National Confab, way forward — Eminent Nigerians

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61983

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

CBN bans foreign currency importation

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National Confab, way forward — Eminent Nigerians •G7 Govs, ACF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, PDP, others laud Jonathan •Balarabe Musa, Junaid Mohammed, textile workers, others differ P.16 •Abuja security clampdown chokes celebration NATIONAL CONFERENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN

Dr. Femi Okurounmu

Secretary

Dr. Akilu Indabawa

Members

Ernest Shonekan (8th right) and service chiefs, cutting the 53rd Independence Anniversary Cake at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO. See President's

Independence Day speech on Page 31.

US Govt shuts down; 800,000 jobs affected

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BUJA — PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, bowed to pressure, yesterday, from a section of Nigerians that have persistently agitated for a national conference as the way forward for the country. He announced the setting up of an Advisory Committee to establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.

Continues on Page 3

1.Prof. George Obiozor 2.Prof. Ben Nwabueze 3.Sen. Khairat Gwadabe 4.Sen. Timothy Adudu 5.Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd) 6.Prof. Funke Adebayo 7.Mrs Mairo Ahmed Amshi 8.Dr. Abubakar Sadiq 9.Alh. Dauda Birma INDEPENDENCE—President Goodluck Jonathan (6th right) flanked by Vice-Presi10.Mallam Buhari Bello dent Namadi Sambo (7th right); former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (5th right); 11.Mr. Tony Uranta Senate President David Mark (9th right); former Head of Interim National Government, Chief

•To be inaugurated Oct.7

BY SONI DANIEL, EMEKA MAMAH, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, TONY EDIKE, BEN AGANDE, HENRY UMORU, EMMA OVUAKPORIE, OLASUNKANMI AKONI, DAPO AKINREFON, DEMOLA AKINYEMI, & GBENGA OKE

Gunmen kill 160, abduct 10 women in 3 months — Zamfara Gov P.6

COLUMNISTS:

ROTIMI FASAN •P.19 DEAR BUNMI •P.37

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—3

POCKET CARTOON

DANGOTE—From left: President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the announcement of the construction of Dangote's 1,000-bed capacity hospital in Kano.

National Confab, way forward— Nigerians Continues from Page 1

In a nationwide broadcast to mark the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary, President Jonathan said that the committee which will be headed by Dr. Femi Okurounmu and Dr. Akilu Indabawa as its secretary, is expected to complete its assignment within one month. The committee has 11 other members. (See list.)

The announcement by the President generated immediate reactions from the generality of Nigeri-

ans. While many Nigerians hailed the President for his decision to hold national conference, others argued that it was a ploy to hoodwink citizens and afford President Jonathan an opportunity to strike a bargain towards 2015 presidential elections.

Jonathan is deceiving Nigerians—Balarabe Musa Faulting the President’s decision to set up a committee for a national conference, former governor of old Kaduna State,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

When it comes to identifying a real leader…the proof of leadership is found in the followers. Dear Leader, who are your followers?

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the T power to love what you want in life and love it honHIS

estly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy —Susan Polis Schultz You can move forward fearlessly on the path of your dreams, without anxiety or reservation in everything you do. So, today, boldly take one step in the direction of your dreams. Do so with complete confidence that there is always divine intervention; when you have done your part in creating, life blesses all your efforts and makes the difference. Learn to listen to the voice from within and the guidance and helpful suggestion that are open to you. If you learn to be still and to just be, you’ll always find an answer.

Doreen Virtues says, that our inner self, the soul is wise beyond limits, you can directly be in connection with the universal sources, which accesses all knowledge. Therefore, your wisdom comes from the same place as any genius, so even if you do not know a thing, you can always tap into the information that you seek. Just quiet your mind, ask and listen, the answers will come to you.

Alhaji Balarabe Musa said the president was out to deceive Nigerians.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, Musa said: “It means the President wants to deceive Nigerians about the national conference the way his predecessor deceived Nigerians. His predecessor established a national conference, named those who would conduct the national conference and gave an agenda for the national conference. It means Jonathan is going to continue with this public deception. That is not the national conference we have called for. The national conference we want will not be conducted by the President, the President will be a participant just like the legislature, the judiciary and the sovereign people of Nigeria. It is going to involve all the stakeholders”.

It’s a fraud —Junaid Mohammed Kano-based politician, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, described the decision by Jonathan to inaugurate an advisory committee on the dialogue as a waste of time since there was no need in the first place to set up such a body when the National Assembly is still in operation. Mohammed wondered what the dialogue was bound to achieve and who will implement its decisions when the decisions of similar bodies were not implemented by the government in the past.

The Second Republic Federal lawmaker noted that anything short of a Sovereign National Con-

ference that has the force of law would not change anything in Nigeria, adding that what the President had proposed would not satisfy the proponents of a SNC. His words: “What the President is planning to do has no place whatsoever in the Nigerian Constitution and is bound to fail woefully. As far as I am concerned the President’s intention to set up a National Dialogue committee is nothing but an attempt to buy time and prepare for his re-election in 2015. When his ploy to deceive and manipulate Nigerians in the direction of his choice fails, he should be ready for the consequences.”

Jonathan has saved Nigeria — Ohanaeze The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said by commencing the process of a national dialogue President Goodluck Jonathan has pulled Nigeria back from the brink.

Secretary-General of the organisation, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, who stated this while reacting to the president”s 53rd Independence Anniversary speech, said “all truthful and patriotic Nigerians must commend Mr. President for this singular act of statesmanship. Nigerians can now kick-start the process of nation building where equity, justice and fair-play for all Nigerians will be our core pursuit. It is better to jaw-jaw than war-war, that is why Ohanaeze has always stood for the convening of a national conference. So the conference is very welcome. Ohanaeze will partake in it,” he said.

Jonathan should be commended—Afenifere In its reaction, PanYoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said the President should be commended for setting up the committee.

Afenifere’s national publicity secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin told Vanguard on telephone that “the President has done what is required in a country that is in a hurry at the moment. I commend him because when I listened to his broadcast, he did not say he has tarred any road, but he admitted that these are not the best times for our country. He has put his finger on the right thing that should be done. We need to discuss Nigeria at this moment and his setting up of this

committee is a practical demonstration given the time-lines. It is clear that he knows the urgency of the moment. Nigeria cannot continue like this. Nigeria is clearly heading to the road of Yugoslavia at the moment and it is only a conference like this that can put Nigeria on the right track.”

This could be Nigeria’s last chance—Yakassai The Alhaji Tanko Yakassai-led Nigerian National Summit Group (NNSG) commended President Jonathan’s decision to convene an allinclusive Nigerian National Conference saying this could be Nigeria’s last chance.

A statement by its executive secretary, Mr Tony Uranta, said that if Nigerians fail to “present and pursue common good positions (beginning now); but, rather, delight ourselves in our often vain and bitter debates as to whether or not the National Conference should hold, we shall have none other to blame when the Transformed Nigeria (restructured through candid national dialogue) shall emerge, without our people having been best represented by the fractiously-selfish political class, the ‘not-so-focusedon-the-Common-Good’ ethnic nationalities, and the mostly money-led civil society.”

It’s a chance to make progress—Falae On his part, former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae said if the conference is allowed to hold, then Nigeria has a chance to make progress.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, Falae said “”I think it is a most welcome development. As you know, some of us have been unrelenting advocates of sovereign national conference for over 20 years. I am happy that the President has finally set up a committee. I am also

happy that my very good friend and colleague, Senator Femi Okurounmu is a member of the committee, he is an advocate of a sovereign national conference.

When he was in the Senate, he moved a motion on sovereign national conference, of course the preponderance of opinion in the National Assembly, at that time, was against the motion. I am happy that it is he who is going to play a prominent role in the process. If the conference does take place and it achieves the minimum requirements, then maybe Nigeria has a chance of surviving, reviving and making progress.”

There should be no restriction— ARG Also, Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, commended President Jonathan but advised that there should not be any form of restriction in the committee’s terms of reference. According to its publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, the group promised to cooperate with and support the Advisory Council set up by President Jonathan, where necessary.

He said ARG also believes that the committee’s chairman, Senator Femi Okurounmu, who has spent a significant part of his life in the struggle for democracy and true federalism, will work to produce a guideline that we can all be proud of, provided the government has not dictated a “No Go Area” to the committee.

It said “ we however urge President Jonathan to ensure this latest move comes from a pure motive of ending the country’s many problems. We recall many conferences had been constituted in the past that never yielded any dividend for the people of Nigeria. We also urge him not to place any restriction on the committee’s term of reference and the proposed conference Continues on Page 5

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESD AY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 WEDNESDA

NATIONAL DIALOGUE:

How effective will this national confab be?

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T

HE Nigerian political landscape was astir, yesterday, following President Goodluck Jonathan’s nod for the much agitated national conference.

In his 46-point 53rd Independence Day broadcast, the President said his administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of the country. As an advocate of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade ... dialogue and in demonstration campaigning for the convocation of sovereign national conference. of his belief in the positive power crees. reaching decisions like creation of the of dialogue in charting the way forward, However, the military set up a Consix geo-political zones and 13 per cent he said he had decided to set up an Adstituent Assembly in 1977, which proderivation. But it was perceived as exvisory Committee that will establish the duced the 1979 Constitution that reercise meant for Abacha to transmute into modalities for the conference. turned the country to civil rule. The 1979 a civilian ruler. The proposed constituThe panel will also design a frameConstitution was ratified by the Supreme tion was in the works until Abacha died work and come up with recommendaMilitary Council, SMC, headed by the in 1998. tions as to the form, structure and mechathen Head of State, General Olusegun When General Abdulsalami Abubakar nism of the process within one month Obasanjo. took over in 1998, he announced a after which the nation will be briefed on About four years later, the military speedy transition programme that lasted the nomenclature, structure and overthrew the civilians and captured 11 months. He set up a committee led modalities of the dialogue. power again. They also set aside the

by Justice Niki Tobi to sieve through the The committee is to be chaired by Dr. 1979 constitution and promulgated devolumes of constitutional documents and Femi Okurounmu with Dr. Akilu crees. come up with a grundnorm.

Indabawa as secretary. Other members In 1989, the then General Ibrahim The process gave birth to the 1999 of the panel are yet to be Babamasi Babangida-led military govConstitution with which civilians reannounced. The move, which is comernment set up a constituent assembly claimed power in 1999. ing after 20 years of agitation for a nawith the intention of returning power to However, the 1999 constitution was tional conference to enable the people civilians in 1990. The move produced replete with many ambiguities and infashion a constitution for themselves, imconsistencies that threatened smooth flow of governance. Pro-democracy activists Under President Jonathan, the 1999 constitution has among others questioned the preamble, been amended twice and the National Assembly is on which said: ‘we the people…. arguing that the people of Nigeria never took the verge of completing the third amendment yet the part in making the constitution. They challenges facing the country remain intractable went on to insist on SNC.

Past conferences, their aims and shortfalls Before Independence, Nigerian leaders were locked in series of constitutional conferences. In 1958, for instance, 106 Nigerian delegates drawn from the ethnic nationalities attended a conference in London to look at what was then the Nigerian federation. That conference yielded the 1960 Constitution that ushered Nigeria into independence.

With the departure of Southern Cameroon from Nigeria and three years into self-rule, the country fashioned another codebook — the 1963 Republican Constitution. The military intervention of 1966 had the constitution abrogated and the country was ruled by de-

BY OKEY NDIRIBE ROMINENT Nigerians, yesterday, expressed optimism over President Goodluck Jonathan’s establishment of an Advisory Committee for the purpose of convening a National Dialogue.

Among those, who bared their minds on the development were the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and former Secretary General of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Barr. Ayo Opadokun.

While Opadokun cautiously welcomed President Jonathan’s announcement of an Advisory Committee for National Dialogue, Ezeife said he was sure that Jonathan’s conference would achieve a better result than those organised by the late maximum ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Said Opadokun:” I think it is a good thing and I believe President Jonathan did it due to pressure which has left the Federal Government with no room to manoeuvre away from the popular demand for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference. The announcement of an advisory body which was set up for the purpose of advising the President on the modalities for convening the conference is in a way welcome.”

He asked: “Did the announcement come from a sincere heart? Is it a genuine announcement to respond to the popular demand of the Nigerian people to sit down and discuss the national question? Is it an effort to throw something at the people in order to keep them busy while the President does something else? Is it a kind of stop gap measure in order to give the state a breathing space to pursue a different agenda? ” I would like to know whether what the President intends to do would be different from what the late maximum ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha and former President Olusegun Obasanjo did with their own conferences. It is only when we see the process, modalities and the composition of invitees to the conference that we would know whether the government is serious or not.

In his comments Ezeife said he believed President Jonathan was poised to do what he was expected to do. Said he: “The transformation of this country into a nation that works would begin with restructuring. If the President could achieve this, he would surpass the achievements of all his predecessors. If he can’t achieve this, then he would go down as having achieved nothing.”

He expressed happiness that the President had at last listened to the agitation of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly and other groups across the country. He said both Northern and Southern leaders have now agreed on the need for a national conference.

Commenting on the composition of the advisory body set up for the national dialogue he said: “Senator Femi Okorounmu who has been appointed as Chairman of the Advisory Committee is very clear headed and knows what Nigerians want.” However, he advised that the outcome of this effort should be a peoples constitution.

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NEWS ANALYSIS

mediately, raised dust in the polity.

While some observers hailed the announcement, others received it with cautious optimism and some felt it was a diversionary move by President Jonathan to boost his 2015 re-election ambition. There were also those who feared that the exercise may be another jamboree that will not crack the kernel of socio-economic, ethno-religious, political and development problems plaguing the nation. The divergent views raise the question of whether or not the latest effort will be different from past exercises.

Prominent Nigerians hail Jonathan

the short-lived 1993 Constitution, which went up in smoke when Babangida postponed the handover date several times even though members of the National Assembly and governors had been elected and were in office. His annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections presumably won by late business tycoon, Chief M. K. O. Abiola, unleashed much tension and violence on the polity. He stepped aside in 1993 after appointing Chief Ernest Shonekan as interim president.

Agitation for SNC The clamour for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) gained currency in 1994 following the ‘June 12’ misadventure. Proponents picked holes in the unitary system of government and canvassed a restructured polity that would drive socio-economic and political development.

The General Sani Abacha regime, which snatched power from Shonekan organized a National Constitutional Conference (NCC) in 1994 made of elected and government appointed delegates.

The confab was boycotted by the progressive wing of the South-West, led by late Chief Abraham Adesanya, which insisted on the SNC. The conference came up with far-

Constitution amendment exercise However, the President Olusegun Obasanjo and the National Assembly opposed calls for sovereign national conference, arguing that there could not be two sovereignties in the country. Nevertheless, Obasanjo, in his second term, organised a National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC) with all the delegates appointed.

One of the resolutions of the confab was 18 per cent derivation. However, the decisions of the conference, which the National Assembly was discussing, including its constitution amendment exercise, died with Obasanjo’s alleged Third Term agenda.

Under President Jonathan, the 1999 constitution has been amended twice and the National Assembly is on the verge of completing the third amendment yet the challenges facing the country remain intractable.

Senator Okurounmu, a former leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), who hails from the SouthWest, has been in the thick and thin of the agitation for national conference. He obviously knows how to proceed with the onerous assignment handed him. It is to be seen how far the latest move will go.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—5

which had been drawing us back as a nation. National Dialogue is not about dismemberment or splitting the country. We will not support such issues."

AWARD—From left: Head, Regional Agent Coverage Network, Stanbic IBTC, Fadekemi Olusola; Chairman, House Committee on Communication, Ojo Oyetunde; and Head, Mobile Payments, Stanbic IBTC, Adeleke Adekoya, holding the plaque won by Stanbic IBTC as the Mobile Money Compliance Bank of the Year at the 2013 Nigerian Telecoms Award in Lagos.

National Confab, way forward — Nigerians Continues from Page 3

should have no prohibition clause like Senate President David Mark suggested.”

It is diversionary, expensive—NUTGWN The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGWN, however opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposal for a National Dialogue, saying it was diversionary and expensive.

General Secretary, of the union and Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Issa Aremu said in Kaduna yesterday that ‘’Nigeria has over 10 written constitutions from 1954. America still retains the same constitution as proclaimed in 1788 (with few amendments in 1791).

Nigeria has certainly had its fair share of constitutions and debates. Another Sovereign National Conference is one debate too many, too diversionary and too wasteful. ‘’It’s time Nigeria had its share of good governance.

The founding fathers did not agonize debating the imperfections of the inherited federation. They moved into action to build a fast growing nation ahead of China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia in the sixties and seventies.

The best of Nigerians must come out for public office and reclaim the politics from the existing largely unfocused acrimonious self serving ruling class just as the best fought for independence.’’

National conference in order — ACF The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday said it would support any dialogue that would bring about the strengthening of the Nigeria Project. ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani told Vanguard yesterday that the setting up of an advisory committee on National Conference was in order.

"You would note that ACF has made it clear that it is not opposed to national dialogue so long as the aim is to strengthen the unity in diversity of this country, since the concept of nationhood presupposes that the people can come together and unleash their synergy by living up collective challenges for public good, provided such dialogue is not in the form of Sovereign National Conference, SNC, that amounts to vote of no confidence on our democracy and its institutions, which no group has the right to do. So national dialogue through national conference, yes; through sovereign national conference, no. ‘There is therefore nothing wrong in setting up a committee by the Federal Government to work out the form or modality of the proposed national dialogue,’’ he said. Sani, however said that the ACF would take a final stand, when the ``the form and content’’ of the committee was unveiled to Nigerians by the federal government.

It’s in sync with Senate position — Abaribe Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s initiative on national conference is in sync with the Senate position.

Abaribe told the News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja that the initiative was a welcome development, as the Senate had earlier advocated for a national conference too.

“This initiative is in sync with the Senate’s position, as articulated by the Senate President in his address on Sept. 17. The Senate President had advocated for a conference of nationalities to discuss the Nigerian question,” Abaribe said.

Enugu monarchs hail Jonathan Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up a committee on National Dialogue, saying that the country would be more united and stronger after the conference.

Chairman of the council, Igwe Simeon Osisi Itodo in his reaction said that the President’s position was in line with agitation of southeasters in the last 30 years.

"We welcome the President’s decision on the issue. This has been the position of the South-east leaders. We believe that there is need to discuss some burning issues

It must not be another jamboree — Ali Legal luminary, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, expressed support for the National Dialogue Advisory Committee,”as long as it is not going to be another jamboree” According to him, “members of the same family at a point in their lives do critical review of their relationship.

So there is nothing wrong in it as long as it will not turn to another jamboree, “he said.

Jonathan has disappointed the opposition — PDP National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in its reaction hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting to put in place a process that will lead to the convocation of a National Conference, stressing that the action was an indication that he listens to the people of Nigeria.

According to PDP, President Jonathan has disappointed the opposition who had thought that he would use the occasion to score political points.

A statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh read, “the Peoples Democratic Party says the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to anchor the theme of his Independence Day broadcast on the road map to a secured future for the nation is not only unique but an eloquent expression of his determination to bequeath a transformed Nigeria.

“Nigerians listened to their President as he humbly relegated accomplishments and beating of the chest. We saw the President assuming the place of an ordinary Nigerian, in his pains, fears and uncertainty about the future. This is very commendable.”

Olisa Metuh said that by taking a definite stand on the issue of a national dialogue and setting up a committee led by Dr. Femi Okurounmu to fashion out the structure and modalities for the conference, President Jonathan “ has again demonstrated that his mandate derives entirely from the wishes of Nigerians.”

According to him, “We are pleased that the Presi-

dent listens and leaves Nigerians in no doubt that their opinions matter. We recall that he bowed to the wishes of Nigerians on the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry and we also recall that the wishes of Nigerians have been his compass in crucial measures so far taken to contain terrorism in parts of the country.”

A waste of time and resources — Abubakar Malami, SAN A legal practitioner, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, however dismissed the proposal by Jonathan to set up a national dialogue as a ruse, arguing that there was no provision for that under a democratic regime, with the members of the National Assembly in place.

Malami pointed out that the outcome of such a deliberation would not change anything in Nigeria, since it would not have any legal weight.

The Kebbi state-born lawyer said: “As far as I know, the whole exercise is one in futility and it amounts to a waste of time and resources because as long as Nigeria practices democratic governance, the only institution vested with the power to make laws that are binding on the nation, is the National Assembly and no one else,” Malami said.

We welcome the development — G7 Governors, Baraje led PDP The Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday hailed the planned convocation of Sovereign National Conference, SNC

by President Goodluck Jonathan, just as it warned that it should not be made to serve cosmetic purpose like the previous ones at the end of the day.

In an SMS to Vanguard, the new PDP national Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said, “we see the clamour for a national dialogue as timely and appropriate as there is an urgent need for Nigerians to come together and discuss matters affecting them as well as the way forward. We, therefore, welcome Mr. President’s announcement in his Independence Day broadcast about the establishment of a committee to advise him on the modalities for the holding of the conference.

We, however, wish to warn that the proposed conference should not

serve the same cosmetics purpose served by previous efforts; it should be empowered to discuss all issues agitating the minds of Nigerians - there should not be any no-go areas except the unity and oneness of Nigeria, which is not debatable. “ Sagay wants The Patriots included in advisory c’ttee Renowned Lagos based constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, has lauded the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan on a national conference. Sagay in a brief chat said: “It is a welcome development. It is what we have been clamouring for. And in setting up the advisory committee, I think the patriots should be included in the committee because most of the work has been done by the Patriots.

Members from the Patriots should be contacted and be included in the advisory committee. And at the end of the day there should be a referendum that will lead into drafting of a new constitution that will be binding on all Nigerians.”

Reps express divergent views Members of the House of Representatives yesterday expressed divergent views on the call for a National Dialogue by the President, Goodluck Jonathan during his anniversary speech to mark Nigeria’s 53d Independence. Some Reps who spoke to Vanguard described it as diversionary tool to enable him have a bargaining chip against the break away Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Others argued that if it is going to be another talk shop like the previous ones and another source to milk the treasury they should be counted out of it. But generally all the Reps who spoke to Vanguard saw it as a welcome development provided the Federal coffers would not be emptied on the ground of convening a national dialogue. They also questioned the process of nominating those to represent the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Rep Ahmed Datti, APC, Kano said “though it is a welcome development, who are those that are going to convene it for us? We have more than 400 ethnic nationalities in this country, are you going to nominate one from each ethnic group?"

6—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Gunmen kill 160, abduct 10 women in Zamfara

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USAU—GOVERNOR Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara State said in Gusau, Monday, that gunmen killed 160 people and abducted 10 married women in different villages of the state in the last three months.

Yari made the disclosure when he addressed members of the state House Assembly on security situation in the state.

He said the situation had caused disaffection between residents of the affected villages and the state government.

The governor said the hoodlums, who continued to terrorise villages in parts of the state, stole no fewer than 6,000 cows and 4,000 sheep within the period.

Yari said the state government was handicapped, and urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the state to protect lives and property of the people.

The governor said the state government had committed a lot of its scarce resources on security issues, and called on Federal Government to stand up to its responsibilities.

The Speaker, Alhaji Sanusi Rikijin, assured the governor of the assembly’s support, adding “we will consult with other state houses of assembly and the National Assembly to ensure justice, equity and fair play in the country.”

AIG cautions officers against extortion, arbitrary detention

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI—ASSISTANT Inspector-General of Police, Zone ‘4’ Makurdi, Mr. Mike Zuokumor, has cautioned officers and men of the force against extortion, arbitrary arrests and detention without recourse to laid down laws, warning that such acts would not be tolerated.

The AIG sounded the warning, weekend, when he visited and addressed men and officers of Benue State Police Command in Makurdi, the state capital.

Ugborikoko siege: Suspected amourer nabbed

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ARRI—A suspected armourer and member of the terror gang that laid siege to Ugborikoko community in Uwwie Local Government Area of Delta State, during which three persons were shot, including a councilor, have been nabbed by the police.

A source told Vanguard that the suspects were nabbed by police officers from the Warri Area Command.

The victims are Richard Odafe, councilor; and two others, identified as Marvis and Emma-nuel.

A police source told Vanguard that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were completed.

Area Commander, Warri, Mr. Hussain Rabiu, who was contacted on phone, confirmed the arrest of some persons.

He said: “We are all aware that our responsibility includes the protection of lives and property of the citizenry and we must discharge that responsibility in line with the provisions of the law.

“Our duties must be carried out in line with the reforms introduced by the InspectorGeneral of Police, which is centered on respect for the fundamental rights of the people, at all times.”

OKADA RIOT: Commercial motorcycle riders, popularly called Okada, blocked Apapa-Osh colleagues was involved in an accident at Mile-2 Bus Stop, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

Bayelsa civil servants arrested over pay roll fraud

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, ordered the arrest of some senior civil servants in the state over their alleged involvement in the looting of the state treasury.

Though the governor did not specify the number of persons involved in the alleged fraud, the suspects were picked up yesterday for interrogation by operatives of the state police command.

Dickson, who disclosed this during the 13th Bayelsa State Transparency Initiative monthly briefing held in Yenagoa said his administration would not condone a situation where some few persons have made it a habit to defraud the state to enrich themselves at the expense of the generality of the people.

He said: “This morning, I have directed that some civil servants be arrested and investigation into their activities carried out immediately.

“I saw from a report brought

before me how some fraudulent people are trying to beat the system by manipulating fig-

ures in our financial records.

“What they record on paper is different. Then the actual money they send to the banks is totally different from the figures recorded.

“I gave the instruction to the Police Commissioner and the Senior Special Adviser on Security to arrest the civil servants in connection with the fraud in the payroll system.”

Back in police net a year after pardon z‘I wanted to steal just this last time'

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

W

HEN the Chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, freed 233 inmates from the Kirikiri Prison, in September 2012, she urged them to go and sin no more.

However, barely one year after, one of the inmates, Musa Ojo, has been arrested for alleged armed robbery.

Operatives of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, said they reportedly arrested Ojo and two others, now at large, on September 14, after they snatched a Toyota Corolla car at gunpoint.

Police sources told Vanguard that SARS men, who were on patrol at the Ijesha end of

Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, saw the robbers and chased them.

The sources said: “The sus-

The suspect and stolen car.

pects jumped out of the vehicle, when the heat became too much, and took to their heels.”

Ojo, was, however, arrested

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—7

8 drown in Lagos boat accident

BY EVELYN USMAN

N

O fewer than eight per sons were feared drowned, yesterday, after a commercial boat capsized around Apapa area of Lagos.

The engine boat conveying passengers, majority of whom were traders, was reportedly coming from Sagbokoji Village, when tragedy struck.

Lagos State Police Command said only two persons were suspected to have drowned in the boat mishap, while seven persons were rescued.

Information available to Vanguard revealed that the commercial boat, conveying about 19 passengers, left the village at 7.30a.m., heading towards

Lagoon area of Apapa.

Midway into the journey, the boat reportedly developed a fault, but the operators assured the passengers they would fix it.

Apprehension, however, set in when it became apparent that the boat operators could not rectify the problem. Some of the panic stricken passengers, who could swim, reportedly plunged into the river before the boat reportedly capsized at about 8a.m.

Fishermen around the area reportedly rescued some of the passengers.

Eyewitnesses said about nine persons were rescued and conveyed to their destinations.

One of the rescued passengers included a young girl that was said to be carrying dried fish to an unknown destination for sale.

Identities of some of those suspected to have drowned were given as Toume, Fajuwa and Tomiwa.

When contacted, Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani, confirmed the incident, stating that information at his disposal had it that two persons were suspected drowned.

He said rescue operation by operatives of the Marine Police was still on. As at 4.30pm, bodies of some of the victims were yet to be recovered.

7 suspected kidnappers of Anambra monarch remanded in prison

BY OKONKWO EZE

O

hodi expressway because one of their

NITSHA—AN Abagana Chief Magistrate’s Court in Anambra State, presided over by Mrs. M. Mbakwe, yesterday, remanded in the prison custody seven accused persons arraigned before the court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, kidnap and ransom demand.

In her ruling, shortly after hearing from both the pros-

ecution and counsel to the accused persons, Mbakwe adjourned the matter to October 7 for report of compliance on the kidnap case.

She advised counsel to the accused to appeal for their bail in the High Court as her court lacks the jurisdiction to grant bail and to entertain the matter.

She also demanded that their case files be transferred to the state Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for Attor-

TERRORISTS ATTACK: Govt steps up security around schools D

AMATURU—AFTER terrorists killed 40 students in a dormitory attack in Yobe and the vehicle recovered, while the other two escaped.

The suspect admitted to Vanguard that he spent one and a half years in prison before being pardoned along with 232 others by the state Chief Judge.

The suspect said he went back to robbery because he was tempted by his colleagues and undercover agents.

He said: “I dropped out of school in JSS2 and became an apprentice mechanic but I did not complete my training. After sometime, I got a girl pregnant and became a father with responsibilities.

“Unfortunately, my father is dead and my mother is old so I have no one to help me.

“After leaving prison, I started receiving calls from people that they needed vehicles and I was short of money.

“So, I told myself that if I could steal just one car, I would be okay. I did not know that the police had been on my trail from the day I was released.”

Sate, Nigerian authorities are taking measures to improve security around schools, including stepping up patrols and putting armed soldiers outside them and guarding school buses.

Government sources said, Monday, that the move aimed to restore confidence in the Western style schools that have seen scenes of bloody massacres by Boko Haram militants fighting for an Islamic state.

A presidency source said President Goodluck Jonathan met senior security aides, Sunday, to discuss how to respond to the latest deadly shift in tactics by the insurgents.

The source, who was present but who declined to be named, said: “At the meeting, they decided to provide special security cover for schools in the North-East and some other places prone to possible attacks. ”The president is not happy.

He directed security chiefs to work out a new strategy so this doesn’t happen again.”

Gunmen had stormed an ag-

ricultural college in Gujba area of the state, Sunday, dragging students out of their beds and shooting them dead. ”For now, the state government has directed all round security surveillance on all schools across the state,” Mohammed Lamin, Yobe Commissioner for Lower Education, said.

He added that “the security agencies need to step up their operations to protect lives and property.”

ney-General’s advice.

The seven persons are Chukwudi Enebeli 28; Arinze Chukwurah 29; Chukwunonso Okozu 20; Chukwuani Chukwunonso 25; Okwudili Nwoye 35; Solomon Mbanamali, 29 and Anagbokwu Ikume 32.

According to the police prosecutor, Sergeant Evarest Chike, had about a month ago, conspired among themselves and allegedly kidnapped the traditional ruler of Abacha community, Igwe Godswill Mbakwe.

The prosecution also accused them and others at large of using arms, offensive weapons and personal violence, while demanding ransom from the relatives of Igwe Mbakwe, the kidnapped royal father before his release, adding that the offence was contrary to section 495 (a) of the criminal code cap 36 Vol 11 Revised laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.

Lead counsel to the accused persons, Chief S.O Abuchi (Esq) raised a preliminary objection to the effect that it does not lie with the prosecutor to say that the accused should not be granted bail.

Ondo police dismisses officer

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE— POLICE authorities have dismissed a police Corporal, Adegboro Kayode, who shot and killed a truck driver, Friday Igbinedion, in BeninOre road last month.

Kayode had on August 9 shot the truck driver, who was driving an unregistered vehicle.

Confirming the dismissal of Kayode, the image-maker of the state Police Command, Wole Ogodo, said six policemen were at the police post when the incident happened.

Ogodo, however, said that it was later discovered that it was Corporal Kayode that shot the deceased.

3 docked for robbery

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS—THREE men were, yesterday, remanded in prison custody pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court over alleged armed robbery.

The suspects are Ovie Okpaleye 22; John Samuel, 22 and Kabiru Ajenifija, 28.

The defendant, who were arraigned before Magistrate Sule Hamzat, are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and stealing preferred against them by the police.

Hamzat adjourned the matter till October 30 for mention.

... as Ochei preaches tolerance, unity

N

IGERIANS have been urged to exercise tolerance so as to derive strength from the different religions, variety of tribes, dialects and cultures in sustaining the corporate existence of the country.

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, made the call in his independence anniversary message.

He said that resilience, patriotism, mutual tolerance, honesty and the ability to shun divisive tendencies were essen-

tial to development, which the country needs.

Ochei said: “As a people, we must all renew our faith in our common national project and the brotherhood that defines the desire for an accomplished nationhood, in spite of our marked differences in tribe and tongue.”

He urged Nigerians not to lament lost opportunities, but to rather resolve to work on the core values of patience, peaceful disposition, consistency, honest hard work and reason-

able sacrifices for the overall good of the country.

Ochei, Delta Assembly Speaker.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

BY HENRY UMORU BUJA—THE Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday examined the 53 years of Nigeria’s independence and came up with a verdict that Nigeria as a nation was a crumbling edifice, with massive corruption and characterised by bad leadership.

According to the group, the present federal structure was no longer achieving its set goals, adding, “We demand a re-ordering of the inchoate federal structure with a view to allowing the states and the other federating units more access to resources to attend to the numerous responsibilities placed on them.

In his 53rd Independence speech yesterday, Baraje, the former National Secretary and later acting National Chairman of the ruling PDP which brought in President Goodluck Jonathan, however called for the establishment of state police which according to him would serve as an antidote to the worsening security problems, “which the present inept and highly politicised Nigerian Police had been unable to deal with.”

Also in the family of the Baraje-led new PDP are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State; Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa.

The group also said that if Nigeria must get the economy to be in the right perspective and address the nation’s problems, there must be the immediate constitution of a critical management team that will comprise people who are apolitical, eminent technocrats and knowledgeable Nigerians that will take over the management of the economy against the backdrop of what it termed, the woeful failure of the economic management team of the Jonathan government. It added that there should be similar team to arrest the infrastructural decay that was threatening the nation’s infrastructural base at the moment.

Abubakar Baraje’s text read in full, “As I salute my fellow country men and women on this special, epochal and historical event of the 53rd anniversary of our independence and knowing that many of our leaders may prefer to say otherwise but let me state categorically without equivocation that I am very sad that it is a pity that 53 years after independence, Nigeria is still a crumbling edifice, wrecked to the seams by corruption, bad leadership, ethnicism, parochialism,

A

Nigeria, a crumbling edifice, wrecked by corruption, bad leadership—G7 govs, Baraje ...seek restructuring, state police, constitution of critical mgt team sectarian intolerance and childish political recrimination.

“Nigeria at 53 has turned into a borderless valley of tears where life expectancy hovers between 40 and 43 years. Nigerians are callously extorted through various government agencies like the PHCN which today excels in generating darkness and subjecting Nigerians to the highest ever tariff regime. The Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, set up as a wellmeaning agency to tame the rising cases of road accidents has become a tool for mindless extortion through the issuing and re-issuing of vehicle number plates and drivers’ licenses at very exorbitant prices. The petroleum sector has become an illicit cash cow for the people in government, their friends and relatives who exploit the hapless citizens through sundry means and cleansing the treasury via a phantom fuel subsidy scheme that targets the friends and fronts of the members of the government for enrichment.

At 53, Nigeria has failed its citizens

“What could best demonstrate the wanton brigandage going on in Nigeria than the fact that the government, which set up the SUREP programme with the huge N32 increment in each litre of fuel Nigerians purchase, has recorded no known achievement with the huge accruals from the increment? Today, SURE-P has sacked the 110,000 youths it placed on N10, 000 monthly allowances on the excuse that there is no money to pay them. We ask, where is the government keeping the huge amount it realizes from the inhuman increment in the price of petrol, kerosene and diesel?

“At 53 years of independence, our educational sector has completely crumbled and our universities have been shut for close to three months simply because a government that celebrates free loading of the nation’s resources cannot meet the agreement it signed with university teachers four years ago. Our secondary and primary school sectors are jerking at the most inefficient level; neglected, abandoned and dejected and all have contributed to make Nigerian certificates almost worthless.

“The health sector is in a pitiable state as our hospitals cannot handle simple malaria cases. Nigerians now troop to India and the Far East Asian countries to treat common ailments and nothing is being done to arrest this sad situation.

“Nigerians want out of Nigeria in millions: embassies of even our poor neighbours have been besieged by anxious Nigerians, ready to do anything to get out of a country our economic managers humour as growing at astronomical levels.

“The infrastructure sector is in its worst state as Nigerian infrastructural base has crumbled. Roads are decrepit.

PARADE—President Goodluck Jonathan (right) being received by service chiefs at the presidential change of guards parade at the Presidential Villa, yesterday. Photo: State House.

The economy has screeched to a halt in the face of unrestrained purloining, coupled with an officially-backed oil theft that targets the members of the

government, its cronies and hirelings for enrichment. The management of the Nigerian economy is, at best, haphazard as the cooking and circulation

of flattering and fatuous economic reports that curiously suggest growth in the obvious degenerating reality Nigerians are facing.

Jonathan, Sambo, Gowon, Shonekan, others witness Presidential change of guard

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—A special presidential change of guards by the Brigade of Guards, Nigerian Army yesterday climaxed this year’s celebration of Nigeria’s independence.

The ceremony which held at the fore court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was attended by

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Former Presidents Yakubu Gowon and Ernest Shonekan as well as the service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police.

Also in attendance were ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other invited guests including the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur and the chairman of the

Board of Trustees of the party, Tony Anenih.

This is the third time in as many years the presidential change of guards is holding in the Presidential Villa instead of the Eagle Square where a bomb blast shattered the celebration in 2010.

Since then government has resorted to low keyed ceremony instead of the flamboyant military parade that had characterized previous ceremonies.

Police arrest 138 suspects in Taraba

BY JOHN MKON

T

HE police in Taraba State, yesterday, arrested no fewer than 138 youths from seven buses and hauled them into detention following intelligence report that they have been recruited for a malevolent purpose.

It was gathered that the suspects were allegedly recruited by a group known as Emergency Rescue Team, ERT, which the police claimed was unregistered.

The buses conveying the youths were intercepted by policemen on stop-and-search

operation at Mutum Biyu in Gassol Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Command Public Relations Officer, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the arrest and said that information revealed that the youths were hired to attack police stations and other public facilities across the state but did not give details.

According to him, “The Taraba Police Command wishes to inform the general public that sequel to security intelligence at the disposal of the command, some youths are being recruited at Wukari, Donga, Takum, Ussa and Ibi local government areas

to attack police stations and government installations in Taraba State.

“The youths, comprising men and women between the ages of 20 and 30 years, were being conveyed in six buses belonging to ‘People’s Choice’, a Taraba State Government-assisted mass transit scheme while the seventh bus belongs to one of the orthodox churches that has a very large followership in the state.

The command further said the youths, upon investigations, claimed to be going for documentation with the ERT, which is a voluntary organisation in Jalingo.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—9

How to make Nigeria great — EMINENT CITIZENS zSay all hopes not lost

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, JOSEPH ERUNKE, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

E

ULOGIES continued to pour in yesterday as Nigeria marked 53 years of independence with eminent Nigerians offering suggestions on how to develop the country and make her great.

happy. There are signs of danger looming. Certain things are not done properly. At 53, Nigeria has attained serious adulthood yet, it’s still grasping with issues that should have been addressed some 30 years ago. Some of the issues that the present administration is addressing today are issues that should have been addressed some 30 years ago. So, you can trace our problems not just to bad governance over the years, but to the attitude of the governed

themselves. It’s nothing to write home about. "

We deserved more than we 've achieved—CAN

Rejoicing with Nigerians on Independence Day, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,, however, said that as leader of the African continent, Nigeria deserved more than she has attained so far.

In a statement by its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, CAN said Nigeria was yet to achieve the desired standard of conduct and

performance envisaged by her founding fathers and expressed a strong hope that development would come as soon as all the challenges inhibiting her progress were surmounted.

“We must keep hope alive. We are still together and would be together. There has been modest improvement and development.

It could be better. But the atmosphere is not encouraging enough to hold those administering the country accountable, talking about the security challenges. We must all return to the path of sanity to be able to develop."

We 're overcoming our challenges— Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said that though the country had missed some opportunities and is faced with many challenging, it is also overcoming the challenges.

He said: “I call on Nigerians to join the present crusade to reinvent and transform Nigeria; and in this wise, I urge hope, courage, perseverance, prayers, reconciliation, peacefulcoexistence, and patriotic fervour to build the Nigeria of our dreams as no one else would do that for us.”

We 've unshakeable faith in 2013 IGBO DAY CELEBRATION—From left: President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nigeria—NLC Garry Gariwey and Professor Chinedu Nebo, Minister for Power, representing President

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday said 53 years after independence the vision of the nation’s founding fathers of a productive economy, socioeconomic justice, peaceful coexistence of which every Nigerian should be proud off, had degenerated into a nation where sectarian and communal crises had led to unacceptable bloodletting causing massive displacements and disunity, among others.

NLC said “Congress has an unshakeable faith in the country, Nigeria, and will do everything within its resolve to preserve its being.

Among other things, the NLC canvassed a national minimum wage and placing of labour issues in the Exclusive List, saying that “it is worrisome that against every grain of wisdom, the Senate has proposed its removal from the Exclusive List.”

We 're still battling teething problems— Onyema

Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria, FEHN, and facilitator of the amnesty programme for former Niger Delta militants, Mr. Allen Onyema, Nigeria had come a long way but it is sad that it is still battling teething problems at 53.

His words: “We have come a long way, but one is not totally

Goodluck Jonathan at the 2013 Igbo Day celebration in Enugu. Photo: Hill Ezeuwgu.

Nigeria, a work in progress —JONATHAN

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country because of the multifarious challenges facing the country but to remain committed to building a strong, united, progressive and prosperous nation in spite of present challenges.

In his nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 53rd independent anniversary, the President said “Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles we face.

According to him, “history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.

“The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor."

See full text on page 31.

London trial: Ibori has no shares in Ocean and Oil Services, says witness zTheir assertions lack evidence—Ibori

T

HE Crown Prosecution’s assertion that the former Delta State Governor, James Ibori has used several companies to hide his assets and defraud Delta State suffered another blow in the ongoing confiscation hearing yesterday as a witness proved the claims were false.

A charge against Ibori was that Ocean and Oil Services Ltd and OANDO are one and same company in which controls substantial interests and were used by the former governor to launder money. However, the official liquidator of Ocean and Oil Services, Mr. Oyewole Olatunde, while giving testimony in court, said “Ocean and Oil Services is not the same as OANDO” and that “Ocean and Oil Services through voluntary resolution went into liquidation in 2009 but had ceased trading in 2005”.

The importance of the witness’ statement in court was to clear the air on the relationship between Ocean and Oil Services Ltd and OANDO which the Metropolitan Police Financial Investigator, Police

Detective Peter Clark, had said:”the two are the same”, while being cross-examined by Mr. Ivan Krolic, Ibori’s lead counsel, and also the Crown Prosecutor Sasha Wass.

The British Police had claimed that Ibori had a substantial interest in OANDO hence the payment of $1.7million foreign exchange transaction made by Ocean and Oil Services Ltd into Stanhope account; Ocean and Oil, a totally different company was taken to also be OANDO by the prosecution.

Mr. Olatunde further disclosed that Ibori has never at any time a shareholder in Ocean and Oil Services Ltd. Trying to discredit Olatunde’s claim, Wass, thundered “are you able to say that Mr. Ibori has shares in OANDO”?

Mr. Olatunde calmly responded: “No”.

Sasha: “What about Ocean and Oil’?

Olatunde: “Not ever”.

Sasha: What about before

1999'?

Olatunde: “Never”.

Sasha: “Are you saying you know all the shareholders”?

Olatunde: “There are just three shareholders in Ocean and Oil Services Ltd, and I know all of them, we were meeting often, Ibori is not one of them”. The crown prosecutor’s , Sasha Wass went from there to ask about the relationship between OANDO and Edgeways Resources. Mr Olatunde calmly replied again “I am here to clarify the relationship between OANDO and Ocean and Oil Services Ltd. I have said repeatedly here and categorically that Mr Ibori neither has shares in Ocean and Oil Services nor Ocean and Oil Investment Holdings”.

Compounding the embarrassing moment for the British prosecutors, an independent Forensic Accountant and expert, Mrs. Stow had told the court on Monday that she and her colleagues could not trace any

fund to Delta State in many of the statements and documents used by the prosecution against Ibori in the over 800 hours she and her colleagues spent looking through the bundle of evidences used in the trial. She said “we have not seen specifically statements which link Ibori’s funds to Delta State”.

Speaking through his solicitor after the court sitting Mr. Ibori said “it has become apparent over the last two weeks that the crown’s case against me and the purported companies they claim I have hidden assets in has been uncertain, unclear and they have been inconsistent in their submissions and assertions.”

He continued: “It is my understanding at the start of this proceedings that the Crown claimed I own 30 percent of OANDO Plc only to hear the chief prosecutor stand up in court last week and disagree with her own assertions that was put forward by Detective Constable Peter Clark, who even claimed that “Ocean and Oil Services Ltd and OANDO were the same."

10—Vanguard WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Don’t distort history, Nigeria came into being Oct 1, 1960, not 1914 — Fashola

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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O V E R N O R B A B AT U N D E Fashola of Lagos State, said Nigeria came into being on October 1, 1960, and not in 1914, advising the Federal Government not to distort history by its planned centenary celebration next year.

Fashola spoke at the Nigeria’s 53 rd Independence anniversary parade which involved the Police, voluntary organizations, school children and Para-military agencies, led by Superintendent Chris Nwokolo, at the Police College, Ikeja.

The governor while addressing the gathering said “For me, Nigeria was born as an independent sovereign nation

on October 1st, 1960. Perhaps she was conceived in 1914 but as we race towards this, it is important not to distort history.”

He said the reason was that “a generation is coming behind us they need to be sure about the history of their fatherland. I will seek better understanding and explanation by those who are behind the centenary celebration.

“This is because if we roll out the drums three years ago to celebrate the 50 years of Nigeria’s nationhood, the independent that we fought for and our nationalist went to jail for.

“Many of our prominent leaders lost many things. Some lost their lives, some lost their dignity. Some lost their freedom.

The scars of those years of colonial dominion are firmly etched and preserved in the

freedom Park on Broad Street in Lagos. It was built with bricks imported from England with money earned in Lagos in order to keep our nationalists in confinement.”

“Let us be very clear October 1, 1960 was the day of nationhood for Nigeria. My teachers and parents thought me that history. I used to come out as a child to participate in the Independence Day parade exactly as the children that here today.

“Then what is this centenary suddenly about because I don’t remember as a child ever coming on amalgamation day to celebrate the day. And suddenly how did we get to 100 when we did not celebrate the 60 th a n d 50 th , 99th anniversary.”

“There is something wrong

here. I don’t know why the celebration but I will like clarification. Maybe conception of Nigeria took place in 1914. But it is the date of birth of the child that one celebrates and I think that birthday is October 1st, 1960.”

The governor however called for tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying “I am lending my voice to the appeal for peace across our land.

“Only a peaceful solution must be found to arrest the present worsening stalemate and restore normalcy into the country.

“I believe that we are too blessed to resolve our differences with threats of violence.

For me, compromise is critical and we must all reach for it in order to make more meaning out of our situation.”

Lawyer sues FRSC over new number plates

BY INNOCENT ANABA

A lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Ofoegbu, yesterday, filed a suit before a Federal High Court Lagos, against the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, challenging the issuance of number new plates for motorists.

The applicant is seeking a declaration that the threat by the respondents to arrest and impound the vehicles of motorists, who failed to acquire the new numbers from Oct. 1, is unconstitutional.

In his statement of facts, the applicant averred that the old plate numbers were issued under the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2004.

He said that the NRTR 2004, is a subsidiary legislation made under the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, Laws of the Federation as revised in 2004.

Doctor advises govts to reduce maternal mortality

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

From left, Oba Idowu Oniru Oniru of Iruland; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland; Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos; Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State governor; Mr. Ramesh Vaalechha, Chairman, Milan Group, and Mr. Rajesh Valechha MD, Milan Group, at the commissioning of the Grand Intercontinental by Lagos State Governor. Photo: Diran Oshe

Killing of students in Yobe seneless, unjustifiable, says MWUN

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

M

ARITIME WORKERS Union of Nigeria, MWUN, yesterday, described the recent killings of no fewer than 72 students of the College of Agriculture in Yobe State, by suspected Boko Haram sect, as not only senseless and but unjustifiable.

At a prayer session yesterday for Nigeria and its PresidentGeneral, Tony Nted who also marked his 53rdbirthday, leaders of the union called on the sponsors and the perpetrators of heinous crime to repent and embrace God, arguing that violence and killing of innocent citizens would definitely lead them to destruction.

The union called on royal fathers, religious leaders, political and other leaders in the country especially in the northern part of the country to wade in and ensure that these orgies

of violence and wanton destruction of lives were brought to an end before it became too late.

Addressing members and friends at the praying session, Nted called on Nigerians to

love another, be tolerant have the fear of God, and avoid hatred, wickedness and be their brothers’ keepers.

According to him “those that killed the innocent students of of Agriculture in Yobe State

have no conscience and are not fit to live among civilized people. Any person that has a conscience cannot kill a fellow human being for whatever reason.”

Nigeria re-elected ICAO Council member

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

N

IGERIA HAS been reelected into the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Council.

She got 149 out of 172 votes, constituting 86 per cent of total vote cast, at the 38th Assembly of the organisation in Montreal, Canada.

This re-election would provide a strong platform for the election of the Nigerian representative in ICAO, D r Olumuyiwa Babatunde Aliu who would be standing for

election for the President of ICAO Council on October 28.

Nigeria joined ICAO in 1960 and was elected into the Council of ICAO in 1962 as a Part II member State and the country has since remained on the Council.

The media coordinator of the aviation agencies and the General Manager, Corporate Communication of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, said Nigeria sent a delegation led by the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah. Aliu’s quest for the president of ICAO has re-

ceived full support from the Federal Government and Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora as the “ Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah has continued to drum support for the accomplished Aliu who has built invaluable goodwill among ICAO member countries’ representatives.

So far, based on the responses from member states, we are optimistic that Dr. Aliu will ultimately emerge as the next President of ICAO Council, but we are not relenting on our efforts.”

The 36 members of the

G

OVERNMENTS AT all levels have been called to partner with private initiatives in child healthcare delivery to help Nigeria attain maternal mortality rate of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. Outreach Children’s Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, gave the advice, yesterday, during activity marking independence anniversary celebration for children in Lagos.

According to her, “We work in conjunction with four general hospitals in the state and we have been able to rescue up to 470 out of 600 that were refereed to us by the general hospitals among others from private hospitals. With this event, we are celebrating the lives of Nigerian children that are born with this kind of illness and to appreciate their parents, because many of the people who patronize us are at the bottom of the pyramid, and the general hospitals are not having enough equipment to care for them.

Vanguard WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—11

NANS disrupts independence anniversary in Ibadan

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — ACTIVITIES marking the 53rd independence anniversary were, yesterday, disrupted in Ibadan, Oyo State, by protesting members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Zone D (Southwest) who blocked major

roads in parts of the state calling on Federal Government and striking university lecturers to resolve their face-off.

They started the protest at about 9:30amand marched through Agbowo, Mokola round-about, Total Garden, Agodi-Gate and stopped at the Iwo-Road inter-change.

Numbering over 1000, they complained among other

things, the underfunding of the education sector and chanted anti-government slogans, accusing the Federal Government of lackadaisical attitude towards education.

To ensure that the protest did not go out of control, security agents kept watch over them.

The angry students through their leader, Monsur u

ENDORSEMENT: Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing crowd. With him: Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, representing Irewole Federal Constituency; Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Ife Ijesa senatorial district, and Mr. Lasun Yusuf, representing Orolu Irepodun Federal Constituency, during the launching of All Progressives Congress, APC/Endorsement of Aregbesola's 2nd Term, marking the 53rd Independence anniversary of Nigeria, organised by Osun House of Assembly legislators and Osun Federal legislators, at the Freedom Park, Osogbo, yesterday.

Adeyemo said, “There is urgent need to save Nigeria’s education sector from total collapse from claws of capitalist ruling elites.

“As a result of poor government funding, in spite of stupendous wealth of the country, Nigeria’s public education, from primary to tertiary levels is bedeviled with lack of adequate facilities for proper teaching, learning and research.

“Hostel facilities in the few schools where they still exist are dilapidated and insufficient, that is why over 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria. ”Only just this year, about 1.7 million candidates sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and from the available space in all the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country only less than 29 per cent of the total candidates will be admitted, thus leaving out over 1.2 million candidates.

“We have to actively join the struggle to force the government to implement the agreement with all unions so that tertiary institutions can be reopened. if this agreement is fully implemented, it will mean better funding of education and a great relief to overburdened students”

Public university system heads for total shutdown as NASU strikes tomorrow

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

I

BADAN — PUBLIC uni versities system in the country is heading for a total

shutdown as members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, will tomorrow begin a nationwide strike to protest two months unpaid salaries

by government.

NASU members who are expected to shut down all social amenities such as power and water supplies, libraries among others, will join their counter-

Ajimobi wants agents of destabilisation checkmated

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — AS the country marked its 53rd independence anniversary, yesterday, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said no effort should be spared to checkmate agents of destabilisation in the country.

Speaking at the 53rd independence anniversary celebrations at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the governor noted that the liberty being enjoyed today came with a great price for past heroes According to him: “The significance of Independence Day in Nigeria is that no matter the imperfections of our nationhood and the mindless savagery on-

going in the Northern part of the country, today brings the hurtful nostalgia of the toils and struggles of our heroes past.

‘This is why everyone within the country and even in faraway lands of Europe, Asia and America see today as a strong symbol of the journey we undertook to get to where we are today. It is for this reason that the survival of our sovereignty must be pursued by all and sundry.”

“For some of them, it was imprisonment; to some others, it was loss of great economic investments and yet to virtually all of them, they became pariahs in a land that their forefathers suffered to bring together.

In the same vein, we owe one

another a debt of gratitude for our collective resolve and decision to disconnect from the shame of our immediate past where violence and gangsterism were the order of the day.

part in the Senior Staff of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, who had since Monday began an indefinite strike over same issue.

It will be recalled that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have been on strike since July 1, paralyzing academic activities in all public universities.

General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi told Vanguard in Ibadan, Oyo State, that members would definitely begin an indefinite by tomorrow unless government paid today.

Oba Oladele commends Fayemi for assisting his ascendancy THE Olupole of Ipole-Iloro in Ekiti State, Oba Babatola Ezekiel Oladele, has commended the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for enabling him to ascend the throne of his ancestors and the award presentation to the

mother regent, Mrs. Margaret Oluyide Owoseni.

Oba Oladele, who spoke, weekend, at his coronation as the Olupole of Ipole-Iloro Ekiti, also commended the high chiefs for their wonderful support.

Fayemi restates commitment to improving people’s living standard

BY Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI — AS the nation marked the 53rd Independence Day anniversary and the 17th year creation of Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of the state, yesterday, assured that his government would not to renege on his electoral promises to improve the living standard of the people of the state.

This came as the governor freed 10 inmates of the Federal Prisons Ado Ekiti who had been serving various jail terms Speaking at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the governor faulted recent calls for national conference by some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying such calls should be viewed with suspicion, especially when such people had no respect for basic principles such as fiscal autonomy.

Don’t allow PDP to return to power in Osun State, Aregbesola urges APC

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — AHEAD of 2014 governorship election in Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday, urged members of All Progressives Congress, APC, to ensure that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was not allowed to come back to power.

Speaking at a twin event to mark 53rd independent anniversary celebration of Nigeria and his endorsement for the second term as the sole governorship candidate of APC by Forum of Osun State Legislators at Freedom Park Osogbo, governor described the period PDP held sway in the state as “wasted years.

According to him, “no amount of blackmail by the opposition party will work against his government, since the people of the state have seen the differences.”

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Privatisation: PHCN workers protest in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—PEEVED by the Federal Government’s resolve to privatise the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, the workers, yesterday, staged a protest against the move to go ahead with the handing over of the company’s distribution and generation without settling lingering labour issues.

Describing the Federal Government’s move as insensitive and unlawful, the placard-carrying electricity workers said the move was against the President’s mantra of due process.

The protest, which was embarked upon by members of the company’s two unions, Nigeria Unoin of Electricity Employees, NUEE and the Senior Staff Association, SSA, insisted that they were not against the privatisation process but were only agitating for what was rightfully theirs as agreed with the two in-house unions.

Comrade Penson Oko rodudu, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the protesting workers at Ughelli, said: “Our fears are now being confirmed. The privatisation is not genuine and what is happening is that the Federal Government is trying to hand over PHCN companies to their friends and loyalists without settling the workers.”

Flanked by Comrade Biakolo

Christopher, NUEE Chairman, Ughelli Power Plc; Mrs. Juliana Okpoko, SSA Chairman, Ughelli Power Plc; Comrade Joseph Nwanze, SSA Chairman, TCN Ughelli; Comrade Kazim Yusuf, Chairman, NUEE, TCN Ughelli and Comrade Benson Akpewa, Charmian, NUEE, Ughelli Business District, Okorodudu said: “As I speak to you, some of us have put in 30 years, 5 years and some others are just starting and the Federal Government is saying they want to lay us off with-

out our total benefits.

“They are claiming they have completed payments but let me tell you, what they did was sample payment.

“In Benin Zone, for instance, with over 2,500 staff, less than 500 staff have been paid and even those paid were not paid their full benefits; they were only paid their severance packages and that is not what was agreed upon.

“Our colleagues in transmission, none of them have been paid and government is say-

ing they are laying us off and handing over. ”We agreed on the payments of gratuity, pension, severance benefits of 10%, equity shares to all PHCN staff and the regularisation of all PHCN contract staff. All the Federal Government has done is pay severance benefits to less than 20% of the entire PHCN staff.

“Even those of our colleagues who retired since 2011 have not been paid their gratuity and pension as we are speaking and they say they are handing over.”

INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (middle), on his arrival at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, during the Independence Anniversary celebration, yesterday. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

Delta Central by-election: I’m the candidate to beat —Emerhor

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

E

FFURUN—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, flag-bearer, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, yesterday, declared himself as the candidate to beat in the October 12 by-election in Delta Central senatorial district of Delta State.

Speaking to reporters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, where he met with chairmen of the defunct ACN, ANPP and CPC in the state, to fashion out strategies on how to deliver Delta Central to APC on October 12, he said: “As a party in the state, I want to tell you that APC is very strong. We have a major edge and advantage over other parties because we are the alternative.”

Pointing out that he ensured the employment of many Urhobo men and women when CHANGE OF NAME ONYEMOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyemobi Linda Chika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeugwu Linda Chika. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

he was a key player in the banking industry and remained till date.”

Emerhor said the challenge for him in the Senate would be to address the issue of unemployment among youths, poverty and women.

He asserted: “I want to move to resuscitate the Delta Steel Company, DSC, which is fac-

ing hard times and push for the establishment of more industries because there is federal absence in my senatorial district.”

He confirmed that he inherited the political structure of the late Senator Pius Ewherido, which would be deployed by the APC to win the by-election.

Emerhor, who described the governorship candidate of the DPP in the last elections, Chief Great Ogboru, as his friend, however, said there would be no serious challenge to his victory, as DPP was already decapitated with the movement of half of the party into APC, with the death of Ewherido.

2015: We won’t support Jonathan, unless... —Ogoni

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— EMANCIPATION seeking Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State has declared not to support a second term bid for President Goodluck Jonathan unless the Presidency put a stop to the blackmail of the state’s leadership under Governor Rotimi Amaechi and that of Ogoniland as embodied in Senator Magnus Abe. Making the declaration under the umbrella of Ogoni Generation Next Project, OGNP, the Ogoni also counted completion of its deplorable axis of the East-West Road as well as the 11 years linger-

ing Bodo-Bonny road as preconditions for supporting the President’s second tenure aspiration.

Facilitator of the group, involving professionals in diverse business fields and political officeholders, Khadilo Kabari, while taking the media on a tour of federal roads in Ogoniland, said: “Enough of the blackmail of Amaechi and his leadership as anti-President Jonathan and the Niger Delta.

“The leadership of Amaechi, including Senator Abe as an Ogoni political leader has accorded undivided support thus far for the Jonathan Presidency from the very beginning.

“It is on record as perhaps the most supportive among states. It is, therefore, a campaign of calumny taken too far for jobbers to now smear a leadership that has been so supportive against the President.

“For the Ogonis, the least the Presidency could do is to implement the UNEP report to the letter in alleviating the suffering of people who have given so much but rewarded with spite and killing of its prominent leaders. Beyond the UNEP report, it is also imperative that Federal Government reverses its indifference to completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road and the East West Road, particularly Ogoni axis.”

A-Ibom dep gov tasks old students on discipline of wards

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—THE deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe, has charged old students of institutions in the country to inculcate the virtues of discipline, chastity and hard work gained from their alma mater in the lives of their wards.

Lady Ebe stated this during a visit to her at Government House, Uyo, by executive members of the Old Girls Association of Holy Child Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River State.

The deputy governor, herself an old student of the college, decried the high level of moral decadence that had permeated the society and called on the beneficiaries of the old school to instill in the young ones. She recalled the dedication and commitment of the Irish nun, Reverend Sister Cornelia Connelly, to the training and development of the girl child.

Delta monarch bags NIPR award

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—THE Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM, Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, has bagged the 2013 Merit Award of Excellence of Delta State chapter of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR. The royal father was conferred with the award at Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State capital, during this year’s Annual General Conference/Lecture of the chapter.

In a statement, state chairman of NIPR, Mr Joel Okandeji, said the monarch was honoured for what was described as “a philanthropist of no mean repute, his deep involvement and interest in conflict resolution, how he used the Urhobo Solidarity Club to help many Urhobo students in tertiary institutions.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—13

Johnathan can contest for 2nd term —Akpan

Uduaghan calls for unity, peaceful co-existence

BY TONY NYONG

BY EMMA AMAIZE

A

S A B A — D E LTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has charged Nigerians to rekindle the bond of unity, peaceful co-existence and tolerance for one another.

Dr. Uduaghan, who gave the charge during the 2013 Independence Day Celebration in Asaba, yesterday, said that was the only way to ensure sustainable growth and development of the country as a nation.

He said: “In our daily activities, utterances, and interactions, we should positively impact on the unity and peaceful co-existence of the nation.

“We should show greater tolerance for views which are diametrically opposed to ours and allow democratic ethos inform our actions for the greater good of the greatest number of our people.”

While acknowledging the various challenges facing the nation, Governor Uduaghan called for prayers and absolute commitment to the nation’s ideals so as to ensure sustainable development stating that “no nation can develop in an atmosphere of chaos and anarchy.”

The governor, who lamented the recent inexplicable and mindless killing of students in Yobe State, condoled with the bereaved families and called for vigilance on the part of all Nigerians to avoid a re-occurrence of such incidents.

While reiterating the improvement in the security situation and the decline in the activities of kidnappers in the state, Uduaghan enjoined Nigerians, especially Deltans, to be securityconscious and avoid being accessories to the facts of crime.

He called on them to condemn the exploits of criminals and their cohorts in their areas and cooperate with security agencies to fish out criminals in their midsts.

The governor said the state government was committed to promoting Public-Private Partnership in order to enhance prosperity through economic development.

U

INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right), Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (middle), and the Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, during the 53rd Independence Anniversary, in Uyo, yesterday.

Senate to initiate legislation for revamp of education sector

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—THE Senate is to initiate legislative educational policies that would ensure total revamp of the sector in the country.

Senate President, David Mark, disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the first conference of National and State Assembly Committees on Education, organized by the Senate Committee on Education.

Mark, who was represented by the Senate Minority leader, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, said it was imperative that particular attention be paid to the country’s education sector which, according to him, is in serious need of transformation.

He said: “The incessant industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian universities, ASUU, has had huge impact on the country’s education system and there is need, therefore, for the Senate to initiate legislative solutions to the problem.

”Issues of educational development have been priority of government and the situation has called for comprehensive and sustainable policies that will deliver good standards, decent environment and cost effectiveness. ”The nation should evolve a policy of keeping all children on school to minimise most of the societal problems such as militancy, terrorism, insurgency, prostitution and ignorance plaguing the country.”

He, however, called on the federal government and ASUU to urgently come to an agreement to call off the 84 days’ old strike.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chuwkumerije, noted that poor funding and inconsistent policies had been identified as the two major challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.

According to him, the educational values of the nation degenerated in the 19th cen-

tury, affecting the entire school system.

Chuwkumerije noted that over 10 million children of school age dropped out of school, while Nigerian students emigrated to educational institutions in various countries.

Also, Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, identified the two strategic goals of Nigerian education as access and quality.

He noted that the focus on girl child education in Northern Nigeria and boy child education in the South-East were the key policy initiatives aimed at encouraging enrolment in Nigeria’s basic education system.

He said: “Over 7,000 lecturers from universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education have, therefore, been sponsored for training in Nigeria and overseas. The first beneficiaries of the Presidential Scholarship on Innovation and Development have also started their studies.”

Amaechi alleges attempt by Police to turn Rivers into military state

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has again lashed out at some of the alleged actions of the Police in the state, describing them as an attempt by the security agency to turn Rivers into a military state.

The governor, who spoke yesterday, at a ceremony at Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt, to mark the 53rd anniversary of the country’s independence, also urged Rivers people to join forces with the

state government to resist the move.

He recalled how the Police dispersed 13,000 newly recruited teachers by the state government at the Liberation Stadium over unfounded excuse that they were hired to protest against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

It would be recalled that the teachers were invited by the state Ministry of Education to collect their posting letters before they were dispersed by the Police command in the state.

The governor said all steps should be taken to thwart attempts by those plotting to disrupt democratic flow in the state.

Amaechi further assured that his administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the state, adding that he would not compromise on the standard of education.

“We must come together as a people to chase away those who want to turn Rivers State into a military state.

“This state is identified by an elected government and we must identify with a civilian government,” he said.

YO—THE immediate past Commissioner for Economic Development in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Jerry Akpan, has chided critics for their hard stance against President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

He stated that since Jonathan’s first emergence as Nigeria’s President was circumstantial, any document the critics claimed the President might have signed, which purported to bar him to seek a reelection, was invalid.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Monday, Akpan explained that if such document had ever existed, it was against the collective will of Nigerians, adding that the document attempted to subjugate the provisions of the country’s constitution, which served as a reference point over such matters.

He said the 1999 constitution, as amended, showed that Jonathan was not only qualified but also eligible to contest election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015.

Delta community marks Ine Festival

T

HIS year’s celebration of Ine festival, to herald the eating of the new yam by the people of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, will take place on October 5.

A release from the palace of the traditional ruler of the community H.R.M Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I said the grand finale of the week-long event will, among others, feature a mockwar dance by the four quarters of the town as well as the traditional greetings, Ina-aka, and paying of homage to the traditional ruler by traditional chiefs of the community.

14—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Why terrorism persists, by WAATVIT

BY OKONKWO EZE

O

N I T S H A —HU MAN rights activist and African President of World Alliance Against Terrorism, Violence and Inhuman Treatment, WAATVIT, Mr. A. A. Orunkoya, has described terrorism as an international phenomenon and a menace that emanated from bad leadership in Africa and some other continents of the world.

He attributed the ugly trend to self-centredness among African leaders and their inability to initiate people-oriented programmes and policies, which often gave rise to poverty, hardship and unemployment, visibly seen on the continent.

Orunkoya noted that people took to crime, violence and terrorism because of their dissatisfaction with the extent of social, political and economic statusquo.

He said: “Most often than not, people form terror groups like the Boko Haram and Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, as a way of ventilating their anger against a government that is insensitive to their plight.”

Anambra 2013: Cleric tips Ubah for victory

BY OKONKWO EZE

O

NITSHA—THE groundswell of support coming the way of Dr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, the standard bearer of Labour Party in the forthcoming November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, moved some notches higher, as Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the fiery Catholic priest and spiritual leader of Adoration Ministries, Enugu, in Enugu State, joined the league of those tipping Ubah for victory at the polls.

Mbaka’s blessings came on the heels of the award of South East Man of the Year to Ubah, in a well-attended second edition of Southeast Media Summit organized by Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, zone C (South-East), in collaboration with Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.

Wike, Reps disagree over 2013 capital budget performance

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

A

BUJA—Supervising Min ister of Education, Nyesom Wike, and the House of Representatives Committee on Education, yesterday, disagreed over 2013 capital budget performance.

While the minister said his ministry had achieved between seventy and one hundred per cent performance in implementation of the capital budget for the year, Chairman of the Committee, Aminu Suleiman, disagreed, insisting on seeing a detailed report of how the capital projects were executed.

The minister said access and quality which used to be a major contention was now a thing of the past as 23 million to 29 million children were enrolled between 2010 and 2012. ”Tertiary institutions carrying capacity increased by more than 100,000 students annually as well as students enrolment which had increased from 620,000 in 2011 to 750,000 in 2013, and “there is marked improvement in the quality of education at all levels,” he said.

On Nigeria Union Teachers, NUT, proposed sympathy

strike, Wike said “NUT has no business in ASUU strike.

ASUU did not go on sympathy strike with NUT when some states were owning them. What is the relationship between NUT and ASUU? No nexus, no connection.”

Chairman, House committee on Education, Aminu Suleiman, faulted the Minister ’s claim, and asked for a

more detailed report.

He said: “The one you have shown us is too scanty and not detailed enough. You were not specific concerning the locations of the projects, the year of completion and the amount given as well as the contractors handling them.”

He urged the minister to find a lasting solution to incessant strikes in the sector.

“Find a lasting solution concerning the ASUU strike and other strikes in the sector because this is a recurring decimal and it worries many of us. ”We hope to see an end to the crisis in one or two weeks as pressure is been mounted on us by Nigerians and we might have no option but to redeploy necessary machinery to end the crisis. Feelers says end is in sight and I hope we will be vindicated in our assumptions,” he said.

BRIEFING: From left: Secretary General, Island Club, Mr. Diji Veracruz; Chairman, Mr. Ademola Dada, Vice Chairman, Alhaji Deji Salako and Social Secretary, Aare Kamorudeen Danjuma, during a briefing on the club’s 70th anniversary celebration in Lagos. Photo; Akeem Salau.

Independence Day calls for hard work —Obi

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State, has said that Independence Day called for celebration for many reasons, including the fact that Nigeria had remained a united country, in spite of obvious challenges.

He spoke yesterday at Ekwueme Square, Awka, shortly after taking salute at the march past to mark the occasion.

He urged Nigerians to continue to promote areas of common interest that would contribute to the greatness of the country.

The governor also called for more dedication towards the building of a Nigeria that would be a better place for posterity and condemned the spate of bombing across the country, reminding the people that greatness was not built upon such recklessness and rascality.

He told the people of Anambra State that the celebration was an opportunity for him as a person to re-dedicate himself to their service, assuring them that there would be no rest for him for the remaining part of his tenure.

His words: “May I take this

opportunity to call on contactors handling various road jobs in the state that were affected by the rainy season, to get set to go back to their various sites as the rains are gradually abetting. We will not tolerate indolence or any act that will delay us in delivering those things we com-

menced recently for our people.

“I have said it many times that money is not our problem because through prudence and management of available resources, we have been able to save enough money to see various on-going projeccts through.

“Even when we are recruiting, we made sure we will leave enough money to pay for them for one year in the bank and for various Internet subscriptions and things like that, we made sure we subscribed till 2015 so that the person coming in will not be encumbered”.

Conflicts, disagreements, part of democracy —Orji

U

BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, declared, yesterday, that conflicts and disagreements were a part of democracy.

The governor spoke against the backdrop of the current crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Orji, in a radio and television broadcast to Abia people to mark Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary, said: “I need to re-assure you that our democracy, our state and our nation will continue to endure in-spite of our growing teething problems, our inevitable internal conflicts and the many disagreements we some-

times face in our Party politics.

“We must accept the caution that there is no alternative to the collective unity of our people under one Nation, just as we all continue to seek genuine resolves to addressing existing areas of imperfections in our political system, and do so with justice and fairness.

“Our government of Abia State will remain an active player in the search for solutions to the many challenges that today face our state and the nation, especially in the areas of deepening our democracy, advancing the development of our economies and people in all vital areas, and providing for a sustainable ‘human se-

curity’ of our citizens.

“I, therefore, advise our politicians and citizens to endeavor to promote peaceful conducts at all times, as we all seek to pursue our democratic rights and aspirations even under different banners.

“Our journey towards a viable nationhood in the past 53 years of Nigeria independence remains a story of courage, tenacity, and commitment as our leaders search appropriate ways of advancing the interests of our diverse people within a united nation.

“Thank God that we have endured despite our often conflicting individual and collective aspirations, and we will continue to endure.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 15

NIGERIA CELEBRATES 53RD INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State acknowledges cheers, during the 53rd Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State inspecting the Independence day anniversary, at Police College Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem guard of honour by the Nigeria Police in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Salau.

Henry Unini.

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi (middle) his Deputy, Engr.

Tele Ikuru (left) and Chief Godspower Ake, during the celebration at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, his wife, Mercy Orji, Deputy Gov. Sir Emeka Ananaba and his wife, Nene during the celebration of Nigeria at 53 in Umuahia.

From left: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Tonye Wakama in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State inspecting a guard of honour in Abeokuta. Photo: Wumi Akinola.

From left: Vice President NLC and General-Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment & Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Comrade Issa Aremu, Pupils of Empowerment Support Initiative School, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State inspecting Comrade John Adaji, Comrade Kehinde Gegele and Eneka, Rivers State, during a march past, during a guard of honour mounted by the Nigeria Police, Comrade Funmi Elesho, during the celebration by the celebration, at the Liberation Stadium, Port at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex Adamasingba Harcourt. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube.

NUTGTWN in Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

TRIBUTES DAY FOR LATE AGAGU

Abuja security clampdown chokes Independence celebration

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

U

NPRECEDENTED security clampdown on Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, yesterday took away the glamour and excitement that usually go with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.

Apparently acting on reports that there could be terrorist attacks on the city during Nigeria’s 53rd Anniversary, security agencies mobilised in full force to placate any surprise onslaught on the capital and its environs, as President Goodluck Jonathan and his service chiefs converged on the Presidential Villa for a small event to commemorate the day.

Determined to prevent any attack, the Nigerian security establishments deployed their men and equipment to all nooks and crannies of the town but ended up scarring the residents in the process.

Vanguard investigations showed that the security agencies had taken over the town just before

midnight, placing its men, tanks and Armoured Personnel Carriers and Anti-bomb vehicles at strategic locations.

Major roads leading to and out of Abuja were manned by the security men, who carried out stop-and-search operation.

All routes to the Presidential Villa were also monitored by soldiers, who frisked motorists and pedestrians, who made use of the roads.

One of the stop-andsearch points was erected at the Jessie Jackson by Yakubu Gowon Crescent Junction in Asokoro District and manned by stern-looking soldiers.

While some of the soldiers searched vehicles a dozen others watched from a stationary pick-up truck decked in the Nigerian Army colours.

An APC was also stationed near the Bayelsa House, along Shehu Shagari Way, where Niger Delta militants detonated several bombs and killing no fewer than ten and injuring many others on October 1,

FG names members of Advisory Committee on National Dialogue

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

T

HE FEDERAL Gov ernment yesterday announced the membership of the Advisory Committee on National Dialogue that will establish modalities for a national conference aimed at resolving issues that currently cause friction in the polity.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in his independence anniversary broadcast yesterday approved the membership and terms of Reference of the committee.

According to a statement

by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Chairman of the Advisory Committee is Dr. Femi Okurunmu. Other members of the committee are Prof George Obiozo; Prof. Ben Nwabueze; Sen. Khairat Gwadabe; Sen. Timothy Adudu; Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd); Prof. Funke Adebayo; Dr. (Mrs) Mairo Ahmed Amshi; Dr. Abubakar Sadiq; Alh. Dauda Birma; Mallam Buhari Bello; and Mr. Tony Uranta; while Dr. Akilu Indabawa is the secretary.

Terms of Reference of the committee are: *To consult expeditiously

with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed national dialogue/conference *To make recommendations to government on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference *To make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the national dialogue/conference will be determined. *To advise on a timeframe for the national dialogue/ conference. *To advise government on a legal framework for the national dialogue/conference. *To advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/ conference into the constitution and laws of the nation *To advise Government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference *The Committee shall have one month within which to conclude its assignment.

The Committee will be inaugurated by the President at the State House on Monday, 7th October, 2013 by 10 am.

2010.

Many other checkpoints were also put up by soldiers and riot policemen opposite the National Mosque and close to the Julius Berger Bridge, Life Camp and Kubwa. But unlike other times, the security men were friendly with residents and did not molest or harass anyone.

However, the heavy presence of the security agents forced many residents off the roads and significantly reduced traffic in the city for most of the day.

Traffic wardens had a seamless day, as the number of vehicles on the road was quite few.

“This is what the security men should be doing all the times,” a resident of Asokoro, Mrs. Arit Jacob, who works in one of the Federal ministries in Abuja, said.

“They (the security agents) are supposed to be putting criminals or terrorists on their toes all the times. They are not expected to go to sleep until an attack has taken place,” Jacob said.

Alhaji Mosilu Ahmed, who lives in Kubwa and works in the Central Business District of Abuja, pointed out that the clampdown on the city on Tuesday, should be carried out on a daily basis to prevent any attack.

“What the security agents are doing now should be extended to all the places under threat by terrorists so that all Nigerians can live in peace,” Ahmed suggested.

From left, Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor/Representative of the Governor, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, at the ‘Tributes Day’ for the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Photos: Dare Fasube

Chief Bola Obasanjo condoling Mrs. Funke Agagu.

Son inlaw, Mr. Brian Harmmond (left), daughter, Mrs. Solape Harmmond; widow, Mrs .Funke Agagu; son, Mr. Feyi Agagu; daughter, Miss Bisoye Agagu; daughter, Mrs. Omowunmi Akinsanya, and her husband, Mr. Femi Akinsanya.

Jang releases 5 prisoners

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS — IN the spirit of the country’s 53rd independence celebrations, the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang has granted amnesty to five prisoners who were serving their terms in Jos Prison.

According to a statement yesterday by the governor ’s Director of Press and Public Affairs in Jos, James Mannok, those granted amnesty included Jerry Arin, Iveh Arama, Peter Gazi, Domchang Jatau and Pankyes Yakubu who had all been released unconditionally.

Cross-section of traditional rulers and white cap chiefs, representing Oba of Lagos.

Professor Lanre Bamidele (left), and General Manager, Publications and Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Media Ltd, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 17

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 THE body counts from the war against terrorism are getting abnormal. Whether the losses are on the part of the security agencies or mere standbys, like school children, it is becoming clearer that government needs to do more.

Terrorists may do all they can to make the country unsafe, but government has the responsibility to not only protect us, it has to make us feel safe.

What we find more absurd is that the seasonal killing of school children which terrorists in Yobe State have made their specialty, no longer shocks.

The condemnations have thinned.

We have moved on with obviously more important matters like who becomes whatever in 2015. We forget the killings quickly in order to sustain the pretence that the union is in sane state.

Nigeria has lost thousands of lives

Nothing Shocks Again to terrorists. Neither the numbers, no those killed, appears to be important. Lives, no longer seem to count, they have become numbers, ordinary statistics, kept for the records.

Which society watches its members decimated in this manner without being shocked into action? How can a society be so unfeeling when it cannot protect its young, its future?

Nigeria has failed to tell terrorists in succinct terms, that their actions would be punished. There are no examples to deter them.

The choice of soft targets like schools, markets, entertainment centres and churches has become a trademark of these attacks. The terrorists want attention, and bigger headlines. Our security agencies need to do more. Failure of intelligence and armed actions against terrorists is not as bad as the unwillingness of many top Nigerians who can exert pressure to do so.

We cannot bring terrorists to account when we place personal and political considerations above millions of lives terrorists place at risk.

The lives at risk could be anyone’s as the indiscriminate attacks have proved.

The war against terrorists cannot be won when we are pulling in different directions. Any group that can murder children so mindlessly is a risk to everyone, even its avowed supporters.

OPINION

BY TONY EKE

W

HENEVER we take a cursory look at democracy, we hardly fail to see the visionary import of the philosophy and precept of liberal democracy which makes it tower above other models because of self-evident advantages. It is indeed a credit to the clairvoyance of the originators who fittingly gave the legislature a prime position as the first arm that is pivotal to the optimal functioning of democracy. What probably makes it so critical is that when it efficiently performs its constitutional duty, the legislature could provide the compass to the executive and judicial arms of government.

This feature has largely characterised the operation of the Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA, since the proclamation of the First Assembly in 1992. It can be recalled that the premier assembly sought to find the rhythm of its existence by providing the legislative framework that guided the administration of the pioneer governor, Olorogun Felix Ibru, despite the limitations which arose from the usurpation of power by the military cabal at the centre.

Shortly after its proclamation by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on June 6, 2011, the Fifth Assembly quickly moved to tackle the challenges of effectively legislating for a state where the people are yearning for all-round development.

Inspired by a peculiar mission and determined to build on the achievements of preceding assemblies, the leadership

As 3rd session of DTHA's 5th Assembly begins headed by the Speaker, Victor O. Ochei, promptly unveiled its vision of reinvigorating the DTHA to facilitate the performance of its function as spelt out in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

By last June, the House went on a recess after a fruitful engagement in legislation, representation and oversight, and undertaking what has become a phenomenal physical transformation of structures in the Assembly ground. While the break lasted members of the House utilised it for a capacity building programme in the United States of America which, despite the jaundiced views of critics, exposed them to international best practices and further enriched their legislative skills With the resumption of plenary for the third session of the Fifth Assembly there are expectations and challenges. While the constituents would crave to have more laws that would widen the frontiers of socioeconomic benefits to them, the legislators are conscious of the fact that this is the most auspicious period to attend to issues they might have unknowingly glossed over or left undone in the past two years.

Unarguably, the readiness of the Fifth Assembly to deepen the course of good governance through its lawmaking function is not in doubt. For one thing, the legislature has acquired some experience after an uninterrupted existence for 14 years. In ad-

dition, there is a general consensus that this current assembly is one of the most vibrant in the history of Delta State due to its proactive handling, consideration and passage of bills from June 6, 2011 to date. If the mid-term progress of the house is anything to go by, then we would see some sort of fireworks as it attends to numerous bills to promote the orderly development of the state.

Flowing from the above, the House is likely to witness robust sessions of lawmaking procedures, particularly at the committee stage, which is the engine room of legislative activities where the Committee of the Whole engages in meticulous examination of bills, clause by clause. This was one of the vital factors that accounted for the passage of 23 out of 31 bills received by the Fifth Assembly from June 6, 2011 to June 5, 2013. Of that number, 18 bills were assented to law by the Governor of Delta State.

In furtherance of its legislative role the House will receive many motions (though perceived as intangible vis-a-vis bills), which would be transformed into potential resolutions on issues it wants the authorities to address. It could surpass the feat of last session in which it adopted 31 resolutions, amongst which were the Rules of the DTHA, dissolution of DESOPADEC Board and its reconstitution with the same number, screening and confirmation of statutory

commissions such as the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, confirmation of the Clerk of the House, and members of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, ACPM. It will also carry out its oversight function by looking at petitions and providing redress to them through recommendations informed by the merit of each case as well as the extant provisions of the law. Last session alone received a total of 18 petitions, 10 were processed and six already acted upon. In the same vein two petitions are awaiting report while two others are still being investigated.

Similarly, the House will organise public sittings, probably in greater number than last session in which nine committees held such sittings that provided opportunities to Deltans to contribute to the process leading to the consideration and passage of bills.

The House would certainly sustain its capacity building programmes at home and abroad because, as one of the defining features of the Fifth Assembly, it has considerably improved human capital and enhanced productivity of legislators and staff of the Assembly. Between 2012 and 2013, tangible gains accrued to the House as a result of the training programmes for the 29 members, firstly at the Oxford University, London, United Kingdom, and secondly, at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, United States.

*Mr Eke, a political observer, wrote *from Asaba, Delta State

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013— —19

, Y March next year it would have been two years since the Inspector General, M.D. Abubakar first unveiled the new camouflage uniform of the Nigeria police to the public. The I.G. then called for suggestions from Nigerians on what they thought of the new uniform which was expected to help make a change in how the police was perceived by the public. But prior to the unveiling of the camouflage uniform, the police had introduced a new sky blue uniform whose use was limited to very senior police officers in Abuja and other major cities. I had questioned the rationale behind the restricted use of the new uniform to senior police officers in this column in April last year. I saw this as a case of unspoken discrimination against junior police officers. This is the category of officers members of the public see often. They are the ones who project the image of the police more than the senior officers and there is no doubt that this category of officers are often badly served by their superiors.

Poorly-kitted, trained and incentivised, they pour out their frustrat-

ed feelings on members of the public. The kind of frustration that accounts for this kind of transferred aggression by the police rank and file was reported in the media last week. It’s about the new uniforms that are now being distributed to the junior officers more than two years after privileged members of the senior officer cadre had been using them.

According to a report, senior police officers responsible for distribution of the uniforms are demanding gratification from their juniors who want to share in the benefit of the new uniform and all that goes with it. Which is to say that junior officers are being charged financially by some of their seniors, used to unearned privileges, before they are issued with the new uniforms. This is hardly surprising news. We are used to reports of police personnel insisting on gratification before performing their duties by members of the public. Not only do they demand bribes for themselves, they also insist that whoever desires their services fuel police vehicles, feed police men and

women assigned to particular duties and provide necessary stationery to be used in the course of official police duties. Thus, police services are limited to those able to afford them. These invariably are wealthy members of the society. Which explains why the police would bow and scrape before rich Nigerians; assign heavily armed officers to serve as escorts to private persons and corporate organisations. We are therefore daily treated to the ugly spectacle of police personnel serving as guards at private parties and other social gatherings where the roads used by the general public are left to the control of armed robbers.

Following the despicable conduct of the senior officers who want to be paid by their juniors before they are issued new uniforms, the IG has been compelled to wade into the matter, repeating what the culprits responsible for this shame know very well- that the uniforms were to be issued free. But I said earlier that the conduct of the se-

Cocking a gun on a General

BY ERIC TENIOLA

O

F the four elected Presidents Nigeria has had till date, none has been impeached.

To impeach is to indict, accuse, incriminate,charge or arraign before a tribunal and eventually to remove from office.

And of all the powers given to the National Assembly by the Constitution none is more powerful than impeaching the President.

The Constitution does not empower the National Assembly to elect the President but the same Constitution gives the power to the assembly to impeach or remove any President.

The closest the National Assembly has gone in this regard was on August 13, 2002 when the House of Representatives under the leadership of Gali Umar N’abba issued a two-week ultimatum to President OlusegunObasanjo to resign or face impeachment proceedings. The Clerk of the House at that time was my friend, Chief Yemi Ogunyomi,who was being assisted at that time by Mr.MuyiwaAdejokun,who is now Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives at that time charged President Obasanjo for 17 major offences. He made a reply to those charges on September 7, 2003.

Although the President said at that time that ”I assure you that I am not angry with the complainants” but we knew better, as there was serious anxiety at the Presidential villa. Friends and aides of President Obasanjo including OtunbaOyewole Johnson Fasawe, Andy Uba,BodundeAdeyanju and others, including the first lady, the late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo,were running from pillar to post, trying to ward off the impeachment threat. Even the then Nigerian High Commissioner in London, Dr. Christopher

,

Kolade had to rush down from London to help save President Obasanjo.

The President’s spokesman at that time the late Tunde Oseni formed a think-tank of which I was one, to reply the charges.

The suspicion floated either wrongly or rightly by then was that AbubakarAtiku,the Vice-President, was behind the impeachment threat. The suspicion led to the sack of many aides of Alhaji Atiku and led to a wall built between the President and Atiku.

Some still believe that the impeachment threat was the beginning of animosity between the two men.

Unfortunately that grave suspicion, is still lingering.

Among the charges were: * That sometime between the months of April and July, 2002,the President purportedly amended the Capital Provisions of the 2002 Appropriation Act by reducing the Capital budget to 44% without forwarding the said amendments to the National Assembly for passage in violation of Section 80(4) of the 1999, Constitution which acts amounts to gross misconduct. * On or about the month of July 2002, he issued a presidential order purporting same to constitute an amendment to the amendment to the Revenue Allocation Act which action amounts to a violation of Section 162(1) and (2) and Section 313 of 1999 Constitution which amounts to a gross misconduct. * That in the year 2002, he refused to fully implement the recurrent budget as it affects the salaries of staff and overheads for Ministries contrary to the provisions of the Appropriation Act 2002,which amounts to gross misconduct. * That in the year 2002, he refused full payment of recurrent expenditure for the judiciary as it affects monies for the payment of salaries and overhead costs con-

nior officers is hardly surprising.

Some of them are known for demanding bribes before posting some of their juniors to the highways where they demand bribes and are often more trigger-happy than common armed bandits.

Which is the same thing as saying that the police is corrupt from within. The culture of corruption that the public and foreigners notice about police officers who cannot perform their duties without asking for bribe actually has its roots inside the force itself. A junior officer who has been shortchanged by his divisional head sees nothing wrong when he stands in the middle of the road and demands N20 bribe from an okada rider. The evil the junior officers inflict on members of the public had been inflicted on them by their superior officers who have authority over their postings or even recruited them after payment of illegal fees in the first instance. Whoever has been so brutalised as these junior officers can effectively turn a blind eye on unjust treatment of other Nigerians where they don’t revel in it themselves. There is no way such ignoble conduct won’t rub off on their own personnel as with the stripped female officer whose colleagues couldn’t save from a rampaging ‘big man’ in Onitsha. hat kind of positive image will the new uniform provide where the wearers of the uniforms are already rotten from inside? The moral deficit in the character of the average police officer goes beyond wearing a new uniform. There is a critical need for reorientation of police personnel which should begin from the senior cadre whose members are often better educated and trained

W

,

Still on the Nigeria Police and its new uniform B

The difference in the kind of police officers we want won’t come from the uniform they wear if and when their orientation is already messed up

As long as there is impeachment clause in the Constitution, it should continue to remind any incumbent President that no matter all the powers the Constitution has bestowed on him, he could be removed

,

trary to the Appropriation Act of 2002 which act amounts to gross misconduct, contrary to Sections 80(3) and 162(9) of the Constitution. * That in the year 1999, Mr. President appointed Mr.Musiliu Smith as InspectorGeneral of Police without consultation with the Police Council, contrary to the 1999 Constitution. * That Mr. President caused the appointment of, and service as Acting Auditor-General of the Federation for a period exceeding six months without Resolution of the Senate contrary to Section 86(3) of the 1999 Constitution which act amounts to gross misconduct. * That Mr. President has unilaterally merged the Federal Road Safety Commission, a body established by an Act with the Nigeria Police without a Bill for an Act to harmonise the two bodies, or repeal the FRSC Act. Although President Obasanjo was spared of the impeachment but others were not so lucky. The threat was noted by President Obasanjo. Many casualties followed and the country was not spared of that threat.

You don’t cock a gun on a General if you are not prepared to shoot. When you cock a

than the semi-literates that populate the rank and file. If supposedly better trained and educated senior officers are this corrupt, what can or should any one expect from the junior ones? The culture of bribery and corruption, generally, has been imposed from the top down.

There is little or nothing that can be done by a recruit whose immediate bosses and those above those bosses are firmly steeped in the culture of seeking and receiving bribes from their own men and women. Except they want to lose their job in an economy where better educated Nigerians are jobless, no junior officer would risk their place in the police by standing up to a corrupt boss.

Important as it is for our police officers to look clean and decent in their new uniforms, the uniforms would not on their own make better police men and women. The difference in the kind of police officers we want won’t come from the uniform they wear if and when their orientation is already messed up.

There is more needed to effect attitudinal change in the police from among the senior officer cadre.

There is the need for justice and better treatment of junior officers.

Where the big men and women of the force take care of their own needs before thinking of the juniors as with this business of issuing them uniforms the seniors have been using for more than two years; or some of the seniors demand bribes before issuing the junior officers uniforms, the police will remain a corrupt institution from the top. No quantity of new uniforms will change the ugly story of the police if they are filthy from within. After all, as Fela once observed, ‘uniform na cloth, na tailor dey sew am’.

gun on a General you don’t withdraw. You either kill the General or he kills you. No withdrawal. For a General knows only war not peace.

After the impeachment threat, President Obasanjo took over completely the machinery of the government and that of the party,PDP. He got the Chairman of the party Barnabas Gemade to be sacked and replaced him with Audu Ogbeh. All political appointees suspected, rightly or wrongly to be involved with the impeachment threat were sacked. He made sure GaliN’abba did not come back to the house in 2003. He even made a deal with AD, the dominant party in the South-West at that time in other to gain political support for himself in that region. The deal eventually killed the AD, but only, Chief Bola Tinubu knew better.

After the election he brought in,an inexperienced so called “ DREAM TEAM” and gave the team all the blessings and power to run the government, a costly mistake though and launched an unrelenting war on Abubakar Atiku. The rest is history.

The question is, can Presidents be impeached if found guilty of any offence? Of course Presidents can be impeached. Those who wrote the Constitution knew better. It was not meant to threaten Presidents; it was designed to be carried out. As long as there is impeachment clause in the Constitution, it should continue to remind any incumbent President that no matter all the powers the Constitution has bestowed on him and no matter the sycophancy heaped on him constantly by his aides and friends, he could be removed. It is even good for the system.

For Presidents are not above the law and that after all they are mere mortals. The impeachment clause will even put Presidents on their toes.

Mohandi K. Ghandi (1869-1948) wrote that: “I can neither respect nor have affection for a government which has been moving from wrong to wrong in order to defend its immorality”. *Mr Teniola, a former Director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.

20— Vanguard ,

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, OCTOBER 2, 2013

accident may occur. Note that the road may be well tarred but accident may occur due to poor lighting of the road at night. If a driver does over 100 kilometres per hour, it is over speeding. The psychological disposition of a driver matters a lot during driving,” he said.

Continuing, Dr Urochukwu asked a lot of rhetorical questions : “We need to look at the medical history of the driver to ascertain whether he had had a heart attack.

Epileptic patient

*The mangled remains of the car after it collided with the trailer leaving its occupants dead. INSET: The late Victor Idam

Tragic tale of couple, 3 others killed in trailer crash

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

W

HEN Mr Victor Idam, his wife and three others left their home in an ash-coloured Nissan Primera car for Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, they had no premonition that the journey which started on a joyous note, would end in a disaster.

The couple and their three companions who hailed from Afikpo North Local Government Area, were involved in a ghastly auto-crash which claimed their lives, leaving two others with minor injuries. The crash which was a head-oncollision with a trailer, occurred at about 3.45 pm at Berger

road users to desist from overspeeding on the smooth-surfaced Ishiagu/Afikpo road.

Another eyewitness attributed the crash to the carelessness of the driver of the trailer. The source told VM that the accident occurred when the conductor of the trailer was trying to take over from his driver while the vehicle was still in motion.

“The accident was very terrible; in fact, those who came to rescue the victims had to force the doors open before the victims were brought out. I learnt that the conductor was trying to take over from the driver while on steering. Before their death, the couple were resident in Umuahia. The wife

,

The accident was very terrible; in fact, those who came to rescue the victims had to force the doors open before the victims were brought out

Junction along the Ishiagu Afikpo Road.

The deceased couple who were members of Deeper Life Bible Church were riding in a Nissan Primera with registration number UML 250 AA when it (car) collided with a yellow-coloured Mack Trailer with registration No. APP 215 XP. A source close to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Ebonyi State told Vanguard Metro on condition of anonymity, that the crash was caused by over-speeding. He advised C M Y K

,

worked with the Education Board in Abia, while the husband who is graduate of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki worked with a media outfit located in Port Harcourt.

He was a presenter with Deeper Life Satellite Television,” the source explained.

The State Coordinator, Special Marshal RF 9.2 Nigeria, Dr. Henry Urochukwu who spoke on the accident, advised government to make the teaching and learning of safety education mandatory in primary and secondary schools.

“If we start on time to talk about safe driving from our primary and secondary schools, it help the situation. That accident that happened at Ishiagu

was very pathetic; learning how to drive is not just it, you need to know about the maintenance of the vehicle among other requirements.

“In this case, we must look at both human and environmental factors before we can accurately discuss the reasons behind that accident. If a driver is not conversant with the road,

What is his psychological disposition to driving? Is he an epileptic patient? Is the driver tired after driving for about 17 hours? Is the person prone to risk taking? Does he have a pulse for over-speeding; does he have a defective judgement while driving; does he spend time quarrelling with another road user instead of focusing on his lane? Does he have a poor perception of his or her environment? It is a very complex issue but these are the factors we need to put into consideration” VM learnt that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary in Uturu, Abia State while the injured victims are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

More agonies as reconstruction of Iyana-Ejigbo/Ikotun road lingers

By AZEEZ SANUSI

C

OMMUTERS and motorists plying the Iyana-Ejigbo/ Ikotun Road in the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, are like people travelling through the Biblical “valley of the shadow of death”. The traffic snarl is caused by the reconstruction of a drainage channel in the area.

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment, apparently heeding to calls for assistance from the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, flagged off the reconstruction of the Iyana-Ejigbo/ Ikotun drainage a couple of months ago.

The reconstruction is meant to further deepen the water channel and facilitate free flow of rain water into the canal. This is being done in order to disallow overflow of water onto the main road.

Vanguard Metro learnt that the reconstruction is intended to alleviate the perennial sufferings of commuters who are often trapped in the traffic jam for several hours. The Council’s spokesperson, Mr. Rabiu Hassan explained that the situation gets worse whenever there is a downpour.

According to him, the over-flooding of the road and attendant traffic snarl were caused by the shallow drainage outlets.

Vanguard Metro learnt that the

reconstruction is scheduled to last for four months,and should have been completed before the rainy season commenced. The delay in completing the project is compounding the traffic gridlock in the area.

Even the alternative routes are also in very poor conditions. Some of the inner roads have continued to deteriorate while others are simply not passable.

“Other roads in Ejigbo are bad; in fact, they are not motorable. By the time you use your car on other roads here, within one month you will have to visit the mechanic,” a resident who did not want to be identified said.

Some of the residents and pedestrians also expressed their gratitude to those in charge of the project but are quick to remind the government of their predicaments.

Mr. Onyemachi Chinedu, a trader who has lived in the locality for the past seven years, recounted the ordeal they go through on a daily basis. “The difficulty I encounter on this road has to do with the traffic snarl. I spend between one and half hours to two hours to reach my house, a journey that should not have lasted more than 25 minutes,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the government to hasten the construction to lessen the pains commuters go through on daily basis.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 21

CBN bans foreign currency importation …As Retail DAS begins today

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

T

HE Central Bank of Ni geria has banned the importation of foreign currencies into the country.

The Deputy Governor of the CBN in charge of Economic Policy, Dr Sarah Alade, said in Abuja that the measure was in line with the bank’s determination to save the Naira and the Nigerian economy from external threats and dominance.

The dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and a heightened money laundering challenges were some of the key issues last week’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting singled out for immediate actions.

According to Dr. Alade, the movements of currencies in excess of $5, 000 either out of or into the country must be declared and approved by the Central Bank.

Only last week, CBN withdrew the operating license of 20 Bureaux de Change, BDCs, found to have purchased and sold huge sums of United States’ dollars with no documentation to show details of the transactions.

Dr. Alade reiterated the position of the Governor of the CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, after the MPC that “the Management of the CBN frowned at the existence of strong foreign exchange demand pressures from domestic sources, which are not necessarily linked to increase in the import of goods and services”.

She said that the management also observed the surge in United States Dollar cash importation by Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, and the huge cash sale of the US dollars to BDCs by the DMBs. While noting that Nigeria currently ranks as the largest importer of United States dollars, she disclosed that “the purchase and sale of the cash is not adequately documented by the BDCs”.

Alade said the Governor, Sanusi and his team decided to take immediate action to safeguard the Naira and ensure its stability in the face of the chal-

lenges.

Meanwhile, the Retail Dutch Auction System, RDAS, will commence today, following the suspension of the Wholesale Dutch Auction System, WDAS, at the official foreign exchange market.

RDAS will allow only customers of deposit money banks to buy foreign exchange at the CBN through their banks as against the WDAS where the deposit money banks bought foreign exchange at the CBN on their own accounts and in turn sold to their customers.

CBN said “the re-introduction of the RDAS is expected to pre-

vent round tripping of foreign exchange purchased at the CBN official window to unauthorized channels”.

The Apex bank has also issued a circular mandating all deposit money banks to redeem all inward money transfers in naira to the recipients at the prevailing inter-bank foreign exchange rate.

While condemning the action of erring BDCs, the CBN emphasized the continued relevance of the BDCs in the foreign exchange market, even as it stressed that it would continue to support their operations in line with the existing guidelines.

From right: National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Badaru Abubakar; Chairman, Enterprise Bank, Mr. Emeka Onwuka and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano at the 2013 World Cyber Security Conference held in Abuja.

CBG Gov harps on money laundering

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HE Governor of the Cen tral Bank of Gambia, Mr. Amadou Colley has identified money laundering as a tool for economic destruction.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Gambia, Colley said that money laundering has proven to be a menace to the world, while efforts required in the prevention, detection and prosecution are enormous.

“This is so mainly because of the sophisticated techniques used by criminals to launder money. Money laundering could have devastating effects on national economies.

“While this menace can occur in any country, it could have serious economic and social consequences particularly for developing countries. This is so because developing countries tend to be small and more susceptible to disruption from criminal influences,” he said.

He noted that the workshop will further help in building capacities of accountants in combating money laundering, terrorism financing and other related economic and financial crime.

Meanwhile, in a statement made available by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), which was in attendance, the workshop was meant to sensitize Chartered Accountants as gate-keepers who have crucial roles to play in the regional efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing.

FODION woos states for foreign direct investment T

he need to attract genuine for

eign investment into Nigeria, has brought about the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities in Nigeria, (FODION) Exhibition.

FODION 2013 is targeted towards Nigerian states, who are desirous of attracting genuine, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the various economic sectors in their states through private and public partnership for substantial increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as well as Corporate Organizations aiming to expand their market base through strategic collaboration with international manufacturing industries.

According to Kunle Aderemi, the Princpal Partner for Global Ethnics Ltd,

organizers of FODION, The two day event which has the Nigeria High Commission, U.K and the United Kingdom Trade & Investment (UKTI) as partners, is being organized as yet another investment forum to present Nigeria to the outside world as a viable country for Direct Foreign Investments in line with the programme of the Federal Government, as laid out

by His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, to harness more potentials available in all the Nigerian States, which will ultimately improve socio economic wellbeing, bring more dividends of democracy as well as improve the economic fortunes of each local , State and Federal Government of Nigeria.

Various Local and State Govern-

ments in Nigeria, will make presentation on investment opportunities for Investors from Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA to fully understand the investment potentials of Nigeria and how they can partner.

The Exhibition, which will take place at The Central Hall, Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London on 21st-22nd, October 2013, will be declared open by the quartet of Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, Dipo Famakinwa, director-general Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Bimbo Afolayan Robert, President, Central Association of Nigerian Communities in UK, and the Nigerian High Commissioner to UK, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida OFR, who will make the opening Speech.

22—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

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ENERAL attitude of Nigerians towards o t o r third party insurance. The attitude of Nigerians – the insurance buying public towards motor third party insurance is lukewarm and not in any way different from their general perception of insurance products and services as gambling, betting, fraud, or deceitful transactions.

Quite often, buyers of the motor third party insurance are statutorily compelled to buy the third party cover under the provision of the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance ACT of 1945, before anyone could drive or put their vehicles to use on the highway.

Most Nigerians therefore buy the motor third party insurance cover in strict compliance with the enabling Act of 1945 that made it compulsory for all vehicle owners, and hardly care to bother about the benefits derivable or the extent of cover granted, or the legal validity of the insurance contract documents.

They usually don’t verify or check the genuineness of such covers often obtained or bought at the point of registering and licensing their vehicles, which in most cases have been found to be fake insurance

BRIEF

m

What is motor third party insurance?

This is the insurance cover made compulsory by the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Act of 1945.

The 1945 Act made it mandatory for all vehicle owners and users to obtain the Third Party Insurance cover before driving or putting their vehicles to use on the road or highways.

It therefore becomes an offence punishable in law for any person contravening the provisions of the law. The underlying objective of the 1945 Act is to protect the interest of innocent public or third parties that may sustain death, or bodily injury, and damage to their assets & property following an accident caused by the insured vehicle.

Prior to the enactment of this Act, innocent third parties or members of the public were unduly exposed to uninsured risks of this nature, and were therefore left to suffer as there was no form of compensation or relief accessible to them.

How does motor third party works?

T

By Dr. Wole Adetimehin, Managing Director, Jully Insurance Brokers and Immediate Past President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN

Your third party insurance works In strict compliance with the enabling Act, all motor vehicle owners are compulsorily mandated to buy the Third Party Insurance cover before they could drive or put their vehicles to use on the roads or highways. If any vehicle owner or operator fails to comply, it becomes a breach of the provisions of the law leaving the culprit to penalties under the law. This explains why the law enforcement agents

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papers, and that are not easily detected by law enforcement agents, until they are presented in support of a claim following an accident involving the insured vehicle.

In essence, the greater bulk of motor third party insurance covers often bought at the point of registering or licensing new vehicles are fake and are not legally valid insurance papers.

The insuring public and buyers of motor third party insurance are therefore advised to approach the wellestablished and authorized insurance firms for the valid insurance covers, or in the alternative, approach any of the licensed & authorized insurance Brokers for valid insurance covers.

Insurers should allow new premium regime impact their operations — NAICOM

Prior to the enactment of this Act, innocent third parties or members of the public were unduly exposed to uninsured risks of this nature, and were therefore left to suffer as there was no form of compensation or relief accessible to them

penetration and contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stressing that the commission is glad to note that these efforts are beginning to yield positive results, but more needs to be done.

“It is the Commission’s believe that insurance professionals need to develop the retail insurance market which has remained grossly untapped in Nigeria; considering our vast population.

“The insurance sector is currently embarking on several reforms which include transition to IFRS, Risk Based Supervision, Market Conduct, Claims Settlement Reform; Financial Inclusion, all geared towards developing the Nigerian Insurance industry and improving the general perception of insurance. The industry is indeed in motion,” he said.

President of CIIN, Fatai Lawal, stated that the annual professional forum will continue to provide the robust platform for collective review of the workings of the sector and by extension strengthen insurance practice and the industry.

He noted that the working together by the industry ’s players, will enable them harness the enormous insurance opportunities in the country.

Continues next week

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oftentimes conduct spot-checks of vehicle insurance papers on the highways.

What are the covers provided?

In line with the objectives underlying the enactment of the Motor Third Party Insurance, the covers which are solely meant to protect the interest of the general public – innocent Third Parties are broadly in two categories namely: 1.To pay compensation in an

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

unlimited quantum or amount for any third party sustaining death or bodily injury resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle.

2.To pay compensation for damage to asset or properties of third parties resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle up to a limit under the standard policy provision, that can always be extended to higher limits at an extra charge.

3.To pay for legal cost and expenses incurred with the consent of the insurance firms providing the cover in defending any legal action or liability claim consequent upon an accident involving the insured vehicle.

HE Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, has called on insurance operators to allow the benefits obtained from the “No premium no cover ’ policy impact on their claims settlement, staff remuneration and better returns on investment for shareholders.

Daniel said, “The ongoing implementation of the no premium, no cover rule has significantly improved the cash flow of insurance institutions.

It is therefore expected that this would impact on our claim settlement ability, thus removing a major sore point in the relationship of insurance consumers and service providers.

We expect this positive turn of events to enhance employee remuneration and better returns on investment for shareholders.”

He called on insurers to develop the retail insurance market which has remained grossly untapped in Nigeria; considering the nation’s vast population, adding that the sector is currently embarking on several reforms geared towards developing the industry and improving the general perception of insurance.

He said the Commission incepted various reforms in the industry aimed at facilitating deeper market

Eric Banjo of Shell Nigeria (middle) receives the Certificate of Training from Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Ekhomu of the School of Management and Security (SMS) at the Physical Security Course held recently in Lagos. The Chairman of SMS Dr. Ona Ekhomu looks on.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 23

38 underwriters yet to get approval for their results Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

A

T

HREE months to the end of the year 38 insurance companies are yet to get approval for their financial accounts from the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM. According to NAICOM, as at this week it has approved the accounts of 16 underwriters out of the 37 firms that have submitted their financial reports, while 17 underrating firms are yet to submit their accounts.

NAICOM disclosed that it has approved the accounts of Mansard Insurance Plc; ADIC Insurance Limited; WAPIC Insurance Plc; Consolidated Hallmark Insurance; Oasis Insurance Plc, FBN Life Assurance Limited and Continental Reinsurance Company Plc. Others are AIICO Insurance Plc, Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Crusader General Insurance Limited, Crusader Life Insurance Limited, UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Zenith Insurance Company Limited, Standard Alliance Insurance Life, UnityKapital, Unitrust Insurance Company Limited. NAICOM said that responses from the query by Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc; Law Union & Rock Insurance Company Plc; Regency Alliance Insurance Plc and Prestige Assurance Plc made on their accounts are under review.

The accounts of Crystal Life Insurance; Sterling Assurance Nigeria Limited; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; FIN

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano; Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Nnamdi Okore-Affia and National Director, Skills Acquisition Entrepreneurship Development(SAED), Mrs. Dan Abia, during the visits of the NYSC DG and State Coordinators to New Horizons Office in Ikeja, Lagos.

Insurance Limited; Law Union & Rock; Wapic Life Assurance Limited; Nem Insurance Plc; Zenith Life Insurance; Oceanic (old Mutual);PHB Insurance Plc; Royal

Exchange Assurance Plc and Equity Assurance Plc and Lasaco Assurance plc were queried and the NAICOM is still awaiting their responses Accounts under review are

those of Royal Prudential Life Assurance Plc; Lasaco Life Assurance; Cornerstone Insurance Plc; Niger Insurance and Great Nigeria Insurance.

Grand Jury accuses man of running $10m ponzi scheme

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ORE than 80 families were bilked out of $10 million in investments through a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Richard Freer, a former bank president, according to Northampton County authorities.

Last week, District Attorney John Morganelli announced

a grand jury had recommended dozens of counts of theft, forgery, failure to make disposition of funds and deceptive business practices against Freer, 67, of Palmer Township.

Morganelli called Freer ’s conduct despicable, saying he conned investors out of their

Retiree sues Allstate over plan to end free life insurance

A

BRIEFS Insurers walking a tightrope, KPMG warns

32-year Allstate Corp. veteran has sued the Northbrook-based company’s recent decision to stop offering free life insurance for retirees.

Montgomery, Ala., resident Garnet Turner, who retired from Allstate in 1995, filed the suit in a U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Alabama on Monday.

Allstate has put a renewed emphasis on cost cutting in 2013.

The lawsuit seeks class-action status, including Allstate retirees who were provided life insurance benefits at no cost but who have been told perk will end Dec. 31, 2015.

Turner, who began working for Allstate as an agent in 1963, received several awards and honors over the decades, the 19-page lawsuit said. Upon his retirement, the company promised to provide him with $90,000 of life insurance for the rest of his life for free, it said.

In July 2013, Allstate said it would reduce some retirement and life-insurance benefits, including determining a new formula to calculate pensions and ending free retiree life insurance. It has also announced layoffs recently.

At the time, Allstate said that the changes brought it more in line with the benefits that other companies were offering. It also noted that it offers workers a pension and a 401(k) plan, though relatively few large companies offer both.

Allstate spokeswoman Laura Strykowski said the company is reviewing the complaint. “Allstate provides its employees with a contemporary and competitive benefit package,” she said. “The changes we are making to our retirement and life insurance benefits bring us more in line with benefits offered in the marketplace.”

Turner is represented by Heninger Garrison Davis LLC of Birmingham, Ala.

hard-earned funds with Freer ’s promises of doubling their funds. Freer is in county prison under $10 million bail in an investigation authorities said may uncover more victims.

“We moved now because I don’t want to see him out even walking around again,” Morganelli said. “I hope he has a long life because it’s going to be spent in prison.”

He said authorities are also looking at involvement of Freer ’s wife, Beverly.

Morganelli said the Freers did not live lavishly and authorities have worked to seize their bank accounts.

Those who invested with Freer were average people who earned their money through retirements and savings, the district attorney said.

Citing personal reasons, in 1991 Freer resigned as Lafayette Bank’s president after 22 years with the financial institution, according to Morning Call files. Freer also worked for Aviva Insurance in 2002, but was later fired from the company in 2009, authorities say. Although he touted himself as an investment adviser, Morganelli said Freer is not registered in the state.

USTRALIAN insurers face their “toughest-ever environment” despite profits increasing 61% last financial year and gross written premium (GWP) rising 9.2%, KPMG warns.

“As a whole, insurers are walking a tightrope, with historically low investment market returns, increasing competition from new nontraditional market entrants and additional pressure on premium pricing as a consequence of concerns by consumers about affordability,” Insurance Partner Scott Guse said. Industry profits reached $4.39 billion in the year to June 30, KPMG’s annual General Insurance Survey says.

This compares with $2.73 billion the previous year, with premium gains and a relatively benign catastrophe environment driving the improvement. GWP grew to $31.79 billion. But Mr Guse says the industry faces various challenges and warns premium gains may slow to 3-4% this year.

“The increase in premiums is starting to taper off already,” he said. “This year I would envisage premiums would continue to increase, but I would have thought the average increase would be more in line with inflation.”

Zurich poised to join third platform

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URICH is in talks with HUB24 about adding its insurance products to the administration platform.

The move is part of a push to offer insurance through such channels, according to Zurich GM Retail Life and Investments Phil Kewin.

“We are well advanced in discussion with other platforms such as HUB24 to give advisers as much choice as possible,” he said.

Zurich is already an insurance provider to the Netwealth and RetireRight platforms.

HUB24 – formerly Investorfirst – recently signed a deal to provide a white-label platform for National Tax and Accountants Association members.

The association wanted a branded platform to help members serve self-managed super fund clients. It will begin training members in life and general insurance in the new year.

Meanwhile, Zurich is now offering income replacement cover to super fund members.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

PZ shareholders to forfeit N19.2m unclaimed dividends

By FRANKLIN ALLI

S

hareholders of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc are to forfeit N19.2 million out of the estimated N60 billion unclaimed dividends in the country as entrenched in the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC) had recently reported that the estimated total unclaimed dividends by shareholders of quoted companies stands about N60 billion and is making efforts toward addressing the issue.

Professor Emmanuel Edozien, the Chairman of PZ Cussons while addressing shaarehlders at the company’s , 65th annual general meeting in Abuja recently said that dividends that have not been claimed in the past twelve years are to be forfeited.

He explained that this was in line with section 385 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which stipulated that dividends unclaimed by shareholders within 12 years should be

credited to the General Reserves in 2013/2014.

“Dividend declared up to the year ended 31st May 1999 and

payable from 200 (dividend Number 31) which remain unclaimed will therefore cease to be recoverable by sharehold-

ers this year 2013/2014),” he said.

The Chairman also disclosed that in spite of drop in revenue

Vice Chancellor Redeemer’s University, Professor Debo Adeyewa (left) and Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano, during the signing of the partnership agreement between Redeemer’s University and New Horizons Nigeria held at the Redemption City, Ogun State.

New trading platform’ll transform business in Africa — NSE

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE has said that the new trading engine, X-Gen, which became fully operational, Monday, will change the face of doing business, not only in the Nigerian capital market but in Africa.

The Executive Director, Operations and Technology, NSE, Ade Bajomo, said the development would reinforce Nigeria’s position as a regional financial center.

He added that the delivery of the new age technology serves as a testimony that the NSE has succeeded in achieving one of its key goals of providing 21st century technologies to support the growth of the Nigerian Capital Market In his words, “Today, we are trading live on X-Gen and this is a result of a focused, disciplined and intensive 12month project involving the NSE, its technical partners and the broker dealer community.

We believe that the successful implementation of this modern, world-class trading technology suite is a significant development that will change C M Y K

the experience of doing business in not only the Nigerian capital market but in Africa” He observed that by deploying the industry ’s leading trading engine, the NSE has made it clear to the domestic and international market participants that it is dedicated to operating a high performance, low latency, robust, scalable and flexible marketplace.

Commenting, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, said: “The Nigerian Stock Exchange has always been focused on investing in technology, but with XGEN, our trading platform is now among the most advanced in the world and that further extends our leadership position in Africa.”

The new trading platform is based on a number of leading technologies, including NASDAQ OMX’s XStream matching engine, and the NSE’s flexible and robust XGEN Market Database, developed from scratch by the NSE and its technical partners, and will support trading of cash equities, bonds, ETFs and derivatives (from 2014), giving wider access to real time data, improved market transparency and govern-

ance.

The platform is also enabled to run the Financial Information Exchange (FIX) protocol version 5. These technologies have been deployed on a highly opti-

mised low latency network (X-Net) for trading on the floor of the Exchange and remote broker-dealer offices based in Lagos and underpinned by efficient business processes.

by one percent from N72 billion to N71 billion during the financial year ended May 31, 2013, the Board has proposed N2.2 billion dividend payout at 56 kobo per share.

“This represents an increase of 30 percent on the prior year dividend. The dividend will be paid subject to the deduction of withholding tax at the appropriate rate,” he said.

“Although revenue dropped by one percent as a result of international competition, infrastructures cost and inflation, etc; we managed to increase profit by 78 percent from N4.3 billion to N7.7 billion off the back of reduced raw material prices and manufacturing and supply chain efficiencies.

“In addition, net profit after tax and minority interests increased by 102 percent from N2.4 billion to N4.9 billion “Though the top line result are not inline with our projections, the choice of investing in volume growth and improving the cost structure during the year, gives us the confidence that this will put our company on the right footing for profitable growth in the future,” he said.

On his take on the manufacturing sector, he noted, “the manufacturing sector contributed less than five percent of the GDP and they key constraints continue to be infrastructures including electricity supply and distribution networks. These translate into high conversion costs which means that local manufacturing facilities are not cost competitive with goods manufactured in other countries.”

SEC wins most innovative capital markets regulator award

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has won the 2013 edition of the prestigious Africa Index Series Award for the category of the continent’s “Most innovative Capital Markets Regulator”. The SEC Nigeria also won the award in 2011.

Winning the award in 2013 by trumping all other capital market regulatory agencies in Africa attests to the high regard in which the recent course of the Nigerian capital market is held in the international market. It speaks to the significant traction, which the three – year long reforms being implemented by the leadership of the SEC, Nigeria’s apex capital mar-

kets regulator, finds among foreign investors and market watchers alike.

In adjudging the SEC winner of the “Most Innovative Capital Markets Regulator ” award, the judges considered the regulator’s commitment to increasing transparency and efficiency, support for innovative technologies, employment of best regulatory practices, openness to foreign investors, investor protection (e.g. rules to prevent dilution and protect minority shareholders), visible impact and participation in industry associations such as IOSCO and efforts to create an enabling environment for the capital markets industry.

The Africa Index Series Awards were instituted in 2007 by the Africa investor (a stra-

tegic partner to the UN, World Bank and the New York Stock Exchange), a leading international investment and specialist communications firm, advising governments, international organisations and businesses on private sector investments and communication strategies for capital markets and foreign direct investments in Africa.

Africa investor also publishes Africa investor, the leading international newsstand magazine for Africa’s investment decision makers; maintains the Africa investor 40 Investors’ Index; and hosts several investment platforms for the global investment community on Africa including the annual Africa investor (Ai) Institutional Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—25

DIARY

Select ICT events zDevReach 2013.

Holds 1-2 Oct 2013 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

zCEATEC Japan 2013. Holds 1-5 Oct 2013 in Tokyo, Japan.

C'Wealth nations storm Abuja for broadband

zEstel Conference 2013. Holds 25 Oct 2013 in Rome, Italy. zGITEX Shopper 2013. Holds 5-12 Oct 2013 in Dubai, UAE

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

A

zCTO Brooadband Forum 2013.

Holds 7-11 Oct 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Preview

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Artificial pancreas device system

The MiniMed artificial pancreas from Medtronic is the first system to automatically pause insulin delivery once the patient’s glucose falls below a preset level—ideal for use at night and for inattentive patients.

The MiniMed 530G with Enlite system is equipped with a Threshold Suspend feature that sounds an alarm when the wearer’s glucose levels are dangerously low.

The user then has the option to stop glucose delivery. However, if the patient ignores the alarm, the device will stop the flow of insulin automatically in order to prevent hypoglycemia.

The MiniMed device is enhanced by the Enlite sensor, which can be worn for six days and detects up to 93 percent of hypoglycemic episodes when the threshold alerts are activated.

Former govenors of Ogun State, Aremu Segun Osoba (l); Otunba Gbenga Daniel (r) chat with Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, at the Nigeria Telecom Award held in Lagos.

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER:

Nigerians in the dark as Kenya, Ghana forge ahead

BY ADEKUNLE ADEKOYA, General Editor

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HOUGH countries of the ECOWAS sub-region are working on a common format of migration to digital broadcasting, peoples in many African countries are aware of the digital migration and what it entails, unlike the Nigerian public which largely is still ignorant of the development, save a few informed individuals.

Sensitization of the entire continent had been taken up by Multichoice, the global pay TV giant which has sponsored a series of conferences tagged Digital Dialogue, aimed at sensitizing publics in African countries of due obligations as the June 17, 2015 switchover deadline approaches.

The first of the sensitization conferences held in Johannesburg, South Af-

rica, last year, followed by a second one in Lagos, also last year. The third in the series of Digital Dialogue conferences held last month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ghana, an ECOWAS country, is almost ready and the country’s public is aware of the digital switchover. Kenya is ahead of most African nations, by far. Daniel Obam from Kenya’s National

,

New inventions shaping life and living

The public here is still unaware that there will be need to acquire set-top boxes (STBs) in order to receive TV signals in the future. They also do not know why

Communications Secretariat disclosed that by December, Nairobi and environs, up to 70 km radius, will have its analogue signals switched off, while by March 2014,

I N Thumbs up for S Travelex e-cash Infinix mobility lures I distribution system consumers with Infinix x570 D E C M Y K

other cities like Mombasa, Kisii, Nyeru, will be switched off in phases.

ECOWAS nations are signatories to the GE-06 Agreement, under the auspices of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which established a frequency plan for Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) in the bands 174–230MHz (VHF Band III), 470 – 582 MHz (UHF Band IV) and

582 – 862 MHz (UHF Band V). The GE-06 pact requires member states of the ITU to complete a transition from analogue to digital transmission, in the first instance, by 17

June, 2015 in UHF Bands IV/V and subsequently, by 17 June, 2020 in VHF Band III.

What informed this

The onward march of technology spurred initiatives in this direction.

Hitherto, whenever people switched on their TV sets and searched for channels to view, often they come up with some static, accompanied by much noise. In the case of radio, frequencies allocated to stations need to have “buffers”to guard them against interference from other stations. That is in the analogue format.

Thus, Digital Terrestrial Transmission technology came up as a way of making broadcast signals transmission and reception more efficient in terms of clarity of audio and video. It also ensures

2017: ipNX targets 2m homes with fibre optic

BOUT 225 dele gates from other Commonwealth nations will converge in Abuja for the 2013 Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, CTO Forum to brainstorm on broadband and innovations in technology.

Also expected at the annual event are: 20 ministers responsible for Communications and ICTs in their various countries, regulators and other top government officials from the member nations of the Commonwealth.

The annual CTO forum is the flagship event of CommonWealth Telecommunications Organization Forum designed to promote, facilitate and guide member countries in using ICTs to deliver effective development interventions. It also has a key role in leading ICT developments across the member countries.

The theme of the event is, ‘Innovation Through Broadband’’.

Speaking on the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Engr. Eugene Juwah said, that the choice of Nigeria as the host of the annual event was a demonstration of the interest and the rating of Nigeria within the international telecommunication community, adding that the event presents Nigeria another unique opportunity to demonstration its hospitality and potentials in various fields of human endeavour. ‘‘Nigeria is proud to have been given privitober, 2013.

Continues on Page 27

’Only collaboration can give African tech innovators identity’

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Thumbs up for Travelex M OBILE phone maker, Infinix is luring its e-cash distribution Mobility, customers into a consumer promo tagged system “Dream Big” with InfiBY EMEKA AGINAM

T

he newly introduced electronic cash distribution system by world’s number one brand in retail foreign exchange, Travelex is already becoming the toast of registered operators of Bureau De Change (BDC) business in the country.

Travelex in its innovative approach to business had introduced last April, cash distribution centres (CDC) that migrated foreign exchange distribution to the BDCs from the manual approach to a more efficient electronic system with initial rollout plan in Lagos, and subsequently in Abuja and Kano. Lagos centre went into full operation last April.

Already, activities in the Lagos centre is fast, smooth and friendly and BDC operators seem to be relishing the service describing it variously as fantastic and excellent.

“This system is fantastic.

Every transaction went on smoothly. If every business transaction in Nigeria is like this, it will be fantastic for the country and Nigerians”, says a BDC operator at the centre.

Another operator summed his experience at the electronic CDC as, “Excellent, very excellent and I give kudos to Travelex for this innovation and there is no comparism with the former approach. They should keep it up please, and there are no challenges for now”. As a result, the BDCs are clamoring for CBN to increase their dollar benchmark from the current $50, 000 per week.

The CDC is a positive fallout from recent extension of Travelex strategic partnership (outsourcing) to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The partnership guaranteed the establishment of cash distribution centres across the country to process the forex requirements of BDCs. Travelex apart from being the world’s leading foreign exchange specialist; it is also the world’s leading supplier of outsourced foreign currency services.

A close check at the Lagos centre located at Union Bank building at

Marina shows an efficient and friendly business environment.

The service is characterized by speed as it takes less than 11 seconds for a BDC operator to collect cash (foreign currency) after the day ’s registration and security checks that are also done in split seconds. In fact, it takes less than 20 seconds to register and pay cash to each BDC. As at last August, 1200 registered BDC operators in the Lagos zone out of 1316 have signed on to the new service. The balance of 116 operators have not logged to the new electronic service not because of the fault of the system, but due to inability to meet up with some requirements as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Travelex officials are optimistic that the remaining will enjoy the electronic transaction after sorting themselves out.

The sign on figure as at inception of the centre in April was about 920 operators and the continued surge in new entrants is not unconnected with the smooth, fast and efficient nature of operations at the centre.

According to Tony Enwereji, the general manager, Travelex Nigeria, the cash distribution centre is a move away from the manual to electronic service. He explained that it is a system managed process that ensures transactions are fully automated.

“This is quicker, faster and more efficient. It requires finger prints of the BDC operator and a card to gain access with every detail, including the picture tracked. The system has a quick audit trail and takes a maximum of 32 seconds to process a request.

“The experience has been something different. The BDCs welcome it, no complaints because the system is fast and efficient. The initial resistance is gone and they are cooperating happily.

“We are not surprised as we took time to do the trials and pilot system before going public. The trials worked stress free and it is amazing the result we got. There were no challenges and the result is what the BDCs are enjoying currently”, Enwereji disclosed.

nix x570.

The company, which recently introduced two smartphone products, Alpha and Diamond into the Nigerian market, is planning to reward the consumers of its new flagship phone brand, Infinix x570 Alpha smartphone, through the consumer promotion initiative.

The Infinix x570 Alpha smartphone is specifically targeted at the stylish African consumers, who desire trendy features and attractive physical look for their phones.

For one thing, this is the first time Infinix released a Quad core device with 12MP camera to the competitive Nigerian market.

The product is driven by the fastest Quad core 1.2Ghz processor to guarantee the best performance, Alpha uses Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean

Infinix Mobility lures consumers with Infinix x570 OS with over 800,000 free applications. It also has 16GB built-in and a corning gorilla glass 2 protection (anti-scratch).

Accordingly, consumers are expected to buy the Infinix x570 Alpha smartphone and state their biggest wishes on raffle papers.

There will be a draw Six lucky consumers will have their dreams fulfilled with a draw at the end of the one-month promo Speaking on the promo, the Co-Founder, Infinix Mobility, Mr. Benjamin Jiang, disclsoed that the promo was targeted at the Nigerian consumers who have been patronizing the Infinix brand since it made its debut in the

country.

“Our major aim with this promo is to encour-

age our consumers to dream big and watch those dreams come to pass. Whether it is a trip to a dream destination around the world, you

want to watch your favourite club play live or you want to dine with your adored celebrity, just buy the Infinix x570 Alpha smartphone, make your wish and wait for the end of the month when there will be a draw. And you might be lucky to be picked.”

“It’s also a way to reward and appreciate our loyal consumers in Nigeria. Though the Infinix brand is relatively young in the country, we are amazed at the level of loyalty and patronage that we have enjoyed so far. So this promo is a way of appreciating the consumers.”

— EMEKA AGINAM

IBM boss visits CWG, unfolds plans for Nigeria

BY EMEKA AGINAM

W

HILE the Niger i a n IT sector has continued to be the toast of international vendors, the International Business Machine (IBM) president and CEO, Ms Ginni Rometty during her recent working visit to the country has disclosed the company intentions for ICT development and support in Africa especially Nigeria.

Ms Rometty who had disclosed that IBM would establish an innovation centre in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2014 and fund major ICT research projects, while complementing the efforts of the Ministry of Communication Technology’s iDEA incubation centers and other ICT entrepreneurs to make Nigeria an ICT hub for software innovation commended CWG efforts in exposing the Nigerian market to international vendors.

The founder and CEO of Computer Warehouse Group Plc; Austin Okere who had a chat with the IBM boss during a cocktail reception for preferred partners and customers in Lagos, enumerated the recent successes that CWG has had with IBM, including deployment of the very successful high end IBM Enterprise Servers

From left: Mr. Fredrick Apeji, Director of Digital African, Global Consult; Ms. Nneora Ofodile, GM/CEO, also of Digital African, Global Consult and Dr. Armstrong Takang, Director of Digital African, Global Consult, at a press conference in Lagos to announce their partnership with 2014 International Consumer Electronic Show, (CES), in Las Vegas, United States of America. to Skye Bank, Mainstreet showcased IT Transfor- rica, thereby enabling Bank and Enterprise bank mation solutions for the these organizations to to support their core Bank- financial services sector in compete globally, and ing applications.

East Africa at the Ugan- contribute to the economy Okere also highlighted dan capital, Kampala. of the continent. that CWG, being a preWorthy of mention is The Computer Waremier business partner of house Group (CWG) is a CWG’s contribution to IBM in Nigeria, Ghana foremost Pan African Sys- technology education and Uganda has brought tems Integration Compa- through capacity building immense value to the part- ny with annual revenues at its IT Academy, which nership through custom- in excess of $120m and a trains over 200 profeser focused seminars and staff complement of over sionals every year. education fora with the 650.

The CWG Academy support of the respective The company currently provides the opportunity country local offices of has physical presence in for resident IBM certified IBM. Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda engineers to impact fresh He reiterated his compa- and Cameroon, with vir- graduates through class ny’s continued commit- tual operations in seven- room training, hands-on ment to the high stand- teen (17) African coun- and live project attachards and professionalism tries. ments from which many of for which she is well The company has a the graduates from the known in deploying IBM proven track record of Academy have gained technologies to business- deploying business solu- employment with worldes in Africa. It will be re- tions that boost the per- class companies such as called that earlier in the formance of large corpo- MTN, Standard Charyear, CWG in conjunction rate organisations in Af- tered Bank, FCMB and with IBM and Infosys CWG amongst others.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—27

Nigerians in the dark as Kenya, Ghana forge ahead

2017: ipNX targets 2m homes with fibre optic STORIES BY EMEKA AGINAM

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HERE are strong indications that the Nigerian broadband market will receive fresh boast as one of the leading wireless broadband providers in the country, ipNX Nigeria Limited has disclosed that it will be deploying a Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network covering three major commercial cities in Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) refers to a form of fibre optic cable technology that extends fibre optic cables from the network operator ’s central office to a subscriber ’s residence or business.

Accordingly, the FTTH initiative not only aligns with the recently approved Nigeria’s National Broadband plan which targets FTTH deployments in major Nigerian cities but also exceeds the country’s policy target of providing 2.4Mbps bandwidth speed to Nigerian consumers by the end of 2013 The network roll-out which had already commenced in fourth quarter of 2012 is expected to reach 500,000 households in 2015 and 2 million in 2017 respectively.

Speaking to IT Journalists In a press conference last week in Lagos, the company’s Head of Strategic Marketing, Mr Kazeem Shitu, said that services from the FTTH network will be launched under the brand name FoS (Fibre optic Services).

H e said that FoS is currently available in selected areas of Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki, adding that the service will be commercially offered to an initial 50,000 households and businesses within these areas as well as customers in Ikeja, Apapa and Surulere from November, 2013 “ipNX FoS is a ‘quad play’ broadband FTTH service that will offer customers combination of high speed internet, fixed telephony service, IP-Television and Video Surveillance all bundled over the fibre optic network platform. “ This service which is the first of its type anywhere in the country is

set to propel Nigeria into the select league of countries that can boast of having the true next generation broadband network.

“Once in the subscriber’s home, the signal can be conveyed in any number of ways including wireless (Wifi) or twisted pair to simultaneously reach various IP-enabled devices.

“With guaranteed speeds starting from 4Mbps (megabits per

second), FoS allows users to access the internet at speeds at least 10 times faster than 3G, WiMAX-4G or DSL while also making it possible to carry out multimedia communications such as cable television, video conferencing and video surveillance etc.

“These are surely good signs for the ICT industry in Nigeria especially for the Ministry of Communications Technology and Nigerian Communi-

cations Commission that have been in the fore front driving the growth of broadband penetration in Nigeria that is currently estimated at less than 5%. Industry analysts have attributed part of this low penetration to the paucity of local access infrastructure (commonly referred to as last mile) which is the gap that ipNX’s FTTH roll-out is clearly going to help close,” he explained.

Continues from Page 25 precision broadcasting.

The only thing needed by the average man on the street for this is what is called a set-top box (STB).

Call it decoder, if you like.

Thus, from June 17, 2015, analogue signals will be switched off and nations worldwide are expected to be digital. In addition, with DTT, more stations can occupy the same frequencies than in the analogue format. Thus, a lot of frequency “space”can be freed for other uses, especially for broadband and related services. DTT is already in the second generation, called T-2. In a presentation, Gerhard Petrick of the South African Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA) said the the advantages of T-2, both for broadcast organizations and the viewing public are over-arching. For broadcast organizations, DVB-T2, according to Petrick, “yields 67% more payload at equivalent coverage and network cost” than T-1.

The Nigerian problem

From left: Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Mgt of NCC, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi, and EVC of NCC, Dr. Juwah at the Nigerian Telecom Award recently.

UN endorses 2013 ISPON

software competition

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hile endorsing the National Software Conference and Competition organized by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), in partnership with the Government of Cross River State, the United Nations has plugged the the low hanging technology fruits in the Nigerian national software development Initiatives.

The capacity building event with the theme “Software Strategies for Retooling the Workforce” and enrich our national software engineering framework is sponsored

by Mainone, NEXIM Bank, NITDA, NCC, ZINOX, 21st Century Limited, among others.

Speaking to IT Journalists at the weekend to unfold plans for the conference, the President of

ISPON, Chris Uwaje said that Prof. Emeritus Tapio Varis from the United Nation who will lead speakers at the event will speak on “Technology, Culture and Learning in the Age of Disruption and Creativity” The participation of UN/UNESCO in the conference, according to ISPON President has clearly shown that Nigerian software can compete in the international market with According to Uwaje, software is undoubtedly acknowledged as the backbone for 21st century national development and wealth creation as well as for national peace, security and global competitiveness.

He said that software is the key to responding to the complex challenges and sustainable development and national

survivability in the emerging Information Society.

The significance of this conference, he added is better understood within the context of Nigeria’s continental and global position, her ICT achievement and global e-readiness status.

“It is hoped that by exposing the issues, establishing the strategic relevance of the sub-sector in meeting the challenge of national growth and prosperity; and providing a continuous platform for interaction and articulation of industry’s needs amongst a diverse target audience, a specific momentum can be built to create an enabling environment for the growth of Software Nigeria. ISPON has, without any fear of contradiction, raised the bar of the Software Development in Nigeria.

The Nigerian angle of this digital migration is that the people just don’t know what is going on.

While it is accepted that some work is in progress as the Federal Government constituted a “Digi Team” to oversee migration to digital broadcasting, the snag is that targets of the development — ordinary Nigerian folk — remain in the dark about the issue, despite the launch of DTT in the country. For now, only pay-TV operators like Multichoice, Star Times, and others are on DTT platforms. Not many Nigerians, relative to the entire population are aware that Nigeria had opted for DTT-2 more than five years ago.

Former director-general of the National Broadcast Commission, Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa had disclosed at the second Digital Dialogue held last year in Lagos that since 2008, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had approved that Nigeria should key into the digital migration process with T-2, the latest technology in digital broadcasting.

Awareness problem

The public here is still unaware that there will be need to acquire set-top boxes (STBs) in order to receive TV signals in the future. They also do not know why, and in addition, they do not know

how much it will cost. Excepting the sector of the population that can afford pay TV, the rest of the country is in the dark.

What is worse, the awareness problem had generated issues of its own, especially in the area of consumer protection. Despite the fact that government had opted for T-2, the broadcast regulator was indifferent as an operator, Star Times aggressively marketed T-1 boxes to unsuspecting members of the public at rock-bottom prices. This is what Gerhard Petrick warned against in his presentation, counseling regulators against “huge risk of DVB-T dumping.”

Work in progress

However, it is gladdening to note that some work is in progress. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Manager, Engineering at Ghana’s regulator, the National Communications Authority of Ghana disclosed at the Dubai conference that ECOWAS member states at a conference in Abuja earlier in July agreed on: za deadline of December 2014 as the date for the completion of Analogue Switch-Off (ASO) in the UHF band zthe minimum specifications for Integrated Receiver Decoders should be harmonized by ECOWAS Member States in order to create economies of scale to drive down prices.

Fianko also disclosed in his presentation that a few weeks after the Abuja talks, member states again agreed at another summit in Accra that zthe First Draft Common Specifications (dated 30 Aug. 2013)should be translated into French and circulated by 10 Sept 2013 zEach member state shall apply for Original Network Identification (ONID) from DVB Services zEach member state shall provide language character codes and power supply plug in the country specific annex of the draft DTT receiver specifications. zMinimum specifications to be finalised 24-26 Sept 2013 for adoption by ICT Ministers on 27 Sept 2013 in Banjul, Gambia.

In fact, Fianko left the Dubal Digital Dialogue Conference to attend the talks in Banjul. Perhaps it is after all these that authorities here will begin sensitization programmes. Only time will tell.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Economic Independence: ‘Only collaboration can give African tech innovators identity’ STORIES BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

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MARTING from the open ing of a multi billion naira technology gadgets factory in Osun state Nigeria, Chairman of rlg communications, Mr Roland Aganbire last week in Lagos grabbed the Nigerian telecom awards’ African Personality of the year.

But for Aganbire, a Ghanaian, being considered so in Nigeria could be significant but what would make it worthwhile is if it could lead to the collaboration of African technology innovators.

For him, there are lots of African technology innovators who innovations are greater than what are being popularized by the western world as the best,but the problem has always been that Africa has no identity because innovation drivers are competing against themselves instead of collaborating.

Africa Identity Speaking to the media after receiving his award, Aganbire said “ we are ready to associate with all local platforms, PC, tablet and mobile phone manufacturers in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Our factory in Nigeria is going to be the biggest in all the places we have established but we also realise the fact that we need to come together to give Africa identity in tabs and gadget business. It is better to be a messenger in a multimillion

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• From right: Chairman rlg global, Mr Roland Aganbire and Tosin Ilesanmi country manager rlg nigeria relishing the African personality of the year Award.

Naira company than a CEO in a company with zero balance” He cited example of China, where different companies with different identities agreed to have a central production plant, not only to cut cost and maximise profit but to give their products uniform identity with distinct features.

Pride of place He added that this is why China has been taking on world brands, giving them a run in market competition. ”This is the only way we can give this continent a pride of place in world technology market and as well, call off this un-

necessary competition that has seen some of us go out of business and draw Africa back irrespective of abundant talents and enterprising workforce. ”There is no African brand across ICT innovations as far as I am concerned. We need to produce something and we need to arm our people with skills to do so. Most importantly, we must be able to value what we produced and be able to consume it no matter the mistakes which to my experience, would make us stronger and improve significantly”. ”That is why we have decid-

ed to invest in a handset manufacturing plant in Osun state.

We are not going to allow others to dictate the pace of our growth but we can do it ourselves. We are not poorer than other countries but because of our mindset we look poor and allow others to fleece us in the name of providing those things we can not produce. ”African countries should come together to give Africa a brand. Our past mistakes should be corrected now for us to move ahead. Whether from the west, north or East, Africans have unique similarities that should unite us and make us stronger. That is the message that is the revolution, the statement that our company in Nigeria is making” Economic independence Aganbire’s idea of creating economic independence is to empower the youths with skills that can stand them at par with their peers in the developed world. “It is high time we have economic independence in Africa. But you can not have that until people begin to trust each other. We are creating up to a thousand jobs at the minimum in our Nigerian factory. We may be able to do up to five thousand phones a day and two thousand Pcs a day. But as we move on, we may be able to do twice that. We are encouraged by the performance of people we have trained in Osun state and the level of interest from the Nigerian people.

Sony opens service centre in Nigeria

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ONY Middle East and Africa last week, launched a service Centre in Lagos Nigeria to ease maintenance stress for its customers.

Sony said the authorized service center, reinforces its commitment to provide the best aftersales support to its valued customers in Nigeria.

Speaking about the newly inaugurated service centre, Hiroyasu Sugiyama, Managing Director, Sony Middle East and Africa said: “This is a proud day for the entire team in Nigeria. Customers will benefit from the services, support and added convenience that we can offer with an enhanced network of Sony authorized service centers across the country. These kinds of intensive and specialized services mean that our customers will receive the best support without any compromise in turnaround times.”

The service centre is equipped to repair and restore a wide range of Sony products like BRAVIA LCD/LED TV’s, Handycam camcorders, VAIO notebook Computers, Cyber-shot digital still cameras, Network Walkman portable music devices and mobile phones.

Petrodata recounts technology support to oil industry

RONTLINE Nigerian data and document management company, Petrodata management service Limited, last week, said that the latest versions of electronic document management system applications from its Netherland based partners, ASSAI can streamline operations for Nigeria’s oil and gas, construction, engineering and other sectors.

The company said its products were capable of maintaining growth and stability which technology has helped the sectors achieve.

Petrodata which is the exclusive distributor of the Assai document system application in West-Africa, said that the new Assai Electronic Document Management System application solves complex projects within the construction, oil and gas and engineering sectors much as it also helps government streamline operations. speaking to Hi-Tech on why companies should embrace the solutions, Executive Director Business Development, Petrodata, Mr. Dayo Adenowo, described ASSAI as having the

capability to improve efficiency, adding that “when you make use of Assai, there is a work module that ensures business processes are automated. Actions that would require paper moving from one table to another would be done electronically. Assai gets things automated which improves efficiency and reduces wastage. Assai ensures high returns on investment because those things that would amount to additional expenditure would be eliminated thereby saving money and time” Adenowo added that by implementing ASSAi solutions, Petrodata provides best-in-class methods for Document Management/File Conversion Outsourcing Services that enable organizations to successfully crystalize their business structure.

Explaining why his company chose to implement ASSAI products in West Africa, Adenowo said: “While Petrodata was in quest for preferred EDMS software for her customers in oil and gas sector, we decided to choose Assai after benchmarking Assai’s functionalities with

ISO 9001 and identified Assai DCMS as one of the best-ofbreed solutions for Oil and Gas, Engineering and Construction Companies. Afterward, Assai and Petrodata then partnered in 2010 to roll out Assai DCMS as business process management solution to these three major sectors - Oil & Gas, Engineering and Construction) in West Africa

In his own statement, ASSAI CEO, Willem Van Der Jagt said that his company saw the need to tailor solutions that can help oil and gas businesses effectively document and manage the huge sum of money that pass around on daily basis and a lot of papers moving in different directions.

Der Jagt said that although ASSAI solutions mainly target

the oil and gas industries due to the urgent need for proper documentation and process management in the sectors, there were also a couple of other solutions for both the legal profession and other sectors that are directly linked with the oil and gas industries even as more industries would soon be covered by its solutions.

Cross River, 3 other Interswitch customers win CBN awards

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OUR Interswitch clients emerged winners in their categories at the Central Bank of Nigeria Payment System Awards, held in Abuja last week.

All four have been recognized by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for adopting an end-to-end ePayment solution to run their businesses.

Cross River State won in the State Category as the best state to have adopted end to end epayment solution and Igabi LGA (In Kaduna State) won in the Local Government Area Category. Halogen Security limited; a security company that provides total and integrated security solutions, won in the Small Business Enterprise (SME) category, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

was recognized in the Special Category.

Interswitch’s Autopay, an end-to-end ePayment solution, helps organisations address various operational challenges from the use of conventional cash-based system.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch Transnational,Mr. Mitchell Elegbe said: “We are absolutely delighted that four organizations that use our Autopay platform, have won awards at the CBN’s Payment System Awards. ”The cost of operating a cash-based system goes beyond financials; it also has to do with managingavailable human resources. The gains of adopting ePayment solutions are enormous and we are glad and encouraged by the growing level of adoption.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 29

30 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—31

Nigeria still a work in progress —Jonathan Being Address byPresident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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Scoring political points But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our future as a Nation and a people! I admit that these may not be the best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways - ethnically, religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannot hide from my own responsibilities.

As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhood and the progress we have made so far.

Whatever the challenges that we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matter of time.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Map of Nigeria

We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace.

In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political challenges that still confront us.

In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to always put Nigeria first.

Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility. Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation.

Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition.

In the words of the American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation’.

Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the

North or the South; East or West; regardless of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a statesman! My clarion call, therefore, on this special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make a nation; ordinary folks do. Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens.

These are the teachers and men and women in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame to our nation;

Secure nation And the men and women of our armed forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safe and secure nation.

It is the individual and collective heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessary tension. But our independence celebration is about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency.

Today, I salute the people of Nigeria.

My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there

is no more crucial time for us to be united than now. The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from the jaws of likely defeat.

And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once a peaceful, thriving, multicultural nation which played host to a mosaic of religions and ethnicities. But that once idyllic nation has today become a theatre

,

ELLOW NIGERIANS: To day marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way. In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate.

Today’s Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.

Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.

On this day, I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join together to fight this evil of extremism.

On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty.

Collective liberty Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful, and secure Nigeria.

On my part, I re-dedicate myself completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the challenges we

We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now

of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activities of extremist forces.

Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe.

While we celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world.

Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed.

My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our

,

face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results.

On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements.

I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, Continues on page 48

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Shakhtar boss targets United scalp S

hakhtar Donet sk boss Mircea Lucescu is hoping Manchester United’s early season slump under new manager David Moyes continues beyond their Champions League encounter tonight.

Lucescu’s 109th game as a Champions League manag- •Lucescu er will also be his Blues’ elimination from the first meeting with United as competition at the group Shakhtar boss, a role he took stage. up in 2004. Indeed, today’s Speaking to reporters in match will be the first ever Ukraine, Lucescu said he bemeeting between the two lieves United will pose an alsides, but Lucescu, at least, together different challenge, has faced United before. despite poor early season When in charge of Inter Miform that leaves them 12th lan, the Romanian came up placed in the Premier League against the United side of table. Lucescu backed his 1999 managed by Sir Alex players’ speed and technical Ferguson. United defeated ability to derail United’s bid Inter in the first knock-out to recover from what has been stage of the Champions their worst start to a new camLeague that year, on their way paign in 24 years – a run the to winning an historic treble.

Shakhtar boss hopes will conAhead of today’s reunion, tinue for a few days yet. the Romanian spoke of his Lucescu said: “The first few love of European football, and months in charge of a new of his pride at having welside are always difficult. That comed some of the continent’s is why Moyes must be given biggest clubs to Donetsk durtime, to stamp his authority on ing his time at the club. Since the team. Of course, we’ll be arriving in Ukraine, Lucescu hoping that this doesn’t until has presided over several imafter Wednesday’s game. pressive Champions League “I think tomorrow will be wins, including last season’s more difficult than last year’s victory against Chelsea – a reencounter with Chelsea. But sult that eventually led to the that doesn’t mean we cannot

•Bayern winger, Franck Ribery tackles Manchester city's Pablo Zabaleta

Pellegrini’s knowledge of La Liga ‘ll help City conquer Bayern

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•Drogba

Bonucci respects Drogba’s threat

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eonardo Bonucci is aware that his Juventus defence will be tested by the ability of Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba today.

“We’ll need to remain fully alert when playing against him,” the Italian international said ahead of the Champions League tie.

“Drogba is certainly one of the best strikers in the world and has gone to Galatasaray, after his experience in China, with the desire to keep surprising.

“He inspired Chelsea to C M Y K

Champions League glory and tomorrow we’ll be up against a motivated striker who will want to do well.”

The Turin tie on Wednesday will be crucial to the Old Lady given that they surprisingly dropped points in their 1-1 draw at Copenhagen.

“We’ll need to give everything we have tomorrow, because we have only one objective which is to win,” the 26-year-old added.

“You are almost forced to do that here at Juventus…

anuel Pellegrini is hoping his inside knowledge of La Liga will help City to conquer Bayern.

The City manager has locked horns with Guardiola on a number of occasions and he expects the former Barcelona boss to be as successful in Germany as he was in Spain.

“It is very difficult at this moment to improve with Bayern because they won the last three competitions but he (Guardiola) will find a way because he is a very good manager,” said Pellegrini.

“He knows the way we play so he will try different things.

But we know things about Guardiola, too. I lived in Spain nine years so I know exactly the way Guardiola plays.”

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery believes his close friend and international teammate Samir Nasri will be a major threat to the European champions this evening.

Ribery, an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side, says

Nasri is hitting top form under the management of Pellegrini and is capable of firing the Blues to Champions League success this season.

With City and Bayern both starting their Group D campaign with 3-0 victories, the first meeting of the two teams

is the most eagerly—anticipated games of the opening phase and a firing on all cylinders Nasri could propel the Blues to unchartered highs in the competition suggests Ribery.

“Sami is like a different person,” said the Bayern winger. “He’s like a brother to me and we are now seeing the Samir we saw at Arsenal – one of the most gifted players in Europe.

Meanwhile, Bayern boss Guardiola acknowledged his team needs to improve on their weekend performance against Wolfsburg.

The Bavarian outfit edged a 1-0 home win against the mid-table Wolves to stay joint-top with Borussia Dortmund, but the Spaniard was unimpressed.

“We won, but we must improve a lot of things,” he said. “We had a few problems in the second half which we need to solve.

“I am certain that we will put in a good performance in Manchester and then against Leverkusen next weekend.”

Mancini set for Gala F

ormer Manchester City and Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini has been named the new manager of Galatasaray on a threeyear contract, the Turkish club have confirmed. Mancini, who was sacked by City in May just a year after leading them to the Premier League title, will replace Fatih Terim, who was fired last week after failing to agree to terms on a new two-year deal.

The Super Lig club confirmed Mancini would be paid •3.5 million for the current season and •4.5 million for the

following two, plus bonuses.

The Italian’s first match in charge will be today’s Champions League clash at Juventus.

Mancini had been out of work since ending his three-and-ahalf-year reign at the Etihad Stadium, which included a Premier League title success in 2012 and 2011 FA Cup glory. A failure to make an impact with the club in the Champions League, though, led to his dismissal.

He said in quotes reported on the official Galatasaray Twitter feed: “I am very happy to come to a club as big as Galatasaray. The Galatasaray-Juventus match will

be a G hea and app onl gam thra drid To cou his W me refu ons Mu out

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 33

UEFA matches today CSK Mosco Anderlecht Leverkusen Juventus Man City PSG Real Madrid Shaktar

v v v v v v v v

Pizen Olympiakos Sociedad Galatasaray Bayern Munich Benfica FC Copenhagen Man United

5:00pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm

Ronaldo plays 100th C/L match against Copenhagen

T

•Pellegrini

•Benfica players celebrating a goal.

oday’s match against Copenhagen will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th match in Euro pean competition. Throughout his career he has played European competition matches with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and Real Madrid. With the Madrid club the Portuguese player has featured in 41 European matches, all of them in the Champions League, and has scored 38 goals.

In the previous match against Galatsaray he scored a hat-trick, placing him just ahead of Pushkas as the third highest scorer for the club in the European Cup. Ronaldo is scoring more goals than ever before with Real Madrid and now has an average of 0.92 goals per game. In addition, in last season’s Champions League he was the top scorer, beating his own record for one season with 12 goals. His debut as a Madrid player was in the 2-5 victory against Zurich on September 15, 2009, which he celebrated by scoring twice.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first appearance in European competition was on August 14, 2002, in a Champions League qualifying game between Sporting Lisbon and Inter Milan. He was brought on in the second half but was not able to change the 0-0 result. His first goal was also in the qualifying phase of Europe’s top tournament, this time with Manchester United, where he took part in the 3-0 win against Debreceni.

Benfica look to maintain strong record against PSG P

aris Saint Germain host Benfica in to day’s UEFA Champions League encounter with both sides bidding to go clear at the top of Group C. On matchday one, PSG thumped Olympiakos 4-1 in Greece and Benfica sealed a comfortable 2-0 success at home to Anderlecht, so a win for either side will open up

atasaray debut

a happy coincidence for me.”

Galatasaray, who in January spent avily on the likes of Didier Drogba d Wesley Sneijder, have had a dispointing start to the season, taking ly seven points from five league mes, while they suffered a 6-1 home ashing at the hands of Real Mad in the Champions League. oday ’s match against Juventus uld pitch Mancini into battle against former striker Carlos Tevez.

When both were at City, Mancini morably claimed the Argentinian used to play for him in a Champis League match against Bayern unich and the forward was frozen t of the club for five months.

C M Y K

•Cristiano Ronaldo •Mancini

a three-point gap and edge them closer to the knock-out stages.

Last season saw les Parisiens eliminated in the quarter-finals by Barcelona on away goals, while Benfica came third in a group containing the Spanish giants and Celtic, before going on a run to the Europa League final, where they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea.

The two sides last met two years ago in the Europa League round of 16 in 201011, with Benfica winning 3-2 on aggregate.

The only other meetings between the teams came in the same round of the same competition in 2007, and again the Portuguese outfit came out on top, overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-1 victory in Lisbon.

PSG have never lost a home fixture to Portuguese opposition, winning four and drawing two, and Laurent Blanc’s side come into the game full of confidence having yet to taste defeat in Ligue 1 this season.

NTF camps players for Gov’s Cup

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

P

resident of the Nigeria Tennis Fed eration (NTF) Sani Ndanusa has said that 10 players have started camping for the upcoming Governor’s Cup Futures I serving off October 13.

Ndanusa said that the current camping was going to put the players in prime shape for the event at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

“The camping is one of our little contributions to prepare our players psychological and technically for this year’s Governor’s Cup. We want to prepare them with the help of two coaches before the competition. “We have the support of the LOC on this camping and it is our expectation that the players will put up good performance this year,” said Ndanusa.

Also speaking, Tournament Director, Prince Wale Oladunjoye said emphasis will be laid on the nutrition of the players during the camping.

“During the camping, the players will be properly fed and there will be full training to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

It will be a two-week exercise. We are expecting that they will have two or three days break before the commencement of the Governor’s Cup. This is a programme of the NTF, but the LOC is supporting so that at the end of the day there will be good results from our players”, said Oladunjoye.

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Deportation an affront on citizens’ rights — Barr. Eddie CONSEQUENT upon the recent deportation of some Igbos alleged to be destitutes by the Lagos State government, an immigration solicitor, Eddie Onyeka, Esq., who felt embittered with the ugly situation, told Vanguard Consular Advisory in this interview, that deportation of a citizen in or within his country constitutes an affront on the right of the citizen as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. He said that the action taken by the Lagos State government was unconstitutional. Excerpts:

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

W

HAT deportation is not: Obviously, there has been a flurry of learned commentaries since the news broke on the ‘deportation’ carried out by the Lagos State Government

involving some ‘destitutes’ allegedly origin of Anambra State. There is also preponderance of opinion that the Lagos State government erred and that its action constituted an affront on the right of those affected as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Copious references are made to sections of the organic law that guaranteed right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty, right to freedom of movement, right to freedom from discrimination. Other extant laws and judicial authorities are legion and have been invoked to make the point that “deportation” of citizens from one part of the country to another is illegal and unconstitutional.

In all these commentaries, however, I have observed that legal pundits have not hammered or sufficiently hammered on two crucial

aspects of this matter.

The first is that deportation is a legal term with defined legal meaning and necessarily involves Barr. Eddie Onyeka, Esq the removal or expulsion of an alien to another country. A in his own country. And even citizen of a country cannot in the deportation of a be deported in or within his prohibited immigrant, due country. The removal of a care must be exercised to citizen from one part of the ensure that the removal country to another can be conforms to the law and that anything but deportation. his right to dignity of the Immigration Act, CAP 171: human person is preserved.

The second point here is that Citizenship right: The very deportation powers is right of citizenship ipso facto exclusively vested in the clothes the recipient with Federal Government, immunity from deportation, therefore, no State therefore, the subject of a government has deportation must be an the legal authority “alien” and his destination to deport any one, must be to another country. not even an alien Deportation is a potent from Nigeria. instrument available to D e p o r t a t i o n nations to exercise powers is in the immigration control, to E x c l u s i v e regulate the ingress and Legislative List in egress of aliens or foreigners the Second into its territory, and also a Schedule of the process through which an 1999 Constitution alien whose presence is not (as amended). The conducive to the public entire Part II of the interest or who has been Immigration Act, convicted of a criminal CAP 171, Laws of offence is removed from the the Federation of country.

Nigeria 1990 is devoted to Intention deportation, and under this law, the to deport F e d e r a l Deportation usually Government is vested with the prevents a person’s return power to deport until the deportation order is “ p r o h i b i t e d revoked.

Generally, deporting immigrants.”

Section 18(I)(a) authorities place affected and (b) classified persons on notice of “ p r o h i b i t e d intention to deport and do not immigrant” to execute such orders until appeal rights are exhausted. include: a. Any person In other words, citizens are who is without not subject to immigration visible means of control within their country support or is and cannot be deported to likely to become a another.

Distinction between public charge; deportation and extradition: b. Any idiot, insane person, or It may be imperative to person suffering clarify here that there is a from any other clear distinction between mental disorder. deportation and extradition.

The Federal A citizen of a country can be Government is extradited by his government e m p o w e r e d to another country if he is under the Act to wanted in that jurisdiction tinker with the for a crime for which he is classification yet, fugitive.It is usually required forbidden to bring that an extradition treaty any Nigerian exist between the two within its countries, that the fugitive is an extraditable person and threshold.

Thus, it is that he is wanted to answer possible that to an extraditable offence for destitutes qualify which enough safe guards as “prohibited are guaranteed for a fair trial, i m m i g r a n t s . ” thus, the object of extradition This is, however, is not to deport or to expel the subject to the fact citizen but to hand him over that such to a foreign authority to destitutes must be answer to a crime for which non-Nigerians as he stands accused in that a citizen cannot jurisdiction.

To be concluded be an immigrant

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

Eat peanut butter and reduce breast cancer risk T

HERE is a link between eating vegetable proteins such as those found in peanut butter and a lower risk of breast cancer . Noncancerous benign breast disease occurs from either an infection or injury which causes lumps to breast tissue or from changes to the breast.

Studies show that although other types of vegetable proteins and fats could have the same effect, there is not as much data on those as on peanut butter.

Although researchers from Harvard Medical School, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, did not show that eating peanut butter would prevent breast cancer, they only showed the relationship between eating peanut butter and breast disease.

The study involved 9,039 girls from the United States from nine to 15 years old, starting in 1996. Annually, they filled out food questionnaires until 2001. They then filled out the questionnaires every two years until 2011. The study determined the effects from childhood or adolescence until early adulthood.

The study began to track

whether the females had breast disease in 2005. The women were all adults then, with the youngest being 18.

According to the research, eating peanut butter twice a week as children or adolescents reduced the chance of getting the breast disease by 39 percent. The effect was more noticeable in girls whose families had a history of breast cancer.

The findings seem to suggest that peanut butter could "reduce the risk of breast cancer in women."

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

R

ESPITE is on the horizon for the estimated 80 percent of the adult Nigerian population who suffer joint pain as management of Lagoon Hospitals introduced the free Joint Pain School on Victoria Island, Lagos last week. The Joint Pain School which began in 2011 is targeted at educating people about causes of painful joints, related ailments and the modes of prevention.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital

• Pure green tea.

• L-R: Lars Stork, Group Chief Executive Officer, Hygeia Group; Dr Segun Abudu, Consultant Orthopaedic, Lagoon Hospital and Dr Mohammad Naseem, Chief Operating Officer during the launch of Joint Pain School,Victoria Island, Lagos last week. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

The WHO Safe Surgery Checklist

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Lagoon opens Joint Pain School in Lagos

According to the study, lentils, beans, corn and soybeans may also help prevent the breast disease.

Because the consumption of these items was lower by participants in the study, the evidence of this was weaker, however.

There have been previous studies which have demonstrated that the consumption of vegetable fat, peanut butter and nuts may lower the risk of benign breast disease.

Making surgery safe in Nigeria: ERHAPS the commonest health reason Nigerians who can afford it go abroad is to have surgery. Indeed, if you ask anyone inside the country their greatest concern should they be hospitalised, for many, it is the prospect of surgery.

Anaesthesia and surgery is much safer today than 30 years ago.

Death during or soon after an operation is due to 3 factors: the patient has specific medical problems, the surgery is complicated by bleeding or infection, and anaesthesia related factors.

In Zimbabwe anaesthesia related death is 1:3000; in Zambia 1:1900; in the UK and USA 1:200,000. If you need surgery in Togo, you have some serious thinking to do....their figure is 1:150!

The WHO states that 50 percent of anesthesia-related deaths in Nigeria occur in pregnant women. WHO working groups have identified four potential standards for improving surgical safety: 1 Safe surgical TEAMS; 2 Safe anaesthesia; 3. Prevention of surgical site infection; 4. Measurement of surgical services. They determined 10 essential objectives for safe surgery.

The TEAM will 1: Operate on the correct patient at the correct site; 2: Use methods known to prevent harm from administration of

anaesthetics, while protecting the patient from pain; 3: Recognize and effectively prepare for life-threatening loss of airway or respiratory function. 4: Recognize and effectively prepare for risk of high blood loss; 5: Avoid inducing an allergic or adverse drug reaction for which the patient is known to be at significant risk; 6: Consistently use methods known to minimize the risk for surgical site infection; 7: Prevent inadvertent retention of instruments and sponges in surgical wounds; 8: Secure and accurately identify all surgical specimens; 9: Effectively communicate and exchange critical information for the safe conduct of the operation.

Lastly,10: Hospitals and public health systems will establish routine surveillance of surgical capacity, volume and results.

Note that, of these 10 objectives, the anaesthetist is directly responsible for 2, 3, 4 and 5. Government and policy makers should take the lead on Objective 10.

In furtherance of these objectives, the WHO, in 2009, published a checklist of must-dos for every surgical case: Before induction of anaesthesia. Has the patient confirmed his/her identity, site, procedure and consent? Is the site marked? Is the anaesthesia machine and medication check complete?

Is the pulse oximeter on the patient and

OCTOBER 2 2,, 2013— 35

functioning?

Does the patient have a k n o w n allergy?

Does the patient have a difficult a i r w a y / aspiration risk? Does the patient have a risk of >500 ml blood loss (7 ml/kg in children)?

Before skin incision Confirm all team members have introduced themselves by name and role Confirm the patient’s name, procedure and where the incision will be made Has antibiotic prophylaxis been given in the last 60 minutes?

Anticipated critical events To surgeon: what are the critical or nonroutine steps? How long will the case take?

What is the anticipated blood loss? To anaesthetist: are there any patient-specific concerns?

To nursing team: has sterility (including indicator results) been confirmed? Are there equipment issues or any concerns?

Is essential imaging displayed?

Before patient leaves operating room Nurse verbally confirms The name of the procedure. Completion of instrument, sponge and needle counts Specimen labelling (read specimen labels aloud, including patient name) Whether there are any equipment problems to be addressed. Surgeon,

Birmingham, UK, Dr Segun Abudu said joint pains is associated with joint discomfort and inflamation,low energy level and inability to sleep among others.

"We have indeed been pleasantly surprised at the testimonies from participants and the success of classes.

Classes are held at Lagoon Apapa, but we identified that there was a demand for this service at Victoria Island on the last Thursday of every month while Apapa will continue every last Wednesday of the month.

Admission is completely free but booking will be required in advance."

Hygeia Group Chief Executive, Mr. Lars Stork affirmed that the school presents opportunity for anyone afflicted with joint pains or relatives of those disabled by joint pains to learn about causes and modern treatment options for alleviating the symptoms. The Pain School aims at educating and creating support for individuals suffering from joint pains due to various causes.

A Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon at the hospital, Dr Christopher Amuwa The School will focus on three areas including why joints become painful, how to prevent a joint from becoming painful, and what treatment options are available.

anaesthetist and nurse review the key concerns for recovery and management of this patient.

According to the WHO, only 31 institutions registered for the Surgery Checklist in Nigeria; only one ( UCH Ibadan ) is actually implementing it.

YOU, as a knowledge-empowered patient can: Make sure your identity, operative site, procedure are confirmed.

Ask as many questions as you need before you give YOUR CONSENT. Request a pulse oximeter probe be put on your finger.

Tell the TEAM about any ALLERGIES. Ask if you will need antibiotics. Since 2010, in the UK and USA, the WHO checklist is done for EVERY single procedure. It is a start to making surgery safe in Nigeria.

•Dr. Femi Ogunyemi, FRCA, FWACS, is a member of the British Pain Society, American Pain Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society and the Aerospace Medical Association. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management and a Fellow in Pain Medicine from Emory University.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

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38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

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40—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

— Ugbesia

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE Senator Odion Ugbesia (PDP, Edo Central) says at 53 there is cause for celebration but more can be achieved through a national dialogue.

A

FTER 53 years of independence, how have we fared as a country?

I will say that we have fared very well in so many areas. For instance, when I was studying in America in the 70s, I would write a letter to my parents and after like about six months, the thing would not get to them not to talk of talking to them but I have spoken to about five people in America today alone and another two persons in London.

I have spoken to my daughter in London twice today. So, that technological development is a major stride that we have made.

Can you imagine in the 1960s, how many days it would take you to get from Benin to Abuja, Kaduna or Kano?

We are moving along with the times, we may be slow but definitely, we have moved quite fast and I think that is enough for a developing nation.

By next year, Nigerians will celebrate 100 years of amalgamation, would you say Nigeria has fared well as a united nation or should the regions go their separate ways?

Let’s look at it from maybe a more philosophical point of view.

We have fared the very way we are. This is the way God wanted Nigeria to be, that is where we are today. So, we have no cause to regret what God has done.

And since our amalgamation 99 years ago, I think we have done marvelously well.

Overcoming challenges Can you imagine what life was 30, 40, 50 years ago if you were born at that time? So, I think we have done well whether you like it or not. But it is true that we have challenges but we will overcome those challenges.

I have had cause to say severally that 50 years, 70 years and 100 years in the life of a nation is small. We are still laying the foundation for growth, we are still laying foundation for solution to some of the challenges that we have, laying institutional foundation to deal with corruption, we are laying infrastructural foundation for infrastructural development. I think we should continue in the same commitment, with time I

•Ugbesia think we will overcome all these challenges and we will be proud that we are Nigerians.

There are fears out there that some of the challenges that we are having, especially the security challenges may affect the unity of this country, what is your take?

Anybody who says that will not be totally wrong but we are praying that it does not. It is a plural society; it is the plurality that is beginning to manifest itself negatively now.

But with some concerted efforts, I think we can find some ways to deal with this plurality and find common grounds that will bring about cohesion and harmony in this country.

Solution: I have always said that at every point in time, we should choose the banner of peace, banner of dialogue over any other options available to us and not the option of violence, not the option of demonstration.

I think that is the path that I will recommend. That as leaders of this country-the political leaders, the religious leaders, academic leaders, and cultural leaders should sit down and discuss things that can bring us together and not these rabble rousers threatening fire and brimstone. That will not help issues; we must sit down and talk.

So you are in support of a Sovereign National Conference

You can call it anything, any kind of conference that will promote peace, any kind of dialogue, exercise that will promote peace, that will promote harmony, I am in support of it and that is what I am recommending.

You mentioned “rabble rousers”, expantiate on that There are those who are threatening that if you don’t do this the country will break, they are doomsday prophets.

Unguarded utterances You don’t expect governors to talk the way some of them are talking; you don’t expect some government officials to talk the way they are talking. Let us be disciplined.We must not unnecessarily heat up the polity by our unguarded utterances; we should guard some of the things we say.

On G-7 Governors advice to President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2015 presidential election Long, long ago, I said it that the governors, the Nigerian governors have become too powerful. Those who drafted this constitution did not envisage a situation where 36 state governors can hold this country hostage because of the power they exercise.

The Nigerian Governors

Forum is not known to the Nigerian Constitution, yet they determine the direction of the Nigerian politics.

These G-6 or G-7 Governors, if they were ordinary people, then, we can dismiss what they say.

But you cannot dismiss what any governor says in this country because they have become too powerful. How have they become too powerful? It is because they are in control of too many resources.

They can determine the colour and shape of the political process in their various states. That is where we are.

If you are coming to a national convention, those who are coming to a national convention are delegates that are determined by governors. Political parties are functioning in different states according to the whims and caprices of governors because they pay the piper to dictate the tone of political process in their respective states.

His solution to the problem of wrong people coming to power The issue of who comes to power, I will tell you the truth. I think we should try to find a way around it. We have to go back to the constitution and see whether there is a way we can curb it.

Political parties Can you imagine that the problems we are having in almost all the political parties today is as a result of the Governors Forum?

How do you go back to the constitution since you have already said it all that the Governors Forum is not known in the constitution?

Maybe we can now decide to introduce something about them in the constitution, so as to curb these excesses. I don’t have a solution to it now but I think we must have a way to deal with the powers of the governors who have become too powerful as opposed to some provisions in the constitution.

Do you mean that the governors have held the country hostage?

Of course. How else do you want them to do it, you want them to start ruling the country before you know that?

How do you personally look at the issue of Jonathan contesting the 2015 presidential election or not?

Well, you see, that is his constitutional right; don’t just go there. It is his constitutional right to contest. And you can’t deny him that, the best you can do is

,

Nigeria is on course

Any kind of conference that will promote peace, any kind of dialogue, exercise that will promote peace, that will promote harmony, I am in support of it and that is what I am recommending

,

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—41

•Briggs

Our amalgamation is a mistake — Ankio-Briggs MS Ankio Briggs, rights activist and one of the leaders of the National Summit Group, says there is nothing to celebrate at 53 and the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates to create Nigeria was a mistake.

Excerpts:

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

We have been like this for 100 years, aside the fact that we have been together and this is what everybody tells us as if it’s such a big deal to be together

,

H

OW do you view Nigeria at 53?

I’m yet to see what we are celebrating. If we are celebrating the fact that we have had independence for 53 years and lived together for a 100 years then, 100 is just a figure. When you are celebrating, you have to show what you have achieved. And the question I’m asking is what have we achieved?

Unity? We are not united in this country. Developmentally, what have we achieved? I mean in things like roads and what have you? These are the things that should matter as we are progressing. We shouldn’t now be building roads at 100.

We should be improving on what we have built may be at 30, 40, 50, 60, not starting the development of Nigeria after a 100 years of being together.

So, for me, those are the things I use as yardstick to measure Nigeria. Like other countries are sending satelite into the space, Nigeria sent a satelite and lost it.

So, we should ask ourselves

if Nigeria is not too big a country to be governed the way in which we are being governed today? Should we not have states being responsible for themselves? This is why national conference is necessary.

We have been like this for 100 years, aside the fact that we have been together and this is what everybody tells us as if it’s such a big deal to be together.

Different cultures America is still together and look at what they have achieved, likewise other countries. Other countries like the Soviet Union, Sudan, have broken up.

For Nigeria, I think by age alone, we are matured enough to ask ourselves some questions and answer them in a truthful manner. We are just deceiving ourselves.

People have said the coming together of different parts of the country is a mistake, do you agree?

I totally agree, but we can’t take responsibility for that, I might say, because it’s not

Nigerians that created Nigeria.

It’s Lord Luggard who created Nigeria that brought us together and called us one people. But it’s very clear today that that’s not so. The North is the North and the South is the South.

These regions are made up of so many people with different cultures, religions, foods and different ways of looking at things.

And when you bring them together to say they should look at things the same way, you are telling them to look at Nigeria in only one way.

But one day, some of this people will wake up and say, look, things are not working for us this way.

The people it works for will resist other people who don’t want the process to remain like that. So, this is the problem Nigeria is having and anybody that doesn’t see it like that is not telling himself the truth.

Do we have any basis for Nigeria’s unity?

We have basis in the sense that it’s our choice. It should be our choice and it will be our choice, because that’s why we have these discussions going

on now. I believe Nigeria can be a great country and that Nigerians can live together.

Look at the circumstances we are in and we are still able to manage it and to drag it along.

But we shouldn’t be managing.

We should have some rules and regulations that we all accept.

We should agree on how and when we are going to do it and once we agree, it will be much easier. The problem we are having is that we didn’t agree.

And we have not found the basis on which we are agreeing. We must find that basis. It’s possible to live together. But the question is how? What are the terms and conditions?

Nobody is saying we shouldn’t live together. We are saying how? Who brings what?

Who owns what? Who controls what? How much should I bring? How much should you bring? How much What if we keep everything and pay something to the centre? These are the things we need to look at together. We can live together, but how?

Now, how do you think we can live together in peace and harmony in Nigeria?

Well, it won’t be for one person alone. I can only speak for my people. Like for instance, I come from Rivers State, which is in Niger Delta region.

Ownership of resources For instance, most of what we are using to develop the country today is coming from my region, from my state.

Now, all I’m saying is that that should not be so. It has made every other state which does not have oil not to bring anything to the table.

So, what I’m saying is that we should have ownership of our resources and pay tax to the Federal Government. That way, everybody will be responsible for themselves.

And then, we from the Niger Delta will not feel that the weight of developing Nigeria is on our back and that we as a people are not gaining anything from it.

What percentage of tax do you think the regions should pay to the centre?

Taxes are usually 5 per cent, 2 per cent, 40 per cent and whatever. It’s something we must all agree upon. I mean, it’s not something that I will say, it should be like this.

What percentage do you suggest?

Well, I think 10 per cent.

,

42—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

It'll be a nightmare if Nigeria breaks up — Ndoma-Egba

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE Senate Majority Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba is optmistic Nigeria will make it as united nation because her union is not a forced marriage

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Advent of democracy But even in the best of marriages, there will be issues, the thing is, how are these issues resolved? And I believe that we have the capacity, especially with advent of democracy. We will in a very fundamental way, resolve the issues that confront this marriage. Some of those issues persist because in the many years of military rule, we did not confront them.

An issue that would have been resolved squarely long ago, stays up to now because they were swept under the carpet. So, I believe that the issues are there but the unity of Nigeria, like I said, is invaluable.

We have been there for 99 years and almost going for a 100 years. So, I think that the unity or the amalgamation is for the benefit of not just Nigeria but Africa as a whole because that amalgamation has put Nigeria

,

IGERIA is celebrating its 53rd independence, how far have we fared as a united nation, do you think the country should continue to be one?

It could be a nightmare for Nigeria to break up. I personally have strong faith in the unity of Nigeria, that our unity is invaluable. That unity cannot be violated, so I believe that all these prophecies by doomsday prophets that Nigeria will break up will fail.

It is not the first time we are hearing all those prophecies, it has always been there. Nigeria survived a very brutal civil war, so I don’t see any fundamental issues that will lead to the disintegration of Nigeria in spite of the wishes of the doomsday prophets. Nigeria will remain one strong and united country.

Next year, Nigeria will be celebrating its 100 years of amalgamation, which some critics have dubbed forced marriage, do you think the amalgamation has been beneficial to the country?

It is a marriage that has been there for 99 years and a forced marriage doesn’t endure that long. It is only when there is compatibility that a marriage survives that long.

•Ndoma-Egba

politically in a very unique position to play the roles it is playing in Africa.

And the consequences of the break-up of Nigeria are to dire for the world to ignore.

Solutions to problems threatening the unity We should continue to negotiate and re-negotiate the terms of the union. You don’t go into a union and 100 years later, you are still operating under the original terms of that union. So, we hope to every now and then, re-negotiate the terms of staying together.

Yes, we moved from four regions in 1963 to 37 states today, was it through a democratic process?

Certainly, not. It was by military fiat. States were created, local governments were created by military fiat not through discussion, not through negotiation.

And the amendments to structures have come with consequences. That is because they were created under the military regimes. We have not been able to sit down and deal with the consequences of very fundamental structural issues that arose during the times of the military. So, we need to deal with some of the consequences that arose during the military.

Sitting down to negotiate is it through Supreme National Conference?

Maybe, you will have to explain the word “sovereign” to me. I keep asking people what is it that will make the conference sovereign? What ingredients should we look out for a sovereignty of such a conference?

My understanding and I might be wrong, is that our sovereignty, yes, sovereignty resides with the people, it derives from and resides with the people but that sovereignty is expressed in the constitution.

So, our sovereignty is the one that is expressed in the constitution. And the constitution has proclaimed itself as supreme and we have accepted it as supreme.

Origins of the constitution People say that the origins of the constitution are dubious, I concede that point that we the people never met. But we have ratified the constitution by conduct because we all have submitted to a president or presidents that were elected under that constitution. We have submitted to governors that were elected under that constitution.

We have submitted to National Assembly and state assemblies that were created by that constitution. We have submitted to courses that were created by that constitution.

We have submitted to all the authorities and powers that were created by that constitution. So, we have ratified the constitution by conduct, the question of it being dubious, as far as I am concerned is being academic.

So now is that constitution that has been ratified by all of us, is the expression of our sovereignty.

How, who, where and when was the sovereignty granted to the conference, who granted the sovereignty to that conference and by what act and by what method?

So, for me, the insistence on a SNC is neither here nor there because even those who are calling for it have not told us what act will make it sovereign and who will carry out those acts that will make it sovereign and how you will carry out the acts to make the acts sovereign.

I read a reaction from a senior lawyer to the Distinguish Senate President’s speech that was read by me in Calabar and he was reminding me that yes, sovereignty resides with the people, that the Senate President was talking rubbish. Nobody is debating the point that yes, sovereignty resides with the people or derives from the people. So, how do we meet with the people to convey this sovereignty? Where do we meet them?

I think that the unity or amalgamation is for the benefit of not just Nigeria but Africa as a whole because that amalgamation has put Nigeria politically in a very unique position to play the roles it is playing in Africa

,

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—43

Stop blaming the military for our woes — Suleiman Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (rtd), former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was Nigeria's Ambassador to Russia

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T

HIS year is unique, because Nigeria will be 53 as an independent nation and in January 2014, it will 100 years of the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates, how do you see that?

It’s a unique year because it’s a year of reflection. All of us should reflect this 100 years of Nigeria. We need to look at what has transpired. Is it the Nigeria of our dream? If not, why not?

And when we know the why not, we need to look at the ways forward on how we can unravel the failings of Nigeria in order to bring a better Nigeria.

Do you think the Nigeria we have now is the Nigeria of your dream?

It’s probably not. If it was, I won’t be here in this conference (National Political Summit, Uyo).

The Nigeria of my dream is a united Nigeria, free of injustice, free of corruption, free of all the evils bedeviling this country today -insecurity, armed-robbery, occultism, child molestation and all sorts of vices afflicting this

country. And it is sad for those of us who mean well for this country.

What do you think is the cause of these problems?

If you look at the Bible, it says, when we veer away from the ways of the Lord, things will go bad. In Nigeria, it seems everybody has veered away from the ways of the Lord.

Go into the Bible, anytime the children of Israel veers away from the ways of the Lord, such bad things come upon them. When they cry to God and fully repent from their evil ways, God will heal their wounds. Nigeria needs that spirit of repentance, Firstly, we must acknowledge our failings. That’s the essence of repentance.

We must acknowledge that we have done wrong, that we have not followed the path of God. When we acknowledge these failings and accept our individual faults in not contributing to Nigeria and what Nigeria ought to be, we can recover.

In our younger days, we don’t know about these thingsmurders, killings, kidnappings, child molestations, they didn’t

exist in our younger days, but now they exist. You are now afraid for your children, afraid for the future of your children. It’s a very sad situation which must be addressed.

Some people say the incursion of the military into politics contributed largely to the problems of Nigeria. Do you agree? (cuts-in) In what way.

Through the first military coup?

How do you mean?

That the coup destroyed the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy Does it mean that democracy is the answer to our many problems? If so, why are we having these ills today? Are we having a military regime now?

Are we having military governance? But yet, we are still having these ills. So, it will be wrong to put the blames only on the military.

The people who are looking for scape goats are putting the blames only on the military. The military did their b est. Most of the infrastructures standing in this country today were put in place during the military days.

Negativity of issues This conference today will be able to bring out a programme that will help bring out a Sovereign National Conference for Nigeria, where Nigerians from all sectors of life can come out to work out how we should live together. If we are saying that the amalgamation was a mistake, then, only a conference can spot out these mistakes and correct it, so as to produce a Nigeria that will favour all of us.

What is your message to Nigerians at 53?

Nigerians should not only look at the negativities of issues. Let’s find common grounds for things that we can develop to make this country great.

All the elements that can make Nigeria great are there in this country. Why are we not exploiting it? It’s because, we are not working as one people.

So, I think Nigerians should work towards a nation where everyone will have a sense of belonging. If we work as a nation like America, which has so many nationalities than Nigeria, yet everybody is proud to be an American, we will make it.

America is progressing because they have common bonds and it’s the number one nation in the world. So, our number should be our source of strength and not reason for our breaking-up.

,

•Suleiman

What the government of today should do is to improve on them.

The military has done its best in setting the landmark on a large scale. So, let the present leaders improve on them. It’s easier to blame your predecessors, but do your own let others see.

Some have said that the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate was a mistake. What’s your take on that?

Why? People say it has brought no peace in the country... that they should have allowed the North, East and West to be independent countries; that there’s no bond and commonness among them (cuts-in) Yet we have been one Nigeria for 100 years. If we have not been in oneness, then, how have we survived this 100 years?

The fact that we survived for 100 years as a nation called Nigeria means that there’s some common bond. All we have to do is to reenergize that bond that has kept us together for 100 years, to make it better, not to destroy the little that is working.

In your view, what do you think we should do to cement Nigeria’s unity?

To cement Nigeria’s unity, first, what we are doing today (National Political Summit, Uyo) is a step in the right direction.

Nigerians should not only look at the negativities of issues.

Let’s find common grounds for things that we can develop to make this country great

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44—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Residents flee Kokori as soldiers intensify patrol

Itsekiri union backs Uduaghan, Maku for Senate, Warri North

BY IMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—RESIDENTS of Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, fled the community in large numbers over fear of arrest and harassment by soldiers deployed to the area.

Some of them that spoke to Vanguard at Eku, said they were running from Kokori for fear of their lives.

A septuagenarian, who was in company of some of his children, said they were heading to Agbor, where they hoped to spend time with relatives until peace returned to the area.

The septuagenarian, who said he had no money to foot the transport fare to Agbor, appealed for assistance from those around.

He said they had to trek some distance from Kokori community before they could get a motor bike rider, who offered to take them to Eku community for free.

Meanwhile, President-General of the community, G. S. Avwunudiogba, has appealed to soldiers to mellow down on their operations in the area.

He said: “We are not against soldiers doing their job. But they should also help us with the way they go about it so that

I

TSEKIRI Democratic Union, IDU, has called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Mr. Francis Maku to consider contesting for the Senate and chairmanship of Warri North Local Government Area, respectively.

In a statement by IDU Chairman, Mr. Meyiwa Abugewa, the group said: “We are in transition in Iwereland and the people we pick to represent us at this time will be very crucial to our survival as a people.

“We call on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to run for the Delta South Senatorial seat after his governorship tenure. His wealth of experience will come to bear and he is our best option among all possible candidates.

“Since Francis Maku has proved to be levelheaded, a team player, peace-maker and bridgebuilder, we consider him the best for the chairmanship position of Warri North Local Government.”

the community is not deserted.

“You can see everybody running for fear of their lives. Some neither know nor have where to go to. It is really worrisome.”

He said they were trying to set up a refugee camp in a nearby community, but expressed fears that those at the camp could still be harassed.

He further appealed to the Federal and state governments

to intervene in the situation, so farmers could go to their farms for harvest.

He said: “This is predominantly a farming community.

Our women and men, for fear of being arrested, no longer go to their farms.

“The Federal and the state government should intervene.

Kokori has always been a peaceful oil community; the records are there for all to see.

We have never harassed operators of our oil.”

There were strong specula-

Great Ogboru loses brother to PDP

BY IMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—IT was a big blow for the political structure of Chief Great Ogboru, yesterday, as one of his relatives, Chief Julius Ogboru, declared for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at an elaborate ceremony at Eku, Delta State.

Chief Julius, who led about 1,500 from all parts of Delta State to PDP, said he was one of the strong pillars of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP. He said after very wide consultation with his supporters in all wards in the state, he had to take the decision to cross over to PDP. Julius Ogboru said: “Some of you asked if my crossing over

will not amount to a betrayal. I say no because I gave my brother all the support he needed in his political aspiration for 14 years. I think it is time to move on.”

He assured that he would deliver the three wards at Abraka to his new party, even as he thanked the Commissioner for Finance in the state, Chief Ken Okpara, for making the decla-

A

group, Edo North Professionals’ Forum, has advised the Senator representing the senatorial district at in National Assembly, Mr. Domingo Obende, to wake up and live up to expectation or lose the support of the people.

A petition to Governor Adams

Oshiomhole of Edo State, by its President, Muhammed Aloaye, and six local government coordinators, claimed its mission was to champion the socio-economic development of Edo North senatorial district (Afenmai), while positioning it for future political prospects.

The petition read in part: “It does not require a special skill

to recognise the effort of Governor Oshiomhole, towards rebuilding Edo State, with particular reference to Edo North.

“You do not also need an expert with special skills to recognise that Senator Domingo Obende has not lived up to expectations of people of Edo North. ”We are pleased to report to

N

ATIONAL Convener of Urhobo Political Initiative, Dr. Dafe Akpocha, weekend, urged Urhobos to vote en

your Excellency that opinion polls have shown that Edo North people are not happy even as political elders and leaders across the six local governments attest to the fact that the problem with the senatorial district is tied to poor leadership, especially with its uncomplimentary role to the efforts of the governor.”

masse for Chief Ede Dafinone in the Delta Central senatorial by-election.

He said the emergence of Chief Ede Dafinone in the recently-concluded primaries of Democratic Peoples Party had shown that the party was the only one Urhobos should rely on.

Akpocha said: “This is an indication that a change has come. The era of undemocratic adoption of people is gone.”

Akpocha said Urhobos should say no to government arrangement, stressing “we should protect our vote to ensure that Ede Dafinone is voted for to represent the Urhobo people.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

ration a reality.

Chief Skin Ogboru, a chieftain of PDP in Abraka, said he was happy that his uncle had crossed over to the party.

Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and other political leaders, who spoke at the declaration, charged Chief Ogboru to ensure his coming brought greater success to the party.

... as Akpocha mobilises Urhobo for Dafinone

Edo professionals petition Oshiomhole over Obende

BY KELECHI AZUBUIKE

tions in several quarters in the area that the alleged dreaded kidnap kingpin, Kelvin, had not been arrested as alleged by security operatives.

He said: “We still hear the soldiers asking for Kelvin. We wonder if he has been arrested as alleged.

“Doubts heightened in the community when papers carried a story that the dreaded Kelvin, allegedly killed by the JTF, had resurfaced. Nobody has seen the photograph of Kelvin in the media.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Nigeria @ 53

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IGERIANS have to be resilient and take up the challenge before them; they should never feel defeated or be defeated.

Nigerians should never relent. The man that is a failure is the one who falls and fails to get up. We must keep moving on.— Mr. Zack Orji, Actor.

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S Nigerians home and abroad celebrate the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary, my message for Nigerians is that they should love one another and pray, not just for themselves, but for the country and leaders.— Mrs Aisha Joy, Businesswoman.

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Y only message to Nigeria as it celebrates 53 years of independence is that there is nothing to write home about its development. That is just one thing I can say that we have achieved as a country at 53 years.— Miss Omo Osagie, Worker.

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think Nigeria at 53 years is still growing.

Nigerians, we should think of what we can do to make ourselves better wherever we find ourselves. That is the only way we can make a difference and this country can be great again.— Mr. Odiase Ukpebor, Cameraman.

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Y message is for God to bless Nigeria. As regards development, we may not have got it right, but God should bless Nigeria and Nigerians. I love Nigeria and I am proud to be a Nigerian.

I have no other country.— Mr. Adesoji Shiyanbola, Worker.

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ELL, if one needs to be sin cere about developments in the country, there is no improvement. We are talking about 53 years. When would the improvement come? Is it by the daily looting of the treasury?— Miss Chika Dike, Student.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—45

How Warri can be great again — ORUBEBE

Violence, insecurity threats to Nigeria — AKPABIO

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—MINISTER of Niger-Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has said that Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and other ethnic groups in Warri, Delta State, would experience a new beginning, if the people practice true Christianity, which emphasized love, peace, unity and tolerance.

Leading the dialogue on the topic, “Spiritual and Natural Dimension of Warri and its Inhabitants,” at a meeting of Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, in Warri, last weekend, Elder Orubebe said the problem of Warri started when the people departed from the will of God. Among the Warri boys that attended the meeting were former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovabire, president of WRI, Mr. Kes Agbosa, Mr. Patrick Origho, Prince Sunny Omatseye, Elegbete Moses Odibo, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Michael Diden and others.

His words: “We had crisis because we went outside the ill of God. In the past, we do not see ourselves as Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw, we saw ourselves as Warri boys, we lived as one, there was mutual trust, we interacted together, but somewhere along the line, suspicion and distrust came in.”

Orubebe advised the inhabitants to be committed to the spiritual rebirth of Warri and be ready to support Christian revival services to produce champions for Christ for God to restore peace.

Chief Ofuokwu, 84, passes on

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prominent community leader and chieftain of PDP in Ibusa, Delta State, Chief Dominic Nwanze Ofuokwu, aged 84, has passed.

The family in a statement said that the late Chief Ofuokwu was the Ezebo of Ogbeowele Quarter. Burial arrangement would be announced later.

Late Chief Ofuokwu C M Y K

BY TONY NYONG

U LUNCHEON—From left: Mr. Oladejo Seye, representative of deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu, President, Governing Council of AES Excellence Club and Alhaji Musiliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police/ Guest Speaker, at the AES Excellence Club business luncheon in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

I 'll continue to support Gov Amaechi, by Sen Abe zSays Rivers people fought for realization of South-South Presidency

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— SENATOR Magnus Abe has vowed to continue to support Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State because of his commendable performance.

Senator Abe, who spoke at Gokana and Khana local government areas in Ogoni, said it was sad that the state was being allegedly neglected by the Federal Government, in spite of the fact that people of the area fought for the realisation of a South South President.

He said: “First, we have not said that we are against President Goodluck Jonathan, we have not said so here. People need to remember that the South-South Presidency that we are talking about and enjoying today had an origin.

“The Calabar Declaration that was the beginning of the SouthSouth struggle for the presidency

was written by me in my own hand in the office of then Secretary to Government of Cross River State. I wrote it.

Prince Tony Momoh was there, Mr. Egbogbo, the then secretary to the government of Cross River State was there and a lot of other eminent persons from South-South.

“The reason we fought for the Presidency to come to the SouthSouth was because we said we wanted Nigeria to be restructured, that we needed to change the structure of this country so that we have a more progressive, more prosperous, a more successful Nigeria for all Nigerians.

“Today, we have a President from the South-South and in bringing about that president from the South-South, all of us supported President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. We voted for him, we spent money on him.

Nobody brought one Naira to

Rivers State to campaign for Jonathan.

“Nobody brought one Naira and I challenge anybody who said he gave Rivers State money. It was out of our resources and our time, settled our differences, and ignored whatever challenges we had to ensure that we produce a president from the South-South.

“Now, what is the problem today? We are politicians, you must look around you. Today, we are standing here, if we talk of the president from SouthSouth and the president is from Bayelsa, it means that Rivers State can no longer be president because it is our turn.

“It is as much the turn of Rivers State as it is the turn of Akwa Ibom, as it is the turn of Cross River, as it is the turn of Bayelsa, as it is the turn of Edo, as it is the turn of Delta because that is how Nigeria is structured. So this president it is our own turn."

Nigeria gets $17.5m equipment for port operations

BY UDEME CLEMENT

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HE nation’s port is poised for greater efficiency as the concessionair managing the facility, APM Terminal Apapa Limited, APMT, has invested $17.5million in five new Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes, RTGs, to facilitate trade in line with global trend. With this latest technology, APMT is the first terminal in Africa to have RTGs, after United States of America.

Speaking at the commissioning of the equipment, the Port Manager, Mr. Mohammed Nasir, expressed satisfaction on the quality of the cranes, stressing that

APMT had in the last seven years overhauled and replaced the facility with new assets to turn Nigeria’s port into a world class facility.

He said: “We believe in what APMT is doing to enhance service delivery for customers, as the company has been in the forefront of deploying modern equipment and constant capacity building give Apapa Port global competitive edge.

"The port is synonymous with APMT because its success translates to the success of Nigeria’s economy. The company has a unique development plan to transform

and make Nigeria a leading port in Africa. We believe by the second quarter of 2014, every issue associated with service delivery would be fully addressed."

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Andrew Dawes, said “APMT Apapa is part of the APM terminals network of 63 terminals and ports around the world. It is the largest container terminal in Nigeria and in West Africa. APM Terminals is committed to developing the Apapa container terminal into a world class facility."

YO—AKWA Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has identified violence and insecurity as threats that might lead to the disintegration of the nation.

Akpabio, who made the observation during the grand finale of Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary, urged Nigerians to liberate themselves from the scourge.

He said: “We must liberate ourselves from the wanton insecurity, which has become a threat to our unity and oneness.

“Violence is not a part of our national fabric; neither did it form part of our noble and dignified struggle for independence.

"I urge Nigerians to still the jarring sounds of bombs with harmonious songs of unity.

Tears have no colour or tribe or ethnic group.

“When someone is killed or bombed in Kaduna, we cry in Akwa Ibom. Not because we know who is killed but because we are involved in humanity and one man’s pain is another man’s tears. ”Unity is our only pathway to a great nation. An old man who had three contentious sons invited them to his deathbed. He gave each of them a broomstick to break and each broke it easily."

Richbond holds training for mechanics

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ICHBOND Nigeria Limited has packaged a 10 days empowerment workshop for mechanics, truck drivers, users and their customers in Lagos with Sinotruk trainers from China.

The objective of the course is to enrich owners and users of Sinotruk in Nigeria with up to date information that would enable participants operate, service, repair and maintain their fleet, thereby reducing the truck’s downtime and breakdown to the barest minimum.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of Richbond Group, Mrs. Asumpta Muonagolu, said at a briefing that Sinotruk was obviously Nigeria’s preferred brand and was adjudged the fastest selling truck in the Nigeria Auto Award 2011 and 2012 editions.

46—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

NAUTH shops for N2.5bn to improve facilities

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—OFFICIALS of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi are shopping for N2.5 billion special intervention fund to enable the health institution improve facilities at its permanent site in Nnewi.

Chairman of the governing board of the hospital, Prof. Ivara Esu and the Chief Medical Director, Professor Anthony Igwebe observed during their visit to the permanent site, that the delay in moving the hospital to its permanent site was hampering proper service delivery.

Esu, who was one time Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar and former minister of culture and tourism, said that the temporary site of the hospital has got to the limit to which it could grow, and therefore can no longer accommodate more patients.

The implication, he said, is that a lot of patients who need healthcare services are denied access to treatment.

According to him, the N2.5 billion would enable them to complete the prioritized projects at the site to achieve the level of development that would make it possible for partial movement to the permanent site of the hospital as soon as possible.

Passage

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IR FIDELIS O d i a m e h i Onaburehalen, aged 85, of Abia-Iruekpen, Ekpoma, Edo State, is dead.

There will be a vigil and requiem mass at Stella Maris Catholic Church, Abia-Iruekpen on Thursday 3, while he will be buried on Friday, October 4, after a lying in state at his 2, Abebe Street, Abia-Iruekpen residence.

Late Sir Onaburehalen C M Y K

Insecurity worries Imo residents zNigeria ‘ll remain an indivisible entity —Okorocha

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—AS Nigeria rolled out drums to celebrate its independence, yesterday, residents of Imo State expressed concern over the increasing level of insecurity in the country.

For the Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Nigeria will remain an indivisible entity, despite the nagging problems facing it today.

Okorocha, who stated this in his 2013 Independence Day message to the people, however, expressed serious worry over cases of insecurity facing the country today.

While saying that since the country faced and survived a 30month-old fratricidal war, it will remain one and indivisible entity.

In his own message, the National Publicity Secretary of Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, Dr. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, appealed to Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer to God to give them a good leader that would transform the nation.

“We are 53 years old as a nation but the bane of our underdevelopment has remained corruption. It has eaten so deep into our social fabric that Nigeria cannot move forward,” Ajumbe said.

He pleaded with the Federal

Government to ensure that public power supply was improved, adding that “with an improved energy, we can drive our industries and employ more unemployed hands in the country.”

Other citizens called for the paving of roads, functional education, affordable health facilities, creation

of an additional state in the South East geo-political zone and taking proper care of pensioners.

Elder Joseph Anokwu frowned on the manner pensioners were treated in the country, pointing out that the senior citizens served the nation meri-

toriously and should not be treated like outcasts.

For an Owerri youth leader, Mazi Damian Nze, “the South East is still marginalized in all ramifications.” He stressed that there was no reason why it should still boast of only five states when other zones have six and seven states.”

COMMISSIONING: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (4th left) cutting the tape to commission a classroom block donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to Urban Girls Secondary School,Onitsha. With him from left are; Mr. Sam Ossai, HR Manager, NB Onitsha; Mr. Kayode Aremu, Contractor to the project; Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser; Dr Uju Okeke, Anambra State Commissioner for Education and Mrs. Angela Obodozie,

Ignore nPDP, Elechi tells party members A

BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI—GOVER NOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, yesterday, called on citizens and members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state to ignore the clamour by some aggrieved members to create a factional group within the party.

The governor, who made the call on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of Nigerian independence and 17th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State at Abakaliki township stadium, stated that in spite of the blackmail and propaganda by detractors, the PDP would remain strong and more resilient in the game of national politics.

According to him, for as much as the aggrieved members of the party have the right to exercise their freedom, they should not use the privilege to create an atmosphere of disorder and disunity in the country.

He said: “While we are still on the subject of politics, let me appeal to the good people of Ebonyi State to ignore the noise about the so-called new PDP. “In spite of relentless blackmail and propaganda by de-

tractors, the People’s Democratic Party remains the strongest and unifying national platform. The flashes we witness here and there are mere storms in the tea cup and the party

shall emerge stronger and more resilient.

“There is nothing unusual about the times we are in because politics involves periodic hiccups and heated ar-

guments. What matter is that in the end any disagreements will be resolved and the party will forge ahead in strength and purpose.”

Poly vows action against erring staff

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BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—THE manage ment of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, has warned that it will not hesitate to appropriately sanction any staff found guilty of admission racketeering, sexual abuse of female students and other vices.

The rector, Dr. Cele Njoku, who read the riot act while addressing the Polytechnic com-

munity, also frowned on reported cases of some lecturers demanding and collecting money from students for varied reasons.

He said: “Any teaching or non-teaching staff found guilty of engaging in admission fraud, will be commensurately sanctioned.”

She also expressed anger over reports reaching the management about some lec-

turers who demand and collect varying sums of money from hapless students as part of the conditionality to pass them in their examinations.

“This has become a serious source of corporate embarrassment to the Polytechnic.

Henceforth, those found guilty of exploitation, intimidation and coercion of students, will also be dealt with accordingly,” the rector said.

LG provides electricity to 8 communities

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HE IGBOEZE North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has so far provided electricity to over eight communities as well as built 25 blocks of classrooms for the people of the area in the last two years.

It has also provided roads and health facilities to other communities in a bid to make life easier for rural people in the local government.

Chairman of the council, Chief Bonaventure Onuh,

made this known while thanking the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for electing him for a second term of two years during the recent primary election in the state.

He spoke through his Supervisory Councillor for Education, Emenike Ojobe.

He said: “Projects we executed in the last two years included, a three kilometre electricity involving 15 high-

tension poles and another 15 low tension ones.

“They also, include provision of 300KVA transformers each at Umuogbo Ekposhi, Umuogbo Inyi, Onuiyi Olido, Umuopu-along late John Nweja’s Close as well as Ukwuinyi Ogrute and Uda. The roads being tarred include the Amufie-Olido; the Japan road- Fine Boy road among others.”

Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 —47

RECEPTION FOR OLAWALE FAPOHUNDA, ATTORNEY-GENERAL & COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE, EKITI STATE

From left, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Mr. Adewale Obafemi, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and Mr. Kule Adegoke, during the reception in honour of Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, over his appointment as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, in Ekiti State, in Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

From left, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemi Balogun, Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor,Vanguard Newspaper, and Mr. Ola Agbaje.

From left, Mr. Ola Agbaje, Adetutu Oluwaseyi, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, From left, Abidemi Soneye, Mr. Fajuyigbe Oluwasola, and Mr. Norrison Quakers, and Mrs. Edida Nwolisa SAN.

FORUM: From left, Bayo Fadairo, Nkem Obi both of Diamond Bank Plc; Olufemi Olusola, CEO, City Buffet, Aniekan Ido, Area Business Manager, Airtel, and Jude Emecheta, GM, City Buffet, at 2nd City Buffet KYC (Know Your Customer) forum, in Surulere, Lagos.

PRESENTATION: Modupe Thani, head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat; Mr. Fadile Remilekun, winner of N500,000, and Mr. Lucas Dada, Director, Business Segment, Etisalat, during presentation of cheque to the winner of Etisalat FC Barcelona promo, at Etisalat headquarters, in Ikoyi, Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, photo editor.

WINNER: National Organising Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Osita Izunaso (left), declaring Olorogun O'tega Emerhor winner of the APC primaries, in Ughelli.

CAMPAIGN: From left, Hon. Arutere, Chief Solomon Kpomah, Hon. Henry Sakpra, Chief Oletu Chiapele, Elegbete Barr. Moses Odibo, Chief Eddie Sorhue BIRTHDAY: Pa Sunday Aziken, cutting cake and assisted by his family (acknowledging cheers from the crowd), during PDP campaign, at Aladja Udu members, during his 80th birthday, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Agbor, Ward 10, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, for Olorogun Emmanuel Delta State, weekend.

Aguariavwodo's senatorial bid.

C M Y K

48—Vanguard, WEDNEDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Nigeria still a work in progress —Jonathan

INSECURITY:

Group urges FG to adopt new strategy

Continues from page 31

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

L

AGOS—THE Deputy Commandant of the Gallant Community Protection (Corps) of Nigeria, (GACPON) Lagos state command, Mr. Larry Morgan Diribe has urged the Federal Government to adopt new strategy to tackle the lingering security challenges in the country.

Making the call during the inauguration of new members into the unit, Diribe stressed the need for adequate enlightenment on security education, re-training and equipping of security personnel with modern gadgets, to secure the lives and property of the people.

He further urged Nigerians to be security conscious, and alert security agencies of unusual happenings in their environments, noting that if citizens stay vigilant and inform them of unusual happenings in their environments; it will go a long way to curb crime.

Katsina approves 17.5% weigh-in allowance for media workers

BY EMEKA MAMAH

L

AGOS—THE Katsina State government has approved the implementation of the 17.5 per cent weigh- in allowance for journalists and other media workers in the state.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Administration, Dalha Rufa’I Adamu said those to benefit include members of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, and RATTAWU with effect from October, 2013.

"The beneficiaries cut across Katsina State Radio, KTTV, Ministry of Information and History and Culture Bureau. All the affected beneficiaries are therefore, requested to reciprocate the gesture by rededicating themselves towards improving service delivery in the state, please.”

C M Y K

INSPECTION—From left: Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; Alhaji Abubakar Aboki Gambo, Acting Manager, Yola Airport; Engr. Abubakar Kabir, Project Engineer; Mallam A.Mohammed, and other staff of Yola Airport , during the inspection visit of New Yola International Airport, last Saturday.

Kwara Assembly Speaker relinquishes security details I

IORIN—THE Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rasaq Atunwa, last Thursday, relinquished the security personnel attached to him, following the failure of police to return security details to the former Governor of the state, Senator Bukola Saraki.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Speaker, at a press briefing on Sept 10, threatened to relinquish the police security attached to him if Saraki’s security detail was not restored before Friday, September 13.

He said the act constituted a clear breach of the law.

Atunwa had explained that Saraki was entitled to the provision of police security as part of his pension entitlement by

virtue of Section 2 (3) Paragraph H of the Third Schedule of Kwara State Governor and Deputy Governor (payment of pension) Law 2010. ”As the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly that enacted the law, it would be utterly improper for me to sit indolently and do nothing in the face of such flagrant violation of its law. ”If the Nigeria Police Command does not deem it fit to protect a two-term Governor and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, then it is duplicitous to seek to protect a Speaker of the state Assembly,’’ he said.

The Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media, Alhaji AbdulRahman Sanni, confirmed to newsmen that the

speaker had relinquished the security details attached to him.

He said the decison took effect from Sept 13, when the deadline given by the Speaker had lapsed.

Sanni said the decision was in fulfilment of his boss’ promise to give up all his security details unless such was returned to Sen Saraki.

NAN observed on in IIorin that the Speaker now goes about his functions without the normal security personnel attached to him.

Commenting on the development, the Deputy Speaker, Prof Gana Yisa, also told correspondents on Thursday that he had told his policemen not to report for duty to his office until further notice.

Yobe Gov sacks six commissioners

D

A M AT U R U — GOVERNOR Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has sacked six commissioners from the State Executive Council.

The commissioners were sacked last Thursday after the monthly state executive council meeting in Damaturu and no reason was given by the governor for the action.

Those affected include Alhaji Yerima AjiBularafa, Commissioner for Higher Education; Health Commissioner, Hajiya Fatsuma Talba and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Alhaji Yusuf Yahaya.

Others were, Alhaji Musa Dumburi; Youth Development, Alhaji Ahmed Wakil-Sarki; Environment and Alhaji

Bala Haladu; Transport and Energy.

Gaidam commended them for their contributions to the development of the state, adding that they may be called again to serve the government in other capacities.

NAN reports that the former commissioners have served as cabinet members for between three to 10 years.

under my leadership, will not fail.

Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction.

But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian values, and the rule of law.

Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of which we must never lose sight.33.

Crucial role of democratisation In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent. Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage disagreement.

This is the joy of democracy. It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it.

Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue.

When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.

In demonstration of my avowed belief in the pos-

itive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference.

The Committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary.

The full membership of the Committee will be announced shortly.

I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the Dialogue.

Progress since independence Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has not always been smooth.

This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together. That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined - notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.

This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline.

We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union.

I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations. I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged.

But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season.

It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our children and grandchildren will look back on our effort and be thankful that we kept the faith. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish you all a very happy 53rd Independence Celebration. I thank you.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

— 49

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 VIRGO; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today ; Unless you are more careful matters-of-the-heart may cause avoidable trouble the way your career/business can suffer temporarily.

LIBRA; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today ; It is important you don’t exhibit aggression unnecessarily. Here is a day when secret love is capable of bringing serious pressure. Try to be very diplomatic.

SCORPIO; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today ; Your concentration level is not perfect and if you take bad advice from friends you would be misled. The more practical you are the better for you.

SAGITTARIUS; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today ; Unnecessary aggressive approach on your part along your career/business lines will back-fire more than you imagine. Graceful expression is what you will need.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

GUESS when you see this heading; the first thing that comes to your mind is that we are talking bout dogs, goats, cat etc. But I tell you, this is far from the idea being propounded here. The whole idea here is about you.

Of domestic animal Yes! It is about you.

The man and woman who wakes up in the morning and does not know how to handle the broom; it is about you, who does not know how to cook any meal; It is

about you, who does not know how to bath the kids and wear them clothes; It is about you, the man and woman that do not know how to keep the house neat and tidy.

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

Are you still wondering if you are a domestic animal? Yes; you are!

Science told us so. So, learn how to do domestic chores, so that you do not become handicapped even in your own house.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today ; Happenings within your working arena can bring minor provocation but it is just a passing trend. Travelling for love will bring more challenges than expected.

AQUARIUS; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; Male members of this Star sign will need to watch their libido while female must not ignore their sex-life. Beware of joint ventures with those you don’t know.

PISCES; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; It is not compulsory you take to aggressive re-action to those within your base of operation who are not as perfect as you. Protect your spouse.

ARIES; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; Watch what you eat and drink today. This is the wrong time to engage in unnecessary heated argument.. Romance at work may bring disappointment.

TAURUS; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; Trying to influence matters-of-the-heart with money will not give you the desired result. Any way it is a day you will need to be more careful with money.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; It is important you are more careful while trying to pass judgement on people within your base of operation because you too may be wrong.

CANCER; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; Taking a pleasure drive or movement may bring more than anticipated responsibility. Keep away from whatever can not be placed above board today.

LEO; Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo today; /9 If you allow friends to force their ideas on you financially or on matters-of-the-heart, you would be the loser. Express yourself gracefully.

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

What should I know?

VIRGINIA

Dear Joshua, Kindly tell me where the Moon was placed when I was born and other things I should know about my star.

Musa Kano.

Dear Musa, What space can take will be given here-under. Your natal Moon was in Aries.

ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Preponderance of cardinal quality in your chart is an indication of GREAT LEADERSHIP QUALITY together with innate ability to attain prominence on one hand, on the other hand, exaltation of intellectual related Mercury in Aquarius at positive angle to both lucky Jupiter and Uranus (the planet of genius) in Libra pointed to a person with higher pitch of intelligence.

Action loving Mars as the final dispositor of your horoscope ( that’s most influential planet at home when you were born) will most times induce you to strongly desire importance with likeness for quick results; actually long promise without concrete action will bore you easily.

Equally 60 percentage of push-full influence in your chart means that the best for you is to go after your needs and wants.

Combination of all the placement and aspects formed within the planets when you were born are pointers to you as a person with balanced personality with little bias for good spiritual life. And you believe in disciplinarian life style.

Placement of your natal Sun and Moon in compassionate Pisces and self conscious Aries respectively are indications of your being mainly a Piscean and partly an Arian, however as Aries is also your Stellium sign, both basic characteristics of Pisces and Aries are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

Home & Away

dadadekola@yahoo.com

50—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Boko Haram is war against the Church—Rev. Olaolorun DESPITE the declaration of state of emergency in some northern states, the Boko Haram sect continues its murderous attacks. Would you say the attacks are targeted?

The Boko Haram thing is a war directed at the Christian faith. The Nigerian state is under attack too. I believe that the insurgence is not just a political weapon to deal with the current leadership as some people are believed to be behind the murderous campaign. They are actually benefitting from it economically and politically.

How are the perceived sponsors benefitting from the campaign?

Economically, they gain blood money through the supply of weapons of destruction; while politically they wield influences across the land. The phenomenon did not start today. In the 80s, there was the Maitatsine riot in parts of northern Nigeria. Shedding of innocent blood is satanic. So, if Boko Haram continues to kill and destroy under whatever guise, they are fulfilling just one agenda, which is beyond economic or political gain. No

provoked controversy. Was it right for the National Assemb-ly to table such matter?

Child marriage is absurd. It has brought to the fore the credentials of those who make laws in our country.

Nigeria is not an Islamic nation. It is nauseating that in spite of other serious national issues begging for urgent atten*Reverend Theophilus Olaolorun tion, our lawmakers are gambling with true religion would encourage the future of female children. wanton destruction of property. This cannot be enforced anyThe government should con- where except in places where tinue to ensure the safety of back-wardness is celebrated. It every Nigerian, no matter the is nothing other than a return cost. to the dark ages where women There was also the issue of are relegated to the background child marriage that recently and treated like properties.

Christ Embassy distributes 30m free Rhapsody of Reality CHRIST Embassy Church, during the week, flagged off its nationwide free distribution of over 30 million copies of Rhapsody of Reality, a daily devotional of the church and Bibles, in commemoration of Nigeria's 53rd Independence anniversary celebration, reports PETER DURU. Speaking at a ceremony in Makurdi, the pastor-in-charge of the church in Benue State, Gbuyi Olubitan said; "the free distribution of the devotional and Bibles is part of the church's deliberate effort to galvanize the prayer life of Nigerians as we celebrate our independence as a nation."

While pointing out that the church and its partners had invested huge funds on the project, he said , "over 150,000 copies of the prayer book would be freely distributed in Benue state.

"The Benue church will in the next few days also kick start its free medical outreach services in some communities in the state just as we will also embark on the completion of conC M Y K

struction work on some blocks of classrooms in Makurdi town, all in commemoration of the celebrations," he said.

Olubitan said the church had also undertaken to positively impact the lives of the youths of the state through periodic seminars and workshops that would prepare them for the challenges of becoming useful to themselves and the society.

According to him, "the church is deliberately reaching out to Nigerians as part of its social responsibility to people and the benefitting communities."

In his speech, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom who was the spe cial guest at the ceremony, urged the various religious groups in the country to always uphold the tenets of religious tolerance and harmony, which he said was key to checking the security challenge facing the country.

Represented by his wife, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, the minister said, "our country is today faced with a lingering security challenge which is a strange phe-

nomenon in our body polity; while government strives hard to check the menace, I urge religious groups in the country to eschew those tenets that tend to divide our people along religious and social lines. I would also implore other churches that do not reach out to the people to emulate Christ Embassy."

When you force a child into marriage, you have automatically limited how far such a child could go. The potential in such a child is crippled such that she won’t be able to compete favourably with others in her world.

What is the Nigerian society gradually turning into?

The society is becoming more and more materialistic, chaotic and highly volatile. Good morals and values are no longer inculcated. The spirit of

,

Reverend Theophilus Olaolorun is the Pastor in-charge of Shalom Baptist Church, Akowonjo, Lagos. In this interview with DAPO AKINREFON, the cleric speaks on Boko Haram insurgence and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

been daily providing spiritual nourishment to thousands through Christian meditation and practice of Biblical prayers.

Majorly, a Bible passage is selected for each day and there is a brief explanation on it.

There are indications that Spiritual Diet is serving the purpose for which it was established 10 years ago. The ministry has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria to other countries of the world.

I understand the devotional is distributed free to all who wish to have it, including free supplies to missionary universities in Nigeria. How is it sus-

When you force a child to go into marriage, you have automatically limited how far such a child could go

neighbourliness is fast eroding.

There’s the fear of what might happen the next moment.

The upper class cannot move freely. They watch every movement around them with an eye of suspicion. The lower class is desperate, hungry and hopeless.

You recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of a daily devotional, Spiritual Diet.

What impact has it made in the lives of those who use it?

The Spiritual Diet started in 2003 with the purpose of reaching the world with the Word of God and since then, we have

,

tained?

At the beginning, we thought of selling it and actually, we sold the first two editions. We started the free distribution with the third edition, November/December 2003, that was captioned, “The Gift of God.” Spiritual Diet is the only bimonthly indigenous devotional that is distributed free.

There are factors that determine where we distribute and the quantity we distribute. We have concern for university students because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Cleric urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

G

ENERAL Superinten dent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Paul Emeka has urged Nigerians not to give up hope on the country, reports SIMEON NDAJI. Rev. Emeka said this when declaring the national Men's Week programme entitled: 'A New Day For New Things,’ open in Enugu recently, noting that God had promised to do a new thing.

Earlier, president of the Assemblies of God, Ikeja Men's

Ministries, Evangelist Charles Nwobodo enjoined members of the church to see light at the end of tunnel.

Nwobodo said in his Men's Day message: "This day, God is doing a new thing. He now stepped in to reverse the ugly situation, to give hope to the hopeless. He is indeed poised to honour His word."

The Senior Pastor, Rev. Abong Agianpuye who also lauded the Men’s Ministries, prayed for the men and the congregation.

AMORC sues for national peace

By OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) has appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace, explaining that it's only in an atmosphere of peace that progress and development can thrive.

The advice was given by the Grand Administrator, Fr. Kenneth Idiodi and Grand Councillor, Fr. Johnson Ikube of the Order during a public symposium in Lagos titled: “Achieving national peace and security”.

Lamenting the rate of inse-curity in the country, Idiodi said notwithstanding socio-political

and ethno-religious backgrounds of Nigerians, there is need to exhibit the virtues of peace, tolerance, forgiveness, love and harmonious relationship, adding that without peace growth and develop-ment cannot be achieved in the country.

The absence of peace is an indication that there is a disconnect within inner and outer self, stressing: “Nigerians should not be discouraged because every effort made at personal level to achieve peace will go a long way to achieve peace at the global level because humanity is one.

"Peace is something we should always talk about, try and aspire to put it into practice everyday of our live. Without peace there cannot be growth," he said.

Continuing, Idiodi said: “There is only one reason why peace is elusive in the world and indeed Nigeria because various states that constitute the nation are not at peace and peace at various states is elusive because there is no peace at the local government level, peace is elusive in various families because there is no peace within the individuals that make up the families."

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 —51

Should I wait for when he’s free?

He can’t be interested in my friend Dear Bunmi, I recently introduced one of my female friends to my male best friend, and they really got on well together. My main worry now is that she might be under the illusion that he fancies her.

Although friends closest to him know he is gay, he’s quite private about his sexuality and might not want to let on to my friend.

I think it is now up to me to let her know she’s got no chance with him before she embarrasses herself. How do I go about it?

‘Lape, by e-mail.

Dear ‘Lape, It’s not up to you to tell one friend about another friend’s sex life. For a start, it is no one’s business but his. Secondly, he may have already have told her or she might have heard through another well-meaning friend.

I wonder, though, why you’re so concerned that the two of them have clicked?

Could it be because you’re a little bit jealous of how well they’re getting on?

Back off and let them enjoy each other’s company on whatever terms they like.

‘

Even after you’ve climaxed, try and work your way into starting all over again— the second time around usually lasts longer

daughter brings the baby round to our house.

How can I see my grandson without upsetting my husband?

Becca, by e-mail.

Dear Becca, It looks as if your current husband is not happy with you seeing your grandson as it reminds him you had a life before you met him. If he loved you, he’d accept your past and be fine with you see-

ing your daughter and her new family.

I don’t think he has your interest at heart. You need to spend time with people very close to you.

So I would risk the tantrums. Put your foot down and do just that. If your husband doesn’t love you enough to support you, then you’re well rid of him.

Excessive jealousy is often unreasonable and destroys relationships.

Does accepting lifts mean rape?

Dear Bunmi, I attended a friend’s party recently and accepted an offer of a lift from one of the guests as it was almost midnight. He’s not a boyfriend, though he’s fairly well known to me.

On the way home, he started fondling me and putting my hand on his crutch. I told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of his action only for him to drive to a quiet spot and tried to rape me. I fought him off very violently and escaped into the night.

I nearly died of fright as I made my way back to the main road and had to walk for a long time before I arrived at another friend’s place, who put me up for the night.

C M Y K

Unfortunately, the man was not sorry for what he did and some of his friends agreed that sometimes, if you accept a lift you must expect to be made a pass at. Is this fair?

Susan, by e-mail.

Dear Susan, You can’t rule out bad behaviour amongst some men, no matter how respectable they look. Thankfully, not all of them are touts. To help you be on your guard, here are some tips experts advise you follow when going to a party or on a date: Always tell someone which party you are going and when you expect to be back. Carry a charged mobile and money if you are travelling by public

transport. Don’t take drinks from strangers, or leave your drink unattended.

Met someone new? Don’t go home with them or ask them back. Arrange another date.

Agree with your mates to look out for each other. Then if you feel unsafe or ill, you’ll have someone to turn to.

Don’t ever walk home on your own. Don’t drink and drive.

Take car keys away from a friend who might be tempted.

On public transport, sit near the driver with an eye to the exit door. If using a taxi, avoid unlicensed ones (Kabu Kabu) and avoid a taxi that is already occupied. Lastly, stay alert and aware. Think ahead— what would you do if something went wrong?

Theodora, by e-mail.

Dear Theodora, I’m sure that deep down in your heart, you know that this man is not the one. He’s actually completely out of order.

Firstly, he’s not giving himself to you now because he’s not prepared to leave the mother of his child. And secondly, he’s betraying her by asking you for sex.

This man will hurt you by either not leaving his child's mother, or by repeating the old pattern of behaviour and cheating.

Girls complain it’s over before it’s started!

Dear Bunmi, I’ve made love with a lot of women who complain that I leave them frustrated. I’m 36 and have had an active love life since I was in my teens but I can’t last more than a minute.

I’ve been married for seven years with two children. My wife says she’s getting fed up of my ‘wham bam’ style.

She complains love making is over before it’s started. I’m scared I’ll never change and my love life might be doomed forever.

Supo, by e-mail.

’ ‘

Is my second husband jealous?

Dear Bunmi, A few months ago, my daughter had a baby— my first grandchild— and I’m desperate to spend time with them.

But she and her husband currently live with her father in the boys’ quarters as they couldn’t get accommodation to suit their incomes.

The problem now is that my current husband isn’t happy for me to visit my ex’s house.

He’s even grumpy if my

Dear Bunmi, I’ve known my current boyfriend for years, but we recently started dating when we realised we have feelings for each other.

The only problem is he’s got a girlfriend, who lives with him and she’s just had his baby.

He assures me he wants us to be an item and that for now, all I could be is his mistress until their child is old enough for him to leave.

I’m worried I will eventually get hurt— but I have this guts feeling he’s the one.

Dear Supo, It’s never too late to learn to tune in to your body and control your responses. When you feel you’re reaching a climax, slow down until the sensation subsides.

Even after you’ve climaxed, try and work your way into starting all over again— the second time around usually lasts longer.

With a lot of control, you should experience a longer staying power. Meantime, try and improve foreplay so that your wife will find it easier to climax quickly.

If your husband doesn’t love you enough to support you, then you’re well rid of him

’

She found out I slept with her man Dear Bunmi, I recently attended my close friend’s birthday party in her house and met her boyfriend.

They’d been on for a few months, but that was the first time I met him in the flesh.

After a few drinks, I went to use her toilet upstairs and found myself alone with him. He grabbed and kissed me and we made love there and then.

You can imagine how embarrassed I was a few days later when my friend tongue-lashed me for seducing her boyfriend.

She said he ‘confessed.’ Can we ever be friends again? I like her so much and regret what I’ve done.

Amaka, by e-mail.

Dear Amaka,

You really have been disloyal to your friend and what happened between you and her boyfriend at the party will probably spell the end of your friendship.

On the other hand, it takes two to cheat. So your friend’s man is just as guilty as you are, if not more so.

It’s best to keep out of the way for now while they sort things out between them. Then write an apology letter to your friend and wait for a reply. If one arrives, arrange to meet up and do your best to put your friendship back on course.

Only, don’t be surprised if she doesn’t bother getting in touch with you. All I know is that a man who easily sleeps with his girl’s friend would trip up again sooner or later.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

52—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Campaign teams tango: APGA, APC in a fight to finish TWO of the leading candidates in the election, Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senator Chris Ngige of the All Peoples Party (APC) are in a fight to finish. Their campaign teams in the last few days have dug deep to unearth information that could undo each other. Below, Vanguard serves you their views.

Okorocha understands APGA’s rot

BY OKELO MADUKAIFE

T

HE Senator Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation notes that the comments credited to the Willie Obiano Campaign which carefully avoided the signature of its Campaign Manager and serving Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike smacks of panic and sour grapes as Governor Okorocha has operated as an insider in APGA before leaving to a platform that can truly advance the Igbo cause.

In other words, he understands the backroom of APGA rigging and can actually check their rigging machinery, which is the only way their party can win the November 16, 2013 governorship elections.

We advice Obiano Campaign Forum, in the course of managing their factional candidature to quickly get over the dream that Anambra State is an APGA stronghold and embrace the fact that the days of rigging elections and distorting the history of our

— Ngige

body politic is over.

Rigging of elections has been the source of the grand deception. We recall that Mr. Peter Obi lost the 2010 governorship elections placing third behind Dr Chris Ngige and Professor Chukwuma Soludo in that order, but the triple manipulation of voter register, doctoring of results and compromise of judicial process secured Obi the leverage to under-develop Anambra State for another four years.

But what happened when

•Ngige INEC was re-organised?

APGA lost all elections to the Senate and failed to win

majority of seats in the federal House of Representatives.

We also advise APGA and their factional candidate without public service experience not to develop high-blood pressure even before Okorocha, whose main mission is to ensure free and fair elections ‘ relocates to Anambra State’ Rather we advise APGA to confess that the idea of labeling a clannish mafia as an Igbo party has expired, while the search for governorship now needs to be marched with the reality that the involvement of Gov. Rochas Okorocha as leader of the National Campaign for Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige cannot be wished away by those who procure offices rather than win elections.

• Mr. Okelo is Anambra APC interim publicity secretary

Obiano and the stooge question

BY UCHEM OBI

V

OTERS in Anambra still remember vividly how the state was literarily burnt down in 2005 because a godfather and his godson could not agree on the formula for the sharing of the state.

There seems to be a silent agreement in place now that a stooge would no longer be governor of the State.

However, as the November gubernatorial election draws near, there are accusations and counter-accusations of which party has fielded a stooge as its candidate in the coming election.

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•Obiano

As far as we are concerned, there are only three major political parties in the coming election and a stooge-check will be run on their candidates. The three major parties are APC, Labour Party and APGA. PDP should have been the fourth but the party has not found the strength to solve its debilitating problems, so the coast is clear for any of the three parties to win the election, hoping they will pass the stooge-check.

A stooge is someone used by another to do unpleasant and dishonest tasks. A stooge has no real hand or say in any matter under consideration. He is a lackey, with no mind of his own.

He sees and understands things the way another wishes him to.

A stooge does what he is asked to do and says what he is asked to say. A desperate will to earn favour form his master robs a stooge of the will to do his own bidding.

It will amount to a tragedy of inestimable calamity for this kind of person to become governor of Anambra again.

A stooge is the collective mistake of innocent voters, who voted for him, not knowing, he is someone else’s proxy. He is often a conduct pipe for looting, a human robot, carefully planted to execute the nefarious agenda of a thieving master. Sometimes, a stooge could be a real nice fellow who has become dangerously blinded by his own ambition to become what he is

Anambra voters should be wary of any politician who can go to any length, including working against the interests of his own people in the bid to become governor

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not yet fit to become.

A stooge as governor of Anambra State is a tragedy which has happened before but which must not be allowed to happen again. A stooge is a spineless bulldog, which can neither bark nor bite without approval while the stooge-Master is like a rampaging elephant.

There are instances where the stooge achieved political power and radically metamorphosed into an elephant too, reneging on all the terms of the stooge – Master agreement.

This exposes the stooge as someone lacking in character of honour because, even among thieves, as they say, there is honour. This lack of honour often leads to the fight of elephants, in which the grasses, which in this case are the voters, suffer.

Looting, arson and other forms of calamities always follow such

fights as it did in Anambra in 2005, when a stooge-master war broke out.

Voters must ensure that a stooge does not become the next governor of the state. How do we identify the stooges unless we run a stooge-check on them?

The All Progressive Congress has Dr. Chris Ngige as its candidate. Ngige is a Medical Doctor, who years back, had governed the state for 34 months before the court sacked him for not winning that election. He and his godfather were later to own up.

That they rigged the election but that was after Anambra State had been burnt down in a bitter battle between them. The question is; was this doctor of great experience a stooge then?

In a desperate quest to become governor in 2003, Dr. Ngige agreed that he followed his godfather into the grooves of Okija shrine in order to swear an oath of allegiance to him.

Ngige later metamorphosed into an elephant and confronted his godfather and in the battle that ensued between these tow elephants, Anambra was destroyed.

Voters must protect the state from this kind of wanton destruction by ensuring that a stooge does not become governor in the state again.

And this is why Ngige’s emergency as the APC candidate is seen by many as wrong political gamble. His decision to

pitch his tent against the same people he wishes to govern in their grouse against the incredible deportation and dumping of 74 Anambra indigenes on the Niger Bridge, in the dead of the night by the Lagos State Government is widely conceived as sabotage.

His open support for the deportation of his own people is seen as a desperate act to curry the favour of the “Lagos Mafia,” which would decide who picks up APC tickets in the South of Nigeria.

Anambra voters should be wary of any politician who can go to any length, including working against the interests of his own people in the bid to become governor.

The state does not need or deserve desperate governors again. APGA’s candidate, Chief Willie Obiano has been cast by opponents in the mould of a stooge. They allege that he was propped up by Governor Peter Obi to clean up his financial mess in the state.

However, there is a growing belief in the state that Obiano is the answer to legacy and continuity. Peter Obi has raised the bar of leadership in the state to giddy heights by his spectacular performance.

• Uchem Obi is director of Media & Publicity, Willie Obiano Equity Campaign Group.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—53

For Justice Regina Nwodo, a social justice activist TRIBUTE

By FEMI FALANA

T

HE late Justice Regina Nwodo was born on November 1, 1958 in Onitsha, Anambra State into the illustrious family of the Late Sir Joseph Ozoemena Nwankwu, a pioneer industrialist and multi-billionaire. She attended the Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha and studied law at the prestigious University of Middlesex in the United Kingdom. She obtained her LL.B degree in 1982 and was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1983. In 1986 she became a magistrate. Four years later she returned to the United Kingdom for further studies. She was admitted to the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London where she obtained the LL.M degree.

The Magistrate was appointed a judge of the Enugu State High Court in 1998.

On account of her marriage to John Nnia Nwodo Esq. of the Nwodo political dynasty in Enugu State Justice Nwodo decided to transfer her service to the Federal High Court in 2000 in a bid order to ward off political pressures.

Her first posting was the ever busy Lagos judicial division of the Federal High Court where she handled some landmark cases. One of such cases was that of Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Billi Folahan & Ors. (2001) 2 FHLR 10 where Nwodo J held that a police officer who is a lawyer could prosecute a criminal case at the Federal High Court. Although the decision was set aside by the Court of Appeal her reasoning and conclusions were affirmed by the Supreme Court.

I had the opportunity of appearing before Justice Nwodo for the first time in 2000. On that occasion I found that her dazzling beauty was captivating. But I quickly noticed a very brilliant judge who was at home with the law. In spite of her rich background and solid educational background she exuded humility and patience which disarmed lawyers and fellow judges. Justice Nwodo was gentle but firm.

If she came late to court for any reason whatsoever she was always of full of apol-

•Late Justice Regina Obiageli Nwodo

for proper medical attention. In her epochal judgment Justice Nwodo declared that the continuous detention of the applicants without giving them adequate medical treatment amounted to torture pursuant to Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

In upholding the submissions of the Applicants’ Counsel, Wale Fapounda Esq, the current Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Justice Nwodo stated that “A dispute concerning socio-economic rights such as the right to medical attention requires the court to evaluate state policy and give judgment consistent with the Constitution...

However, the statutes have to be complied with and the state has a responsibility to all the inmates in prison, regardless of the offence involved as in the instant case where the state has wronged the applicants by not arraigning them for trial before a competent court within a reasonC able time and they have been in custody M for not less than two years suffering from Y K an illness.”

Influenced by the Odafe case in which the social economic right to adequate medical care was upheld by a Nigerian judge, I sued the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in 2011 to justify the legal validity of the discriminatory policy of sending top public officers abroad for medical treatment while other citizens are allowed to suffer and die from preventable diseases in the country’s Convinced that corruption has stultified ill-equipped hospitals. Although the the development of the country Nwodo presiding judge, Adah J. (as he then JCA never allowed people accused of was) struck out the corruption to escape prosecution case on the ground ogies. Notwithstanding that Justice that the right to adequate medical care is Nwodo was born with a silver spoon in not justiciable under Chapter II of the Conher mouth she realized that the poor and stitution I have anchored my appeal against the downtrodden are victims of institution- the verdict on the interpretation of Article alized injustice in a capitalist society like 16 of the African Charter by the Late JusNigeria. tice Nwodo.

As a dogged advocate of human rights Convinced that corruption has stultified she detested illegal detention of innocent the development of the country Nwodo people by law enforcement agencies, set JCA never allowed people accused of corat liberty many detainees and awarded ruption to escape prosecution. Thus, at damages in deserving cases. I admired the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt her as I later found that there was a com- she had no difficulty in dismissing the ex mon chord binding us together in the pur- parte application for an order of interim suit of justice for the underprivileged peo- injunction to restrain the Economic and ple in the society.

Financial Crimes Commission from arrestWhile attending an international human ing, investigating and prosecuting a former rights conference in Johannesburg, South governor.

Africa in 2004 a case decided by her was In Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Kenny critically dissected in one of the sessions. Martins & Ors. (2012) 14 NWLR (PT 1320) My respect for her was enhanced as it was 287, Nwodo JCA set aside the ruling of generally agreed at the conference that she the trial judge (Mohammed Talba J.) that had opened a new vista in human rights there was no case to answer by the acjurispudence in Africa. That was the case cused persons in the charge of criminal of Festus Odafe & Ors. v Attorney-Gener- breach of trust of the alleged missing sum al of the Federation (2004) AHLR 205 in of N1.2 billion out of the N7 billion police which four prison inmates who were HIV/ equipment fund. Consequently, she orAIDS patients sought for medical treatment dered a retrial and directed the FCT Chief and relocation from the Port Harcourt pris- Judge to reassign the case to another judge ons to a designated government hospital of the Court.

To be concluded

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54 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Ocean surge at Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State

IBENO ATLANTIC SURGE:

Victims recount ordeal L

OOKING famished and anguished, she refused to talk. Her reasons were simple: So many people had interviewed her since her misfortune, yet succour has not come.

She sat on a wooden stool, while her four children sat on a mat eating garri soaked in water with smoked bonga fish given to them by a neighbour.

On Vanguard Features’ insistence, Theresa Edem, known by the other village women in Iwuo Okpom as Titi, recounted her tales of woes with tears.

Miserable widow “My husband died and left me with these children. The canoe he had was forcibly taken from me by my in-laws. Now the Atlantic Ocean has taken the net I normally give to my neighbours to use in fishing. They usually make returns of what they catch to assist me and my children to feed “.

She paused to weep before she continued: “I am a miserable widow; where do I go from here?

How do I tell my story? I wish death will come and take my life, I wish it was a dream”. Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State was recently

submerged by the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from the six houses that were completely swept away in Iwuo Okpom community, what remains of the entire area is the debris of what the angry ocean brought to the shore.

Obong Okon Sunday Akpanowong, Village Head of Ibeno recalled what happened. ‘’There was a serious marine surge on Monday in Ibeno Local Government Area, and Iwuo Okpom was carried away as a result of the negligence of the contractors who were awarded the contract for the shore protection some years ago by the then OMPADEC,’’ he said.

At this juncture, Titi took over the story from him. ‘’OMPADEC awarded the contract to KNCC

but they abandoned it. NDDC later awarded the same contract to another company - Smith Engineering - but they also abandoned it. Despite our cries for help, they have deliberately refused to complete the work. The devastation occurs every year but the present surge which carried away eight houses and rendered several people homeless, is the worst in recent years. ‘’Our demand now is that NDDC should take us back to our community and apologise to us.

Consider the number of people who are now taking refuge in the churches. NDDC should as a matter of urgency bring in a more competent company and not those that will use our community to make money for themselves,’’ she stated.

Continuing, she called on the Ministry of Environment to come to their aid, saying: “The Ministry of Environment should do something about our plight; they should come to our aid. We are the last village before the ocean and we face similar incidents almost every year, especially during the rainy season‘’.

Obong Akpanowong explained that the Atlantic Chief John Etim, Chairman of Iwuo Ocean overflows into Okpom Village Council,

people’s homes, adding that already six communities were affected by the surge. About 1,000 people, he said, were displaced in the area following the incident.

Akpanowong said the shore protection contract awarded by the Federal Government to two contractors had failed. According

,

BY TONY NYONG, UYO

Also speaking, Chief John Etim, Chairman of Iwuo Okpom Village Council, said the flood washed away several acres of land within the community.

Lamenting the plight of his people, Etim said the community had remained in distress for close to 20 years. He said the Atlantic ocean also affected the creeks

They should come to our aid; we are the last village before the ocean and we face similar incidents almost every year, especially during the rainy season

to him, contract for the shore protection was awarded in 1992, to Kris Nick Construction Company, KNCC, and Smith Engineering in 2006 but they failed to perform.

‘The contractors handling the shore protection contract in Iwuo Okpo have failed to carry out the job. Some of them after collecting mobilisation fees, refuse to show up at the site,” Akpanowong said.

He therefore called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the community, alleging that socio-economic activities have been completely put on hold, and the people are now living in despair.

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where most members of the community plied their fishing trade. “The situation is very unfortunate and I appeal to the contractors handling the shore protection project to urgently revisit it. It is a pity because the contract for shore protection was awarded in 1992 to KNCC and in 2006, another contract was awarded to Smith Engineering, yet nothing has been done till now,” he said.

He appealed to the State and Federal Governments to reaward the contract to a reputable contractor with a view to stopping the encroachment from the ocean.

“Whenever it (surge) happens, Continues on page 55

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 55

DEGRADED OGUN COMMUNITY:

Residents seek Govt’s urgent intervention A

JIBODE village near Ijako, off Sango-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State. The community which is an offshoot of Tigbo-Ilu, an ancient town of the Awori, a major tribe in Ogun State, has not seen any form of development since it came into being over a century ago.

Not even Coker Farm Settlement, an agricultural project established during the defunct Western Region headed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, could attract developmental projects to the area. Good roads, health facilities, schools, electricity, pipeborne water and other social basic needs are non-existent in the community.

To worsen the already bad situation, environmental pollution arising from industrial wastes are discharged indiscriminately by manufacturing companies operating in Ajibode village. The gas pipeline in the area is also posing a serious danger to the villagers. This is because of its exposure on the earth road which is being used by all kinds of vehicles who ply it.

Harrowing experience Narrating their harrowing experience to Vanguard Features, Elkanah Bankole, an engineer and aviation expert, noted that the only road that leads to Ajibode village from Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway via Ijako has been a total disaster due to neglect. He pointed out that the three local bridges on the road at Atuwara, Omikoro and Omikoro 2, which were constructed through communal efforts several years back, have completely collapsed.

The community leader who retired from the Nigerian aviation industry two years ago, lamented the neglect of his community by the Ogun State government and called for its urgent intervention. “A visit to the village will reveal a conglomeration of rapidly growing villages within Ajibode, wall to wall to Tigbo-Ilu. The situation is becoming dangerous and requires an urgent intervention by the state government. The gas pipeline

surface is covered with wooden plank and vehicles of various weights ply it everyday. The pipeline contains highly inflammable gas that has been washed open by Ajibode village: The only road leading to the community has been taken over by flood due to lack due to lack of bridge high current erosion diverted by Julius Berger within the gas pipeline the road side to pollute Atuwara natural cat fish, fresh water crabs Nigeria Plc working on Lagosunchecked. There is no security River. This, he explained, is have disappeared. We therefore Abeokuta Expressway from Ijako anywhere around to chase away endangering lives in the call on the state government to to Ajibode. Any leakage from the urgently intervene in the situation pipeline vandals to avoid disaster community. pipeline is capable of affecting “Our fresh water has been by constructing a bridge over the in the area,” he stated. all the villages around.

Decrying the effect of turned into all forms of acids. Our pipeline for the safety of the There is no leakage alarm environmental pollution in the raffia palms which we inherited community. Anything short of a system to warn or ward off any area, Bankole said industries for palm wine tapping have bridge in the area may just be pending danger in the area, around Ijako indiscriminately turned into acids. No one can postponing the day of calamity particularly along Ajibode road. discharge waste water, farm along the river bank in the neighbourhood,” he People are erecting structures chemicals of various acidity by anymore. Our electric fish, noted.

Agony of Ibeno Atlantic surge victims Continues frompage 54 the state government will send its representatives to visit the people. They will make promises but end up not doing anything. Sometimes, the governor will come himself, address the people and would never come back again,” he alleged.

“The State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, have equally not been helpful in handling the issue. We have been used by some highly placed individuals in the society. They use our community name to attract some fortunes to themselves.

Sometimes, we hear that relief materials were donated and that some people have received them on our behalf, but we don’t see these things. Who diverts them and how remain a mystery to us?

“The Federal Government early this year, released some money to states that were affected by last year’s flooding.

Although Akwa Ibom State benefited from the gesture, victims of the flood disaster at Ibeno were not given a dime,”he further alleged.

Madam Usua Usenekong who was almost trapped in the angry ocean tide, expressed her frustrations thus: ‘’ I was really disturbed because the impacted area is one of the major economic engine rooms of our community. Every child in this community knows about fishing; besides it is where virtually all of us (women) invest our resources. Today, I just come back from where my house was; it is still very hard to believe that where my house stood, is now an empty space, completely swept away by the ocean. It means the beginning of another era of suffering, another era of penury. We have

surge. The development has left the consistently been neglected by the people homeless and helpless. The government. Each time this happens, it is stench from the rubbish carried by the like telling us that we are not part of Akwa violent rage of the ocean, and some Ibom State, or Nigeria. This is the way it household wares soaked by the water, started with Bakassi.’’She accused the apart from being very repulsive, is government of being indifferent to their believed to constitute an enormous health plight. risk to the people.

Ibeno which falls within ExxonMobil The Chairman, Artisan Fishermen area of operation is one of the communities Association lamented that although the in Eket Senatorial district of Akwa Ibom “world has been informed of our plight State. Although the community is richly through the media, not even the state blessed with oil, the road to it is in a sorry government, NEMA, SEMA or NDDC state. Iwuo Okpom, a serene settlement, has visited the place, or brought us some with alluring mangrove swamp vegetation relief materials”. He did not stop there. would have been a good fishing “Would the President treat the issue like settlement. Many Nigerians, mostly this if it had to do with his kith and kin?

Yorubas, live there. But the exploration Will the governor be less concerned if it activities of the oil company have caused had to do with his people? Will Mobil, relative backwardness in the area as the aquatic life is Anything short of a bridge in the area seriously affected.

One of the residents may just be postponing the day of who could only identify himself as an calamity in the neighbourhood Ilaje, told VF: “Oil NDDC, NEMA and our big brothers exploration has really plagued this behave this way if it happened where naturally blessed people that they are now they had interest?“ he queried. several years backward. Rather than “Now all the fishermen have been develop the community, some individuals compelled to suspend fishing; our traders are selected to gag the people from have been forced to stop trading. We are standing up to their rights.” at the mercy of people, it is strange and In my ten years of residing here, I can most unfortunate for us who have been say the worst culprit is NDDC, which providing for people to just wake up to came in the name of salvaging the people, see ourselves in this position,” he only to end up sabotaging them,” he lamented. Though the State claimed. Iwuo Okpom, a predominantly Commissioner for Environment, Mr. fishing settlement with a mixed population Enobong Uwah could not be reached, a of Nigerians and other nationals mostly senior staff of the Ministry who claimed Ghanaians, is today beset by natural that civil service rule does not permit him disaster. Fishing and trading which to talk, said the Ministry and the State constitute the people’s means of livelihood government are very proactive to issues since there is not much land space for that directly affect the citizenry. farming, have been crippled due to this

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BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

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56—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

Lamentations of suspected robbery kingpin •bad friends led me into robbery Stories by IFEANYI OKOLIE LAGOS State Police Command has smashed a notorious carsnatching syndicate on its wanted list, arresting three suspected members of the gang at Akala, Idi-Oro area of Mushin, Lagos.

Crime Alert, gathered that the suspects who have been terrorising the state for long are currently cooling their heels at the cell of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja.

The trio of Tunde Aderomi, Sadiq Olumuyiwa and Salami Popoola, reportedly met their waterloo during a robbery operation in Ikeja area of the State after a team of policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, accosted and arrested two of them .

Sources disclosed that the gang comprising six men, usually stormed highbrow areas of the state in search of motorists with posh cars.

Police sources hinted that “ They stormed Ikeja as usual and attempted to snatch a vehicle. After a hot chase by the RRS men, the robbers lost control of their operational vehicle and rammed into a pole, consequent upon which the policemen rounded them up and arrested two suspects while others escaped. They have been transferred to SARS.

Member of the gang During interrogation, it was gathered that the suspects mentioned some of their member ’s names.

The Commander, SARS, Abba Kyari, who led some operatives to Akala, arrested another member of the gang.

In an interview with Crime Alert, one of them Aderomi, said bad friends led him into robbery. “ I am a resident of Akala in Idi-Oro Mushin, I joined the gang in 2010 and I have only gone out on operation with them five times because they do not usually take me along.

I was given N15,000 in the first operation. That was after we robbed a Nissan Quest.

During the second operation, we did not make any money because we did not see any car of our choice. We only got phones and I was given some phones. We snatched a Honda Accord car in the third operation at the end of which I was given N25,000, and in the forth

•The suspects operation we did not get any vehicle. It was during the fifth operation that I was arrested.

“We don’t have a specific

target. We only move from place to place looking for victims. I joined the gang through some friends I made

at Akala.”

All I wanted was money to feed —suspect

On his part, Sadiq, who claimed to be a bus conductor said he decided to join the gang in order to get ‘pocket money’.

“I have only gone on operation with them twice. I only worked with them when I needed pocket money. I am not into full time operation... as others.

I am a bus conductor. All I do is to drive any vehicle snatched.

I was hired by one of them named Salami. I worked with the gang at Victoria Island, where we dispossessed our victims of cash and phones because we could not snatch any vehicle that day. At the end, I was given just a phone and the little amount I expected was never given to me. I was angry because they collected money from victims. An argument broke out between us, in the process of which I smashed the phone I was given on the floor. Salami begged me to follow them to the second operation, promising to make up for the first one. I never knew that would be my last because I was arrested.”

Police arrest gunmen who robbed Pasuma •Our leader bought a Toyota Camry with Pasuma’s robbery loot-suspect

O

PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, have arrested three suspected members of a robbery gang who robbed popular Fuji star, Pasumu Wonder, of his Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, and an unspecified amount of money, four months ago in Lagos.

Suspected leader of the gang simply identified as Ade, reportedly bought a Toyota Camry saloon car, with his own share of the loot.Pasuma, had reported in May 2013, that he was robbed of his SUV and an undisclosed sum at gun point at Amadiyah area of Egbeda. Aside robbing the musician said to be on his way to a function, the gunmen also abducted him and one of his aides, drove a distance before dropping them off at Itele, a boarder town in Ogun State.

The suspects identified as Fatai Balogun, Wale Akinjobi and Gbenga Kolawole during interrogation, confessed to have come all the way from Ogun state to operate.

A source, who craved anonymity told Crime Alert that the police launched a manhunt for the

gang after Pasuma’s encounter, during which they were intercepted.

The gang, as gathered, also attacked a wealthy man in Iju Ishaga area of Lagos,where they robbed him of N500,000, his mobile phones and other valuables. After the operation, one of them, Wale who resides around the area reportedly dug a hole at the back of his compound where he buried his weapon.

But unknown to him, a resident said to have sighted him, alerted the police who quickly arrested him and transferred him to the SARS.During interrogation, Wale reportedly confessed that his gang robbed Pasuma. His confessional statement, as gathered, led to the arrest of other suspected members.

Fatai Balogun, told Crime Alert that leader of the gang, Ade, got the highest share from Pasuma’s loot. “He was the one who searched Pasuma and collected money from him. But nobody knew the amount he got. Few days later, he bought a Toyota Camry car with the loot but gave us peanuts. I have gone on several operations with Ade. One

of them was at Ajah area where we snatched a car at gun point along Epe road. We did that operation with Ade’s car but we had a little problem on the road after Ade ran into a ditch. We had to abandon the car when policemen came looking for us but Ade later sent a towing vehicle to retrieve the car.

Wale brought the job that landed me in trouble. He told me there was a rich man who lives in his area, that he would want me to follow him execute the job because he does not have the expertise to

•Pasuma’s suspects

do it. I accepted because the job was an easy one, as there won’t be much huddles getting inside.

We were three in number that went for the operation.

I took N120,000 and gave Wale and Gbenga their share. I sold the laptops we took from the man for N40,000 each and at the end, I relocated to my base in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I don’t know how Wale mishandled the gun he used for the operation, which led to his being sighted by one of his neighbors,”he stated.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

— 57

Edited by: Emma Nnadozie emmadozie@hotmail.com 08023145281, 08111813021

-E G -N A -R S-T

•The remains of the tree and it’s root . INSRT: The octogenarian, JOhn and Samuel Ezugwu

Mysterious collapse of an Iroko tree spreads fear in Nsukka town

By CHINENYEH OZOR, Nsukka

W

ONDERS, they say, shall never end. This aptly described how a gigantic Iroko tree, mysteriously ignited fire on top of itself amidst heavy down pour last week at the University town of Nsukka, Enugu State and collapsed after several hours of the raging inferno.

Crime Alert gathered that the incident surprised residents of Nsukka on how a burning fire could be possible on a live tree while standing, amidst a heavy rainfall in the night of that fateful day. The eventual collapse of the tree created scene as people thronged Orba Road, Nsukka to have a glimpse of the strange live burning tree which has never been witnessed before.

Mysterious collapse The existence of the tree popularly called “Ukwu Oho”(sacred tree)dates back to the 17th and 18th Century. It had lived along the popular Orba road, Nsukka.

Indigenes of Amukwa Community where the tree is located kept sealed lips over the circumstances surrounding it’s mysterious collapse. Those who spoke on condition of anonimity stated that the tree lived before the birth of all the inhabitants of the community. An Octogenarian, Ezugwu Samuel, who managed to speak to Crime Alert disclosed that he was about 14 years in 1948, the year locust sealed the sky, and the Iroko tree was as big and old as it looks presently upon its col-

lapse which tells that it would be very difficult to ascertain the life span of the tree.

In his words, “I was born and grew up to meet the Iroko like this. No living soul can tell the history of the Iroko unless gifted soothsayers. In the locust year of 1948, this tree was as old as it looks; you can imagine how long it had lived on earth.

How fire caught its top still remains a mystery. The Iroko cut itself at the stem; the roots are still firm in the ground which could be interpreted to mean that it has not died completely.

It may erupt again, nobody can tell,” he noted.

Giving more insight into the potency of the tree, the octogenarian disclosed that nobody holding any branch of it would dare tell lies in any given matter, else such person dies.

Ezugwu said that he is about 80 years but still could not give a detailed account of the tree which had lived before the birth of his late father.

It was learnt that few days before the collapse of the mysterious tree, vultures and other birds allegedly said to be a sign

of bad omen, perched at the branches, hours later a branch pulled down and a prominent indigene of the community allegedly died.

When Crime Alert visited the mysterious tree, it was still burning since it collapsed while people troop to the area wondering what could be the after effect of the mystery of the tree.

Another Octogenarian, John Nwugwu told Crime Alert that nothing would be done with the firewood from its remains as it was a sacred tree, explaining that the highest thing was for

the community to park it while nobody torches it. “We are scared over the collapse of the Iroko especially as it caught fire on top of it before it collapsed half way, meaning that the roots that are still fresh would erupt fresh tree by the side. I do not believe it has died. I do not know its significance to the community since I was born and up to my present age of about 70 years, the tree has remained there.”

Anonymous: An anonymous elderly man who is not a native suggested consulting an oracle.

Two business men docked for receiving stolen goods worth N3m

By ONOZURE DANIA

A

40- year-old businessman, Peter Williams, was Monday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court, for allegedly receiving a 40-feet empty Container valued at N1.5million.

Williams who resides at 20, Olubunmi street, Ijesha in Surulere, was docked before Magistrate Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju.

The defendant is facing a one-count charge bordering on receiving stolen container, preferred against him by the police.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, said that the defendant committed the alleged offence on August 31, 2013 at about 5:30pm at Oshodi under bridge.

He told the court that the defendant received the said container from one Mike who is now at large.

The container, according to him, with registration number MSKV 880313 valued at N1,500,000, belongs to

Maesk Line Shipping Company. He said the offence committed is punishable under section 326 (1) (2)(a) and (b) of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

Earlier when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the one- count charge against him.

Magistrate Oshodi-Makanju, granted him bail in the sum of N300,000 with two responsible and gainfully employed sureties in like sum. She adjourned the matter to November 25, 2013, for mention.

Meanwhile, a 29-year- old man, Ifeanyi Nwerem, was also arraigned before Magistrate Oshodi Makanju, for allegedly receiving stolen cars worth N1.5million. Nwerem, who resides at Apata Gbiti road in Akure, was docked before Magistrate Abimbola OshodiMakanju.

The defendant is facing a one-count charge bordering on receiving stole cars preferred against him by the

police. The prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, said that the defendant committed the alleged offence on July 26, 2013 at about 8:30am at Ikeja area of Lagos.

He said that the defendant received one Honda Accord Saloon Car with registration number SMK 637 AW valued at N650,000 belonging to one Linus Obi. Edet also alleged that Nwerem, on the same day also received a Toyota Camry Saloon Car with registration number GWA 756 AX worth N900,000, property of one Adebayo Ogundare.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under section 327 of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N300,000, with two responsible sureties, who are gainfully employed in like sum. The matter was adjourned to October 31, 2013, for mention.

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 59

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2013

US govt shuts down; 800,000 jobs affected

BY UDUMA KALU with agency report

A

FTER a deeply di vided Congress failed to reach a resolution on a short-term funding measure, the U.S. government partially shut down for the first time in 17 years on Tuesday as a standoff rages between President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans over healthcare reforms.

The shutdown closed many government offices, museums and national parks and slowed everything from trade negotiations to medical research.

Federal agencies were directed to cut back services and up to 1 million workers were put on unpaid leave. The stalemate sparked new questions about the ability of a deeply divided Congress to perform its most basic functions.

Republicans in the House of Representatives had tried to tie renewal of government funding to measures undermining President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, while

•Security at a deserted US capitol building as the shutdown takes effect Tuesday the Democratic-controlled Senate repeatedly rejected those efforts.

In Washington, museums were closed to tourists and police erected barriers around landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial. If Congress can agree to a new funding bill soon, which Obama insists not be tied to the reforms, the shutdown would last days rather than weeks, with relatively little impact on

the world’s largest economy.

But no signs of compromise emerged immediately as the Democraticcontrolled Senate formally rejected an offer by House Republicans to break the logjam.

“This shutdown was completely preventable. It should not have happened,” Obama wrote in a letter to government employees.

A week-long shutdown would slow U.S. economic growth by about 0.3 percentage points, according to Goldman Sachs.

The political crisis raised fresh concern about whether Congress can meet a crucial midOctober deadline to raise the government’s $16.7 trillion debt ceiling. Some Republicans have vowed to make that also condi-

Weapon inspectors begin Syria mission A

chemical weapons disarmament team has arrived in Damascus to begin evaluating the country’s arsenal of the banned weapons.

The inspectors from The Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons travelled by road from Lebanon yesterday

, a day after UN experts departed after probing a series of alleged chemical attacks.

The team of 20 inspectors will begin a complex mission of finding and dismantling an estimated 1,000-ton chemical arsenal as the civil war rages in Syria.

They have about nine

Iran: Netanyahu warns UN

I

SRAELI Prime Min ister Benjamin Netanyahu warned United Nations delegates Tuesday that to avoid a military conflict they must stand firm in putting pressure on Iran to open up its nuclear program to inspection.

“Iran wants to be in position to rush forward and build nuclear bombs before the world can prevent it,” Netanyahu said, warning that recent gestures from Iran toward peace are a “ruse” to lull the West into backing off.

He said the “one big problem” that stands in in the way of Iran’s aims are the economic sanctions that the West has imposed to get Iran to

prove its claim the its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. He warned that the sanctions must remain and be toughened if Iran is to be stopped.

“A nuclear armed Iran would have a choke-hold on the world’s main energy supplies, it would trigger nuclear proliferation throughout the Middle East,” he said. “It would make the specter of nuclear terrorism a clear and present danger.”

And if talks fail, Netanyahu left little doubt that Israel will take matters into its own hands.

“Israel will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons,” he said. “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”

months to complete their task to have the Syrian regime destroy its chemical stockpile by mid2014.

The group replaces an outgoing UN team of

chemical arms experts that has ended its second mission to Syria to probe seven alleged gas attacks and hopes to present a final report by late October.

ICC issues warrant for ex-Ivorian youth leader

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HE International Criminal Court unsealed an arrest warrant for Charles Ble Goude, the former leader of a youth militia loyal to exPresident Laurent Gbagbo, for his role in the 2011 post-election crisis in Ivory Coast that left at least 3,000 people dead.

Ble Goude “allegedly bears individual criminal responsibility, as indirect co-perpetrator, for four counts of crimes against humanity,” The Haguebased court said Tuesday in an e-mail statement.

He is suspected by the ICC of murder, rape, persecution and other violence from Dec. 16, 2010 to April 12, 2011. The warrant, issued in December 2011, was unsealed yesterday, the statement said.

Known as “The Street General” and for his rhetoric against foreigners in Ivory Coast, Ble Goude, 40, was appointed youth minister by Gbagbo during the crisis that followed a 2010 presidential election. He was arrested in January in Ghana and extradited to Ivory Coast where he has been charged with war crimes, murder and robbery in a local court.

Ivory Coast authorities refused last month to transfer Simone Gbagbo, the wife of the former president, to the ICC, saying the local judicial system can handle her trial. Her husband is detained at the Hague since Nov. 2011 where he faces charges of crimes against humanity

tional on defunding Obama’s healthcare reforms.

Failure to raise the debt limit would force the country to default on its obligations, dealing a blow to the economy and sending shockwaves around global markets.

After missing the midnight (0400 GMT) deadline to avert the shutdown, Republicans and Democrats in the House continued a bitter blame game, each side shifting responsibility to the other in efforts to redirect a possible public backlash.

The political stakes were particularly high for Republicans, who are trying to regain control of the Senate next year. Polls show they are more like-

ly to be blamed for the shutdown, as they were during the last one in 1995 and 1996.

POLITICAL POLARIZATION The shutdown, the culmination of three years of divided government and growing political polarization, was spearheaded

by Republicans associated with the conservative Tea Party movement united in their opposition to Obama, their distaste for the president’s healthcare law and their campaign pledges to rein in government spending.

Obama refused to negotiate over the demands and warned a shutdown could “throw a wrench into the gears of our economy.”

Meaning of US govt shutdown

I

N U.S. politics, a gov ernment shutdown is a situation in which Congress fails to pass authorization for sufficient funds for government operations.

Typically, the government stops providing all but “essential” services at first, but since Congress must authorize all expenditures, there is no law protecting any government service from stoppage. Federal services that may continue for a time after a shutdown include the National Weather Service and its parent agencies, medical services at federal facilities, armed forces, air traffic management, and corrections (the penal system).

During the Ford and Carter administrations, there were six partial government shutdowns that affected only the departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare.

These partial shutdowns lasted from 8 to 18 days and the primary issue of dispute was federal funding for abortion. During the Reagan administration, there were 8 full government shutdowns that lasted only 1 to 3 days apiece, primarily over the issue of the United States budget deficit. There was a similar 4-day shutdown during the first Bush administration.

During the Clinton administration, after conservatives made massive congressional gains in the 1994 Republican Revolution, there were two full government shutdowns lasting 5 and 21 days apiece, the second of which was by far the longest of its kind to that date.

The primary issue was

again the United States budget deficit.

An estimated 800,000 civilian workers out of 2.1 million will be affected.

More than 400 national parks and monuments, from Yosemite National Park in California to the Statue of Liberty in New York, will close to tourists.

NASA will put almost all of its employees on unpaid leave, though staff will continue working at the space agency’s mission control in Houston to support the international space station.

The 1.4 million US military personnel were going to see their pay delayed until President Obama signed a bill, passed by Congress, into law late last night making them exempt from the shutdown.

The president and members of Congress will continue to be paid in the shutdown. * State department will be able to operate for limited time* Department of defence will continue military operations* Department of education will still distribute $22bn (£13.6bn) to public schools, but staffing is expected to be severely hit* Department of energy - 12,700 staff expected to be sent home, with 1,113 remaining to oversee nuclear arsenal*Department of health and human services expected to send home more than half of staff*The Federal Reserve, dept of homeland security, and justice dept will see little or no disruption*US Postal Services continue as normal* Smithsonian institutions, museums, zoos and many national parks will close

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013—61

Bravo Manko; your honour is well deserved

Government should meet COEASU’s demands Dear Sir, THE Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has embarked on a seven-day warning strike to compel the federal and state governments to meet its demands. The union is demanding, among other things, the implementation of the agreement the federal government signed with it in 2010, the repositioning of infrastructure, teaching and

the demands of the striking College of Education lecturers.

The chain of industrial actions in the education sector only confirms the pro-rich and anti-poor disposition of government towards public education at all levels in Nigeria. The nonchalant attitude of government towards the ultimatums and demands of COEASU shows that a properly-funded, free and quality education is not a

,

The chain of industrial actions in the education sector only confirms the prorich and anti-poor disposition of government towards public education at all levels in Nigeria

learning conditions as well as improvement in working conditions in all Federal and state-owned Colleges of education across the country.

We in the Education Rights Campaign, ERC support the demands and strike action of COEASU. This is just a seven-day warning strike. The ball is now in the court of the federal and state governments to avert a full blown strike.

This is why the ERC calls on both the Federal and State governments to urgently meet

,

priority of the present government at federal and state levels. It is only actions like this, by unions in the education sector who are endangered by the underfunding of education, which can call the attention of government towards the desires of Nigerians for free and quality education.

While COEASU is now declaring a warning strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has been on a total strike for nearly

Dear Sir,

I

three months over nonimplementation of a federal government agreement with the union. Indeed, the crisis in the education sector is pervasive.

This explains why other unions in the sector NASU SSANU and ASUP are also warming up to join the string of strike actions. Besides, SSANIP and ASUP had just in July suspended strike actions that shut polytechnics nationwide for three months while the NUT also embarked on strike action in a number of states.

It is very clear that these unions are not just being belligerent; instead they are being forced by the insincerity of government towards signed agreements to resort to strikes to demand their rights to better pay and working conditions.

We call on COEASU to adopt a programmatic method of prosecuting this strike by immediately declaring days of mass protest, and join forces with other unions in the education sector to save public education in Nigeria. This is even very necessary now since

all the demands of the various unions in the education sector centre on the proper funding of education and its democratic management.

Hence, COEASU must take this step, link up with other unions and set out joint program of actions.

Nigerian students must not be left out in this struggle for the betterment of the education sector. Colleges of education students must not maintain neutrality during this strike.

Students must support and join the struggle for adequate funding of public education and democratic running of schools. In fact Nigerian students are mostly at the receiving end of poor academic infrastructure and harsh learning conditions. We in the ERC call on the Nigerian masses and working parents to support this ongoing strike, and call on government to meet the demands of all striking education workers.

Hassan Taiwo Soweto National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign 07033697259

long fight with governors.

Joy 08077986629

appeared recently on Television is yet to recover fully to resume work. He shouldn’t have comeback yet; since he is fully aware that he is unfit to resume.

His life is more important than the governance of Taraba State. The deputy governor should continue in his acting capacity till Suntai is fit.

Anonymous 08036662923

these

Prof Barth Nnaji and power failure

Junaid Mohammed is threatening mayhem come 2015 if power doesn’t come to the north.

There’has been same mayhem( in the north ) since power shifted to South- South, still nothing has happened except taking the north some generations back.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , is still ruling. The only change seen is the crushing of perpetrators of mayhem as it is ongoing now in the northern parts of the country .

So, come 2015 if power doesn’t come to the north and Junaid Mohammed perpetrate mayhem and go ahead killing of innocent citizens again as alleged, the same power will crush him!

For several years that power remained in the north, what did the northerners do with it to better their lots?.

Mohammed. A 07038844385

Division in PDP

The new generation of gladiators within the PDP have one thing in common, their quest to control the

,

Junaid Mohammed’s alleged comment on 2015 election

President Jonathan should reinstate Professor Barth Nnaji as Minister for Power.

He is the only person who has been able to make a difference in the power sector and supply in Nigeria.

The office of the first lady at all levels of governance is merely a conduit through which the nation’s resources are siphoned and wasted; most of the projects that some ex- first ladies embarked upon when their respective husbands were in power have gone into extinction

,

machinery of government.

Electing people into the party’s Board of Trustees or into national office, the governors have always tried to be the bosses. Party Chairmen such as Ali Ahmadu, Vincent Ogbulafor who opposed them lost out heavily.

If sanity must return to the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur should gird his loins for a

Since Prof. Nnaji left his position, power supply that was improving has been getting worse.

President Jonathan should hold on to good ministers that have performed or he will be a failed president.

Chukwu 08033213190

Taraba S e Stt at ate Governor’s health

Gov. Danbaba. Suntai that

Office of the First Lady encourages corruption

Like the menace of godfatherism in the nation, the emergence of the office of the first lady is an evil wind that would do our democracy no good.

It only encourages corruption. It is an aberration.

would be grateful if you allow me a space in your national daily to congratulate the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Umaru Manko for the honour bestowed on him by the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, CLASFON, in recognition of the service he rendered to the people of Lagos State in combating crime and ensuring the security of lives and properties.

As a man who has had an encounter with armed robbers, I know how dangerous it is to stand on their way.

Mr. Manko should be appreciated for his efforts. This honour is different from the annual honours given on political patronage at national levels. It is a rare feat to be noticed by both elites and the masses for one’s service in the community. It is an award welldeserved.

I use this medium to express my gratitude to the CLASFON for the honour; it will go a long way in motivating others in the Nigeria Police Force. I also wish the policemen who lost their lives in the service to their fatherland peaceful repose.

James O. Adeyemi, Ile-Epo, Oke-Odo. Abule-Egba, Lagos.

08026106556

It is alien to the 1999 Constitution, which is meant to be the compass of our democracy.

The office of the first lady at all levels of governance is merely a conduit through which the nation’s resources are siphoned and wasted.

Most of the projects that some ex- first ladies embarked upon when their respective husbands were in power have gone into extinction.

The overbearing and overzealousness of Dame Patience Jonathan should be whittled and pruned down.

Lekan 08027164583

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.You have to know when to stop and let go of somethings for they say "A stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave"

Simon Adewale08056180103, Lagos State .

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

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2013

Bolt battles F arah ffor or ttop op a ward Farah aw W

ORLD and Olympic champions Usain Bolt of Jamaica and Mohamed Farah of Britain have both been named among those on the 10-man shortlist for the IAAF 2013 World Athlete of the Year Award.

Both men starred at the recent World Athletics Championships in Moscow where Bolt won gold in the 100 and 200 metres and Farah clinched a rare 5,00010,000 metres double.

The women’s shortlist has top Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as

well as Ethiopian longdistance stars Meseret Defar and Tirunesh Dibaba.

The shortlist will be cut back to just three after a voting process and the winners will be announced by the IAAF at a ceremony on November 16.

Nadal: Surpassing Federer won’t define me R

Cape Verde lose World Cup appeal

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APE Verde have lost their appeal against being kicked out of the African play-offs for the 2014 World Cup for fielding an ineligible player.

Football’s world governing body Fifa said it rejected the appeal at a hearing on 23 September and told the Cape Verde Federation (FCF) on Tuesday.

•Bolt

•Farah

•Nadal

AFAEL Nadal has again reiterated that he will look back on his career with pride even if he fails to overhaul Roger Federer ’s record 17 Grand Slam titles.

“If that happens or that not happens, the only thing I am sure is when I am going to leave this tour, I am going to be very happy about what I did,” Nadal told reporters in Beijing.

Nadal believes he would need to sustain his form — and crucially his fitness — for the next four years if he is to better Federer’s Grand Slam achievements.

“I tried everything in every practice, in every match.

I gave everything. When you try your best every day, that’s all that you can do. coaches and so much I think I did. So that’s why I am going to be more.

The saddest part of it all happy,” Nadal said after is that Nigerians are not he won his opening catching up fast with the game at the China times. People still expect Open against Santiago the various sports teams to Giraldo 6-2, 6-4.

Nigerian sports: Same old song Continues yesterday

from

Today, we conclude our story on sports since independence. ... former world wrestling champion, Atanda Musa, Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi and Richard Owubokiri who have made the nation proud these 50 years.

In spite of these success stories, the country has suffered setbacks. Nigerian football suffered a major failure in 1977 when a Godwin Odiye’s own-goal stopped the country from attending her first World Cup in 1978. Other disappointments were in 1981 and 1989 when Nigeria was stopped by Algeria and Cameroon respectively.

In 1989, FIFA hammer fell on the country and she was subsequently banned for two years from participating in junior competitions due to discrepancies in ages of players who had played for Nigeria.

The Seoul Olympics of 1988 was another disaster

for Nigerian athletes. Like in 1980, the athletes came back without a single medal. Worst still was the Green Eagles team which had gone to the Games as favorite but completely lost out. The death of Dele Udoh, Nigeria’s most promising 400m gold medal hope in 1979 took the sports industry by surprise. He was killed by the police in a checkpoint in Lagos when he came to participate in an athletics meeting from the USA. Also in 1979, a clash between supporters of IICC Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan and Bendel Insurance of Benin after a Challenge Cup (now called Federation Cup) semi-final match in Lagos in which the Benin team lost 2-0 led to the death of 26 persons. Another tragedy that hit the soccer world was the death of a Sam Okwaraji who slumped and died at the National Stadium in Lagos, during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in August 1989. It was a horrifying experience as Nigerians had begun to

appreciate not only the football skills of the late player but his patriotic zeal which were unparalleled.

Team Nigeria emerged third at the 10th All Africa Games held in Maputo, Mozambique. In athletics, the country’s contingent to the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, returned without a single medal.

At the level of maintenance, the country has ranked really low.

Many notable facilities have been left to rot just like several other social amenities across the country. The Abuja National Stadium was rated one of the best ever built in Africa just some years back.

Until just a couple of weeks ago, it fell to the spot of being a blot on the Abuja horizon as its facilities fell apart. But it has since been renovated by the NSC. The Sports Minister will need to do more as the National Stadium in Lagos, the once glorious edifice that hosted the All Africa Games in 1973 and the Nations Cup in 1980, has rotted away . Several other

facilities attached to the stadium are not receiving better treatment. The Olympic-size swimming pool is unfit for use. It is filled with green algae with several parts of it simply obscure.

The indoor facilities like the gym and basketball court, lack necessary equipment as they have been stripped to bare essentials over the years.

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) in the stadium’s premises is no better. The hostels are falling apart, the classrooms too. The story is the same at other sporting facilities across the country.

This culture of letting facilities and systems fall apart has been the bane of the country’s sport industry since 1960. It has now come to the point that Nigeria now relies on facilities outside the country to train its athletes.

Nigerian players have to play abroad to earn a shirt in the national team, the athletes have to be in US or UK-based to earn attention from national

deliver as outstandingly as those that pay close attention to what Nigeria does not.

In all, the last 53 years have opened the eyes of Nigerians, who are now beginning to realize how far the country has fallen below the required standards for a good show.

And it all began with little poor management, lack of maintenance and developmental culture.

Indeed, remembering the great heights the country’s athletes reached in various sports between 1960 and 1990s and the fall from grace since then makes one realize that the problem had been there all along since 1960.

The question remains with the authorities. Do they have the skills and political will to change tings? Their actions so far have not shown this.

Torres escapes further punishment

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HELSEA striker Fernando Torres will not face retrospective action for scratching Jan Vertonghen’s face during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

The Football Association reviewed the incident after the Spaniard was captured on TV scratching the defender.

But a match official had already seen the players collide which means, under FA rules, no action can be taken.

The 29-year-old will serve a one-match ban after being sent off in the 82nd minute for two bookable offences.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2013 — 63

Ambrose: We 'll be Africa football powerhouse again N

I G E R I A international and Glasgow Celtic defender Efe Ambrose believes that the Super Eagles are on track to being the Africa football powerhouse they were in the past despite the added pressure.

In a chat with Brila FM ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia on October 13, Ambrose says that being African Champions, Nigeria were up for any challenge that Ethiopia may throw at them.

“The Super Eagles are gradually coming back to their old self being the Africa powerhouse of football, so it’s just left for us to keep the focus, prepare hard and play like the African

6 Eaglets pass MRI test

A

FINAL batch of six players passed the MRI scan before the Nigeria U17 team jetted out of the country on a training tour ahead of the U17 World Cup. The players were considered to be “on the borderline”, but they all came out with flying colours at the Abuja National Hospital to give the Golden Eaglets are a massive boost ahead of the World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Champions that we are, even though the work load is very much on us the players.

“Being African Champions also gives us the extra edge to prepare well, because we know that other teams do the same just because they want to play us,” he adds.

The Wayla Antelopes are currently in a closed camp in Addis Ababa with 24 players ahead of the clash.

Moyes predicts United recovery

D Efe in action.

World Champion Nigel beaten in Akpabio classics

S

AMUEL Okosagah was in an upbeat mood, moments after winning the Master ’s crown at the 7th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics which ended in Uyo. “It’s a great feeling winning this tournament for the second time,” began the London-based player.

“The competition was intense and I’m excited that I had to come from behind to beat off stiff opposition from better prepared players. It was a battle of wits. I’m elated because I came through it successful.”

Pakorn Nemitramansuk of Thailand won the $15,000 (N2.4million) prize last year for the first time

Wenger Continues from BP West Bromwich Albion in a penalty shoot-out in the League Cup - comes as no surprise to the former Liverpool boss and Chelsea interim manager.

I think Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the Premier League,” said Benitez.”They have signed good players, at this point everything going well for them.

Wenger is a great manager, a great person, someone who knows the league here in England.

Benitez has been an interested observer on the opening few weeks of the new English season, which has seen

More juicy sports stories on pg 32 & 33

both Manchester United and Manchester City suffer an inconsistent start, while Southampton are in the top four.

“Arsenal have great manager and a good team, Liverpool they continue growing, so the second year with a new manager, every body is expecting them to be in the top four and are doing well,” he said.

“The other top sides are not at the level at the moment, they have new managers too, but I think it will only be a matter of time before you see five or six teams at the top, who will be more or less the same (as before).”

•Governor Akpabio after two attempts having placed third twice. But it

was a tense finish after Olatunde Oduwole staged a late fight-back to delay Okosagah who also clinched the title two years ago. Okosaga made his word power count winning 21 games. Oduwole, the beaten finalist went home N1.5million richer while Komol Panyasonpo of Thailand got N1million for placing

340 athletes for CCSF International Taekwondo Open

T

HE number of entries for this year’s Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open has been overwhelming as more than 340 athletes have been confirmed for the twoday tournament.

According to the organisers, the number has exceeded last year’s entries, which was 240, as more athletes are still registering for the competition holding in Abuja on October 19 to 20.

Also, 36 competitors are from seven African countries including Mali, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, Togo, Niger Republic and Cote D’Ivoire.

Also, 24 Nigeria states, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs, Nigeria

Immigration, six clubs and 23 individual registrations have been listed for the international tourna-mentmeant to be a fertile hotbed for discovery of future Olympians.

For the Chief Executive Officer/ Founder of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, the number of entries has been overwhelming.

“There were a total of 191 participants made up of 138 male and 53 female participants) and one foreign competitor from Cote d’Ivoire with the athletes drawn from 18 states, seven clubs, five universities, three from the paramilitary and 14 individuals. The target this year was to expand the number to 300, with a target of 20 to 30 competitors from West Africa.

Saintfiet Continues from BP qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Nigeria will face Ethiopia in the first-leg on October 13 in Addis

Ababa, while the second leg is billed to take place on November 16 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

third.

Reigning world champion,Nigel Richards of New Zealand dropped out of the race for the title at the 16th game of the best of 28 game classic staged at the Banquet hall of the Le Meridian Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo.

AVID Moyes insists Manchester United will turn around their depressing start to his tenure.

“I have been in situations very similar to this at my old clubs Everton and also at Preston,” he said.

“You get on and you do the right things. I haven’t changed what I have done. I will continue to do that.

“The results will come. I have no doubt about that.”

“I said to win the Champions League you need to have a certain amount of world-class players,” he said.

“That is something which we will try and do. Of course we will try and win the Champions League.“

Eaglets Continues from BP Monday.

“I think we are lucky to have so many people who are committed to our cause within and outside Nigeria,” Tayo Egbaiyelo, the Golden Eaglets’ administrator said while formally introducing Ambassador Auwalu. “Just before our departure in Lagos, we were fortunate to meet the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and here today(yesterday), we have the representative of President Goodluck Jonathan to welcome us to the UAE. These are not just mere coincidences and we know Nigerians are expecting so much from us.”

The amiable Ambassador Auwalu afterwards finally welcomed the team to the oil-rich UAE even as he revealed that the Nigerian Embassy had been in constant touch with the top echelon of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) including President Aminu Maigari and the General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu hence the seamless

transition of the team from Lagos to Dubai.

Said he: It’s a great honour to welcome you to Dubai with my colleagues at the Embassy and we actually had to drive as early as possible from Abu Dhabi in order to receive you.

“I have been assured that we have a very good team and be assured of our support right through to the end of this championship. We shall continue to pray and give you all the moral support and we hope you would make Nigeria proud by becoming the first to win the trophy the fourth time.”

On the entourage of Ambassador Auwalu were key staff at the Nigerian House in Abu Dhabi including Mr. Edward Kogbara; Mrs Cornelia Umoh’ Mr. Zakariy Usman and protocol officer, Mr. Paul Onwuemene . The quartet would later follow the Golden Eaglets to Hotel Jawharia which would be their new abode as they fine-tune preparations for the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

Today’s Champions League matches CSKA Moscow Anderlecht Leverkusen Juventus Man City PSG Real Madrid Shaktar Donetsk

v v v v v v v v

Pizen Olympiakos Sociedad Galatasaray Bayern Munich Benfica Copenhagen Man United

5pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm

get Ambassadorial Saintfiet cautions Eagles Eaglets reception in Dubai T over Ethiopia HE Golden Eaglets arrived Dubai in the early hours of yesterday into the waiting hands of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Auwalu-the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Ambassador Auwalu had earlier breezed into town from his base in

F

ORMER Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet has advised Nigeria to be cautions of Ethiopia ahead of the Fifa 2014 World Cup Qualifying Play-offs.

Saintfiet warned the Super Eagles to be mindful of Ethiopia’s fast counter-attacking play, spearheaded by Saladin Said.

“They have some good counter-attack strikers like Saladin Said who find it easy to score goals and so the Nigerian defence must be careful, because sometimes they are weak at the back, and so if Ethiopia can take advantage of that, then they will score goals,” Saintfiet said The Play-off games are the final lap of

N

D R E S S REHEARSAL......

Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel (right) battles for the ball with E t h i o p i a ’ s Minyahile Teshome, during a group match at the 2013 Afcon on January 29. Both sides meet October 13 in Addis Ababa. Photo: AFP

APOLI coach Rafael Benitez is not surprised to see Arsenal at the top of the English Premier League because they have the “best manager ” in Arsene Wenger according to the Spanish boss.

After losing their first domestic fixture at home to Aston Villa, Arsenal have since gone on a superb winning run to storm to the top of the table.

That Wenger masterminded such a

•Wenger turn-around - which included qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stages once again and past Continues on Page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku PUZZLE

Continues on Page 63

Benitez: Wenger is best coach

Continues on Page 63

TODAY'S

Abu Dhabi ( the capital of the UAE) to meet the National Under-17 team and their officials that touched down at 7:20am local time(4:20 am Nigerian time ) aboard Emirates Airline B777300ER that departed Lagos earlier at 9pm on

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Living (5) 7 Rotated (6) 9 Hatchet (3) 10 Cover (3) 12 Spear (5) 13 Dull (4) 15 Mature (5) 17 Steal (6) 19 Ripped (4) 20 Obscure (5) 22 Epoch (3) 24 Towering (7) 27 Illuminated (3) 28 Command (5) 31 Yield (4) 33 Meal (6) 35 View (5) 37 Desire (4) 38 Lariat (5) 39 Breach (3) 41 Tune (3) 42 Gift (6) 43 Gem (5)

DOWN 1 Nuclear (6) 2 Cave (6) 3 Solidify (3) 4 Spindle (4) 5 Inclined (5) 6 Parsonage (8) 8 Dreadful (4) 11 Amusing (9) 14 So (4) 16 Fairy (4) 18 Image (4) 21 Free (8) 23 Soon (4) 25 Assistant (4) 26 Increased (4) 29 Motorist (6) 30 Tell (6) 32 Composition (5) 34 Tidy (4) 36 Spiral (4) 40 Cushion (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Stir 4, End 6, Scan 9, Par 10, Complete 11, Anon 14, Rat 16, Regal 19, Promoted 21, Donor 23, Reminder 24, Theme 27, Tip 31, Star 33, Practice 34, Egg 35, Glee 36, Tee 37, Peer

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2, Tool 3, Ripe 4, Elevator 5, Drew 6, Space 7, Can 8, Aroma 12, Sport 13, Vogue 14, Rod 15, Tenet 17, Glade 18, Learn 20, Dominate 22, Rip 25, Hotel 26, Merge 28, Spot 29, Stop 30, Ache 32, Age

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.