Militants kill 2 soldiers, 6 civilians, sink houseboat

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 63042

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N200

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Biafra Remembrance Day:

Soldiers storm Zik's Teaching Hospital, whisk away injured IPOB members 36

Ogoni clean-up: Oil theft, illegal refining must stop now —Buhari 12

Militants kill 2 soldiers, 6 civilians, sink houseboat

By Emma Amaize, Simon Ebegbulem, Jimitota Onoyume, Daud Olatunji, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Charles Kumolu, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Ochuko Akuopha & Davies Iheamnachor

We didn't kill 2 soldiers —Avengers JNDLF to test missiles in 6 N-Delta states from June 7 Stop, you‘re killing Delta, Okowa tells militants Britain, Bayelsa monarch caution FG over military option

—Page 6

From left, Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin; Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, during the launch of clean-up of Ogoniland by the Vice President in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, yesterday. SEE MORE PIX ON PAGE 12.

FG scraps post-UTME tests COLUMNISTS:

See inside C M Y K

ARRI – SUSPECTED militants, Wednesday evening, launched a surprise attack at a military houseboat in the creeks of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, killing two soldiers and six civilians.

In a swift reaction, the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, last night, denied killing two soldiers in the bloody attack of a houseboat Continues on Page 5

N1.4trn fine: Why MTN may not make full payment — NASS 8

CLEAN-UP OF OGONILAND:

Ondo guber polls 2016: Intrigues, power play among APC’s 50 aspirants

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The seas do not require human sacrifice •P.19

An historic event •P.17

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Nigeria's Barkindo is new OPEC scribe 21

Mr & Mrs

2 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, June 3, 2016— —3

4 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON Creeks Network Coordinator, General Agbakakuro Owei-Tauro, Pipelines’ Bleeding Expert and General Pulokiri Ebiladei for Intelligence Bureau.”

Britain cautions FG over military option

HOSTING: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole (right) welcoming former Minister of Transport, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, when the former speaker hosted members of the UK parliament in Abuja, yesterday.

Militants kill 2 soldiers, 6 civilians, sink houseboat Continues from Page 1

by suspected militants in Warri, Delta state on Wednesday, but admitted blowing up two crude oil pipelines in Bayelsa State.

A source said the heavily armed militants, who came in five boats, not only blew up the houseboat with explosives but also sank it after killing and mortally wounding all the men on board.

There were, however, conflicting reports on the casualties and actual location of the attack. A report said only two soldiers and one civilian were killed, with many injured, another said the casualties were more than 10.

It was learned that suspected members of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, carried out the killing after attacking Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, houseboat at Ijere in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations,

4 Brigade, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Benin City, Edo State, Captain Jonah Unuakhalu, the incident occurred Wednesday night.

He explained that the suspected militants approached the houseboat in five speed boats mounted with 250 horse power engines, dressed as normal commuters.

We didn't kill 2 soldiers —Avengers

In an electronic mail sent at 9.47 pm, the group said: “The Niger Delta Avengers are not involved in the attack of the military houseboat around Warri, Delta State. Killing of sleeping soldiers is not our style. We promise the world that in this process of liberating our people, not a single blood of Nigeria soldiers will be wasted despite the provocation.

“Even the inhumane Nigeria soldiers are exempted, our war is on oil installations not to take innocent lives. For the fact we can’t give life, we also don’t have the power to take

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO - 08104802192 REATNESS is never a product of the job you do but a problem you alone can solve. Develop an affinity for problem solving and you will never be jobless.

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any life. But we (Avengers) are assuring the families of the affected soldiers that we will bring the culprits to book.

“When it is time to face the military in combat, let the whole world know that we won’t be the ones to throw the first punch.

“This message is going to all groups parading themselves as freedom fighters. You can fight for your people without killing innocent souls. NDA has proved, we were able to drop Nigeria oil production from two million barrels to just 800,000 barrels without killing a soul.

“We are warning every group to follow our footsteps. The days of killing and kidnapping are over.”

It also tweeted: “At about 2:00am today (yesterday) @NDAvengers blew up the Ogboinbiri to Tebidaba and Clough Creek to Tebidaba Crude Oil pipelines in Bayelsa State.

“This is in line with our promise to all international oil companies and Indigenous Oil Companies that Nigeria oil production will be zero.”

JNDLF to test missiles in 6 N-Delta states from June 7

Meanwhile, a group of militant commanders announced, yesterday, after a meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that the Joint Revolutionary Council, JRC, of the Joint Niger

BY ELLA RANDLE- O8084919482 Delta Liberation Force, Look at every exit as being an entrance for JNDLF, would commence someone else —Tom Stoppard the testing of six missiles in the region for three days HERE is a saying that a man is measured by the beginning from June 7. strength of his foes. So, whenever one is “This is to show the experiencing resistance, just go with flow and not Federal Government our against, there is no reason to. Life has taught me readiness for the American not to beat my head against the wall trying to make prediction. There should be something work, but to find one that will work. no form of helicopter flying Because, there is always another route, another way around the region as we to make life happen. will not guarantee the safety of such object,” they said in a statement signed by General Akotebe Darikoro, F a poor person has nothing else, he, at least, has Commander, General General a sweet tongue with which to defer the payments Duties, of his debts.

Torunnanaowei Latei,

TAKE HEART

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SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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This came as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright, yesterday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, cautioned the Federal Government over military option in tackling the resurgence of militancy and other criminality in the Niger Delta.

This is also as former President of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Dr Chris Ekiyor, warned that the invasion of the creeks of the Niger Delta by the military was not the solution to current bombing of oil pipelines by the Niger Delta Avengers, appealing to the Federal Government to join hands with the committee set up by the Delta State government to use diplomacy to fish out the suspects.

Similarly, the Pere of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, Bayelsa State, HRM Dodo II, Dr. Winston Ogoun, has condemned the shootings by soldiers in Oporoza community, Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of Delta State, saying the action of the military was not the option in resolving militants’ onslaught on oil installations in the region.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director, Edoferen Nigeria Ltd, Mr. French Edoreh, at Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, the monarch advised President Buhari to jettison primordial sentiments and embrace facts that he met on ground.

He urged the President to be proactive and have listening ears in addressing the issue, emphasizing that he was elected to fix the problems of the country.

Military action undermines Delta govt’s efforts

However, Ekiyor, who also is Secretary of the committee set up by the Delta State Government to visit the creeks and unravel those behind the bombings, told Vanguard, yesterday in Benin City: “The military grand standing in the Niger Delta is worrisome and I think it is more of trade than patriotism.

“If the military advises their high command properly, they should know that Niger Delta people are homely and welcoming people.

“A handful of Niger Delta Avengers cannot be equated to the entire Niger Delta people or the entire Ijaw people. The Ijaw people are threatened by the activities of Niger Delta Avengers because when

you blow up pipelines, the entire fish and farm products are gone.

"Experience has also shown that the network of pipelines in the Niger Delta cannot be policed by this gun-toting approach, it has to be policed by a diplomatic call, committed understanding by a people who are ready to do it as a family.

“People thought Tompolo is behind this but if he was behind it, he will put a face to it. He will not be cowardly enough to hide under pseudo names and his media show will be different from this. I knew when he was in charge of MEND, they will actually tell you the time and date they will hit a facility and they will tell the JTF to go and wait for them, yet they will hit the facility.

Stop, you‘re killing Delta, Okowa tells militants

Reacting to developments in the region, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has appealed to militants blowing up oil installations in the state to reconsider their actions, as bombing of oil facilities by them was affecting the state.

The governor made the call while commissioning Jeddo/Ughoton road in Okpe Local Government Area of the state, as part of activities to mark his one year in office.

He said: “The pipeline vandalism that is going on is very bad for Delta State, we are suffering from pollution, our communities are affected, and we are the greatest losers; our communities are impacted negatively.

“I want to appeal to our brothers who are involved in one way or the other in these vandalism to stop, we cannot destroy ourselves in order to make a point, there are more civil ways of channeling grievances which we should apply than vandalizing pipelines and endangering our people.”

Also, the military yesterday deployed fighter jets and surveillance aircraft to the Egbema-Ijaw area of Warri North Local Government Area of the state, to search for Niger Delta Avengers, NDA.

The presence of the fighter jets generated fear among the residents, who cried out they were not members of NDA and would never be part of it.

President of Delta Ijaw Peace Movement, Mr Smart Asekutu, who is from the area, told Vanguard that some of his people called him to alert him about the deployment of fighter jets in the area.

He said: “We welcome the military operation in Delta State to stop the bombing of oil and gas pipelines by militants, but I want to say that Egbema people are not part of Avengers, so the military should tread carefully.

“We have Chevron facilities in our area and nobody had touched them because we do not believe in what the militants are doing, that is not to say that they may not be criminals in Egbema. But if the military identify them, they should isolate them and deal with them.”

Britain advocates dialogue

British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright, who visited the Ake Palace, in Abeokuta, accompanied by Political Counsellor, Ben LlewellynJones, and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and Dr Emeka Anyioku, yesterday, advocated dialogue as part of a comprehensive approach that should be adopted by Nigerian government to address the situation, adding that force alone might not bring about a lasting solution to the Niger Delta issue.

While speaking with newsmen, Arkwright said though there was need to protect the investments, not just of British companies and international companies operating there, but also Nigerian companies from acts of criminality going - on in the region, the military should tread softly.

He noted that the Britain was already talking to the federal government and its authorities on need to take a “comprehensive approach” and not to rely solely on military option as solution to the Niger Delta militants.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2014

I stole 2 babies to impress my lover—SUSPECT

By Esther Onyegbula

She told me she had twins in the US—LOVER

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AGOS—42-year-old Zainab Salisu, who stole two children, told newsmen, yesterday, at Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, that she needed the babies because she had a miscarriage, but needed to show her lover evidence of the pregnancy she claimed was his.

However, Zainab’s lover, Saheed Akinwale, a father of three, said he only met her last year, adding “few months after we started dating, she said she was pregnant for me and wanted to travel to the United States to deliver the children.

“I assisted her with N250,000.

While she was outside the country, she kept calling me with a private number. I never suspected that she was in Nigeria, or that she never had a child.

“Three weeks ago, she called that she was back in the country and I went to her place to see the twins she claimed were mine. I am innocent. I know nothing about this crime.”

Her confessions

On how she stole the babies, Zainab said: “I stole Feyitola because I had miscarriage and I did not want my lover, Saheed Akinwale, who gave me N250,000 to process my travelling documents to the United States, where I told him I was going to deliver the baby, to find out the truth.”

On the second child, she said: “I did not steal Philip. His mother died four months after his birth and his father, who is my uncle, asked me to take care of him. It was after I stole Feyitola that I told Akinwale that I had come back to the country with the twins.”

The two infants, one-year-old Feyitola Lawal, and Taye (not real name) had been rescued by operatives of the Lagos State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba, Lagos.

Vanguard gathered that Feyitola Lawal was abducted on May 16

by Zainab Salisu, who reportedly introduced herself to the baby’s grandmother as the owner of a poultry farm, who would love to supply them eggs.

It was gathered that Zainab, who claimed she was new in the area, Abule-Ijoko, became friendly with the Lawals and abducted their child after gaining their trust.

Zainab, who said she needed to buy souvenirs for her children’s birthday, disappeared at Agege Bus Stop with Feyitola, whose mother had accompanied her.

The case was then reported to all the police divisions at Area G, Ogba, and later transferred to SCIID, Yaba, Panti, for further investigation.

Seventeen days later, Zainab was tracked down through her phone and arrested with another

The suspect, Zainab Salisu; her lover, Saheed Akinwale and the ‘twins.’ eight-month-old baby boy simply called Taye.

Baby's mother tells her story

Mother of the toddler, Lawal Damilola, 25, who claimed she met Zainab at her mother-inlaw’s shop, where she claimed to be new to the area and needed a Church where she

would be worshipping.

She said: “My mother inlaw directed her to our Church and on Sunday, she came to worship. She came back to the shop two days later.

“This time, she said her children wanted to celebrate their birthday and that she was to buy souvenirs,

pleading that I should accompany her. I carried my baby and we went to Justrite Supermarket.

“She said she did not find any souvenir that she liked.

Later, she offered to help me carry Feyitola and then disappeared with my baby.”

Parading the suspects, the command spokesperson, SP

Dolapo Badmus, said that the police swung into action immediately the case of child abduction was reported at the Divisions in Area G, Ogba, and the SCIID, Yaba.

Badmus said the investigation paid off as the suspect and one Saheed Akinwale were arrested, with another stolen child recovered from them.

‘Chairlady’ of Calabar prostitutes docked

By Emma Una

‘Accusers envy success of my roasted plantain business’

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ALABAR— ABIGAIL Nweke, the ‘Chairlady’ of commercial sex workers in Calabar, has been charged to court for allegedly taking teenage girls from Benue State and turning them to commercial sex workers in Calabar.

Miss Nweke was charged to Magistrate’s Court 1, presided over by Magistrate Michael Edoki for unlawfully abducting six teenage girls from Vandeikiya and Ekun Local Government areas of Benue State and taking them to Vegas Flex, a brothel in Calabar, located at Bedwell Street.

According to the police prosecutor, Maxwell Bassey, Abigail deceitfully took the girls from their homes in Benue State without the consent of their parents and “forced them into prostitution, which is a criminal offence and punishable with five years imprisonment if found guilty.”

Abigail, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, said she

Vegas Flex and not into prostitution as claimed by those who reported me.”

She said only one of the girls, Charity, was brought by her to

assist her sell the fish and plantain, while the rest came on their own to function as commercial sex workers in the brothel.

5 men rape 10-yr-old girl comatose in Owerri

By Chidi Nkwopara

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Abigail, accused was arrested based on the report of some people who are envious of her progress.

She said: “I sell roasted plantain and fish in front of

WERRI—FOR allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl, three men were almost lynched, yesterday, at the Relief Market, Egbu Road, Owerri.

Vanguard gathered that the accused, two Tiv-speaking persons from Benue State and an Igbo man, reportedly lured the young girl to a lonely part of the market where she was locked up in one of the shops directly behind the Dan Anyiam Stadium Complex, before they serially raped her until she became unconscious.

Police said they arrested the

three, as two had escaped before they arrived.

It was gathered that the little girl, whose identity was still being withheld at press time, sold sachet water in the market before the incident.

Confirming the story to Vanguard, an elder in the market, Mr. Paschal Nwoko, disclosed that the girl was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention, as soon as she was rescued.

He could not confirm the girl’s state of health, but others chorused “she is in a bad shape,” saying as soon as people saw the sorry state of the girl, a mob

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—7

Fire guts Lagos annex of National Assembly

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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HE National Assembly, Lagos Annex, located Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos Central Business District, CBD, was yesterday gutted by fire, destroying properties worth millions of Naira.

Vanguard gathered that the fire started from the fourth floor of the 8-storey building.

It was learned that the partitioning of the structure that housed Second Republic

lawmakers affected efforts of the state’s fire fighting officials assisted by Julius Berger Plc, in putting out the fire immediately.

Sources said occupants of the building were still in their offices when the fire started.

A fire official disclosed to Vanguard that “it is difficult fighting fire in the building. In fact, due to the enormity of the fire, as some of the glasses had started falling.”

Mr. Michael Adewale, a trader, said: “We saw thick smoke coming out from the

building and suspected that it was fire outbreak. So we called emergency numbers.”

Five hours after the inferno, officials of the state fire service were still battling to put out the fire.

Confirming the incident, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, last night said: “We are yet to put out the fire completely.

“When we arrived, we discovered that the building was a glass house and the fire was well alight. Three floors

were heavily engulfed by smoke and we had challenges gaining access to the building.

“The building was heavily burglar-proof, so we had that challenge, too. But at the end of the day, we were able to cut the burglar proof, although many of our firemen sustained injuries.”

Fadipe said he had deployed four fire trucks with aerial ladder to the scene from Ilupeju, Alausa and SariIganmu fire stations.

Auchi Poly shut as students protest ‘no-fees no-exam’ policy

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

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UCHI—SEVERAL students of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, yesterday, sustained various degree of injuries, following violent protest over alleged refusal by the institution’s management to allow some part-time students, who had not paid their school fees, to sit for examination.

Vehicles belonging to staff and the institution were damaged and offices vandalised during the riot that lasted for over four hours.

Vanguard gathered that the institution’s security personnel allegedly triggered the riot when they prevented some students, who had not paid their school fees, from writing the examination in accordance with management’s directives.

It was also gathered that some of the students, who forced their ways into examination halls, had their examination booklets torn.

The students were said to have resisted, insisting that they be allowed to write the examinations with other students, a development which led to the protest. descended on the rapists.

A businessman told Vanguard: “The mob tore their clothes to shreds and beat them, before they were handed over to the police for further investigation.”

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, said: “As soon as we received a distress call, we sent a patrol team to the market.

“We were told on arrival that two out of the five suspects had escaped and we arrested the remaining three.”

Answering a question on the state of the girl’s health, the PPRO said that she had been taken to a hospital, adding that “since it is an alleged rape case, only medical doctors are in a position to ascertain the truth through medical examination.”

The students were said to have lamented the new policy of no-fees no-examination, by the new Rector.

When contacted, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapher Oshiobugie, confirmed the incident, but said the situation has been brought under control.

He blamed the riot on students, who had not been properly registered by paying their fees, adding that no student sustained injury.

He said: “Some students, who have not paid their school fees are the ones fomenting trouble on campus. Properties have also been destroyed by these same students. The situation has, however, been brought under control.”

Mr. Oshiobugie, who disclosed that the management of the polytechnic was holding a meeting at press time, added that the school had be shut down until further notice.

Gunmen kidnap lawmaker's sister in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—MRS. Seighe Diike, younger sister to the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State at the National Assembly, Mr. Henry Ofongo, has been kidnapped by armed men suspected to be militants.

Vanguard gathered that the victim was kidnapped, yesterday morning, at Igbomotoru in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

Though it could not be ascertained if the kidnappers

were members of the rampaging Niger Delta Avengers, a source told Vanguard that the gunmen stormed the riverside town in two speedboats to carry out the abduction.

According to the source, the armed invaders, on getting to the community, shot sporadically into the air to scare away the natives as they made for their victim’s residence, located some distance away from the waterfront.

The victim’s husband was reportedly beaten severely as

the gunmen whisked away the wife and disappeared into the creek with their speedboat.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development, adding that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction.

He said: “We are aware of the abduction of the younger sister of the federal parliamentarian.

“We have alerted our marine and anti-kidnapping units and they have swung into action.”

2 dead, policeman, others injured as trucks collide

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Bose Adelaja & Monsur Olowoopejo

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WO unidentified persons reportedly died, while others sustained injuries yesterday morning in Lagos, when a refuse truck had a head-on collision with another truck.

The accident occurred 3a.m., along LASU-Isheri Road, Oko-Fili Bus Stop, Igando area, in IkotunIgando Local Council Development Area, LCDA, when the container-laden truck, conveying a brand of tomato paste, which was said to be speeding, rammed into the PSP truck that was about manoeuvring into the dump site at Oko-Filli Bus Stop.

According to an eyewitness, Mr. Akeem Olabisi, two unidentified persons died due to late arrival of help, adding that a police officer, identified as Mr. Michael Adeyeye, and five others, who were trapped, were rescued from the wreckage.

Other survivors with minor injuries were identified as Yemi Adekoya, driver of a PSP truck, his motor-boy, Mr. Umeokoli Okechukwu, and the 54-year-old driver of the truck.

“It took the emergency workers hours to remove the trapped victims,” a source from the ERT told Vanguard.

He added that they were forced to request for the newlycommissioned heavy duty equipment launched recently by President Muhammadu Buhari before the victim could be rescued.

Sources said that while some of the victims were rushed to the Igando General Hospital, the police officer was taken to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja.

When Vanguard visited the scene, it was observed that business activities were paralysed within the axis.

Commuters were sighted at different bus stops, standed.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY JUNE 3 , 2016

Maize disease breaks out in Nigeria —FG

 Boiling of cow meat saving Nigerians of TB —Audu Ogbeh

By Henry Umoru, Joseph Erunke & Gabriel Ewepu

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BUJA—AS the country grapples with the tomato disease called Tuta Absoluta, also known as ‘Tomato Ebola,’ the Federal Government, yesterday, alerted the country over out-break of maize disease called ‘Army Worm.’

This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, during a press briefing on steps taken by the government to harmonize issues on the controversial grazing reserve.

He also described food eaten by most Nigerians as poison, disclosing that over boiling of cow meat by Nigerians was saving them from being infected by tuberculosis from consumption of beef.

Ogbeh, who expressed worry over the issue, said the government was making concerted efforts to tackle the various outbreaks of diseases in the agricultural sector.

According to him, incidents of attack by army worm has been established in Edo and some SouthWest states.

He, however, said the ministry was working closely with scientists at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, to ensure quick containment of the disease.

The Minister said agricultural experts had been mobilised and were already combing the affected farms to contain the spread of the diseases.

Reps walk out Maritime Academy officials over fraudulent budget

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety and Education yesterday alleged that the budget proposal for this year submitted by the management of the Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, for considerations contained fictitious items in both its recurrent and capital expenditure in the 2016 budget.

The Muhammad Umar Bagoled Committee made the allegation when it received the Rector of the Academy, Engr.

Anthony Ishiodu, and his management team for the defence of their 2015 budget and presentation and consideration of the 2016 proposal.

But as proceeding started, the lawmakers started raising eyebrows concerning the lack of details in the document presented before the committee, forcing series of questions establishing the existence of fault lines.

Both the chairman and members of the committee expressed displeasure over alleged discovery that most of the items listed as either ongoing or proposed projects were either inflated or non-existent.

A member of the Committee, Dan Asuquo, who represents Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency of Cross River State, PDP, said: “It’s amazing how fraud goes on in the maritime sector. On page 21 of this document, a N34million contract was given under the capital expenditure for the construction

HOSTING: From left, former member House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Tuggar, former Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, welcoming the UK member of parliament and chair of APPG on Nigeria Hon. Kate Osamor, when the former Speaker hosted members of the UK parliament in Abuja, yesterday

N1.4trn fine: Why MTN may not make full payment —NASS To pass data protection bill into law soon As e-Payment grew by 93.9% in 2yrs

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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HE HOUSE of Representatives said, yesterday, that MTN Nigeria may not be made to make full payment of the total N1.4 trillion fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Deputy Chairman, House

Committee on ICT, Alhaji Ahmed Bichi, disclosed this, yesterday, at the 2016 edition of the Nigerian Internet Governance Forum, NIGF, holding in Abuja.

He said consultations were ongoing between a committee set up by the House and ministry representatives on the matter, adding that the outcome of the

committees would be made the public on conclusion of their deliberations.

He stated that the joint committee members of the House had resolved to hasten the process to ensure quick resolution of the matter in the interest of the nation and all parties concerned, stating that the company might

Police shortlist 388, 227 as total application hits 911, 438

Benue, Kogi with highest applicants; Lagos, lowest

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE Police Service Commission said, yesterday, that a total of 338, 227 applicants of the 911, 438 that applied for the 10, 000 police jobs have been shortlisted for screening starting nationwide on Monday, June 6, 2016.

Addressing the media in Abuja on the recruitment, chairman of the commission, Sir Mike Okiro, noted that those shortlisted, include 44, 661 applicants for

of a building in the school and this House in the 7th Assembly fought very hard to effect releases for the project.

“I have it on good authority that no payment has been made to the contractor despite the funds released in 2015, but here we are with a record showing that N20 million has been paid, leaving the balance of N14 milion. This is fraud. A clear case of misappropriation and corruption because no single dime has been paid on the said project.”

The committee also discovered alleged fraudulent allocation of N100million for the purchase of two units of generators which already existed in the 2015 budget and for which the sum of N266 million had been proposed as maintenance fee, alongside vehicles in the same budget.

Chairman of the Committee told officials of the academy: “There are some fictitious submissions here that are raising eyebrows.

You have made so many assertions without showing us where the breakdown was done in appendix.

“What we are seeing here doesn’t look like something we can work with, so you need to go back and bring a well detailed memorandum that’s comprehensive enough with supporting documents.”

It was further discovered that on page two item 21 (a), of the 2015 budget, the “augmentation of personnel cost and payment of peculiar allowance” was N339million, but rose astronomically to N600.9million in the 2016 budget.

Cadet ASP; 87, 736 for Cadet Inspector; and 205,830 for Constables.

The commission confirmed that Benue State had the highest number of applicants with 29, 560, followed by Kogi with over 19, 000 applicants, while Lagos State had one of the least, with just over 2,000 applicants.

Okiro stated further that for the cadet ASP/Inspectors, 12 qualified persons would be taken from every state, while 10 would be taken from every local

government for the position of Constables.

Okiro disclosed that invitation letters had been sent to the successful applicants through bulk sms and messages to their e-mail addresses for screening.

“This is to avoid crowding the venue and also allow for meticulous screening. No candidate will be admitted into any venue or appear on any date other than those allocated to him/ her,” he said.

Explaining how the number of

shortlisted applicants was arrived at, out of almost a million that applied, Okiro said: “At the close of the recruitment portal on May 13, 2016, a total of 911, 438 candidates had successfully applied into the three entry points into the police.

“Out of this number, 262, 426 applied for Cadet ASP; 211, 832 for Cadet Inspector; and 437, 144 for Constables. ‘’You will recall that the filling and submission of forms were done online, with no person to person interface."

after all not be subjected to make full payment of the fine.

“Consultations are going on between a committee set up by us and people from Ministry of Communications and I will be constrained to say anything on it now.

“They are looking into it and they are going to talk with the company, that is MTN, as soon they finish their consultations.

“I think in the next few weeks, we should be able to tell Nigerians the update. Let me tell you that the update would be favourable to Nigeria. No, the fine had not been waved completely. They will pay the money, but it may not be the exact thing,” he added.

On the NIGF event, the law maker said the House had resolved to support all well meaning policies on Internet through legislative procedures.

According to him, a proposal has already been made on the 2016 Data Protection Bill for speedy passage into law.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—9

FG scraps post UTME tests As government, stakeholders peg cut-off mark at 180

By Laide Akinboade-Orire

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has scrapped post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, as a pre-condition to gaining admission into universities in the country.

The government and stakeholders in education sector also pegged 180 as the benchmark for 2016 admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

These decisions were reached at the 2016 Combined Policy Meeting on Admissions to Universities, Polytechnics and other higher institutions in Nigeria.

The Minister of Education , Malam Adamu Adamu,while declaring open the meeting, said since the federal government and stakeholders had confidence in the examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriulation Board, JAMB, there was no need for other examinations to be conducted by universities after JAMB exams.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, the nation has confidence in what JAMB is doing, the universities should not be holding another examinations and if the universities have any complain against JAMB, let them bring it and then we address it. ‘’But if JAMB is qualified enough to conduct tests and they have conducted test, then there will be no need to conduct another test for students to gain admission.

“The ministry expects that all candidates given admission must be from JAMB. but JAMB must stop issuing admission letters, JAMB should get in touch with institutions before offering admission to students. ‘’The closing date is November 30th and no university should exceed its admission capacity and any tertiary institution that doesn’t follow the rule, the ministry would start sanctioning them. ‘’Institutions should stop admitting students into unaccredited courses in their institutions. The institutions should stop writing JAMB to increase their quotas because JAMB cannot do that.”

The minister also said institutions should stop writing J AMB to increase their quotas as there were relevant agencies to do so.

Adamu also reminded the stakeholders that the criteria for admission was still in force, and asked the institutions to adhere to it.

“Merit is 45%, catchment area 35% and educational development in less developed states 20%, this is for federal universities and for states universities, merit 40%, catchment 40 % and less developed local governments get 20%,’’ he said.

The Minister also asked the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board to stop extra charges on several

VISIT: Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness Amb. Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken N'Uselu (middle) flanked by two palace chiefs, Governor Simon Lalung of Plateau State (left), Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (2nd left), Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State (right) and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of State of Osun , during a visit to the Crown Prince by some members of the Progressives Governor's Forum, at the Oba's Palace, in Benin, yesterday.

BID TO SELL REFINERIES: Reps

give Kachikwu

one-week ultimatum, or...

By Emman Ovuakporie & johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives committee on Privatisation yesterday gave the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, a weeks ultimatum to appear before it or get arrested.

The committee in session hinged its position on the minister’s failure to appear before it to answer pending questions on planned privatisation of the nation’s refineries.

Also yesterday, the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC, NBET, the National Electricity and Regulatory Commission, NERC, and other stakeholders were also summoned to a hearing to discuss and proffer solutions to the country’s epileptic power supply.

categories of changes on admissions such as the change of course, change of school and others.

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, while talking to journalists after the meeting, said institutions were free to go above the 180 benchmark.

“180 benchmark is even, no one will go below it this year.

Universities can go above it. This year, we have more than enough candidates because over 1.2 million candidates scored above 180, so we have enough candidates this year.

“There won’t be any written post-U TME but they would screen the candidates. It is a necessary thing to screen the candidates. ‘’We agree and the Minister of Education also agrees but the issue of taking another examination is no longer going to happen,” he said.

Chairman of the committee, Ahmed Yarima, APC, Bauchi, told the Group Executive Director in charge of refineries at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Anibor Kragba, that despite the resolution of the committee two weeks ago that NNPC shelved the planned sale of refineries, the corporation had remained adamant and

gone ahead with the process.

He also frowned on the absence of the minister who he said was directed to appear before the committee two weeks ago to personally answer pending questions before it; while allowing the GED of NNPC to make a written presentation if any.

Responding the GED informed the lawmakers that the letter inviting the minister came

rather late and that a meeting had been scheduled with some industry stakeholders, which compelled him to travel out of the country.

Unable to get any written presentation from the GED on behalf of the minister/ GMD, the committee queried why the GED would come for the hearing when he could not make any written presentation on behalf of the minister whomheclaimedtorepresent,describing the situation as unacceptable.

...prescribes 5-year prison term for embezzlement of constituency project funds

By Emman Ovuakporie & johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives yesterday passed to second reading the Bill prescribing five years imprisonment without option of fine for any government officials involved in the embezzlement of constituency project funds.

The House in the Bill, also recommended that 2.5 percent of the annual budget be set aside for constituency project for every fiscal year to ensure that every constituency in the country has projects that would benefit the rural dwellers.

The Bill which got overwhelming support from members of the House, was

sponsored by Solomon Adaelu who represents Osisioma/ Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency of Abia State.

If finally passed into law, the Bill will lay to rest accusations against members of the National Assembly that they collect constituency project funds without executing any project.

Senate to review 2007 Mining Act Urges FG to approve funds for Shikira, others affected by Lead poisoning

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals to begin the process of reviewing the 2007 Mining Act to reflect present realities in the sector as it affects local communities and artisanal miners.

The Senate also asked the Federal Government to urgently approve and release the needed intervention funds from the ecological funds office for urgent remediation of lead poisoning to help save Shikira and affected communities in Niger State.

Also yesterday, the upper chamber called on the federal government, the ministries of health, solid minerals and environment to remediate the environment and promote safer mining programmes for artisanal miners.

These resolutions were sequel to a motion by Senator David Umaru, APC, Niger East, on the “Urgent Remediation of Lead Poisoning in Shinkira Community of Niger State, Nigeria and Co- Sponsored by all Senators.

Earlier in his presentation, Senator Umaru, noted that he was shocked at the survey result of the Federal Ministry of Health which confirmed that 149 children under age five, were tested for lead.

He said the Senate was worried that environmental testing of residential buildings during the same survey indicated that there was severe contamination of the environment.

He said: “Early childhood exposure has been linked to violent criminal behaviour later in early adult life.

“It is estimated that childhood lead exposure is costing developing countries $992 billion annually due to reduction in IQ’s and earning potential according to a new study published recently.

“The potential of lead poisoning to irrevocably inflict long term neurocognitive deficits on generations is not in doubt. There is need to urgently address this issue of national importance.

“This is a community that is already living below the poverty line. All the children are already infected by this epidermic.”

According to Senator

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY JUNE 3 , 2016

You demoted me, Sen Tinubu accuses Saraki

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—FOR some minutes yesterday during plenary session, there was a mild drama as Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, APC, Lagos Central raised alarm that the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki has ‘demoted’ her.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu who is the wife of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, challenged Saraki for placing Senator Andy Uba higher than her during the adoption of votes and proceedings of Wednesday.

She raised the issue when Saraki asked her to second the motion by Senator Andy Uba, PDP, Anambra South.

Saraki had at the commencement of yesterday’s sitting asked Senator Uba to move the motion for the adoption of votes and proceedings in consonance with the tradition of the Senate.

Both Senator Tinubu and Saraki are second timer at the Upper Chamber as they have been at the Senate since 2011.

When Senate President Saraki asked Senator Tinubu to second Uba’s motion, she stood up, protested it, saying “Iam protesting, I will second it grudgingly, I won’t thank you for demoting me, God is here.

“I was a better Senator than him even when we were at the

No negotiation with Niger Delta Avengers, says Defence chief

By Evelyn Usman

L

AGOS—THE Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Gabriel Olonisakin, yesterday in Lagos said that the Military would not negotiate with the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, which has carried out a barrage of attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The CDS who gave this assertion at the inauguration of the procured 10 highlymilitarised Honker Scorpion vehicles, at the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Airforce, Ikeja, said that the Military would not treat with kidsgloves the violent dimension the NDA was taking its agitation, as well with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. “There are better ways to air their grievances than the way they go about it. The right way is to get necessary permit and protest. If they are violent, we will not take it lightly with them.”

He explained that the newly acquired vehicles which would be deployed to Airforce bases across the country were specifically for the purpose of enhancing security of the air assets within the area of their deployment.

L

AGOS—THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, yesterday, urged the Yorubas to unite in order to ensure growth and development of the race.

Meantime, renowned Yoruba scholar, playwright and actor, Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola, has tasked the South Western Governors on the promotion of Yoruba Language, arguing that people are better known by their language and culture.

They spoke at a Yoruba Summit organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly with the theme; “Making the

disclosed that the NAF adopted a new strategy known as Base Defence Concept ,BDC. The concept he explained; ‘’Enables real time observation, reporting and response to activities around the area of interest. The BDCC as opposed to the previous concept of the use of guard posts, is proactive and allows for the use of initiatives in deterring, defending and protecting vital assets.’’

PLAUDITS: Lagos State deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule (left) and Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu decorating her (Adebule) Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mrs Yetunde Agana with her new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday,.

Adefarasin asks court to hands off N800m trespass suit

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—PASTOR Paul Adefarasin and his church, House on the Rock yesterday asked an Igbosere High Court to hands off from a N800 million suit filed by a businessman, Gerald Chukwueke against him and his church for allegedly trespassing on a land located in Lekki area of the state, as it

Ooni, Alaafin, Akiolu task Yorubas on unity, culture

By Monsur Olowoopejo

“The equipment are certainly geared towards raising and maintaining the capability of the regiment troops as they contribute to our collective efforts to address the various security challenges confronting our nation. ''The procurement of these Honker Airfield Defence vehicles is a testimony of the

importance the NAF attaches to protection of its critical assets and force protection.” Olonisakin said.

On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, CAS Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar assured citizens in the Niger Delta region of their safety , promising that the NAF would operate within the ambit of the constitution during its operation.

In its move to avoid a repeat of the 2013 attack of the NAF Base in Maiduguri, Abubakar

Teaching of Yoruba Compulsory In Public and Private Schools In Lagos State.”

Ogunwusi while addressing the congregation at the summit, urged the Yorubas to see themselves as leaders, even as he stressed that God has blessed the Yoruba race in several ways.

He stated that Yorubas are not promoting their culture and language due to infighting and disunity, noting that this was causing a lot of setbacks to Yoruba Language.

Oba Adeyemi, who commended the organisers for the initiative, said that Obas in Yorubaland would support any move to promote the Yoruba Language, emphasising that our language is our culture.

lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.

Adefarasin and the church are asking the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that it is not properly constituted as to vest jurisdiction in the court to hear and determine it.

Chukwueke, and three other claimants: Chinelo Chukwueke, Mrs. Martha Chukwueke, Germaine Logistics Limited & Germaine Auto Centre Limited are seeking the sum of N800 million from the defendants as damages for allegedly trespassing on and taking over their land.

The claimants, who are also asking for the sum of N180 million as fees,for their lawyers wants the court to bar the defendants from further trespassing on the disputed Land.

Other defendants in the suit apart from Pastor Adefarasin are: the Incorporated Trustees of the Rock Foundation, the Registrar of Titles, Lagos State Land Registry and the Attorney General of Lagos State.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday the defendants asked the court to strike out the suit because the entirety of the case is mischievous, frivolous, vexatious, base less & same constitutes a gross abuse of the process of court.

In the motion on notice, the

claimants alleged that Pastor Adefarasin and his church sometimes in January 2016 repeatedly trespassed on their premises.

They are praying the court for an order directing the Lagos State Government and

the Registrar of Titles, Lagos State Land Registry to revLagos State Land Registry to revoke the Deed of third Party Legal Mortgage between Diamond bank and the Incorporated Trustees of the Rock Foundation

FG sets up technical c’ttee on fuel price hike of the committee are Peters

By Omeiza Ajayi

A

BUJA—FOLLOWING the recent agreement reached with organized labour with regards to the hike in the pump price of fuel, the Federal Government has constituted a Technical Committee to look into labour’s grievances arising from the price hike.

The committee is also to examine other consequential and/or ancillary matters thereon.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal disclosed this in a lateevening statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement was signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the OSGF, Mohammed Bukar.

The composition of the Committee is made of members from both labour and the government.

From the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the members

Adeyemi, Amaechi Asugwuni, Ibrahim Khaleel, Igwe Achese and Segun Efan.

Those drawn from the Trade Union Congress TUC are Augustine Etafo, Alade Bashir Lawal and Abdullahi Sale.

On the side of government are the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige who would serve as the chairman of the committee.

Others are the Minister of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, his counterpart in Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi as well as Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Chief R. O. Egbule.

Other members are representative of Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, representative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Prof. Adamu Kyuka Usman, who would serve as Secretary.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 — 11

Ekiti Assembly condemns travel ban on govs

By Olu Ajayi & Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

DO-EKITI—THE Ekiti State House of Assembly, has condemned the alleged decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to place two governors, of which Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, is one under security watch and travel ban.

The House, which noted that such decision could heat up the polity and throw the country into anarchy, warned that only a court of law could exercise such powers.

The Speaker of the House, Hon Kola Oluwawole said that carrying out such alleged constitutional breaches could heat up the polity and make the federating states appendages of the presidency.

Also, the Speaker appealed to the striking workers, to suspend the ongoing strike called to press for the payment of five months outstanding salaries and return to the negotiation table in the interest of the state.

In Ibadan, yesterday some lawmakers from the State House of Assembly also confirmed that Governor Ayodele Fayose is one of the two serving governors who are allegedly barred by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration from travelling out of the country.

The lawmakers led by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Segun Adewumi gave this hint yesterday at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Making reference to a report that two serving governors in the

country were placed on travel restriction by the Federal Government, they went on to say that one of the governors being referred to “is our own governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose”.

They vowed that Ekiti State

people would not allow their democratically elected Governor to be rubbished by the Federal Government because he has been critical of its anti-people policies.

Other lawmakers present at the briefing included Mr. Gboyega

...As Fayose decries killing of Igbo protesters

A

D O - E K I T I — M E A N T I M E , Governor Fayose has condemned the Monday killing of over 30 Igbo protesters, who were mainly members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), saying it appeared that President Muhammadu Buhari was

turning the people of the South East and South South to “politically endangered species.”

He called on the international community to take note of the wanton killings being perpetrated by the Buhari-led government.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor

PDP risks not fielding candidate for Edo election — EFCC

By Emmanuel Aziken

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP could stand the risk of not fielding a candidate in the Edo State governorship election unless it resolves its problems at the national level.

INEC’s Deputy Director for Public Affairs, Nick Dazang, yesterday said the party was in danger of failing to meet the INEC schedule for the conduct of primary elections which falls between June 2 and July 4.

Mr. Dazang spoke during a radio programme “Political Platform,” aired on Ray Power FM Radio Station yesterday.

“The PDP, as we have said is in a state of flux. In spite of what happened in Port Harcourt, the Commission was there because it was invited and by law we are supposed to be invited 21 days to a convention or congress.”

The convention ended with the appointment of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi led caretaker committee, a development that is

STRIKE: Mimiko, labour’s meeting deadlocked

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—A four hour meeting between the Ondo state governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko and labour leaders in the state to end the ongoing workers strike action was deadlock yesterday.

Workers in the state are yet to be paid five months salaries.

Dependable source said government pleaded with the workers to allow it pay one month salary to the health workers in the interest of the people of the state but they turned it down.

“See the government gesture as Consequently, the labour leaders have directed the workers to continue with the strike “ since government has not yielded to our demands,” sources said.

Also, the NMA in the state have commenced an indefinite strike just as

four of the leaders allegedly arrested and detained have been released.

Governor Mimiko, his deputy, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, the Head of Service Toyin Akinkuotu, Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Eyitayo Jegede and Information Commissioner Kayode Akinmade met with the labour leaders.

Other members of the government team that attended the meeting include the special Adviser on unions matters Dayo Fadahunsi, local government affairs commissioner Bamiduro Dada among others.

Speaking with newsmen after the negotiation, the state chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Comrade Sunday Adeleye said “since the government was not ready to yield to the labour demand, the strike would continue indefinitely.

Police detain NLC officials for disrupting govt event

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—FOLLOWING alleged disruption of a stakeholders’s meeting on education on Wednesday, no fewer than four members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Oyo State Chapter have been detained by the Oyo Police State Command.

Those in police custody as at 8pm included Mr Waheed Olojede, the Chairman, Mr Titilayo Sodo, the ViceChairman, Mrs Kofo Ogundeji, the Secretary and Mr Kehinde Oparinde, the Auditor.

Though, the news filtered in later in the day, all calls made to the state Chairman of NLC to confirm the story

Aribisogan and Samuel Idowu Omotosho.

Addressing a press conference in Ado Ekiti to mark the one year of the inauguration of the Assembly, Oluwawole said placing governors on travel restriction by the Federal Government will embarrass the nation and emasculate the constitution.

were not picked.

It was much later that Mr Bosun Daramola, the Treasurer of the congress told newsmen that they were being held as a result of their involvement in the protest that took place on Wednesday to reject what they called privatisation of secondary education in the state.

Daramola said, “We had a peaceful protest yesterday to reject a policy of the government, which we felt was unpopular and anti-people and today(yesterday) all we saw was the invitation of our leaders.

“Their phones had been seized and all calls put through to them could not be picked since 10am. Our leaders must not stay overnight at the station,” he said.

being strongly resisted by the erstwhile national chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

The controversy has besides putting the conduct of the governorship primaries scheduled for June 20 in jeopardy also raised questions on who between Makarfi and Sheriff would forward the nomination to INEC as is statutorily required.

Fayose said there was no justification whatsoever for the killing of over 30 Igbo youths just because they were marking “Biafra Day in memory of the former leader of the defunct Biafra Republic, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.”

He said it was worrisome that Nigeria and its people had been more divided since the advent of Buhari’s government, adding that approach to civil unrests of any kind under the government was causing more security problems in the country.

The governor, who reiterated his avowed belief in Nigeria's unity said it was unspeakable for security men to have used life ammunitions against the Igbo protesters and then went on to justify the murder of innocent Nigerians just because their views were different from those of the President.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

FACES @ THE OGONILAND CLEAN-UP FLAG OFF

Little Miss Esther Bari -Tule Tekuru presents a bouquet of flowers to Vice President Senator Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning Yemi Osinbajo while Environment Minister, Hajia Amina Mohammed watches, at the launch of the clean-up of Ogoniland and other oil impacted communities in the Niger/ (right) and Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport.

Delta, in Ogoni, Rivers State, yesterday.

From left: Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Defence Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State (left) Minister, Brig.Gen. Dan Ali (retd), and Information and Paramount Ruler of Ogoniland, King Godwin Minster, Alhaji Lai Mohammaed.

Gininwa on the occasion.

Cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

OGONILAND CLEAN-UP: Oil theft, illegal refining

must stop now —BUHARI •Warns IOCS to comply with best practices •Jonathan made mistake —Amaechi, Gininwa •It's an image seeking pursuit —Ogoni leader

By Simon Ebegbulem, Jimitota Onoyume, Daud Olatunji, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Charles Kumolu, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Ochuko Akuopha & Davies Iheamnachor

O

GONI—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, warned that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate the current theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta.

Buhari, who was represented

by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbanjo, gave the warning at the launch of “Clean-Up of Ogoniland” at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, urged the regulators of the oil industry to carry out their responsibilities in line with best practices.

He said: “The current oil theft and illegal refining will not be tolerated. The regulators in the oil industries must live up to

expectations. They must ensure that oil companies carry out their operations in line with universal best services.”

Buhari said government was laying a foundation for change to ensure the rule of law and safety of the people.

He said the aim was to diversify the nation’s economy and provide jobs and wealth for the people.

According to him, the cleanup of Ogoniland will have sustainable development components that will benefit the people.

He said: “The methodology for the clean-up will ensure job creation for young people. The agro-allied industries required for processing of agricultural produce will also be put in place.”

He also called on international oil companies doing business in the country to ensure they comply with

international best practices.

The President said approval had been given for the constitution of all the institutions needed to drive the implementation process, adding that stakeholders should work in synergy to ensure success of the exercise.

Buhari also appealed against violence in the region, stressing that the Federal Government could do justice to all without anyone turning to violence.

He said recent attack on oil facilities in the region had brought about reduction in the daily production of crude and also affected gas supply for electricity generation in the country.

Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbo, assured that Shell and it’s partners would be actively involved in the project.

“Mr President , the NNPC/ SPDC JP also remains committed to contributing it’s share of the Environmental Restoration Fund, ERF, and will work with other stakeholders to finalise the appropriate governance and funding structure,” he said.

Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, said the launch of the clean-up of Ogoni by the President was a promise fulfilled, and appealed for commitment and transparency on all parties that would be involved in driving the process for it to be successful.

But a prominent Ogoni leader, who pleaded anonymity, expressed mixed feelings about the exercise, describing it as an image seeking pursuit.

He said: ‘’I am not even aware of any exercise that was commenced in Ogoni land today (yesterday). If they have done anything, it is only known to them because I am not even sure that they have awarded the contract for the cleaning exercise. ‘’Key people are in the dark as to what they are doing or intend to do. Though I have read reports in the papers about it, the fact is that those who are supposed to be carried along are left out in what they claimed to be doing."

However, the Presidency yesterday refuted claims in some quarters that Buhari canceled his trip to Ogoniland, to launch the commencement of clean up oil spillage in the region, stating that the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, represented the President on the occasion.

But responding to enquiries by Vanguard on why the President failed to appear in person, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the President was represented at the event by his deputy.

“We all went to school. There is a difference between cancellation and being represented by someone.

The president did not cancel his trip to Ogoniland. He was represented by the Vice President,” Adesina said.

Meanwhile, former governor of Rivers State and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, and the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King. Godwin Gininwa, have said that the former President, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan made a mistake for failing to implement the United Nations Environmental Programme report on Ogoniland.

Amaechi, during the official flag-off of the cleanup of the area by President Buhari, noted that he (Amaechi) did everything possible to ensure that Jonathan implemented the UNEP report on Ogoniland, but regretted that his efforts yielded no fruit.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—13

1894 EBROHIMI EXPEDITION: Itsekiri leaders eulogise

Nana Olomu •Donate historical artefacts, books to NCMM

A

By Caleb Ayansina

BUJA—ITSEKIRI Leaders, under the auspices of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thoughts, ILoT, yesterday, showered encomium on Nana Olomu, the last Governor of the Benin River (Itsekiri Country), describing him as a true symbol of African resistance against domination.

They formally handed over some historical artefacts and books relating to Nana Olomu to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, for conservation and promotion of the country ’s heritage.

The artefacts, procured from London Museum and donated by ILoT Chairman, Mr Johnson Ayomike, related to the Famous Nana Olomu, the great merchant of the Niger Delta, the last Governor of the Benin River (Itsekiri Country).

Nana vehemently resisted British Imperialism, and the military expedition carried out by the British on Ebrohimi, his hometown in 1894, in the present day Delta State.

Nana Olomu later surrendered in Lagos, was tried and found guilty in their Kangaroo Court of Enquiry in Calabar and sent on exile to Accra, Ghana in the 1890s.

He was allowed to return to Nigeria in 1906, 10 years later, Nanna died peacefully in Koko on July 3, 1916.

To commemorate the 100 years of the death of Nana Olomu,

Ayomike in collaboration with ILoT prepared some historical artefacts; Two large framed photographs of Nana Palatial Residence; out-house and stores in Ebrohimi before the expedition of 1894, and four British Warships firing canon on Ebrohimi (air filled with heavy smoke) about a week before the fall of Ebrohimi.

Copies of books relating to Nanna Olomu, and other historical books on Warri and ethnography in the Niger Delta region were also presented.

Presenting the items to the Director General of NCMM on behalf of Ayomike, in Abuja, the

Secretary of ILoT, Mr. Edward Ekpoko described Nana Olomu as a true symbol of African resistance to British Imperialism imposed on the African continent.

He reminded the NCMM boss, the role of Ayomike in the establishment of the Nanna Living History Museum in Koko similar to the Mandela House in South Africa, adding that “he (Ayomike) also donated other Nanna artefacts to the University of Benin in 1988.

“This is also in further pursuit of Mr Ayomike’s position that knowledge of history brings a feeling that we are part of a

fellowship that runs through the ages from long before our birth to long after our death.”

Responding, the NCMM Boss, Mallam Yusuf Usman said the presentation will help the government ensure proper conservation and promotion of the country’s heritage.

He emphasised the need for the private sector partnership in the preservation of the museum, calling for ethical rebirth among Nigerians to appreciate the country’s past.

Usman noted that the artefacts presented would be placed in National Museum to further expose the heroic deeds of Nana Olomu to the younger generation to promote African culture with the aim of improving the country ’s economy.

PRESENTATION: From right—Mr. Edward Ekpoko, Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, presenting historical artifacts relating to Nanna Olomu of Itsekiri to Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mallam Yusuf Usman, while Director, Administration and Supplies, NCMM, Mr. Emeka Onuegbu looks on, during the presentation to commemorate 100 years of Nanna’s death. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

N1.9BN FRAUD: Fintiri to spend more time with EFCC

interrogators

A

By Soni Daniel

BUJA—FORMER Adamawa State Acting Governor, Umaru Fintiri, detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in connection with the diversion of N1.9 billion, may spend more time with his interrogators in the agency than initially thought.

Fintiri, who was taken into custody by operatives on Wednesday, is being probed for alleged abuse of office and corruption, which robbed Adamawa of huge taxpayers’ money.

The former speaker of Adamawa State, who was drafted into office to fill the gap, following the illegal impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako, had expected to be released at least on bail last night, but his hope was dashed.

Findings by Vanguard showed that the embattled politician was still being detained as at 9pm last night, with a source confirming that the operatives had not finished with him.

“We can confirm that the former acting governor is still with our operatives. It is clear that they

have not finished questioning him yet,” a source at EFCC said.

Fintiri, who spent over 83 days in office, is accused of having made away with the huge sum

of money, using fraudulent tactics, including two phantom road projects-Yola township road and Mararaba Garta.

According to EFCC records,

while the Yola township road purportedly gulped N1 billion, the other took nearly N1.9 billion, with nothing to show for both.

Reps summon 1,319 firms over $10bn relating to 3% freight revenue leakages in NIMASA questions levy, 2% Cabotage surcharge,

L

By Godwin Oritse

AGOS—IN a bid to block revenue leakages at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has summoned 1,319 companies to appear

before it during a public hearing on operational deficiencies at the agency.

According to the committee chaired by Mr Mohammed Umar Bago, the amount of money lost in the sector is about $10 billion.

The committee said the affected companies would respond to

sea protection levy, stevedoring, among others.

It said the process that led to the revenue leakages was benchmark approach, as opposed to actual freight charges in the determination of the 3%, midstream clearance and discharge of cargo vessels, among others.

EDO 2016: Owan, Ovia delegates endorse continue the developmental projects of describingObasekiastheengineroom Obaseki GovernorAdamsOshiomhole,saidthey of the success recorded by the

B

By Tare Youdeowei

ENIN—AHEAD the June 18 governorship primaries of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, delegates of the party from Owan East, West and Ovia Local Government Areas of the state, have pledged their support forMrGodwinObaseki.

The delegates who expressed confidence that Mr Obaseki will

decided to back Obaseki “because we see him as one who will take the entire state as his constituency and not a section of the state.”

Addressing the delegates at Afuze, a member of the House of RepresentativesandDeputyChiefWhip oftheHouse,MrPallyIriase,cautioned the delegates to be wary of other aspirants who may not have the managerial expertise like Obaseki,

Oshiomhole administration, making him a more competent aspirant in the race than others.

OtherleaderswhoendorsedObaseki include APC Woman Leader, Hajia Zanaitu Shaka, Majority leader of the state Assembly, Folly Ogedengbe and Ojo Asein. Also in Ovia, the chairman of the APC in Ovia North East, Benson Edosanwan led over 161 delegates to the rally.

ESE ORURU:

Judge's absence stalls trial

Y

By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—THE absence of Justice Aliya Nganjiwa of a Federal Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday, stalled the trial of Yunusa Dahiru, who is standing trial on a five-count charge of abduction, sexual exploitation and having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor, Miss Ese Oruru.

Justice Nganjiwa, it will be recalled had adjourned the matter to yesterday, for hearing on the substantive charge, haven granted the prosecution's request to take the evidence of Eses Oruru in private, but the court did not sit as the trial judge, it was gathered was away for a meeting.

At 9a.m., journalists and rights activists had throng the court, only to learn that the court will not sit.

Confirming the development, Kayode Olaosebekan, counsel to the accused, said he was not informed of the judge’s absence, adding that he was only informed of the development on his arrival at the court.

Jibunoh condoles with Benin royal family over Oba's death

B

By Simon Adewala

ENIN—THE founder of Didi Museum, Chief Newton Jibunoh, has condoled with the Benin royal family over the demise of HRM Oba Erediauwa, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin.

Chief Jibunoh, who paid condolence visit to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken N’Uselu, at his palace in Uselu, said that he came to identify with the royal home, having heard that the Oba had joined his ancestors.

“I have come to identify with you, because this is my home too. Part of what I have become today started from the Benin palace. I want to also tell you that the foundation laying ceremony of my museum - Didi Museum, which has remained not only the private Museum in Nigeria, but the whole of Africa was performed by your father, the Oba,” he said.

Responding, Crown Prince Erediauwa welcomed Dr. Jibunoh to his palace, affirming that the people of Benin kingdom were pleased to receive him.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Telecoms sector contributes 8.8% to GDP —REPORT

By Emmanuel Elebeke, with Agency Report

A

BUJA—THE telecommunications industry contributed eight percent to gross domestic product, GDP, and recorded five percent growth in the last three months, despite economic crunch, according to a government report.

The sector is said to have sustained the growth beginning from March, despite the crunch in the economy for the first time in more than a decade.

These were contained in the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, recent report. It added that the economy contracted by 0.4 percent in the period.

Nigerian mobile phone customer numbers have also shown rapid growth over the past 10 years as handsets became more affordable and data services increased.

Nigeria had 151 million subscribers at the end of last year, up from 19.5 million in 2005.

“With the oil sector having crashed over the last months, telecoms should be outperforming the other sectors,” Head ICT analyst at BMI Research in London, Amy Cameron, said yesterday.

PMG-MAN FORUM: From left— Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Health, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Director, Food and Drugs, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Dupe Chukwumah; Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of MAN, PMG-MAN, Mr. Okey Akpa, and President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai, at the 2016 PMG-MAN forum in Abuja, yesterday.

Senate summons NEITI boss over missing N1trn

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Senate has summoned Executive Secretary, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Waziri Adio, to appear before it to explain the alleged missing N1 trillion.

According to the Senate, the invitation became imperative following the revelation of over N1 trillion oil revenue allegedly mismanaged between 2005 and 2013 by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which was reflected in the audit report presented to the Senate President by the NEITI boss

last Monday.

The Senate said the NEITI boss would formally present the report before the Senate at plenary.

The resolution of the upper chambers was sequel to a motion by Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara North), entitled The Urgent Need for the Senate to Look into the NEITI 2013 Oil, Gas and Solid Minerals Audit Report.

According to him, in the report it was alleged that NNPC did not remit $12.9 billion between 2005 and 2013.

He said Senate notes that one of the key functions of NEITI was to conduct regular audits of the extractive sector,

adding that details from the 2013 audit and financial report of activities in the oil and gas industry, which was conducted by the initiative, had shown that Nigeria made $58.07 billion from its hydrocarbons industry that year.

He said: “The federation realised N33.86 billion from solid minerals sector in 2013 as contained in the 2013 solid minerals audit report of NEITI. $3.8 billion and N358.3 billion stand as outstanding revenues from NNPC and its subsidiaries in 2013.

“These outstanding payments were dues from unpaid consideration from

Orubebe paid 2-yr rent with Abuja land—WITNESS

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—FORMER Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, yesterday, opened his defence to the allegation that he falsely declared his assets in 2007.

Orubebe, who is facing a onecount amended charge Federal Government preferred against him, brought a witness that testified for him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja.

The witness, Mr. Akinwumi Ajibola, a legal practitioner and a real estate agent, told the court that Orubebe sold Plot 2057 Asokoro District, Abuja, which the Federal Government insisted was not declared by the defendant, to his company.

He said the plot was allocated to the defendant by the government in 2007 as part of his ministerial entitlements.

According to the witness, the ex-Minister decided to sell the land after he defaulted in the C M Y K

payment of his Abuja house for two years.

Meanwhile, the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal has fixed June 30 for judgment.

When Orubebe mounted the witness box, he said as a minister, he could not afford his house rent for two years.

He told the tribunal that whereas his monthly salary

and every other allowances he collected in 2007 amounted to only N1.3 million, his salary was further reduced to N990,000 in 2008.

He said: “In September 26, 2007, I never had a property named Plot 2057 Asokoro District, Abuja. So I could not have declared it upon my assumption of office as a

minister.

“On June 29, 2011, when I was temporarily dis-engaged from the Federal Executive Council, when it was dissolved before I was reappointed, I never also had Plot 2057 Asokoro District. So I could not have declared it as mine because it was no longer my property.”

... as court fixes July 18 for hearing on Saraki’s appeal

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, deferred hearing on the appeal the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, lodged against his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, till July 18.

A five-man panel of justices of the appellate court, headed

by Justice Abdul Aboki, suspended hearing on the

appeal following a letter from Saraki’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Agabi, through his letter, notified the appellate court panel that he was very ill and could not attend the proceeding. He prayed the court to adjourn the appeal till a later date for hearing.

His application was not opposed by government lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

Consequently, Justice Aboki, in a short ruling, adjourned

hearing as Agabi prayed.

It will be recalled that hearing of the appeal was also stalled at the last adjourned date, May 31, following the inability of the appellate court panel to form a quorum.

Specifically, Saraki is challenging the jurisdiction of the Justice Danladi Umarled tribunal to try him on the 16-count criminal charge the Federal Government preferred against him.

divested oil mining leases from NNPC to NPDC and cash call refunds by National Petroleum Investment and Management Services, NAPIMS. “The Senate is disturbed that between 2005 to 2013, $12.9 billion paid by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, to NNPC was not remitted to the federation account.”

He further disclosed that NNPC introduced different pricing methodology, which aided major oil and gas companies to under-pay royalties and profit taxes into the Federation account, noting that it was time for Senate to fight in-house conspiracy to save the nation of financial paucity.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, suggested that the Executive Secretary of NEITI be made to formally present the report at the plenary.

In his remarks, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said the enormity of the report and findings were too enormous for the Senate.

Saraki, who expressed deep concern at the huge loss of revenue said: “I am aware of the report and what I discovered was a huge loss, which has to be deliberated upon. So the Executive Secretary has to come and submit the report officially.”

The audit covered 41 oil and gas producing companies and 16 government agencies, which also revealed that a total of N1.3 trillion was processed as petrol subsidy payments for NNPC and other oil marketers in 2013.

The report disclosed that the total revenue flows to the federation account from all sources in the oil and gas sector, such as crude oil sales, taxes and royalties in 2013, was $58.07 billion, while N33.86 billion accrued from the solid minerals sector in the same year.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, June 3, 2016— —15

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

IPOB commends Gov Fayose, berates Delta SSG on Biafra

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu NNEWI—STILL licking its wounds over what it called irresponsible and senseless killing of their members and innocent non-members, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, told South East governors, politicians, Igbo and nonIgbo elder statesmen to emulate Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State for being outspoken and condemning the killing of non-violent agitators.

In a statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Officer, Mr. Emma Powerful, the group said if responsible Nigerians had prevailed on President Muhammadu Buhari to do the right thing by releasing its leader and Director of Radio Biafra, the killing of innocent people would have been averted.

IPOB said it had high esteem for Governor Fayose of Ekiti state who has shown that he is the only detribalized politician after the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

"Fayose has shown that he does not play politics after electioneering campaign and elections.

He knew what governance is all about, unlike other Nigerian governors and politicians. No wonder, at every point, his people in Ekiti State will come out to stake their lives for him.

“We are telling the people of Ekiti State that they have a son in whom the Biafrans and IPOB and other Biafra agitators are well pleased.

This is not because he condemned the Federal Government for killing IPOB and non-Biafra agitators, but because he equally condemned the

A’Court restores 7 political parties de-registered by INEC

By Nwabueze Okonkwo ONITSHA—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, yesterday, ordered the restoration to life of seven political parties deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on August 18, 2011.

The seven political parties restored to life by the Appeal Court judgment

Oko erosion: Community renews appeal for govt intervention

By EmEka aginam

O

KO COMMUNITY in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State has renewed appeal to both the State and the Federal Government for more proactive measures to control Oko-Nanka erosion sites in the State.

The chairman of Ezioko village, Oko, Men’s meeting in Lagos , Mr. Chukwuneke Okafor who made the appeal yesterday in Lagos while addressing newsmen said that immediate intervention was needed to save the community from further devastation.

Although the Anambra State Government has been in the vanguard to fight the erosion menace in the state by working in conjunction with the World Bank Project called NEWMAP, Okafor noted that Oko-NankaEkwulobia erosion menace should be given priority attention.

Despite the work being done, Okafor said that the

killing by Fulani herdsmen in Agatu in Benue and Nimbo in Enugu states.

Fayose is a man who says it the way it is without malice and that is a rare virtue" IPOB, however, lashed out at the Secretary to the Government of Delta State, Chief Festus Agas for saying that the Anioma people of Delta State are not Biafrans, urging him to stop embarrassing them.

"The good people of Anioma had not told him to speak for them," he said.

government needed to allocate more resources to Anambra in order to contain the greatest number of erosion sites, especially, Oko/Nanka erosion menace.

He expressed worry that many houses will again, be affected by the gully erosion this rainy season, adding that, unless something urgent was done, the erosion menace will continue to ravage the communities.

He said that already, the erosion menace has claimed many houses, farmland and cut off major access roads in Oko. Meanwhile, four sites including Ugamuma, Obosi, Ikenga Ogidi, .

Enugwu-Ukwu and Abidi, Umuoji have already been approved for funding by the World Bank and currently undergoing procurement process.

According to the current Anambra erosion schedule, Nnewi-Ichi, Nnewi, Ire, Obosi, Nkpor Bridge and Ojoto should be ready for approval by late June this year.

are: Democratic Alternative, DA; National Action Council, NAC; National Democratic Liberty Party, NDLP; Masses Movement of Nigeria, MMN; Nigeria Peoples Congress, NPC; Nigeria Elements Progressive Party, NEPP and National Unity Party, NUP. INEC had on August 18, 2011, de-registered the parties for failure to win any seat either in the state House of Assembly or National Assembly, pursuant to Section 78 (7) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

But an Onitsha-based human rights lawyer, Jezie Ekejiuba went to a Federal High Court sitting in Awka, to challenge the deregisteration of the parties

by INEC, arguing that the action was unconstitutional.

In its judgment, the Federal High Court presided over by Justice J. Ojukwu, dismissed the suit for lack of merit, saying that INEC had the power to deregister political parties under the Nigerian constitution.

Dissatisfied by the judgment of the Federal High Court, the Plaintiff/ Appellant, Ekejiuba headed to the Appellate Court to contest the verdict.

In a unianimous judgment delivered, yesterday, by Justice Tom Yakubu on behalf of other concurring judges, Justice Rita Pemu and Justice Omodere Bolaji-Yusuf, the Appeal Court set aside the lower court judgment, ordered the restoration to life of all the seven deregistered political parties and granted all the five reliefs sought by the Plaintiff/Appellant.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 —17

An historic event

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ESTERDAY, President Muhammadu Buhari was ably represented by his Vice-President, Professor Osinbajo, at an historic event that took place in my village, Bodo….the official launch of the clean-up of contaminated water and land in Ogoniland, as recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP. Ogonis are not the only victims of chronic pollution caused by decades of oil exploration and production.

Ijaw, Tsekiri and so many other communities ALL OVER the Niger Delta has been profoundly affected by environmental degradation that has cost lives, severely undermined human health and impoverished those who depend on traditional occupations such as fishing and farming for basic survival.

This launch shows that this government is willing in principle to right these wrongs. But launches are, at the end of the day, just symbolic events and public relations exercises. And this kind of problem can only be solved by an efficient process.

The process that is about to be undertaken in Ogoniland will be monitored by international observers as well as Nigerians; and it must be managed diplomatically and skilfully if the authorities want to achieve great or passable results.

There are indications that certain individuals are hellbent on politicising this process in a negative way.

And they must be prevented from playing dodgy games that will generate conflict and jeopardise the integrity and success of the process.

I have already received several bitter complaints from Bodo indigenes who are extremely upset about the fact that not one traditional ruler from Bodo was allowed to speak yesterday, even though they were supposed to be cohosts and had been given the impression that their voices would be heard.

C M Y K

They claim that they were insulted and silenced because they are not close to Ogoni APC leaders. And if their suspicion is accurate, I am very disappointed.

A significant number of Ogonis are PDP supporters or politically neutral. And, given that Nigeria is supposed to be a democratic nation, the concerns of those who are not members of President Buhari’s party should also be respected and addressed.

This UNEP project can only be properly implemented by a cross-party coalition of stakeholders of all political affliations. It’s not about PDP

It’s a pity that it is an “outsider” like Buhari – not our Brother Jonathan – who will go down in history as the man who took Ogoni woes seriously!

or APC. It’s about Ogoni, Rivers State, the Niger Delta, Nigeria and our global image as a country.

Chief Nyesom Wike, the PDP Governor of Rivers State, has pleasantly surprised me by displaying a laudable and statesmanlike commitment to working with the Federal Government, to ensure that the Ogoni project goes well.

And, by the way, while Wike was waiting for the presidential entourage to arrive from Abuja, he described it as “distinguished” (even though it contained some of his biggest adversaries!) and also described Buhari as “the father of the nation”.

If Wike can forget about petty partisan politicking, within this context at least, every other participant in the

process should take a leaf out of his book.

This process is going to be an immensely lengthy one – the UNEP report has said that remediation will take about 30 years. And many of us will be dead in 30 years time. But we are privileged to be part of the pioneer group that is helping to kick-start the process. And our children and

•President

•Oil spill site in Ogoni land

Muhammadu Buhari

grandchildren will thank us if it works.

So, yes, there are many complications ahead and numerous pitfalls on the horizon; and there will be many tough challenges to contend with, including worrying financial issues (raising the billions required to do a thorough job will not be easy).

But I am cautiously optimistic because I’ve spoken to Hajiya Amina Mohammed, the

•Gov Nyesom Wike

Honourable Minister of Environment, and her Minister of State, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril. And I believe that they are decent technocrats who are likely to take us through the initial stages of the process intelligently and sincerely.

In the meantime, let me extend heartfelt thanks to President Buhari for reaching out to Ogonis. His predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, was a fellow Niger Deltan who comes

from an oil-producing area, so has personal experience of the downsides of the oil industry. Yet, he didn’t take this important step on our behalf.

Jonathan should be forever congratulated for handing over to Buhari peacefully.

But it’s a pity that it is an “outsider ” like Buhari – not our Brother Jonathan – who will go down in history as the man who took Ogoni woes seriously!

Reader’s Letter

F

ROM Ifeka Okonkwo (ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com), Awka, Anambra State Dear Donu, why should our President subject us to such an unprecedented and painful existence, all because he has vowed to crush the Niger Delta Avengers who are blowing up oil installations that have drastically reduced our crude oil production and electricity supply in all parts of our country?

How can he crush people who know their terrain as the back of their hands and are aggrieved about the devastation of their creeks, rivers, streams and lands and

the destruction of their means of livelihood by oil exploitation since the late ’50s.

How can he crush people who are aggrieved that they are not benefiting from the black gold in their backyard and that they are still in the dark ages, while other parts of the country have been developed with the proceeds from the black gold?

Our president should swallow his pride by holding dialogue with the Niger Delta Avengers and addressing their grievances just like the late Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua did with the ex-militants,

before they cripple the mainstay of our economy and plunge our country into total blackout now that electricity output has dropped!

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 It is not surprising that the Sexual Harassment Bill before the Nigerian Senate has elicited passionate reactions from the public. The Bill is sponsored by Senator Ovie OmoAgege of Labour Party, representing Delta Central Senatorial District alongside 57 other senators, and is aptly titled: “A Bill For An Act To Make Provisions For The Prohibition Of Sexual Harassment Of Students,” In other words, students are the primary focus of the Bill, which has passed its second reading in the Senate and has been referred to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further action.

While presenting the Bill, Senator Omo-Agege had noted that when passed into law it would help to check the menace of sexual harassment of students in Nigerian higher institutions by those who are supposed to mentor them academically and morally. According to him: “This 8th Senate will be sending a very strong message that

Pass the sexual harassment Bill pronto ‘enough is enough,’ that never again will our students be left at the mercy of the few sexual predators in our tertiary institutions.”

But as the Senate began considering the Bill, some other senators who had bought into it wanted its scope widened to include sexual harassment of individuals in places other than the school environment.

The argument is that the Bill should not be tailor-made to prescribe or stipulate stiff penalties against only randy lecturers when many sexual predators are on the loose in the

larger society.

Indeed sexual harassment, based on our past and current experiences, has no borders as reports from the news media have proved. Cases abound even in the most unlikely places, including government and private offices, markets, bus-stops and places of worship.

We support, without reservations, the passage of this Bill into law as soon as possible. Those who argue about “provocative dressing” by female students should be reminded that the university environment is a

place for mature adults. So long as anyone’s dressing does not offend the law, “provocative dressing” is no justification for the epidemic of sexual harassment of students.

Only stiff penalties for offenders will reduce to the minimum the unbridled moral turpitude and outright sexual criminality that has for long enveloped our institutions of higher learning.

Beyond this, however, we believe that the society (made up of the family, the school, the religious groups and the government) owes it as a duty to nurture an ethical and moral culture that will foster responsible and decent behaviour among young people, including the way they comport themselves before others.

If the truth be told, the indecent manner many young Nigerian females dress these days leaves much to be desired, no thanks to their addiction to the pop culture imported from Europe and America.

OPINION Nigerians

and

By Sanni Usman

I

N 2001, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the federal government developed a National Biotechnology Policy to promote biotechnology.The signing of the National Biosafety Agency Bill into law on April 2015, by former President Goodluck Jonathan added Nigeria in the league of nations that legally practice modern agricultural biotechnology.

The National Biosafety Act is crucial in the management of modern biotechnology in the country, and signing the bill into law allows the domestication of the technology in Nigeria and enables the nation to utilise this cutting edge technology to create more employment, boost food production, that will put a smile on the faces of farmers, elevate hunger and ultimately enhance economic development.Biosafety means ensuring safety in the applications of modern biotechnology and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), and the signing of the biosafety bill into law provides the legal framework to check the activities of this technology locally as well as imported GM crops into the country. It also provides an avenue to engage Nigerian scientists/experts from different fields to identify and pursue solutions to our local challenges.

However, this development was received with mixed feelings as some Nigerians feel the nation is not yet ripe for the domestication of this technology, citing health and environmental concerns as reason.

Though no adverse effect has been recorded

illegal

biotech

products

via the application of modern biotechnology in other advanced countries that are already utilising it, the Federal Government of Nigeria in its wisdom established a biosafety regulatory agency, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), to ensure safe application of this new technology in the nation.

The Act established the NBMA charged with the responsibility of providing regulatory framework, institutional and administrative mechanism for safety measures in the

The agency has also shown its determination application of modern bio-technology in Nigeria with the view to preventing any adverse effect on human health, animals, plants and environment.

The coming in of the NBMA under an Act strengthens government’s position under a legal framework to achieve the important goal of using this technology as a tool. So, in actual sense the NBMA is the safety valve that the federal government has adopted to ensure that the practice of modern biotechnology in Nigeria is safe.

The process of the development of the Biosafety Act followed a systematic public involvement from 2002 to 2015, and the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 prescribes procedures for the application of modern technology, risk assessment before the adoption and use of any genetically modified organisms, and penalties for contravening the Biosafety Act. Since its establishment in 2015, the NBMA

takes its role as the biotechnology regulatory body very seriously and has already developed various regulatory instruments as well as laying down framework to ensure safe application of the technology in Nigeria.

The agency’s activities include surveying, tracking and profiling of GMO’s in Nigeria; enlightenment of the public on biosafety matters; consultation with sister regulatory agencies for partnership; development and reviewing of national biosafety regulations and guidelines and capacity building and training of staff of the agency.

Prior to the National Biosafety Law in Nigeria, there were GMO suspects which made their way into the Nigerian market through the nation’s porous borders from countries like America and Brazil, who are already consuming GMO products, but with the advent of the regulatory body one of its first assignments was to issue a moratorium to such companies, individuals or institutions dealing in unapproved modern biotechnology activities in the country to formalise their dealings with it to ensure that they’re suitable for our environment and health system.

To make sure this assignment is carried out effectively, the agency established a national biosafety lab for GM detection and analysis to ensure that all GMOs are properly analysed to prevent any adverse effect on environment and human health.

Apart from registering GMO products in the country, the agency has also gone ahead to accredit qualified institutes to carryout modern biotechnology activities in the country.

Five institutes have already received

approval from the agency to engage in biotechnology activities; they include the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike; Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria; Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); National Cereals Research Institute ,Badeggi and the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Abuja.

The agency has also shown its determination to make sure that Nigeria fully adheres to the tenets of the biosafety law which recognises the complex issues to be addressed by Central Authorities in the judicious application of Modern Biotechnology; it bases the deliberate release of GMO on Advance Informed Agreement”.

Biosafety Law defines offences and penalty for violation of the act; contains powers to authorise release of GMOs and practice of modern biotechnology activities and confers the power to carry out risk assessment/ management before the release, handling and use of GMOs, It also covers all genetically modified organisms/Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and products thereof including food/feed and processing, and socioeconomic consideration in risk assessment.

The agency has at various fora’s assured Nigerians that the law will also promote active commercialisation of the research and development projects in our various universities and research institutes hence improving our economy.

*Mr. Usman, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Makurdi, Benue State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, June 3, 2016— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com the United States and its NATO allies, established, trained and funded the Mujahideen rebels.

The latter attracted young Muslims from the Arab world like Osama Bin laden to fight in the war. Laden created the alQaeda which was accused of being responsible for the horrendous 9/11 attacks in United States. The Americans and their allies invaded

The seas do not require human sacrifice HE Mediterranean Sea for of the 100,000 that headed for three days last week Canada in 1847 perished either T claimed over seven hundred on the way or on arrival. But the lives. The extent of this tragedy, was enough for the United Nations to call an emergency Security Council meeting. But no serious reaction came from those who claim to be protectors of the human race. On Wednesday, May 25, a boat carrying about 600 persons capsized. The body count is ongoing. The next day, a boat which did not have an engine but nevertheless carried 670 souls, capsized as it was being towed by another boat. Five hundred and fifty persons from this boat, are missing. Then on Friday, May 27, another boat, sank. No part of humanity can wash its hands off these tragedies.

Not since the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 which resulted in about 1.3 million deaths and over one million Irish taking to the seas in so called Coffin Ships to reach England, Wales, Australia and North America, has humanity witnessed such calamity. The Irish journeys were so tragic that for instance, over 20,000 Irish

170 years that separate the desperate Irish sea journey to America and the current one to Europe, should have prepared humanity against this 21st century calamity.

What makes the current case worse, is that while the Irish famine was a combination of natural and British-tailored disasters, the current one is essentially man-made. Forty one percent of the those making the precarious journey to Europe, are Syrians fleeing war. The war in Syria is a proxy one by the United States, Europe and some Middle East countries to get rid of the Bashar al-Assad Government. To achieve this, they created, trained, armed and funded ISIS which has become an uncontrollable monster.

Twenty one percent are Afghans; a long suffering people.

The Afghan Civil War of December 1979 to February 1989 was a proxy one reflecting the Cold War. The defunct Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies supported the Government while

A humanity that will cry over the killing of a lion, weep for the shooting of a gorilla and mourn the passing of a dog, but has no tears for 700 human beings drowned in the seas over three days in avoidable tragedies, needs to re-examine itself Afghanistan to get Bin Laden out; 26,270 civilians have been killed since 2001, Bin Laden is dead, but the war continues. So for many Afghans, the choice is to flee.

Thirteen percent are Iraqis.

That country under Sadam Hussein was fiercely antiterrorist. Under the false claims that the country had Weapons of Mass Destruction and was a State Sponsor of Terrorism, America, Britain and their allies including Australia, Denmark, Poland, invaded it from March 20, 2003.

They succeeded in destroying Sadam and his regime, and of course, Iraq itself. Iraq became a failed state, ISIS carved out large portions of it for its Caliphate, the victors control its oil and many became refugees.

Apart from those trying to escape violence in Somalia, Libya and Pakistan, these figures show that 75 percent of the refugees are from the war torn countries of Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, which gives a lie to claims that they are mainly, economic refugees. Even the few economic refugees reflect partly, the failure of globalisation to meet basic human needs that will make living meaningful. A world of desperate people who have nothing to live for, cannot be a safe one.

People fleeing violence, hunger and uncertainty for whom possible watery death, is preferable to living in their countries, cannot be stopped. In 2015, we lost over 3,500 of such people to the seas, while in the first five months of this year, at least 2,500 have been lost. Those lost to the seas, sometimes with their entire families, had hopes of a better life and future; they had loved ones who looked forward to seeing them.

A humanity that will cry over the killing of a lion, weep for the shooting of a gorilla and mourn the passing of a dog, but has no tears for 700 human beings drowned in the seas over three days in avoidable tragedies, needs to re-examine itself.

After over six decades of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and humanity getting to the level of protesting the detention of a single individual, the impression was that all human lives matter; so why does it look the other way when

Enugu’s conversation on rural development

By Sheddy Ozoene HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, T governorship campaigns for the 2015 elections that ushered in Governor

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu state was ran on the mantra of continuity and consolidation. Ugwuanyi had pledged to continue in the strides of his predecessor in office, Sullivan Chime who confronted the challenges of the state’s development commendably.

Just as it was during Chime’s tenure, rural development has been the fundamental issue, but departing from the old pattern, Governor Ugwuanyi has latched on a new paradigm that integrates rural development with his administration’s other key policies of economic growth, social services and employment generation. While the previous administration received accolades for its superlative performance in this sector, it is obvious that Ugwuanyi has determined to showcase his efforts in rural development around the massive upgrade of two semi-urban towns in the state: the urbanisation of Nsukka and the Ninth Mile Corner with its multiplier effects in the increased volume of economic activities and the concomitant employment and social well-being it will generate.

One year into Ugwuanyi’s tenure, that conversation in transformation is already ongoing with both towns already turned into huge construction sites. It is safe to say that though rehabilitation of infrastructure is similarly taking place in many other places across the state, those of Nsukka and the Ninth Mile axis where durable roads have increasingly displaced dilapidated and impassable roads and other social amenities are being provided, are easily the most ambitious of all his projects so far. The question is:

why has the upgrade of both areas become so compelling and how has the administration fared in the task against the background of the nation’s harsh economic realities?

As we seek to interrogate the issue, it is worthy of note that both semi-urban areas are unique in their individual contexts, but the upgrade of Nsukka is significant in more ways than one. Beyond the creation of an urban area to boost economic growth, it was also about according Nsukka — a university town founded over a century ago—its due in terms of social and economic upliftment.

In line with this, the governor appears resolved to modernising the state’s second

The events of the past year give a foretaste of what Ugwuanyi’s tenure portends largest city in a way that it can compete with other university towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses and other industrial support ventures.

After years of neglect by successive administrations which paid lip service to the development of vital social infrastructure in Nsukka, Ugwuanyi is indeed walking his talk. Though the dualisation of the Opi-Nsukka road has been on the drawing board since the tenure of the first governor of Enugu State Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, successive administrations failed to keep faith with the project which was of central relevance to the overall development of the

University city. Since then, the gateway to the city of Nsukka has remained a nightmare to travellers until the present governor who had made it an issue during his 2015 election campaign, redeemed his promise. Other roads flagged off by the governor in the state’s second commercial city are the Oberechara Road junctionUmuakashi-Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels Junction Road; Post Office Roundabout-Odenigbo RoundaboutOgurugu Road-Ikenga Hotels Junction Road; Enugu Road (Nsukka) Junction Umezedi-Nru Junction and the University Gate Road.

Second to the Opi-Nsukka road dualisation, in terms of magnitude and significance, is the construction of the Udenu Ring Road. The project which covers 42 kilometres and passes through seven communities, has been reoccurring in the state’s budget without execution since the early 80s before the administration broke the jinx and awarded the contract for its construction.

But while road construction may not be considered the only index of development, it is no doubt a major factor. Beyond road construction, however, the administration has also activated the major water project for the area and approved the construction of a 200-bed specialist hospital in Orba. These are in addition to several electrification projects that will all feed into the city’s urban development profile.

The Ninth Mile Corner may not be as big a city as Nsukka but its historical neglect is in several ways similar. It has faced series of failed promises of a facelift and its position as an economic hub in the state as well as the South East region, was largely lost on successive administrations at state and federal levels. Nowhere is this neglect as pronounced as the road network in the state’s melting pot of business and commerce, haulage and public transportation. Home to two of the South

hundreds of people are drowned at sea? Is it because they are poor, defenceless people? In the past five months, over 2,500 people are either dead or missing in the tidal waves of the Mediterranean Sea compared to 3,500 in the whole of 2015. What this shows is that painful watery graves, are no deterrent, nor are the woolyheaded measures taken to stop more people taking to the seas.

The Australia option of dumping refugees in detention camps outside its shores, is criminal.

The European Union measure of blocking the refugees from leaving Greece and pushing them to large holding centres in Turkey - having bribed that country with money and promises of incorporation into EU and visa-free programme - will also not work. In fact, this new EU 'policy' has made the crises even more bizarre. While some months ago, the precarious journey in the seas to reach Europe, was undertaken from Asia and Africa, now those who survived the seas to get to Greece, are undertaking another dangerous sea journey; an intraEuropean one from Greece to Italy.

In the short term, humanity needs to welcome the migrants.

In the medium, Europe, Australia, America and other destinations of choice for the refugees, should provide visa for the most vulnerable which to me, are those fleeing wars and violence. On the long term, we need to address the core reasons for this migration including ending the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria, defeating ISIS and terrorism, and evolving a just globalisation from which all humanity will benefit.

East’s largest breweries, bottling companies and several manufacturing concerns, the poor roads have been a nightmare to product truckers, commuters and natives alike. For decades, the city has become synonymous with human congestion while traffic gridlocks have always been commonplace. Governor Ugwuanyi believes that the 9th Mile sub-urban is an economic hub that the state needs to harness in order to enjoy the benefits of its newly acquired status as a free trade zone.

After decades of expectations by the people that governments at state and federal levels would address the poor road networks and save lives that are perennially lost on them through avoidable accidents, Governor Ugwuanyi’s response has come like a fresh wind. Among the road projects flagged off within his first six months are the construction of the two major roads within the axis, namely the Ameke NgwoNsude junction by-pass and the Ninth mile Corner by-pass. The roads are strategic and their importance can only be measured against the relief it brings to commuters who usually experience the problematic gridlocks. Even the Ebeano by-pass, a federal government road that was expected to kick-off the EnuguMakurdi dual carriageway, has not been revisited since 2005 when President Obasanjo first flagged it off amidst fanfare. The earthwork that once made it motorable in the interim for use during high traffic periods of Christmas, has since been washed off while gulleys have taken over.

If Governor Chime’s eight years has been an era of exceptional transformation in physical infrastructure in the state, the events of the past year give a foretaste of what Ugwuanyi’s tenure portends: a period during which rural development will be redefined by the impact it has—in real terms— on the people’s wellbeing.

*Mr. Ozoene, a publisher, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Nigeria’s Barkindo is new OPEC scribe

By Michael Eboh

F

ORMER Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Mohammed Barkindo, was yesterday, appointed Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

According to a statement by OPEC, after the 169th Meeting of the Conference, Barkindo’s appointment would take effect from August 1, 2016, and he is expected to serve for a period of three years.

Barkindo is to take over from Abdalla Salem El-Badri, who held the position for over nine years. El-Badri was supposed to leave at the end of 2012, but his tenure was extended due to the fact that member countries of OPEC could not reach a consensus on his replacement.

OPEC members commended El-Badri for his leadership of the Secretariat and the Organisation during his tenure as Secretary General.

In addition, the conference stated that global crude oil production had dropped by over one million barrel per day, from its peak at the beginning of 2015, while it projected a further decline of 740,000 barrels per day by 2016.

According to the conference, global demand is anticipated to expand by 1.2 million barrels per day, after growing at 1.5 million barrels per day during 2015.

This demand growth, OPEC noted, remains relatively healthy considering recent economic challenges and developments.

It said, “The Conference observed that, since its last meeting in December 2015, crude oil prices have risen by more than 80 per cent, supply and demand is converging and oil and product stock levels in the OECD have recently shown relative moderation.

“This is testament to the fact

Dr. Mohammed Barkindo that the market is moving through the balancing process.

The latest numbers, however, still show OECD and non-

efficient and economic supply to consuming countries and a fair return to investors in the oil industry.

Continuing, the statement reads, “Member countries, in agreeing to this decision, confirmed their commitment to a stable and balanced oil market, with prices at levels that are suitable for both producers and consumers.

“While emphasizing its commitment to ensuring a longterm stable and balanced oil market for both producers and consumers, the Conference stressed that, given the current market conditions, the Secretariat should continue to closely monitor developments in the coming months.”

FORUM: From left, Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Mrs. Iyadunni Olubode, and Board Chair, LEAP Africa, Mrs. Nadu Denloye, at a press conference on the 11th edition of the LEAP Africa CEO Forum, sponsored by Sterling Bank, in Lagos.

IATA asks Nigeria to release $591m foreign airlines’ revenues

T

he International Air T r a n s p o r t Association (IATA) yesterday called for countries with tight $122.00 0.45 currency exchange rate controls including $3,035.00 -24.00 Venezuela and Nigeria to release $5 billion worth of local ticket sales revenues owed to foreign airlines, or risk losing their $49.77 0.05 services. Two airlines, Lufthansa and LATAM Airlines, said this week they were halting CURRENCY BUYING SELLING flights to Venezuela, US 196 196.5 197 with the German 283 .024 283.746 284. 468 DOLLAR carrier saying the 219.2064 219.7656 220.3248 POUNDS 198.2401 198.7458 199.2515 EURO South American 1.796 1.8006 1.8052 FRANC country owed it more 0.3141 0.3241 0.3341 YEN than $100 million in 274.2666 274. 9662 275.6659 CFA local ticket sales.

29.7836 29.86 29.9365 WAUA IATA said that airline 52.2583 52.3916 52.5249 RENMINBI 29.4701 29.5453 29.6205 RIYAL revenues worth $5 billion were currently CBN Exchange rate as at 02/06/2016 being blocked by

C M Y K

OECD inventories standing well above the five-year average and these need to be drawn down to normal levels.

“The Conference also noted the very low investment level currently prevailing in the oil industry and emphasized the need to increase upstream investment in order to achieve long-term balance in the oil markets.”

Furthermore, the OPEC conference re-emphasized the coordination between Member Countries and with non-OPEC producers to ensure market stability in the global oil market; to obtain reasonable and sustainable revenue for oilproducing nations; and to provide a stable, reliable,

countries, with Venezuela and Nigeria the biggest culprits, effectively withholding $3.78 billion and $591 million respectively. Sudan, Egypt and Angola are also

The efficient repatriation of revenues is critical for airlines to be able to play their role as a catalyst for economic activity

blocking the repatriation of airlines’ revenues.

“The efficient repatriation of revenues is critical for airlines to be able to play their role as a catalyst for economic activity,” said IATA’s Director General Tony Tyler in a statement at the airline group’s annual meeting in Dublin. Currency controls in Venezuela have caused airlines difficulties for some time, with IATA saying the situation became critical in 2015, while in Nigeria, repatriation issues began in the second half of last year.

Lufthansa is unable to access $20 million of ticket revenues in Nigeria because of foreign exchange controls and could cut capacity if that amount grows, sources have said.

IATA said that the Nigerian authorities were in talks with the airlines to seek possible measures to make the funds available.

— 21

Union Bank shareholders approve change of MEMART Peter Egwuatu

T

he shareholders of Union Bank Nigeria Plc at the 47th Annual General Meeting, AGM held in Lagos, yesterday, approved the proposal by its Board of Directors to change the bank’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART).

The shareholders also decried the non payment of dividend by the bank for eight years, stressing the need for the board to cut its expenses to be able to pay dividend in the nearest future.

Meanwhile, the bank has backed the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy by developing non oil sectors .

Addressing shareholders at the meeting on the outlook for 2016, Chairman of Union Bank, Mr. Cyril Odu said “We expect the challenging macroeconomic environment to persist in2016 with oil prices remaining depressed.

Nevertheless, we expect that the government executes its economic priorities –seeking further diversification of the economy and increasing investments in capital infrastructure- the non oil sectors should receive a boost, creating significant opportunity for consumers, industry and investors.”

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nonah Awoh, a shareholder activist said “There is need for the bank to cut its expenses and for the directors to put extra effort to ensure that shareholders are rewarded for their patience and loyalty over the years. Going by what I see from the annual report, it means that the bank are not likely to pay dividend until 2028.

Another shareholder, Chief Joseph Okelana also called on the bank to intensify its efforts at recovering debts owed to the bank from debtors.

According to him, “Though, it is difficult to recover debt,but more effort should be made to ensure that substantial debts are recovered especially those internally related ones. In as much as the bank knows them, then it should be able to recover some of these debts. It is true that our commercial law protect the borrower and not the lender, nevertheless management should all go out to recover this debt in order to enable it pay dividend to shareholders in the nearest future. Also cost reduction measure should be put in place.”

Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Emuwa said “The bank will do all it can to recover more debts from debtors.”

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Aflatoxin: IITA leads fight against prevalence in food … impact health, trade

By Jimoh Babatunde

M

OST Nigerians consume crops like maize, groundnut and cassava, but unknown to majority these crops are susceptible to Aflatoxins, which are highly toxic to humans and animals.

Aflatoxin is a poison produced by the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus flavus that infects various crops in the fields and stores making food and feed unsafe.

According to Scientists, consuming foods containing Aflatoxins can cause death both in animals and human.

Aflatoxins are estimated to cause about 5 percent to 30 percent of all liver cancers especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Aflatoxin contamination is pervasive in the food and feed production systems in subSaharan Africa leading to unknown but significant social and economic cost with respect to impaired health and productivity of people and animals, increased food spoilage, and inability to market agricultural products internationally.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has carried out several research on the effects of Aflotoxin on human health as well as Africa’s food economy. In one of the studies, an association between aflatoxin exposure and stunted growth in children under five years old was established.

Alejandro Ortega disclosed recently that in Togo and Benin that many children may be affected by aflatoxin- associated stunted growth. This means that aflatoxins could be contributing to a significant public health burden in developing countries.

“Children exposed to aflatoxins contaminated food have 28% reduced growth rate in comparison to other children.”

How does aflatoxin affect Africa’s food economy?

It has also been established that Aflatoxins contribute to nutritional and economic losses in major commodities including groundnuts, maize, sorghum, cassava, yam chips, cotton seeds, coffee, cocoa, copra and oils.

Speaking recently in Lagos at Year 3 innovation platform and market linkages workshop put together by IITA for maizeproducing organisations and farmers, involved in the AgResults Aflasafe™ project, Mrs. Stella Denloye said Aflatoxin contamination contributes to pre and post harvest losses in many C M Y K

aggregators ,called Implementers, working with smallholder farmers, through a pull mechanism that pays for results and provides a per-unit award tied to the tonnage of AflasafeTM treated maize Implementers collect from their farmers.”

While noting that the project is private sector driven which is focus on smallholder farmers, Akande said the private and public sector enterprises provide inputs and farm services including Aflasafe™ to their constituent farmers at cost.

Akande added that the target for the project is to produce 260,000 tons of maize in 4 years, adding that IITA is looking for every opportunity to have the aflosafe seeds in the hands of farmers in Nigeria.

Aflasafe

•A maize cob with Aspergillus mold. crops which can directly reduce availability of food , just as it also prevents commodities from meeting international, regional , local regulations, and standards governing agricultural trade and food safety.

“Contaminated food is effectively lost as it must be destroyed because alternative uses are not readily available.

Small-scale farmers are said to be hard hit , since contaminated crops do not meet food safety standards, aflatoxin contamination undermines local purchase programmes by development partners and access to other markets.

“It also hinders investments in seeds, tools and fertilizers, intended to boost agricultural development and trade.”

Also speaking on the effect of aflatoxin on poultry business, Dr. Victor Oduguwa, said when you feed chicken with toxin infested maize it really stresses them, “because what you are trying to achieve when you give them food is to convert that food to egg in our case. But when all the internal organ are stressed then you disturb the conversion ability of that food into eggs , so the conversion can not happen.

“The chicken is sick, they start coughing blood, plus our environment where we have a little bit of temperature , you get all the stresses and this is just bad for the business.

“So what do we do, we spend more money buying toxin binder to try and inhibit the effect of the toxin on the chicken.”

Dr. Victor Oduguwa added “I can not over emphasis the impact this has on our business, many of the chicken die because of the feed we give to them and what

we give to them to reduce the stress, but no amount of toxin binder we give them can remove the poisonous effect from their system , so the mortality rate increased.

Just as your production of egg will reduced and it cost farmers more.”

Denloye, in her presentation on Aflatoxin and challenges to doing business in Nigeria while calling for awareness on the parts of farmers and consumers, said there is need for organise system to detect potential food contamination as research based intervention.

It was gathered that visual inspection cannot provide a good estimate of aflatoxins since cleanlooking grains are often contaminated too. Chemical analysis of crop products is the most reliable way to determine the level of aflatoxins in food and feeds.

On prevention Dr. Debo Akande, the Nigeria leader of the AgResults pilot , a multi-donor initiative aimed at boosting global agriculture and

Children exposed to aflatoxins contaminated food have 28% reduced growth rate in comparison to other children

food security through private sector-led innovations, speaking at the workshop in Lagos noted that in diversifying into agriculture that there is need not only to look at the quantity of food produced but the quality also, “so, it is important to take into consideration the health of the people.”

Food quality and safety issues resulting from aflatoxin contamination has presented a significant obstacle to programs designed to improve nutrition and agricultural production while linking small farmers to markets.

To link small farmers to markets, and to improve food production and quality, it’s clear that unless aflatoxin levels in crops and livestock are effectively managed, agricultural development efforts at achieving greater food security and improve health will be undermined.

Speaking on Increasing Production and Quality of maize through AgResults Aflasafe, Dr. Akande said the workshop is to facilitate a better understanding of aflatoxin issues and market challenges on sources of supply and demand of aflatoxin safe maize, creating and enhancing business relationships between aflasafe farmers and end-users of maize.

He noted that Aflasafe is a natural bio-control product developed by IITA and partners to help farmers manage aflatoxin contamination on cereal and grain products in the field and in the store.

“This event is one of many processes adopted under the AgResults Aflasafe™ project to improve farmers’ access to aflatoxin reduced maize market.

“The project incentivizes

Aflasafe™ was developed by IITA in collaboration with Agriculture Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Bonn and University of Ibadan. More than 4200 strains of Aspergillus species from naturally infected maize cobs collected from farmers’ fields and stores in Nigeria were evaluated .

After six years of meticulous and painstaking research using several microbiology, plant pathology, molecular biology and toxicology methods, 12 safe and effective atoxigenic strains were identified out of which four were further tested for six years in experiment stations and farmers’ fields in Nigeria.

Akande disclosed that aflasafe treated maize is safer for poultry farmers in the country.

A member of the Aflasafe team in Nigeria, Alejandro Ortega added that there is increased livestock productivity and profitability due to incorporation of aflatoxin-reduced crops in the feed value chain.

This was confirmed by Dr. Victor Oduguwa, a poultry farmer, who said the aflasafe treated maize had actually made them to realize the effect of the stress and the heat their chicken go through , “ for the first time using aflasafe maize, we discovered it was a combination of the toxin and the heat stress that aggravate this mortality of our chicken because this year we used aflatoxin maize and the toxin level went down, we did not have to do more this time around to deal with the heat stress. “So, definitely this is the right way to go, because it will help the farmer to preserve their livestock better , it will help to give better products and it will give us peace of mind.”

He added that before now buying maize in the open market they get up to 400ppb, the amount of toxin in the maize, as they don’t really know what they were going to get.

“When we ask the suppliers why it is so, they say that is what they can give. You spend more buying maize, but your chicken are dying because you can not give the maize like that as you

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 , 2016

•Borrofice

•Akeredolu

•Olabimtan

•Alasoadura

•Akinrinsola

•Agunloye

Ondo guber polls 2016: Intrigues, power

play among APC’s 50 aspirants

By Dayo Johnson THREE months to the primaries to pick the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Ondo State, internal wranglings within its leadership is threatening the Party.

Infact the storm is gathering as intrigues are the order of the day even among the over 50 aspirants jostling for the governorship seat.

The in-fighting and intrigues within the party came to the fore last weekend at an unusual place.

Before now the party leadership has been polarized.

Some of the state party executives members have reportedly pitched their tents with the leading governorship aspirants of the party.

Infact many of them do it openly with impunity and this had created bad blood within the party.

Governorship aspirants have been at each others C M Y K

throats, taking each other to the cleaners on the social media in a bid to whittle down each others popularity. This had consequently earned them warnings by the state executive of the party.

The choice of Prof Claudius Daramola as the minister representing the state by President Muhamadu Buhari did not go down well with many Chieftains of the party as he was seen as an “ outsider” who was not feasible during the struggle to make the party relevant in the state.

His choice was said to have been aided by Senator Ajayi Boroffice who was said to have lobbied “ seriously” for him to be picked for his own selfish interest.

Senator Boroffice calculation

was that if Daramola was picked as the Minister representing the state, his

His choice was said to have been aided by Senator Ajayi Boroffice who was said to have lobbied "seriously” for him to be picked for his own selfish interest chances of emerging the governorship candidate of the party in the November election would be brighter.

Daramola hails from the South Senatorial district while Boroffice is from the North.

Also the party state Chairman Hon Isaac Kekemeke is from the South.

For fairness and justice Boroffice opined that the governorship candidate would not emerge from the zone which had produced the two key positions.

However, he may have miscalculated as the leadership of the party insists that it would not zone the governorship position but instead allow the best candidate to emerge democratically through primaries in August this year.

The choice of Daramola then gave Boroffice an added

IN THIS EDITION

Fayose vs Ekiti workers: Who blinks first?

•Page 24

Ogun joins debate to ban Okada or not •Page 25

advantage and this did not go down well with many party leaders who have sympathy for other aspirants aside from Boroffice . To them the choice of Daramola has shot out aspirants from the Southern senatorial areas.

Even at that aspirants from the North are also in disarray as their number is unprecedented. But many of them are jesters.

However, two leading political office holders in the party last week engaged in a face off, which sent wrong signals across the state that all was not well within the leadership of the party.

The minister of state for Niger Delta, Prof. Daramola and the state Chairman Hon Kekemeke were involved in an altercation that almost degenerated into fisticuffs at the residence of one of the Senators representing the state Chief Tayo Alasoadura who lost his wife.

Reports had it that when the State party Chairman greeted the minister, his aide took exception to the way and manner “ a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” was being greeted.

To show that there existed before now some animosity between the two leaders as it was believed that Kekemeke was not in support of the choice of the minister, the aide who is the Special Assistant SA to the minister, Nat Adojutelegan, reportedly shoved the state chairman aside asking him to “ show some respect to the office of the minister and stop playing to the gallery.”

Eyewitness accounts told Vanguard that Adojutelegan also did not like how the chairman addressed the minister “ Baba” instead of “ Hon Minister ” and how he held the federal officer as if he was his junior.

The SA was said to have shoved the state chairman away in order to maintain a distance and abuses rent the air.

An unconfirmed source said that a minor clash between supporters of the state chairman and that of the minister ensued until common sense prevailed.

Vanguard gathered that the minister did not call his aide to order as he seems to enjoy the treatment meted out to the

Continues on page 24

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

EKITI STATE

Fayose vs Ekiti workers: Who blinks first?

By Rotimi Ojomoyela THE one and half years honeymoon between the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose and organised labour appears to have hit the rocks, as the two are currently at daggers drawn over unpaid salaries and sundry issues.

Until, Thursday 26th of May, Governor Fayose enjoyed the confidence and absolute loyalty of the workers. It is not far fetched that the over 51,000 workforce in Ekiti State played a significant role in his resounding victory at the June 21, 2014 governorship poll in the state .

Indeed, Fayose rode to power on the credentials of being workers’ friendly and Ekiti being a civil service state, the opinion of the workers carries massive weight as to who occupies the governorship seat at Oke-Ori Omi Government House.

Genesis of the crisis Trouble started on Thursday, 26th of May, when the workers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, declared an indefinite industrial action, after the expiration of the 24 and 48 hour ultimatums after which windows of negotiations were closed.

All government offices were put under lock and key, as governance was rendered prostrate. Only few of the political appointees were seen doing skeletal work in their offices.

The unions had on Tuesday, the 17th of May, first issued a 24 hour ultimatum to Governor Fayose to pay a sum of N512 million being money deducted from December, 2015 salary or face industrial action.

The strike was later shelved due to the nationwide strike declared to protest hikes in fuel price by the federal government.

After the suspension of the nationwide strike on Sunday night, the unions after their joint meeting of Tuesday, May 24 issued another 48 hours to the governor on the need to address some of their sundry demands to avert the crisis, which lapsed on midnight Wednesday A statement signed by chairmen of TUC, Coms Odunayo Adesoye, NLC, Ade Adesanmi and JNI Secretary , C M Y K

Oladele Blessing , said the strike became the last resort after they had displayed uncommon understanding over the state’s financial status. .

Workers’ demand The workers’ demands are: the release of the staff audit and verification conducted in April , 2015, disclosure of the monthly internally generated revenue, payment of arrears of salaries pension and gratuities, payment of September 2014 salary to primary school teachers, payment of 2014 and 2015 leave bonuses.

Others include: implementation of promotion for 2013, 2014, 2015, approval of inter-cadre transfer, remission of10% IGR to local government and stoppage of Joint Allocation Committee’s account, resuscitation of LG staff pension funds and release of running grants to secondary schools and LGs. The labour leaders said: “Your Excellency Sir, we have remained calm since these days hoping that respite will soon come our way, but hope is becoming a mirage. Besides, there is a limit to endurance”, they said.

Governor Fayose’s reaction But reacting to the strike in a televised broadcast on Thursday, Fayose said the state was facing a serious financial crises that may not enable it meet up with certain

The ongoing strike is not an ego trip or politically motivated, but about the rights of workers and pensioners who are dying daily out of hunger and frustration responsibilities immediately.

He said workers monthly wage bill is currently over N2 billion whereas federal allocation keep reducing from almost N3 billion to as low as

•Gov. Ayodele Fayose

N751 million in April, adding that the workers are privy to the state’s allocation and are active participants in the sharing committee.

“Even before going on their strike, I got to know that many of them no longer go to office while many others were going late, but why I refused to come hard on those involved was that I had no moral justification to do so since I know we were owing them.

“I cannot stop workers from going on strike, we shall be waiting till when they come back, but they must realise that a strike is not the best option.

“Even in Government House, we don’t have money to power generators, whereas, I cannot sell myself or members of my family to raise funds,things are that difficult,” Fayose said.

The Governor, therefore threatened to invoke the nowork-no-pay rule, probably to coerce the striking workers to

return to their duty posts.

Labour replies In another statement issued on Sunday being the outcome of an emergency meeting held at the Labour House in AdoEkiti on Saturday , the Unions said that : “The ongoing strike is not an ego trip or politically motivated, but about the rights of workers and pensioners who are dying daily out of hunger and frustration”.

They said contrary to common statement by the governor of incorporating representatives of labour unions in the state’s monthly cash allocation meetings, “The meeting is only a briefing and not a cash allocation meeting. So, the idea of labour leaders sharing monthly cash allocation and the governor approving does not arise.

"There has never been any advice or suggestion given to government by the organised

labour at this forum that has ever been taken”.

They disagreed there was ever a time they reached accords with government to pay only net salary which would exclude cooperative deductions, bank loans and union dues, expressing regrets the governor himself had condemned net payment when he came on board and during his election campaigns had dismissed same as a ‘fraud’.

Conflicting figures of Internally Generated Revenue Another issue that raised the ire of the Organised Labour was the figure of the internally generated revenue (IGR) reeled out by the Governor Fayose. According to them, “the Accountant General had given figures which ranged between only N150m and N200m, except that of N268m

Continue on page 25

Ondo guber polls 2016: Intrigues, power play among APC’s 50 aspirants reasonably believe that selfContinues from page 23

state chairman of the party.

It was gathered that the treatment given to the chairman was a script carefully written and played out to ridicule him for not supporting the minister ’s choice.

The state chairman, Hon Kekemeke in a statement he personally signed said he had “no issue whatsoever with the Honourable Minister of State for the Niger Delta Affairs, Professor Claudius Daramola contrary to speculations in some quarters.

“I am constrained to unusually and personally react to the James Hardley Chase story making the rounds that only desperation that could have made a Party Chairman to utter that false

statement in the circumstances. It exhibited the lowest of the low. What a shame. The arguments or altercations occurred in daylight in the presence of some members of the press and about 100 party members.

“I invite Mr. Kekemeke to refer the incident to the party national secretariat for investigation.

“I joined active politics in order to contribute to bringing about social change in Nigeria, and Ondo Stae in particular. To this end, I have made substantial financial and other contributions. My parents taught me good manners, which include selfrespect, self-regard, and selfrestraint. “ My father used to refer to these ideals as the three “Rs.” The base of self-respect is mutual respect. Also, I

respect precludes an individual from engaging in disrespectful comments or jokes about others, especially our elders.

“With a sense of modesty, I daresay that my background brought about my intervention to stop the Chairman’s from belittling the honourable minister in public glare.

“I would like to reiterate that Mr. Kekemeke or the State Working Committee should refer this matter to the party national secretariat for a thorough investigation."

Meanwhile, leaders of the party have called for cease fire from all warring party chieftains in the interest of winning the November governorship election.

Going into the election as a divided house, according to them, will spell doom for the party.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 —25

OGUN STATE

Ogun joins debate on okada ban

By Daud Olatunji THE unending debate on whether to ban the use of motocycles as a means of public transport has moved to Ogun state.

The argument for or against the ban, like in all cases, depends on the side of the divide one belongs.

Before any concrete step is taken, some stakeholders in government, security and transportation sectors gathered in the state to marshal their points.

The stakeholders include; Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Suraj Adekumbi, a foreign investor Monish Lakhani and the South West Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN- Samsudeen Apelogun .

Leaders of the operators of commercial motorcycles, as expected, warned against its ban to prevent throwing the seven million youths who they say are in the business, into the already saturated unemployment market, the security chiefs present believe the Okada business is fuelling crime.

In many parts of the country , Okada business had been banned and later resuscitated following the rate of accidents and security challenges.

In Ogun State, the Police announced the disbandment of Okada business due to the high rate of crimes in Sagamu and some parts in Ijebu axis which they believed was perpetrated thorough the use of motorcycles.

In Ondo State government had also suspended the operation of commercial motorcycles but that was later reversed.

The state governor , Senator Ibikunle Amosun who spoke at a-two day seminar organised

by ACOMORAN in Abeokuta, advocated the restructuring of commercial motorcycling business in the country towards tackling insecurity and stimulating employment generation.

The governor while speaking on the theme “building capacity in the transportation sector : Panacea for economic down turn, a case study of commercial motorcycling” , noted that commercial motorcycling had become a major industry in the nation’s transportation.

The governor who was represented by the state House of Assembly Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, said while the sector creates teeming employment C M Y K

Participants at the ACOMORAN event in Abeokuta opportunities, governments and stakeholders must adequately regulate it to forestall hijacking by criminal elements.

He assured that his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for the transportation sector to thrive.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali who also addressed the gathering called for the setting up of a special team to monitor okada riders towards curbing the activities of illegal riders.

Ali said he was surprised that many commercial motorcyclists were involved in kidnapping, car-snatching, armed robbery, cultism and sundry crimes , urging ACOMORAN to partner with security agencies

towards flushing out bad eggs in the business.

He however, insisted that compulsory registration of all commercial motorcyclists, use of operational jackets and numbers and working within stipulated hours would go a long way in drastically reducing criminal activities associated with okadas in the country.

The Police chief urged the association to partner with security agencies in the fight to curb crimes and also do all within its ambit to sanitize its membership in order to expose those tarnishing their image.

He said: “I want to call on the association to be proactive in getting involved in security issues; partner with police and other security agencies.

ACOMORAN must be seen to be above board.

“Commercial motorcyclists have to get involved in security issues. You must inform security agencies of any suspicious activities.

Kidnapping, car-snatching, armed robbery and cultism have been on the rise. It is surprising that most riders are also involved in those activities.

“The police are committed to fighting crime and criminalities in the state. Members of ACOMORAN must be seen to be above board.

But, in his reaction, the South West Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Samsudeen Apelogun stressed that

commercial motorcycle activities remain one of the most critical sectors in the nation’s economy.

Apelogun emphasised that the association is playing a great roles in tackling unemployment and ensuring revenue generation for the country.

Apelogun who kicked against the ban placed on commercial motorcycling in some states, warning state governments against indiscriminate ban of commercial motorcyclists popularly known as ‘Okada.

He sated that such move without adequate alternatives would lead to further suffering of the people, adding that the banning would also engender a greater security threat.

He said over seven million Nigerians are already employed in commercial motorcycling transportation sub-sector, stressing that placing a ban on their activities would further worsen Nigeria’s “I hereby suggest that the government and stakeholders of those states should strengthen the commercial motorcycling sector and see how best they can contribute to the purse of the state.

“We also want to use this occasion to let the entire world know that commercial motorcycling is a business worth investing in because we have noble men and women and highly educated people as stakeholders in this association."

“We are professionals like any other professionals, that is why you always allow us to temporarily take charge of your life when you ask us to take you from one destination to another.”

FAYOSE VS EKITI WORKERS: Who blinks first?

Continues from page 24 for April, the highest so declared by her.

The Governor during the media chat gave N267m for Sept. 2015; N252m for Oct. 2015; N195m for Nov. 2015; and N181m for Dec 2015.

“For Jan, Feb and March, the accruals, according to the governor, were N389m, N381m, and N302million respectively," adding: “Labour was embarrassed to hear the monthly IGR read on air by His Excellency.”

Punishment for erring workers The leadership of the Unions further berated the governor for his planned decision to pay

only the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), a section of workers in the state, which had decided to pull out of the ongoing strike action, urging the entire workforce to remain in their various houses until otherwise directed by their respective unions.

Those who disregarded the directives of the Union and reported at work on Thursday had a bitter story to tell, as they were beaten up and treated as saboteurs.

The picketing was done by a task force set up by the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ade Adesanmi, TUC, Comrade Odunayo Adesoye and Joint Negotiating Council.

The rampaging task force, who brandished cudgels ,

visited the old and new governor’s offices and chased out those on essential services, especially the staff of the protocol unit, those on directorate cadre and staff of the internal revenue service.

A leader of the Task Force, Comrade Kingsley Ebong, said those who flouted their order were believed to be benefiting from the system or being used to sabotage the strike.

Face-off with the Head of Service The organised Labour called on their members to discountenance the threat by the Head of Service , Dr Olugbenga Faseluka ordering senior workers to resume work on Tuesday, 31 of May, or face dire consequences for their actions.

The Union viewed the directive as a way of dividing the workers and weaken the strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council.

The TUC Chairman, said all workers must remain at home pending the time the labour leaders would suspend the strike.

“We have told all civil servants that the strike still continue. So, whether you are a junior or senior worker, you are bound to adhere strictly to it.

“Contrary to what the Head of Service said, senior civil servants are members of our unions. Their returning to work depends on the position of the labour unions. Nobody can override us on this,” he stated.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3,

2016

OWAMBE

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); his Wife, Bolanle (2nd right); former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro (right); Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Otunba Henry Ajomale (2nd left) and his Wife, Adetoun (left) during a Thanksgiving Service in Commemoration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s First Year in Office at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, May 29, 2016.

• Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (left); exchanging pleasantries with the Sarkin Hausawa, Agege, Musa Muhammed during a press conference over release of Hausa youths detained over the Mile 12 riots in Agege, Lagos, on Monday.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), presenting an award to Mr. Tony Jackson during the Democracy Day celebration with the Physically Challenged persons to commemorate the First Year in Office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

•Representative of the Registrar of CFRFFN, Ifeayin Joseph, Representative of the DG NIMASA and Director Maritime Labour Services of the Agency, Mrs J.A Gunwa; Engr.

Greg Ogbeifun President Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Pioneer Rector of MAN Oron, Engr.

Olu Akinsoji and Former Chairman Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Dr. Chris Asoluka, During a programme on the youth and the future of the Nigerian Maritime Industry held in Lagos recently.

• From right, Wife of the Ondo state governor, Mrs Oluwafemi Mimiko, President of "Another Chance Women's Home, Rev (Mrs)Funke Adejumo, the Presiding Bishop of Agape.

EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only)

• Divisional Police Officer, Adeniji Adele Police Station, SP Ayodele Umujose; Alternate Chairman, Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mrs. Omotilewa Ibirogba; Divisional Police Officer, FESTAC, CSP Monday Agbonika; Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem; Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Omotola Rotimi and Divisional Police Officer, Isokoko, SP Ifeanyi Owo during a press briefing on report of activities of DSVRT, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

C M Y K

CORRESPONDENTS: Dapo Akinrefon Lagos Ola Ajayi Ibadan Gbenga Olarinoye Osogbo Dayo Johnson Akure Daud Olatunji Abeokuta Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos Rotimi Ojomoyela Ekiti Monsuru Olowoepejo

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—27

At last,PMAN set to hold general elections

PMAN delegates at their NEC meeting in Lagos

By Benjamin Njoku

Mike Okri

Edi Kriz Okri

Mike Okri’s brother fumes!

V

By Iyabo Aina

eteran singer Mike Okri who ruled the airwaves in the late 80s with his chart busting debut LP, “Concert Fever”, may have some scores to settle with his brother, Edi Kriz Okri following the latter’s recent outburst that he’s not proud of the singer.

“I and Mike are brothers, but I’m not proud of him,” Kriz declares in a recent chat with WG. He added that the veteran singer is not like the elder brother he used to know in the past.

“Back in the days, when some of these artistes begin to make waves they get involved in spiritual activities to boost their careers.“ Kriz,who has been away from the music scene is staging a comeback with the release of his new album titled “Oshofree.”

According to him, one of the tracks in the album, “Chidinma” is about him relaunching himself into the mainstream music world. He lamented that life has not been fair to him since he travelled out of the country in search of greener pastures.

P

eace is about to return to the troubled Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, as the union’s National Executive Council,NEC, has set plans in motion to hold general elections that will usher in a new breed of leaders to pilot the affairs of the association.

Rising in a one-day meeting of the union’s NEC, which held at White House Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, earlier in the week, the delegates drawn from 24 states of the federation resolved to hold the forthcoming elections on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

The delegates said, the decision was based on strict adherence to the consent judgment that brought about the outgoing Pretty Okaforled Interim National Executive Caretaker Committee of the union.

According to PMAN’s NEC, the electoral guidelines for the forthcoming National Delegate Conference would be made public at least two months before the delegates conference proper.

The council also, revealed that the compulsory bar-coding of all musical and film works released in Nigeria would commence soon

Why we are bringing The Price is Right to Nigeria —Genesis Studios boss

By Juliet Ebirim

enesis Studios, creators of the award winning televiG sion series, “So Wrong, So Wright

and Tales of Eve”is partnering a London-based television content, Production and distribution company, FremantleMedia, to bring the popular game show, “The Price is Right” to Nigeria.

The company is getting ready to produce five seasons of the show, making the total number of adaptations of the format to 43 versions worldwide.

Billed to premiere towards the end of the year, the show was unveiled to the press recently in Lagos. Speaking at the event, Genesis Studios Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Olatubosun Olaegbe explained that there is an ardent need for Nigerian television screens to be graced with yet another world class game show that is engaging, entertaining and most importantly suitable for the whole family.

“We have been looking for a world class game show that C M Y K

*Abraham-Praise-Executive-Producer and Project Director,TPIR-NG,Mrs.Debbie Odutayo, President of EMCOAN and Mr.Olatubosun Olaegbe, Executive Producer,TPIR-NG and Managing Director, Genesis-Studios. would engage and entertain the entire family and The Price is Right is the perfect format for us and we know it will be a big success in Nigeria” Olaegbe said.

He added that it is long overdue for Nigerians to have a family oriented show like this. “I am grateful to Fremantle Media for a partnership that ensures that Nigerians will benefit from the

wide acceptability of the show and most importantly the simplicity of its audience rating which means that even the very young can participate and smile home with mouthwatering prizes”.

“The Price is Right” is the longest running family game show in history and has won twenty daytime Emmys; it has also been tagged the number one daytime

show in United States. The format has been sold to 42 territories worldwide with Nigeria being the first in sub-Sahara Africa.

It has a wide variety of games with a basic challenge of guessing the prices of everyday consumer commodities for a chance to win fantastic prizes. It features contestants, all of whom are picked from the audience, who come from different parts of the country and a fun host.

as the on-going negotiations and discussions between PMAN and The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture on one hand and the Nigeria Copyright Commission,NCC, on the other hand are concluded. “We shall then announce the date for the commencement of the bar-code regime in Nigeria as the measure is designed (a.) to protect the works creator, (b.) the investors, and (c.) to be able to determine the contribution of the music industry into the annual G.D.P of the Nation since Nigerian music have been rated one of the best in the world today.”

Ben Bruce, RMD, Ali Baba to headline ‘Bloodlines’ release party

By Juliet Ebirim

T

he media release party of the highly anticipated film ‘Bloodlines’ is set to hold on 16th of June, in Lagos. Senator Ben Murray Bruce will be a Special Guest of Honor at the event, while Honorable Richard Mofe Damijo will be the guest of honor. Ace Comedian Ali Baba will be the Celebrity Host of the night.

The movie which is a collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood, stars the delectable Lynne Whitfield, veteran actor Billy Dee Williams,Brian Hooks, Pascal Atuma, Oscar Atuma, Chico Benymon, Tangi Miller, Doug Williams etc.

The movie was directed by Pascal Atuma and produced by Dr Oscar Atuma & Pascal Atuma.

Executive Producers are Walter Ojimba & Ujunwa Walter Ojimba. Screenplay was by Bill Lee Brown and Chika Alakwe.

Also popular musician KCee is expected to entertain the VIP guests which comprises of Nollywood and Ghollywood’s crème de la crème like Majid Michel, Tchidi Chikere, Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan , Lancelot Imaseun, Zeb Ejiro, Nuella Njubigbo, Annie Macauley Idibia, Joseph Benjamin, Stephanie Okereke, Omoni Oboli, Honorable Desmond Elliot among others. The event is guaranteed to be star studded. Skoolboi Comedian will be the Master of Ceremony.

‘Blood Lines’ shows in cinemas nationwide from June 17th and is being distributed in West Africa by S i l v e r B i r d Distribution.

•RMD

28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

We are not part of Biafra, says Delta SSG Sincere Vioce If they like, they should. If they like, let them not hear..

Even in the east, it is not everyone there that subscribed to Biafra . That’s my region, I know what I am talking about Chyglobal2 I understand the position of Delta State government. The state constitutes many tribes and the Governor, being Igbo, is rightly concerned about being suspected of having sympathy for the agitators. He wants his government to succeed.

He has a duty to assure the other components of the state who are not Igbos and against Biafra. Above all, he also wants to be in the good books of the President.

Avengers strike again, blow up 2 Chevron oil wells Uguru Chuks This shows that we are not one nation, Hausa- and Foolani created Boko Haram to disturb last government.

Now, it is the Niger Delta Avengers disturbing the current government. and we the common people are suffering it all. We are not one.

We are not brothers, no compatibility Micheal32 It will take Nigeria three years to train soldiers that can fight inside water which is too late for the present

government.

DonGray1 I love my country Nigeria and want Nigeria to be together and strong .but I really don’t want a country where a segment of the country is marginalized for any reason.

My candid advice to President Buhari is to do what late Yaradua did by engaging the Niger Delta Militants.

is telling them. And what they did is against the law and anyone found guilty would be punished severely. Stop blowing up our pipe lines or any of our oil facilities.

Chyglobal2 Yes, you may be right, but the government is not tackling the problem. All presidents all over the world see themselves as leaders of all.

Change of heart Please ,we the Biafrans support the republic of Niger delta. Out of the five States in south east, three are oil producing states. Well, we are not agitating for Biafra because of oil but to have a country where everyone is seen equal and given the same opportunity to manage his destiny.

Ebele Olisah Even if the referendum holds today and people vote to keep Nigeria as one, you all will still complain that it was either rigged or that someone paid bribes.

Abbey boy There was a referendum in 1963 and the people of today’s Edo and Delta voted out of western and Eastern region.

THE ARGUMENTATOR1 I pity the so called Avengers.

They are destroying there own wealth and future and no one

Buhari cancels visit to Ogoni land Idowu James This is exactly the point.

Everybody knows that the move to embark on Ogoni clean up now is politically motivated. Just to discredit Jonathan’s government. No one says cleaning up ogoni land is not a good venture but the question is: Is this the most important issue to be addressed now in this boiling Niger Delta? Is this the right time to embark on the project, what is the motivating intentions behind the decision. Only truth and love and not deceit and

animosities will set us free.

Charlatan woman leader1 If there’s nothing anybody can do, why is the President running for his life while no one is chasing him?

Two soldiers feared killed in suspected militants attack

•President Buhari

Eneboy Izonkeme Government should save soldiers this avoidable death.

You can’t fight me on top of water in my creek. It’s not just

possible.

Izonkeme Amalgamation Even in Odi, the army ended up killing children,

TRENDING ISSUES ON TWITTER Peter Salama @PeteSalama WHO UNICEF appeal to all parties to the conflict to put an end to violence across Syria so health workers can resume vaccination.

John McCain @SenJohnMcCain Obama Administration decision to disregard Veterans Choice Act in corrupt ex-#Phoenix VA chief ’s lawsuit is shameful C M Y

UN Geneva @UNGeneva Millions of children are not in school & 100s of hospitals are not functioning Richard Branson @richardbranson Slavery isn’t ancient history. It is happening right now Y! Online @YNaija From ‘lack of judges’ to ‘ill health’, Saraki’s appeal delayed again

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women and the elderly. No Ijaw warrior was killed, rather more than 300 were killed and the government in power then covered it up.

OREVA A meeting was held in Bayelsa Government House in 2014. One of them, militants/terrorists confessed on national TV. The fact is there. Google it.

Lucas These boys are hiding within the local communities. They must be fished out. Surely, they aren’t sleeping under water. They have shelter.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, June 3, 2016— —29

30 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

BarkaJumah

Shaaban 28, 1437 A.H.

Oh! month of blessings, welcome!

O

people! A month has approached you laden with blessing, mercy and forgiveness; it is a month which Allah regards as the best of all months. Its days, in the sight of Allah, are the best of days; its nights are the best of nights; its hours are the best of hours. It is a month in which you are invited to be the guests of Allah, and you are regarded during it as worthy of enjoying Allah’s Grace.

Your breathing in it praises the Almighty, and your sleeping adores Him. Your voluntary acts of worship are accepted, and your pleas are answered.

Ask Allah your Lord, therefore, in sincere intentions and pure hearts to enable you to fast during it and to recite His Book, for only a wretch is the one who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness during this great month. And let your hunger and thirst during it remind you of the hunger and thirst of the Day of Resurrection. Give alms to the poor and indigent among you; surround your elderly with respect, and be kind to your youngsters.

Visit your kin and safeguard your tongues, and do not look at what Allah has prohibited you from seeing, and do not listen to anything your ears are forbidden to hear.

Be kind to the orphans of others so that your own orphans will equally receive kindness. Repent your sins to Allah and raise your hands to Him in supplication during the times of your prayers, for they are the best times during which the Almighty looks with mercy to His servants and answers their pleas when they plead to Him. O people! Your souls are pawned by your deeds; therefore, release them by seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

Your backs are overburdened by the weight of your sins; therefore, lighten their burden by prolonging your prostration.

Be informed that the Exalted and Almighty has sworn by His Dignity not to torture those who perform their prayers and prostrate to Him, and not to terrify them by the sight of the fire when people are resurrected for judgment.

O people! Whoever among you provides Iftar to a believer during this month will receive a reward equal to one who sets a slave free, and all his past sins will be forgiven.

This was the message of the Prophet during one of his sermons heralding the month of Ramadan. Some of his followers were quick to ask at that “O Messenger of Allah! Not all of us can do that!”

The Prophet was reported to have responded by saying, Shun the fire of hell even by half a date! Shun the fire of hell even by a drink of water! O People! Whoever among you improves his conduct during this month will have a safe passage on al-Sirat alMustaqeem, (the straight path) when many feet will slip away, and whoever among you decreases the burdens of his slave (or anyone who works for him) will be rewarded by Allah decreasing his reckoning. Whoever among you abstains from harming others will be spared the wrath of the Almighty when he

Whoever amongst you affords generosity to an orphan will be rewarded by Allah on the Day of Judgment

meets Him. Whoever amongst you affords generosity to an orphan will be rewarded by Allah being generous to him on the Day of Judgment.

Whoever amongst you improves the ties with his kin will be rewarded by Allah with His mercy, and whoever amongst you severs his ties with his kin, Allah will withhold His mercy from him upon meeting Him. Whoever amongst you offers voluntary prayers, Allah will decree a clearance for him from the torment of the fire. Whoever amongst you performs an obligation will receive the reward of one who has performed seventy obligations in other months.

Whoever amongst you increases the sending of blessings unto me, Allah will make the balance of his good deeds weigh heavily when scales will be light. Whoever amongst you recites one verse of the Holy Qur’an will receive the blessing of one who recites the entire Holy Qur’an in another month. O people! The gates of heaven in this month are kept open; so, pray Allah your Lord not to close them against you, and the gates of the hell are kept closed; so, pray Allah your Lord not to open them for you; and the devils are kept chained; therefore, pray Allah your Lord not to unleash them against you.

Each time that you do good, you have enforced deeds so exceptional that it chanced upon all things that honor Allah.

The inspiration released from your good and virtuous deeds becomes the lantern of love of all all hatred of none that beams eternal joy and hope upon humanity. Ever do good!

May Allah yield to each of us the powers of piety that roundly expand our love of one another.

—Adewale Adeeyo, OON

From left: Alhaji Remi Babalola, BOT member; Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa, President, NASFAT World-wide; Alhaji Taofeeq Adeseun, Chairman Ramadan Committee and Sheikh AbdulAzeez Onike, Deputy Chief Missionary, NASFAT, World-wide, during the pre-Ramadan press briefing in Lagos.

Executive Council and BoT members during the preRamadan press briefing in Lagos. PHOTOS: AKEEM SALAU.

Islam has zero-tolerance for corruption — NASFAT Unveils 30-day Ramadan activities ATIONAL President of ways of Allah,” he said.

Tafsir: According to Adeseun, Nasrul-lahi-l-Fatih N Unveiling the Ramadan the exegesis, commentaries, Society, NASFAT, Engr Kamil programmes, NASFAT teachings and lessons of Bolarinwa has reaffirmed the society’s position on zero-level of corruption, urging all Muslims to desist from all acts of corruption while also supporting the anti-graft crusade of the Buhari-led administration.

Engr Bolarinwa made this known during a press conference to unveil the Society’s programmes and activities during the glorious month of Ramadan.

Bolarinwa said: “Islam has zero-tolerance for corruption and we tell our members that every Muslim whether as a trader, businessman or civil servant, we must shun all corrupt tendencies. Islam has zero tolerance for corruption.

The holy month of Ramadan is a period to preach to Nigerians that there is only one God, who can ensure progress in the nation. “It is an opportunity for us to re-unite Muslims to the

Ramadan Committee Chairman, Alhaji Taofeeq Adeseun, said the fasting period was a time to give back to society. Adeseun said the association would continue its welfare programmes of feeding the less-privileged and other charities throughout the month.

“Ramadan Lecture: Our annual Ramadan lecture Inshaa Allah will take place on Ramadan 6 (June 11) at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. We have gotten the confirmation of Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, Dept. Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos as our Guest Speaker while Brothers Mustapha Bello (Secretary, Nasfat National Mission Board and Imaam Sarafdeen AliAgan are discussants at the event. The topic according to him is ‘Zakat, Sadaqah and the Salary earner in a challenging economic Situation.’

various chapters of the Quran will take place at Alausa and Zonal Headquarters of the society commencing from after Asr till Magrib time.

He stated that Tahajjud (night prayers will also commence on the Ramadan 5, while everyday Tahajjud starts on Ramadan 19 to 30 at Alausa and in all the zones.

The society also unveiled its annual Lailatul Qadr, Night of Majesty celebration. Adeseun added that arrangements have been concluded to ensure convenience of all attendees with spiritual and soul lifting prayers during the night.

As part of the Ramadan activities, a daily da’wah programme has been planned during Sahur (pre-dawn meal) on MITV from the beginning of the month to the end. “This is to inform the public more on the importance of Ramadan, our duties to Allah, our

Creator, during and even after the month.

“As part of the required Ibaadah in the glorious month, we will also organize and make adequate provision for Itkaf.

We request any intending Muslim for the programme to contact the committee in charge.”

On the Iftar with the Press, he said: “You will agree with me that NASFAT has the tradition of organising the annual iftar with the press. We shall maintain this rendevous not only because it provides a platform for further interaction with the media but also because it attracts blessings for both parties during the glorious month of Ramadan. This insha Allah, we shall continue and possibly enlarge to further enhance the existing relationship with the media.

This year Iftar will be special as we are hoping to have important dignitaries at the event. The Iftar will hold on July 2,” he said.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—31

Muslim SoulMates

Do you seek a Muslim life partner?

W

Shaaban 28, 1437 A.H.

Oyo Muslim community warns Ajimobi against plan to sell schools T HE Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) has condemned in strong terms the proposed plan by Oyo State Government to sell off schools in Oyo State contrary to the provisions of Universal Basic Education Act of 2014 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

The group, reacting to the government’s arrangement, it said: “it is a strange phenomenon that Oyo State Government without consultation with all stakeholders unilaterally decided to sell what belongs to the entire citizenry.”

It will be recalled that the state Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi in 2015 set up Oyo State Inter Religious/Inter Ethnic Committee whose function was to meet

regularly on issues of this nature but the committee only met once after its inauguration and the issue was not discussed at the meeting.

The chairman of the group Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and the secretary, Alhaji Mursiq Siyanbade said: “It is expected that to take a decision on such important matters an education summit ought to have been organised before such pronouncement.

It is like putting the cart before the horse.

"While we sympathise with government on paucity of funds, the Muslim Community of Oyo state will not allow the government to trade away the future of the children of the downtrodden just because of a few shylocks.

“It is worrisome and

disappointing that a governor that swore on his inauguration to protect the constitution now went against it by violating provisions of the same constitution and thereby destroying Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of free education in the state which the Governor promised to uphold.

“One of the hallmarks of the present administration is the creation of peace in the land.

The ripple effects of this policy may create chaos and anarchy in the state."

For record purposes “the Universal Basic Education of 2014 states that every government in Nigeria shall provide free compulsory and Universal Basic Education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age”, the group said.

We’ll lead Islamic finance sector in Africa —Mutallab, Jaiz Bank boss

T

HE Chairman of Jaiz Bank, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab has said the bank recorded a profit before tax of N794.2 million in 2015 as against N126.8 million recorded in 2014, adding that it would lead non-interest Islamic financial service providers along Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mutallab made this known at the Fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bank in Abuja recently.

The chairman said the 526 per cent growth in profit demonstrated a continued growth and operational efficiency of the bank.

He said the finance income showed an increase of 47 per cent to N4.0 billion against the preceding year of N2.72 billion in tandem with the expansion in financing business.

According to him, the goal of the bank is to ensure financial inclusion for everyone and be able to finance and support communities in every way possible by improving their living standards.

“We see Jaiz bank becoming the dominant non-interest Islamic financial service provider along Sub-Saharan

Africa.”

He explained that the challenges by the bank however, were peculiar because the entire concept of Non-Interest Islamic Finance was new to majority of Nigerians.

Mutallab said this was not strange considering the diversity of the nation and the various religious inclinations.

He, however, said the way forward was to educate and create awareness among various demographics and beliefs to enable people understand the concept and see the benefits.

ELCOME to Muslim SoulMates in Vanguard. A unique platform for single Muslims who wish to find their potential marriage partners on this page. We have designed it to help you find perfect soul mates every Friday.

We will also give counsel where necessary in order to keep with the halal standard. Our aim is to further develop couples that could be blessed, compatible, enduring following Islamic injunctions. It promises to be a rewarding service just as we will treat all inquiries and submissions in confidence.

Send your profile, contact and details of who you want, not more than 75 words to isholaism@yahoo.co.uk. Names and contacts will not be published.

For those whose profile are published, they are advised to check their emails as we will revert to them for further information.

PROFILE 12: A businessman, 5.8ft tall from South-West, currently based in Delta State wants a Muslim divorced lady between 35 to 40 years as 2nd wife. Preferably literate with not more than 2 kids.

PROFILE 13: A gainfully employed young man, 5ft.7inch from North Central, wants a Muslim lady between 30 to 35 years as life partner. Preferably tall, light in complexion, literate and handsome and must be either from North central or core North.

PROFILE 14: Female Muslim 33, desires a God fearing Muslim man for marriage. He must be single and ready for marriage.

PROFILE 15: A gainfully employed young lady, 34 years, 5ft.7inch from South-West, wants a Muslim man between 38 to 40 years as life partner. Preferably tall, literate and handsome.

PROFILE 16: A single Muslim lady, 30, Yoruba, and gainfully employed wants an educated Muslim young man for marriage.

Preferably between 35-40 years.

PROFILE 17: A male Muslim, 44, Osun State,1.7 ft, gainfully employed graduate, genotype AS, fair complexion needs a sincere female muslim, preferably graduate, between 28-35yrs, chocolate/fair complexioned, Genotype AA, from the South-West for marriage.

PROFILE 18: A male Muslim, 33, from the South-West who works as a sales representative to a marketing company based in South South will like to meet a working class muslim lady within the ages of 23-25 for marriage.

Don't turn to beggars in Ramadan, Scholar tells Muslims

D

r Wole Abbas, a senior lecturer in the department of Arabic and Islamic studies, University of Ibadan has advised Muslims in the country to be spiritually and physically prepared for 2016 Ramadan in order to tap the full benefits.

Abbas gave the advice in Ibadan during the pre-Ramadan lecture of Bodija Muslim Youth Forum (BOMYOF) entitled: “Welcoming Ramadan” geared towards preparing Muslims for the fasting month of Ramadan.

The guest lecturer said the best way to welcome Ramadan was to have consciousness of Allah and remember that He is all knowing.

He said it was necessary for Muslims to meet Ramadan with the fear of Allah and discipline.

Abass said it was regrettable that more docile Muslims would be active only during the fasting period of Ramadan.

Abbas said that it is wrong for any Muslim to turn to beggar at any period of Ramadan fast with the excuse that the fasting is made compulsory by Allah.

Earlier, the chairman of BOMYOF, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the choice of the topic was to create awareness of the forthcoming Ramadan fast and to educate Muslims on the dos and don’ts of the fasting.

Islamic group donates N2m relief materials to IDPs in Abuja

R

From left, Alhaja Nurat Folarin, Media Engagement Committe; Alhaja Wabah Risikat, member Iftar Committee;Hajia Suwebat Kupolati,National Empowerment Secretary; Hajia Usman Monsurat Ibidapo, Ex-Officio member and Hajia Simbiat Agbalajobi, BoT member, all of NASFAT during the pre-Ramadan press briefing in Lagos. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

ELIEF materials worth over N2 million have been donated by Humanity First Canada in collaboration with its Nigeria counterpart to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria.

The items included 120 bags of rice, cartons of groundnut oil, packs of powdered milk, noodles, bags of semovita, clothes, shoes and cooking utensils were delivered at the IDP camps for Gwoza and Bama communities and 11 other groups from Borno state located at Area 1 Durunmi, Abuja.

International Project Director, Humanity First Canada, Dr Hassan Naeem while handing over the relief items to the

victims of Boko haram called for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among groups to curb crises in different parts of the world.

He assured that the international human relief organisation will return to Nigeria to assist victims of Boko Haram and continue its relief programmes in the area of drilling boreholes projects, orphanages and other humanitarian projects.

Dr Yakeen Habeeb, chairman, Humanity First Nigeria thanked the Canadian support over the years in humanitarian services across Nigeria, notable flood relief efforts in Lokoja, Kogi State, borehole project at IdoLehin in Ogun, Free medical camps at Ogbonna in Edo and Lagos States.

32 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: STABILITY will become so important to you especially on financial related issues. Although it’s good to be financially ambitious, domestic related affairs must not be neglected.

LEO: CAREFULLY watch what is happening within your base of operation and say no to bad advise. You’ll have more to gain if you take the initiative. The more friendly you are the better.

VIRGO: MANY Virgoans will operate under pressure due to refusal of others to give you the needed co-operation. The more willing you are to keep your secrets the better for you.

LIBRA: YOUR matured friends will show more than passing interest in your well-being. And if you take their advice seriously you will have more to gain. This is the wrong time to consciously or otherwise encourage misunderstanding within your working arena.

SCORPIO: UNNECESSARY aggressive approach will not get you anywhere today but exhibition of maturity on your part along your career/business line will see you through.

Avoid gambling with love.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Want to live in peace with your enemy?

T

HE holy writ says if our ways pleases the Lord, he will make our enemies to live in peace with us.I want to ask you a question:Are you living in peace and har-

mony with your neighbour?If you are not,then it is time for you to examine your relationship with your creator.If

TERROR MUDA

your relationship with your creator is smooth,there is no way your relationship with your neighbour won’t

in “Never say goodbye”

benefit from it.You cannot be antagonistic towards your neighbour and expect your creator to be happy with you.Relate well with your creator and your enemies will be at peace with you.

Think about it!

By Kola Fayemi

SAGITTARIUS: IT’S important you don’t directly or indirectly insult the veterans within your base of operation. The more co-operative you are the better for you. Learn to keep your family (and/or personal) secrets.

CAPRICORN: WHATEVER anybody thinks or says will not affect your chance to record success today. This is the wrong time to engage in fruitless argument at work. Respect your good friends.

AQUARIUS: TEMPTATION to gamble with money must be resisted by you or else the loss will be much. And it is wrong to ignore your love life and/or run away from your responsibilities. Make sure your image is well protected by you.

PISCES: MIXED trends bire indicated for you. Those of you who are more hard working will have positive results to show for your efforts but if you give in to unnecessary aggression, you’ll be resented.

ARIES: BETTER than yesterday. Yet you will need to do away with whatever can not be placed above board and take your personal ideas more seriously. It’s important you take love seriously.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS: NATURALLY Taureans are patient and if you can live up to expectation things’ll go your way. Your being family minded will greatly help your cause. Wrong and/or bad advice from friends should be turned down diplomatically.

GEMINI: THE moon in your star sign favours your being self assertive. However protection of your imag should top your priority list today. Respect your senior partners and colleagues.

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,

Which day was it?

Dear Joshua, I don’t want you to publish my full date of birth and other identity but I want to know if I was born on a Monday or Tuesday. I will appreciate it if you tell me how the planets lined up when I was born an what they mean to my life.

Anonymous, Osun, Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Tuesday. What you will find here-under will be useful if taken seriously.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA DAY OF BIRTH = TUESDAY SUN SIGN = PISCES; SUN IN 7TH DEGREE OF PISCES MOON SIGN = LIBRA; MOON IN 7TH DEGREE OF LIBRA MERCURY IN 4TH DEGREE OF ARIES VENUS IN 5TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS MARS IN 29TH DEGREE OF PISCES JUPITER IN 21ST DEGREE OF GEMINI SATURN IN 19TH DEGREE OF PISCES URANUS IN 17TH DEGREE OF VIRGO NEPTUNE IN 22ND DEGREE OF SCORPIO PLUTO IN 17TH DEGREE OF VIRGO NORTH NODE IN 29TH DEGREE OF TAURUS SOUTH NODE IN 29TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO FIRE STAR SIGN HOSTED ONE PLANET, CARDINAL, FIXED AND EARTH HOSTED TWO PLANES EACH, THREE IN AIR, FOUR IN WATER AND MAJORITY OF SIX PLANETS WERE PLACED IN MUTABLE. PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 40% NON - PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 60% PLANET AT HOME = NONE. ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA No planet at home situation when you were born pointed to a busy mind with too many ideas struggling for prominent position. As a result of that you always find it relatively difficult to take important decision.

Luckily for you however of planets in air star signs endowed you with powerful brans you can rely on while taking important decision. Although, you have embraced disciplined life style, you remain emotional person who can not help changing his mind more often times. Yours is a gentile spirit and soul with the ultimate desire for love and peace but some other times other people can force pressure and frustrations on you the way you must re-act.

Both leadership quality and Artistic talents are parts of your special gifts. Major problem is that thing snot away come as easily as you expect. Your natal sun and moon in Pisces and Libra respectively are indications of you being mainly a Piscean and partly Libra born person. In other words, basic characteristics of Pisces and Libra are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—33

APC Govs vow to win Edo, meet gov aspirants

EDO 2016:

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN CITY—AHEAD of the September 18 governorship primaries of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, governorship aspirants of the party, held an interactive session with three APC governors, who vowed to retain Edo for APC. The governors at the meeting were Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Simon Lalong of Plateau State and Rauf Arigbesola of Osun State.

Vanguard learned that the decision to send the governors to screen them was made at the Progressives Governors Forum last week.

The PGF also sent another delegation to Ondo State, where the governorship election is scheduled for later part of the year.

The governorship aspirants, who faced the screening which lasted till early hours of yesterday, include the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Pius Odubu, Dr. Chris Ogienmwonyi, Godwin Obaseki, Prof. Osarhemien Osunbor, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere and Kenneth Imasuangbon.

After addressing leaders of the party, the three governors met separately with each of the aspirants with a view to giving all of them fair hearing. They were

said to have told the leaders and the aspirants that their mission in the state was to bring unity and ensure that a level playing field was given to all the aspirants.

They urged them to come up with their complaints to enable the party leadership tackle the issues before the primaries. They stressed the need for unity

ahead the election slated September 10, with Governor Arigbesola, saying “ Edo is the only state we have in the South South and we don’t intend to give it up. This election is a must win for the party so we cooporation of everybody to achieve that and that is why we were sent here.”

After addressing the general party leadership, the aspirants were called upon one after the

other to face the three man panel. Vanguard learned that the aspirants were asked questions on different issues just as each of them spent about 40minutes with the panel members.

Prof. Osunbor, Obaseki and Ogienwonyi expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the interaction, saying that the visit will bring unity among the aspirants.

WORLD MILK DAY: From left—Marketing Manager, Dano Milk, Affousat Traore; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development, Edo State, Hanena Jemitola Fulani-Ojo; President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Edo chapter, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, and member of Edo State House of Assembly, representing Oredo West, Mr. Chris Okaeben, during the presentation of Dano milk to the children of the IDPs camp in Edo State in commemoration of World Milk Day.

HIGH PROFILE CASES: Abuja CJ, Justice Bello warns

against ‘media trials'

A

By Innocent Anaba

BUJA—THE Chief Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Justice Isaq Bello, has cautioned that public perception about some of the high profile cases in the country and their reports in such manners may not meet up the requirement of evidence legally permissible in court.

Speaking at the media/law roundtable in Abuja, organised by Law, Media and Social Justice Development, while addressing the issue of ‘Trial by Media,’ he said that though public perception cannot be ruled out in most high profile cases before the various courts in the country, it must be understood and appreciated that “Verdict of the media on a particular case often is not supported by admisible evidence during the trial of such a case.”

He cited a case where a man was paraded round his community as a yam thief by the community vigilante and forced to admit stealing the yam, which he did, noting that before members of the community, he was seen as nothing but a yam thief.

He added that the alleged thief upon being charged to court, narrated his side of the story, that some people who stole the yam, actually gave him same to help carry and at the point the yam was

given to him, he never suspected that same was stolen, pointing that the court may not be able to discredit or discountenance the suspect’s account and if the court goes ahead to rule on same, the people will make all sorts of allegations against the judge that handed down the verdict.

Also speaking at the event, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, President, Mr Waheed Odusile, noted that the problem was not with journalists, but prosecuting agencies which leak information to newsmen and because of the need for scoops,

O

LEH—AS part of efforts to facilitate the accreditation of the Law and Engineering Faculties of Delta State University, Oleh Campus, the Isoko Development Union, IDU, has donated educational items worth millions of naira to the institution.

It also warned against the encroachment on the campus’ land, calling on the leadership of Oleh and Emede communities, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state to tell “their subjects to stay clear as

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—SPECIAL Assistant to Delta State Governor on Security, Basil Ishiekwene, has commended the governor for his initiatives in ensuring security of lives and property in the state.

Ishiekwene in Asaba at the end of the stakeholders forum for peaceful coexistence between farmers/host communities, herdsmen and security agencies, said: “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa deserves commendation for initiating the stakeholders meeting which was apt in view of the perennial clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

“This is not the first time he is holding such meetings, he has held it with traditional rulers and community heads on neighborhood watch sometime ago, such meetings would to a great extent reduce the frequency of such clashes which sometimes lead to injuries, loss of lives and property.”

He thanked the governor for giving a marching order to security agencies to apprehend and prosecute anyone found with illegal arms.

BAN ON OKADA: such stories would always be reported.

He added that in so far as what was reported was not false, the journalists cannot be accused of indulging in media trial of suspects.

He noted that while prosecuting agencies may leak the charge to be preferred against a high profile suspect, the changing of the charge on arraignment day cannot be blamed on the journalist, because he or her reported accurately what was given to him or her.

He added that most of the

IDU donates educational items to Delta varsity

By Ochuko Akuopha

Ishiekwene hails Okowa's security initiative

governmentandIsokopeoplewillsoon move against them.”

Presenting the items which included conference tables, office chairs, refrigerators, law books, and cash donation of N500,000, President General of IDU, Chief Iduh Amadhe, said the items were the first phase of IDU/ Oleh community donations to the campusfor2016.

“In the next two months of the accreditation exercise for Law Faculty, morematerialswillbedonated,including laboratory/workshop equipment for Chemical Engineering, Petroleum and Gas Engineering Departments,” he said.

reports by the media are of the need of the society, as the journalists were only trying to meet the society’s appetite for sensational stories in some cases.

Earlier in his paper, the guest speaker, Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN, stressed the need for journalists to be properly trained so that they discharge their duties of informing, educating and holding government accountable to the masses, who elected them to serve.

He added: “An independent judiciary and a free press are constitutionally guaranteed because they are essential features of a healthy democracy.”

Also, the Editor of Sun Newspaper, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, in his presentation, stressed the need for journalists to observe high ethical standard in their reportage, for the better functioning of the society.

In the same vein, Mr Charles Odinigbo, President of Law, Media and Social Justice Development, urged journalists to always trike a balance between what will promote public good with much reliance on facts in their reports, as doing otherwise will not do the profession and the people any good.

A-Ibom govt cautions offenders

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO —THE Akwa Ibom State Government has warned members of the public flouting its ban on the operation of motorcycles within the capital territory to desist henceforth or face the attendant penalties when caught.

The state government while condemning the gradual return of motorcycles to the state capital, noted that the ban which covers all members of the public even security operatives was still in effect.

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, yesterday, in Uyo, said: “It has come to the attention of government that, the ban on the operation of motorcycles within the Uyo Capital Territory limit is being contravened by some members of the public.

“It should be noted that, the ban covers all members of the public, including officers of uniform organisations such as the Nigerian Police Force and other security operatives."

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

IBC staff threaten strike over salary arrears

Negotiate with IPOB, NDA, Methodist prelate, Catholic archbishop urge Buhari

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

By Chidi Nkwopara

P

RELATE METHODIST Church Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Uche and Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to bury the hatchet and dialogue with the aggrieved Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA and others across the nation to reduce tension in the country.

The two-some argued that military action against pockets of agitations will not solve the problem but instead, the Buhari administration should engage all aggrieved groups in a dialogue with a view to addressing their grievances, especially with the army of unemployed youths across the nation.

Assessing the one year administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Methodist prelate, Samuel Uche said that "as much as the church supports in its entirety, the war against corruption, that should not be our only focus. The government should also work towards alleviating the suffering of the masses because we did not vote him into power only to fight corruption. We voted him into government for us to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

O

WERRI—STAFF of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, Owerri, have threatened to shut down the government owned broadcast station if their arrears of salaries are not paid before weekend.

The workers, who are acting under the umbrella union of Joint Action Committee, JAC, said they came to this conclusion at the last JAC congress in the establishment.

Briefing newsmen after the tripartite meeting of government, labour and IBC management, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, endorsed the stand of the IBC-JAC. He wondered why IBC workers should be owed upwards of six months, while still being compelled to work optimally.

“The 50 subvention to the broadcast medium is a far cry to the needs of the IBC. You cannot thrash a child and also stop him from crying. That is an overkill”, Comrade Chilakpu said.

“I want him to fulfil all the promises made to the electorate which attracted them to vote for this government. We were told that three million jobs would be created in three years; one million the first year, another million the second year and another one million the third year.

I don’t know whether we have those employments in the first one year,” the prelate said.

The cleric lamented that the government is yet to create an enabling environment for individuals and corporate organizations to employ the army of youths coming out of

universities every year, warning that by that failure, the nation is gradually sitting on a keg of gun powder.

He maintained that Nigeria had a vast uncultivated land that can engage the youths if only the government would decide to diversify the nation’s economy from its current mono-economy.

On his part, Adewale Martins while addressing journalists on the state of the nation on the occasion of his 57th birthday at the church hall of Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, asked President Buhari to do his best to keep the nation together without

Police detain 11 community leaders over slavery

By Emeka Mamah

E

NUGU—THE police have arrested about 11 leaders of Alor Uno Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State following the crises that had bedevilled the area over slavery.

Sources told Vanguard that those arrested include, the President of the Alor Uno Town Union, Ike Omeje, Nelson Ogbonna, Goddy Eze, Linus Ogbuisi and Pius Ngwoke.

Others include, Clement Nweze, Emma Iyioke, Gilbert

Omeje, Godfry Eze, Caleb Omeke and Robert Attama.

Six other leaders from the Ugbene Quarters had earlier been charged to court for alleged offences ranging from arson to attempted murder.

The arrest of the community leaders followed a visit to the community on Monday, May 30, this year by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, who reportedly expressed his disappointment with the way the police had handled the matter, so far.

Ugwanyi was said to have expressed worry that Alor Uno, which was a few metres away

5,000 worshippers denounce idolatory in Anambra community

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—WORRIED by what they viewed as the scandalous poverty level in their community, over 5,000 people of Umuchu in Aguata local government area of Anambra State, yesterday, denounced idol worship in their area, attributing their pitiable situation to years of

abandoning God. The people, who assembled and a number of clergy, led by the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, an indigene of the area, at the community’s Nkwo market square, vowed to henceforth, do God’s will as a deliberate effort to attract divine favours and blessings.

People from all the 12 villages

alienating any group, adding that the unity of Nigeria cannot be toyed with at this critical period.

He stressed that the president must prove to all that he is the father of all by listening to all the grievances of the groups and also attempt to address them one after the other.

The cleric, however, called on the aggrieved groups to give room for peace and unity of the country, saying they should consider the common good of a strong and united nation in making their demands and pointing out their grievances.

that make up the town participated in the prayer session that lasted several hours.

Speaking on the topic entitled: ‘Refusing and Resisting Shame,’ Bishop Ikeakor lamented what he called a shame of abject poverty, untimely deaths, unending dependence on parents by youths, late marriages and unprecedented cases of divorce in Umuchu town, blaming the

situations on idolatrous life style of some people in the area.

He said: “It is painful that while other communities are making progress in various human endeavours, Umuchu people are left out. There is no reason why this town cannot produce governors, commissioners, permanent secretaries and heads of Federal Government agencies or parastatals in this generation."

from both Nsukka Divisional Police Headquarters and the Police Area Command, had been maiming and killing themselves without the security agencies intervening.

A top government official, who accompanied Ugwanyi, told Vanguard that the governor was angry that the policemen in the area were only interested in “mounting road blocks where they collected between N20 and N50 from motorists,” instead of attending to the crises in Alor, adding that those arrested were as a result of the governor’s eagerness to end the crises.

However, the community leaders who were currently being detained at the police headquarters in Enugu were invited for “a meeting with the state Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ojukwu,” from where they were herded to police cells.

The Ugbene and Ejuona Quarters in Alor Uno had been at logger-heads for several years following allegations that the Ugbene people were slaves and thus should be treated as such.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On killing of Biafra protesters

W

hat is Biafra? If they are genuine they should present their grievances through their representatives in the states and National assemblies. If they don't like present Nigeria structure, let them follow due process and go. -Mrs. Foluke Florence, Teacher

I

s there no better way to observed these people by the police as they march on than throwing tear gas canisters at them.

Don’t they have same right as Nigerians for peaceful protest under the law? This must stop. -Mr. Iyoke Ehi, Self Employed

T

he politicians have failed this country.

They are waxing in self aggrandizement. This agitation will continue until this notion is changed. More people are agitated than those who march on the streets. -Mrs. Morayo Simeon, Worker

I

f you have any relation in Onitsha or Nkpor,call him or her and ask what the army/police did to innocent Biafrans that gathered to honour their fallen heroes in Nkpor. They even went as far as going to the church to shoot at innocent people. -Miss Chika Dike, Graduate

I

f the security agencies really opened fire on the Biafra protesters, it is a bad. Our military should not go about killing innocent Nigerians. I join every sensible Nigeria to condemn their actions.

We are products of our decision. -Miss Afor Bukola, Secretary

N

on-violent protest is part of democracy, the same people enjoyed under Jonathan when they fought against subsidy. Again, Non-violent protest is a right not privilege. Did Fulani herdmen receive this type of attention. -Mr. Timileyin Jaiyeola, Freight-forwarder

Vanguard, FRIDAY JUNE 3 , 2016 — 35

World Bank donates $12m to support education in Jigawa

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—THE World Bank yesterday presented a cheque of $11,948,000 to Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa to support education in the state.

A representative of the bank, Dr Tunde Adekola, presented the cheque at the inauguration of the World Bank-supported Global Partnership for Education project in Dutse.

Adekola explained that the gesture was to improve access to basic education, especially at early primary school level.

He said that the scheme would ensure that children were motivated to go to school and ensure their retention.

According to him, the project will strengthen government’s education system and ensure accountability.

The World Bank representative said that primary school teachers would be given scholarships to further their education under the programme.

According to him, it is projected that within the next four years all female teachers in basic schools must have acquired National Certificate of Education under the programme.

Adekola said that $100 million was ear-marked for the project and would be shared among five states.

In his remarks, Badaru thanked development partners for their efforts and assistance in the development of education in the state.

APC wins Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency by-election L

AFIA—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC yesterday declared Mr Ja’afaru Mohammed-Ibrahim of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency by-election.

Dr Wilfred Uji of the Federal University, Lafia, who was the Constituency Returning Officer for the election, made the declaration in Nasarawa, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

Mohammed-Ibrahim won with a total of 55,981 votes to beat his closest rival from the PDP, Hon. Musa Ahmed-Mohammed, who had 17,475 votes.

Uji, who commended the roles played by political stakeholders and security agencies in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the election, called for the sustenance of this culture.

“If we will recall the May 28 byelection, the election result was put on hold and the winner was not declared due to cancellation of votes in some polling units as a result of over voting.

“Four political parties participated during the byelection.

“And today, the election has been concluded peacefully.

“For Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, we have a total number of 202,338 registered

group under the JOS—A aegis of Berom Educational

and Cultural Organization (BECO) has petitioned the Plateau State Security Council over what it termed “a dangerous build up to the possible eruption of violence orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen” in their communities.

Decrying what it calls renewed killings in some communities in Barkin-Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, BECO in the petition made available to Vanguard yesterday in Jos by the General Secretary, Davou Choji said the C M Y K

voters for the election out of which 87,602 were accredited.

“The total vote cast was 86,805 and we have 85,728 valid votes while rejected votes stand at 1,077.

“The four political parties that participated in the bye-election scored the following votes: “ APC scored 55,981 votes, PDP scored 17,475 votes, APGA 12,227 votes and Labour party (LP) got 45 votes respectively.

“By the power conferred on me

by INEC, Arch. Ja’afaru Mohammed-Ibrahim of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) having satisfied the requirements of the law and who scored the highest total votes of 55,981 is hereby declared the winner.

“Hon. Musa AhmedMohammed of PDP scored 17, 475, Dr Joseph Ogbere-Osu of APGA scored 12,227 and Alhaji Zakari Maikasuwa of Labour party (LP) got 45 votes respectively, “ he said.

The PDP boycotted the re-run with the party hinging its decision on non-use of card readers by INEC.

Benue decries herdsmen' killing of 7, sacking of 3 Ukum communities and that bill which will effectively

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—THE Benue state government, yesterday, decried Tuesday’s attack on Tse Aondo, Tse Ankyou and Igbogom communities in Ukum local government area of the state, where seven persons were killed and scores injured by the suspected Fulani herdsmen.

...As Plateau group condemns renewed Fulani herdsmen attack

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

EXHIBITION: From left; Reni Folawiyo, founder/CEO, ALARA; Logor Oluwamuyiwa artiste and Tokini Peterside Director, TPCollective during the private viewing of ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ d e b u t exhibition in the ‘ A L A R A Emerging Artists.

continued killings, ambush and harassment of the Beroms must stop.

Davou Choji stated that as the raining season has set in that the Berom people, who are predominantly peasant farmers, need protection and security as they till their farm lands.

The statement reads in parts “for the avoidance of doubt, in the last one month, four Berom people have been killed in Zim, Kwok, Dajak-Shopp and Hoss while other dastardly acts have been witnessed in Byei, Jol and Shonong.

“These Berom communities are being pushed to the wall by forceful displacement and siege.''

The Benue state Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu , while fielding questions from reporters in Makurdi, regretted that the state was under siege despite the genuine efforts of the government to checkmate the unending killings.

He said as a government that they will soon take stringent measures to check the incessant attacks on Benue communities by the arms wielding herdsmen who have continued to unleash mayhem on their people.

“Very soon the government will send a bill to the state assembly,

take care of all issues pertaining to grazing in Benue state.”

Abounu said, “this latest attack clearly shows that we are a state under siege that is the mildest way anybody can put it. What happened is quite unfortunate, just when you think that the matter had died down, one wakes up to news of another ugly attack and killing of innocent people.

“This ugly trend will no longer be condoned, the bad side of it is that these attackers came in with their cows from neighbouring Taraba state and after unleashing mayhem on the people withdrew to where they came from.''

Adamawa uncovers 12,000 ghost workers Vunobolki said that 38,760

By Umar Yusuf Adamawa YOLA—THE Government says it has

uncovered 12,609 ghost workers in the state’s local government payroll.

Mr Maurice Vunobolki, the Chairman of the Local Government Staff Verification Committee in the state, disclosed this yesterday while presenting the committee’s report to Gov. Muhammadu Jibrilla in Yola.

workforce was cleared and migrated to the e-payment data base as against 51,369 earlier presented to the committee.

He said that over 5,000 workers did not turn up for the verification exercise, while 1,780 among those that turn up were under aged employees.

He said that the gross figure after validation as at May 2016 stood at N1,366,632,447.2, resulting in gross monthly consequence of N341,584,091.60 and N4,094,140,059.60 annually.

There's massive opportunities in water, minister tells private investors

By Funmi Olasupo

A

BUJA—THE Minister of Water Resources, Engr.

Suleiman Adamu has called on private investors to come into the water sector and take advantage of the massive opportunities embedded therein.

Engr. Suleiman Adamu, who made the call yesterday in Abuja at the 23rd Regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources, NCWR, said private investment will improve hydropower and municipal water supply in the country.

He said the theme of the 23rd edition of the meeting of NCWR is anchored on ‘Refocusing water and sanitation for achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria’, in recognition that Nigeria failed to reach the MDG target of 75% improved water supply and sanitation coverage by the year 2015 due to low funding and lack of proper framework for it implementation and other global objectives.

The Minister explained that water as a factor is crucial to life, civilization, socio-economic development, healthy ecosystem and for human survival. “Water is a very important factor in human settlement development and also serves a determinant of boundaries.”

Engr. Suleiman also maintained that out of the five basic human needs which he stated as water, food, health, education, and peace, He said water is a common factor to the other four, Food production as well as other socioeconomic activities depends largely on availability of water.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Mr. Bolu Obawole; Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State; MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, and Chairman, Chief Kola Jamodu, both of Nigerian Breweries Plc, during a courtesy visit by Nigerian Breweries to the governor in Kaduna, yesterday.

SIAO'S ROUNDTABLE: From left— Chairman, SIAO, Mr. Robert Ade-Odiachi; Chief Executive Officer, RSM, Ms. Jean Stephens; Partner, SIAO, Mr. Ituah Ighodalo; Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, and RSM Managing Partner, Mr. Brian Easton, at the just-concluded 2nd Corporate Roundtable on Investing and Business in Nigeria, organised by SIAO in Lagos. PHOTO: Akinwunmi Ibrahim.

FCMB'S LITERACY SCHEME: From left— Retail Head, SouthWest Region, Mr. Victor Adejimola; Principal, Federal Government Girls College, Akure, Ondo State, Mrs. Florence Ejikeme; Regional Head, SouthWest, Mr. Adelaja Adeleye, and Corporate Affairs/Media Relations Officer, Mr. Rafiu Mohammed, all of First City Monument Bank, FCMB, Limited, during the commissioning of a 40KVA power generating set donated by the bank to the School under the financial literacy programme.

WORLD MILK DAY: From left— Actress, Ms Sola Sobowale; Marketing Director, Friesland Campina, WAMCO Plc, Mr. Tarang Gupta; Public Health Physician, Dr. Elo Ukatu; Chief Adeniyi William and Senior Brand Manager, Peak, Mrs Omolara Banjoko, at the Friesland Campina World Milk Day in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

AWARD: From left— MD/ CEO, BusinessToday Online Limited, Nkechi Naeche; DG, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs Folasade Onanuga; MD/ CEO, Anchor Insurance Plc, Ademayowa Adeduro, and Head, Research/ Business Development, BusinessToday, Gabriel Esezobor, during the thrid BusinessToday Online Insurance and Pension Industry awards 2015 in Lagos.

NNPC QUIZ WINNERS: From left— Representative of the Group General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility Division of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Babalola Falode, presenting awards to students from Akwa Ibom State, winners of the 2016 NNPC quiz competition for secondary schools in the South-South geopolitical in Benin, yesterday.

GCGT: From left— Head, God's Children Great Talent, GCGT, Pastor Sola Borha; winner, Mr. Onome Enakarakpor; Regional Pastor, Apapa Family, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade; Miss Ibukun Ajagbe, and Miss Gracia Vaakaa-Shepherd, both winners, during the event grand finale in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

LAGOS DAY: (front row) DG, Mr. Biodun Onayele (3rd left); Director, Records and Archives Department, Dr. Kolawole Oseni (4th left), both of Lagos State Records & Archives Bureau, LASRAB, with other staff, students and teachers, during the celebration of Lagos State Day.

VISIT: From left— Kaduna Breweries Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc,

CORONATION:

BURIAL: From left— Baale of Alaworo, Chief Jelili Ashade; Baale of Agogunbe Ilubu, Chief Ade Ebenezer, and Baale of Eteko, Chief Yunsa Fagbohun, at the final burial of father of Baale of Alaworo, Chief Taiwo Ashade in Lagos.

C M Y K

From left— The new Onitegun of Itegun, Alhaji Kayode Adams; Olori, Taye; her husband, HRM Oba Adeshina Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi, Ojiwukin III; and Yeye Oba of Itegun Ijesha,Yeye Oluwatoyin Akinmolayan, and others, at the coronation ceremony in Itegun, Ijesha, Oriade Local Government Area, Osun State.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Biafra Remembrance Day:

Soldiers storm Zik’s Teaching Hospital, whisk away injured IPOB members Reps call for investigation of killing of unarmed civilians As Igbo in US, Canada describe Biafra as unfinished business

By Emman Ovuakporie, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—FAMILIES and relations of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, who sustained gunshot wounds when a combined security forces confronted them at Nkpor, near Onitsha, Anambra State and were rushed to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, for medical attention are now apprehensive, following alleged frequent invasion of the hospital by armed security forces in search of the injured IPOB/MASSOB members.

It would be recalled that many IPOB members were shot dead by the security forces on the fateful day, while others were injured. The security forces allegedly took away the bodies of the slain IPOB members and some of the injured ones, while those who managed to escape with their bullet wounds were

Ethnic agitations: It’s already too late to split Nigeria —Bamgbose

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—NATIONAL Chairman of All Progressive Congress – Vanguard, APC-V, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose, has said that despite the increasing agitations for the division of Nigeria by various ethnic groups, nobody would be able to split the country.

Bamgbose, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Aba, insisted that there is no justification for any group to divide Nigeria, stressing that the country had come to stay.

According to him: “There is no justification whatsoever for any group to divide Nigeria. Those agitating for secession; Biafra Republic, Oduduwa Republic, Niger Delta Republic are not being realistic. I firmly believe that no mortal can divide Nigeria, it is already too late."

taken to various hospitals, including NAUTH for medical attention by their relations.

According to an hospital source, who pleaded anonymity, the security forces allegedly stormed the hospital premises on one or two occasions, shot sporadically into the air, bull-dozed their way into the accident and emergency ward of the hospital, after exchange of words with the management staff and whisked away some of the injured ones who were still in the intensive care unit of the ward.

The source regretted that the hospital staff, including patients and others, who had one business or the other at the hospital were thrown into panic at the sight of the security forces who allegedly harassed the staff they met on duty at the Accident and Emergency ward, adding that patients and hospital staff took cover under tables and hospital beds for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

The further source noted that the hospital management was still afraid that the some patients who were not brought back to the hospital might have died in the hands of the security forces as a result of their critical health condition at the time they were whisked away from the hospital and the security forces dumped their bodies elsewhere.

The source confirmed that as at the time of filing this report, both IPOB members and relations of the victims were making last minute arrangements to relocate their own to confidential places for fear of such re-currence by security forces.

Reps call for investigation Meantime, the House of Representatives, yesterday, mandated its Committees on Human Rights, National Security and Intelligence to investigate the alleged killing of unarmed civilians in the South East by the security agencies.

The House also urged the Federal Government to review and formulate a more efficient mechanism for engagement with aggrieved persons that threaten the country’s security and territorial integrity.

This is just as Igbo Studies Association, comprising Igbo professionals and students in the United States of America and Canada has declared that Biafra, whether as a consciousness or political reality, remains an unfinished business.

The group also stated that despite the Federal Government’s declaration of “No Victor, No Vanquished,” the war time experience for the Igbo continues to evoke persistent psychological wounds among the people, especially in the face of

INVESTITURE: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (3rd left); the 52nd President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Deacon Titus Soetan (4th let); his wife, Evang.

Olatoun Soetan (2nd left); Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budgeting, Mr. Akinyemi Asade, representing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (left), and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, at the investiture of Deacon Soetan as the 52nd President of ICAN. perceived marginalization.

The resolution of the House was contained in a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance by the Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuma Onyema.

Onyema in the motion, which was unanimously adopted, expressed worry over the increased spate of extra-judicial killings by security agencies in the country.

The lawmaker noted that the rights to freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly are enshrined in the constitution.

According to him, the country’s dismal human rights records are largely predicated on unprovoked and forceful engagements by security agencies on unarmed civilians.

He expressed worry that if this high handed engagement and extra-judicial killings are not checked, it could lead to subsequent escalation of confrontational tendencies and resistance to state.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who presided over plenary, therefore, mandated the committees to report back to the House within two weeks.

In a similar development, the Igbo Studies Association in its 14th International Conference at Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois, USA, on the theme: 'Ndi Igbo in the Global Context,' in its resolution denounced what it described as the disproportionate use of force by local, state, and federal security agencies in dealing with mostly peaceful protests by individuals associated with IPOB. The resolution signed by Dr. Chidi Igwe, Assistant Professor of French and ten others which was made available to Vanguard, had participants at the

conference of scholars from over 74 tertiary institutions, leaders of community organizations, independent scholars, clergy, and professionals from the United States, Canada, and Nigeria.

Igbo experience The three-day conference according to the statement addressed different aspects of the Igbo experience within the context of the conference theme.

The group said that at no time in recent memory had threat to the lives, well-being, and values of the Igbo people been more pronounced than in the recent years.

It condemned what it called the opportunistic hostage-takers, who indiscriminately victimize innocent people in Igboland, threaten Igbo cultural values, and undermine the confidence vital in attracting and retaining local and foreign investments.

It also called on families in Igboland to cooperate with various law enforcement agencies by providing information on people with questionable characters in their communities or neighbourhoods for public good.

They decried the loss of lives and property of Igbo families, business class, workers, and visitors in northern Nigerian states due to the indiscriminate and bloody attacks directed against non-indigenes by the Boko Haram terrorists; and called on the Federal Government to see the safety of indigenes and nonindigenes in the north as a high order political business.

Besides, it frowned at the unprovoked and senseless killings of innocent Igbo and other Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen, and strongly demanded that the Federal Government, including the affected state and local governments, see the protection of lives of people as an overriding governmental duty.

According to the resolution, “without addressing the anger triggered by the recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen, potential retaliatory attacks could only result in uncontrolled ethnic clashes with disastrous implications for national unity.

Participants at the conference acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of Ndi-Igbo to the social, political, and economic transformation of Nigeria since the country’s independence.

The participants further urged state governors in eastern Nigeria to be more responsive to the economic and social needs of people living in their states; and through sound policies to better manage the outbursts of youths who, traumatized by crime, unemployment, and economic anxiety, erroneously see the declaration of an independent Biafra as the solution to their worries.

They also acknowledged efforts to understand the war time traumatic experience of Ndi-Igbo by establishing an intellectual movement and Igbo Schools of Thought dedicated to Biafra narrative in contemporary media and scholarship, such as Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, Chinua Achebe’s There was a Country, Girls at War, Buchi Emecheta’s Destination Biafra, Flora Nwapa’s Never Again, and Tony Ubesie’s Isi Akwu Dara N’ala.

Also in their resolution was the call on state governments in eastern Nigeria to partner with the Federal Government in erecting a national memorial site(s) to honor both Nigerian and Biafra soldiers who made invaluable sacrifices in Nigeria’s nationbuilding project; and to embark on a mission to fully account for many families who lost relatives during the war through death or migration to neighboring countries.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, June 3, 2016— 37

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY JUNE 3 , 2016

VANGUARD

CLASSIFIED ONYIAGU

IBEKWE

NWAGU

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Dorsu Oritseresholire Eleanor is one and same person as Dorsu Sholire Eleanor, now wish to be known and addressed as Dorsu Sholire Eleanor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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ONWUEGBULE

ADUKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Ogechi Nwankwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Ibeh Uchegbu.

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UCHE

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MADU AK O MADUAK AKO

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OKEBARAM

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EKEH

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Vanguard, FRIDAY JUNE 3 , 2016 — 39

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I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Katherine Nkechiyere Asamonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ugbene Esiwanoja Katherine Nkechiyere.

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

OPEYEMI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegboyega Ruth Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Quadri Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPARA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Frances Okpara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Frances Osanebi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AWUJO

MONDAY

NWABUISI

ADENIJI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeniji Sikeola Oluyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinwunmi Sikeola Oluyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWUDI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwudi Rita Nwenne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Nwenne Okuku.

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

OYOANGBODO

I, formerly known and addressed as Aphopho Benson Efeu, now wish to be known and addressed as Aphopho Benson Efeurenwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Ijeoma Gloria Awujo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ijeoma Gloria Amu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Isebemhe Asemhomhe Monday, now wish to be known and addressed as Okahdemhetse Favour Asemhomhe.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwabuisi Ngozi Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sholanke Ngozi Oluwakemi.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O g h e n e t e g a Oyoangbodo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenetega Ejiro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBROKO

REUBEN

AMUTA

OGUEGBU

EKEH

OSUJI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguegbu Malinda Chiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iwuozor Malinda Chiamaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekeh Augustina Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyenwe Augustina Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuji Sylvaline, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Osuji Sylvaline Tobechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DANIEL

ULORI

MAJOR

Confirmation of Name This to confirm that the names; Ulori Ulioyo appearing in my WAEC/ GCE of 2014, and Ulori Ulioyo Happiness, appearing in my WAEC of 2015, are mine and are my true and authentic names. All former documents remain valid.

WAEC/GCE boards, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Major Chris Douye Bipelegha, now wish to be known and addressed as Christian Douye Bipelegha.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Erakpobruke Beatrice, now wish to be known and addressed as Agbroko Erakpobruke Beatrice. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

NWAMKPA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jennifer Chetanna Nwamkpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jennifer Chetanna Chidiebere. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

OKOROAFOR I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoroafor Chikodi Goodnews, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzoma Chikodi Goodnews .All former documents remain valid. General please take note.

ODOH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odoh Blessing Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Paul.

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

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Reuben Moses E. and Egwu Moses refer to one and same person. The ‘E’ is abbreviation of Egwu. I now wish to be known and addressed as Reuben Moses E. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MOSES Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the following names; Moses Osomowo, Moses Monday, Moses Osomowo Anan, Monday Moses Osomowo and Moses Monday Osomowo, are my authentic and valid names. All former documents remain valid.

The general public and to whom it may concern to please take note.

IBOBO

I , formerly known and addressed as Ibobo Ngozichukwuka Friday, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Aninwe Ngozichukwuka Jasper.All for mer documents remain vaild. General public please take note.

ANI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Hyacinth Ani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluchi Jennifer Okoroji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwendu Maryam Amuta, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr (Mrs.) Chinwendu Maryam Amuta Igwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBODO Confirmation of Name This to confirm that the names; Obodo Ovuakporaye Oghenemeruo Mudiaga Benson Patrick and Obodo Ovuakporaye Benson, refer to one and the same person – me, but I now wish to be known, called and addressed as Obodo Ovuakporaye Benson. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IGWE

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Onojete Gift Daniel appearing in my WAEC certificate in 2010 and Onojete Eseoghene Gift appearing in my WAEC GCE of 2013, as well as Onojete Eseoghene Gift Daniel refer to one and the same person – me and are my true and authentic names. All former documents remain valid.

WAEC/GCE boards, General public please take note.

DANIEL

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Veronica Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Agofure Veronica.

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

SULEIMAN

ASAMU

I, formerly known and

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asamu Ramat Adedoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayinde Ramat Adedoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

addressed

as

Mohammed Suleiman, now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Salman.

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

IGAGA Reconciliation of Name I, Igaga Airobole Grace hereby state that the names Igaga Remi Grace and Igaga Airobole Grace refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EUGENE I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Cynthia Eugene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Cynthia Nwabuzor. All former

documents

remain valid. General public please take note.

ONASANYA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onasanya Bukonla Tobiloba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onigemo Bukola Tobiloba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

HASKE I, formerly known and addressed as Aisha Ahmed Haske, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aisha Muhammed Kawu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME NURU

ALALOR

IWUOHA

I, formerly known and addressed as Nuru Joseph, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdussamad Nuru Joseph Ayinde. All former documents remain valid. National Hostipal Abuja, First Bank Nigeria Plc, West Affrican College of Physicians (NACP) and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alalor Avoke Betit, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aburime Avoke Betty Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Prudence Udoezi Iwuoha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Prudence Udoezi Okeke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YUSUF

UKW AMEDU A UKWAMEDU AMEDUA

OSADEME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusuf Kafayat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mohammed Kafayat.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Josephine F u m n a n y a Ukwamedua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Josephine Fumnanya Anwuzia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLORI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Becky Ebele Osademe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Becky Ebele Biayoron. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABOD A ABODA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aboda Christopher Vivian Habiba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isah Christopher Vivian. All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

MALEGHEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yemi Joy Maleghemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yemi Joy Omojero. All former documents remain valid. Delta State Civil Service Commission and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evonemo Susan Olori, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evonemo Susan Esievoadje.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MORDI

ISIUGO

GIWUEZE

I, formerly known and addressed as Mordi Samson Nwadiolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Samson Chucks Okonkwo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Roland Rachael Ogechi and Isiugo Rachael Ogechukwu refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Isiugo Rachael Ogechi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the names Mr. Giwueze Isioma Blessing and Mr. Giwueze Isioma Lucky refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Giwueze Isioma Blessing. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NWEKE

ONWUKWE

I, formerly known and addressed as Anthony Monday Nweke, now wish to be known and addressed as BulorAnthony Monday Nweke. All former Documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Christiana Onwukwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Christy Okwudili. All former Documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKEUT OMIYE EKEUTOMIYE

AKP AN AKPAN

EP ALE EPALE

UKAM

I, formerly known and addressed as Ekeutomiye Osamhanjiajie, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekeutomiye Osamhanjiajie Omons.

All former Documents remain valid.

Guaranty Trust Bank and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Ibanga Akpan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Ibanga Bulor-Anthony. All former Documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OK OR O OKOR ORO

MUNEZERO

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Okoro Ererukega Benjamin and Okoro Ererukega refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Okoro Ererukega Benjamin. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, First bank and general public take note.

I, formerly known, addressed and called as Miss Harriet Munezero now wish to be known, addressed and called as Mrs Harriet Jefe.

All documents bearing former names remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Endurance Hans Epale, now wish to be known and addressed as Jeffery Hans Arnold. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Obo Ukam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Onyema Anyaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMEKA

L O VELIN

EJIRO

INETIANBOR

Reconciliation of Names That the names Obizos C. Emeka and Emeka Joel Zos belong to one and the same person and now wish to be known and addressed as Obizos C.Emeka. All former documents remain valid.

Sterling Bank, Keystone Bank and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lovelin Osadeka Ugborume and Wanogho Lovelin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogidi Lovelin.

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

Confirmation of name I, Miss Egokiniovo Tracy Ejiro whose NECO June 2004 certificate bore the name Egokiniovo. D. Ejiro is the same person and now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. J e m i d e Egokiniovo Tracy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Inetianbor Anthonia Ese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Idehen Anthonia Ese. All former documents remains valid.

General public please take note.

ONYECHI

I, formerly known as Ms Emmanuella Chitoo Onyechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuella Chitoo Ezika. All previous d o c u m e n t s / certificates bearing my former name remain valid.

FUTA VC'S DAUGHTER WEDS:

From left— Bride’s father Professor Adebiyi Daramola, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA; groom’s mother, Mrs Bodunrin; couple, Tolulope and Abiodun; bride’s mother, Mrs Daramola and groom’s father, Mr. Adewale Bodunrin, during the wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Akure, Ondo State.

BELOW: The couple, former Miss Tolulope Daramola and Mr. Abiodun Bodunrin at their wedding.

Senate'll intervene in farmers, herdsmen clash—Saraki

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—SENATE President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, promised that the Senate would intervene to find a lasting solution to the continued clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers across the country.

Saraki, who described the perennial clashes between the farmers and herdsmen as unfortunate, however, appealed to them to maintain peace at all times.

He spoke yesterday when a group of herdsmen from Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association, Jigawa State branch, visited him.

Earlier, Chairman of the group, Umar Hadejia in his speech entitled Appeal for an intervention, said the Fulani were traditionally a nomadic and pastoral people, who reared their cattle and sheep across the vast territory of Nigeria as the largest nomadic group in the world.

He lamented that due to urbanisation, there had been an increasing trend of conflict between farmers and the pastoralists, largely due to the Fulani seeking fertile grazing lands for their developmental purposes.

This, he said, had resulted in violent attacks and reprisal counter-attacks.

Online store offers free delivery service

V

ALUE4NAIRA, an online superstore, says it is offering free delivery services to customers in Lagos.

The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ernest Umeike, said it was the cheapest online supermarket in the country, aimed at giving customers 100 percent satisfaction and giving value for every item purchased on the platform.

Mr. Umeike said: “As part of our desire to constantly engage our customers, Value4naira is offering free delivery within Lagos from May 25 to June 15.

“In the prevailing economic climate we hope this incentive will make their shopping experience on our p l a t f o r m , value4naira.com, even better.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 — 41

EgyptAir plane made 3 emergency landings before according to the it crashed information obtained by

T

•Turkish ultra-nationalists protested against German MPs declaring the 1915 massacre of Armenians during WWI as “genocide” outside the German Consulate in Istanbul yesterday.

Super star singer Prince died of overdose—Newspaper reports

M

USIC legend Prince died of an opioid overdose, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Thursday, citing a source familiar with the investigation into the singer’s death.

Prince, whose full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, died April 21 at the age of 57, after being found

unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park, his home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Paramedics performed CPR but were unable to revive him, authorities said.

An autopsy was conducted the day after his death but official results have not been released. Opioids

Turkey recalls envoy to Germany after genocide vote

T

URKEY has recalled its envoy to Germany in protest against German MPs declaring the 1915 massacre of Armenians during WWI as “genocide”.

Turkey called the vote “an example of ignorance and disrespect”.

Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their people died in the atrocities of 1915.

Turkey says the toll was much lower and rejects the term “genocide”.

The vote heightens German-Turkish tensions at a time when Turkey’s help is needed to control migrant arrivals.

The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the resolution would seriously affect relations with Germany, and that the government would consider further measures in response to the vote.

The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted: “The way to close the dark pages in your own history is not by besmirching the history

of other countries with irresponsible and groundless parliamentary decisions,” a clear reference to Germany’s Nazi past.

But the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for calm.

“As expected, Turkey has reacted, and I hope that we will succeed in the next days and weeks to avoid any overreaction,” he told journalists during a visit to Buenos Aires.

and overdoses: 4 things to know.

Since then, information has emerged about the entertainer’s alleged abuse of prescription drugs.

An attorney for Prince’s half-siblings said they revealed the singer had an addiction to Percocet decades before he died.

One half-sibling said Prince started using the drug to help him deal with the rigors of performing, not for recreational use.

A law enforcement source told CNN that investigatorsfound prescription opioid medication on him and in his Minnesota home.

Opioid history: From ‘wonder drug’ to abuse epidemic The day before Prince died, his team called an eminent opioid addiction specialist in California seeking urgent help for the singer, an attorney working for the specialist and his son said.

OPEC states fail to reach deal on the point where it will soon production

O

PEC countries failed Thursday to agree on measures to influence crude supplies and prices - a missed opportunity to show the resolve that for decades let them set how much consumers and industries worldwide would pay for gas, heating and related necessities.

At the same time, OPEC officials argued that the cartel was alive and well, scoffing at suggestions that its authority was eroding to

be negligible.

“Don’t take that (to mean) that OPEC is dead,” said Secretary General Abdulla al-Badri. “OPEC will be powerful, will be strong.

OPEC is alive.”

But the decision to make no decision appeared more an illustration of lack of unity, particularly between OPEC rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, whose deepening struggle for Mideast supremacy has for years been mirrored at oil meetings.

VENEZUELA: Police repel rare protest near presidential palace presidential palace on socialist administration

A

throng of protesters demanding food made a run for the Venezuelan

Thursday in a rare, apparently spontaneous outburst of anger at the

within the heart of Caracas.

More than 100 people charged down the main downtown thoroughfare chanting “No more talk. We want food” and got within about a half dozen of the presidential palace before police in riot gear headed them off and began firing tear gas. Police pushed the protesters back as some kicked their plastic shields.

More officers ran toward the scene and filled in the streets between the protesters and the palace.

HE EgyptAir plane that mysteriously disappeared in the Mediterranean on May 19 with 66 people on board made three emergency landings in the 24 hours before the crash, the French broadcaster France 3 reports. The report has yet to be confirmed by government or airspace authorities.

The plane used for the EgyptAir Flight 804 connecting Paris to Cairo reportedly had to turn

around three times and perform emergency landings on each occasion while travelling to Eritrea, Egypt, Tunisia, and Paris.

Emergency signals indicated a problem on board shortly after takeoff each time, prompting the plane to turn around, France 3 reports.

A technical verification on the ground took place after each landing, but no problems were found and the plane took off again and continued on its route,

France 3. The French newspaper Le Parisien also reported this information.

EgyptAir’s chairman on Thursday denied that those warnings took place. “For me it is not true,” Safwat Musallam said, according to Reuters. He added that the plane had not experienced any maintenance issues before departure and that the plane was “normal.” “We fully trust the aircraft and the pilot,” he said.

Amnesty accuses Gambian govt of brutal repression rights group accuses police Alioune Tine, Amnesty

A

MNESTY International has urged Gambian authorities to release dozens of political prisoners and end a “brutal crackdown” ahead of presidential elections scheduled to take place in December.

In a report published on Thursday, the human

of beatings and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters and opposition politicians during demonstrations in April and May. “Gambia’s elections are just six months away and yet opposition members are arrested and beaten, journalists are muzzled and civil society muted,”

International Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said in the report.

According to the UKbased group, at least 51 people are awaiting trial, including Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the United Democratic Party, and several other political figures.

NNSG to US, German and Italian Presidents: Prevail on Buhari to implement Confab report

By Chinwe Emeluwa

A

COALTION of civil society groups, led by the Nigeria National Summit Group (NNSG), yesterday in Lagos embarked on peaceful protests to Foreign Embassies and High Commissions to urge the Federal Government to restructure the country.

The placard carrying protesters were at the embassies of the United States of America, Italy and Germany where letters were presented for onward transmission to the presidents of their respective countries.

Briefing newsmen at the event, the NNSG Executive Secretary, Mr Tony Uranta, called on

President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to study the 2014 National Conference report with a view to urgently implementing most of the

resolutions.

His words: “A lot of work went into that report from seasoned Nigerians representing all walks of life, and states of Nigeria."

Gambia's Amadou Gillen who won £4m on a lottery scratchcard went straight back to finish his shift in the kitchen

Egyptian doctors offer free medical care to IDPs

By Victoria Ojeme

S

UCCOUR seems to have come the way of some Internally Displaced Persons ,IDPs, across various camps in Abuja

following the arrival of a team of medical doctors from Egypt, who were in the country to meet the health needs of the IDPs. The coming of the doctors from Al-Azhar institution is

Art of Life to fight violence in Africa with meditation

N

O fewer than 700,000 people in Nigeria and 34 African countries across the world have united in a joint yoga exercise for global world peace.

The initiative which was organised by the Art of Living International Foundation members Messes Raghu Sharma, Tanny Mahak and Sachin Chansarkar attracted

Nigerians from all walks of life to Lagos.

The organizers of the event entitled: I Meditate Africa said the foundation, which has presence in more than 152 countries across the world, would boost its operations in Africa, particularly Nigeria to combat growing violence on the continent.

a fulfilment of an earlier promise by the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque of Alexandria University, Sheik Ahmed Tiyyib when he visited the IDPs in Abuja recently.

According to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ashraf Salama, the Sheik pledged to assist the IDPs. Yesterday, in line with the pledge, the team visited the Karmajiji Dudun Munstsira Camp where about 12 tonnes of food were also delivered to the people.

Earlier, the doctors visited the IDP camp in Durumi, Area 1, Garki where they carried out various diagnosis on the inhabitants.

42 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016—43

44 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FIRDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 —45

Y

By Ben Agande

OUR party is experiencing another of leadership crisis. Are you not concerned that the current conflict might be more injurious to the PDP? I don’t think so. PDP is a very big family and even within the nucleus you can have misunderstanding, so I am not surprised that we are having these challenges. My worry is that we are not in power, we shouldn’t have allowed this to happen to the party; we should have curtailed them and move together to see what God has for us in 2019.

This distraction definitely will not help us. Now that the APC government is not doing fine, we would have cashed in on this and put a shadow government to work towards getting back power. I am worried, yes, but I don’t think it will lead to disintegration.

Do you think the party has learnt enough from its past?

From what I am seeing we have not learnt enough. We have not been practicing our slogan that is the problem. It started when a group of people decided to pick an acting chairman.

Why would you pick an acting chairman? Why didn’t they allow the deputy chairman who was acting to complete that tenure and then go into the convention so that all those who are clamouring to take the position will contest for it?

Now, power was given on a platter of gold to one man and he was called acting chairman and now they are telling him to quit. That is what we are facing now. The mistake made was to get a new acting chairman in place of Uche Secondus.

The way forward is continue dialoguing and I pray that both sides will shift ground. If the present chairman wants the party to remain united and move forward, he should not stick to his gun.

What is your assessment of the APC led Federal Government one year after?

APC has not done very well.

Unfortunately our party which is supposed to be the opposition party is not faring any better, thereby giving them the leeway. So many of their promises have not been met, we don’t have a strong voice to let the people know that these promises were made and they are not being kept.

Unfortunately for the party they came in after which the economy crashed. I cannot say whether APC was the cause or not.

But it is unfortunate because the team they have today cannot manage the economy. This is the truth because we have had worst period than this and the

FG should dialogue with N’Delta Avengers — Sen Amange SENATOR Bariagha Amange in this interview calls on President Muhammadu Buhari not to approach the current crisis in the Niger Delta region with military might, noting that dialogue is key to resolving the hostility. He also spoke on other issues. it should cover all the political parties.

There is resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, what does this portend?

I always believe that these boys in the Niger Delta are

It is lack of equity that is causing all these pockets of agitations. And if a group is agitating, it is left for the government to listen to them

•Amange: PDP has not learnt its lessons problem is who are the people managing the economy? Are they qualified to do it?

Were you surprised to hear about the misappropriation of funds by your party during its time in office?

Well, I am not surprised but I am also surprised the way the present government is going.

Let them tell us if they are after corrupt individuals or they are after the PDP as a party.

If the government wants to probe election funding, fine, then we should probe election funding generally. What they are doing is that they are probing the source of PDP’s funds that were used to fund election.

What of APC? The party was funded by individuals. Labour Party and others were also funded. So government should come out and say we are probing election funding and

agitators. When you say militancy like the President said he was going to treat them the way he is treating Boko Haram, it is wrong. They are two different things. They are agitating. It is like the IPOB in the Southeast, they are agitating. It is lack of equity that is causing all these pockets of agitations. And if a group is agitating, it is left for the government to listen to them.

They have released a list of those who own oil blocks in the Niger Delta. If you look at the list, all the names on it are from

one part of the country, why?

So if people are agitating can’t you call them or call their leaders and say if that one was a mistake made by the military, the civilian government should be able to correct it.

On bombing of pipelines How do you agitate? You must make noise. We are not supporting the destruction of the ecosystem because the more they blow up oil pipelines the more they destroy the ecosystem.

There are better ways to agitate I agree with you but what I am saying is that the President said he will treat them the way he is treating Boko Haram. Now if you look at Boko Haram and say they are agitating, what are they agitating for? One school of thought said they want to Islamize Nigeria. If they want to Islamize Nigeria, why are they bombing mosques? The Southeast people are feeling that they are not enjoying key political appointments. Why not see how their fears can be addressed?

Where do you see the PDP in 2019?

2019 is for the PDP. We should forget about our selfish interests because all the people struggling are struggling for themselves, not for the party.

If you have the party at heart, you can say let go so many things.

But I am not seeing that. The struggle is selfish in nature and if we continue this way, it may not be good for us. It is the party that will eventually suffer.

And if we don’t win 2019, it will be difficult for us to come back even in 2023 because the present party will consolidate.

They know our lapses so they will try to consolidate.

Imo people are unfair to Rochas — AKABUOGU CHIEF Godwin Akabogu, a former aide to Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha in this interview laments that the governor’s stewardship is not being acknowledged by some in the state. He also spoke on other issues.

By Charles Kumolu

W

HAT do you make of the mixed impression some appear to have about the administration of Okorocha?

You see, people don’t even understand who he is. To start with, Imo people, I will tell you without mincing words are very unfair to Rochas Okorocha’s administration. Given what he has done in Imo State today, they are unfair to him. You see, for the first time, I challenge Imo sons and daughters to come out and show me, since the inception of the state, a singular government that has outperformed Rochas Anayo Okorocha.

But there were people like Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim, do you mean they didn’t do much?

See, all those people you just mentioned did their own quota

but whatever thing they did is nowhere to be compared with what Anayo Okorocha has done in the past four years. What Achike Udenwa did in eight years, Rochas Anayo Okorocha surpassed it in four years.

A lot of people say Rochas is not working but just playing political games?

No, those who feel that Rochas is not working are not fair to him.

I can stay here and tell you authoritatively that Rochas Okorocha has performed tremendously well. No, he is not into political gambling. For the past one month I have travelled the length and breadth of Imo State, the projects Okorocha has done speak volume. You will see all the projects Okorocha did and you will discover that all these things speak for themselves. Are you talking about roads? Are you talking about the schools he reno-

vated? I mean, where would you start to access him? Then, cast your mind back to the previous administrations, what do they have to show for their governance? Both Ikedi Ohakim and Achike Udenwa even Sam Mbakwe. What the Igbo sons and daughters do not understand is that, Rochas is the anointed son of the late Ikemba Ojukwu.

Why did you say his people are unfair to him when they reelected him?

In my thinking, they are very unfair to Okorocha. This is a man who gave them free education.

He gave them different kinds of infrastructure, new and good road networks and lot of transformation. I saw this myself, it is not like hearsay.

At the end of the day, why won’t you give honour to whom honour is due? Why don’t you give credit to whom credit is due?

•Akabogu There is a saying in my local dialect, it says ‘when you thank the person that prepared green beans for you, he would be energized to prepare another dish for you”. In Imo State what are they saying? Their slogan is this “Government of the family, by the family and for the family.”

That shows that they are not being appreciative of the man.

46 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016 — 47

Giggs rejects Mourinho’s offer R

YAN Giggs is ready to walk out on Manchester United and prove himself as a manager after deciding to reject Jose Mourinho’s offer to join his coaching staff, according to reports.

Giggs served as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal, having replaced David Moyes on an interim basis as manager at the end of the 2013/14 season. Having worked with Van Gaal for the duration of his twoyear reign, Giggs was hopeful of succeeding the Dutchman when he was sacked last month, only to discover that Mourinho would be getting the job instead.

Giggs departed on a holiday to Dubai the day after United’s FA Cup final success, but is due to return to hold talks with Mourinho regarding his future at the club.

After spending 29 years of his life associated with United as both a player

and assistant manager, Giggs in known to be unhappy with the prospect of being demoted from his role as No 2. Mourinho will bring in his regular assistant in Rui Faria, having worked with the 40-year-old Portuguese coach throughout his career.

Mourinho is believed to have offered Giggs the chance to stay at Old Trafford in a role that would bridge the gap between the youth set-up and the senior team, but Giggs looked unfavourably on the position and saw it as an obvious demotion from his job under Van Gaal.

The talks with Mourinho have led the club legend to decide that the time is right to leave United and forge his own managerial career elsewhere, having grown frustrated by the two missed chances to become United manager.

Messi: I signed tax papers without “I didn’t know court at times, looking reading anything,” Messi said down and trying to

L

IONEL Messi denied having knowledge of the tax issues that led to fraud charges against him, saying Thursday he signed documents without reading them because he trusted his father and the advisers responsible for managing his finances.

•Giggs

Eagles Continues from BP The upward movement for the Eagles is coming on the heels of their back-toback victories in recent friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg.

The Super Eagles, who were ranked 67th in May, are now occupying the 61st position in the world, but they remain outside the top ten teams in Africa at 12th place.

The Desert Foxes of Algeria remain highest ranked team in Africa

while Argentina is the number one team in the world.

Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Cape Verde Island, Congo DR, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo make up the top 10 teams on the continent.

As highlighted by FIFA, the top movers were Slovakia and Madagascar.

The Europeans climbed eight positions to take 24th place, while the island nation located off Africa’s South East coast climbed 29 positions into 108.

S/Korea Continues from BP The Nigerian team were looking to start the tournament on a good footing, by winning or grabbing a draw, but that was not to be as their hosts proved too strong for them.

Coach Siasia named a strong squad with Emmanuel Daniel and Usman Mohammed starting.

The likes of Saturday Erimuya and Erhun Obanor marshalled the defence line, and the belief was that the team was going to get something from the game.

The Dream Team started the game on a frantic note and were by far the better side in the opening 20 minutes of the game, but failed to convert their chances.

Choi Kyubaek broke their hearts with the late strike and the hosts managed to hold on until the final whistle.

Siasia’s lads have a chance to redeem their image in the competition when they battle Honduras and Denmark in the next two games.

while testifying in his tax fraud trial. “I only worried about playing football.”

The Barcelona player looked impatient in

stretch his legs. The left foot that helps him thrive on the soccer fields kept bouncing impatiently underneath the chair.

Siasia Continues from BP press conference following his team’s 0-1 defeat by the host nation at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

According to the tactician, his players were not able to play their game as they were still suffering from jet lag occasioned by the long flight from Abuja. “The flight didn’t help matters, but then that is not an excuse for us not getting at least a point from this game.

“The goal scored by the Koreans was made possible because my players were adopting offside tactics; I don’t know where they got that idea from as we have

never kept offside in all our trainings and games.”

“I am happy the NFF did everything to make us come for this competition as it has exposed the boys to see things from a bigger perspective, even though I wanted us to win this game to boost our confidence. The boys now know that they have to sit up in the other games.”

The African champions lost to an 86th minute goal scored by South Korea’s Choi Kyubaek from a free kick which caught the Nigerian defence –line ball watching. Nigeria play Denmark, 4-3 winners over Honduras, in her next game on Saturday.

Tough world cup draw Continues from BP in Africa at No 12 on the continent.

It is widely believed that the top 5 in the continental ratings – Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Egypt – will enjoy a better chance of making Pot A of the draw on June 24 in Cairo, Egypt.

Next week, FIFA will announce the lucky five top seeds.

The climb in the FIFA rankings was down to the wins over Mali and

Luxembourg achieved by caretaker coach Salisu Yusuf.

After crashing out of AFCON 2017, Nigeria will be seeking to qualify for a sixth World Cup when the qualifying series for Russia 2018 begin in October.

The 20-teams still in the reckoning will be drawn into five groups of four teams each with the five overall group winners catching the flight to Russia in 2018.

Jamaican Continues from BP Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Lausanne within days, the sources said.

Jamaica Olympic Association president Michael Fennell declined comment, while Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association president Dr. Warren Blake told Reuters his organisation had not been notified of any rule violation.

Following the biggest doping scandal in years, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ordered retesting of 2008 and

2012 Olympic samples where traces of drugs that were undetectable at the time now show up under advanced techniques.

The IOC said last month that 31 athletes from six different sports and 12 countries had tested positive in the retesting of 2008 samples and that it had launched disciplinary action against the yet unidentified athletes who would not be allowed to compete in August’s Rio de Janeiro Games. Russia has already said 14 of its athletes were among the positive tests from 2008.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Messi, in court over tax fraud — Pg.47

Suwon Invitational:

S/Korea shock Nigeria 1-0 I

T was a bad start for the Dream Team VI in the Suwon Invitational Tournament

•Siasia

FIFA ranking

Eagles make progress T

HE Super Eagles have moved up six notches in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world football governing body yesterday.

Continues on Page 47

Top Ten African Teams 1) Algeria 2) Ivory Coast 3) Ghana 4) Senegal 5) Egypt 6) Tunisia 7) Cape Verde Islands 8) Congo DR 9) Guinea 10)Cameroon

as they were pipped 1-0 by hosts South Korea yesterday.

The Samson Siasiatutored side lost at the

Suwon World Cup Stadium thanks to Choi Kyubaek’s 86th minute winner.

Continues on Page 47

Messi and father Jorge (rear) are facing tax fraud charges

...Siasia blames fatigue

C

OACH Samson Siasia has attributed his team’s defeat in the opening game of the 4 –Nation Suwon Invitational Tournament in South Korea to fatigue. Siasia said so at the post match Continues on Page 47

Jamaican athlete fails dope test A

Jamaican athlete is among those who have failed a doping

Tough World Cup draw awaits Eagles

T

•Mikel

TODAY'S PUZZLE

H R E E -T I M E A f r i c a n champions Nigeria could still face a very difficult 2018 World Cup qualifying group even after the latest FIFA rankings saw them move

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

up by six spots.

Nigeria are now 61st in the world, but still very much outside the top 5 Continues on Page 47

test after samples were re-examined from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the wake of a drugs scandal.

The athlete has returned an adverse analytical finding for the A-sample and the result of the B-sample test is expected from the World

Continues on Page 47

•Bolt

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 2 Vigilant (5) 7 Agitate (4) 8 Trial (6) 9 Vessel (5) 11 Insane (3) 13 Donkey (3) 15 So be it (4) 16 Circuit (3) 18 Cease (4) 19 Train (7) 20 Greedy (4) 22 Dash (4) 23 Harmful (7) 25 Watched (4) 27 Fasten (3) 28 Present (4) 30 Free (3) 31 Wand (3) 33 Mendacious (5) 36 Recess (6) 37 Responsibility (4) 38 Tendency (5)

DOWN 1 Vapour (5) 2 Cure (3) 3 Epoch (3) 4 Child (3) 5 Strange (3) 6 Lariat (5) 10 Achievement (4) 11 Controller (7) 12 Wished (7) 13 Studio (7) 14 Smacked (7) 16 Inclined (5) 17 Annoyance (5) 18 Prosecute (3) 21 Defective (3) 24 Greasy (4) 26 Cede (5) 29 Rascal (5) 32 Crowd (3) 33 Permit (3) 34 Wrath (3) 35 Deity (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Trace 5, Divest 8, Order 10, Secure 11, Open 14, Pirate 15, Blossom 18, Gem 19, Set 21, Deft 23, Eider 24, Soft 27, Tan 29, Ray 31, Luckily 32, Peeled 34, Else 35, Untied 38, Basic 39, Regret 40, Phial.

DOWN: 2, Roe 3, Course 4, Err 5, Drop 6, Veered 7, Talent 9, Deposit 12, Pig 13, Name 16, Lido 17, Medal 20, Tenuous 22, Full 24, Supper 25, Free 26, Taller 28, Sketch 30, Yes 33, Debt 36, Nip 37, Era.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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