the organising committee of mass society to fulfill its aspiration.” On the task of the committee, he said: “Our mandate is a broadly bifurcated one. “First, we are supposed to monitor the ongoing Constitutional Review Process that is being mid-wifed by the National Assembly while on the other hand, our committee as the agency of the NBA in propelling needed new law reform. “On the ongoing Constitutional Review Process, NBA has monitored same insisting on a people based and people driven adjectival process leading to bringing the review process to completion. “The reason for this stand is that the National Assembly has embarked on a widely scoped agenda that can only be described as sweeping. The end result of this process, if brought to effect may be akin to achieving a new constitution.”

IDU flays groups trading accusations over Itsekiri attack

TSEKIRI Democratic Un ion, IDU, has described the accusations and counter-accusations generated in the wake of the attack on Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State as “factionalising Itsekiri on the basis of narrow, selfish and parochial interests.” A statement by IDU’s President, Prince Tosan Uwawe, said that Itsekiri had political, economic

and social challenges, noting that all the actors trading accusations had either served or were currently in Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration. It said the parties refused to follow the humanitarian example of Mr. Daniel Reyenieju by failing to visit the affected communities, a move IDU said would have removed much pressure from the governor. IDU said: “How many houses

did Itsekiri get during Dr. Ideh’s time as Commissioner for Housing and Water Resources? How many interventionist moves did Mr. Michael Diden make as DESOPADEC Commissioner and local government chairman? “Chief Ayiri Amami is the Chairman, Itsekiri Regional Development Council, financed by Chevron for community intervention. What has the body achieved?”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

IDU urged stakeholders and their supporters to stop the divisive politicising of the attack and work for the unity of Itsekiri. It said: “Our brothers and sisters have been unjustly attacked. The perpetrators should be fished out and punished to prevent a reoccurence. “The victims need to be looked after and issues that led to such mayhem ought to be identified and addressed.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On NEMA/LASEMA feud (2)

think it is painful, when one is seen to be a threat to another person’s job, especially in an economy like Nigeria’s where thousands of graduates are still searching for job. If I happen to be in LASEMA’s shoes, I will feel same way too. — Miss Chioma Ani, Student.

think both agencies should find a way of collaborating for efficiency. The detail of emergency job is not looking for who talks to the press, but ensuring that lives and property are saved during disaster. They must put the job first. — Mr. Izuagie Usman, Lawyer.

think NEMA is ready to work, and indeed they are working. It is not fair for that NEMA guy to be taken away by the police, as seen on television, for talking with the press just because LASEMA feels it is in charge.— Miss Jane Nwoke, Singer.

HAT they are fighting over is who has authority in the case of disaster in Lagos. It is not on who speaks to the media. If Lagos State has decided to handle disasters in the state itself, then NEMA should allow them be. — Mr. Emmanuel Iyoke, Businessman.

EMA is working in Lagos State. But that does not rule out the importance of the state’s agency. LASEMA cannot go to another state and work, like NEMA. There are other states that need the presence of NEMA more. — Mr. Emmanuel Soji, Footballer.

HIS issue is unexpected of NEMA and LASEMA, since both are serving the same purpose of saving lives during a disaster. They should not be busy fighting over who takes credit when there is work to do. — Miss Chinenye Anyabuba, Businesswoman.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 37

PTDF yet to release FUPRE’s N500m take-off grant —ACTING VC W

BY EMMAAMAIZE

ARRI—ACTING Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, Effurun, Delta State, Professor Alhassan Bichi, has lamented that more than six years after its establishment, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, has not released a takeoff grant of N500 million approved by the Federal Government for the institution. Professor Bichi, who painted a pitiable picture of how the university was plundered and almost run aground in the last six years by previous administrators, spoke while addressing members of Oil Mineral Producing Area Stakeholders Forum, OMPSTAFOR, who came on a fact-finding visit to the institution. Former National Secretary of Traditional Rulers for Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, Prince Okareme Maikpobi, led the group on the visit. Bichi, said FUPRE would have developed beyond its present state if funds allocated to the university were not misapplied. He said that within the period, the institution had a backlog of debt, which stemmed from inflated contracts awarded indiscriminately, as well as salary and allowance of workers. He said: “The Federal Government didn’t fail on its part to fund the university. The Federal Government gave PTDF and Education Trust Fund, ETF, directive to release N500 million each, amounting to N1billion takeoff grant to the university, but PTDF

Monarch lauds Jonathan, Navy

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

BUSA—THE traditional ruler and Obuzor of Ibusa, Obi Louis Nwoboshi, has commended the Presidency and the Naval Command for approving the sitting of a Naval School in his community. In a statement by the secretary of Obuzor in Council, Onowu Austine Abuah, Obi Nwoboshi described the decision to establish the Naval School in Ibusa as a welcomed development, which would no doubt bring more development to the area. The monarch commended the Ezemeze and Umuogwo communities in particular for offering their land to the Naval Command, adding that the project when completed would further boost economic and educationaldevelopmentintheareaandentire state. In an interview, Onowu Austin Abuah, who is also the Chairman of Ezemeze Land Committee, said that the decision of his people to donate the land for the Naval School was to support the current administration’s effort in community development.

never gave a penny till date. “As a result, no PTDF project can be found in the university. TETFUND, the former ETF released its share but the money was kept in an account in Abuja

for reasons I don’t know. No penny has been spent from it and we have an underdeveloped institution. “This university was raped and left stranded. It was two weeks

ago that we did our first promotion ever. For six years, no promotion was carried out here, we managed to do promotion and pay salary. We cleared the backlog of allowances, which have been there all these years.”

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Tony Okonedo, Media Manager, Shell Nigeria; Mr. Philip Mshebila, GM, Communication and Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, Country Manager, during the briefing on ‘Let's Go" advsertising for Nigeria by the company in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Mine workers task govts on illegal highway revenue collectors BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT—NIGERIAN Union of Mine Workers, NUMW, has called on the governments of Rivers, Abia and Akwa Ibom states to stop youths, who pose as agents of the various state governments from harassing tipper and truck drivers on federal roads in the states. NUMW in statement, noted that the activities of the touts are constituting serious threat and nuisance on the highways to

trailer drivers, adding that government of the various states should intervene urgently to rid the highways of the touts. The union said that the touts apply illegal means to compel tipper and truck drivers to part with various sums of money on the highway as taxes and levies, an act they said was against the law, adding that there were occasions when the touts pounced on drivers, beating them mercilessly in the extortion bid. The statement by Mr. Uche Durueke, said that the various

state governments should halt the lawlessness, adding that they should also discourage multiple taxations. The group said: “The revenue agents block the highways to collect these monies and tipper and truck drivers are assaulted. Tippers and trucks are obstructed from continuing to their destinations. It is important to state that similar revenues are being collected from these tipper and truck drivers by revenue agents of local government areas in the states.”

LG boss advocates bottom-up approach in council administration desired dividends of democracy

BY IMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY—AS the debate for local governments autonomy continues, Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Mr Emmanuel Momoh, has advocated a bottom-up approach in the administration of the councils. He said it would afford council chairmen the opportunity to understand their environments and the needs of their people better.

Meantime, a socio-political group in Edo State, under the aegis of Evidence Group for True Democracy, in a statement by its state Coordinator, Mr. Friday Musa and Secretary, Mr. Festus Aluya, commended what it described as the developmental strides of Momoh and expressed its readiness to work with him for the interest of the people of the area. Stressing the need for the council boss not to relent in giving the

to the people, the group noted that its members would not hesitate to criticise him or any other council chairman in the state, if they derail from their promises and urged him to ensure that he takes the council to the next level. However, Momoh, who spoke to journalists shortly after a thanksgiving service to mark his victory at the council polls, said: “There is one thing I do that is very peculiar in carrying people along, which is the bottom-up approach and notatop-bottomapproach,becauseIam on the top, so I have to adopt that.”

Delta lawmakers in US for leadership training BY FESTUS AHON

G H E L L I — SPEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, has said that the leadership training programme which members of the House are currently undergoing in California, United States of America is to further prepare them for the challenges ahead. The training at School of Public Policy, University of California, San Francisco, is also being attended by the Clerk of the House, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, some directors and some other aides to key officers of the House. The speaker said: “The training programme is a must for all members of the House as capacity building is a priority to the leadership of the fifth Assembly.” According to him, the choice of the School of Public Policy, was because of the institution’s track record in capacity building training, adding that certificates would be issued to participants at the end of the programme on August 9. He said the that House was committed to the growth and development of the state, noting that “the training programme is tofurtherpreparemembersforthe challenges ahead.”

2015: I won’t declare my guber ambition yet —GBAGI

ARRI—AN aspirant for the Delta State governorship seat in 2015, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has denied media report that he would be declaring his ambition to run tomorrow. Noting that the fact that he would run was not negotiable, he, however, said that tomorrow’s town hall meeting in Sapele, Delta State, was to discuss the transformation agenda, get Urhobo in Delta Central and members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to build their faith in the party and be focused on the achievements of PDP.

Rotary donates chairs, books to Army schools in Delta BY EMMAARUBI ARRI—AS part of its contribution to quality education, the Rotary Club of Effurun, near Warri, Delta State, has donated more than 40 staff chairs and tables, including notebooks to four Army Day Primary

Schools located within the 3 Army Battalion, Effurun Barracks, in Uvwie council area of the state. The club had earlier donated 3,000 notebooks to eight other schools in Effurun and environs during the current rotary year. Making the donation to the

schools, the president, Rotary Club of Effurun GRA, Rotn. Kingsley Gborhohwo, said: “Our teachers need to to be comfortable to impact relevant knowledge on our children.” The District Governor of District 9140, represented by assistant

governor, Rotn. Gilbert Uti, thanked the club members for the contribution and charged them to keep the flag flying. Responding on behalf of the schools, Ms. Mary Ogbeni said that the donation came at the right time, while thanking them for the kind gesture.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Group tasks INEC on free, fair polls in Anambra

APGA chieftain blames party's crisis on INEC

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

HEAD of the November 16 governorship poll in Anambra State, a group, Odimma Anambra Development Association, yesterday called on the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to be transparent and unbiased in the conduct of the election. In a statement by its chairman, Okechukwu Asika, said the election would be free and fair, if the electoral umpire and all the parties involved played by the rules. It stressed the need for parties, including the electorate, to shun violence and focus on a hitch free election in a manner that would allow the best candidate emerge. The group, led by its Chairman, Mr. Okechukwu Asika, said it had resolved to engage all stakeholders in the process to work towards actualizing a free and fair election in the state. He insisted that the era of ‘’God Father’’ had gone in the state, warning that the group would do everything possible to resist any attempt by persons or political parties to impose candidates on the state".

Town union hails Gov Obi over road project BY DAYO BENSON

AGOS State chapter of Abube Development Union has lauded Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State for Abube Agu Villiage Square, Nando- Afor Igbariam road contract which the state government awarded recently. According to the group, the road has been abandoned by successive governments in the state. The group in a statement signed by its president, Mr. Joseph Nzekwe, urged Governor Obi to ensure that the project was not tampered with or abandoned but completed within the stipulated period. It said the people of Nando had suffered untold hardships due to the deplorable state of the road, adding that evacuation of farm produce had been seriously hampered by the poor state of the road.

MEETING—From left: Bayo Ifebajo, Business Development Manager, Prime Atlantic; Nwogbo Baret, COO, Ste-ben Int Transport Inc; Ngozi Aghomi, Supply Chain Manager, Nestle; Olayinka Oni, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria/Guest Speaker; Stella Uche-Agu, Commercial Banking Group, Access Bank; and Oghenovo Pepe Afilaka during the Lagos Business School Executive MBA Class meeting.

Lagos Dep Gov seeks stiffer penalties for human traffickers BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

HE Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, yesterday, called for the enactment of stiffer laws for human traffickers. According to her, this remains the only way the practice can be reduced to the barest minimum. Adefulire, who lamented that the number of persons involved in the illicit trade had continued to increase due to absence of severe penalties, lamented that the menace was jeopardising the lives of innocent citizens and destroying their future. The deputy governor spoke at the

maiden conference on sex work, abuse and human trafficking organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in collaboration with a nongovernmental organisation, the Lydia-Grace Foundation. She noted that as government at all levels heightened the campaign against the trade and continued to provide adequate security at border posts and entry points, efforts must be made to ensure that perpetrators had refused to turn a new leaf, were made to face the music when caught. Noting that the seminar was organised for women because

research had shown that more women were involved in the business, Adefulire charged the womenfolk to resist the temptation of trafficking fellow women and young girls for sex and other illicit trades. Chairman, Lydia-Grace Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, noted that the menace of human trafficking had neither ethnic nor racial or religious boundaries. She pleaded with other state governments to emulate Lagos State by partnering with relevant bodies to ensure the sensitization and campaign were taken round the entire country.

Rights group faults Lagos govt's defence on deportation BY INNOCENT ANABA

civil rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, yesterday, condemned the defence of Lagos State government over its role in dumping in Onitsha, Upper Iweka, Anambra State of 72 less privileged citizens, which it called destitute, describing same as unacceptable. Chairman of the group, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi, in a statement said: “This is because it amounts to gross misconduct, contrary to Section 188(2b) of the 1999 Constitution. "It is also a grave violation of Section 1(3) of the Constitution. By Section 1(3), the Constitution does not share her supremacy with any other law and policy in Nigeria that are clearly incoherent with her

provisions. "From every indication, the government of Lagos State is a clear opposite of an enclave under organic solidarity and a rabid proponent of mechanical solidarity. “Following condemnations that trailed the dumping of 72 destitute in Onitsha-Upper Iweka, by Lagos State Government through its office of Youths and Social Development and the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command; the state government, which initially denied knowledge of the criminal exercise, spoken out and claimed responsibility. “Apart from monumental contradictions inherent in the watery defence, our sociological, legal and

criminological analysis of same, as put up by Lagos State government clearly shows that the state is psychiatrically challenged. “Questions arising from the said statement of defense are: Which provisions of the Constitution or Nigerian Criminal Code empower Lagos State government to engage in reckless internal deportation and dumping of citizens in another federating territory at ungodly hours? "Which court in Nigeria can grant an order detaining citizens, including minors accused of simple offenses, misdemeanors and juvenile delinquencies in illegal detention centres without public and family access and trial for over seven months"?

AGOS State chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Ogbuagu Bartholomew, yesterday, blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the ongoing crisis in the party. He said unless INEC withdrew its recognition of the Chief Victor Umeh’s faction of the party, which he said was in violation of APGA’s constitution, the party would know no peace. Bartholomew, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard, said the reported reconciliation between Chief Victor Umeh and Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, did not in any way affect the party’s National Working Committee which was elected on April 8, 2013, in line with APGA’s constitution. He said: “APGA stands on the April 8 convention which brought up Chief Maxi Okwu as chairman. INEC should recognise the leadership that was produced from that convention and stop recognising Umeh".

Post graduate medical college appoints Atoyebi registrar

HE Governing Board of National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN, has approved the appointment of Professor Oluwole Ayoola Atoyebi, as the new registrar of the college. He succeeded Prof. O. E. Antia-Obong, FMCPaed, whose tenure expired in April, 2013. Atoyebi was born at Ila Oragun, Osun State, Nigeria on November 9, 1953. He attended Oyan Grammer School, Oyan in Osun State (1965 – 69), and was admitted into the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where he obtained a Degree in Medicine (MBBS with Honours) in 1977. He started his residency in surgery in 1980 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. He became a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College in 1990 and West Africa College of Surgeons in the same year.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;39

CHIEF E.K. CLARK HONOURED IN CHICAGO

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Snr; Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and Barr. Felix Anyarouh

From left, Mrs. Jesse Jackson, Clark, Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, and Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Clark

Seated, from left, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Clark, Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark and Mrs. Jesse Jackson. Standing, from left, Barr. Felix Anyarouh, Chief Richard Lamai, Prof. Oladipo Afolabi, Mr. Tonye GrahamDouglas, Jr; Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Dr. Malia Gazama, Sen. Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, Snr; Prof. Saliba Mukoro, Air CDR. Idongesit Nkanga, and Gen. Lawrence Onoja.

CONFERENCE: From left, MD, SNEPCO, Mr. Chike Onyejekwe; Executive Chairman, Afren, Mr. Egbert Imomoh; former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet, and Chairman, Emerald Energy Ltd, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, at the Society of Petroleum Engineers' conference, in Lagos. C M Y K

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Snr; Mrs. Jesse Jackson, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Clark, and Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, receiving African Peace and Development Award, at the 42nd Rainbow Push Coalition Convention in Chicago, by Rev. Jesse Jackson.

LAUNCH: From left; Mr. Dotun Adeniyi, Executive Director Risk Management Skye Bank Plc; Mrs. Ngozika Obidike, Head, Consumer Protection Council; Mr. Kehinde Durosimi-Etti, GMD/ CEO, Skye Bank Plc, and Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Executive Director, South East/ Treasury, Skye Bank Plc, during the launch of Customer Service Charter, by Skye Bank Plc, at Corporate Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos, Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

RAMADAN TALK BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

I’tikaf for Night of Majesty

DINNER—From left: Prime Minister of Cote D’ivoire Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan; Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Olugbanga Ashiru and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, toasting at a dinner in honour of Duncan at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Wednesday. Photo: State House.

INSURGENCE: N150m assistancce to Yobe inadequate — Deputy Gov BY BALA AJIYA

AMATURU — YOBE State Government, has said the N150 million assistance given to the state as a result of the insurgency is grossly in adequate, claiming that the state has expended over N6 billion since the state started witnessing security challenge from in-

surgents. The government, however appealed to the Federal Government to make the N150 million a monthly grant to compliment the effort of the state government. The State Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu, spoke when the chairman and members of the Joint Senate committee on Defense, National Security, Intelligence

and Police Affairs, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Damaturu. According to him, “prior to the security challenges, Yobe State had embarked upon a robust and systematic programme of laying strong infrastructural basis for the development of the state, enhancing service delivery and generally turning its

Improve Police officers’ welfare, Borno Govt tells FG

AIDUGURI— THE Borno State Government on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government to improve the welfare of officers of the Nigeria Po-

Brief

HE End-time Apos tolic Global Network Worldwide Inc., (ETAGN), a body established primarily to unite the body of Christ, Wednesday kicked off its three-day Ministers/ Leadership National Conference themed: “Go forward” at the national headquarters of the ministry in Ota, Ogun State. The annual three-day conference according to the organisers will come to a close on Saturday, August 3, 2013. C M Y K

lice Force to enable them fight crime. Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, the Deputy Governor made the appeal, while receiving the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 12, Mr. Edgar Nanakumo in his office in Maiduguri. He stressed that government must strive hard to improve on the welfare of the members of the police force to motivate them for better performance. Mustapha observed that in other countries, the police were well paid and respected. He noted, however, that in Nigeria, the reverse was the case, yet they perform better in

terms of fighting crime. Mustapha urged the government to equip the police with modern arms and to enable it fight increased crime rate in the society. He also called on government to recruit more police officers in view of the recent increase in crime rate in the country. He commended the Borno State Command for living up to the expectation, especially in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency. Earlier, Nanakumo said his visit was to enable him get firsthand information on the conditions of officers serving in the state. He commended the state government for its supports for the police.

fortunes around. It is regrettable that this pace of development was suddenly disrupted by the outbreak of insurgency causing considerable lost of lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira. “The Federal Government should make the N150 million special grant to the state on monthly basis to compliment the effort of the state government that have so far spent over N6 billion to curtail security challenges in Yobe State. " The way and manner over 222 trailers of grain allocated to Yobe by the federal government was distributed is totally wrong, because ordinarily, the distribution of the grains supposed to be handled by the state government. But the grains were taken to Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu where it was distributed. It caused stampede when people were struggling to have their own share.” Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, said they were in the state to assess how the emergency rule was affecting the government and people of Yobe State. According to him, “We are here to assess the impact on this emergency rule on the people

S the rainy season is suitable for farming, where crops and farm produce will grow and remain fresh, the period of Lailatul Qadri is a period for renewing our relationship with Allah and ensure closeness to Him. Lailatul Qadr means the night of honour and dignity. It is this night, in which the first Divine Revelation came to the Prophet (s.a.w.), when he was in prayer in the cave of Hira. Since this night enjoys the honour of having the first revelation brought to the Prophet (s.a.w.), it has been named Lailatul Qadr. This night had already opened its gates of treasures when the angel, for the first time, had come with the Divine Message, but its auspiciousness has continued to be with us permanently. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “The person who offered prayers to Allah in the Night of Majesty with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven” (Bukhari). This holiest and most blessed night is likely to occur on one of the odd nights on the last 10 days of Ramadan and the reward of worship on this night is better than the worship of a thousand months of worship, equivalent to a person’s lifetime put together. Although the odd nights have been given as clue for locating the Night of Majesty, no one night has been fixed so that the yearning to find it may increase and people may spend more nights in worshiping Allah. This is the reason for I’tikaf (seclusion) during the last 10 days of Ramadan so that we can locate the night and reap the benefits. “Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afu anni” (O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me.)

Security expert tasks govs on IED prevention initiatives BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS—PRESI DENT of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, AISSON, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, yesterday, called on state governments especially in the northern part of the country, to implement State Improved Explosive Device Prevention Initiatives, SIEDPI, with a view to assisting citizens to detect bombers and contact the necessary authorities for rapid response. Speaking in Lagos on what he described as an alarming trend of terrorism in the country, Ekhomu lamented that the latest bomb attacks in Kano State was an evid e n c e

of actualising the Boko Haram threat. He urged Nigerians to maintain constant vigilance to prevent future terrorist attacks, saying “the bombing of New Road and Enugu Road in Sabon Gari on July 29 has shown that the Boko Haram threat in Kano and other states is still grave as well as a clear and present danger. "The displacement theory of crime postulates that strong enforcement measures in one area will force criminals to migrate elsewhere. So, with the emergency rule in the North East which has been quite effective and commendable, terrorists would either give up the fight or migrate to border states or elsewhere.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;41

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole briefing State House Correspondents after he paid a condolence visit to the President over the loss of the mother of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photos: Abayomi Adeshida

Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State (2nd left) leading a delegation from his state that paid a condolence visit to the President over the loss of the mother of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

42—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

‘Bogus varsity' operator docked for fraud BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, yesterday, docked one David Iornem, who was said to have used a bogus university to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians, before a Federal High Court in Abuja. In a three-count criminal charge it entered before the court, the antigraft agency alleged that the accused person collected various sums of money from people under the pretext that he would offer them admission into his university identified as Commonwealth University, Belize. According to ICPC, the accused, on or about January 21, obtained $5,000 from one Akinkiotu Albert Oluwatoyin by falsely representing himself as Professor David Iornem, and collected $800 from one Jamilu Rabiu Sani as application form fee for admission into his “fake university.” Besides, Iornem was said to have on or about July 4, 2012 in Abuja, with intention to defraud, attempted to obtain $11,550 from one Professor Ishaq Oloyede by falsely representing himself to be Professor David Iornem, saying the money was to enable the university to award an academic doctorate degree to his victim.

‘Not guilty’

Meantime, the accused person, yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the entire charge and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000. The court, presided over by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, further ordered the accused to provide a surety in like sum, that his surety must be a Federal Civil Servant of the rank not lower than Level 8, who must swear to an affidavit of means and deposit his/her recent passport with the court. C M Y K

VISIT: From left— President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and President Goodluck Jonathan greet some Nigerians resident in Cotonou at President Jonathan's arrival in Benin Republic for the country's 53rd independence anniversary in Cotonou, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

9,000 Nigerians in foreign prisons, says FG zTo resists £3,000 UK visa bond BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, disclosed that over 9,000 Nigerians were presently languishing in prisons abroad, with the largest number of 752 in the UK, while most of the rest are in prisons in the AsiaPacific region. The government also vowed to take appropriate measures

against the controversial £3,000 bond to be imposed on Nigerian visa applicants to the UK if it comes to fruition in November. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, spoke with journalists, yesterday, after briefing the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the activities of the ministry in the last two years.

He also said that the ministry was investigating the circumstances surrounding the sack of the Nigerian Acting Chief Justice of Gambia, Joseph Wowor, who was alleged to be soliciting bribe over a case. According to him, the country would not defend any Nigerian that breaks laws of other countries, but assured that the ministry will look into the case

Nnamani blames violence on poor infrastructure F

ORMER Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, has identified the lack of critical public infrastructural services as a selling point for the recruitment by merchants of violence in the country. Nnamani spoke at the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Tuesday in Abuja by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He said: “Factors behind insecurity in several parts of the country are complex and multifaceted. “However, experts agree that one of the proven sources of social discontent is a sense of alienation that comes from lack of access to essential public services.” Nnamani, who is the Chairman of ICRC Board, warned that the failure of government to fulfill its obligations to its citizens portends grave dan-

ger for the polity, “because the inability of the citizenry to have access to the vital infrastructural and utility services that make life worth living is a potential source of social discontent and societal instability.” While pledging that the Board will live up to expectation, he said that with the overburdened public sector budget in the country “government resources are not even sufficient for the maintenance of existing infrastructure to say nothing of providing new ones. “Any policy mechanism that will facilitate the delivery of public services to all corners of our great nation will contribute in no small measure in giving our people a sense of belonging.” The inauguration ceremony conducted by the Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo on behalf of the President was held at the

State House, Abuja. The President said: “As a nation, we must in every respect, manifest our capability for the practical transformation of our country, through mutually beneficial partnerships. “MDAs must now show a greater commitment to creative, productive and fruitful partnerships with the private sector.” Other members are Chief Anyin Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Mr. Bello Adoke, Attorney-General of the Federation; Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Minister of Finance and Mallam Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Others are Mrs Comfort Saro-Wiwa, South-South; Engr. Janet Adeyemi, South-West; Hajia Yabawa Wabi, North-East; Musa Elayo, North-Central; Mr. A. U. Kanu, South-East, and Mr. Aminu Dikko, DG, ICRC, North-West.

to ascertain whether any form of highhandedness was use against him. Ashiru said: “We believe in due process and the rule of law. We believe in the judiciary, where our Chief Justice is working round the clock to sanitise the judiciary. “The case in Gambia is being looked into and if there is any case of highhandedness or what ever, the Nigerian government will look into it and take necessary steps to ensure that the interest of Nigeria is protected. “We are all living witnesses to the fact that where any government in Africa unduly takes action against a Nigerian, the Nigerian government will act appropriately. “We have various ways to do that. We have done it in the past and we will continue to do it. “One of our own principles is that we will stand up any where in the world, especially where it is a case of victimisation or injustice. “However, when a Nigerian wilfully plans to commit a crime, then he is on his own because we don’t support criminality, indiscipline or breaking the laws of any country.”

On gay marriage

Ambassador Ashiru added that over 16 billion US dollars came into the country from Nigerians in diaspora. He said Nigeria stands firm against gay rights, warning the United States and United Kingdom to desist from trying to impose gay rights in the country since “our laws, traditions and customs are against it.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 43

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44— Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—45

•Tukur: Party falling apart under him?

•Dickson: Will he be fair?

•Jonathan: Has ambition for 2015

Dickson’s tough job for PDP, Jonathan in S-West THE work of the Governor Seriake Dickson reconciliation committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be crucial for President Goodluck Jonathan’s immediate political ambitions. Underneath is a presentation of the issues that are bound to come the way of the panel

T was no doubt an act of personal sacrifice for Governor Serikae Dickson taking the new job of chairing the latest reconciliation panel of the PDP. Governor Dickson was supposed to commence his annual holidays on August 5 and reconciling the ever bickering members of his party was not his idea of a holiday. “The leave had been planned to commence from the 5th of August, 2013.The decision to move the date was among other things informed by the governor ’s present role as chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, the need for expeditious attention to the committee’s job and other pressing state duties,” an aide of the governor disclosed in a statement last week. However, his restraints were after some initial hesitation immediately cast aside as the duty before him was clearly defined: The job of putting the party in order in the 13 opposition states. Inaugurating the Dickson committee last week, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, emphasized that the panel must put it as a priority to win back the 13 states presently in the hands of the opposition political parties. Winning back the opposition

states would inevitably depend on restoring peace in the 13 states almost all of which are today in disorder. It was against the background of the crucial importance of restoring order that the president, it was learnt, insisted that his most trusted confidant among the governors, that is Dickson, whose governorship was a personal project of the president should lead the reconciliation. Of course, the announcement of the Dickson committee was met with immediate disapproval in some quarters with some alleging that he was not very versed in PDP politics to lead such a move. Others quarreled that he was as much a problem in the crisis to be a peacemaker.

Plethora of reports Those assertions were besides the plethora of reports of past reconciliation moves in the party that have remained unimplemented. Irrespective of the odds, Dickson has taken to the job with much aplomb. For him, the fact that restoring peace in the party is key to the Jonathan 2015 project, is a driving force. The focus of the national party on achieving peace in the SouthWest is against the background of the near total grasp of the newly registered All Progressives Congress, APC on the politics of the South-West. With an estimated 14 million registered

voters, the South-West comes only second to the North-West in the number of registered voters in the country. Giving the present political issues between the president and most of the governors in the North-West, it undoubtedly has become important to his policy team to secure the South-West well ahead of the presidential primaries likely due in late 2014. That, however, is a tall order which in the mind of some of the president’s minders needs a man with a bulky political frame. However, there is strong reservation that the regime in the national secretariat of the PDP has since 2011 chosen the wrong characters in its dealings with the region leaving some of the entrenched political stakeholders to adopt the posture of siddon look. The Dickson committee would be especially tasked in addressing the problems in the different states. Ogun PDP and the task of reconciling Obasanjo, Daniel, Martins-Kuye groups with Kashamu’s The crisis in the party in Ogun State is multifaceted and that is despite the presence of many eminent party men, the first among whom is former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In fact, the abundance of eminent men may have turned into a disadvantage as the party is now split among the most eminent men. The major crisis ravaging the umbrella party in the state has been hinged on supremacy

tussle amongst the heavyweights in the party who include Chief Obasanjo, former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye and a multimillionaire businessman and Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State-born Prince Buruji Kashamu, who is firmly in possession of the party about a year ago and has received not less than 10,000

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, GBENGA OLARINOYE, DAYO JOHNSON, OLA AJAYI, DAPO AKINREFON & DAUD OLATUNJI

Ibikunle Amosun has reasonably latched on to the crisis in the PDP to enjoy a largely unfettered reign in the polity. The Dickson committee would have to seriously massage egos in Ogun State especially that of President Obasanjo and also call to caution elements in the national secretariat of who are said to be pulling the strings of the crisis in the state as a way of having their own back on Obasanjo and their larger enemies in the South-West. Patching the tattered clothes in Ondo: Since the former governor of the state Dr. Olusegun Agagu

The Dickson committee would have to seriously massage egos in Ogun State especially that of President Obasanjo and also call to caution elements in the national secretariat of who are said to be pulling the strings of the crisis in the state

defectors from other parties including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Since Obasanjo was dispossessed of the structure of the party few months ago by the NWC, the former president and his followers have stayed away from the affairs of the party in the state. Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was the South-West coordinator of the party has equally not had it rosy of recent and is said to be the pillar behind the resurgence of Labour Party in the state in recent times. Also, on his own now is Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye who is said to be preparing to leave the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. The state governor, Senator

was ousted through the courts in 2009, the PDP umbrella has remained largely in tatters and factionalised into two blocks with the former governor leading a group and the other led by the duo of Prof Olu Agbi and Chief Segun Adegoke. Agbi was a former ambassador to Austria while Adegoke, remarkably, was once Agagu’s political adviser. Agagu is in full control of the state executive with Hon Ebenezer Alabi as chairman. Agagu’s group alleges that the Agbi-Adegoke group is a puppet of the incumbent governor, Dr Segun Mimiko while the AgbiAdegoke faction accuses the Agagu tendency of partnering with the defunct ACN to sabotage Continued on page 47

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Delta 2015:

The search for Uduaghan’s successor

WHEN Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan quits as chief helmsman of Delta State on May 29, 2015, who will be his successor? BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

WILL the person come from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or opposition parties like the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and others? Will he come from Delta North, Delta Central or Delta South? Will the person be a thorough politician, technocrat, egg-head, man or woman? These are some of the questions that the electorate must answer as posturing for the 2015 elections gathers momentum. Though the polls are almost 20 months away the Delta State political landscape is already astir with an avalanche of aspirants, who want to succeed Uduaghan, the third civilian governor of the state. The aspirants, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state are currently strategizing, consulting, mobilizing, aligning and re-aligning to gain advantage at the polls. They are also deploying their pedigree - educational, economic and network of contacts into the race. There is also the question of zoning and ability to deliver. Since the creation of the state, Delta North has not produced the governor while Delta Central and South have had turns through Olorogun Felix Ibru, Chief James Ibori and Uduaghan. Among those considered to be jostling for the Asaba Government House are Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Victor Ochei, Elder Godsday , Orubebe, Chief Great Ogboru,

•Uduaghan: Exiting governor

Conscripted leaders

•Gbagi: Also in the race for corruption. Hon Sam Obi is former speaker of Delta State House

Though the polls are almost 20 months away the Delta State political landscape is already astir with an avalanche of aspirants, who want to succeed Uduaghan, the third civilian governor of the state Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Chief Godswill Obielum. Others include: Ndudi Elumelu, Ovie Omo-Agege, Chief Solomon Ogba, Ngozi Ulejeme, Saliba Umukoro, Peter Okocha and Hon Sam Obi. The aspirants: Chief Great Ogboru is a veteran governorship candidate in the state, who has been contesting for the post since 2003. He was in the last race on the banner of the DPP. He insists he had been robbed in the past contests and has vowed to take over power from the ruling PDP, which he described as cabals

•Okowa: Running a race

than he met it. Essentially, he says he wants to prepare Deltans for life after crude oil. The governor surprised Deltans last Democracy Day when he used the day to advise Delta youths to channel their minds towards entrepreneurship skills as opposed to dependence on crude oil and natural gas. On this score, some stakeholders said the way forward for Delta State is for the people to look well and elect a governor who will build on the developmental strides of past administrations; a man of excellence who has the interest of development (human, material and capital) of the state at heart. In doing this, they want Deltans to take into account qualities of the man not his tribe, sectional interest or religion. In other words they should base their choice of candidate and eventual governor on excellence. There are also critics of the governor and his predecessor, James Ibori. They say that Delta State needs a decisive change in 2015.

of Assembly and was an acting governor of the state during the 2011 re-run election. Hon. Victor Ochei, an engineer is the present speaker of Delta State House of Assembly. He is said to be a creative and innovative philanthropist. Chief Godswill Obielum is a security Czar, who has attained a statesmanship status in political circles both at the grassroots and national levels. Hon Godsday Orubebe is the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. He is said to have paid his dues

•Ochei: Wants to be governor in Delta PDP. Clement Ofuani is a financial whiz-kid, who is said have unblemished public and private careers. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is presently in the National Assembly representing Delta North. He is a medical doctor with vast experience in politics and administration. Chief Peter Okocha, a multimillionaire businessman, who once contested for Delta governorship election against Dr. Uduaghan on the platform of the Action Congress (AC), is expected to join the race soon. Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi is a veteran Delta State governorship aspirant, immediate past Minister of State (Education), a lawyer, philanthropist, seasoned business czar and one of the highest investors and employers of labour in Delta. The first African-born member of the Rotary International’s

Arch C. Klumph society once chaired the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria. He is considered a man of principle and means. Festus Keyamo, a lawyer has made his mark as a social crusader and rights activist. He insists that it is time for Delta State to witness a progressive change. Continuation of Uduaghan’s legacy: Giving the horde of aspirants, analysts have stressed the need for Deltans to elect a credible and capable person, who has the wherewithal to take the state to the next level after Uduaghan. As the governor of Delta State since 2007, Uduaghan, in spite of the re-run hiccups in 2011 against Chief Great Ogboru and others, has been able to make some giant strides and deliver dividends of democracy to Deltans, his supporters claim. Through his three-point agenda, Uduaghan has made efforts to leave Delta better

They claim that over the years, Delta politics had been directly controlled by highly placed cabals in the state. According to them, the resultant effect is that the state resources have been politically mismanaged by imposed and conscripted leaders who never sailed through the choice of Deltans but selected by cabals of the state. To this school of thought, Delta needs a fearless man to stop the rot, halt the slide into hopelessness and re-direct Delta to the course of recovery, growth and development. Such a person, they said, should be someone who is unblemished and principled and has not risen to prominence through government jobs and appointments. He should also be a man of means with huge investments especially in the state; a man who is looking for the top most seat to offer service and not to amass wealth. Need for security: And to ensure a free, credible and violence-free election, some observers have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to be vigilant and do the needful by beaming their searchlights on Delta. Reacting to these issues, Olorogun Gbagi, an Urhobo,

Continues on page 47

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013—47

Dickson’s tough job for PDP, Jonathan in S-west Continues from page 45 Mimiko. The differences between the groups recently came to the fore when the Mr. Toye Olofintuyi-led Reconciliation Committee set up by the South-West secretariat of the party visited the state. They presented different irreconcilable opinions on the resolution of the crisis rocking the party in the state before the committee on the illegitimacy of the structures paraded by the two groups. While the faction loyal to Agbi insisted that there was no state executive committee known to the law, the party elders’ forum expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Alabi as chairman of the party in the state. The Agagu group said the faction loyal to Agbi must publicly renounce its support for Governor Mimiko before they could be reabsorbed into the party. Also, they said the faction loyal to the LP governor must withdraw the frivolous case it is pursuing against the duly elected executive of the party. They accused some leaders of the

•Alao-Akala:Won highest votes for PDP in S/west as gathered, are allegedly led by Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Jumoke Akinjide, Senator Teslim Balogun, Elder Wole Oyelese, Dr. Dejo Raimi, Yekini Adeojo and Senator Lekan Balogun. Remarkably, Alao-Akala, who was unarguably the biggest fighter among the PDP governors and helped the party

As the reconciliatory ship berths in Lagos, it is expected that the seeming feud among George, Filani, Finnih and others will be settled, if the party is to wrest power from the APC in 2015

party of “coming up with phenomenon known as ‘PDP Gbasibe’ after the party had picked its candidate for the last governorship election. They added that the group abhorred a situation where the party is seen as a property of an individual in the person of Dr Agagu. The Agagu group is also pissed off by the support that the Presidency tactically gave to Dr Mimiko during his re-election. Also, major political positions ought to be reserved for PDP members were given to Labour Party members following the closeness of Mimiko to President Jonathan. Oyo PDP: One party, four parts: In Oyo State, the Dickson committee would be confronted with a party that is split almost in four parts. The warring camps

to gain the little presence it has in the South-West, according to some stakeholders, has been particularly marginalized by the new tendency in the party that has focused on money moguls from Ogun State to give direction to the party in the zone. Alao-Akala it would be recalled was the only state party leader in the zone, who was able to fend off the offensive of the defunct ACN and was able to deliver the only PDP senator from the SouthWest. Alao-Akala who lost the gubernatorial election by about 30,000 votes was also able to deliver eight out of 14 federal constituencies in Oyo State to the PDP in 2011. “It is people like Akala that they should be looking at to drive and re-energise the party in the region,” one leading stakeholder from Oyo State said last Monday.

With Akala lying low it is not surprising that the party in Oyo remains split. Alhaji Gbolarumi Azeem, however, demurred claiming that there are no more factions in the state an assertion that is heavily contested by Oyelese another party chieftain. Oyelese on his part has cautioned the party to move fast to heal wounds and wondered why reports of previous reconciliation committees that were set up were set aside. Oyelese also suggested that the 2007 state executives should be brought back to conduct a state congress. It’s George versus the others in Lagos: Since 1999 the PDP, in Lagos State has been in opposition following its consistent dismal performance in the polls. The party, however, has been in the firm grip of Commodore Bode George (rtd), the party’s erstwhile deputy national chairman. But the George tendency with his men in firm control has lately been severally challenged but found unshakable. In the latest effort, Dr. Oluyomi Finnih recently alleged that the party in the state has been dissolved. Dismissing the claim, chairman of the party in the state, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd) stated that the Lagos PDP has been given a clean bill of health as far as 2012 congress is concerned. As the reconciliatory committee ship of the PDP berths in Lagos, it is expected that the seeming

The search for Uduaghan’s successor Continues from page 46 said Delta deserved to get the best in 2015. He urged all qualified sons and daughters of Delta to join the race to enable Deltans pick the best at the polls. He frowned at calls for zoning of the governorship seat to any zone saying it was counter-productive and infringes on the rights of citizens to aspire to higher offices in the state.

His words: “It is irresponsible to zone the presidential and governorship seats. Zoning has never worked in Nigeria. "In the election that brought Governor Uduaghan, people from Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South contested. You must allow people to vote according to their beliefs. "I welcome my brothers from Delta North and Delta South to the contest just as I, from Delta Central, I’m entitled by the

•Obasanjo: His image no longer looming

constitution to contest. Zoning means my right of existence as a Deltan should be extinguished. I am a founding member of the PDP; I contested the PDP governorship primary in 1999 with Chief James Ibori and others. "There is no document or agreement to disenfranchise any senatorial district in Delta State governorship election. I respect the right of any Deltan to aspire to the office of governor of Delta State.”

•George: Doesn't want to be schemed out

feud among George, Filani and Finnih is settled, if the party is to wrest power from the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Lagos state come 2015. Osogbo: Multi-faceted crisis The PDP crisis in Osun State has both local and national colourations. The national coloration of the crisis has to do with efforts of those believed to be foot soldiers of the president working for his second term ambition to clip the wings of the other group working closely with former President Obasanjo to frustrate the second term ambition. The two major personalities leading the ground war are Senator Iyiola Omisore for Team Jonathan with the immediate past governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola leading the Obasanjo crowd. Presently, the party structure, is in the full grabs of Omisore and it is not surprising that the state chapter recently endorsed Dr. Jonathan for a second term.

Campaign office The group has also subsequently opened a campaign office for the president in the state. It was noteworthy that none of those in the Obasanjo crowd such as Oyinlola, former secretary to the state government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Hon Wole Oke and Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi attended the event. The campaign office located along Gbongan road, Osogbo is owned by Senator Omisore which he used as his gubernatorial campaign office until the 2010 Court of Appeal judgment which pronounced Rauf Aregbesola as the authentic winner of the April 14, 2007 governorship election in the state. The Omisore group has the support of Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, a member of Board of Trustees of the party and Minister of State for Defence and Oyinlola’s former deputy, Erelu Olusola Obada.

•Omisore: Wants to be governor The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa is believed to be enjoying the support of the national leadership of the party to ensure President Jonathan secures maximum votes from Osun during the national congress of the party and Senator Omisore, a personal friend of Vice President Namadi Sambo is rumoured to be serving as link between the state chapter of the party and presidency. On the other hand, the group working with Obasanjo and Oyinlola has three out of the four major gubernatorial aspirants with Omisore, being the only known exception. The three are Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former SSG under Oyinlola’s administration, Hon Oluwole Oke, a two term member of the House of Representatives member and chairman House Committee on Defence, and Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi , former Minister of Youths during Obasanjo’s second term in office in its fold. The group, it was learnt, is being sidelined in the scheme of things in the party and reconciliation would entail Abuja dealing with the two factions with an even hand and removing the suspicion that the party at the national and state levels are working for Jonathan and Omisore to win the presidential and gubernatorial tickets respectively.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

FRIEND took me to task last week on what he described as a “notorious” bias against the current President by the Nigerian media. To him, many commentators have not shown enough understanding of President Jonathan’s Transition Agenda. Like all apologists of the present federal government, there is always a lively progress report to make. As a matter of fact, going by statistical reports, the economy has shown signs of improvements in the last two years of the present federal government. Inflation which has always been the scourge of the economy has been forced down from about 12% to an average of 9% recently. Though the taming of inflation as reported statistically bears little or no relationship with the reality in the layman‘s market (inflation of about 20%), the achievement is praise worthy and commendable. The growth in the national income by about 6% could count as a success in a situation where the GDP rate of growth in many economically advanced countries is about 1 to 3%. In a parrot-like fashion, my friend reminded me by his forceful argument of the increase in foreign exchange reserves, and also increases in earnings from nonoil exports. I was also told of the modernization of the country‘s airports and building of new roads and the maintenance of the old ones. That these achievements should be noted by impartial analysts, I have no serious argument against. And perhaps, in the defense of the often maligned commentators, their observations are often based on what they see and not on what they are told in the absence of official guided tours. Some would believe in the common saying that, “seeing is believing” and the rhetorics of ‘pictures don‘t lie‘. The lack of effective communication should not be the fault of the commentators. There is no doubt that the present federal government is trying its best in the prevalent tough economic and political terrain of the country called Nigeria. Some say it is just a geographical expression while others believe that

07059197616

In politics we are amiss:

In economics, we're amiss Nigeria is many ‘nations forced into one. It is sad, if not painful that the Nigerian governments (federal, state and local governments) would like analysts and commentators to be sycophantic rather than being objective and subservient, instead of appearing factual. Many apologists often take critical assessments of events and actions as direct attack on the person of the President or character assassination of certain governors. Far from it, it is logical to assume that the action of some commentators is driven by objectivity and patrotism. It might have nothing to do with the height, colour, religion or tribe of the incumbents of official posts. It is noted that before election, politicians of every shades and colours from all parties would promise peace and prosperity through full employment, less inflation in a corrupt free society. But what is the situation on ground? It is a panorama of a corrupt society, divided into very rich and extremely poor segments. At present, the statistics are impressive on macro-economic stability but with heavy urban unemployment and rural poverty. To objective analysts, the present economic policy of the federal government lacks sound objectivity and required

flexibility. It does not make economic sense for an import dependent nation to adopt a low value for its currency – an action which would affect adversely its domestic price level, work against the fortunes of its exports and encourage imports (through smuggling or otherwise). Such anti-growth policy would ruin and has contributed to the closure of otherwise vibrant manufacturing plants in the country despite the Central Bank‘s indirect incentives. High cost of necessary modern production equipment and spare parts pose great danger to the revival of the manufacturing industry. A glaring weakness of the economic transformation programme is its stubborn reliance on paper growth based on the mortal fear of rising prices. Of what is the worth of a rise in the rate of GDP and mass unemployment or as President Jonathan noted on the statistical figures that don‘t translate into food on the table or good treatment in the hospital?. The evil of poverty (through unemployment and faulty distribution of income) is with us – insurgency and sharp rise in criminal activities (senseless killings, armed robberies, prostitutions, etc). The Nigerian people had lived with moderate inflation for a long time without

facing the prospect of untimely death. Therefore, a modest rise in price-level could be an added incentive to stimulate effective demand and create additional employment. Within its economic transformation agenda, there should be room for injection of more funds into the real economy for infrastructural developments; it should also accommodate a phase of ‘cheap money‘ (easy access and low lending rate of interest) as it is being done in other developed nations. However, it looks like as if the progressive fiscal policy of Dr (Mrs) Okonjo-Iweala is being undermined by the conservatism of the Central Bank and its conservative Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The President, to some observers, is looking unconcerned but gazing lustily towards 2015. Politics As the economy is trying to battle its way out of threatened depression nurtured by the tough monetary stance of the Central Bank (assumed to have the blessing of the President), the political horizon continues to be hazy and rather confusing. Some political parties have shed their individual identities to wear the toga of a single party in order to provide the alternative government of the federation. This is good news even if there is yet an announcement on a definite policy change from the one being pursued by President Jonathan on specific issues – structure of the country; cost of running government; fiscal federalism; accountability; security and corruption. However, the most disturbing aspect of the nations‘ politics is the instability of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That great party, presumably found and initially funded by the old military generals to bring one of them to power, seems to be on the path of selfdestruction. The problem is that it may be difficult to remove a divided ruling party at the centre because of other extraneous factors other than performance only.

The corruption in anti-corruption watch BY DANLADI NDAYEBO

HE world over, Non G o v e r n m e n t a l Organizations (NGOs) are agencies, organizations or social movements that open up the liberal political space, engender equalization of opportunities; improve the circumstances of disadvantaged peoples and institutions and hold governments to account. Ordinarily, NGOs are expected to be not profit-oriented and are supposed to be independent of the control of government. These usually value-based institutions or organs pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interest of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development. But in Nigeria, the mushrooming phenomenon in the third world has prompted some scholars to contend that it has suffered some “explosion, derailment, and displacement”. This is because charlatans who merely masquerade as NGO operatives have infiltrated the rank of these social, popular democratic movements. Drawing from his experience

with his hitherto leftist friends, associates and acquaintances, Edwin Madunagwu in 2006 underscored the proliferation and bastardization of the NGO sector thus: “Almost every friend I know, every comrade of mine has an NGO. I know someone who is running three non-governmental organizations, is involved in about five others, and has about four others already registered awaiting activation when the need arises.” Any keen observer of the events that have shaped the nation’s politics in the last few months will discern the unwieldy tendency of political actors to use these “change-agents” to foster acrimony and disunity in our dear nation. A case in point is an unknown organisation that goes by the name, Anti-Corruption Watch and its recent activities. Existing only on newspaper advertorial pages, it has made it a business to teach independent government agencies their modus operandi only to please their paymasters. Currently, the amorphous Non Governmental Organization played the devil’s advocates by inciting the public and the Economic and Financial Crimes

•Aliyu: In the eye of the storm? Commission (EFCC) to beam searchlight on Niger State over some spurious allegation that first sprouted in 2009 at the height of the political shenanigans orchestrated to filibuster the job of the Chief Servant, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu. Being a whistle blower, the Anti Corruption Watch can only be applauded if the job that it has elected to do is anchored on truth. But the present exercise is a failed attempt at mischief to put spanner in the work that has been

internationally acknowledged as exemplary. But the climate has gone sully again because of 2015. Now, time is ripe for political do-gooders to dig into things known and unknown to convince their paymasters that the Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu’s administration does not justify the rating that has put Niger as a frontline state in terms of poverty reduction and great developmental strides. The same state that is currently rated as the least poverty-stricken state is now being tarred by those without empirical basis as corruptionriddled and enmeshed in sharp practices. Had they known that the allegations of wrong-doings have been investigated and dispensed with by the agencies accused of ineptitude, they would have covered their faces in shame. Scooping money from their gullible promoters to incite the masses against the administration only exhibit the limitations of the paymasters and their hack men. This was the same route of perdition that ended grievously and many of them had to eat their words when the Babangida Aliyu’s

administration set out to develop all the sectors of socio-economic life of the people. It is understandable that the mouth of detractors who had failed woefully to wrestle power by hook or crook should be filled with sour grapes. Now in collaboration with people who feel the Governor has an eye on the top or would not brook the idea of leaving the top seat as an exclusive preserve of present occupants, they have gone back to their faeces to rake up maggots. The real and behind-the-scene motives for the unrelenting mischief making by well-known detractors of the current administration in Niger State should be obvious to all thinking people. No one who visited Niger State before and after Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu came to power will fail to attest to the fact that he has filled the void of the same devastated state that had been abandoned in a state of helplessness.

*Danladi Ndayebo is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 49

C M Y K

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

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Confirmation of Name I, Awinogho Rukevwe Keyoma, wish to be inform the general public that the name Awinogho Rukevwe Keyoma refer to one and the same person as Awinogho Rukevwe Robert Keyoma. All former documents bearing the name Awinogho Rukevwe Keyoma remain valid. General public please take note.

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ILOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lilian Chinenye Iloh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lilian Chinenye Ejeta. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and general public please take note.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 51

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Egypt crisis: Pro-Morsi protesters defy govt warning

UPPORTERS of oust ed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi continued to rally in Cairo, despite calls by the interim governments for protesters to leave two camps set up in the capital. Eye witnesses on Thursday told Al Jazeera that military helicopters were hovering at low altitude over the sit-in at Cairo’s Rabaa al-Adawiya district, where demonstrators have been calling for the reinstatement of Morsi after his removal by the army on July 3. Tn a statement on Thursday, the country’s interior ministry urged protesters to leave the camps, offering “a safe exit” to those who heeded the call. The ministry “calls on those in Rabaa al-Adawiya and Nahda squares to let reason and the national interest prevail, and to quickly leave,” it said in a statement. On Wednesday night, the interim government ordered the army to take action against protesters. It said it authorised police to take “gradual steps” to break up the weeks-long rallies. No specified date has

been decided upon for clearing out the sit-ins, Hany Abdel Latif, the interior ministry spokesperson, told Reuters news agency. Following the warning

against the rallies, the US State Department urged Egypt to respect the right of peaceful assembly. “We have continued to urge the interim govern-

Germany’s Guido Westerwelle, the first foreign minister to visit Egypt since Morsi was deposed, urged authorities to avoid “the appearance of selective justice”.

Russia grants Snowden asylum

Pro-Morsi protesters in Egypt

Tsvangirai calls Zimbabwe polls ‘huge farce’,

IMBABWE’s presidential election was a “huge farce”, PM Morgan Tsvangirai has said, alleging vote-rigging by rival President Robert Mugabe’s camp. Mr Tsvangirai said that Wednesday’s poll was “null

and void”. The largest group of election observers described the vote as “seriously compromised” and said up to a million Zimbabweans were prevented from voting. Mr Mugabe’s party which is claiming a victory - denied the accusations,

Ariel Castro faces life jail O NE of the three women imprisoned in an Ohio home for about a decade has told their captor he will “face hell for eternity”, as he is sentenced. Michelle Knight, 32, wept as she delivered her victim impact statement before Ariel Castro. The court also heard how the 53-year-old former school bus driver played Russian roulette with his victims and kept them chained up. Castro, who is also expected to speak, faces a life term plus 1,000 years. The captives, Ms Knight, 32, Amanda Berry, 27, and Gina DeJesus, 23, were rescued in May after one of them escaped from the Cleveland home. In a victim impact statement at Thursday’s hearing, Ms Knight told how Castro went to

ment, officials and security forces, to respect the right of peaceful assembly,” deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told a news briefing. “That obviously includes sit-ins”.

church every Sunday, before coming home to “torture” the women. “I spent 11 years in

hell. Now your hell is just beginning,” she said. “You will face hell for eternity.”

British Journalists react to twitter bomb threats

RITISH police have launched an investigation after several female British journalists received bomb threats on Wednesday evening. TIME’s Europe editor Catherine Mayer, Hadley Freeman, a columnist for the Guardian newspaper, and Grace Dent, a columnist for the Independent newspaper, all received identical tweets from an anonymous user or users whose Twitter handle contained a mix of letters and numbers. It appears the account has either been suspended or deleted. The threats

follow threats of violence directed at other British women via their Twitter accounts. Several other women were also targeted with the same threat: Sara Lang, a social media manager at the American Association of Retired Persons in Washington (Lang appears to be the only non-British-based woman targeted); Katie Hartwill, an assistant to British Member of Parliament Chloe Smith and Anna Leskiewicz, editor of Oxford University ’s student newspaper, Cherwell.

saying the voting went smoothly. The 89-year-old leader is running for a seventh term as president. The head of the African Union observer mission, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, said his initial assessment was that the vote was free and fair. And other regional observers have praised the peaceful nature of the election. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has five days to declare who won the poll. The commission said vote counting at polling stations had been completed on Thursday, and results were now being collated, the AFP news agency reports.

UGITIVE former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden slipped quietly out of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport yesterday after being granted a year’s asylum in Russia, ending more than five weeks in limbo in the transit area. Russia’s decision to help the American, and ignore U.S. requests to send him home to face trial for leaking details of government surveillance programs, is sure to anger Washington and increase doubts that a summit between presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin will go ahead in Moscow in September. After 39 days avoiding hordes of international reporters desperate for a glimpse of him, Snowden managed to give them the slip again, leaving the airport in a car. “Over the past eight weeks we have seen the Obama administration show no respect for international or domestic law but in the end the law is winning,” Snowden, whose first leaks were published two months ago, was quoted as saying by the WikiLeaks antisecrecy group which has assisted him.

BRIEFS

Moscow sets up camp for migrants

USSIAN civil emergencies staff are building a camp in Moscow to house nearly 1,400 illegal migrants amid a wave of raids.

Tents and field kitchens are being erected in the north-east of the city to house the migrants arrested at a garment factory on Wednesday.

Explosion in Syrian city of Homs kills 40 explosion at a weapons

ORTY people were killed and at least 120 people were wounded in an

cache in the central Syrian city of Homs yesterday , a group opposed to President Bashar al-Assad said.

52— Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 53 CHIEF E. K. Clark may not be the most popular politician in the country. There are people who dread him for his harsh criticisms. They do everything to avoid him. Clark could hound anybody no matter how well or highly placed. He is the old man of Nigerian politics and sometimes the politicians don’t know what to do with him or how to face him. He is blunt and could be rash. There are also those who revere him. He fights a course that he believes in and in doing so he doesn’t give a hoot about diplomacy. There are those who hold him in high esteem for that. Yet, there are those who feel he exceeds bounds in seeming unwarranted attacks on those who oppose his views. Recently, his attacks on those opposed to another term for President Goodluck Jonathan were so blunt that many likened his position to a declaration of war. At the early stage of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure, Chief E. K Clark caused the man sleepless nights. The respect Uduaghan continued to accord him did not change the fighter in him. But that’s Clark for you. Doggedness has become his virtue and many admire his guts especially when he attacks people in public office. Last Friday in Warri, Clark had prepared to unleash some salvo on Sule Lamido, the governor of Jigawa State whom he said had criticised him two days earlier. The platform was to be the closing ceremony of the E.K Clark National Wrestling Championship at the beautiful Brown Hill Event Centre. 24 States were in attendance. It was a good platform to make a political statement and Lamido was to get some bashing. But immediately he stepped into the hall the bout announced was between a wrestler from Jigawa and another from Delta. Clark froze. Lamido had sponsored the Jigawa contingent to participate in an event in his honour. He froze. Sports has played its role as unifier and right there before him he felt the great impact of sports. He became emotional. He had to sheath his sword and immediately turned to an apostle of peace. He was overwhelmed by the power of sports and urged all Nigerians to embrace peace and be united. He said that nothing could unify Nigeria more than sports and encouraged the development of sports in the country. The atmosphere at the Brown Hill Centre so touched him that he apologised to Nigerians over any statement he made in the past that hurt anybody or appeared to heat up the polity. Delta sponsored the event in his honour and the ever sports loving governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was beside him. He looked at him and pleaded with the governor to forgive him for any wrong he might have done him in the past. For

08053068728

That E K Clark apology! Clark, Nigeria must be one indivisible nation where politicians should play by the rules and allow peace to reign. I want to quote Clark copiously from his speech for us to appreciate the importance of sports and perhaps a new Chief Edwin Clark:

Cardiff

Continues from BP an £850,000 bid rejected, However, Cardiff look set to step up their interest as their boss Malky Mackay looks for a proven top-flight striker to aid his side in their bid to stay up this season.

Mackay has already secured the signings of Andreas Cornelius and Steven Caulker, spending almost £20million, but he is keen to make further additions.

Continues from BP will be security officer for the game while former Ghana international defender Anthony Baffoe will be the match commissioner. Malawi need to win to qualify for the next round while the hosts just need a draw. Scova said it was an achievement for a 29year-old to be given such a high profile game. “I know many will say he is too young to handle such a game, but what matters is the competence. If they have given him such a game it means Fifa trusts him. And for him this should be no mean achievement,” he said.

On fears that he can end up giving in to pressure from the Nigerian fans Scova said referees are professionals and do not budge in such circumstances. “It also happens here at home in high profile games like between Bullets and Wanderers. Supporters would want you to officiate based on what they want, but we just do our job based on laws of the game,” he said. Earlier, the Malawian FA had expressed some reservations over the choice of the young referee for such a high profile game.

Ref

He was overwhelmed by the power of sports and urged all Nigerians to embrace peace and be united

“There is one thing I always tell Nigerians, that Delta state is the home of sports. In those days in Warri province, we produced the best athletes, best footballers, the best in all categories of sports, but we went down for some time and some states took over from us until we changed and started winning and winning and we will continue to win. To you the Governor of Delta State, I express my profound gratitude for the honour done to me by this championship and on my right (turning to Hon Victor Ochei) the speaker of Delta State House of Assembly I wish to express my gratitude. He is my son, his father was my very good friend and uncle and I used to call him ‘Osualili’. His father used to be a top man in those good days. “I am a politician and I love sports and I say that the only thing that can bring this country closer and closer together as a united entity is Sports. Your excellency, the day we (Super Eagles) played against Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa I fell sick by force. As I watched the match, I was moving from one end of my room to another until the goal was scored and Nigeria won.

Federation Cup: Enyimba battle Lobi

HE Nigeria Football Federation yesterday released the fixtures and venues for the semi final matches of the 2013 Men’s Federation Cup competition, following Wednesday’s quarter final games. Two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba FC of Aba, who saw off the challenge of ambitious Nasarawa United FC of Lafia in Abeokuta, will

square up against last year’s runners-up Lobi Stars of Makurdi, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. Warri Wolves, which stunned Premier League defending champions Kano Pillars 3-0 in Ilorin, are up against giant-killers Akwa United FC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi. Both matches come up on August 21.

Akpabio, Elegbeleye for Uyo 2013 W'lifting

KWA Ibom state governor Obong Godswill Akpabio and Director General National Sports Commission Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye will top the list of dignitaries expected to grace the closing ceremony of Uyo 2013 national weightlifting championship today (friday). President of

I became well again immediately. So, if we encourage sporting activities, half of the job of keeping Nigeria together would have been done. It will be easier. “Two days ago, the governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Lamido spoke about me and criticized me in his state. I said I will also come to my Delta state and criticize him and I said today, I will criticize him here. But when I came here this morning, the bout that was taking place was between Jigawa and Delta. So, immediately I had to sheath my sword. I felt that if the governor of Jigawa state could sponsor his wrestling contingent to this championship, then, there was no reason to launch the attack on him. Politicians believe in the image of Nigeria but for their personal interest and for their political esteem things happen. “I will like to use this opportunity to apologise to all Nigerians that if by any of my statements, I made reference to anything that will threaten the unity of this our great country, I apologise. Forgive me. I am now 86. I will do anything that will unite this country and so, I am also appealing to my other politicians to emphasize those things that will keep this country together. We have nothing to gain by threatening the unity of this country. By January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be celebrating its 100 years of existence as a country. Nigeria is a large country. It’s like when Elephants meet and are together, there is more and enough for everyone. You will take your own and go and another person will come and take his own and go. Today, somebody is in and tomorrow, somebody is out, so what are we fighting for? So, I am appealing to all Nigerians, to all politicians that we should emphasize on those things that will bind us together. ( Again, turning to governor Uduaghan) And your excellency, I come back to you, forgive me. If I have said anything that caused you some embarrassment, you are my son, forgive me. I say to all Deltans, we have only one government, one governor, His excellency Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan. Let’s support him. Finally, I will like to express my profound gratitude to all the athletes from the 24 states taking part in this competition. May God be with you all. “As a politician, I must not forget, we need a National Conference. You can’t stop us from talking. I am appealing to Mr President that we need a National Conference where we will all come together and talk about ourselves and not making statements outside. Nigeria needs it because we must touch the places it pinches this country.” There’s nothing more to add to the call for peace and development of sports in Nigeria. The elder statesman has spoken. I hope the authorities heard him.

Nigeria Weightlifting Federation Hon Chibudom Nwuche confirmed yesterday that the duo will be at Ibom Hall, Uyo venue of the closing ceremony. Nwuche said the closing ceremony would be a glamorous one even as he expressed satisfaction with the way the week long competition has gone.

Messi Continues from BP cameo. There has been much talk about how the extravagently skilled forward would fit into the team of superstars, but the 21-year-old insists it has been an enjoyable learning curve so far. ‘My relationship with Messi is wonderful, he’s a great person,’ he told a news conference on Thursday. ‘He’s a leader, the best player in the world, and I am here to help. ‘I’m here to help all my team-mates, be it with passes or with goals,’ ‘The atmosphere in the team is wonderful. I’m living a dream. I turn my head and I see Messi, Xavi, Iniesta or Puyol. There is Pedro, Tello and Alexis, all great players, fast, smart. That’s why they

play for Barca. ‘I try to speak with everyone, but the players I’m talking with the most are Dani Alves, Adriano, Messi, Pinto and Xavi. ‘Playing with Barca is a wonderful feeling, it means my childhood dream turning into reality. I’m more than happy.’ He added: ‘I will work very hard in the coming weeks, trying to be in good shape when La Liga starts. I’m working to get better physically and I feel stronger every day. ‘I am trying to adapt as quickly as possible to the fast pace here. It’s the most beautiful football in the world.’ He concluded: ‘Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo have been three great players here. I also hope to make history at the club.’

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 — 55

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 , 2013

Cardiff step up Osaze chase

Messi is better than me — Neymar I’m just here to help out

EYMAR has hailed new team-mate Lionel Messi as the planet’s greatest player and insisted he is at the club to support the Argentine. The Brazilian made his debut for the club this week following his £50million move from hometown club Santos, and looked right at home during a 15-minute Continues on Page 53

Learning curve: Neymar is happy to take all he can from new team-mate Lionel Messi

ARDIFF City are reportedly set to step up their interest in signing wantaway West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie. Odemwingie is set to leave the Baggies after falling out of favour following his wellpublicised attempt to try and secure a move to QPR in January. Several Premier League clubs expressed an interest in the Nigerian with Crystal Palace and Hull both mentioned earlier in the summer.

•Osaze Fulham were then linked with a move for Odemwingie while Dubai club Al Nasr had Continues on Page 53

Ref dispels ffear ear s ears over Eagles T HE General Secretary Southern Region Referees Committee Francisco Scova has urged the Flames of Malawi not to panic over the decision of FIFA to assign 29 year-old Hamada el Moussa Nampiandraza as centre referee for the crucial World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Flames of Malawi on September 7 in Calabar. The Madagascan

referee will officiate the game while his compatriots Velomanana Ferdinand Jinoro and Jean Thierry Djaonirina will be the assistant referees. Seth Jaovanona, also from Madagascar will be the fourth official while Abdul Hamid Radwan from Egypt will be the referees assessor. Patrick Beckles from Barbados Continues on Page 53

Federation Cup: Enyimba battle Lobi — P.53

Onochie Anibeze on E.K. Clark's apology — P. 53

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Fragrance (5) 7 Dodge (5) 8 Creek (5) 10 Greater (5) 12 Pose (3) 13 Moving (5) 15 Mocked (7) 17 Sexless (6) 19 Pull (3) 20 Joy (7) 23 Ogle (4) 25 Row (4) 26 Remainder (7) 30 Strive (3) 31 Die (6) 34 Reticence (7) 37 Cycle (5) 38 Receptacle (3) 39 Mistake (5) 40 Tint (5) 41 Temptress (5) 42 Even (5)

DOWN 1 Shut (5) 2 Confess (5) 3 Bred (6) 4 Humour (4) 5 Intuition (7) 6 Dissuade (5) 9 Cover (3) 11 Suite (7) 13 Corner (5) 14 Root (5) 16 Mat (3) 18 Alleviate (7) 21 Shy (5) 22 Brutal (5) 24 Retribution (7) 27 Title (3) 28 Reveal (6) 29 Liability (5) 32 Danger (5) 33 Stormed (5) 35 Transgress (3) 36 Sea-eagle (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 7, Snap 8, Ornate 9, Throw 11, Sum 13, Err 15, Trim 16, Gas 18, Kneel 19, Culprit 20, Acid 22, Trip 23, Mundane 25, True 27, Eke 28, Knot 30, Ham 31, Tie 33, Knave 36, Delete 37, Free 38, Gloat.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN:1, Incur 2, Apt 3, Mar 4, Tow 5, Gnu 6, Store 10, Oral 11, Stealth 12, Minimum 13, Entrant 14, Respite 16, Guide 17, Spine 18, Kit 21, Due 24, Akin 26, Raven 29, Oiled 32, Pet 33, Keg 34, Ado 35, Eft.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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