N6.5 BN FRAUD: EFCC seizes Sylva's48 property in Abuja

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...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61789

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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N150

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

7 soldiers, 80-yr-old woman, 7 others killed 7 G P in Borno, Adamawa •

Dana resumes flight operations today •Pg.6

Naira gains 35k as CBN repays N146bn TBs —P.6

N6.5 BN FRAUD:

EFCC seizes Sylva's 48 property in Abuja •EFCC violating the law; property not mine — Sylva •Order for interim forfeiture secured on Dec. 28, 2012

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BUJA—THE Eco nomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, seized 48 choice property belonging to former Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva, who is being prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged misappropriation of N6.46 billion state funds when he was governor of the state.

The interim forfeiture of the property order by Continues on page 5

SOME SEIZED PROPERTY: •A mansion at 3 River Niger Street, plot 3192 Cadastral zone AO, Maitama District Abuja; •Nine units (comprising six one bedroom and 3 two bedroom apartments) at 8 Sefadu Street Wuse zone 2, plot 262 Cadastral zone AO2, Wuse Abuja; •2 units duplexes at 5 Oguta Street, plot 906 Cadastral zone Wuse 11 Abuja.

•Others are: a duplex at Plot 1271 Nike Street Cadastral zone AO5, Maitama District Abuja; • A duplex at Phase 1 Unit No. 1 (Villa 1) Palm Springs Gold Estate, Cachez Turkey Projects Limited, Mpape, Abuja.

DONU KOGBARA: •P. 17

Mr & Mrs

.See more on P.5 SEIZED—Some property allegedly belonging to Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, seized yesterday by the EFCC in Abuja.

CAMPAIGN POSTERS: Why sponsors have not been arrested — Presidency

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH, SAMUEL OYADONGHA & IFEANYI OKOLIE

—P.8

2— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 3

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4— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

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POCKET CARTOON

Another property allegedly belonging to Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva, seized yesterday by the EFCC in Abuja.

N6.5 bn fraud: EFCC seizes Sylva's property in Abuja Continues from page 1 Justice A. R Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja was obtained on December 28, 2012.

Meanwhile, the embattled former Bayelsa State governor has condemned the action of the EFCC, charging them to respect the law.

Assets belonging to the former governor against

which a forfeiture order was obtained by the EFCC are: a mansion at 3 River Niger Street, plot 3192 Cadastral zone AO, Maitama District Abuja; nine units (comprising six one bedroom and 3 two bedroom apartments) at 8 Sefadu Street Wuse zone 2, plot 262 Cadastral zone AO2, Wuse Abuja; and 2 units duplexes at 5 Oguta Street, plot 906 Cadas-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

B

E thankful for your place in the family. Mod ern Psychology tells us that it is bad to be an orphan, Damaging to be the youngest, Crushing to be in the middle, tasking to be the oldest...there is no way out...except to be born an adult, which is an irony of life, be content.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

most beautiful people I’ve known are T those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their HE

way out of the depths —Elisabeth K Ross

Anthony de Mello has some profound insights on truth. He wrote that beliefs and traditions of societies, cultures, ideas, prejudices, attachments and fears of an individual’s past experiences often create a close wall for development in many ways, these self created walls make it seem impossible that you will ever break out and make contact with the richness of life, love and freedom that lies beyond the fortress. And yet the task, far from being impossible, is actually easy and delightful.

What can you do to break out? First, realize that you are surrounded by these walls, that your mind can be awakened more too. Most people end up being conformists; they adapt to life. A few become reformers; they fight for better living conditions but to be revolutionary you must be able to see self created walls and that is the very step to breaking out.

tral zone Wuse 11 Abuja.

Others are: a duplex at Plot 1271 Nike Street Cadastral zone AO5, Maitama District Abuja; a duplex at Phase 1 Unit No. 1 (Villa 1) Palm Springs Gold Estate, Cachez Turkey Projects Limited, Mpape, Abuja; 10 units of one-room apartments at 8 Mistrata Street plot 232 Cadastral zone Wuse 11 Abuja; 5 units duplexes at Plot No 1070 Dakibiyu District Cadastral zone B10, Abuja; 16 units service apartments at Plot 1181 Thaba Tseka Crescent, Off IBB Way, Wuse 11, Abuja and 3 units of three- bedroom flats at No. 1 Mubi Close, Plot 766. Cadastral Zone A01, Garki, Abuja. Sylva was first arraigned on Tuesday June 5, 2012.

The Charges The first three of the six count charge against him read: “That you, Timpre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of property and resources amounting to N2 billion belonging to Bayelsa State Government and derived from an illegal act, with

the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004 and punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act. “That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of

Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about January 22, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N380 million property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a Bureau De Change Operator with Account No. 221433478108, in Fin Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act. “That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of

Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about February 5, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N50 million, property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Enson Benmer Limited with Account No. 6152030001946, in First Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.” The substantive suit has been adjourned to January 10, 2013, for trial.

....EFCC violating the law — Ex-gov Sylva E M B AT T L E D former Governor Sylva has reacted to the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to confiscate his property calling the anti-corruption agency to respect the law.

Sylva in a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Doifie Ola, said the Abuja High Court never granted any temporary asset forfeiture order to the EFCC. He said the court directed the EFCC to put Sylva on notice and the substantive matter is fixed for January 10, 2013.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, announcing the seizure of a number of property al-

leged to be owned by Chief Timipre Sylva, former Bayelsa State Governor.

“The claims by EFCC are completely misleading. Not surprising, this style is in line with EFCC’s known bullyboy tactics and media hysteria. The houses in question do not belong to Sylva.

Sylva’s property are intact, and fully covered by the order validly issued by Justice M. Kolo of the Abuja High Court on December 27, 2012.

Sylva had applied to the court for “an interim order of court for the service of the originating process on the respondent to serve as a stay of all actions in respect of the property - plot no 262, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse 1, District, Abuja, plot 3192, located within Cadastral zone A06 Maitama District, Abuja, plot 232, Cadastral Zone A07,(No. 8

Mistrata Street; Wuse II, Abuja) - by the respondents, their agents, privies, representative or any other person deriving his/her authority from them; either by sealing off, confiscating, ejecting any person from the property, trespassing into the property or doing any other thing how ever so described relating to the said property pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.” This application was granted and hearing in the matter is fixed for January 4, 2013.

“Justice A. Mohammed never granted any temporary asset forfeiture order to EFCC on December 21, 2012.

Rather he directed EFCC to put Sylva on notice and the substantive matter is fixed for January 10, 2013. EFCC as a creation of the law cannot be seen to be acting lawlessly and with impunity.”

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Police nab 3 suspects over kidnap of 4 Koreans, two Nigerians zAs Korean firm pays N30m ransom

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA —THE police in Bayelsa State have arrested three suspects over their alleged involvement in the December abduction of four Koreans and two Nigerians working with Hyundai Heavy Industries at Odioma in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

Also arrested was the mastermind of the August abduction of the paramount ruler of Okordia clan.

The Korean firm, a ship building company, reportedly paid N30 million to the kidnappers without the knowledge of the police and the state government to secure the release of their workers.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kingsley Omire, who spoke in Yenagoa while parading the suspects, said security operatives were on the trail of the fleeing leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Digitemie Itua alias Seiko.

The arrested suspects, who were said to have voluntarily confessed to have kidnapped the four expatriates and their two Nigerian colleagues, according to the state Commissioner of Police, were nabbed by operatives of state Criminal Investigation Department, CID and Special Intelligence Bureau following a tip off.

Korean firm pays N30m ransom He said the Korean firm paid N30 million to the criminal gang without the knowledge of the police and the state government, adding that the arrested suspects upon interrogation identified Digitemie Itua alias Seiko as their leader, prompting security operatives to raid his residence in the coastal area of Odioma.

Omire added that while one of the leaders of the kidnap gang was arrested, Digitemie, however, escaped while taking the security operatives to his amoury at Ogbainbiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, when the police were ambushed by other members of his gang, who got wind of their movement.

“At midnight, operatives of the command left for

Odioma for the arrest of Digitemie. He was arrested at 1.30 a.m. and one AK 47 rifle and 60 rounds of ammunition, a telescope and three magazines were recovered from his house. It was a large scale operation involving two gunboats.

“At 6 p.m., following his

confession that he had four AK47 rifles and several rounds of ammunition in Ogbainbiri area of Southern Ijaw council, operatives left with gunboats for the recovery of the arms.”

Omire said unknown to the police operatives, persons suspected to be members of the

criminal gang had laid ambush in the creek and opened fire on them and in the confusion, the gang leader jumped into the swamp and escaped.

He assured that the fleeing gang leader would be arrested in no distant time as security operatives were on his trail.

Dana Air resumes flight operations today zVIPs, journalists, Nollywood stars, others 'll be on board

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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2012 HAJJ REPORT: From left: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Chairman of FCT 2012 Amirul Hajj Team, Gen. Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman (rtd) and Alhaji Atiku Kurawa during presentation of 2012 Amirul Hajj report in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Naira gains 35 kobo as CBN repays N146bn TBs zValue of equities drops by N19bn

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & CHINEDU IBEABUCH

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AGOS — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday repaid N146 billion worth of matured treasury bills even as the naira gained 35 kobo in the interbank foreign exchange market.

Data from the Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigeria, FMDA, showed that interbank foreign exchange rate dropped to N156.35 per dollar from N156.70 on Thursday, implying 35 kobo appreciation for the naira.

The appreciation, according to market operators, was prompted by low demand due to lull in business activities occasioned by the yuletide holiday period.

On the money market side, cost of funds dropped slightly courtesy of the matured bills repaid by the CBN. The apex bank repaid N55.35 billion worth of 84 days treasury bills, at yield of 14.05 per cent, and

N91.31 billion worth of 87 days treasury bills, at the same yield.

This enhanced the volume of idle cash (excess liquidity) in the interbank money market, prompting decline in interest rate on short term funds. For example, interest rate on seven days and 30 days lending dropped to nine and 33 basis points, to 11.08 per cent and 12.21 per cent respectively.

Value of equities drops by N19bn Meanwhile, the value of equities listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, dropped by N19.12 billion.

Specifically, the market capitalisation, the key indicator to gauge performance on the NSE, dropped by 0.12 per cent to close at N9.09 trillion from N9.12 trillion.

Another market indicator, the All-Share Index, also

depreciated by 0.12 per cent or 59.82 points to close at 28,441.39 points from 28,501.21 points.

Fifteen equities recorded depreciation in share price as against 30 equities that recorded share price gain.

Diamond Bank Plc recorded the highest share price loss, depreciating by 5.56 per cent to close at N5.10 from N5.40 per share. This was followed by John Holt Plc that lost 4.95 per cent to close at N3.07 per share and Cutix Plc dropped by 4.58 per cent to close at N1.46 per share, among others.

On the other hand, First City Monument Bank Plc recorded the highest share price gain, appreciating by 9.76 per cent to close at N4.50 per share from N4.10. This was followed by AIICO Insurance Plc that gained 6.45 per cent to close at N0.66 per share and Skye Bank Plc rose by 5.71 per cent to close at N5.00 per share, among other gainers.

AGOS — DANA Airlines will today conduct its inaugural flight to Abuja, six months after one of its aircraft got involved in a crash that killed all 153 passengers and crew on board and others on ground at Iju Ishaga, Lagos, on June 3, 2012.

Coming barely two weeks after the House of Representatives called for revocation of the airline’s operating licence, the flight, expected to take off in Lagos at 9:45 a.m, would have on board some VIPs, journalists, stakeholders in the aviation sector and celebrities, including Nollywood stars.

The airline’s spokesman, Tony Usidamen, who confirmed this, yesterday, said all arrangements had been concluded for a seamless flight.

Vanguard learnt that Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, had issued a resumption letter to the airline to recommence operation after series of investigation and test flights by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. Usidamen said the resumption came after necessary approval was received from the Federal Government.

He also confirmed that the airline’s reservation system had been abuzz with intending passengers making their bookings, saying that explained the reason the flight would be real-time.

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) revoked the company ’s operating licence, pending proper investigations into the cause of the crash.

In September 2012, the Federal Government reinstated the airline’s licence and allowed it to resume, only with test flights.

In December 2012, NCAA issued a new Air Operators Certificate to Dana Air after it completed the necessary recertification processes.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—7

NERFUND to create 500,000 jobs

BY SONI DANIEL

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ROAD TRAFFIC LAW: A cross section of relevant enforcement agencies of the Road Traffic Law 2012 during a meeting with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. INSET: Governor Fashola (2nd left); Commissioner of Police, Umar Abubakar Manko (2nd right); Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (right) and his Justice counterpart and Attorney-General, Mr. Ade Ipaye.

...A S G U N M E N , J T F C L A S H I N A D A M AWA , B O R N O

7 soldiers, 2 policemen, 80-yr-old woman, 5 gunmen killed zOnly a soldier, policeman died —JTF zLG secretariat, police station burnt

BY UMAR YUSUF & NDAHI MARAM

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AIDUGURI — AT least seven security operatives and five gunmen were killed in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State when some gunmen suspected to be terrorists ambushed troops deployed in the area to maintain peace and order.

Also, unidentified gunmen, yesterday, killed four persons including a soldier, a policeman and an 80-year-old woman with her 13-year-old grandson in a gun duel at Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving the number of Nigerians lost to insecurity and violence on the third day of the New Year at 14 and the casualty figure in the last 10 days at 37.

However, the Joint Task Force, JTF, “Operation Restore Order ” through its spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, denied that six soldiers and a policeman died in the Borno incident.

He insisted that one soldier, a policeman and five of the gunmen were killed during the gun duel.

The Borno incident,

according to a source, occurred at about 2 p.m. when the gunmen laid ambush to one of the locations of the troops from the 21 Armoured Brigade, took them unawares and opened fire. The soldiers returned fire leading to an exchange of gunfire that lasted over an hour.

The source said seven security personnel and five gunmen suspected to be terrorists were killed during the encounter.

JTF denies casualty figure Confirming the incident, Sagir in a statement in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital said: “This is to confirm that at about 2 p.m, yesterday, January 2, 2013, gunmen attacked 21 Brigade troops’ location at Marte, Marte Local Government Area in the Northern part of Borno State.”

He said in the process, one soldier, one police personnel and five gunmen lost their lives during an exchange of fire, adding that no civilian casualty was recorded.

He stated that during the clash, the troops were able to recover some items which

include two AK 47 rifles, one locally-made double barrel gun, three magazines loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition, one dane gun and four machetes.

In Adamawa, the attackers struck at about 1: 30 am, killing four victims and wounded two other soldiers and some civilians who are now in critical conditions in some hospitals in the state.

LG secretariat, police station burnt Sources told Vanguard in Adamawa State that the attackers further set the Song Local Government Secretariat and Song Police Divisional Headquarters ablaze and damaged several vehicles.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Adamawa State Police Command, Mohammed Ibrahim, who confirmed the attack said two other soldiers and some civilians were in critical condition as a result of injuries they sustained in the gun battle.

The PPRO said: ”It is true that there was an attack on some government formations.

We are on our way to the scenes of the attacks with the state commissioner of Police to

assess the level of damage. We had it on good authority that one gallant soldier, a policeman and one old woman with her grand-son were killed in the attack.”

He added that the local government secretariat and the police station in the area were razed during the attack while some cars were damaged.

He, however, appealed to law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful activities as the police were doing their best to protect them.

An eye witness told Vanguard, on the telephone, that the gunmen shared themselves into two groups before launching the attacks simultaneously.

One of the groups, which was heavily armed, attacked the police station in the heart of the town, shooting sporadically before overrunning and setting it ablaze, while the second group headed for the local government secretariat, ransacked it and set it on fire alongside nearby houses.

Unknown gunmen had in the last two days attacked four other local councils in the state including Maiha, Hong, Fufore and Song.

BUJA — THE National Economic Reconstruction Fund, NERFUND, said yesterday that it would create 500,000 new jobs in its bid to check unemployment in the country.

The fund said its bright prospects for job creation followed the boost of its operations as a result of renewed interest shown by stakeholders.

The agency ’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Dahiru Ali, told Vanguard that the fund received no fewer than 30,000 applications from small and medium scale investors in 2012 for funding, amounting to N150 billion, which had the potential to generate the expected 500,000 jobs, when funded.

Ali explained that of the requests, 1,612 micro and small scale industrial projects valued at N5.2 billion while 1071 micro enterprises with N5 million funding limit had been fully funded with the sum of N2.34 billion.

Similarly, 49 small scale manufacturing enterprises with funding not exceeding N150 million were financed with N1.63 billion.

Ali said the agency would take necessary steps to recover all outstanding loans from beneficiaries in 2013 to make funds available to other small scale businessmen in the country.

He said: “Part of the Fund’s goal for 2013 is the recovery of a substantial part of the facilities that were overdue of which N500 million was recovered at the end of 2012.”

NERFUND, which was established by the Federal Government to make funds readily available for industrial development, has bankrolled 266 projects between 1989 and 1999 of which 244 have fully refunded their loans amounting to N4.97 billion.

It operates two micro and small enterprises credit windows for direct lending and indirect lending to beneficiaries who are expected to pay back their loans at stipulated time and rates.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Suntai: Taraba govt dispels rumour zSays he's not incapacitated

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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“No vacancy in Aso Rock.”

Campaign posters: Why sponsors have not been arrested — Presidency

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—SPECIAL Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, yesterday, said security agencies did not need any goading from the President to go after those pasting posters of President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 elections, if the security agencies felt the activities of those people were capable of compromising public peace in the country.

The pasting of posters of the President in some strategic places in Abuja, declaring the interest of President Jonathan in the 2015 election, has generated widespread criticism from opposition parties in the country, some of whom accused the President of flying a kite through anonymous sources.

Though the presidential spokesman, Abati, had denied any involvement of the President, the criticisms have remained unrelenting.

However, speaking with State House correspondents yesterday, Dr. Abati said: “The President of Nigeria has an office that is so important that he cannot behave in a cowardly manner. This is a man who is honest and have reputation of being honest.

“Those who are bent on distracting this government have brought out the posters. I repeat that President Jonathan knows nothing about it.”

‘It’s not Jonathan’s job’

Asked why the President had not directed security agencies to go after the people behind the posters, Abati said: “The security agencies

have their jobs cut out for them. If they feel there is anything that is likely to disturb the polity, that is likely to affect the integrity of the State or they feel something has happened and they need information, that needs to be investigated, then of course they will do their job.

“They don’t even need to wait for presidential directive.

It is part of their normal duty to find out what is happening in the environment particularly if what has happened is a matter of public interest.

“The President does not need to give any order. People whose job is it to ensure that nothing goes wrong within the Nigerian state will do their job.

“They will make their own assessment; they will do their own investigations. If they feel

that there is any threat whatsoever to public peace, to rule of law and order, they will make sure that that is not allowed.

“President Jonathan has not launched any campaign for re-election in 2015. He has not asked anybody to go and paste posters around Abuja.

Whoever those people are, they are acting on their own.

They are not President Jonathan’s agent. They are on to their own mischief.

‘Jonathan’s focus’

“The President has been consistent with the issue of 2015.

In the last presidential media chat, he said he was not talking about 2015 at this moment.

“He had been given assignment by the Nigerian people which is to see through the

transformation agenda, to ensure the different changes he has promised in life and society. That is what he remains committed to.”

He said what was playing out was an indication that “the contestation for power in Nigeria is quite a complex one and people will go to any length to push their own agenda.

“This is not coming from the President. When the President takes a position in terms of his own personal involvement or otherwise with regards to the 2015 elections, you can be sure he will come out to Nigerians and say this is where he stands on this matter the same way he did on previous occasions.

“But the President is not going to adopt this kind of tactics that you see on display.”

Escort dies in Kogi Speaker's convoy's auto crash zLawmaker dies during keep-fit exercise

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HE convoy of Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Lawal Jimoh, was Monday involved in a ghastly motor accident that killed a police escort.

Last week, Governor Idris Wada had an auto crash which claimed the life of his aide, Idris Mohammed.

The Speaker was said to be travelling to his Okene home town when a heavy duty truck ran into his escort van at Osara, along Okene road.

While the Speaker’s vehicle,

along with others, were not affected by the accident, a police corporal Lamidi Akeem, who was in the affected escort car died, yesterday, at the hospital.

The Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Austin Akubo, confirmed the report and said the Speaker’s vehicle was not affected.

Meanwhile, Benue State was, yesterday, thrown into mourning, following the death of a former member of the state House of Assembly, Msen Sarwuan, during a

keep-fit exercise.

Sarwuan’s sudden death shocked the people of the state as many of them wept profusely on hearing the news of his demise.

Sarwuan slumped and died during early morning exercise in Makurdi, the state capital.

A member of the family, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to journalists, confirmed the death of the one-time caretaker Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area.

NJURED Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, will soon bounce back to his duty post and shame those who claim that the air crash he was involved in last October damaged his brain, the state Commissioner for Information, Emmanuel Bello, has said.

Bello, told Vanguard in an interview that contrary to insinuations by certain persons that the governor was incapacitated, he would soon return to Nigeria and continue with governance of the state.

He dispelled claims that the picture showing the governor sitting with his wife and a set of twins born in Germany recently was stage managed by Taraba State Government to deceive Nigerians that the man was fit enough to return to his duty post.

According to Bello, the picture did not emanate from Jalingo but from the governor’s friends in Germany, where he is being treated.

The commissioner said, “Look let me tell you the truth, the picture being used in the media did not come from Taraba State but from Germany, it was not generated from Jalingo, as claimed by some persons.

“Governor Danbaba Suntai is coming back any moment from now but I cannot say exactly when. It is the doctors who are attending to him who will decide when he should return home.

“We are not under any pressure to embark on desperate measure since the machinery of government is working perfectly with the Deputy Governor in charge.

“I can tell you that there has been no conflict of any type in the state since the law has stipulated what should be done in times like this and that is what the government has been doing since the accident occurred.

Suntai, an aviation enthusiast, owns two aircraft and a helicopter, crashed near Adamawa State airport on October 25, last year and was later flown to Germany for urgent medical attention following the severity of his injury.

His aides, who were also injured along with him, had been treated in Germany and discharged.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—9

Fire guts building in Lagos

Rotimi-Williams advises FG on Boko Haram

BY EVELYN USMAN

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS —A foremost legal practitioner, Chief Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN, has urged the Federal Government to carry out a detailed investigation on arrested members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram with a view to putting an end to the insecurity crisis currently plaguing the country.

He was reacting to a statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Year Day, that most of the suspects in the UN House, Police headquarters and Madalla bombings have been arrested.

Referring to the statement, he said “since most of the terror suspects have been arrested, if true, that shows that our security forces are on top of the situation.

"The government must now take time to find out why the sect is carrying out the dastardly act, their accomplices as well as their backers, especially if they have foreign backers."

He said that failure to do so, may lead to the prosecution failing in the court of law.

The burnt flat in a storey building at Igando Road, Lagos, yesterday.

Mother, 2 children killed in Ogun tanker inferno .15 others injured, 16 houses burnt

BY DAUD OLATUNJU

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BEOKUTA — Tragedy struck in Idi Iroko, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, Wednesday night when a fully loaded petrol tanker fell on Ago-Sasa road and spilled its contents which subsequently sparked up fire, leaving a mother and her two children dead.

The inferno was also said to have razed16 houses and shops in the area, while no fewer than 15 people also sustained injury during the incident.

Vanguard gathered that the three members of the family whose names were not ascertained as at time of filing the report, included the mother and two other children who were burnt beyond recognition.

Lagos to publish firecracker post-disaster findings

.Orders agencies to curb disasters this year

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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AGOS— The Lagos State government has promised to publish promptly the post-disaster findings of the firecracker inferno that claimed one life, injuring not fewer than 40 others and destroyed 12 buildings at Jankara area of Lagos on the Boxing Day last year.

Also alarmed by the quantum of disasters that occurred in the state last year, the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has directed concerned agencies to ‘do everything possible’ to curtail disasters in the state.

As one of the measures, he has ordered thorough investigations to ascertain the cause of the inferno.

General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority LASEMA, Mr. Femi Oke-

Osanyintolu, who disclosed this yesterday at the scene of the disaster, also said the Governor has also directed that the culprit behind the disaster be brought to book. ‘’I want to assure you that the state government will come out with the post disaster assessment of the area where the unfit buildings will be recommended for necessary action.

As regards the culprit, investigation is still on-going and after we are through with this, we shall disclose our findings,’’ he added.

Osanyintolu who said the rate of disaster in the state has reached an alarming state, also said the governor is determined to prevent such occurrences, adding that LASEMA and other relevant agencies are working hard to forestal disasters. ‘’His excellency Governor Babatunde Fashola has

directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives to carry out proper investigation to ascertain the real cause and the culprit behind the incident, destruction and loss of life of the innocent soul, ‘’ Osanyintolu said.

Although the LASEMA boss did not mention if compensation will be paid to affected victims of the firecracker disaster, the government will cushion the effect on them. ‘’As regards the victims, the government will try to cushion the effect of the disaster on the affected victims.

"LASEMA and other relevant agencies are working hard to avert unnecessary incident of building collapse and fire outbreaks which are occurring at an alarming rate in the state,” he said.

Osanyintolu said clearing of debris is on-going and the government will come out with the post-disaster assessment of the area after proper tests have been conducted.

An eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, said that the family members were already sleeping when the fire started.

He told our correspondent that the tanker was reportedly on iits way to a filling station when it fell.

“It was a serious incident, we were already on bed when it happened. A tanker was moving into a nearby filling station to unload its contents when it fell and spilled its content and caught fire.

“It was so bad because it happened in the night when people were already asleep. A family of three was wiped out and about 15 people were seriously injured in the inferno,” he said.

The source also confirmed that a four year old last child of the family survived the incident and was receiving treatment at the General Hospital in the area.

The Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Irunoje David Abiodun who confirmed the incident revealed that the tanker belonged to some smugglers who were trying to move fuel across the border.

He said that a fuel laden vehicle marked LAGOS AAA 36 XA, lost control and rammed into two other tankers before it burst into flame.

“I think there was a spark from the tanker and then it caught fire., The two children and the mother were burnt beyond recognition,” he said.

The commander hinted that the fire service in Ipokia Local Government was contacted but the damage had been done before the fire could be quenched.

STOREY building on Igando Road, Lagos, yesterday went up in flames, destroying property which monetary value could not be i m m e d i a t e l y ascertained.

The cause of the fire said to have started at about 11a.m. was unknown. but report said it started from a flat on the ground floor.

A resident who reportedly noticed smoke emanating from the affected flat raised alarm which alerted others.

Some of the occupants reportedly sustained minor injuries in the resultant stampede.

Youths in the area were said to have battled hard to put out the fire and at the same time prevent it from spreading to other flats.

Their efforts were aided by that from the fire service which later arrived the scene and put out the fire.

Ekiti ACN adopts Fayemi for 2015

A

DO EKITI—THE race for the 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State has commenced in earnest, as the leaders of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state have adopted the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to run for the second term.

The ACN leaders allegedly took the decision at Iyin Ekiti when the former governor of the state, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo.

At the occasion which was witnessed by virtually all the party big-wigs in the state, top government officials and members of the youth wing across the 16 LGAs of the state.

With the adoption of Fayemi to run for a second term many have put paid to the speculations in certain quarters that the next governor of the state would be zoned to the South Senatorial District of the state Fayemi is said to be from the North Senatorial District.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

First Ondo female Head of Service sworn-in

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KURE— THE first female Head of Service, in Ondo State since its creation, Mrs. Stella Kosemani Kolawole was yesterday sworn-in by Governor Olusegun Mimiko who challenged her to ensure the repositioning of the state’s civil service in line with his government’s agenda.

Mimiko at the event said: “As the pioneer first female Head of Service, you will have challenges in office. It is obvious that you are inheriting the most productive and the most resourceful service in the country and 21st century civil service, but we have the confidence that you are up to the task.

Fleeing bunkerers abandon 1.65m litres of crude oil, 7 speed boats

BY DAYO DOHNSON

A

KURE— ABOUT 1.65 million litres of crude oil has been intercepted by a Seaway Security outfit in the riverine communities of Ondo State from oil bunkerers.

The bunkerers who fled following the interception by the security outfit abandoned five barges, seven speed boats, 14 engines of speed boats and other instruments used for their illegal business.

Spokesman of the Gallery Security Service Limited, Ebi Bolos told newsmen at Agadagba in Ese Odo Council Area that the speed boats were reportedly stolen by the fleeing economic saboteurs.

Bolos said that the barges and the speed boats were intercepted at the boundaries of Delta and Edo states while the smugglers were about ferrying the crude oil to the oil communities of the state to sell to unsuspecting oil dealers.

3 die, 12 injured in Lagos-Ibadan road crash

BY OLA AJAYI

L

AGOS—THREE persons died yesterday in an auto crash that occurred on LagosIbadan expressway.

The sad incident was said to have left 12 other people seriously injured.

The three casualties victims reportedly died on the spot.

However, some people who saw the accident scene said the casualties were more than three.

An unconfirmed report said the victims were 15 persons and about eight of them had died as their remains were left on the ground for some minutes.

The crash which occurred at Km 19 on Ibadan - Lagos Expressway involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number YB 65 MUS. Vanguard gathered that the bus was travelling from Osogbo to Lagos when it skided off the road and sommersaulted severally.

Eyewitness account attributed the cause of the accident to reckless driving.

It was further gathered that N360, 275 cash and 25

mobile phones belonging to victims were retrieved from the scene of the accident.

In a similar development, another accident happened at Premier Hotel junction,

Oremeji area of the city when a bus ascending the hill had a faulty brake and rolled down the road. Some people who were injured were rushed the nearby

Badejoko Memorial Hospital, Ibadan.

When asked for confirmation of the accident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayodeji Lanade said he was out of town.

From left: Mrs. Kosemani Kolawole, Ondo State Head of Service; Mr. Eyitayo Jegede,SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Governor Olusegun Mimiko (right), at the swearing-in of the new Head of Service in Akure, yesterday.

INEC advocates special pay for commission’s staff

.Says 800,000 applied for INEC’s 1,500 jobs

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

ADO EKITI — THE Independent National Electoral Commission ( I N E C ) N a t i o n a l Commissioner in charge of South West, Prof. Lai Olorode has advocated a special salary scale for the staff of the Commission The INEC boss disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a programme

organised by the Commission, noting that the Commission was asking for the special enumeration to its staff because of the nature of their job.

According to him, approving special pay for the Commission’s staff would prevent a situation in which politicians would lure the staff to do some funny things.

“The Commission is working to make sure that the

staff begin to enjoy special salary scale.

“What the Commission is doing is a special assignment and we know that the workers are open to great temptations especially from politicians. .”The work is very risky and the Commission’s workers who do their work as expected at times risk being killed. We hope that this would be granted before the 2015 election.

Ogun distributes relief materials to flood victims

BY DAUD OLATUNJi

ABEOKUTA—The Ogun State Government yesterday distributed relief materials to victims of last year ’s flood disaster in Ado-Odo-Ota, Ijebu-Ode and Yewa South LGA of the state.

The items include 300 bags of rice, 700 mattresses, 70,000 pieces of insecticide treated nets and 1,000 pieces of blankets.

Speaking shortly after the distribution, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso recalled that the

State Government had donated a sum of N5m to the victims last year to alleviate their sufferings resulting from the disasters.

Tejuoso who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in the ministr y, Mr. Femi Falano, enjoined residents of the state to observe environmental laws always so as to achieve a cleaner surrounding and prevent loss of lives and properties associated with flooding.

According to him, the call became imperative because experience had shown that

regular de-silting of waterways and canals by the state government led to the reduction in the incidence of floodings across the state last year.

“Let me tell you that the reduction in the incidence of floods in different parts of the state was achieved because of the efforts of the government to clear the waterways.

"I will therefore enjoin you to follow suit and do same on your own to ensure free flow and prevent floodings” Tejuoso pleaded.

“ We have started engaging the relevant authorities to make sure that the this is done.

According to him, the Commission was doing everything to make sure that its workers were happy in order to get the best from them.

Also, the INEC boss disclosed that about 800,000 persons applied for 1,500 jobs which INEC recently advertised.

Olorode disclosed that the management of the electoral body had decided that none of the children of the National Commissioners of the INEC would be employed in this recruitment exercise.

He said the management took the drastic decision to ensure that children of commissioners were not given undue advantages over other Nigerians who are not so privileged .”No matter how brilliant their children may be, they will not be employed in this recruitment. We are advocating against corruption and we want charity to start at home.

But there would be other opportunities when their children who are qualified could be employed.

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 11

ANPP charges govs to stick to budget plans

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HAR COURT—ALL Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, has warned governors in the country not to abandon the programmes contained in their budgets for this fiscal year.

Member of ANPP Board of Trustees, Chief Solomon Edebiri, in an interview in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, said some governors had the tradition of abandoning budget projections presented to the people.

Stressing that the resultant effects of such actions were failed and abandoned projects all over the country, he charged the Federal Government to give special attention to road construction, security of lives and property and job creation this year.

PDP chieftain commends Uduaghan over DESOPADEC appointment

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—A CHIEFTAIN of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Mr. Solomon Esadafe, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for appointing Chief Chris Obiuwevbi as Commissioner representing Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas on the board of the state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. Esedafe, in a statement, yesterday, expressed hope that Chief Obiuwevbi would bring the needed development to oil producing communities in the state.

He said: “Chief Obiuwevbi has the pedigree to represent us on the board of DESOPADEC. He has served as leader of Ughelli North legislative arm, Project Monitor, chairman, task force on petroleum and he is tested and trusted person.”

Rep justifies zero allocation to SEC

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—MINORITY Whip of House of Representatives, Mr. Samson Osagie, has justified the decision of the House not to allocate fund for the running of Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, in the 2013 federal budget, insisting that it was done in accordance with the law.

He added that the legislators would be more vigilant in their oversight functions with regards to the powers of the executive this year to ensure the enthronement of good governance.

Osagie, who fielded questions from newsmen in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, said the decision of the House to allocate zero allocation to SEC was reached after the executive ignored its motion, urging it to relieve the commission’s Director-General, Ms. Aruma Oteh, of her appointment.

He said: “The decision of the

National Assembly was one of consensus. The House had since passed a motion, urging the President to relieve Ms Oteh of her appointment. She was not qualified in the first place and she has been having a running battle with staff of the commission.”

He added that the Act which established SEC stated that the Director-General must possess 10 years experience in the stock market, explaining that she had no experience and was appointed based on paper qualification.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State addressing the people of Akwa Ibom inside the newly commissioned Digital Radio Transmitter in AKBC Radio Station, Uyo.

How police framed Warri-based lawyer, Omon-Irabor —EYC zIt’s untrue —Delta CP

BY EMMAAMAIZE

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ARRI—EDO Youth Congress, EYC, has alleged that a Warri-based lawyer, Mr. Casely Omon-Irabor, arraigned in court, last month, by the police in Delta State for allegedly offering N700,000 bribe to a police officer to let go a kidnap suspect, was a set up.

The group, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, by its President, Mr. Dan Eichie, alleged that the state Commissioner of Police was on a vendetta mission against the lawyer.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, who reacted to the claim, yesterday, described

same as a fallacy, saying, “How can anybody, including OmonIrabor himself, say that he was framed?”

EYC, however, allegeded that there was a sharp disagreement between the commissioner and Omon-Irabor, which resulted in a shouting match at a meeting in the presence of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in August 2012, adding that the commissioner denied the lawyer entry to his office, when he went to apologise to him the next day.

The state Police CP, on his part, told Vanguard that at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the governor, last year, to proffer solution to the upsurge of kidnapping in the state, Omon-Irabor claimed he

knew 60 per cent of kidnappers, but would not assist the police because police officers were part of the problem.

The commissioner said he took up the lawyer at the forum, arguing that the claim that there was a crack in the force, just like there was in the legal profession and other professions, did not mean that citizens should not help the police to combat kidnapping and other crimes. He said he rebutted the lawyer ’s claims openly and the matter ended there, adding that Omon-Irabor, afterward, tabled issues that were handled by the police, and so, there was no justification to say the that police framed him.

Deportation of monarch’s wife tears Delta community apart

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—THE deportation of the wife of Obi of Igbodo community in Ika NorthEast Local Government Area of Delta State, recently, has divided the community, just as feelers from the state government circle indicate that the warring factions might be summoned to Government House, Asaba, for the issue to be resolved.

While some of the villagers stormed the palace last Friday to sack the wife of the Obi on account of the woman not be-

“Also, her attitude before the House Committee on Capital Market fell below standard, irrespective on how people see it. Again, our members, whom she accused of corruption are now before the law enforcement agents,” he added.

ing an indigene of the community, some other villagers are backing the embattled Obi, Obi Ikechukwu Osedume I, who had insisted that his Ebonyiborn heartthrob remained his choice wife.

Those in the camp of the Obi, under the umbrella of Concerned Igbodo Citizens, in a statement, yesterday, by their Chairman, Mr. Victor Christopher, said there was nothing wrong with the Obi insisting on marrying an Abakaliki woman, from Ebonyi State.

The group tackled the Iyase of Igbodo (the Prime Minister),

Dr. Joseph Unomah, who was in the forefront of the deportation. The Iyase had queried: “Why should he (Obi) marry a non-indigene? The last straw that broke the camel’s back was that he brought the said lady to the palace. So, the community rose, marched to the palace and demanded her evacuation.”

The Concerned Igbodo Citizens insisted that “he (Obi) is a listening father and one of the youngest Obis in Africa, whose love for his people has no limit.”

Oshiomhole lauded over proposed car assembly plant

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—COALITION for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, yesterday, said the proposed citing of a car assembly plant in the state by a Chinese company would boost the economic policies of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

The group’s Executive Director, Alhaji Dada Akpeji, in a statement, noted that Oshiomhole was towing the path of advanced countries of the world, which have no business commissioning projects but putting in place people- oriented policies that would kickstart the economy.

He said: “Only good, well designed and well thought-out policies can take us from the woods. It is the panacea for economic greatness and one that is capable of growing our gross domestic product than commissioning petty projects that cannot stand the test of time.

“We commend the effort of Governor Oshiomhole, for being able to attract investors to the state. We heard what Alhaji Aliko Dangote is coming to Edo with a fertilizer plant.

We heard a Chinese car assembly plant will arrive the state by the first quarter of this year, among others.

“This singular effort of Oshiomhole is most likely to position the state as a commercial hub in Nigeria.”

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013

Mysterious fire guts building, consumes workers’ salary

BY EMMAAMAIZE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

W

ARRI—TWO per sons escaped death by the whiskers, at Ekpan community, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, when a mysterious fire gutted a four- bedroom bungalow, consuming workers’ salary in the process.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that efforts by fire fighters from Shell Petroleum Development Company and state fire station could not salvage the building, as they arrived late.

Owner of the house on Commissioner Road, Ambassador Ebi Fetimi, Chief Executive Officer of Peef Marine Global Services, told Vanguard, that the cause of the fire remained unknown.

He said: “I lost everything, including cash that was meant for payment of staff salary.”

We’ll expose corrupt politicians in Rivers —ACN

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HAR COURT—ACTION Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Rivers State, has vowed to resist any move by government functionaries in the state to enrich themselves from state funds.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Jerry Needam, in a statement, accused some persons in government of living above their means.

He said his party would not hesitate to expose those involved by pressing for their prosecution.

He commended the appreciable peace enjoyed in the state during the yuletide season, adding that effort should be made to sustain same.

“The party also commends Rivers people and security agencies for a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration.”

2015 Presidency: BNC vows to stop Jonathan unless…

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—BENIN Na tional Congress, BNC, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to consider running for the 2015 presidential election, if he fails to find solution to insecurity and crisis in the power sector.

President of BNC, Mr. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, in his paper entitled Nigeria: Nation-State in Dire Need of Patriots, at the 2012 Merit Award ceremony organised by the group in Benin City, accused the political class of abandoning public institutions for selfish reasons, adding that kidnapping and restiveness were a fall-out of mis-governance.

He charged President Jonathan to either stand up for the masses by exposing every agency of corruption, or deprive his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of election victories in Nigeria.

He said: “President Jonathan promised heaven on earth when he appealed to us to

support him, but today, it is sad to note that nothing is done to save Nigerians from the untold hardship and in-

security pervading the land.

The President cannot say he wants a second term when he has not achieved any thing in

FIRE: Ambassador Ebi Fetimi, Chief Executive Officer, Peef Marine Global Services, outside his bungalow gutted by a mysterious fire in Ekpan, Warri. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

NIPOST pensioners demand Post Master General’s sack ...lament 7yrs outstanding gratuities

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—EDO State chapter of Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, Pensioners, yesterday, called for the immediate sack of the Post Master General, Alhaji Mori- Baba, over alleged withholding of accumulated funds meant for the payment of their pension and gratuities spanning over seven years.

The pensioners, who joined their colleagues across the country in a nationwide strike to press home their demands, carried placards with various inscriptions, some of which read:

“Post-Master General pay us our six years entitlement;” “We have lost over 100 souls nationwide”; “We have lost many souls due to untold hardship,” among others, shut down the premises of Edo Area Territory office of the postal service on Airport Road .

The aggrieved pensioners, numbering over 100, also threatened to continue with the protest until their demands were met.

State chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Clement Ojo, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City, appealed to the Federal Government and the leadership

of National Assembly to immediately intervene in the issue.

He said: “We are appealing to the National Assembly and Presidency to come to our aid and intervene. We don’t know what the Accountant General and the Post Master General have done with our money. The management of NIPOST refused to pay us all our benefits, short-payments, gratuities and pension, since 2005.”

He noted that the management of NIPOST had failed to obey an agreement reached with the union to offset some of the outstanding months before December 20, 2012 after the expiration of the 14 days ultimatum earlier issued.

2013 budget: Delta moves to plug wastage, leakage

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Kenneth Okpara, said, yesterday, that the state government had put in place measures to minimize wastage and leakages in the 2013 state budget to achieve its objectives.

He warned that severe sanctions await any public officer “whose conduct results in the state being short-changed in its investment in projects.”

A largest chunk of over N62

his first term. Unless he solves our problems, we will stop him if he decides to run for a second term.”

billion was allocated to roads and transport for the 2013 fiscal year.

Highlight of the proposed spending on roads and transportation include township roads in Asaba, Warri, Agbor and Sapele; reconstruction of township roads in the 25 local government areas of the state; construction of Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway and expansion of Osubi Airport runway among others.

Okpara said: “We are proud that our infrastructure programme has seen us construct

252 inter/intra-city roads. With the dualization of major roads, including the 148km Asaba/ Ughelli Road; 33km UgbenuKoko, Effurn-Osubi-Eku Road; 7.2km Ughelli artery, PTI/Jakpa, old Lagos/Asaba Road, among others, we are gradually eliminating bottlenecks in movement of goods and creating major road networks to link all corners of the state.

“In keeping with this administration’s goal of not abandoning any project, emphasis of the 2013 budget is on completion of ongoing projects.”

Akpabio seeks German govt’s partnership in education, health

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KWA Ibom State Gov ernor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, called for partnership between the German government and Akwa Ibom Government in the areas of education, personnel training and health-care services.

The governor, who made the call when the German Chancellor to Nigeria, Mr. Steffan Witterwer, visited him at Governor ’s Office, Uyo, hinted that the state government was constructing a Specialist Hospital and running Akwa Ibom State University, among others.

He said it would be proper for the German government to give support in those areas to assist the state government in rendering more meaningful services to the populace.

He said: ‘’Your presence in this state will bring the needed support. I want to sit back and hear the packages you wll unfold for us.”

The governor commended the German government, through the Chancellor, for allowing Julius Berger, to help his administration in developing the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 13

Emodi lauds Jonathan on S-East roads

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—PRESIDEN TIAL Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Peter Obi on the massive rehabilitation work done on federal roads in the South East before the recent festive period.

According to her, the exercise helped to ease vehicular movement during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Federal roads in the zone, especially the Onitsha-Enugu and Enugu –Port Harcourt expressway, had for years been in very bad conditions, but palliative work done on them before the Christmas ensured smooth driving during the period.

Emodi, who spoke in Onitsha when she visited some motherless babies’ homes to celebrate the season with them, said improved condition of the roads helped the people to have stress-free celebrations.

Sambo hails monarchs on unity

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—VICE President Namadi Sambo has commended traditional rulers across the country for building bridges of cordial relationship through conferment of chieftaincy honours on credible Nigerians from across the country,.

According to him, the gesture helps to enhance peace and unity of the nation.

Sambo, who was represented by former governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, explained that traditional rulers were truly following the idea of President Goodluck Jonathan in building bridges of relationship among all the ethnic groups in the country.

Vice President Sambo spoke at Umunya, Oyi Council Area of Anambra State, during the 50 th birthday and 15th coronation of Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje.

Ebonyi communities give Police 7-day ultimatum to rescue kidnapped children A

BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI—THREE vil lages in Ishiagu Community of Ebonyi State have given a seven-day ultimatum to the police in the state to rescue seven children allegedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the area.

The villages include Oyumte, Ayaragu and Ekembe.

The villagers who went on a peaceful protest to press home their demand over the incident later marched to Ivo Divisional Police headquarters where they charged the police to unmask those behind the dastardly act to avoid unnecessary crisis in the LGA. Vanguard investigation revealed that some unknown gunmen had on December 23 and 24, 2012, unleashed mayhem on the three villages, abducting seven children within the age bracket of 3 and 5 years old.

The protesters, who were in their hundreds, comprised mostly aged women and youths.

They were seen on major roads in the area chanting war songs as they warned the police and other security agencies not to handle the matter with kid gloves.

They said: “Our villages are

under siege; armed abductors have taken over our villages and we live in fear of the unknown.

“We are giving the police one week to uncover those behind the act. They should not hand this matter with levity but with utmost commitment.”

A source close to Ivo divisional police headquarters who

pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that one person had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The police is on top of the situation; we have made one arrest and investigation is ongoing and soon all those involved will be in our net,” the

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Margaret Obi, with the first baby of the year in Anambra State, baby Ani, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, NAUTH.

Sacked LG bosses, councillors protest in Imo O

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—TRAFFIC was held up yesterday in all the major roads of Owerri municipality, following the peaceful demonstration staged by embattled chairmen and councillors sacked by Governor Rochas Okorocha on assumption of office.

The embattled local council operators, who were acting under the umbrella of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, assembled at the State Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, along Okigwe Road before taking off on the peaceful march.

Some of the placards carried by the song-chanting council chairmen and councillors read: “Okorocha, respect the rule of law” and “Local government administration must not die in Imo”.

The protesters’ train glided through the ever busy OwerriOkigwe federal highway to Maria Assumpta Roundabout through Library Roundabout, which is close to Government House.

Addressing newsmen later, the anger-stricken Chairman of Ngor Okpala local council area, who doubles as ALGON Secretary, Chief Enyinnaya Onuegbu, explained that the protest was a reaction to the state govern-

source said.

Contacted, Ebonyi State police command spokesman, DSP Sylvester Igbo, who confirmed the incident, noted that one suspect (name withheld) had been arrested, while investigation was on to arrest other members of the gang.

ment’s refusal to obey the Court of Appeal judgment.

“We are protesting the continued refusal of Governor Rochas Okorocha to obey the subsisting July 6, 2012 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which restored the status of elected local government council administration in the state,” Onuegbu explained.

The ALGON secretary said they were equally irked that the governor had continued to misappropriate local council allocations of over N80 billion.

Onuegbu faulted what he termed “the continued release and spending of local government allocations to the state gov-

ernment without joint allocation committee meeting.”

ALGON insisted that Governor Okorocha must be made to obey the rule of law, even as they passionately appealed to the federal government to urgently intervene in the matter.

No official of the state government, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Chinedu Offor, could be reached on their mobile phones because they remained switched off at press time.

Vanguard recalls that Okorocha had, in his New Year message, said the tenure of the elected council bosses had expired, stressing that his administration will organise a fresh local government election this year.

Akunyili denies guber ambition

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—FORMER Min ister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, has denied nursing governorship ambition in Anambra State.

She, however, said she might consider contesting the senatorial seat of Anambra Central senatorial zone.

The former boss of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had been rumoured to be eyeing the governorship seat of the state on the platform of All

Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. The election is due in November this year.

Addressing reporters in Awka, Akunyili said the rumour of her gubernatorial ambition was a big distraction as her interest was the senatorial seat for Anambra Central.

She said: “I must not run for every office. When the time comes, I will consider running for the senate again and this time, I will safeguard my votes properly.”

Pakistan militant Mullah Nazir killed ‘in drone attack’

S

ENIOR Pakistani militant leader Mullah Nazir has been killed by a US drone strike, security officials say.

He died with at least five fighters when two missiles struck his vehicle in the north-west tribal district of South Waziristan.

He was leader of one of four major militant factions in Pakistan and was accused of sending fighters to Afghanistan in support of the Taliban.

Mullah Nazir is one of the most high-profile insurgents killed by drones.

He had survived several attempts to kill him, including a suicide bomb attack blamed on rival militants in November.

He and his fighters were reportedly hit by the missiles on Wednesday while preparing to change vehicles.

His pick-up truck had apparently developed a fault in Angoor Adda, near South Waziristan’s main town of Wana.

C M Y K

14—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Don’t owe workers, Orji warns new LG chairmen

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—GOV ERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State, yesterday, swore-in new set of transition committee chairmen and their deputies for the 17 local government councils of the of the state, with a charge to ensure that salaries of their workers were paid when due.

Among those sworn-in were seven women, including the transition committee chairman of Arochukwu council area.

The governor also warned them against squandering money allocated to them for development purposes.

He, however, said council elections would be held soon, when he hoped that the the local government system in the state would have been stabilised and the state electoral commission adequately funded.

Swearing-them in at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Governor Orji warned them to shun corruption and ensure the eradication of the ghost worker syndrome in their areas.

NDDC to construct 10 roads in Aba

U

MUAHIA—THE Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has earmarked 10 roads for construction in Aba in 2013, according to Gov Theodore Orji of Abia State.

Orji said in Umuahia, yesterday, during an interactive session with newsmen that the gesture would add to the facelift which the state government was giving to the commercial city.

The governor said: “They, NDDC, have promised me that the project will be included in the budget for 2013.

“By the time we add these to what we are already doing, you will understand how the people will feel.”

Orji expressed the state government’s desire to sanitise the commercial city by combating environmental challenges in the area.

The governor regretted that the residents of the area compounded the challenges that faced the city.

Enugu Police arrest 503 suspects, record 99 kidnap cases in 2012 E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—ABOUT 503 per sons were arrested by the Enugu State police command for various offences between March and December 2012.

The state commissioner of police, Mr. Musa Daura, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the command last year.

He said suspects arrested within the period under review, included 99 for kidnapping, 201 for armed robbery, 37 for cultism, 21 for car snatching, six for NITEL and PHCN cables vandalism, eight for unlawful possession of fire arms/ammunition as well as 101 suspected members of Biafra Zionist Movement and 20 members of MASSOB. He added that 10 other suspects were apprehended for other related offences.

The CP further hinted that the command rescued a total of 14 kidnap victims while 79 armed robbery cases were reported during the period.

Continuing,Daura said his command recovered a total of 87 arms and ammunitions, 68 locally-made pistols, 10 locally-made double barrel short guns, one revolver pistol of six rounds, four AK47 riffles, three Pump Action guns, one Brownie pistol and a total of 150 cartridges.

He further submitted that a total of 120 vehicles were recovered.

Of the 79 armed robbery cases reported, a total of 201 suspects were arrested and prosecuted accordingly, while a total of 14 kidnap cases were reported, leading to the arrest of 99 suspects who were prosecuted.

Daura noted that despite these achievements, the command faced several challenges in the discharge of its func-

tions. ”The challenges may be numerous but essentially,the inability of some members of the public to give timely and useful information to the police has been a source of worry just as inadequate number of patrol vehicles and other logistics are militating against our smooth operation,” the CP said.

He, however, thanked the Inspector General of Police Mr. Mohammed Abubakar,

for his fatherly support to the command.

He also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies in the state, the media,all relevant stake holders in the business of security in the state and other members of the public while applauding his officers and men for their commitment towards battling crimes in the state.

PROMO: From left: Mr. Odili Ogwu, Customer Experience Group, Diamond Bank; Mr. David Otukpe, Product Manager, Savings Xtra Account, Diamond Bank; Ms. Frances Oraukwu, Internet Banking Officer, Diamond Bank, and Mr. Bright Anaekwe, Manager, KPMG, during the bank’s Saving Xtra Promo in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

We won’t borrow from Bond Market —Orji U

BY ANAYO OKOLI

M UA H I A — G OV E R NOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has said he would not borrow from the bond market to run affairs of the state, despite its lean resources.

He also said his decision was informed by the need not to bequeath huge debt to the state when leaving office.

The governor said his administration was comfortable with the rate it was carrying on with development of the state, based strictly on the resources coming to it..

Orji, who spoke in Umuahia while interacting with journalists in the state, also disclosed that the Niger Delta Development Commission, of which the state is a member, had taken up 10 roads to rehabilitate in Aba. This, he explained, was in addition to the 16 his administration was currently working on.

Governor Orji pointed out that when these roads were completed, Aba would wear an entirely new look.

“I am not going to Bond Market. I have been under pressure from many quarters to borrow from the Bond Market. But I said no. We have to cut our coat according to our size. I am happy the way we are going,” Orji said.

He said despite the little money accruing to the state, which hovers between N3. 2 and N3. 5 billion monthly, against a monthly wage bill of

N1.7 billion, the state was still able to carry out development projects and maintain security.

“The Chief of Army was here and he said that in other states, the Army pays to maintain the soldiers but here in Abia State, the government pays to sustain the soldiers and maintain security.

“As far as I am concerned,

I don’t regret any amount I pay to maintain security as long as the people who elected me are happy and are enjoying adequate security in the state,” the governor said.

Orji also announced that the NDDC had taken up 10 roads, in addition to the ones the state government was doing, as part of efforts to give Aba a facelift.

Anambra govt spends N128m on flood victims

A

WKA—SECRETARY to Anambra Government, SSG, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has said that the government spent N128 million to resettle the 2012 flood victims in the state.

Obaze said at a news conference yesterday in Awka, that government spent the money on 57 communities affected by the flood.

According to him, N57 million out of N128 million was given for cassava and yam seedlings to the affected communities based on proper

documentation.

He said the money was from the state government, adding that the N500 million from the Federal Government had not been disbursed.

He called on persons affected by the flood, whether in camp or outside in November 2012, to register with the authorities, to benefit from the compensation.

Obaze stated that a 7-man committee from the affected communities, was created to ensure that the real victims

benefited from the resettlement process.

The SSG assured the residents that 2013 would show case lots of positive projects that would demonstrate good governance by the current administration.

He assured the public that the budget would be well implemented and all sectors given a face lift. He urged members of the public to pay their taxes for government to be proactive in its duties.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—15

Abuja residents raise alarm over fireworks

A

VISIT: Chairman, Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Superior Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye (5th left); Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Osogbo Diocese, Rt Rev. John Bamgboye (4th right); CAN First Vice Chairman, Rev. Kunle Adeyemo (3rd right); 2nd Vice Chairman, Ven. Solomon Tayo (2nd right); Director, Women and Children Affairs, Rev. Albert Obembe (right) and others, during the state CAN’s visit to the Governor in Osogbo.

ALSCON: RUSAL wants $502m compensation

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

R

USAL, the Russian company which bought the controlling shares of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, Ikot-Abasri, Akwa-Ibom State, has demanded $502 million (about $78.8 billion) compensation for it to quit the nation’s only aluminum manufacturing company, in line with the Supreme Court order.

A top source at the Presidency told Vanguard that the Russians made the demand as an alternative to their holding on to ALSCON. The Supreme Court had ruled that the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, gives ALSCON to BFI Group, an American-registered company promoted by a Nigerian, Dr. Reuben Jaja and his team, which originally won the privatisation bid with an offer to pay $410 million for 77. 5 per cent of ALSCON shares in 2004.

RUSAL was disqualified by the BPE from the financial bid process after submitting a conditional bid, in contravention of the bidding guidelines. It eventually, offered $250 million out of which it proposed to pay only $130 million to government and use the balance to dredge the Imo River and other facilities.

The technical committee of the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, then under the Chairmanship of Mr. AkinKekere Ekun, disqualified RUSAL at the financial bid opening on June 14, 2004, over its conditional bid.

Angered by the decision of the government of Chief Olusegun Obsanjo to give ALSCON to RUSAL, the orig-

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inal winners of the bid, BFI Group dragged BPE to court to stop the transaction with RUSAL but lost.

Ever since, the Jaja group continued in the legal battle both in Nigeria and the United States where it has its headquarters until it finally got justice at the Nigerian Supreme Court in July, last year.

RUSAL ignores order

As learnt, RUSAL claimed it ignored the Supreme Court judgment on the company’s ownership because it legally owned the multi-billion naira firm but that it was prepared for settlement if properly compensated.

RUSAL’s spokesman and Director of Public and Government Relations, Mr. Albert Dyabin, had told a press conference in Abuja, recently, “RUSAL wishes to confirm that RUSAL is the legal owner of ALSCON. RUSAL’s legal ownership of the plant has not been affected by any litigation.

“No member of the RUSAL group is or has been a respondent in any case affecting the ownership of ALSCON. RUSAL is, however, fully prepared to defend its rights to the smelter, including in legal proceedings.”

RUSAL has dragged the Federal Government before the International Court of Arbitration in London over what the Russians considered a breach of contract over the ALSCON transaction.

The Russians are at the Arbitration Court where they are seeking an order prohibiting the Federal Government from executing the decision of the Supreme Court to its detriment and, alternatively, granting damages in the event that RUSAL should suffer a loss to its ownership of the stake in ALSCON. Sources revealed that officials

of the Ministry of Justice have been briefed on how best to handle the negotiations that may arise from the current development.

However, it was learnt that the $502 million compensation demand by RUSAL was outrageous considering the fact that they have consistently run down the value of ALSCON.

Crashed value

ALSCON was valued at about N129 billion in 2006 but RUSAL was alleged to have brought in a Russian audit firm, ZOA Deloitte and Touche CIS, Moscow which crashed the company’s value to a mere N30.976 billion (about $240 million) the following year, 2007.

The deficit arising on the revaluation was taken to profit and loss account for that year while the surplus was credited to the fixed assets revaluation reserve.

ALSCON’s financial statement indicates that in 2008 the value of the company fell to N25.185 billion; in 2009 it fell to N19.351 billion; in 2010, it went further down to N14.848 billion and by 2011 it came to N14.574 billion.

RUSAL claimed to have invested about N24.54 billion (about $ 160 million) in ALSCON since it took over in February 2007.

BFIG battle

At a point, the original preferred bidder in the privatisation process, BFI Group of America, insisted that BPE fraudulently sold the company to RUSAL against its own rules and alleged that the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had predetermined to sell ALSCON to RUSAL and that it only used the American firm to create a semblance of a genuine privatisation process.

According to the Californiabased organisation, “RUSAL failed to provide a required $1

million bid bond, thereby failing to comply with government rules for participating in the ALSCON bid process, yet RUSAL was still allowed to bid.

“BFI Group fully complied with the government’s strict bid bond requirements as a contractual precondition for bidding and on national television officially requested a certificate of RUSAL’s compliance. The government denied BFI Group’s repeated requests in this regard. No complying RUSAL bid bond was produced because none exists.

“The government in public announcements steadfastly and overwhelmingly favoured RUSAL despite its non-compliance with bid rules and inferior conditional bid terms, while BFI Group bid unconditionally in accordance with the bidding rules of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“RUSAL has been consistently favoured by the government over many months, having submitted a conditional bid price of just $5 million with an additional $200 million to be paid over 20 years or by 2025, while BFI Group was coerced by the government to bid against itself to increase its initial bid from $280 million to $410 million."

BUJA—SOME residents of Abuja, yesterday, condemned the continued use of fireworks after the festive period.

The city had continued to experience fireworks and bangers three days into 2013, in spite of the intense firings on New Year eve.

A resident, Mr. Istifanus Friday, said: “One could hardly differentiate fireworks from any gunshots. The bangers were so much that I became confused.

“If a gun duel had ensured between two groups, one would hardly have known the difference.”

Another resident, Miss Grace Akanwa, said it was not proper for people to continue using fireworks after the festive period.

She said: “Criminals can take advantage of the confusing nature of the sounds to perpetrate crime.”

Some of the residents, however, commended security agencies for ensuring peace and security during the period.

Mr. Adbul Ibrahim, a civil servant, said the peace and security recorded in the city during the festive period was commendable. Ibrahim advocated greater support for the agencies to further guarantee the safety of lives and property in the city.

“It gives room for better association, interaction and development,” Ibrahim added.

He called for the replication of such level of security in other parts of the country.

Nigerians to get ID number

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA—IN a move to cur tail insurgency and other criminal challenges confronting the country, the National Population Commission, NPC, has commenced a comprehensive biometric capturing of all Nigerians, with a view to allocating every Nigerian number that would be associated with him or her from birth to death.

Chairman, NPC, Chief Festus Odimegwu, who disclosed this in Abuja, said the biometric cap-

turing would also be applied to all people resident in Nigeria.

He said the biometric identification would help to streamline the avalanche of foreigners into the country and reduce the scope of kidnapping, armed robbery and Boko Haram sect’s activities in the country.

He said: “We are going to do for the first time in Nigeria a comprehensive biometric census. To record all Nigerians, their biometrics, give them one number that will follow them from birth to death.”

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Community debunks rumour of plot to attack Chevron

W

A R R I — AMADIWEI, Chairman of Benikrukru Community in War ri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, has said there was no security threat to the operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL. Speaking in Benikrukru Community Town Hall during a general meeting of the community, where leaders of the community passed a vote of confidence on him and his exco, Ojogun specifically urged Chevron to disregard the rumour of planned disruption of its operations in the area.

He said: “We will ensure that Chevron’s operations and facilities are well protected. We are going to ensure that there is no pipeline vandalism, no oil theft. It has not happened before and the people and Chevron know this quite well.”

Ojogun, whose tenure lasts till October, added “we are telling members of the public in general and Chevron in particular that there is no security threat in Benikrukru community and that there is no cause for alarm.

“We are peace-loving people of the state and the country and ours is to ensure the promotion of the peace and security.”

Returning members split Plateau PDP, Nat'l Secretariat

BY TAYE OBATERU

J

OS—A realignment of forces that would see many top politicians in Plateau State return to People’s Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2015 elections, has commenced.

Vanguard gathered that many politicians, who left the party before the last election, are set to return despite attempts by some top members of the party in the state to shut them out.

The state PDP Chairman, Dr. Haruna Dabin, had said the party would not welcome those who worked against it in the last general election just as Governor Jonah Jang asked such politicians to remain where they were and form a strong opposition against PDP. However, the national secretariat of the party, sources said, views the matter differently and feels those willing to return to the party should not be shut out.

It was learnt that PDP was planning to set up a committee to reach out to the former members to convince them to rejoin.

This, it was further learnt, gingered politicians to begin consultations on likely candidates for the governorship seat, which would become vacant at the end of Jang’s second tenure in 2015.

Names of possible contenders are already flying around with politicians from the Southern

Senatorial District, where the next governor is expected to come from, dominating discussions.

2015 guber hopeful

Those being bandied as possible candidates include a former governor, a former Speaker and ex-member of the House of Representatives, a senator and a serving commissioner said to be likely to receive Jang’s endorsement.

A source close to one of the meetings held in Jos told Vanguard that what was being done was to sound people out and come up with credible candidates who will be acceptable across the state.

The source said: “You know we have been through crisis and animosities have been created among the people. So we are thinking of people who will enjoy the confidence of citizens across religious or eth-

Kidnapped Gombe House member released

BY JOHN BULUS

G

OMBE—KIDNAPPED member of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Mr. Jalo Ganga, has been released from captivity.

Ganga, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, returned to his house, Wednesday, and immediately relocated to the Government House.

He was abducted in the early hours of Sunday on his way home from a nearby mosque after his morning prayer.

Confirming his release to

journalists, his younger brother, Abdulkadir Mohammed Yelwa, who spoke on behalf of the family, said Ganga returned on a commercial motorcycle, (Achaba) at about 10:30pm Wednesday and immediately relocated to

RESIDENT of Goldashe United FC, Mr. Fubara Hart, has been inducted as Patron of Bonny Integrated Farmers Cooperatives Union.

Receiving the certificate of induction, the football administrator tasked the group to be proactive in their effort to attain self-

sufficiency in food production in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, and beyond, adding that it would go a long way to boost the country’s gross domestic product.

He charged the co-operators to be mindful of their role towards the people in the oil and

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AU C H I — S P E A K E R , Bauchi House of Assembly, Alhaji Yahya Miya, has assured of more legislations that would have direct impact on their lives.

Miya spoke, yesterday, at the assembly complex through the

gas island and beyond, adding that fish farming, poultry and livestock, among others, should be maximally explored.

He drew their attention to the corporate social responsibility, which he said had been placed on them following their incorporation by the relevant agency.

Assembly’s Director of Information and Publication, Malam Lamara Chinade, saying the Assembly would be more proactive in the discharge of its responsibilities in the new year.

He said: “We had excellent relationship with the executive last year, which allowed us to pass various bills on critical sectors like health, education, youths’ empowerment and job creation.”

The Speaker said that the Assembly last year passed 34 bills, 74 resolutions and attended to nine petitions.

He also called on the people to imbibe the culture of sponsoring private bills that would assist the legislature in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

the Government House.

According to him, no ransom was paid by the family to his kidnappers just as no communication was established them.

“Ganga just came home on achaba at 10:30pm,” he said.

... as Bauchi Speaker assures on good legislation

Farmers' union inducts Hart as Patron

P

nic divides and return the state to the era of peace and mutual love.

“We are not into anything serious yet because 2015 is still some time away. But we are starting consultations ahead of time to ensure that the best candidate eventually emerges.”

However, an aide of the governor who craved anonymity, described any talk on 2015 election as premature and distracting to the administration.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

Nigerians' New Year messages(3)

I

wish Nigeria a happy new year and look forward to seeing fulfillment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promises. This 2013, let all hands be on deck to ensure that the issue of church bombings in troubled parts of the north is totally stopped.— Miss Chika Dike, Student.

C M Y K

T

HIS is Nigeria’s year of break through and divine manifestations. God will do wonders in Nigeria this 2013. There shall be no more weeping, but ahead of it lies a sacrifice. The sacrifice will be for all to display true love.—Mr. Abraham Alexander, Cameraman.

A

S we lift ourselves by our thoughts and climb upon our visions in 2013, Nigeria shall be a giant in Africa and other parts of the world. Let us all now enlarge our thoughts towards this country by holding the ideal of one Nigeria.— Mr. Chibuzor Ogbonna, Student.

N

IGERIA is going to be greater than what anybody can think of in 2013.

Things will improve in security, unemployment, health, education and other areas, just as the President reassured Nigerians in his New Year speech.— Mr. Stanley Olisa, Student.

I

thank God for keep ing me alive. My message to Nigeria is that we should keep away from evil. Let the government rise up to the yearnings of Nigerians. We want peace in Nigeria, peace in Africa and all over the world. — Mr. Emmanuel Ijanna, Showbiz.

M

Y New Year message to Nigeria is basically about leaders. Let them start putting the people’s interest first. That is why we elected some of them to lead us and not to make money for personal consumption.— Miss Anne Oriaku, Fashion Designer.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 17

RECENTLY told you that a friend recently told me that when he attended a school reunion dinner in Lagos, 80 percent of the exclassmates on his table said that they were so unhappy with the status quo that they would gladly flee to foreign climes if they could get their hands on foreign work permits.

Meanwhile, lots of Diasporans would love to return to their ancestral terrains but can’t because Nigeria is a big black hole as far as employment opportunities go, the bottom line being that those who have posh or merely tolerable jobs abroad do not need to return to the Motherland to become beggars.

It also doesn’t help that our healthcare sector is full of primitive death traps that are masquerading as credible hospitals…or that the

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and members of the Federal Executive Council.

Power and responsibility authorities have yet to sort out the challenge of providing citizens with round-the-clock electricity. Or that the level of corruption is scary. Or that there are too few good schools. Or that telecoms services are hugely inadequate. Or that the government does not provide proper safety nets for the jobless. Or…the list of our woes is endless.

There is almost no part of Nigerian life that runs smoothly enough. Which is why our homesick brethren in distant lands are afraid to repatriate themselves. And why residents who have high standards are so depressed at

the moment.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year Resolutions should include a STRONG commitment to address this problem. There is no point banging on about

,

I

Even if every single individual in Jonathan’s orbit was a scoundrel who is hellbent on mischeviously manipulating him or a moron who is too daft to deliver solid results, it would still be the Boss’s fault for selecting – and, more importantly, sticking with - drossy personnel

,

Justice for all

I

ONCE interviewed Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President. When I asked him what aspect of the nation’s basic modus operandi he would change, given a chance, he said that he would like to abolish the patronage system and turn Nigeria into a place in which education is free and talented, hardworking, honest people can rise to the top without having to know anyone important.

Whenever I repeat this story in an admiring tone of voice, Atiku’s critics tell me that he was just pretending to desire an end to social inequality because he knew that such lofty words would impress an idealistic journalist! But I choose to believe that he was

C M Y K

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar being sincere. And completely agree with what he said.

Lack of opportunity is a terrible thing and I pray that Nigeria becomes a more meritocratic country in 2013.

prevent those around them from holding them hostage and encouraging them to fail.

No matter how inept or dishonest subordinates are, I always blame bosses when things go wrong because they

a “Transformation Agenda” if the only things that are significantly transformed under your watch are the ever-growing personal fortunes of your cronies!

Presidential sympathisers frequently assure me that Jonathan’s performance bypasses are being almost entirely caused by the “bad” people around him.

But I simply don’t buy this too -easy, responsibilityabsolving viewpoint!

As far as I’m concerned, the buck stops on every Oga’s desk, whether he is a manager in a small firm or a Head of State; and I see no reason why we should make excuses for Ogas who are not muscular enough, psychologically, to

possess the REAL power and should be in charge.

A Master has the power to hire efficient, ethical servants and fire useless ones. Sure, nobody is omniscient or a fortune teller; and appearances can be very deceptive. Even the cleverest of leaders are mere mortals at the end of the day; and we can all be bamboozled by seasoned charlatans or taken in by folks who initially appear to be suitable and then turn out to be unfit for purpose.

In other words, it is OK to make mistakes from time to time…as long as you are willing and able to quickly distance yourself from these errors of judgement when

they become obvious. Even the most talented Men Of Substance are not God and are therefore not infallible and are therefore bound to have moments of weakness. But why doggedly cling to obviously bad decisions?

Jonathan is NOT totally surrounded by bad eggs. I know some of his aides, advisers, ministers and friends; and some are smart people whose hearts are in the right place. What I don’t know is whether they have the courage to tell him bitter but constructive home truths.

Or whether he’d listen to them if they did.

But, let’s face it, dear Readers: Even if every single individual in Jonathan’s orbit was a scoundrel who is hellbent on mischeviously manipulating him or a moron who is too daft to deliver solid results, it would still be the Boss’s fault for selecting – and, more importantly, sticking with - drossy personnel!

May the Boss rid himself of negative elements in 2013.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 NOBODY expects President Goodluck Jonathan or his aides to know about campaign posters that surfaced in Abuja luring the President to another shot at the top job in 2015. The President, an honourable man, has told us he would only think about 2015 by next year.

He is too busy now. What occupies him is, “to deliver on his electioneering promise to Nigerians and not to embark on the pasting of posters”. Who said the posters are from the President? Suppose they are from him?

“They are not from the President. Nigerians should take the President for his word and ignore any information to the contrary,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said.

“Those pasting the posters are trying to express their own view. The President had stated that he will talk about the presidency from 2014. Those doing this do not have the consent of the President.”

Nigerians should not be bothered with these posters. Just like those “trying to express their own view” are asking the President to “do

2015 Is Now! more”, those who have contrary opinion can ask him to “do less”. Is that not better than fighting over posters?

Freedom of expression, as Dr.Abati rightly interpreted it, also means that other prospective contestants can paste their posters around Abuja without being charged with violating municipal sanitation laws.

The beauty of democracy is that it offers opportunities to agree or disagree openly.

Choice of candidates for high offices is a platform to test the efficacy of debates and the capacity of the democratic space to accommodate them. More enlightened debates about the 2015 elections are desirable, in fact they are imperative.

It does not matter if posters trigger off the debates about the candidacy of the President or anyone else. Nothing says the debates should wait until 2014 - by then they would have been very late.

When delegations start arriving Abuja to persuade the President to “do more”, would delegations with opposing views gain access to the President?

Nigerians should take their concerns about the 2015 elections further. Where are the candidates? What issues do they intend to address? What would they do differently?

There is too much obsession with the President running in 2015 that other candidates are not presenting themselves.

When would they declare their intention?

When would they sell their candidacy to their parties and Nigerians? Who says they cannot paste their posters in Abuja?

If the President would state his position in 2014, is that a rule for other candidates? We are only 24 months away from elections, if we provide for primaries. 2015 is now, the Abuja posters say so.

OPINION

BY REUBEN IZEZE

T

HE vanity and transience of our mortal struggles.

I have just confirmed from my egbon in Abuja that the reported deaths of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State,General Owoye Azazi and four others in a Naval Helicopter crash in Bayelsa State is indeed true.

I chose not to believe any online media reportage in the hope that there could still be survivors.

Too many deaths have been around us as a people and having just come back from the funeral of a very dear "father";the late Chief Efe Christopher Akpobi,I just didn't want to experience the death of anyone remotely close to me.

General Owoye Azazi was a man who became my big bros after his retirement from the Military as CDS. He had visited Delta State as an in-Law

seeking a wife(His nephew was getting married to an Oyovbaire) and my boss had instructed me to be his Protocol attaché with all the apparatii of the State at General Azazi's disposal.

I was his attaché for those three days he stayed in Delta and that was the beginning of a very warm relationship.

He was a through and through soldier but he allowed me to remain my through and through Comrade without bullying me to back up on any issue we differed.

While he was a private citizen,we kept our relationship warm and cordial.

When he took up office as NSA,I didn't need to be told,I just let him concentrate on his job after sending him my prayers and congratulations.

When he was removed from office again,we reconnected and had a good

For Yakowa and Azazi:A 'Commoner's' tribute laugh at the "scapegoatism" that had been his lot in the high-wired politics of Abuja.

Ironically,it was at the same event where we had this good laugh that I had earlier met Governor Yakowa for the first and sadly,last time.

Governor Yakowa and I had shared a "unique 5minute experience" earlier on,because immediately after he alighted from his car on his arrival at the venue of

an event being hosted by my boss,he "heard nature's call" and it was my responsibility to attend to his needs.As a Jos boy,it was easy to relate with him and I guess it made him feel relaxed too.

I

left that encounter(the Governor needing to use the peoples' loo) with the reinforcement of my impression of how simply the average Northerner took life and how we all

The late Yakowa and Azazi.

as Men are created equal before God(at least Governors dey piss too).

He was such a gentle man that he repeated his gratitude(for what I couldn't even fathom,me wey be labourer) about thrice and then left me with a joke.He had asked how I got to be a public officer in Delta when:"Obviously you are a Plateau man"?

I had smiled and led him and his wife to their seats.

You can therefore see why I had earlier wished this story was a hoax.

I had made attempts to reach my Comrade who happened to be the host of the event they had attended in Bayelsa without success,just as all calls to General Azazi's phone were not successful until I got across to my egbon who

finally confirmed this black-night-news.

My condolence goes to the Azazi family,his wife and his kids whom he loved so much.

To the Yakowa family and the good people of Kaduna State,may God grant you all the fortitude to bear this terrible and irreplaceable loss.Allah ya jikan su!

To the families of all the others who died in this fatal crash,may God be with you all and by your side in this very difficult time.

As for those of us still alive,may we learn of the Vanity and transience of all our mortal struggles that we may do good to all men while we still have time on our hands.

May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,AMEN.

*Mr. Izeze, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Asaba, Delta State

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 19

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HERE are many things so wrong with Donald Inwalomhe’s reaction to Professor Tony Afejuku’s opinions on the political climate in Edo State. Inwalomhe’s reaction appeared on page 48 of the Vanguard Newspaper of December 21, 2012.

In it, he claimed Afejuku is distorting facts in his report of the proceedings at the Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal which is hearing the petitions brought before it by General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.), the PDP candidate for the July 14, 2012 gubernatorial election in Edo State. Inwalomhe did not mention even one of the distorted facts nor did he present his own version of the real case to put the records straight. The reason for this is simple. Since Airhiavbere challenged the election results and Governor Oshiomhole’s academic qualifications for the office he occupies, respondents to the petitions have prayerfully wished that the matter died a sudden and quiet death. Their bodies muffle goose pimples every time and anywhere the facts of the case are re-echoed.

So Inwalomhe cannot risk refreshing the issues knowing that many Nigerians can take an open-minded position as

Professor Afejuku has done.

Inwalomhe betrayed in the reaction that he is Governor Oshiomhole’s supporter, protégé and clansman (name shares some identical phonemes with ‘Oshiomhole’, mind you) going by the sheer open-faced adulation of the governor that he repeatedly revealed in the publication.

It is easy to believe that every mention of the facts of the Edo case stops and races all guilty hearts.

Inwalomhe uncomfortably asked ‘…what is Afejuku’s interest that he kept talking about the educational qualification of Oshiomhole which is before the Tribunal?’

Why do Inwalomhe and his people not want Nigerians to know about the qualification of the governor? Is it something they would rather not talk about? Do they have something to hide? Note that Inwalomhe did not threaten to sue the professor for libel or misrepresentation of facts but rather, guiltily slapped his wrist by feebly ‘…appealing to Afejuku to allow the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal to decide the case…’. That is exactly what the Tribunal intends to do sometime early this year. All the petitions are before it now and Afejuku’s opinion cannot sway its decision one way or the other; neither can

Inwalomhe’s appeal to sympathy or his wish that Nigerians know a lot less than they should or is comfortable about the case.

The strength of Iwalomhe’s argument is also its weakness.

He called Afejuku a ‘Political Columnist to Gen. Airhiavbere’ and several other names, thus leaving himself wide open for the inevitable conclusion that Afejuku’s opinions touched the soft underbelly of their weak position at the Tribunal. We know now what he is to Governor Oshiomhole! The truth about the Edo State election results and Governor Oshiomhole’s

irhiavbere’s questions before the Tribunal are clear, simple and direct. He is questioning, among other things, the academic certificates which Governor Oshiomhole declared in his INEC Form CF001. The onus before the Tribunal is to find out the value of the qualification contained in the said certificates and to determine if they are equivalent to the requirement of the Electoral law of 2010, as amended. To find out if they legally belong to the governor since there is no nexus between his full names now and the differently-spelt names contained in the certificates.

And to find out if the certificates were issued by the authenticating schools which Federal Archive records show did not exist at the time the certificates were claimed to have been issued.

Airhiavbere is also asking the Tribunal to investigate the results in some local government areas in the state that he believes, to put it mildly, perfected some under-handing in favour of the governor. If there is reasonable doubt that Governor Oshiomhole won the election fairly, then every energy bent towards opposing and proving the fraud is justified.

The means that Airhiavbere

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The constitution of Anambra State of Nigeria (2) Continues from Wednesday pg 18

BY OWEN OZUE

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HOLD a personal view that if we wish to draw the right lessons from the PDP experiment which we cannot wish away, any zoning we introduce at the federal level should work out a unique arrangement that separates the ticket of the President from his Vice, in order to succeed. We must not copy every American way because we are using the presidential system of government.

For the zonig to succeed,learning from our experience, we may need six Vice Presidents,with the First Vce President,who is next to the president in succession coming from the former ’s zone. That way if for any reason ,the president is unable to continue in office, dies or is removed, the power remains in his zone.Beyond this, the exact duration that ower should stay in one zone has to be defined. Whether we accept or reject this proposal, we should define the number of years for which an office should be defined. As a country, we are lucky that Yar ’Adua died a natural death or things could have been worse. But we must foresee all kinds of possibilities in the future and provide for them.

My deliberate copious reference to zoning as currently being experimented by a party with great challenges is to underscore that for zoning at the national level, it is still a learning curve with a lot of work ahead, because we are trying to impose it on a democratic model copied from those who have ever allowed such concept as zoning to play any role in their polity. Hence any issue regarding the subject has to be approached with care at every level, irrespective of current sentiments in some quarters in

Anambra State.

Sentiments by their very nature are transient. If Atiku Abubakar, a surviving pillar of the Yar’Adua group had foreseen that one day Nigeria would have a president outside the north, while the latter would be seeking to recapture power, he would have lent full support to the Ekwueme proposal in the conference and perhaps joined forces to see it promulgated into the constitution. But no! They kicked it down. Gladly Atiku has made a volte-face only because he is alive to so do.

Likewise sentiments for one particular senatorial zone to produce the governor are not criminal, but it may no be in the air in the next ten years. Yet it takes gargantum national consensus to amend the constitution, which does not happen all the time.

So it is possible that some politicians could tie up the hands of Anambra Development with a bad policy for the next 50 years, just to take care of their interest in less than a year.Should we continue the match to centralise power, when one one popular hand, we are seeking to devolve same to the zones/ states in the same amendment?

I would have continued to insist that we distance ourselves from zoning, as I did in the past, but it appears to be a necessary evil at the national level to contain our differences and fears, which led us into a needless civil war, in the course of nation building, but there is so much to do to run that system without problems. But in my view, it is needless to talk about zoning at all in states like Anambbra who speak the same language and share the same culture.

And this brings us to the issue of Anambra agreeing to insert the zoning of offices amongst senatorial zones.

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BY EPHRAIM AIGBEKAEN

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Is this fear, guilt or both?

academic qualification is not as told or known by Inwalomhe or anyone from the governor’s camp. Truth is truth independent of what anybody feels and or believes. It is the Tribunal’s duty to find that out.

The means that Airhiavbere has chosen to resolve the election impasse is a civilised one and shall peaceably bring out the truth if all interested parties like Inwalomhe will hold their emotions in check and let the law take its full course

It is actually incorrect to say that Anambra has voted for zoning of governorship position:as we continue to deepen our democracy and strive to true federalism, it is pertinent to point out that the federal constitution cannot decide on a zoning policy for the states

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The facts as I know them do not support this assertion. The matter was not discussed.

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irst, the meeting of November 11, 2012 held at the Women Development Centre Awka, was a meeting convened by Gov. Obi to respond to a specific template drawn up by the National Assembly highlighting blanket questions on broad issues of amendment to the constitution. With respect to the zoning of executive offices, that template asked the question: ‘Do you think the constitution should be amended to insert the zoning of the presidency between the six geo-political zones for presidency and the three senatorial zones for governor’.

The NASS, at least as reflected in their template, did not envisage that different answers could be given for the two offices. The House of Representatives constituency sessions held the day before on November 10, most of the constituents in the 11 federal constituencies in Anambra State in their wisdom separated the question into two parts and most voted

has chosen to resolve the election impasse is a civilised one and shall peaceably bring out the truth if all interested parties like Inwalomhe will hold their emotions in check and let the law take its full course.

Nigerians understand that the Tribunal challenge must necessarily cause some people some unease but that should not bother law and justice.

Inwalomhe should find better ways of pleasing his employer instead of trying to deny a law abiding citizen his right to free expression.

Afejuku may be a Deltan, but he has lived a huge part of his life in Edo State and therefore knows as much as anyone about the Tribunal’s public hearings which are also no secret anymore. His right to his opinions is recognised by the newspaper companies which, ever vigilant against litigations of libel, have appropriately published his objective opinions after sorting through them with the thoroughness of a toothcomb.

I urge Professor Afejuku to disregard the bad upbringing that forced Inwalomhe to criticise, insult and call him names. Inwalomhe’s fears notwithstanding, the good professor must continue the great job of truthfully keeping Nigerians abreast of the proceedings at the Tribunal as they unfold.

*Dr. Aigbekaen, a political analyst, wrote from Lagos.

for zoning at the national level, rejecting it at the state level. These reports were not read in Awka, where Gov. Obi who virtually chose all the delegates and whose personal views on the matter were already in the public domain posed the questions together. So it is actually incorrect to say that Anambra has voted for zoning of governorship position. My understanding based on the reasons adduced above is that the governor is letting his personal view on the issue override that of the people. He also tried to do that on the issue of autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly and Local governments, but it was easier to stop him because there was no double –barrel question. He even deliberately omitted vital questions like whether INEC should conduct all elections in the country.

Secondly, as we continue to deepen our democracy and strive to true federalism, it is pertinent to point out that the federal constitution cannot decide on a zoning policy for the states. There are states like Benue and Delta, Platueu, Cross River and Rivers that harbour up to five ethnic/linguistic groups, and certainly their on-theground response to the issue of zoning need not be identical to Anambra, which is homogenous. Why then should the constitution of each state not decide whether they should zone offices and define the conditions .Who says zoning must be on the basis of senatorial zones? Are senatorial zones not administrative lines created by INEC for purposes of conducting elections? Will those lines remain the same if more states are created as the South –East desires and deserves? So why should we form a thesis and present its anti-thesis in the same document? *Editor's note: This part of this copy was slated for Wednesday and the concluding part was carried yesterday. The mix-up is highly regretted. *Dr. Ozue, a political analyst, wrote from Nnwei, Anambra State.

20 — Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013

up with the same dance troupe every year, an action he said did not reflect the rich culture of the people.

According to him, one of the essences of the CARNIRIV was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and its people. But when local governments continue to come up with one angle of their rich culture every year, then they miss the point.

Street carnivals

•A dancer troupe CARNIRIV

Pomp, culture on parade as Rivers holds CARNIRIV, trade fair

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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HE month of December is a unique period in Rivers State and often very colourful because of the activities lined up by the state government to make it memorable and fun packed.

The colourful aspect of last month opened with the annual Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.

Unlike trade fairs in many other cities in the country

Budding artists in the state had the opportunity to come on stage to showcase their talents and dancing competitions were also held for many. Stand up comedians were not left out. They cracked jokes that kept people rolling on their seats.

Trade stands were opened all through for those catching fun that may want to also shop for items at night.

Things were relatively on the high side at the trade Fair this year. Some participants

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One of the essences of the CARNIRIV was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and its people

where traders and buyers pack up for the day about 7pm, the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair was a different ball game. The place bubbled with activities every day till about 1pm.

The organisers ensured that every evening they had a DJ that supplied jams at one end of the Trade Fair from 7pm.

Seats were arranged with those selling drinks, grilled meat, barbecue fish and all kinds of Africa cuisine on ground to add spice to the fun.

blamed it on high cost for space, plastic chairs and tables. According to them they were charged eight thousand naira per square meter of space. They said the organisers contracted the provision of chairs and tables out so it was not possible for some to bring theirs The traders said they had to up the prices for their items to make profit. Mr Philip Felix who came to shop at the fair said the organisers should devise a means to control

prices at in the future.

He said some of the things he tried getting at the Fair were far cheaper at the Mile One market in Port Harcourt; a situation he said defeated the spirit behind the Trade Fair.

The Trade Fair was still on when the popular Rivers state CARNIRIV kicked off. Publicity was relatively poor this year and this affected attendance at some of the programes which held at the Liberation stadium. It was nevertheless fun as those who made extra effort to f a m i l i a r i s e themselves with the programme enjoyed themselves.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi and members of his cabinet joined in the C A R N I R I V procession. Some residents who turned up at the Liberation stadium to watch the cultural dance, one of the events lined up for the festival, said some of the local government areas did not come up with something different

in the cultural display.

M r Friday Nwafor, a lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department, University of Port Harcourt, said some of the local governments had made it a tradition to always come

The CARNIRIV opened the gate for street carnivals in all parts of Port Harcourt. Residents of adjoining streets in the capital city organised night parties in the spirit of the season. They decorated the roads with fancy lights and colours.

The street parties reassured all in the state capital that Governor Amaechi was right when he assured of the safety of lives and properties in the state. `It would be recalled that at a time in the history of the state, before Amaechi came on board, nobody could dare come out from 7pm for fear of being attacked.

Criminals masquerading as militants held the state under siege.

They shot at will and determined when people could be on the street. But when Amaechi assumed office as governor, he came down very hard on the boys, dislodging their hold on the state capital and beyond. Today, the state is safe and residents now sleep with their two eyes closed.

Cross River Gender TWG lauded for mainstreaming efforts

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EMBERS of the Cross River State Technical Working Group on gender have been commended for the ‘tremendous sacrifices” they have made towards mainstreaming gender into HIV/AIDS response in the State.

The Project Manager, World Bank Assisted Project, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS CRSACA, Mr. Gabe Undalikwo made the commendation at the 4th quarterly Gender TWG meeting at the Conference room of the Agency on Friday.

According to Mr. Undalikwo, the contributions of the Gender TWG is currently adapting a global picture having been better informed, a situation he maintained calls for greater responsibilities on the part of every member.

On the issue of having a State Gender policy, the Project

Manager said, the Gender TWG will provide support and technical advice to the Ministry of Women Affairs, which is supposed to lead the process of developing a State Gender document.

He prayed the group not to relent in its efforts to fulfill the mandate given them by the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS and thereafter, called for inputs towards finalizing the Gender Work plan for 2013 and the celebration of the 2013 International Women’s Day. As part of the work plan, the TWG is proposing to assist the Ministry of Women Affairs to devise a model for reporting and documenting gender based violence, conduct gender analysis of the State response on HIV/AIDS and also ram the TWG to conduct gender audit.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 21

NCRIB fights charlatans in brokerage business

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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•Master Adesanya Oluwafolajimi, student of Yaba College of Technology Secondary School, Lagos and winner of the InterSchool Essay-Writing Competition (left) and Miss Insurance 2012, Miss Onyeka Adigwe, initiator of the competition.

NUPENG tackles Chevron over deployment of soldiers ...Threatens industrial action armed soldiers and other security operatives to Chevron installations in Escravos, Warri, PortHarcourt and other IGERIA Union of Petro locations over the ongoing inleum and Natural Gas dustrial dispute with the Workers, NUPENG, has deunion, warning that the deplored alleged deployment of ployment could worsen the already tense situation.

The union claimed 5.0 148.8 the armed soldiers and 2,250.00 +14.00 other security operatives had been given order to shoot 19.7 0.19 contract staff who are members of the union at sight to deny the 112.40 +1.29 1700 workers access to Chevron installations 92.99 +1.17 where they were working.

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING NUPENG in a statement by it’s DOLLAR 154.77 155.27 155.77 Acting General POUNDS 252.2596 253.0746 253.8895 EURO 205.1476 205.8104 206.4731 Secretary, Comrade FRANC 169.6667 170.2149 170.763 Isaac Aberare, called YEN 1.7763 1.782 1.7878 the Chief of Army Staff CFA 0.2921 0.3021 0.3121 and the Inspector WAUA 237.1056 237.8716 238.6376 RENMINBI 24.8398 24.9205 25.0012 General of Police, to RIYA 41.2687 41.402 41.5353 call their men to order KRONA 27.4936 27.5825 27.6713 and not be used to SDR 237.866 238.6345 239.4029 settle industrial relations matter, which CBN Exchange rate as at 3/01/2013

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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could throw the entire petroleum industry into crisis.

According to the statement, “NUPENG is worried about the sudden deployment of soldiers and other security agencies by Chevron to its installations in Escravos ,Warri, Portharcourt and other locations with the order to shoot at sight over plans to deny all the contract workers access to its installations. The union warns that the flooding of Chevron installations with soldiers and denial of over 1700 contract workers access to these installations may lead to a serious industrial relations crisis that will not augur well for the oil and gasindustry, if any of them is harmed.” “ We state that the discussions of the end of contract of the Big 6 in Chevron, especially on the labour related issues is still on-going and co-ordinated by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The brokered talks on the labour

related issues was to have been completed on December, 31st 2012 but agreement had not been reached. The union reiterates that it submitted a proposal for transition discussion which started on December18th, 2012 and with the intervention of NNPC discussions were held on December 27th and 28th with no agreement reached.”

The union said it “frowns at the sudden deployment of troops to Chevron installations,when a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for January 7th 2013 in Abuja. This action of Chevron is uncalled for, when agreement on labour related issues have not been concluded. The union advises Chevron management to have faith in the discussions brokered by the NNPC and should therefore put any action on hold, like denying the contract workers access to its installations and wait for the outcome of the January 7th 2013 meeting in Abuja to resolve the impasse.”

HE President Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Mrs. Laide Osijo has said the council has mobilised brokers at all level in the fight against the activities of charlatans in the brokerage business.

Osijo said that the measures adopted are yielding results as many fake brokers have been weeded out of the sector.

She said, “We have a mechanising on how to curb the activities of charlatans. In my inaugural speech, I told brokers fraternity that I would empower the Area Chapters.

And I have really done that. I have empowered them through qualitative service. I went a step further by touring the six geographical area chapters, to make them work in line with the secretariat.

“I told them to ensure that all brokers in their region are known and that they are registered members of that chapter. With that at the back of their mind, they would pay their subscription and attend members’ activities which carry Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) points. With these, they would be able to discover genuine brokers.

“We have told those at the Area Chapters to enter any office with sign of a brokering practice and ask for the particulars of the person. We have mandated brokers to place their licenses in their offices and to put NCRIB logo on their letter head papers.

All these we have put in place to destabilise charlatans. So far, some brokers have been reporting brokers that are not registered and we have been educating them on what to do to be our members. NAICOM efforts have really helped to stop those who want to operate without our approval.”

She noted that the step taken by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, in ensuring that all brokers register with the NCRIB has helped to have a harmonise data base of brokers, adding “Before, if NAICOM has 600 brokers, the NCRIB would have 400.

22 — Vanguard,FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

……BRIEFS……

US budget deal helps FTSE 100 bust through 6,000

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RITAIN’S top share index raced through the 6,000 level for the first time in 17 months on Wednesday boosted by a lastminute budget deal in the United States and solid global PMI data. London’s blue chip index closed up 129.56 points, or 2.2 percent at 6,027.37, bettering the average return on the first day of trading after the new year over the last 12 years of about 1.2 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The fuel for the fire was provided in the United States where the House of Representatives ratified a deal to stave off a series of growth-threatening tax hikes and spending cuts in the short term.

Johan Jooste, chief market strategist, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management EMEA, said in a note investors in Europe would be satisfied with the deal for now, but a sustained break above previous years’ highs required a positive outcome of the fiscal and budget negotiations that are set to continue through to March.

Miners were the biggest risers, up 5 percent, having lagged broader market gains in 2012, with the sector also aided by solid global PMI data, particularly from China, which helped to allay fears over the demand outlook.

Anglo American, which lost more than 20 percent in 2012, climbed 5.8 percent as some analysts tipped the firm for a turnaround in fortunes this year.

Heavyweight oils and banks rallied too, pushing the FTSE 100’s performance up nearly 15 percent since June 2012 lows.

From left: Deputy Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Ita Calix; Brand Manager, Digital, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Oyinade Olajiga; Promo Anchor, Steve Onu ( aka Yaw), and Assistant Brand Manager, Brand Guinness, Basit Arasi; during the draw of Guinness Fly With the Eagle promo, in Oregun, Lagos.

Starcomms consolidates merger with N32.71bn capital injection

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

Web stocks drive surge on export outlook: China Overnight

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HINESE stocks climbed in New York to an eight-month high, led by Internet and solar companies, as expanding manufacturing and the U.S. budget pact burnished the outlook for the world’s biggest exporter.

The Bloomberg China-US Equity Index (CH55BN) of the most-traded Chinese shares in the U.S. jumped 2.3 percent to 101.40 by 12:10 p.m., poised for the highest close since May 7. Online game operator Giant Interactive Group Inc. (GA) surged the most in 14 months, while LDK Solar Co. (LDK) soared to a fivemonth high. Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (MPEL) traded at the widest premium over its Hong Kong shares in more than four months after data showed Macau casino revenue climbed to a record in December.

The China-US gauge followed the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI)’s rally to a 17-month high after U.S. lawmakers passed a bill to undo tax increases for more than 99 percent of households and avert spending cuts that threatened a recovery in the economy of China’s second-largest trading partner. Chinese factory output grew for a third month in December, data released Jan. 1 showed, adding to signs Asia’s largest economy is emerging from its seven-quarter slowdown.

“Investors are welcoming the U.S. budget deal, as it at least temporarily removed this big hurdle in fiscal policy that threatened global chaos in 2013,” Erik Lam, director of Asian equity sales at Auerbach Grayson & Co. in New York, said by phone yesterday. “People think China will be able to sustain its growth momentum going forward into the first quarter.”

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HAREHOLDERS of Starcomms Plc have approved an injection of N32.71 billion ($210 million) into the company by Capcom limited.

The injection is expected to rekindle the hopes of the recently concluded merger arrangements of the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators, which invloved Multi Links, Starcomms and MTS that produced a stronger network operator known as CAPCOM. The stakeholders gave the approval during the 14th annual general meeting, AGM, of Starcomms Plc held in Abuja.

The interim Chief Executive Officer of Starcomms Plc, Mr. Olusola Oladokun, said the approval for the capital injection was a good development in the new roll out plan of the company to become a major player in the Nigerian telecom market, both in voice and data services.

He said that the CDMA segment of the Nigerian telecom industry had continued to battle for survival with reduction in voice revenue and limited opportunities to grow data revenues due to spectrum congestion but expressed optimism that the company would.

With the new merger plan, Oladokun said the company would come out stronger and can offer high quality video, data and voice services capable of giving the mobile operators a fight for their money.

It will be recalled that an investment agreement was reached by Starcomms Plc and the investing company, Capcom on November 8th, 2012 for the later to inject an aggregate sum of $210million into

Starcomms. The investment includes the cash sum of $85million and other assets to be contributed by Capcom to Starcomms, the subscription for ordinary shares by Capcom limited of 662.55 million ordinary shares of N0.50 each of the authorised share capital of the company at a share price of N50.00.

He denied the possibility of Capcon swallowing Starcomms in the course of the implementation of the merger agreements, while pre-

dicting that data services would soon overtake voice in the Nigerian telecom market. ‘’ Capcom will remain Capcom. We will be consolidating both CDMAs into a bigger Starcomms. They will remain in the background and not changing the name of Starcomms to CAPCOM nor interfere in the running of Starcomms.

Starcomms will still be run by professionals.”

Vitafoam records abysmal 2012 performance as profit, turnover fall

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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ITAFOAM Plc has announced a marginal decline in its financial performance for the year ended September, 2012 with both the profit and turnover dropping by 3.22 percent and 0.48 percent respectively.

Resultantly, the company did not declare any dividend for the shareholders in the out-gone year.

This was inspite of assurances given by the chairman, Chief Samuel Bolarinde, at the last meeting with shareholders that the management would continue to strive to deliver increased value to its stakeholders having secured N448 million loan from IFC in the previous year.

According to the results made available at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the turnover fell to N14.45 billion, as against N14.52 billion reported in equivalent period of 2011.

Profit before tax went down to N813.25 million from N823.57 million, while the profit after tax for the period also fell to N502.12 million from N518.85 million, representing 1.25 percent and 3.22 percent decrease respectively.

Further breakdown of the result showed that earning per share declined to 68 kobo compared to 69 kobo in 2011.

Speaking at the last annual general meeting, Bolarinde, had assured that the company’s incursion into the West African market was aimed at boosting the performance of the company in order to give better value to its shareholders.

He further promised that the $2.8 million ( N448 million) loan granted Vitafoam Sierra Leone Limited, by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), had been deployed to the construction of its foam factory.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—23

BY PETER EGWUATU

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ORE winners have emerged in Diamond Bank Plc’s promo where 35 lucky persons were rewarded with N1 million each in the season five scheme.

A customer of the bank’s branch in Nwewi, Anambra State, Mr. Chike Christian Okafor, won the Salary for Life promo, while Nduka Anthony and Okorie, won N2 million each.

Speaking at the draw held weekend in Lagos, the Product Manager, SavingsXtra Account, Mr. David Otukpe, said, “The aim of the promo is to encourage people to save and reward customers that have been loyal to the bank. We want to encourage our customers to continue to save and win as it becomes fun to have this kind of promo. The volume of savings we are having is growing in limbs and bounds. It has really influenced the customer base; it From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left),Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Hon Philip has grown from N5billion to Shaibu; Hon Uyi Igbe, Speaker and Hon Dele Oloruntoba during the signing of the state’s 2013 Appropriation Act. about N91billion.

“The promo is part of our reward scheme. Every 27th of every month the bank credits the accounts of customers that won Salary for Life. The Salary for Life will last for 20 years.”

The combined draws which attracted promo regulators, past winner, customers of the bank and newsmen saw 35 customers across the country winning N1m each at the special Christmas draw.

Mr. Okafor, who won the Salary for Life prize, according to the SavingsXtra Product Manager would earn N100, go a long way to transforming their was not less than a million naira. When 000 monthly for the next 20 years lives in the New Year” Otukpe noted.

I was called that I won Salary for Life, “It is a way of rewarding customers The Bank made history in the first I never believe until 27th September for doing business with the bank. The phase of the campaign when it gave when alert came in crediting me with Savings Xtra reward campaign is one away a whooping sum of N50 million N100,000 and it has continued. The last way of saying thank you to our to two of its customers as the star prize. alert I got was in December 27, 2012.” customers. We cherish their Meanwhile, one of the recent Also, Mr. Bright Amiekwe, a contributions to the growth of the bank. winners of Salary for Life, Mr. Francis representative of KPMG, an auditing If you already have a Diamond Onyeagwara, spoke to Vanguard, firm, said, “ We performed an SavingsXtra account, you will saying, “This is a true promo and not independent audit on system to ensure automatically qualify for our draws if fake. I never knew about it until when that the selection is random and fair. you save at least N5, 000. Some of the I was called on phone. I opened the So it is very transparent and new lucky millionaires contacted on FORMER director in the account last year, September 2012. As encouraging.” phone were full of excitement and Central Bank of Nigeria at the time I won my account balance gratitude to the bank, the money would (CBN), Mr. Titus Okunronmu, weekend urged commercial banks to open branches in the rural areas.

Okunronmu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that some rural dwellers were still keeping money at home at the risk of losing them to thieves He said that others HAIRMAN, Ikeja Chapter projects without operating an will help to create the needed had to travel long distances to of National Association of account with the bank,” he said. awareness. keep money in banks, stressing Microfinance Banks, Mr. Dele Oyekanmi, who is the “When people come with that such efforts often slowed Oyekanmi, has said the Managing Director, MoneyWise contract papers, I tell them this down business transactions. The association is disturbed by the Microfinance Bank in Lagos, is not a finance company and former CBN director said that misperception of the role of said that “microfinance banks that before you can be granted opening new branches in rural microfinance banks. are not institutions that finance a loan, you need to have an areas would further boost the Oyekanmi told the News contracts, but to serve the active account with the bank,” he cash-less policy of the central Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in poor ”. “What it means is that said. bank. “Those in the rural areas Lagos that many people still many people are not conversant Oyekanmi said that should not be isolated from saw microfinance bank as with the functions of microfinance banks were participating in the cash-less institutions that finance microfinance banks. “In 2013, we instituted to assist the active policy,” he said. Okunronmu, contracts.

“On several are going to do more on the poor to live above poverty however, urged the state occasions, some people have enlightenment of the citizens on level, but not to finance government and the visited my bank with contract microfinance banks’ activities. contracts. He reiterated that communities to provide documents soliciting for “This is why publicity through microfinance banks were quite adequate security for the banks financial assistance to execute the mass media and workshops different from finance firms. to thrive in their areas.

How 35 people won N1m each in Diamond Bank promo CBN

ex-director urges banks to open branches in rural areas

A

Operator decries misperception of role of microfinance banks

C

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Amiwero praises Jonathan over DI extension

BY DANIEL GUMM

P

*Two offices on either sides of the border comprising the new Border Information Centre in Seme, Nigeria, and Krake, Benin.

Seme-Krake Border gets new Information Centre T

HE region’s third Border Information Centre has opened at the Benin-Nigeria border, taking on what many traders believe may be the most difficult border crossing in the region. The USAID Business Environments for Agile Markets (BEAM) is supporting the initiative, which involves the close collaboration of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Benin National Shippers’ Council and the USAID West Africa Trade Hub. The opening ceremony featured high-level public and private sector stakeholders from both countries. Rolf Olson of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, said the centres embody President Barak

Obama’s strategy to increase trade and investment in Africa.

“In addition to the African Growth and Opportunity Act which eliminates tariffs on imports to the U.S. from eligible African countries,” he said, “President Obama has made the expansion of small and medium enterprise in Africa a key objective of U.S. Government policy in Africa.”

“West Africa’s strength as a region depends on its ability to be economically selfsufficient. This is not something that can be imposed from outside,” said Kevin Armstrong, mission director of USAID Benin.

The centre will provide

information to cross-border traders about their rights and responsibilities under the law, while also gathering statistical information on behalf of the pan-West African trade advocacy group, Borderless Alliance, to enable further reductions in trade barriers across the region. It joins the BICs located at the Ghana-Togo and Burkina Faso-Ghana borders; a fourth is being developed for the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana border and at the Port of Dakar.

Traders crossing to Benin can find their Border Information Centre in the offices of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) run by Trade Adviser Olu Ogunojemite. Traders

Afreximbank signs 55m euro facility agreements

T

HE African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) has signed facility agreements to provide almost 55 million Euros to three firms for equipment procurement and to enhance cocoa beans processing capacities as part of the banks programme to support value-additive activities to move Africa away from remaining an exporter of raw produce.

In separate ceremonies at the Afreximbank ‘headquarters in Cairo, the bank signed a 10 million-Euro facility agreement with Societe d’Usinage et de Conditionnement du SudOuest (SUCSO) of Cote d'Ivoire on 13 December 2012; a 25 million-Euro facility agreement with Societe Nouvelle de Commerce Guinee (SONOCO) of Guinea on

14 December; and an 18.9 million-Euro facility agreement with Conditionnement de Cacao et Cafe S.A. Cote d’Ivoire (CONDICAF) of Cote d'Ivoire, also on 14 December.

The facility agreement with SUCSO is a dualtranche export receivables-backed facility under which Afreximbank would, in Tranche I, provide up to 3.2 million Euro to enable SUCSO finance upgrades and undertake new investments to complete the setting up of two additional processing lines for the production of cocoa butter and cocoa cake, and, in Tranche II, finance procurement of cocoa beans

by SUCSO for the 2012/ 2013 season for processing into cocoa products for export.

In the case of SONO-

CO, the 25 million-Euro facility will be used to purchase a flour mill plant to help the company to expand its business by producing flour locally instead of importing from outside.

CONDICAF will use the 18.9 million Euros it is being provided under the facility agreement to refinance existing indebtedness, purchase a cocoa processing plant and to purchase cocoa beans.

Afreximbank President Jean Louis Ekra said that the facilities to SUCSO and CONDICAF were being extended under the African Cocoa Initiative through which the bank is supporting value-additive activities in the cocoa sector to move Africa away from an exporter of raw beans to an exporter of cocoa products.

crossing to Nigeria can similarly receive free advice at the centre hosted by the Benin National Shippers’ Council (CNCB) and run by Trade Adviser Christophe Gnimavo. Both parts of the initiative are fully funded by USAID’s BEAM. The opening ceremony brought together a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors who share these goals.

Mrs. D. Shall-Holma, spokesperson for the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and also representing the Nigerian Ministry of Transport, explained how existing initiatives had already been working towards these goals on a smaller level, and viewed the Borderless initiative as the next stage in their ongoing mission. Mrs. Shall-Holma pointed out that in 1998, the Cotonou Round Table conference of West African Shippers’ Councils resolved to take an active role in improving the delivery of goods across the region.

Since the first Border Information Centre was opened in August 2011 at the Lome-Aflao border between Togo and Ghana, delays have dropped by as much as 50 per cent.

With more than 50 members across the region — just six months ago it had less than 20 — the Borderless Alliance is contributing to the broad debate on trade barriers, which all agree must be reduced if West Africa’s economic growth is to be maximised.

RESIDENT “G o o d l u c k Jonathan, was Wednesday lauded by a stakeholder in the maritime industry over his extension by six months of the Destination Inspection regime contracts by the service providers. Extolling the President’s decision which according to the National President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Eyis Amiwero, said averted a crisis situation in the economy, adding that the Customs has no power under its law to issue a circular changing the existing regime on imports.

Amiwero, said the extension was a welcome development and a right step in the right direction. According to him, it is not about sentiment; it is about the interest of the Nigerian nation. Amiwero noted that the service had not shown any serious ability to take over the scheme.

He said: “Recent comments and pronouncements by the management of Customs do not show that the service is prepared to take over the scheme and it will be dangerous for the government to have gambled.”

The Nigeria Customs Service by a circular dated 18th, December 2012 and titled: Nigeria Customs Service Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) Launch, to some port operators had explained that: “As part of the efforts of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to provide the PAAR services post the Destination Inspection (DI) Service Providers era, has developed . . . , in line with international best practice, to enhance revenue collection; border security and trade facilitation.”

But a government circular to one of the service providers, which was signed by a Permanent Secretary reads: “ReExtension of Agreement — I wish to inform you that the President has approved the extension of Agreement dated 1 st January, 2006, between your company and the Federal Government of Nigeria for Provision, Installation, Operation and Management of x-ray Scanning Equipment and Software for Inspecting goods.

“The agreement which is to expire on 31 st December, 2012 has been extended for a period of six (6) months with effect from !st January 2013.”

Amiwero, a cargo surgeon asked: “Under which law do Customs have the power to issue circular? Noting that “the circular is supposed to have emanated from the Federal Ministry of Finance, he said the circular which is about change of procedure of import should not have been issued by the Customs.

He explained that Section 36 of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap 45, is very clear on power to regulate unloading, removal, etc., of imported goods — The minister may make regulations — (a) prescribing the procedure to be followed by a ship arriving at a Customs port, an aircraft arriving at a Customs airport, a ship conveying goods into Nigeria by inland waters or a vehicle or person conveying goods into Nigeria by land; (b) regulating the unloading, landing, movement and removal of goods on their importation, and different regulations may be made with respect to importation by sea, air or land and inland waters, respectively.

The NCMDLCA boss said: “There is no power in the law that gives the Customs power to do anything. The power given here is to the President, Minister of Finance and the Board.

The Customs does not have the right to change a regime. The regime must be changed by the Finance Minister and not the Customs.

“If you look at Section 4 of the Act — Powers and Duties of the Board: (a) Subject to the general control of the Minister, be charged with the duty of controlling, and managing the administration of Customs and Excise Law. In exercise of the power conferred on the Minister, the Board shall be subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Minister.

Section I8 — Power to restrict the movement of goods into and out of Nigeria by land or inland waters and to appoint Customs stations-: (1) The Minister may make regulations — (a) restricting the importation or exportation by land or inland waters of all goods or of any class or description of goods to such hours and such routes (in this Act referred to as approved routes”) as may be prescribed by the regulations.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 25

We need technology to increase farmers live quality — Makinde D

R. Diran Makinde, is the director of the AU/NEPAD-African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The centre is in the forefront of building functional bio safety regulatory systems that will make it possible for government to adopt simple agricultural biotechnology for improved agricultural production.

At a recent Agriculture for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) programme in Arusha, Tanzania, where we had almost all the stakeholders, gov-

ernment, development partners, scientists , regulators among others in agriculture deliberating, it was difficult pinning Dr. Diran Makinde for an interview.

After getting him to talk, he touched on the role of science in Africa food security and how genetically modified food can be used to increase food production among others.

Here is an excerpt.

O

n the side event organised by his agency AGRA and NEPAD

•Dr. Makinde agencies are in partnership and apart from that this a good venue that we have almost all the stakeholders,

government, development partners, scientists , regulators among others are here.

So, we organised this side event to bring regulators and scientists together, because African scientists are working on African indigenous crops to develop that aspects that you think are necessary, like nutrient enrich cassava which we call bio cassava plus; nutrient enriched cowpea. There are so many commodities, so regulators at times need to interact to know what their needs are, how do they work to-

gether for the common goods.

On the role of science in Africa food security You know the percentage of small scale farmers are actually very large, it is between 70 and 80 %. We know that these are the groups of farmers that are not exposed to any form of technology; they have been using the same form of practice for many years.

And it is high time we developed the attitude of actually adopting technology to improve

the quality of life of our farmers, so this is one of the reasons we need to drive it home to our government especially and other stakeholders that we need to harness science and technology in Africa development.

On Genetic modified food We are looking at agricultural biotechnology which includes, but is not GM alone. So, it is part of it, we are looking at it as a tool that can be used to increase productivity.

On safety of GM Let me tell you, if our role in NEPAD is to build capacity and that is what we are in to, so, if we are able to build capacity in the science, technology and innovation areas, of course it will be good for all our people. It is a broad field. Whatever we are talking about now is not about GM or agricultural technology, it is more than that.

On pro-vitamin cassava being taken beyond research level in Nigeria This is a test and that is why we called it confirmed field trials, we want to see weather what we have been told is actually true and we can get all those things in this new variety they are developing. So, it takes time to test them and make sure there are no harmful effects either on animals or humans or the environment.

What we are talking about will take years to accomplish, but we want to be sure we take care of all the possible risks.

On the slow adoption of biotech in agric development in Africa Well some countries are taking precautionary approach and which is part of what the kadaina protocol on bio safety dictates. They have the right to the fear of the unknown , so they say they want to thread it softly .

The moment we have two or three other countries in Africa adopting the technology , commercializing the commodities then you will a different attitude .

It was during the advent of cell phone, it was slowly adopted and now almost everyone has one.

Message for smallholder farmers and African leaders on agriculture What I want and just hope that our farmers will be empowered to actually move from small scale holding so that real commercial farming can evolve in Africa.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

where the staircases were almost touching my head and I said no, they said the following day they were going to put me in another room.

I told them it was not possible that if I woke up at night I might hit my head against the staircases, but they did not changed the room, so I had to sleep with the light on.

On the choice of airline My practice is not to be in love with any particular airline. What I do is to check the system and look at the comparative cost. To me cost is an issue, I look at it. The last time I was travelling, I saw the price of a business class of an airline to almost be the half of another airline, so I had to pick the lowest and the comfort was great.

It was even an indigenous airline for that matter, very great comfort, everybody was cheerful, and the hospitality was high.

Zuma Rock, one of the tourist destinations in Nigeria

We can’t travel without local food — Alabi

On his travel experience I have been travelling effectively as an adult out of Nigeria in the last fifteen years and mostly I travel to Europe.

On the cities he likes I am in love with London , maybe because of the lack of the language barrier , I find it easy to move round and locate where I am and the less negative immigration formalities, because in other European countries you see harassment here and there, but it is not the case in United Kingdom.

If he combines leisure with business travel I go on official trips alone and leisure trips alone too, but sometimes, I do combine leisure with official travels, like the last time I was in London in November it was for the World Travel Market in my capacity as FTAN president and I also spent extra days for leisure.

But in most cases, if I want to go on official trips, it is strictly official. If I am going for holidays, it is always with my family.

On his best holiday The best holiday for me is when I have my family around; we do things at our time. We are not restricted by time as in conferences, seminar. The best trips for me are the leisure ones.

On what he takes along on his trips In most cases, if it is holiday with my family, we take along some local cooking items that we can’t easily get there and then cloths. Though we don’t go with full load of boxes, but you can be rest assure that when we are coming back, it will be boxes fully loaded with my pocket equally empty.

On what he can’t leave behind when travelling That will be my phones and files that will guild me in my meetings. If the trip is official, I will not want to leave such. I will also not leave my Ipad, laptop and phones. These are my reserve centres that I fall back on every time.

On the biggest packing mistake he has made I must say that the first thing one must always carry along on a trip is one’s international

passport, because without it you will not be able to have access to the country you are going to, even out of Nigeria .

I have had a situation whereby, I was travelling from London to Belgium , I was already in the train , checked into the train to Belgium only for me to check my pocket to find out that my passport was not there , so it was terrible thing. I can never forget that day.

Aside from that, I am a very organise person. A week or two before any trip things I

,

C

hief Samuel Olu Alabi is the company secretary and legal adviser of the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos and currently the national President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) as well as the President of the Hotel and Personnel Services Employers Associations ( HOPSEA).

In this interview with JIMOH BABATUNDE, he shares his travelling experience and what he looks out for when making an airline booking.

Here is an excerpt

Samuel Alabi absence of that, I stay at Accor or Ibis. These are my main choice, but in absence of that, I prefer Holiday inns I will be travelling next week and will be staying in Holiday inn Strafford. My best hotel in UK is Holiday Inn because of their service. Their service is more robust and efficient.

Holiday inn rooms are more comfortable than the others I have stayed in.

The best holiday for me is when I have my family around; we do things at our time.

needed would have been in my bag, I drop things as I remember, two three days before the trip my bag is already packed.

On his best hotel Well, I stay more in Meridian brand and in

,

On his worst hotel As an hotelier, I will not want to name names. There was one in Ilford in London.

In fact, it was in November when I travelled for World Travel Market. The first night they put me at the pent floor

On what destination he would like to visit next I am in love with Brazil. I have never been there; I want to go to Brazil. I want to see the African tradition as practised there. I have it in mind that very soon; i will go there with my wife to have a firsthand taste of what people are saying about Brazil.

On his best destination in Nigeria This is dicey question; unfortunately, you see most of the tourism destinations in Nigeria are not there yet. For instance, if you got to Tinapa where lots of money had been sunk, you will feel sad.

I can tell you that Abuja is more like it because of the varieties like the carnival, the availability of hotels, and the availability of airlines flying there. I am more at home in Abuja than anywhere else.

I am advocate of domestic tourism. Nigerians must be encouraged to travel round the country. Average elite in Nigeria prefers to take his entire family even to Ghana than to take them to Calabar, Arugugu or Oshogbo. They prefer to go to Gambia.

NTDC to constitute committee on festivals

T

he Nigerian Tourism D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation (NTDC) on Wednesday said it would constitute a National Committee on Festivals to streamline all festivals in the country.

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director General of NTDC, disclosed in Abuja that the committee

would be mandated to monitor festivals in states and create a comprehensive national tourism calendar.

“We are going to synergise, bring together and see which festival should come at different time so that we don’t over bear the system. We cannot have too many festivals at the same time. Very soon we are going to have a

National Committee on Festivals across the country and the committee will be domiciled in my office.

“If a tourist comes into Nigeria now, the person will have to think of how he or she will be in 20 places because most of these festivals happen at the same time, this is not done anywhere in the world.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—27

Why I chose Hinduism over Christianity *

People thought I went to India to acquire m agic magic

—Biola Ige

In that movie, l played the role of a model who married a rich man. Complications set in when the model’s old flame showed up as an employee in the company owned by her husband. And the situation became more complex when she fell again for the old flame who was already married to another woman. The intiruges at play were very challenging.

Which of your movies

BYFLORENCE AMAGIYA

B

ow did you become an actress?

I have always wanted to be an actress since I was a child.

Then, I wanted to star in Hollywood movies because my dad was a movie person.

As a child, I had the opportunity to watch all the hit movies produced in Hollywood alongside my elder brother. My dad also supported my dream, but he wanted me to travel to America after my studies.

Unfortunately, when I completed my secondary education, my dad was not as wealthy as he used to be. He couldn’t send me to America again as he promised. As a result, there was nothing I could do. Like I said earlier, I fell in love with acting, but l wanted to act in Hollywood.

When it didn’t work out because of lack of finance, l

moved to Lagos after my University education. I went for auditions in Lagos and landed my first role in “Blindfold” produced by OJ Productions.

How many movies have you done to date?

Acquiring experience in whatever job you are doing is very vital and my experience has helped me star in more than fifty movies and I am still counting. Yes, I have been in the industry for about four years. I am proud of my achievement. I would have starred in more than fifty movies now, if not because of my sickness that took me to India. I am back in the country though lam not looking the same again. I am grateful to God for giving me my life back.

Nollywood actress, Bisi Komolafe goes home today

C M Y K

Is it true that you went to India to undergo an operation?

Well, I was very sick at some point in my acting career. I ran different tests because l didn’t know what was wrong with me. The test results showed I had thyroid problem. So, I travelled to India for treatment as well as to worship. I am sure people would think I went there for spiritual powers.I am sorry to disappoint you guys because I am not that kind of person.

iola Ige is an epitome of beauty. She joined the industry about four years ago and already she has become one of the most-sought- after actresses in Nollywood. Recently, she suffered a terrible growth of her thyroid gland that affected her neck, tongue, complexion and ultimately her budding career. Then, it looked as if, all was over for her. But with divine intervention, she was flown to India where an operation was successfully carried out on her. And today, Biola can live to retell her story. In this interview, she talks about the operation, the rumoured controversy between Tonto Dikeh and her new-found faith- Hinduism. Enjoy!

H

has been most financially rewarding and how much did you rake in from it ?

The monetary compensation is good, but it is not the most important thing when it comes to growing in your craft. Yes, l was rewarded for some of my jobs, but l cannot tell how much was given to me. I remember, “Blackmail”, Grand Player”, “Shakira”, “Darkest Link” and “My Fantansy”, were quite rewarding.

What do you mean, you had a thyroid problem?

Having a thyroid problem is a grave disorder and illness. It is as a result of the expansion of the neck.

It occurs when your thyroid gland over works itself or under works itself because of lack of the nutrient known as iodine.

When you said to worship, what do you mean by that?

It was an avenue for me to worship my God and yes, l worship as an Hindu. I know what you may want to say. I do not see

Which role has been the most challenging in your career?

The most challenging role for me was the one I played in the movie “Blackmail”.

SHOWBIZ: Big winners and losers of 2012

Continues on page 28

Chidinma bags K ORA KORA Award

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

2012 BOX OFFICE HITS

When I’m in love, I fall hopelessly

I

was a Hinduist before I travelled to India. I was a Christian before I changed my faith and I must tell you I have found peace in Hinduism. And in India, I felt at home. I didn’t feel like returning to Nigeria again because everyone was so nice to me.

What is the controversy between Tonto Dike and yourself?

When I was sick, there were a lot of stories flying here and there that Tonto Dike was responsible for my sickness.

But l didn’t believe it because we were not even friends before I fell sick. And why would Tonto Dike want to harm me when she has made a name for herself?

Are you in a relationship?

I don’t have time for that at the moment. I have just returned from a long break of illness and l need to make up in my career for the time I have lost.

When are we hearing the wedding bells for you?

Marriage comes naturally in the course of living and meeting people. I am not in a hurry to tie the knots. In C M Y K

E

fact, I am taking another three years to grow myself before thinking about marriage.

Some of your female colleagues are getting married to married men.

Would you marry a married man?

When I am in a relationship, it takes my whole being and life. So if I am in love, l fall hopelessly in love, hence l cannot see myself loving another woman’s husband. I cannot share my man at all with any woman as I do not share my love.

Who are those people you admire in the industry?

I admire everyone I have worked with and my colleagues in the industry. I cannot actually mention one person as being more special to me. They are all different and special in their own ways.

Before you take up a role what do you consider first?

I picture the role and character in my mind’s eyes and how it is going to play out. I also consider what people would say when they see the movie and the character I played. If it will boost my image then the role is mine, if it is not good for me then l leave it.

Do you have any regret since choosing acting as a career?

I regretted not having my usual childish yearnings. I hate it when people discuss you, when they don’t even know you to guide their judgment. I hate that l cannot join the regular bus, but l don’t care what people say when l park to buy my regular roasted plantain known as boli. When it comes to that l don’t care what people say

,

anything wrong with following any religion of your choice. It is a free world. And I choose Hinduism.

What is your view of women who do bodyenhancing jobs?

It is all about choice, so if you don’t feel good about your body and you have the money to do body makeover surgery, then do it with joy. As for me, I am good with the body God gave me. If a man doesn’t like me the way l am then he is on his own. But my only advice is that you should love yourself the way you are, there is nothing wrong with the body God gave you.

What would attract you to a man?

The way l carry myself is unique, but you can never tell what these men see in the ladies that attract them!

Moreover, we all have something that should attract different men as the case maybe. Most men see things we don’t even know we possess. So, I would leave that to the men to decide what they see in me.

Did you become an Hindu when you travelled to India or while you were in Nigeria?

A Wish

I have found peace in Hinduism. And in India, I felt at home. I didn’t feel like returning to Nigeria again because everyone was so nice to me

,

lvis Chuks’ ‘A Wish” starring Funke Akindele as a banker who fell in love with an average man who later jilted her when he heard she has been diagnosed with cancer hit the cinemas early last month. The film, which also starred, Chris Okagbue (Gulder Ultimate Search 8 winner), Helen Paul (Tatafo), Bishop Imeh, Kola Olaiya, Iyke Ogbonna and Clara Iweh was well received at the box office despite the odds.

It’s story resolves around a single mother who never had the opportunity to go to school. She had one Wish, and that is, to see her child go to school and explore the opportunities she never had.

Biola

Doctor Bello

again!

Tell us a little about your childhood?

My childhood was awesome! I was a kid who loved to play football when I was growing up with my siblings. We went swimming in the river, climbing mango trees to pluck mangoes and all that. I was a tomboy while growing up, I never did girls stuff at all.

A

re you related to the popular late Bola Ige family?

No. It is just a case of name sakes; late Bola Ige was from Oyo state, while l hail from Osun state.

Which part of your body do you consider sexiest?

Most people would say they prefer my boobs, shape and all that, but to me, I prefer my eyes. They are the mirror to my soul.

Nollywood is really evolving, with more sensual scenes.

Would you take a role that involves you having sex on set?

I won’t describe it as having sex because it is drama- a make- believe world; hence everything done is not real. I would describe it as pretending to have sex. And yes I have done that in many movies, but they were never real.

How do you describe Nollywood love-making scene?

Nollywood love-making scenes are not like Hollywood where boobs and bums are exposed.

In Africa, it is not in our tradition to do stuffs like that; hence the producers, directors and actors themselves are careful how they interpret such roles because of their futures.

But faith had a different plan for her as she soon discovers that she has few years to live after being diagnosed of cancer.

T

ony Abulu’s cross-con tinental drama/thriller, ‘Doctor Bello’ was among

the films that made a big hit at the box office last year.

The Nollywood/Hollywood collaboration starred the likes of Isaiah Washington,Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Bern Cohen, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, and Victor Browne. Its story centres on an American oncologist (played by Washington) who will risk everything to get his hands on the cure for cancer, which has been found in Nigeria. The film made its world premiere last November, at the Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, in Washington, DC, and later in Lagos. It started showing in the cinemas late December.

Married but Living Single

A

nother f i l m that made a big hit at the box office last year was Married But Living Single produced by Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul. The film which premiered in June, at Silverbird Galleria continued to establish itself among top movies in Nigerian cinemas. Apart from enjoying rare reviews, the film also was rated the third in the Top Ten in the West African Sub-region. The premiere was record-breaking. While tickets went for N20,000, N30,000 and N100,000, five of the cinema’s halls got filled up. It attracted people from all walks of life, with Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, leading several commissioners, permanent secretaries and other top

members of Lagos establishment to see the film that features Joke Silva, Funke Akindele, Benjamin Joseph Kiki Omeli and other established actors.

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—29

Off-Camera

Davido part ways with manager

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI lthough, they are yet to release an official statement to this effect, sensational singer, Davido and his manager, Asa Asika may have parted ways.

A source close to the parties confirmed this development to WG. Investigations revealed that the pair parted ways on the 28th of December, a day after Davido performed at D’banj’s Koko Concert.

However, sources in Davido’s camp described Davido’s decision to sever ties with Asa as an executive one as many stakeholders believe someone more matured should handle Davido who is now among the top five actors, and one of Nigeria’s fastestrising pop stars.

But according to another source, the break-up may be as a result of financial disagreement between the two.

Another source alleged that Davido and Asa finally parted ways after the latter couldn’t come up with a N2 million balance from a show.

Davido was said to have assaulted Asa leaving him with bruises and cuts. This could not be immediately confirmed from both Davido’s team and Asa’s as both couldn’t be reached on their mobile phones.

WG gathered that Davido and his label HKN are now looking for a new manager and the likely candidate to fill that position might be Shank’s manager ‘Yemi Energy although the decision is yet to be concluded.

A

P-Square ends 20 12 201 on high no notte

By AYO ONIKOYI aul and Peter Okoye of P-Square were not exactly push-overs in 2012, not by a long shot. In fact the twins did so well that they ended the year on a high note, rocking various cities of Africa and coming home to take the front rows at most top concerts that shook the country during the Yuletide. They even snapped up several awards, with the latest being the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards for Most Gifted Duo. At the 2012 Channel O Music Award ceremony held recently at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa,

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Nollywood actress, Bisi Komolaf e goes home ttoda oda omolafe odayy

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BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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C M Y K

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

he remains of Yoruba actress, Bisi Komolafe who died recently will be committed to mother earth today,at her home town, Ibadan.

Bisi died at the University College Hospital, UCH, in the early hours of Tuesday. A family source said a requiem Mass for her holds this morning at a Catholic Church in Okepadi, Salvation Army Way, Ibadan, to be followed by interment.

The source also debunked the rumour making the rounds that Bisi died as a result of pregnancyrelated complications, saying “the late actress even lost her pregnancy to the illness.”

According to former President of the Association of Theater Arts Practitioners, ANTP, Jide Kosoko, Bisi’s colleagues were planning to raise money to sponsor her trip abroad for further treatment before she gave up the ghost.

“I got to know of her illness on 31th of December when Yinka Quadri called me that there is a need for us to raise funds for her treatment abroad. But unfortunately, we got the shocker this morning (New Year Day) that she is dead. It is sad that this is coming on a new year,”Kosoko said.

Some of the movies Bisi Komolafe starred in, included, Igboro Ti Daru, Akanmole, Alakada and Akun among others.

Chidinma bags Kora award o sooner had she landed the landscape of the Nigerian music scene than the petite 2012 project Fame West Africa winner, Chidinma, begun to gather feathers of honours on her cap.

The Kedike crooner has just won the Best Female West African Act at the recently held Kora Awards.

The award ceremony which held in Abidjan, was said to have brought together who-is-who in the West African music industry.

Stepping on the stage to receive the plague, Chidinma who was clad in a flowery short gown was all cheers.

Her appearance on stage was greeted with thunderous ovation from the already elated audience. She is known as a singer who possesses a great voice in a small body.

P-Square won the ‘Most Gifted Group/Duo’ award for their collaboration with Akon and May D on the hit single ‘Chop my money’.

In his reaction to the award, Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mohamed Jameel, said the award is an honour to the Nigerian music industry as a whole, and Globacom in particular as PSquare have been worthy ambassadors to the company.

He applauded the artistes on their award and expressed appreciation to them for being great ambassadors of the company and the country.

He said the Channel O Award for Most Gifted Duo was a tribute to the huge strides Psquare had made not only in Africa, but also on the global music scene.

“We are happy to note your steady climb to the top over the years. Indeed, we are proud of your achievements and of our association with you. You have shown with the many awards you have won that you are great ambassadors of our brand and of the country as a whole,” he stated.

Lagos donates N4.5m to ailing actress, Ngozi Nwosu

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI n a bid to save the life of ailing actress, Ngozi Nwosu, the Lagos State Government, has donated the sum of N4.5million to facilitate her treatment abroad.

The actress has been battling with a kidney and heart-related ailment for a while now and needed N6 million for further treatment abroad.

Before now, she has raised N2 million from compassionate Nigerians and needed N4million extra.

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30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

BY Ayo ONIKOYI

t a s e h c t i l g e h t g n i t n u t r Co e c n o c o k D’Banj’s Ko

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asn’t the D’Banj’s Koko concert which held on December 27, 2012 supposed to knock us off her rocker, wishing the night never ended as it promised to offer fun to last us into the New Year? But it seemed the Koko Master hit the blank this time, ending a rather awesome year on a rollercoaster ride of shame.

Though everyone applauded the artiste for the choice of venue which was the Eko Atlantic City but when you come to terms with the distance you have to trek to get to the heart of the concert, you would realise walking some 20km stretch isn’t a balmy way of starting a night of fun, especially one you paid through your nose to have.

Then the Nigerian factor really became a virus, a virus that ate up people for more than three hours standing and shuffling for space before the show could really get started in earnest. All the posters and the media merry-go-round said it would begin at 7pm but any semblance of the show coming on didn’t take shape on stage until well after 10pm.

Now UK based actor, Idris Elba, the host, is as cool as they come especially if you still feel the pangs of “Sometimes In April” but the handsome dude isn’t cut out to be a host at a show not to talk of a huge concert. Get a picture of a run-down gramophone trying to deliver a mix of heavy metal rock and hardcore rap?

He virtually got some people dozing off instead of getting them in the mood.

Isn’t a concert supposed to be a live

band kind of thing but most of the acts got off on CD-backed performances which were mostly off key.

Then, the moment most had been waiting for, arrived; D’banj making one of the most majestic intros, getting on stage with a golden robe adorned with a traditional crown.

D’banj however made matters worse, delaying his performance with unnecessary banter, which only irritated most of the alreadytired audience. He was, however, brave enough to use the live band, the first performer of the night to do so, performing songs like ‘Olorun maje’, ‘Suddenly’, ‘Oyato’ and more.

Between performances and romancing the VVIP crowd, D’banj brought on Naeto C, Kay Switch, Ikechukwu, J-Sol and Davido, with all the features being lacklustre. 40 minutes into D’banj’s performance, there was a mass exodus from the venue, leaving a quarter of the original crowd ending the show with D’banj as he finished up with ‘Oliver Twist’ his monster hit.

Wizkid and 2face, who had been earlier announced to attend and perform at the concert were missing, while many guests, including Seyi Shodimu, Darey, and Banky W reportedly turned back, after trying for hours to get to the venue.

Now, the next day was a day of rage with thousands taking to the social media to vent their anger on what their ordeal was at the show.

It was meant to be a night of fun but many walked away looking rather morose and those who endured it felt not only disappointed but also denied.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—31

AYO ONIKOYI

2

012 has come and gone, never to be seen again. But our deeds that underlined the year are still very much with us. Few days into the New Year the echoes of the past year could still be heard. At least, history never forgets.

As usual the entertainment stars, both in movie and music, made a big show in the year. While some took their careers to another level of prominence, some seemed to be fading away and others seemed not to have shown up at all. It will remain a hot debate any day, the criteria for selecting stars who shine and those who shine not, but general consensus is that awards and recognitions won during the year is a good way of beginning.

Yes, there are many stars who had a hot year, with top of the range shows and movies and yet fail to turn up for any award during the year. There is even a case that some have won too many awards that awards organisers are tired of giving to them any more because they take the fun and the honour out of the award.

For instance someone like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde lost out in most of the awards she was nominated for last year except for the one she won in the United Kingdom , that is, Favourite West African Actress of the Year at Screen National Film and Television Award.

Though she bested other notable names like her arch rival, Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson, Jackie Appiah and others. In the FAB Award, she lost out to Rita Dominic. In Nollywood Movies Award, she also lost to Mercy Johnson.

Even when she was nominated in a supporting role at Africa Movie Academy Award, she could not outmuscled other nominees deemed lesser than her and the award was won by South African Terry Pheto. Her losing streak continued with other awards like Nigerian Entertainment Awards, NEA, where Funke Akindele won the Best Actress.

If Omotola had a rough year in terms of award, then her arch rival, Genevieve had an insulting one. She lost out in every award she was nominated. Best of Nollywood award, BON, FAB awards, Nollywood Movies Awards, NMA and the Screen National Film and Television award. To think this is a lady that has won virtually every award in the book and didn’t even get mentioned on most nominees’ list is but insulting. Then, those who have followed her last year may argue she had a lean year as she didn’t feature in many movies but for Omotola, she holds the record of appearing in most box office films last year.

The best lady of the screen this year must arguably be Rita Dominic. She came head-to-head with the leading ladies of Nollywood, Omotola and Genevieve on more than three occasions and she came top on each occasion. The ‘’Shattered” star did it both on local and international scenes.

Whether anybody likes it or not, she is Best African Actress for 2012, at least, the Africa Movie Academy Awards, has her name pinned to that. She also defeated Omotola and Genevive for Most Stylish Actress at the FAB award and the Kenyans thought big of her enough to bestow on her the KALASHA film and Television award for Best

SHOWBIZ:

Big winners and losers of 2012

Actress. She is lighting up cinemas right now on “The Streets of Calabar” and who knows what she could come up with again?

Monalisa Chinda had a couple of awards to show for her labour in the year. So is Tonto Dikeh, for all of her mediasplitting headlines and Funke Akindele, Ayo Adesanya, Iyabo Ojo and Nse Ipe-Etim. Uche Jombo, Stella Damasus, Kate Henshaw, Nuella Njubigbo and others just didn’t show up.

In the men categories, the big names like Jim Iyke, Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Elliot, Emeka Ike seemed to be leaving the stage for younger and maybe finer men. Jim Iyke is

more of a businessman these days than a movie star and so is Emeka Ike, who is more involved with running his school than running to locations. Desmond has now preferred staying behind the scenes to run matters as producer and director, so for him, it is not so much a matter of being absent it looks like a change of scene. But then all these men are no longer winning the trophies in the movie sector.

The stage now belongs to the duo of Uti Nwachukwu and Joseph Benjamin. Between them, these guys won over ten awards last year. Uti, won five awards in two months and still showed up for others.

Uti won Glama Award in Houston Texas for Best New Actor, Best of Nollywood for Best Kiss in a film, Nigeria Models Achievement Award for Best Male Model, Sexiest On-Air Personality at Nigeria Broadcaster Merit Award, NBMA, and Most Stylish Personality at Style Bourne. He is also the Best Entertainment Personality, according to the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, NEA. Joseph Benjamin on the other hand has done it in a big way. At Best of Nollywood award he won the Best Actor (Leading Role), and even beat the likes of Ramsey Nouah for Best Actor at Nollywood Movies Award. He is also the reigning African Actor of the Year, the award he won at African Films Award a.k.a Afri Hollywood award and the Most stylish Actor (male) at the FAB award.

On the music scene, the biggest, noticeable loser is Tuface Idibia who failed to show up. Though TwoBaba, has also won everything in the book but then so is D’Banj and P-Square, but they still came looking good and gave the new boys on the block a good run for their money. They won big and D’Banj even clinched his most elusive award in the past, the MOBO for Best African Act though some will argue Tu face has won this before but D’Banj and P-Square albums, Oliver Twist and Invasion won through and through.

Now, the biggest music star is none other than the Island kid, running the shows now, Wizkid Ayo Balogun who bagged more awards than anyone in the music industry. Some have teased that Davido would have been the star of the moment but with Wizkid in the background, Omo Baba Olowo, had aless than fulfilled year. He has been to Davido what Leo Messi has been to Cristiano Ronaldo but Davido has consolation in a couple of awards and juicy endorsement deals to scuttle any sorrow Wizkid must be bringing his way.

Wizkid won over eight awards in the year. Three at the Headies, two at the Nigeria Movie Awards, one at Future Award, one at BET Award. Davido also has about 4. Darey Art Alade, Vector, Samklef, Brymo have a couple to their names. Names like Banky W. Lynxx, M.I., and others didn’t have a good call. For the female music stars, Tiwa Savage, J’odie, Mo’ Cheddah led the way while names like Asa, Sasha P., Waje, Chidinma, Omawunmi didn’t do so well.

But by and large, those that won awards are not the ones who made the most money. For instance, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde made more high budget movies more than Rita Dominic who cornered most of the awards. So is Desmond Elliot and Kunle Afolayan who stayed behind the scenes, making millions quietly. Wizkid is sure the hottest item on the music scene but it must be Banky W. , with no award to his name, maybe the Edutainment award, who is smiling to the bank.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

When Ladies Read The Rise and Rise of the chicklit I

T is thought that women everywhere generally like to read far less than men, unless it is romance, or about some heart fluttering gentleman about to ride off cavalierly with then into the endless sunset. The current reality though is that women like to read about other women, thus the rise of chicklit.

Chick lit is smart, fun fiction for and/or about women of all ages. Story lines often revolve around jobs, children, motherhood, romance, fame, living in the ‘big city ’, friendship, dieting and much more, usually with a touch of humor thrown in. Many of these books are written from a first-person viewpoint, making them a bit more personal and realistic. The plots can range from being very light and fastpaced to being extraordinarily deep, thought-provoking and/ or moving.

Another definition has Chick lit as literature that appeals to women, usually having a romantic or sentimental theme, while yet another as: any literature that is intended to appeal more to women than men, with a focus on strong or quirky females There is a sense in which the perception of the genre of literature generally known as chicklit as being fickle and dreamy is both right and

wrong- right, because there is always a happy ending, which is at variance with reality and wrong because there is no denying its overwhelming yet growing relevance.

Chicklit became a definitive genre that was recognized when Bridget Jones wrote her diary in 1996 and busted all the blocks, as it were. With relationship rules morphing themselves and shocking adults in or out of relationships the world over, it assumed a social relevance that had been unprecedented, examining from every perspective the thoughts and social circumstances that shape these rules or the lack of them in the relaxed, laid back way afforded only between the steamy sheets of a Chicklit novel.

O

r movie, as the case may be. The lure to replicate the success in print of chicklit tales in print could not be overcome. In 2001,the film adaptation of Bridget Jones Diary was an instant hit featuring Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger to critical acclaim. A musical of the same name opened in London last year. The same big screen success has been recorded with other big chicklit books.

The Bridget Jones trend has spread, with The Devil Wears Prada, a Chicklit book by Lauren Weisberger also

becoming a huge film featuring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep as has the incredibly trendy 50 Shades of Grey by EL James which could be said to have sold out without the movie being shot. A list actors are contending for the leading roles to a degree that has not been seen for any movie for a long time.

Chiclit is the rocket to outer space, the speedboat to paradise. It’s the ultimate escape from reality. It is the absolution for y o u r propensity to spend far too much- more than you can afford- on clothing and make up.

After all, the heroine from the chicklit book you are reading, which is ever so vivid, does as well.

In the Shopaholic series, so did Becky Bloomwood, who tried to literally bribe the account officer who managed the joint bank account she ran with her fiancée to bungle up

the bank statement so it would not reflect the huge vanity purchases she had done on the credit card.

“I regret however”, writes Walt Pitman, the director of customer relations, in turning down her furtive request, “… the particular debit item you referred to will appear on your next statement as ‘Prada, New York’. It cannot be changed to ‘Gas Bill’”.

In Shopaholic as much as in 50 Shades, the hero is per-

Janet jackson’s fairy tale T

HE buzz has resonated to the four corners of planet earthliterally- about the engagement and marriage plans of musician and actress Janet Jackson. And for good reason. The 46 year old has been married twice before, yet still looks forward with optimism to this wedding, which is set to be the wedding 2013.

The lucky dude is Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana, a billionaire whose family has extensive reaches in the real estate and media sphere and who famously gave her a stunning 15 carat diamond ring when he proposed. Janet’s

wealthy beau plans on sparing no expense for their spring nuptials in Qatar, and he is flying in all of Janet’s friends and family on private jets.

They will reportedly spend $3 million to fly in their 500 wedding guests from all over the world, while Wissam wants to give all attendees a $10,000 Rolex watch each as a thank you for attending.

The couple met in December 2009 after Janet gave a special performance in the Middle East and the rest, as they say, is history.

Well, it is said that good things come to those who wait. Or hopefully.

fect- the beautiful, well heel dude of the daydreams of the typical young woman who would ride in in a maserati- the modern equivalent of a horse and carriageto sweep her off her feet, rescue her from a life of boring drudgery and carry her off her feet in a happily ever after world. Anastasia, the vapid heroine muses: My husband—my hot, beautiful husband, shirtless, and in cut-off Jeans… He looks more like a student than the hotshot CEO of one the top privately owned companies in the United States.

It’s not always dresses and dudes in the glistening world of chicklit, though they are the prevalent preoccupations.

Other things that are of concern to women are also featured, though shrouded in the usual glamour. In the Devil Wears Prada and Bridget Jones’ Diary, the heroines Andrea and Bridget are fiercely ambitious and take their careers seriously.

And it’s not always frivolity and me-me-me. In the Devil Wears Prada, much deeper issues of loyalty and faithfulness come to the fore, so you’re not an airhead if you have your head buried in a chicklit book all the time.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—33

2013 Beauty Resolutions 1

.DRINK PLENTY OF WATER EVERYDAY It’s the same one you’ve always and modern day traditions have not been able to sweep it away.

2. LEARN HOW TO DO YOUR OWN MAKEUP There are different ways to do make up for the office, evening or a date. Let 2013 be the year when you learnt to do your own make up, and have fun along the way.

3. CARRY YOUR OWN HAIR Chances are your hair has been bogged down over the years by weaves and braids.

Now it’s time to wear your own hair and do so with pride.

Experiment with temporary colours and haircuts.

4 KNOW YOURSELF Know the exact shade of red lipstick, haircut or moisturizer that will make you feel your very prettiest.

5. MANICURE Take your time to actually sit down and let your manicure properly dry naturally. It’s one of those because-you’reworth-it kind of things.

6.WEAR SUNSCREEN Okay, you are black and all but the fact that smoking, unremoved make up and yes-

N

IGERIANS once again displayed great outrage when the wife of Nigeria’s President, Dame Patience Jonathan, recorded history as the First Lady of the country to be appointed Permanent Secretary in a state civil service. Although Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said at the time that it was a routine action in the civil service, the country at large has shown great concern over this growing trend, particularly as it has continuously appeared that the voting into the presidential office of Goodluck Jonathan had served no purpose other than its being politically correct.

While the Akwa Ibom state governor Godswill Akpabio has been roundly commended (including by himself!) for clearly putting most of his state’s resources into capital expenditure use

experts have predicted. Bold colour blocking is going to give way to the demure and the feminine and the matching. Go with the flow.

10. TRY FALSIES False eyelashes might not be your thing but if you are not wearing a pair at some point in 2013 you will likely not be seen to be adventurous 11. DO “ME TIME” Never underestimate the power of re-charging your batteries. Aim to set aside one evening per week when you

the sun, will make you age faster than you ought to. In 2013, totally, fully commit yourself to wearing sunscreen pretty much all the time. It is not always easy, but it is super necessary.

7. SPLURGE Leave you cheap days behind in 2012. When you need to splurge on some good lipstick, mascara or make-up

lock the bathroom door for a well-deserved pamper. Use this time to take some deep breaths and just focus on yourself with no distractions.”

12. EAT FOR BEAUTY Another rule that still stands is that beauty comes from inside out. Eat for your skin.

13. MULTITASK PRODUCTS Avoid so many beauty products on your same one skin. Rather, go for one cream that can do many different things.

brush, do so without even thinking about it.

8 LOVE YOURSELF Look at yourself in the mirror every morning and tell yourself you are absolutely beautiful.

9. MATCH YOUR LIPS AND NAILS That colour blocking trend of years not so far away is not going to be so hot in 2013,

Dynasty of the

Wives • First lady, Patience Jonathan

than any other state, most of the oil-rich South-south continues to wallow in relative underdeveloped despite the amount of resources received by the states. It is therefore irksome that the political dynasty trend that first appeared on the country’s terrain in the South West with godfathers replicating themselves in the system not by their political godchildren but their natural ones, has metamophorsized into the current wife dynasty trend.

No one really thought of former president Obasanjo as being less than he was for his daughter, Iyabo, being in the national assembly, until the ACN became the party that most promoted

family dynasty.

The ascendancy of the Niger Delta in the political scheme of things afforded by a son of the soil living in Aso Rock appears to have replicated the trend in the region.

Also prominent among those appointed permanent secretaries was Linnet Tebepah, wife of the current Chairman of NDDC, Tarilah Tebepah.

The concern is that this trend clearly undermines the achievement of women who have fought for equality in politics and have earned elective or appointed positions for themselves. It also borders on abuse of power, and is likely to promote corruption. It is to be hoped this trend will not continue in 2012.

34—Vanguard, FRID AY, JANUARY 4, 2013 FRIDA

m Health

By Sola Ogundipe

solazed@live.com

Android phone application monitors blood pressure

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• Early screening is the best protection against prostate cancer. A healthy lifestyle, managed weight, exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also advised. COMMON

Prostate cancer: Know the facts

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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ROSTATE cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and ranked second as the cause of death in cancer-related diseases. About 20,000 men die of prostate cancer every year in Nigeria. On daily basis, at least 14 men die in the country.

Men with prostate cancer do not always experience symptoms Most of the time, men don’t have symptoms. Some men, however, do experience changes in urinary or sexual function, including frequent nighttime urination, painful or burning urination, difficulty getting or maintain an erection or a dull pain in the lower pelvic area.

There’s no one-size-fits-all screening recommendation Men of average risk are often advised to consider screening earlier at age 40 to establish a baseline. Every man needs to learn what makes the most sense for their personal health risks and lifestyle.

Screening is to detect prostate cancer at its earliest stages,

before any symptoms have developed. That’s when the cancer can be treated most effectively. Screening may include a Prostate-Specific Antigen, PSA, blood test, with or without a Digital Rectal Examination,DRE. Dietary supplements do not prevent prostate cancer There’s no good scientific data to support the use of supplements. Men are far better off leading a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, exercising and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Elevated PSA levels do not always mean cancer Only about 30 percent of the time does an elevated PSA indicate cancer. Other conditions that can raise PSA include an enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (which can affect ability to pass urine), prostatitis (an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland), or even injury or recent ejaculation (which can raise PSA African American men are at higher risk than others Though scientists aren’t sure why, African American men are

The Risk Factors AGE: The average age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in the United States is 69 years. After that age, the chance of developing prostate cancer becomes more common than any other cancer in men or women.

RACE: African Americans are more likely to develop prostate cancer and have more than twice the risk of dying from it. Conversely, Asian men C M Y K

more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a later stage and are more than twice as likely as Caucasian men to die.

A vasectomy does not increase risk for prostate cancer There’s no evidence of a link with vasectomy and prostate cancer.

Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in older men Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than age 40.

In fact, more than 65 percent of prostate cancer is diagnosed in men older than 65.

That’s why it’s important for men to pay attention to any changes in their sexual or urinary health.

Early treatment prevents death If caught early, prostate cancer has 95 percent survival rate.

Purpose of screening is to detect prostate cancer at its earliest stages, before any symptoms have developed.

That’s when the cancer can be treated most effectively. There are two easy tests that can be done at the doctor’s office: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal examination, DRE.

who live in Asia have the lowest risk; but when they migrate to the west, their risk increases.

FAMILY HISTORY: A man with a father or brother with prostate cancer has a twofold-increased risk for developing it. This risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed at less than 55 years of age or affected three or more family members.

YPERTENSION is a very common health condition today, even though there are millions of children and adults going about with undiagnosed hypertension.

Yet being able to accurately track the blood pressure of a hypertensive patient remains a crucial aspect of the management process.

Medical experts always recommend keeping a journal of blood pressure measurements, but several hypertensive patients seldom keep a diary or log of their periodic BP readings.

Now, thanks to an application called Blood Pressure Diary, a smartphone can be easily and effectively employed to monitor a hypertensive patient’s BP. Blood Pressure Diary is an android project supported by the Open Innovations Framework Programme, FRUCT, which promotes telecommunication and mobile device oriented research and technologies.

With a friendly user interface and blood pressure monitor syncing facility, this is a simple and almost perfect app for keeping track of the BP. It can be downloaded free online and installed on a suitable android phone. Cardiologists and other medical specialists as well as patients can benefit from using this app.

Turn your iPhone into a spirometer

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SPIROMETER is a device that helps physicians diagnose and track the progress of various lung conditions. Existing spirometers have patients with chronic lung ailments such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis blow into a tube with a small turbine that measures the speed of the flow.

Patients take a deep breath in, then exhale as hard and fast as they can until they can’t blow any more. The spirometer measures how much and how fast the person can breathe out, which tells doctors whether their airways are narrowed or filled with mucous.

These days, patients are using the devices at home to measure their own lung air volume, helping clinicians keep an eye on their disease.

But researchers at the University of Wa s h i n g t o n , Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital have gone one step further. By modeling the trachea and vocal tract, the team was able to develop an algorithm that indirectly derives air volume measurements from audio recordings of people breathing.

Enter the SpiroSmart iPhone App that accurately estimates lung air volume. A standard iPhone has a sufficient microphone to do the recordings and certainly enough computational horsepower to immediately provide the results.

Researchers tested the system on 52 mostly healthy volunteers using an iPhone 4S smartphone and its built-in microphone.

Results showed SpiroSmart, came within 5.1 percent of a commercial portable spirometer that costs hundreds of thousands of naira.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Similar to yesterday but, today more emphasis’ll be on money. Thus those of you who are more financially ambitious’ll have better and rewarding day than others. However that is not to say you should neglect your health.

SCORPIO; Positive things are happening from (and around) you. The more enterprising you are the better for you today. And some of you will be mixing business & pleasure without harm. Lovers can have their way moderately.

SAGITTARIUS; This is your day when things’ll go according to your plans. And you’re advised to hit very hard not minding minor pressure from your base.

CAPRICORN; Once again success would come if you experiment with good ideas rightly at the right time.

Those of you travelling are in for an exciting day.

FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 35

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

E

VERYONE of us needs some degree of sleep in life in order to be able to live a successful and healthy life. However, this does not mean we should sleep all the time.

Experts in their wisdom have suggested we sleep for about eight hours

Do you love sleep? every day to live a healthy life.

What this means therefore is that we can’t afford to allow the good things of life to slip through us just because we refused to be awake

TERROR MUDA

when we should. For example, how can we be sleeping in the morning even when we slept early enough in the night?

How then do we achieve success? How can we achieve something

in “Never say goodbye”

worthwhile when we sleep both day and night? For some of us, our senses are always asleep even with our eyes wide open. This should not be so.

Sleep, but sleep when you should sleep and in the right proportion.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity along your business/business lines. Work and your health must be taken very seriously PISCES; Like yesterday the Moon will operate from your Star sign again to the betterment of your cause.

Think of both your immediate and far future now.

ARIES You can still count on the supports of your tried and trusted friends. But it’s imperative you keep secrets as much as you can positively do.

TAURUS; The more receptive and willing you are to give and take co-operation the better for you today.

It’s wrong of you to neglect your friends in need now.

GEMINI; You’ll have the needed opportunity to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday along your career/business lines. Try to work harder.

CANCER; Element of luck will work favourably for you. Therefore you’re advised to expand the scope of your tentacle for better results. It’s another fairly favourable day for lovers who are more enterprising today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Joining forces with other people is not a sin but it’s important everybody knows the clear term of the venture , be it of short or longer duration. Be very practical.

VIRGO; Many of you’ll travel either physically or within your mind; whichever one you’re involved with the out come will be favourable. Be more receptive, especially if your priority is commercial success. Take your new ideas more seriously today.

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,

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CAPRICORN Because they rarely day dream, Capricorn natives are set of practical people. This is because Capricorn is ruled by Saturn - the planet of career, sceptical and material things Although, the spirit of pessimism often times tempt the Capricorn born people, to succeed they will need to develop strong will that is indispensable to achievements of higher order because, series of challenges will come his/her way before he/she finally makes it to the top. Most natives of Capricorn are forced to shoulder many responsibilities early in life. Career building comes first in their priority lists which often leads to enviable career achievements that guarantee recognition. And another name for Capricorn is PATIENCE. Yet, he/ she can appear mean in the business circle. And tell you that seriousness and business are synonymous.

Above all, they are endowed with leadership capacity.

Capricorn ‘s quality is cardinal, element is the earth.

The cardinal aspect makes a natural leader with strong ability for hard work. Natives of cardinal signs crave for action and strongly desire prominence and often times make success of their love of action and desire for importance through relentless efforts.

The earthly connection with Capricorn further confirms innate ability for hard work and practicality . Saturn is the planet of hard task, delay, depression, frustration, frustration but reward after so much struggles. Being a difficult teacher, Saturn usually takes its natives through many different tasks, challenges and delay. All these are meant to teach them virtues of patience and hard work. However, Saturn usually brings its natives recognition and reward.

The cautious side of Saturn always manifest in all Capricorn born people thus, but it is necessary for them to watch that side of their characteristics as they often push their cautious side too far and most of the time it results to black mood.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013

One of the slums in P)ort Harcourt, the Rivers state capital city

How Amaechi contests with forces of criminality in Rivers State N

OT everyone in Rivers State is on the same page in the rating of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s performance since he assumed office. While some, harping on his landmark transformation of basic education and primary health infrastructures and service delivery, consider his administration outstanding, others believe the government is wilfully wasteful and delivering far less than expected to justify the huge cash inflow.

In the midst of the conflicting perceptions in assessment between the critics and supporters, almost everyone acknowledges that there has been marked improvement in the security situation since the coming of the governor into office. This sameness in views develops from the terrible preAmaechi security situation in the state in which rivalry among gun-running militants’ factions

and hoodlums against an incapacitated police gave criminals undue leverage to kill and destroy with impunity.

So precarious at the time, even the governor who was in the fight of his life through the courts to reclaim his stolen governorship mandate over the 2007 elections, was himself caught in the web of the high level of insecurity

,

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

of capacity enhancement among security forces, particularly the police in Rivers and a cost intensive engagement of global experts partnering to provide cutting edge security infrastructures at the heart of making the state safe for residents and investors. Not long ago, the governor convened a stock taking forum and

Almost everyone acknowledges that there has been marked improvement in the security situation since the coming of the governor into office

that prevailed. He was forced to relocate and execute the struggle for his mandate from Ghana.

Taking over the reins of power eventually, the governor wasted no time in dislodging the hitherto intractable forces of criminality in the state.

Navigating the state from the stronghold of the criminals came on the platform of a drastic blend

,

exhibition on the infrastructures, solutions and the men behind the transformational progress his administration has made in building a safer Rivers State. In a presentation on state Investment In Security since 2008 and Vision for the Future, CEO, MPD Security Systems, David Meyer measured the progress made so far as

Gov. Chibuike Amaechi encompassing “what the public can see, what they know and what they cannot see.”

The security expert noted that owing to lack of manpower and under equipment of the police in relations to the population to secure, income inequality, tardy justice system, proliferation of firearms and other post conflicts challenges, crime was bound to be on the increase in Nigeria as the regular police is grossly incapacitated in fighting the criminals.

“The situation in Rivers not being an exception. The first step we took was to raise capacity among select police personnel, over 200, through local and overseas training in Israel and

other parts of the world on modern crime fighting techniques and intelligence gathering,” Meyer explained.

Working with modern gadgets and substantial logistics including an Israeli trained concealed weapon detecting dog, these crossbred police team had since been strategically placed at main outskirt check posts witnessing mass movement in and out Port Harcourt City. Others lead a number of metro patrol teams responding to security emergencies around the town and environs. These are far as the public can see.

Beyond public view, as part of Rivers current long term vision of security, Meyer pointed to underground application of ICT aided security hardware and software helping the police to sense and react to security situations with dispatch.

Network of technology This network of technology managed by experts from a hub which Meyer would not disclose its location for security reasons, employs the C4I urban surveillance cameras watching over the city and active 24hrs of the day in Port Harcourt and environs.

The interactions between the Continues on page 37

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013 —37

Kwara State’s First lady (m) flanked by Commissioner for education and human capital development, Alhaji Saka Onimago on the right and his women affairs counterpart,Mrs Comfort Afolayan on the left.

Kwara revives reading culture

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, Ilorin

T

HE reading culture in Ni geria is unarguably at its lowest ebb. This trend might be the reason for the popular saying that if you want to hide something from a Nigerian, put it in a book.

Today, students prefer

watching movies and playing games to reading their books.

This is one of the factors widely believed to be responsible for mass failure in both internal and external examinations.

Worried by this trend, the first lady of Kwara state, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed has taken the bull by the horn in a desperate bid to ensure that students

embrace the reading culture which will bring education back to its glorious days.

To actualise this vision, 202 brilliant students drawn from all the 16 local government areas in the state were carefully selected after a rigorous one week life changing experience at the exquisite Sapati International College in Ilorin.

Mrs. Ahmed who is the founder of Life Empowered Anchors Hope, LEAH, a non governmental organisation NGO with her retinue of aides joined the students in the one week camp.

The programme tagged LEAH Reading Club, saw the students read with the first lady for at least two hours each day

How Amaechi contests with forces of criminality in Rivers State Continued from page 36 according Meyer, account for the recent security operatives swift bursting of some of failed organised crime operations, including an attempted raid of a bank in the Mile 4 area of the city this year. “These measures have been working good and while the public may not know, it has lead to several arrests and we have gained convictions against suspects on account of the improved network”, he emphasised.

Barring any unforeseen circumstance, any moment from now, the Rivers State Government’s security web would be two surveillance helicopters stronger, laying foundation for a standing air wing. Governor Amaechi disclosed this at the recent security forum.

He said the helicopters, costing $30m (N4.5bn) with surveillance cameras to fly all over the city of Port Harcourt and other parts of the state would arrive at the end of December and commence operations in January. He stated that Rivers now has in place a technology reliable for tracking criminals and their hideouts.

“We have pumped huge funds into Police Financing to provide expertise, equipment and logistics support. That is why I am an advocate of state police and you can testify that crime in and around Port Harcourt has reduced drastically” ,Amaechi harped.

He said the huge security funding,

aside the acquisition of the soon to land surveillance helicopters, has been devoted to facilitating a collaboration with various security agencies including the military, police and some Israeli partners.

While tasking the Rivers populace to pay their taxes promptly to strengthen capacity at steady improvement on security and other development interests of the state, the governor harped on the necessity for government and the private sector to provide jobs as the lasting preventive measure for ensuring a drop in crime rate in the state and Nigeria at large.

Prevailing atmosphere Notwithstanding the widely acknowledged improvement in the security situation in the state, not everybody is impressed by the progress gained under the current administration. At the heart of the critics’ grouse with the prevailing atmosphere is the feeling that the billions of naira the revolutionary interventions are claiming belie the progress as promoted by the government.

Passionately loud about the criticism of the government’s huge security investments is the Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria,

ACN, Mr. Jerry Needam.

The opposition party spokesperson is disturbed that in spite of the huge spending on security, police in the state still continues to fail in its policing duties as it is either not showing courage or has been caught napping in the fight against crimes such as a bank robbery in Choba in March, a car explosion at Rumuokoro in May, the gruesome murder of the Aluu four and the kidnap of the State Commissioner for Power, Augustine Wokoca along Omoku Road among other recent high profile cases.

Needam accused the Amaechi -lead administration of wastage for leaving the state still ‘”so porous to crime” despite the huge spending on security.

Others are of the view that the huge investment in security is self serving to the extent that it only finds expression in protecting the governor, other key political office holders and big corporations who respectively use political power and financial standing to engage a large proportion of the police, leaving the majority at the peril of criminals.

Yet, others are of the feeling that the massive investment and the steady progress being achieved by the government in securing the state are concentrated in the capital city, leaving the larger populace outside Port Harcourt prone to recurring crimes.

the programme lasted.

Other features of the weeklong programme included: Aerobics, preparation, focus for the day(all groups),pronunciations, fluency, career talk, table manners, comprehension, new words, and practical among others.

Professionals who resided with the students at the camp handled various talks with the aim of changing their orientation and making them movers and shakers of the future.

These students automatically become the ambassadors of the LEAH reading club. They are expected to transfer the life changing experiences they garned to their colleagues when they return to their respective schools.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Ahmed said the process for the event started a few months ago when the foundation embarked on the mission of selecting the first crop of schools to participate in the camp .

“It is our plan that these schools will ultimately become the pioneering schools with the LEAH reading club which we intend to set up,” she said.

The Kwara State first lady said,”202 children from 64 public schools from the 16 local governments took part in the camp”.

Personal improvement She charged each of the student,”to invest the whole of their beings into this training.

You must realise that this opportunity which you are lucky to have is the same that hundreds of other children wanted but did not get. You must therefore grab this opportunity with all your might, making the best of it for your own personal improvement and that of humanity in the long run”.

While expressing her desire to source for more children for the life changing exercise, Mrs. Ahmed cited paucity of funds as a major hindrance.

According to her,”Although LEAH really desire to start this camp with more schools than we have done, the non government organisation is resource constrained hence this modest take off which we hopefully will be building on in the very near future”.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago who was also at the event stated that examination malpractice can only be tackled when students imbibe the culture of reading. The host School Principal, Mr Whitebread commended the initiative and hoped that it would be sustained so that it could achieve its desired purpose.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

A

Tel: 08098097290

email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

When govt, people don't think! already have a feeling that if it was not the father of a governor or mother of Iweala in the den of kidnappers, nothing can be done.

There is no rescue. But God knows how to deal

the roads are deathtraps, the episodes of Suntai and Yakowa are enough and if he decides to go on the roads as a result of incessant air crashes; then Governor Idris Wada has a lesson to share.

,

PART from the civil war, the year ended recorded one of the highest numbers of deaths and casualties in the history of this country. Apart from the Boko Haram phenomenon which has endlessly claimed the lives of defenseless and innocent people and of course which many believe have exposed the weakness and initial laissez faire attitude of the government in dealing with internal uprising effectively, the ill fated Dana crash that claimed the lives of 156 was also believed to be as a result of failure of government in proper regulation, standards and ensuring good enablement in the sector.

Even if we have to excuse the government for the flood disaster that swept away hundreds of people, innumerable properties and crops, it cannot be free of blame on other thousands of people who met their deaths as a result of bad roads while traveling.

The Lagos Ibadan road, Benin Ore roads to mention a few.

The incessant kidnaps and assassination have continued to bother the average Nigerian who has become more prayerful on security of life and property than how to get their daily three square meals. They

No matter who is president, God is still the king. No matter who is a governor, Allah governs everything.

Whatever human governments may do, the Supreme Being watches and will soon reward every deed put forward by homo sapient.

with those in His bad books. We ought to learn from the incidence of 2012. If a governor decides to fly because

,

When something good befalls on one; when he receives goodness and kindness from the people around him; when things

go the way he wants them to go, in a way that would cheer him up and make him happy; he feels rather complacent thinking that it was his wisdom and forgets to appreciate God. He even thinks those who could not achieve similar feat are fools.

Only the wise knows that the benevolence he receives and the beautiful things looking up for him are made possible by Allah. Only the clever ones also knows that when goodness and benevolence cease, when things do not give the results he wants them to give; when difficulties and troubles arise; it is not the devil like most people are wont to say, but those things occurred because permitted it to happen so that people can learn and change their ways.

God shows His mercy

Mysterious Arabic inscription causes commotion in Lagos •To be displayed today at Lagos C'Mosque after Jumat service

T

HERE was pandemonium at the Ebute Ero end of the Lagos Island in the early hours of Sunday following the sudden appearance of an Arabic inscription ALLAH (God) on a patch of dry cement, on end of the road leading to Ebute Ero Welfare Association Market, Lagos Island Local Government, few meters away from the Police Division in the area.

Initial report said the mysterious inscription appeared overnight on the floor of the road and became more apparent at noon on Sunday attracting thousands of people and causing a frenzied rush to the area.

Speaking to Facing the Kaaba, on the issue, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Muhammad Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, OON, said it was found in the early hours of Sunday at a place usually covered by water within the Ebute Ero Market; but it manifested because the water-log in

the area dried up. "So, it could have been there before now but because of the water-log, no one could have noticed it. But it is one of the signs of Allah."

Alhaji Garba stated that similar miraculous examples had been found in fish; trees, snail even in babies all over the world urging that it is another opportunity to witness the signs of Allah and to show that Islam is a religion sanctioned by Allah. He lampooned those who

threw caution to the wind and bowed down in worship of the object urging them to repent and seek forgiveness of Allah as it is only a sign of Allah and not a deity to be worshiped.

Stating why the object had to be removed to the Central Mosque, The Chief Imam stated: “My attention was drawn to the stampede and what people had turned the stone into within 24 hours that it was noticed; some bowed to it turning it into a deity of some sort; so,

•The stone excavated on the floor of Ebute Ero Market carrying inscription of Allah

we had to remove it from there.” He disclosed that the object will be displaced at the Central Mosque today after Jumat service for interested member of the public to see but warned that people should avoid committing shirk on the signs of Allah.

Alhaji Jide Idris who led the excavation of the stone noted that it was difficult removing the stone, nothing that even the police could not contain the rowdiness as everyone in the area wanted a glimpse of the object. He confirmed that it was at found on the road usually covered by water.

He stressed that since it was removed, people including the nonMuslims have been coming to the Central Mosque to see the stone.

Five people were reported fainted due to the rowdiness of the place while many hoodlums seized the opportunity to commit crimes.

even on a person who has committed the worst evils on earth and shows him the ways to salvation.

God revealed in the Quran that: Any disaster that strikes you is through what your own hands have earned.

(Ash-Shura 42: 30) This verse gives a person the true point of view with which he could evaluate the things he is experiencing in a correct and sound manner. As a people and a country, we need to evaluate ourselves; the leaders should also re-appraise themselves with a view to changing their ways to real goodness. In another verse God informs us that: Those who do good will have the best and more.

(Yunus 10: 26) When a person keeps his heart pure and sincere; when he looks at every event in his life by searching the approval

of God; as long as he thinks by the dictates of what God enjoins us to do, as long as he tries to be fair and just, God would definitely “increase the goodness in such person’s life.

God is AllCompassionate and Most Merciful. His Mercy extends to all things. He loves His servants infinitely. Every moment of a person’s life is full of thousands of details in which he can see the love of God. And God is the owner of the infinite Justice. God creates new means every moment for man and inspires his conscience with what is right but the first condition is that – abstain from bad things.

The Quran says and the leaders should learn this that “Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (An-Nahl 16:97) No matter who is president, God is still the king. No matter who is a governor, Allah governs everything. Whatever human governments may do, the Supreme Being watches and will soon reward every deed put forward by homo sapient.

Human governments will come and go, but God’s government will stand forever.

Etiquette of using Ayatu-Qurisiy

By Harun Razaq

Recently, we presented in this very column etiquette of using Ayatul Qursiy focusing on the importance, virtuous, and uses of the verse. We are going to continue the topic today by examining account of witnesses on value and uses of the verse.

Halimah Hussain's story: In his book titled “The evil Eye” (2004, pages 153-154) Abdur Rauf Sa’eed narrated a life story of Halimah Hussain living at Gwagwaleda, Abuja, who had a contact with a jinn boy friend name Kitah when she was in her final year at University of Ife. The jinn claimed to be a medical student in the University and dated her for about four years before his real identity manifested. It is a demon with a capacity to turn to cat, dog, man etc. at will. But the jinn threatened to killed her if she divulge his identity.

She got all she wanted from the jinn including a deeply gratifying sexual experience, but she was never comfortable with a demon as a partner. She had gotten seven cars at age of 32 and four houses at 35. She later met Ustaz Murtadha Habibullahi who at the National Mosque, Abuja spoke on the value of Ayatul Qursiy. She started reading it, until her partner (jinn) deserted her, only to appear in her dream with a sharp axe. She wrestled with it and killed it.

Tabligh brothers experience: A group of Muslim brothers went to preach Islam in a village and got there late. On reaching the Mosque, the available water was not sufficient for ablution and asked from the villagers were to get water. They told them that they don’t used to fetch water in the night for the reason that their well (standing water) was located in the forest and seriously warned the brothers not to go there because demon. The Muslim brothers disregarded their warning and went to fetch water putting there trust in Allah, reciting constantly the verse and other adhkar on their way. And when they got to the well they met Jinn taller than palm tree blocking their way to the well. But it later disappeared after reciting Ayatul Qursiy.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—39

Femi Falana, Lawyer and rights activist (right) and Public relations consultant, Aramide Tola Noibi during 2012 conference of continuing medical education in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (3rd right), Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi, Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade and other members of the state executive council during the first working day prayer session in Akure on Wednesday.

From left: Lagos State Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe; Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Fola Arthur-Worrey during the Lagos State Countdown festival on Tuesday.

From left: Pastor in-charge of New Dawn Baptist Church, Victoria Island, Lagos, Pastor Samson Adedokun and Evang. Gboyega Shitta at the church's 2012 eschatology conference.

From left: Officiating Priest, Rev. Fr. James Ijasan; Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Diocesan Secretary, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Paul Adaja; and Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ur-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ekiti State, Sheik Hadi Adebayo, during the Inter-Religious thanksgiving service for the New Year, in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

From left; Cleric, Methodist Church Nigeria, Evang. Ola Ayanfejesu; Presbyter, Very Revd. Gabriel Adekanla; Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd.

Isaac Ayo Olawuyi; Conference Evangelism Officer, Revd. Akin Akinbode and Bishop's chaplain, Revd. Friday Awe during the Diocesan 2012 annual festival of hymns and songs at Opebi Circuit, Ikeja, Lagos.

Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Clara Chime carrying the First Baby of the Year, Chimsimdi Edeh, born at the Park-lane Specialist Hospital, Enugu, while the mother, Mrs. Pamela Ede and Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Gabriel Njeze look on.

From left: Alhaji Mikhail Olalere Okunola, Ismail Toyin Kudaisi and Alhaji Wasiu Sulaiman, representing Oba Akran of Badagry during a book launch and 60th birthday of Alhaji Okunola.

C M Y K

From left: President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, Lagos, Rotn Dammy MattiBalogun; Principal, Wahab Folawiyo Junior High School, Revd. Isaac Dada Akinyanmi; Project Service Director, Rotn Nwakaego Uchechukwu and Past President, Rotn Omo-Ego Anwa at a seminar on sexual abuse.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 4, 2013

Okorocha lauds NSCDC on crime prevention

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

From left: Bishop Mathew Hassan Kuka, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Governor Godswill Akpabio, his wife, Unoma, and Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service in Uyo.

From left: Chief Modupe Alakija, his wife, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; Most Reverend Ephraim Ademowo, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and his wife, Oluranti and Mrs Adejoke Adefulire-Orelope, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, during the New Year Church service in Lagos.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Adamawa PDP: Lamido faults Jibril Aminu on Reconciliation c’ttee

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

D

UTSE—GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, has dismissed the statement credited to Senator Jubril Aminu, that the reconciliation committee set up by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the crisis in Adamawa State was a creation of Governors’ Forum.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations to the Governor, Mallam Umar Jitau, and made available to Vanguard in Dutse.

The governor said the committee on Adamawa was a creation of a forum

by President Goodluck Jonathan, who is also a leader of the party, to look at the general well being of the party and not that of the Governors Forum.

He added that the reconciliation committee comprised himself as chairman, governor of Abia State and PDP legal adviser.

The governor listed other members to include PDP women leader, publicity

secretary, with the Special Adviser on Politics to the Vice President as secretary of the committee.

It would be recalled that Senator Jibril Aminu had described the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as instrument of oppressing the Federal Gov-

ernment and the people.

Aminu, who protested the purported intervention of Governor Sule Lamido’s committee in the crises in Adamawa PDP, said he had no confidence in the choice of Lamido because of his relationship with Adamawa Governor, Al-

Reactions trail Jonathan’s 2015 campaign posters in Abuja

E

NUGU—MORE reac tions have continued to trail Tuesday’s flooding of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja with President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 campaign posters as some civil society groups and opposition political parties yesterday, said the posters were hasty and could cause confusion in the polity.

Among the groups that spoke on the development in Enugu were the CNPP, Patriotic Alliance of Nigeria, PAN, and the Coalition of Civil Society organizations in the South East zone.

Secretary General of CNPP, Mr. Willy Ezugwu, said those behind the display of President Jonathan’s posters did not mean well for the nation and had no interest of the president at heart,

as it was intended to cause confusion in the country.

He told Vanguard that CNPP was totally against any move by any group or persons to draft the president into seeking another term “when he has not effectively discharged the mandate given to him.”

He said: “We don’t want to believe that President Jonathan sponsored these posters but if the president decides to run in 2015 and his posters were already flooding the streets it is very unacceptable.”

On his part, leader of PAN, Mr. Maxi Okwu, said it was hasty for the president to commence campaign for another term in office when he had not discharged the functions of his office under his first tenure credit-

Why ACN, others can’t be entrusted with power,

by PDP scribe

A

BUJA—THE ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has given reasons why the main opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, or any other parties cannot be entrusted with power, saying that the party was not only tribalistic but played politics of bitterness and rancour.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, made this known in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

haji Murtala Nyako.

Aminu said: ”I don’t know how the forum came about and if it is not checked, it will put the country in serious trouble as the state chief executives unite to challenge the Federal Government.”

Reacting to ACN statement accusing it of preaching ethnic sentiments, the PDP also condemned the campaign of calumny by ACN against President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that this was why “Nigerians cannot trust the ACN or any other party that associates with it with leadership of the country.”

Metuh said: How can a political party aspiring to the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria be so consumed with the preaching and sowing the seeds of bit-

terness and hatred in the minds of the people they want to lead.

“Nigerians are no fools, they are watching with keen interest the seeds of bitterness and hatred that ACN and other political parties are sowing among the populace.

No right thinking Nigerian will cast his or her votes for such a party that propagates schisms and bitterness among us.

“What we need at this moment of nationhood is unity and brotherliness and not the politics of hatred and bitterness.”

ably.

Okwu said: “It is hasty for the president to talk about seeking another mandate at this stage.

Looking at Nigeria and our propensity for sycophancy. Some persons may have done that without clearing with him, may be to either please him or force his hand to say something.”

Also reacting, leader of the Coalition of Civil Society organizations in South East zone, Chief Chris E’chukwu described as very unfortunate the premature release of the president’s posters on the streets of Abuja warning that it was capable of causing a major problem in the land.

Although he doubted if the president mandated any person or group to embark on such a campaign, E’chukwu, however, advised Jonathan to fish out those behind the move and ensure that they were sanctioned for attempting to cause confusion in the country and distract his government.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, also asked President Jonathan to halt all activities concerning his orchestrated move to seek re-election in the next dispensation and concentrate on fixing the numerous challenges currently confronting the nation.

National Director of Publicity of APGA, Mr. Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, told Vanguard, in Abuja that it was too early to determine who would contest or not in the election that is coming up in 2015.

WERRI—IMO State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has commended officers and men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for their roles in effectively combating crime and criminals in the state.

Okorocha made the commendation when he played host at Government House, Owerri, to NSCDC service chiefs of Imo origin, led by Deputy Commandant General (Operations), DCG, Mr. Evans Ewurum.

Okorocha said: “This administration appreciates the efforts of NSCDC, Imo State Command, in combating crime and criminals in the state.”

The governor promised to provide lands to outstanding Imo sons as a mark of honour, and appealed to them to resist the temptation of doing anything that would bring shame to the state and their individual families.

ACN to expose corrupt politicians in Rivers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT — MAIN opposition party in Rivers State, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has vowed to resist any move by politicians in government in the state to enrich themselves from the state funds.

In a statement, yesterday, in Port Harcourt by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr. Jerry Needam, the party accused some politicians in government of living above their means.

He said his party would not hesitate to expose those affected by the allegation and further press charges in court against them.

Needam hailed the level of appreciable peace enjoyed in the state during the yuletide season, adding that effort should be made to sustain it.

“The party also commend Rivers people and security agencies for a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations” he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 41

Will Jega’s same-day election advocacy fly?

•Threatens govs’ tenure in Anambra, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

L

IKE he had always done on matters that tend to place obstacles to the smooth execution of his assignments, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, did not exhibit any different disposition when on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, he answered reporters’ questions on some of his challenges regarding Nigerian general elections which conduct spread across three weeks.

And one of the key issues the reporters had sought his view on was that bothering on staggering elections in the country. Apart from not sounding indifferent to the issue, as always known to be, he was coherent in his response to the subject matter.

The INEC boss gave answers that seemed to his guests as if he had prepared them and was waiting for the time to come! ”Under normal circumstances, elections should not be staggered. The normal way it is done globally is to have elections the same day. There is staggering of elections in Nigeria because of necessity resulting from court judgments.

We should work towards

*Jega: Will he have his way once again?

*Mark: Will superintend decision

different days or at times slate the elections for two or three weekends.

But in recent times, the governorship elections seem to be creating more drama in the

country have been marred by malpractices such as multiple voting, ballot box snatching, late arrival or diversion of electoral materials and other forms of rigging.

During elections, restriction of movement is usually imposed, resulting in the closure of the country ’s borders, including the seaports and airports, while intra and inter-city vehicular movements are severely curtailed.

As a result, economic activities are brought to a halt.

Markets are firmly under lock.

Sometimes, schools are shut down and their premises taken over for use as polling venues.

The real cost is no doubt, immeasurable.

Besides, a lot of money also goes into providing logistics for the different stages of the elections. Everything that should have been provided once is now replicated several times, depending on the number of phases into which the elections may be divided.

Staggered elections also have a way of impinging on the turnouts.

If the voters’ interest lies just in only one election, say the presidential election, there may be lower turnouts in elections other than the

,

There is every reason for some states, especially some state governors to feel concerned, given the extent to which the chairman of the electoral umpire could go to achieve his desired aim. Afterall, when he went to court to challenge the tenure of five state governors, he won at the Supreme Court

ensuring that our elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner. I think that in future, not 2015, elections should be held in same day in line with global practices and Nigeria should move in that direction in the future”, he told the newsmen.

Recall that since beginning of the present Fourth Republic in May 29, 1999, elections into the legislative and executive arms of government are not conducted the same day. INEC usually conducts the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections on C M Y K

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country, considering how some of the state governors emerged. In the last six years, six or seven persons have been declared as governors through Election Tribunal and Court of Appeal verdicts.

This position, coming from the INEC’s chairman, has since been a subject of concern in certain quarters in Nigeria, particularly, operators of some states that would be affected if his proposal sails through relevant stakeholders and the National Assembly.

Why will it not be so, considering what he is capable of doing? Yes, there is every

reason for some states, especially some state governors to feel concerned, given the extent to which the chairman of the electoral umpire could go to achieve his desired aim.

Afterall, when he went to court to challenge the tenure of five state governors, he won at the Supreme Court. Again, when he told some weak political parties to get ready to be shown the way out of the Nigerian political corridors, those who dared him are now in court seeking the court’s nod to return to the positions they lost through his action. ”It is possible and not impossible to hold all the elections in one day; it is just that we have not addressed all our minds to it and all politicians and stakeholders are not really joining hands in order to ensure the success of the process.

Case for scattered polls Staggered elections are not cost-effective and they are not cost-efficient and they are expensive”, Jega had argued.

Jega, no doubt, scored some points here, in his same-day election proposal as since 1999, most of the elections in the

presidential elections. This may not be so if all the elections are held in one day.

Constitutional hurdle But in as much as the proposal coming from the INEC chairman is garnering support, the great challenge which such development would throw to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should also be taken into cognizance.

The National Assembly in the 2010 Electoral Act (As Amended),had taken care of the cases involving six states, namely, Cross River, Adawawa, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Delta respectively which governors had bounced back to their positions in the various governorship by-elections in their states after elections that had brought them to their offices were nullified.

The country ’s legislative house had amended the Electoral Act, thus providing that in an event where a governorship election is nullified by the court and the governor whose election is nullified re-contests and wins, he would merely complete the Continues on page 42

42— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Will Jega’s same-day election advocacy fly?

Continued from page 41 remaining term of office, contrary to earlier provision that such governor starts a fresh four-year tenure, beginning from the day he takes a fresh oath of office. The implication of this is that the tenure of current governors of these states ends in May 29, 2015.

Fate of Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Osun, Bayelsa But the issue of great concern as far as the Jega proposal is concerned, is the fate of states like Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Bayelsa,Ekiti and Osun, which, going by the 1999 constitution, cannot witness governorship elections with other states of the federation again, considering the circumstances that brought the governors of those states to their offices.

D r. Chris Ngige of Anambra State, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was the first governor, whose victory was nullified by a Court of Appeal in 2006, thus paving the way for Mr. Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to assume the position of the governor in 2006.

The outcome of the 2007

Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomhole, Segun Mimiko, Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola and Seriake Dickson respectively.

Considering the constitutional provision which states that the tenure of office of a governor starts from the day he is sworn into office, the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the above governors forced INEC to conduct staggered elections in those states.

Since the commencement of staggered elections by INEC in Anambra State governorship elections in February 6, 2010 and other subsequent states after the 2007 and 2011 general elections, a lot of issues have been raised over the manner they were held at separate times.

What the constitution says Section 180 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as regards the term of a governor states thus: “A governor of a state shall have a tenure of four years from the date he takes the Oath of Allegiance and of Office and nothing more, though he may spend less where he dies, resigns or is impeached.

It has been argued that the tenure of four years envisaged

The issue of great concern as far as the Jega proposal is concerned, is the fate of states like Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Bayelsa,Ekiti and Osun, which, going by the 1999 constitution, cannot witness governorship elections with other states of the federation again, considering the circumstances that brought the governors of those states to their office

,

,

general elections also created a lot of confusion in some states leading to the exit of five governors from office while six others were also edged out of their offices temporarily.

The five governors wholost their seats through court verdicts with regard to the 2007 general elections were Celestine Omehia of Rivers State, Oserheimen Osunbor of Edo State, Segun Agagu of Ondo State, Segun Oni of Ekiti State and Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State and just recently, Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State.

They were replaced by C M Y K

in the 1999 Constitution is a single unbroken tenure but that submission loses sight of the glaring fact that the provisions of Section 180(2) does not expect or envisage an indefinite occupier of the office of governor of a state that is why the tenure is very definite: Four years.

As seen, if the INEC proposal gets the blessing of the stakeholders, including those saddled with the responsibility of amending the constitution, this is one move that will pose a great challenge to Section 180 (2) of the Constitution of

compared, the outcome of the general elections with the staggered ones, there is a wide difference in terms of logistics and security. During general elections, there are always scanty presence of security officials for elections duties considering that they take place simultaneously in all the nook and crannies of the country.

But during staggered election, the presence of the security officials, especially Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Mobile and conventional Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and others security personnel are usually felt in all the nook and crannies of the state where the election is taking place.

In fact to many analysts, there is always ‘over-security’ during staggered elections. In term of logistics and deployment of INEC officials and materials, there is more presence of INEC officials during staggered elections in a state than those of general elections.

*Oshiomhole

Staggered elections *Obi

*Mimiko

*Nyanko the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as the fate of the affected states is concerned.

Opposition to same day polls Those opposed to Jega’s proposal argued that when

For example, during the last October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, 18 Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, were deployed to the state to serve as returning officers in each of the local government areas of the state.

While some people believe that Nigeria should join other countries of the world in conducting all general elections in one day, some are of the view that Nigeria is not ripe enough to hold all general elections in a day.

Those kicking against holding all elections in a day believe that something good may not come out of the idea, considering the various logistics problems faced by INEC during election period.

Another crucial issue being raised against INEC’s decision to hold all elections the same day is what will become the fate of those governors who were products of staggered elections? Will they be allowed to finish their terms or an interim or sole administrators appointed to hold forth till all the governors are sworn into office the same date?

As seen, the debate on the same-day elections proposal will throw a major challenge to Section 180 (2) of the 1999 Constitution. How proponents of this intend to handle that portion of the nation’s constitution is a question that will be answered with time.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 43

2015: Opposition parties 'll merge in March— Ngige •NASS decision on SEC is final FORMER Governor of Anambra State and the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone Dr. Chris Ngige, in this interview in Awka, spoke on a number of national issues, including measures being taken by the National Assembly to ensure improved power supply in the country, the move by some political parties to merge ahead of the 2015 general elections, as well as his plan for the governorship of Anambra State in 2014. Excerpts:

H

OW has the journey been in the National Assembly?

This is a moment of stock taking especially at this time of the year. The Nigerian Senate runs a committee system and I belong to the highest number of committees. I belong to seven committees. The Senate has about 53 committees. I belong to the committees on power, health and capital market, which relates with the Security and Exchange Commission and carries out over-sight functions on them. We also look after the security exchange tribunal, which is like a court.

People who are short changed in the capital market can run to the tribunal if they have a problem with their stock broker. This particular court is not known to many people and that is why in the capital market people are short -changed. There are lots of malpractices and people just keep quiet.

This year, we intend to energize that court and do one or two things. We may do a constitutional amendment and send it to the judiciary so that they can be one of the courts of the land that is recognized by the constitution in which case, they will be funded from the judiciary.

Power committee We also look after the Stock Exchange to know what they are doing because we are representatives of the people.

I find the power committee as the most challenging. Without power no country can develop.

You can see that the power situation in Nigeria has been rough. Everybody has turned into a generator of power.

Most industries in Nigeria have closed down because of poor power supply and generating electricity is very expensive to the extent that many companies have moved to other countries, including Michelin, Dunlop, Cadbury and a lot of textile companies. If you come down to the East here, a lot of small assembly plants like motor spare parts, motorcycle spare

parts in Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba have been affected and both barbing and hair dressing salons have been confronted by this power problem. So to us in the committee, we have a challenge and the executive drew a road map by the president in 2010. His predecessor, the late President Yar’ Adua did same.

But the road map we now have for which we assist them in terms of appropriation of funds and oversight functions to monitor the work being done with the funds.

When we came on board, we discovered that the power generation of the country was epileptic to the neigbourhood of about 2,803 KVA and we confronted the problem head on. The problems are in generation, transmission and the distribution points. The Obasanjo regime put up a lot

,

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

longer around for one reason or the other and we have to seriously oversight them and in the course of over sight, we discovered that the company established to implement the power road map had a lot of its containers trapped in the port.

Those that were not trapped have already been sold away and we intervened as a committee on power and we recovered a lot of these containers.

Talking about the transmission lines, a lot of them have been completed, including those of Umuahia, Mbalano, Yola and in Lagos area. The problems are no longer as we met them. In 2013, government has appropriated a lot of money for the transmission companies.

Because one of the problems we now have is that the transmission lines are weak

On the issue of the Director General of SEC, the Senate committee on capital market at one time came out with a release that they supported the House of Representatives committee by saying that they are not going to deal with that commission

of power generation activities though a lot of them were not properly sited economically.

This is because the first law in economics is that if you want to site an industry whatever that industry will do for you; you must do that at a site closest to the raw materials. These plants were sited in places far from the gas point because they are gas fired generation plants and the ones we have in areas like Omotosho, Ororunshogu and others in the other side of the country had problem of gas supply.

As a result, projects that were completed could not come on stream.

Those that came on stream came on stream about half of its installed capacity.

But today we have done some synergy through oversight and through a master plan involving NNPC, ministry of petroleum and the national task force on power and power ministry. We also discovered that a lot of contractors doing transmission works were no

,

and cannot carry even the 5,000 MW that is been approached.

There are systems failure because the lines are old and decayed. A lot of places have gaps in them and have been dumped so you cannot call them good transmission lines.

But the 2013 budget would take care of it and we shall make sure that a lot of those capital projects are not abandoned.

Why has there not been any replacement for Professor Bath Nnaji?

You see that is the prerogative of the executive arm of government and the legislature cannot tell them who to appoint. But we in the South East have made demands that the next power minister should came from the South East as the man that was there is our brother and I have also told Mr. President officially that this is what our people want and he has promised to put it into consideration.

*Ngige How are you handling the controversy in the capital market?

There is no way government can intervene in a capital market situation.

Even in America they did not intervene in the capital market situation they intervened, in terms of providing jobs for the people and they faced the motor companies and gave them plenty of money so that they can keep afloat to avoid a lot of people being thrown into the labour market.

Private affairs Our own government did same here in the banks when they discovered that the banks were distressed. Nobody will buy something that is unhealthy so there is no way government can go and intervene in your private affairs because the capital market situation is your own private trading.

On the issue of the Director General of SEC, the Senate committee on capital market at one time came out with a release that they supported the House of Representatives committee by saying that they are not going to deal with that commission. So I don’t know what you expect us to say. I am a member of the committee and whatever decision we take, we take it based on Senate rules.

And if we go to such a committee and even if I don’t want the D/G of SEC punished or to go, I am but one person and I can be overruled by my

members and once they overrule me, that is all.

Are you aware of the report that some governors are against state creation?

I do not know about state governors being antagonistic to state creation. I can only speak about the South East governors where I come from and where we have been meeting. The governors of the South East are not antagonistic to the creation of states.

If anything we are all united to the fact that South East is the only geographical zone with five states in Nigeria and before anything is done, we must have equity by the creation of the sixth state in the South East in order to bring us at equilibrium with the other zones. We have even appealed to Mr. President that we need an executive bill to be made on our behalf for the creation of a state out of the South East.

What is the situation with the much talked about merger of some political parties to challenge PDP in 2015 elections?

The progressives led by ACN were already meeting with others such as the Labour Party, LP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Democratic Peoples Party, DPP for the purpose of forming the mega party. By a kind of metamorphosis, the affected political parties which have radical politicians in their rank and file, would do everything possible to ensure the growth of democracy in the country. Fourteen years after

Continues on page 45

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44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

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HE impression of the year 2012 by many Nigerians is that, though the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan has tried to transform the economic and political scenes, the efforts have been less edifying. Many commentators and analysts believe that the country has got much less than it desired in the past years, considering the opportunities afforded by immense material and human resources. It might look as if Nigerians are becoming more impatient and less tolerant of the present government which has been adjudged to be slow and awkward in its operations.

On security, it might be true that the government is putting up its best in curbing the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency, but the truth is that, the murderous sect could conveniently choose its targets and victims at any moment before the security forces could mount its counter action.

Insurrection of Boko Haram It might also be true that the security forces are winning secretly against the dangerous body. If this is so, there is a need for Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of all our Security agencies in their various operations to ensure the return of peace to the country soon.

However, it is not the insurrection of the Boko Haram sect that is causing serious problem; it is the ease with which any group of people could form themselves into a notorious gang without early detection by the intelligence and security

07059197616

A new year and imperatives of a new strategy operators. It is in this respect that any government of the day would bear responsibility for inefficiency and careless attitude towards matters of great importance, like security infraction. It is recognized that insecurity, and the growth of it, has been the bane of any authority that is carefree and careless.

It is a pity that many Nigerians had got it wrong in examining the problems of general insecurity in the nation.

To me, insecurity with its violence should be regarded as a national problem which should not be placed at the doorstep of President Jonathan or his government. It should be a national problem which should be tackled seriously and nationally, too. Security is a desirable target for a united action by all Nigerians.

The fear of the killings and destruction of the Boko Haram sect have tended to overshadow another devastating

consequence of armed robberies and kidnappings. There is also the rise in the activities of a group commonly known as “Unknown gunmen”. The nefarious activities of all these groups have put the country under a siege, and driving the nation to the precipice of a deep valley. It looks as if the government and the people are bemused and confused – thus giving the impression of a failing state.

Many analysts have attributed the growth of insurrection, greed and all other forms of violence to growth in the rate of unemployment in the country.

In spite of promises by governments at all levels to initiate policies to tackle unemployment, the reverse seems to be the result. Most of the policies could only scratch the face of unemployment, but not comprehensive enough to tackle serious unemployment.

Mass unemployment is a problem of the economy which is showing paper growth only,

without positive impact. The uneven growth in the economy could be attributed to the decline in the manufacturing sector which has been characterized, for a long time, by low capacity utilization, as a result of weak domestic demand and severe foreign competition (of cheap goods). Also, the cost of domestic production has been comparatively higher owing to poor infrastructures, high cost of power and high cost of imported components.

It should be recognized that a flourishing manufacturing sector would aim at 90 per cent capacity utilization to produce enough for home demand and for export, if necessary. This condition would depend on reliable power supply (electricity or diesel).

Unfortunately, electricity supply, though thought to be improving, yet retains its epileptic stance, and the price of diesel has been rising unjustifiably. Thus, average capacity utilization in the manufacturing industry has been less than 50 per cent.

Recently, the Central Bank Governor in his series of lectures has been able to cite Singapore as an example of economic prosperity under good leadership. Infact, by 1965, Singapore depended mainly on provision of services for British Military bases, it had no natural resources (or oil). Today, Singapore has been transformed into a rich country by embracing developmental strategies in some phases – import substitution, export drive, industrial reconstruction and diversification. All the points mentioned above are not new but might have been forgotten in the current drive to transform our

national economy.

It should not be forgotten that in the drive to curb unemployment under depression (sluggish demand), it is desirable to encourage lavish spending as opposed to savings as being widely suggested in some government quarters. The right action is to, “let as much money as possible fructify in the pockets of the citizens, rather than to fritter it away on government activities not absolutely necessary”.

As it has been stated several times in this column, that it is impossible to have the real economic growth (as opposed to paper growth) under condition of high employment with so many capable hands kept idle when they should be producing economic goods.

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT As I have stated before, in order to save the country from further economic, political and social decadence, widespread rural poverty and drift into urban centers with its attendant filth and disease, it is necessary to seek a new solution in the idea of a genuine national government of varied and tested talents under the present President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. This is a better option than any idea of a military coup.

A sensible political move could be for President Jonathan to invite ministers from states not controlled by his party PDP which has convinced many Nigerians of its inability to grapple with its complex problems of modern Nigeria. This does not dismiss the idea of a National Conference or a National Discourse on the future of the country.

Re-organising Nigeria police for optimum result

BY SANUSI MUHAMMAD

O

N assumption of office as the acting InspectorGeneral of Nigeria Police, Alhaji MD Abubakar said of the police he is to lead: “Our men are deployed to rich and influential individuals and corporate entities that we lack manpower to provide security for the common man; our investigation departments cannot equitably handle matters unless those involved have money to part with. Our police stations, state Criminal Investigation Departments and operation offices have become business centres and collection points for rendering returns from all kind of squads and teams set up for the benefit of superior officers.”

Expectedly, only few Nigerians expressed surprise at the IGP’s comment as he only confirmed the perception majority of Nigerians have of the police.

If the statement had any surprise, it was on the number of years it took before a serving police chief could be bold enough to say it. MD Abubakar deserves some accolades.

As the IGP was making his statement on the decay in the organization he was brought to lead and sanitize, there was a

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case of ‘accidental’ discharge in Jos capital of Plateau State.

The discharge, highlighted police highhandedness in their relationship with citizens they are paid to protect and defend: a relationship that has been characterized by years of extrajudicial killings that brought Boko Haram to the scene, denial of basic human rights as enshrined in the constitution, arbitrary detentions without trial, outright perversion of justice, sexual abuse and mindless extortion without qualms for the disdain and disgust shown by angry Nigerians.

According to IGP, the cumulative effect of all these, is that the respect the people have for the police in the past has been eroded and the people have lost confidence in the police to protect and defend them in times of need.

For instance, the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police was perhaps established to take charge of specific assignments in crimes prevention and control as well as security to lives and property excluding mounting of illegal road blocks, seizure of petroleum products, debts collection, etc meant for extortion.

The squad has branches in the

*Abubakar 36 states of the federation including Abuja in most cases funded by the various state governments in anticipation of effective policing.

Over the years, the organization has systematically turned to a replica of its former self and assumed the status of an extortion outfit that has outlived its usefulness to the people.

It was alleged by those extorted that armed robbery suspects in detention at SARS headquarters, Abuja are bailed at over N1million while bail ‘fee’ for other minor crimes range from N500,000 and above depending

on the bargaining capacity of suspect’s relations for lawyers are not welcome at SARS areas of jurisdiction.

Although, the office of the Inspector-General is confirmed to have been disbursing monthly feeding allowances of suspects in detention nation wide, in most police stations visited across the country and Abuja SARS headquarters, such allowances are diverted and the burden of feeding suspects transferred to suspects relations including medication for the period of detention.

Tasks for the IGP committee As the IG has set up an investigating committee on the recent attack at SARS headquarters in Abuja, let the committee be sincere in its assignment and reach out to the suspects to obtain first hand information on how they are treated in detention and how suspects die from hunger, disease or extra judicial killing.

Let SARS give a detailed report of how many suspects were ever taken to any of the courts in Abuja for prosecution and how many armed robbery suspects, car robbers etc were either released on bail at a fee or murdered in detention for failure to pay the

stipulated bail fee.

The committee should visit other states where CID offices have been turned to suspects’ extortion venues. In some police stations, suspects have to offer bribes before their cases are charged to courts while in others, suspects are offered the opportunity to select courts so as to regain their freedom at a fee.

In his address at the International Human Rights Day celebrated on Monday, December 10, 2012, the AttorneyGeneral and Federal Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, admitted that the wanton rot in the criminal justice system has escalated the spate of terrorism in the country in recent times.

According to him, the federal government has noted with great concern the fact that the Nigeria Police has over the years relied on “Police Force Order 237” to commit extra-judicial killings against natural justice.

The AGF said the police order which allows the police to shoot any suspect or detainee that tries to escape or avoid arrest has led to series of extra-judicial killings of 7, 195 in just four years out of 2,500 detainees. * Muhammad is with the Northern States Governors Media Forum, Abuja

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—45

2015: Cracks and crises threaten Kwara ACN T

HE crisis rocking the Kwara State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria,ACN, appears to be far from being resolved, as it seems to be getting messier by the day.

Recently, security operatives arrested some leaders of the party following a petition against those perceived to be dissidents by the state chairman, Mr. Kayode Olawepo.

Those arrested according to police sources were; a former Chief Whip of the state House of Assembly, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo, Alhaji Hassan Zhoro, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, Alhaji Ahmed Ajimoti, Mr. Funso Agaka, Alhaji Mustapha Kobe and Lateef Abioye.

They were picked up by men of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as their names were prominent on the petition. The chairman had accused them of anti-party activities, claiming that they constituted a threat to the peace of the party.

Confirming the arrest Oyedepo, who is the most prominent of them, noted that they had been released by the police.

In the petition, Olawepo had alleged that Oyedepo and others were members of a group called stakeholders, which the petitioner claimed was illegal within the party structure. He added that members of the group had allegedly done everything they could to destabilize the party.

They were also alleged to

have collected unused registration materials from the ACN headquarters to conduct a registration that was not sanctioned by the party.

Furthermore, Olawepo claimed that members of the group also allegedly printed registration materials for the party, while it is only the national headquarters that had the right to do such.

They were also alleged to have illegally dissolved caretaker committees of the party at both local government and ward levels and replaced same with their own men in contravention of the position of the national headquarters.

KCI seek peace The arrest came just as a group, Kwara Change

swords. It is an open secret that the skirmishes currently experienced by the party in Kwara Central Senatorial District and in Isin local government areacouncil of Kwara South Senatorial District are traceable to wild ambition,’’ he stated.

Meanwhile,during the party’s registration exercise, three people alleged to be working for one of the ACN bigwigs were nabbed by security operatives at Ilorin Grammar School for allegedly disrupting the exercise.

They were alleged to have shot sporadically into the air to scare away prospective members and in the process went away with the register supplied each unit by the

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BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

The crisis rocking the party is believed to be the outcome of the leadership tussle between ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and its gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Mr. Dele Belgore

Initiative,KCI, called on warring factions within the party to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

KCI Secretary, Comrade Adewale Adefila, argued that those responsible for the current crisis might be working for the ruling party or were being driven by negative ambition.

“We are compelled by the recent developments within the party to prevail on all the warring sides to sheathe their

,

national office.

Cause of crisis: However, the crisis rocking the party is believed to be the outcome of the leadership tussle between ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and its gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Mr. Dele Belgore.

Observers have argued that Mohammed is preparing to take over the party structure ahead of the 2015 governorship polls..

*Belgore However the Spokesman to Belgore, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaiye, has denied the claims.

Ajakaiye said, “I can tell you that the party remains very much intact. Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Belgore talk every day on how to move the party forward. But we leave people, as it is typical in politics, to speculate. We are not ruling out the possibility of the PDP sponsoring negative reports for reasons you know too well. They can go as far as spreading rumour of nonexistent fracas to cause disaffection. But the party remains intact and the leadership forever cordial.”

Don't turn Kwara to battlefield—PDP Worried by this development, the ruling, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the ACN against turning the state into a battle field. The State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji

Mas’ud Adebimpe, said, “it is now more than ever obvious to the good people of the State that the ACN in the Kwara is a party of thugs that does not mean well for the State. Why should a simple democratic process lead to violence and political terrorism. Kwara does not need the distraction that the ACN is trying to foist on it”.

The PDP spokesman added that,”as a party that believes and uphold democratic norms, we condemned in its entirety the ACN recent violence in the state being promoted by the gladiators in their quest for 2015 gubernatorial ticket which has now taken ethnic dimension”.

Continuing, he said, ‘’the ACN has shown, through the weekend show of shame and for the umpteenth time that it is a party of non-democrats, who are on a wild goose chase."

National Assembly decision on SEC is final— Ngige Continued from page 43 the emergence of the present democracy, it is obvious that nothing good can come out of PDP and that is why we are determined that by the first quarter of this year, Nigerians will see that progressives mean business. CPC has already named a committee for the merger talks, just like the ANPP, while those to represent ACN would be named by the end of this January.

On arguments that Anambra North should be allowed to produce the next governor of the state in 2014 since the area has not done so since the creation of the state in 1991.

Since the advent of the present democracy, we have had four governorship elections in Anambra State and these were in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2010. In all of them, the people of Anambra North participated

and contested for the governor of the state. In 1999, the major contenders were Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Professor A.B.C. Nwosu, Chief Ajulu Uzodike, among others who were from Anambra South, as well as Senator Joy Emodi, Chief Frank Oramulu, Dr. Mike Areh and Chief Ozodinobi who were from the North. There were also contestants from the Central and we had Sam Okechukwu, Agunwa Anaekwe, Aneze Chinwuba, among others.

In 2003, I came from Anambra Central. The incumbent governor, Mr. Peter Obi is also from the Central, while Uzodike and Okechukwu Odunze came from the South and North respectively. These people from the North are not weaklings. They contested and lost gallantly. I emerged as governor and when I was removed by the court, Obi from central was returned.

In 2007, politicians from the three senatorial zones also contested for the office of governor, which was won by Dr. Andy Uba, but was stopped by the court. In 2010, we were all there, including Dr. Alex Obiogbolu and Senator Emma Anosike who are from the North. In all the elections, people from the North never said let us leave it for the people of Central or South so that we can have our turn later.

Struggle for power We are not saying that our brothers from the North should not be governors because they have the right to the office. But people struggle for power as our brothers from the North have been struggling for it since 1999. But if we want to say that we should start zoning the office of governor, we shall

sit down and discuss it and decide which zone should start it, otherwise it will be undemocratic and will run foul of the Constitution of Nigeria if it is decreed that one part of the state should be allowed to produce the next governor.

It must be made known that we have been living in peace in Anambra and nobody had considered any part of the state as being superior to the other.

In 1952, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who is from the present Anambra North senatorial zone, came back from Lagos and contested for premiership and ruled Eastern Nigeria for eight years before going to become the Senate President and later governor – general and subsequently the president of Nigeria and other parts of Eastern Nigeria never complained.

There was also a man named Ukpabi Asika from Onitsha in

the present Anambra North who ruled the old East Central State unfettered and we never complained. Similarly when the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo from Anambra North became the senate president and number three citizen in the country, other senators from Anambra supported him as they did not argue whether he was from a particular zone. We therefore do not want this dichotomy to be introduced now in the state.

So, for the 2014 governorship election, I am still consulting and by the first quarter of next year, I will make my decision known to our people. It is not correct for people to be saying that there should be rotation of governors when during the public debate on constitutional amendment, it was agreed that governors should emerge on merit.

46—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Delta earmarks N13.4bn for power

A

INAUGURATION OF KADUNA CAN—From left: Newly elected executive committee chairman, Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Most Revd. George Jonathan Dodo; Treasurer, Revd. Chris Annger and Vice Chairman, Most Revd. Josiah Idowu-Fearon during inauguration of the executive in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Edo pensioners protest non-payment of gratuities

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—EDO State chap ter of the Nigerian Postal Service Pensioners yesterday said that over 100 of its members have died due to non-payment of pensions and gratuities, blaming the situation on the Post Master General of the Federation, Alhaji MoriBaba, who they alleged, withheld their entitlemnts in the last seven years. They then called for Baba’s immediate s a c k .

The pensioners who joined their colleagues across the country in a nationwide strike to press home their demands, carried placards with inscriptions; “Post-Master General pay us our six years entitlements; We have lost over 100 souls nationwide; We have lost many souls due to untold hardship;’’ shut down the premises of the Edo Area Territory office of the postal service , located at the airport road a x i s .

The aggrieved pensioners numbering several hundreds equally threatened to continue with the industrial action until their demands were met.

State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Comrade Clement Ojo who spoke with newsmen, appealed to both the Federal Government and leadership of the National Assembly to immediately intercede on behalf of the pensioners over the iss u e .

He said: ‘’We are appealing to both the National Assembly

and the Federal Government to come to our aid and intervene. We do not know what the office of the Accountant General and the Post Master General have done with our money.

The management of NIPOST refused to pay us all our benefits, shotpayments, gratuities and pension for about seven years now, since 2005”.

He noted that the management of NIPOST had failed to obey an agreement reached with the union to offset some of the outstanding indebtedness before December 20, 2012, after a 14day ultimatum was earlier issued “December 20, has expired, they did not even care to pay,

now our children can no longer go to school, because of lack of money to pay fees; our pensioners have been driven out from their rented apartments; many of them are dead. We have no money to buy drugs for our members in admission in various hospitals,” he lamented.

Jigawa canoe mishap claims 4 lives

J

IGAWA—FOUR persons lost their lives in a canoe mishap in Kirikasamma Local Government Area of Jigawa, an eyewitness has said.

The witness told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the accident occurred on Tuesday when a wooden canoe conveying nine passengers capsized at the Hadejia River.

The witness, Hadi Musa, told NAN in Kirikasamma yesterday that the accident occurred when the canoe had a head-on collison with a bigger canoe moving from the opposite direction.

Musa said that five persons were rescued by local divers, while bodies of four others were discovered several hours after the accident.

“The rescue effort was difficult due to the rising wave in the water and it took the divers more than 30 hours to recover the dead bodies,” he said.

According to him, the passengers were travelling from Machina Community in Yobe to Gubunsa Village in Jigawa.

“They were going to attend a wedding in Gubunsa village,” he added.

Mr Abdu Jinjiri, the Public Re-

lations Officer of the Jigawa Police Command, confirmed the incident. Jinjiri said that the deceased included a

three-year-old boy, adding that investigation was still in progress to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Lagos govt to attract foreign investors

L

AGOS State govern ment has reaffirmed its resolve to attract foreign investment into the state, with its business-friendly policies, infrastructure and tourist attractions.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Aderemi Ibirogba, said this during the Lagos Countdown – a cross-over event driven by the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA. The commissioner explained that the government is leveraging the proposition of Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure, with tourism platforms such as the countdown.

He said: “The Lagos Countdown was conceived to place Lagos on the same scale with cit-

ies such as Sydney, London, New York and Los Angeles, which have been know world-wide to celebrate the entry of each year with colourful festivities, while attracting thousands of tourists and businesses with each edition.”

He further stated that the event would boost the micro economy of the state, rehabilitates and employs majority of the high-risk youth and individuals, popularly called area boys, who usually cause nuisance to the communities during festive seasons.

An estimated 615 individuals were employed during the event, and a majority of these previously unemployed individuals also benefited from the training programmes that were organized to assist them discharge their functions.

SABA—IN its bid to boost power supply, the Delta Government has earmarked N13.4 billion for the energy sector, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Kenneth Okpara, said yesterday.

Okpara gave the information while giving a breakdown of the 2013 budget, adding that out of the N13.4 billion, N500 million would be spent on the reinforcement, upgrading and extension of electricity supply facilities around the state.

He said purchase and distribution of transformers and renovation of existing Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, sub-stations, would gulp N1.3 billion. Okpara said during the fiscal year, government would place emphasis on completion of ongoing power generation, transmission and distribution projects.

He listed some of the ongoing projects to include the state Independent Power Plant, which was allocated N4 billion and the construction of transmission lines to dispatch power from the plant into the national grid.

“Construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of power distribution networks in both urban and rural communities in the state would also be taken care of,” he said.

SURE-P: Kaduna employs 3,000 youths, women

K

ADUNA—KADUNA State Government yesterday said 3,000 youths and women have been employed under the SURE-P scheme.

The state Coordinator of the project, Alhaji Shehu Ahmed, told newsmen in that the beneficiaries were employed as ad-hoc staff for environmental sanitation.

Ahmed made the disclosure after a visit to Governor Mukhtar Yero, with members of the former Kaduna Local Government chairmen.

He said the workers, who would concentrate on environmental sanitation, were expected to commence work in the next two weeks at various localities within the state on a monthly stipend of N10,000.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 47

C M Y K

48 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

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EBELS, yesterday battled to seize an air base in northern Syria, as part of a campaign to fight back against the air power that has given President Bashar alAssad’s forces free rein to bomb rebel-held towns.

Already, more than 60,000 people have been killed in the 21-monthold uprising and civil war, the United Nations said this week, sharply raising the death toll estimate in a conflict that shows no sign of ending.

After dramatic advances over the second half of 2012, the rebels now hold wide swathes of territory in the north and east, but

Syria rebels battle for air base are limited in exerting control because they cannot protect towns and villages from Assad’s helicopters and jets.

Hundreds of fighters from rebel groups were attempting to storm the Taftanaz air base, near the northern highway that links Syria’s two main cities, Aleppo and the capital Damascus.

Rebels have been besieging air bases across the north in recent weeks, in the hope this will reduce the government’s power to carry out air

Hilary leaves hospital

S

ECRETARY of State Hillary Rodham Clinton left New YorkPresbyterian Hospital yesterday where she was treated for a blood clot in between her brain and skull.

Her doctors say blood thinners are being used to dissolve the clot and they are confident she will make a full recovery.

Clinton didn’t suffer a stroke or neurological damage from the clot that formed after she suffered a concussion during a fainting spell at her home in early December, doctors said in a statement Monday.

Clinton, 65, was admitted to New YorkPresbyterian Hospital on Sunday when the clot

•Hilary Clinton turned up on a follow-up exam on the concussion, Clinton spokesman Phillipe Reines said. The clot is located in the vein in the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear. She will be released once the medication dose for the blood thinners has been established, the doctors said.

strikes and resupply loyalist-held areas.

A rebel fighter speaking from near the Taftanaz base overnight said the base’s main sections were still in

T

HE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affair, Hon Abike DabiriErewa has been invited to speak at this year ’s overseas Indian Day with the theme, ‘Engaging Diaspora: The Indian growth story scheduled at India’s city of Kochi from 8th to 11th January, 2013 Dabiri-Erewa whose presence at the event last year drew wide publicity in the Asian country’s media is expected to speak at the session titled “Heritage and Diaspora.”

The guest speaker for 2012 event was the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-

Bissessar who is of Indian origin.

Persad-Bissessar had said that despite her allegiance to Trinidad and Tobago, as a prime minister, India remains like a grandmother which she cannot do without.

Dabiri-Erewa’s speech at this year’s event will dwell on the lessons Nigeria stands to learn from India’s method of rallying its diaspora community for national development.

She will also highlight the progress Nigeria has made towards bringing the diaspora community to participate in the nation’s growth.

Dabiri-Erewa will attend the event in the company of some of her committee members,

said the rebels had detonated a car bomb inside the base.

The government’s SANA news agency said the base had not fallen and that the military had

“strongly confronted an attempt by the terrorists to attack the airport from several axes, inflicting heavy losses among them and destroying their weapons and munitions”.

India rape: Five suspects face murder charge

I

NDIAN authorities have charged five men with the kidnap, gang-rape and murder of a woman in Delhi last month.

The 23-year-old died two weeks after the 16 December attack.

The five men will be tried in a fast-track court, where they could be handed the death penalty. A sixth suspect will be tried in a juvenile court.

The incident sparked outrage across India , even as the the victim’s father said he backed calls for the men to be executed if found guilty.

“The whole country is demanding that these monsters be hanged. I am with them,” he told reporters at his home in Uttar Pradesh state.

Neither the woman nor her family can be identified under Indian law.

The charges were put before a magistrate but will be transferred to a specially launched fasttrack court.

Dabiri-Erewa to speak at Indian day

BY EMEKA AGINAM

loyalist hands but insurgents had managed to infiltrate and destroy a helicopter and a fighter jet on the ground.

The northern rebel Idlib Coordination Committee

including Indian Prime minister Manmohan Singh who will inaugurate the event at Hotel Le-Meridian on January 8. The President of India will deliver the valedictory address on the second day.

•People on the streets of Delhi have begun to arm themselves with pepper spray and stun guns, as the BBC’s Andrew North reports The trial is expected to start at the weekend.

Although it is mandatory in India for the accused to appear in

person to be charged, policemen outside the court said they would not be present on Thursday for security reasons.

Chavez: Opposition demands ‘truth’ on health

T

HE main opposition movement in Venezuela has called on the government to “tell the whole truth” about the health of President Hugo Chavez.

The Venezuelan leader has not been seen or heard in public since having cancer surgery in Cuba three weeks ago.

Opposition leader, Ramon Aveledo accused the government of acting

•Chavez irresponsibly by making Venezuelans believe President Chavez was still exercising his duties.

Congolese rebels want ceasefire

C

ONGOLESE rebels y e s t e r d a y threatened to walk away from this week’s peace talks to end their ninemonth revolt unless the government signs an official ceasefire, a demand Kinshasa dismissed as unnecessary.

Meanwhile, the rebel March 23 Movement, preparing for talks on

Case documents already run to more than 1,000 pages and include key testimony from the woman before she died.

Friday in Kampala, capital of regional mediator Uganda, said government troops had reinforced positions in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and warned it would resist an offensive.

“If Kinshasa continues to refuse to sign a ceasefire, M23 is going to ask its delegation to return to DRC. We will

wait and when they say ‘ we’re ready to sign (a ceasefire)’ we’ll go back,” Jean-Marie Runiga, head of the rebels’ political wing, told reporters in Bunagana, a border town under rebel control.

The first attempt at peace talks to end the nine-month rebellion in Congo’s volatile east failed last month amid threats and accusations.

The president’s condition is described by officials as stable but delicate.

Science minister Jorge Arreaza, who is also Mr Chavez’s son-in-law, tweeted from Havana on Wednesday that the medical team had explained that the president’s condition “continued being stable within an overall delicate condition”.

Mr Chavez is due to be sworn in for another sixyear term on 10 January, but it is unclear if he will be able to attend ceremony.

Mr Aveledo, the leader of the umbrella opposition group Table for Democratic Unity (MUD), demanded a diagnosis and a medical prognosis for Mr Chavez.

“It is essential that the government acts in a manner that gives confidence,” he told a news conference.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 49

Hilary: Goodbye to the charm of ‘smart power’ S

HE was seen as a p o t e n t i a l presidential candidate for the White House, come 2016, but for the past four years, Mrs. Hilary Rodheim Clinton had dazzled the world with her brain and beauty as she conducted the affairs of US State Department as the Secretary. It was a position that made her the most powerful and most traveled member of President Barack Obama’s cabinet.

But the news that the 65 year-old former first lady was diagnosed and treated for blood clot could put paid to the ambition which bloomed in 2007, when she sort the nomination of her party, to be the flag bearer of Democratic Party in 2008.

She lost to the eventual winner, Obama, but she fought a credible battle.

The world would have been treated to a political spectacle with her husband, Clinton and Barack Obama, teaming up, to campaign along side for Madam Clinton.

The two men are gifted orators that light up political campaigns, but that may not be the ailment that cropped up at the age of 65, was bound to be a source of concern which Hilary will be 69. Effectively, age and health worries may have effectively retired Hilary Clinton from public service.

Early Years Hillary Diane Rodham was born on October 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois.

Diane was the eldest daughter of Hugh Rodham, a prosperous fabric store owner, She took the masculine name of her father, Hilary and in getting married William Jefferson Clinton, on October 11, 1975, she needed the prefix Mrs. to distinguish her as a woman. Rodham attended Wellesley College, where she was active in student politics . Before graduating in 1969. She then attended Yale Law School, where she met Bill Clinton.

Graduating with honors in 1973, she went on to enroll at Yale Child Study Center, where she took courses on children and medicine and completed one post-graduate year of study. As a young

woman, Hillary was active in young Republican groups and campaigned for Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964. She was inspired to work in some form of public service after hearing a speech in Chicago by the Reverend Martin Luther King, and became a Democrat in 1968. In the spring of 1974, Rodham became a member of the p r e s i d e n t i a l impeachment inquiry staff, advising the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives during the Watergate Scandal.

After President Richard M. Nixon resigned in August, she became a faculty member of the University of Arkansas Law School in Fayetteville, where her Yale Law School classmate and boyfriend Bill Clinton was teaching as well.

Their daughter, Chelsea Victoria, was born on February 27, 1980.In 1976, Hillary worked on Jimmy Carter ‘s successful campaign for president while husband Bill was elected Attorney General. She served as first lady from 1993 to 2001, and then as a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2009. In early 2007, Clinton announced her plans to run for the presidency. During the 2008 Democratic

•Hillary Clinton and her husband the former US President Bill Clinton, at the U.S. Department of State dinner in Washington, DC. Year in the New YorkPresbyterian hospital where she was admitted, treated and discharged on Wednesday after she was diagnosed for a blood clot in her skull. She left the hospital on Wednesday with her husband, Bill, and daughter, Chelsea.

Before the admission, she had suffered a concussion and fainted. The incident was was linked to a stomach virus. The former first lady had fainted in 2005 after a a stomach virus.

Even with her recent health set backs, Hilary was recorded in Gallup’s annual poll as the mostadmired woman in

Department of State.

Smart Diplomacy With the forthcoming inauguration of President Obama for a second term, Mrs. Clinton has said she

,

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

Clinton was a strong advocate of developing relations with non-governmental organizations to act as local advocates for development

would not be coming back to office. But with her ailment, we may have seen the last of Madam Clinton as US Secretary of State. It is therefore germane to assess her

•Hilary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea primaries, Hilary conceded her nomination when it became apparent that Barack Obama held a majority of the delegate vote. After winning the national election, Obama appointed her Secretary of state.

The US secretary of State had spent her New

America. She was named for the 17th time since she became a national figure in 1992. Gallup has ran its most-admired man and woman survey since World War II, her choice is a distinction she has earned through hard work, perseverance, focus, dedication, at the

chose to emphasize a pragmatic and more diplomatic handling of her duties at the State Department.

By adjusting the US

tenure which has been hectic and time consuming, with dizzying activities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa.

She promoted the concept of Smart Power or “the use of “diplomacy and development alongside defense.” She

,

approach to handling international affairs, she has successfully bolstered the image of the United States and made some strong decisions to help promote better government and lasting changes around the world.

Clinton orchestrated some of the most tactful diplomatic successes through her vast network of personal relationships with leaders around the world which was developed during her time as First Lady and continued as Senator of New York. Mrs. Clinton subtly mastermind the forming a coalition to stop Qaddafi’s massacres in Libya.

This included convincing Russia and China in the UN Security Council to help isolate Libya, Iran and North Korea. The US succeeded in getting the UN to implement the No Fly zone, to stop Gaddafi from murdering his people.

The move finally led to the ouster of Col. Gaddafi after 40 years in power.

Hosni Mubarak, a strongly ally of Washington lost power after over three decades.

Her tenure has witnessed increased end of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden after ten years. She managed the ending of the war in Iraq. She is at the for front of the diplomatic pressure on Iran and North Korea while she is managing the discontent arising from US plans to send missile shield to Central Europe.

She has also been saddled with dealing with the restiveness in the relations between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

There is equally a growing tension between Asia Pacific where US had declared an area of military interest. Even the Gulf of Guinea has become an area of active US interest during the charge of Madam Clinton. Clinton faced intense challenge with the diplomatic exposures Wikileaks exposure was anything but satisfactory.

The killing of the US ambassador in Benghazi in October was also another major challenge that characteristic her tenure at the state department.

Observers have argued that on one hand, “the U.S. has certainly chosen selectively about which revolts to support and highlight. The U.S. ignored many protests around the region, including the Green Revolution in Iran and protests in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria”.

This strategic choosing of which protests to support is very disappointing, as it not only highlights the hypocrisy so often equated with America, diplomacy. Apart from her efforts at diplomacy, Clinton was a strong advocate of developing relations with nong o v e r n m e n t a l organizations to act as local advocates for development, to ensure that changes are long lasting to ethat American support yielded positive results. Clinton has stressed the importance of engaging civil society and making sure that the voices of the people are heard. Overall, Clinton has done an impressive job at the State Department, but whatever happens in Syria will remain central in the overall assessment of her tenure as Secretary of State.

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Nigerian youths must stand up to be counted ORE often, youths are re ferred to as the future of any nation.

It is therefore imperative to say that without the youths, a nation’s future is bleak and as good as forgone. It is nonetheless logical to say that while the youths remain the future of any nation, the values and ethos they court will ultimately determine the direction or course the nation is headed. In other words, the values they court could either make or mar any nation. Then, if the values and ethos youths hold sacrosanct in any nation are crucial to its prosperity, progress and growth, then one wonders what hope is there for the Nigerian nation.

Our value system as a nation is at lowest ebb, it is so debased that there is almost nothing to be proud of. In every sphere of the Nigerian society there is evident shift to negative moral and ethical values.

The desecration of our sacred and hallowed traditions can be observed in the dwindling premium now placed on such values as integrity, hard work, service and selflessness in every sphere of our national life-be it public service, our private concerns, politics and religious institutions. The truth

Barak Obama re- elected

A

MERICANS have spoken with one voice and language which is now the lingua franca of mankind: peace, justice and enlightenment in our time and no to poverty and war mongers.

Pato 07036529443

President Jonathan's administration and OBJ's criticism

Recently, OBJ criticised President Jonathan’s administration of being indecisive and weak. While OBJ had the right to criticise President Goodluck Jonathan, it is the intention and location that shows clearly that the criticism was destructive.

Why must he go to an Itsekiri man's church to condemn an Ijaw man? Why did he not use Ogun, Lagos or Abuja to condemn him? His aim is to rekindle the old rivalry between these two tribes, a situation the current Governor (Uduaghan) has laboured very hard to resolve. The criticism was done in bad faith.

remains that the collapse of public institutions in the country is indicative of the failure of leadership and the entire political system. Also, with the number of Churches and Mosques that adorn different cities in the country, and the number of people that daily troop to these places of worship, one would have expected an intense desire for religious piety among Nigerians.

But unfortunately this is not the case. Religious leaders rather than teach their followers the need to follow the true tenets of their religion, use God’s name as a brand to achieve their self seeking purposes. In the midst of all this, the future of our youths is the most threatened. They cannot unfortunately lay claim to any positive role models among the present generation of leaders in all sphere of our national life. One is tempted to say that the present generation of leaders have failed the youths of this country. They have nothing to bequeath to them, except distorted values of corruption, greed, ineptitude, and other social inimical tendencies. It is indeed time for the youths of this country to take their future into their hands, and realise how important they

Dedemo 08074490347

Ribadu's report on oil industry fraud

The former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, produced a 146 page study on an oil ministry re-

,

M

are to decide the course the country should follow. With this present crop of leaders in the nation, whose central values are corruption, avarice, greed and parochialism, the country would never be on the

Ohwevwo ufuoma Eugene

08127029122

Re: Should religious organisations pay taxes?

I

WOULD be grateful if you publish my rejoinder to an article written by one Edwin Ekene entitled: Should religious organisations pay taxes? published in Vanguard of 27th December 2012.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that money or materialism has taken the position of God in Nigeria. Thanks to Mr. Ekene’s information about Nigerian being next to China in acquisition of private jets despite the disturbing level of poverty among Nigerians. This is not the Nigeria many of us grew up to know. It is also interesting to note that it is when we claim to know God more than our forefathers that one cannot trust his fellow Nigerians, especially when money is

involved.

Our fathers worshiped traditional gods and deities yet God was with them because they were honest and had their conscience intact. The writer of this rejoinder grew up in a rural area when petroleum had not been found and God’s benevolence to our fathers was evident in their farm produce.

Our weather remained consistent and God gave them rain as at when due. The Holy Bible even proved that Noa was spared the flooding calamity that befell his generation on account of his honesty and not religion as being practised today in our country.

Despite these, I will not support the taxing of religious organisations because of the roles played by the early missionar-

ies in the world, particularly in Africa. The Roman Catholic Church appears to be the only religious body left in the humanitarian work. Service to humanity, they say, is service to God If taxes are imposed on all of them, it would not be fair; there will be allegations of discrimination if some are exempted.

Let our modern day religious leaders continue to acquire wealth, turn Churches to family estates that can be willed to their children and align with the oppressors in our society. Heavenly tribunals await them.

rian oil ministers handed out licences at their own discretion.

Why is it that Nigerian leaders are not accountable to those that voted for them?

What a shame that hundreds of million dollars in signature bonuses on those deals were missing, and yet nobody is being prosecuted. Nigerians are living below two dollars and in abject poverty. The relevant agencies should act fast and accordingly.

Anonymous 08027521109

Abubakar Baba Suleiman

years ago are still at the plea stage is a clear indication that the Jonathan administration is not committed to fighting corruption. And to make matters worse, most of the accused persons have since regained political prominence.

What a shame. This can only happen in Nigeria.

Anonymous writes in from FCT, Abuja

Azazi and Yakowa's

The Ribadu's report provides details on Nigeria’s long history of corruption in the oil sector, which enriched its elite and provided the oil majors with hefty profits while the people lived in poverty. Ribadu's reports alleged that Shell, Total and Eni made bumper profits from cut price of gas, while Nigerian oil ministers handed out licences at their own discretion

quest. The report provides details of Nigeria’s long history of corruption in the oil sector, which enriched its elite and provided the oil majors with hefty profits while the people lived in poverty. The Ribadu reports alleged that Shell, Total and Eni made bumper profits from cut price of gas, while Nige-

path of progress and prosperity. To put the nation on the path of progress Nigerian youths must wake up and take the moment. But, first of all, we must break away from the negative values our leaders have

jealously courted, and that has held the nation down over the years. The youths in Nigeria often underestimate or better still, fail to realize that sovereignty belongs to the people.

Nigerian youths must stand up to be counted; the time has come to hold our leaders accountable for their every action!

demise

,

May the souls of the departed find rest in God's bossom, Amen. All we are hearing is about Azazi and Yakowa, the crew are not talked about, which is unfair.

May Allah grant the families of the pilots and aides the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

FG's alleged dialogue with Boko- Haram

President Jonathan should not dialogue with the Boko Haram sect because the NorthEast politicians are the people who initiated, motivated and are allegedly sponsoring these evil forces in order to frustrate and force the present government out of power.

They are the same people today agitating for dialogue with the evil forces they established. These insurgents are killing children, Moslems, Christians, innocent and good citizens of this nation, destroying our places of worship for just no cause. May God save us.

Alhaji M.S.H 08038235199

Plea bargain and corruption

James O. Adeyemi, Ile-Epo, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

Fuel subsidy probe

What is happening to those found guilty in the fuel subsidy probe? It is very apparent that Nigerians have no trust in reports by committees set up by the Federal Government. President Jonathan should take a bold step on the fuel subsidy probe and prosecute those found guilty.

Steadfast foundation 08158086822

The fact that high profile corruption cases filed over five

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.The feathers on a fowl do not let one know that the fowl sometimes sweats.

Amarachi (08162271104), Ebonyi State.

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013—51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OYINBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Success Joy Oyinbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Success Joy Julius. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

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Fun seekers at the dew spewing round-about, at the Akure-Owo road, in Akure, on Tuesday.

Aguleri kingdom gets official drink

BY ENYIM ENYIM

B

ARELY four months after President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned a manufacturing outfit, Krisoral & Co ROPP plant at the Harbour Industrial Layout Ogbaru, Onitsha, a sister company, Eastern Distilleries and Food Industries Ltd has hit the market with a unique aromatic schnapps, Omega Aromatic Schnapps; a brand designed to deal with the problem of adulteration in the schnapps market.

It was like a carnival when the delegation led by the Group Managing Director of Krisoral Group of Companies, Chief Chris Oranu Chidume, and other top managers of the company stormed Aguleri for the official presentation of the product to the traditional ruler of Aguleri, HRM, Igwe Christopher Idigo (Ogalagidi Aguleri), members of his cabinet and the Aguleri kingdom.

Launching of the product The GMD, Chief Chris Oranu Chidume, told the royal father and members of his cabinet that they were at the palace to launch the campaign of the new product before moving to other parts of the country.

He said: “We decided to come home to showcase our brand before we start going outside because charity, they say, begins at home. It would be disrespectful for the royal father to hear about the product from other parts of the country.”

Chidume who took time to explain the unique features of the brand noted that it comes in a customized ‘omega’ bottle and a measuring cup to match, stressing, however, that

the most outstanding feature was the special nonreturn valve closure, which makes it impossible to adulterate or for anyone to introduce any other liquid into the bottle unless it was broken.

He said: “We were worried that unscrupulous people pick used bottles from refuse dumps to repackage all sorts of spirits in the name of schnapps that we find in our markets today. That is why our Research & Development department went to work and came out with this unequalled brand of schnapps”.

After having a taste of it, the monarch and his cabinet unanimously adopted Omega Aromatic Schnapps as the palace and community brand.

The Igwe Ogalagidi who commended Eastern Distilleries and Food Industries Ltd for their commitment to quality and innovation, declared that Omega Aromatic schnapps would henceforth be the schnapps brand for his palace and for all functions in the Aguleri Kingdom.

Speaking to Vanguard shortly after the occasion, the GMD expressed happiness that the drink had been endorsed by the royal father and his entire Aguleri kingdom. He said: “The main purpose of this visit is to do a presentation of Omega Aromatic Schnapps to Igwe Christopher Idigo. You all witnessed how he happily and gladly adopted Omega Aromatic Schnapps as the official brand of his palace and the kingdom. We are indeed very happy to record such break through”.

He said the company would embark on aggressive marketing of the product with a view to taking over the schnapps market in Nigeria.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Cleric asks Nigerians to pray against insurrection

By EMMA AMAIZE

W

A R R I — FOUNDER and General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Effurun, Delta State, Prophet Jeremaih Fufeyin, yesterday, urged Nigerians to pray against grave insurrection that could lead to coup d’etat in the country.

Fufeyin in his New Year message to members of his congregation, expressed worries over the looming danger confronting the country, but said that God would do something miraculous to avert the impending bloody situation.

He also predicted an outbreak of measles and urged parents, and urged parents to pray to ward off the epidemic.

JCI donate waste bins to Delta hospital

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI— U G H E L L I Chapter of Junior Chambers International, JCI, has donated waste disposal bins worth thousands of naira to the Ughelli Central Hospital, Ughelli, Delta State as part of effort to improve the hygienic condition of hospitals in the area.

Presenting the items on behalf of JCI, chapter President, Ms Blessing Ighomereyo, said the donation was informed by the determination of the group to positively impact on the people in the area.

Noting that JCI, a non governmental organisation committed to leadership training and humanitarian services, Ighomereyo said JCI had in recent past, embarked on several community projects, including donation of water pumps and zebra crossing signs. She said: “The items are part of JCI’s contribution towards keeping the hospital clean. The donation stemmed from the realization that government alone cannot provide all that is needed for effective health care service delivery.” Zonal Medical Director of Ughelli Medical zone, Dr Ifeanyi Chiekwe, while receiving the items, thanked JCI for the gesture.

Police quiz ex-Senate leader, Folarin over alleged breach of peace

By OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—FORMER Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, was, yesterday, quizzed by the Oyo State Police Command.

His interrogation, which lasted three hours was sequel to a petition over his alleged romance with the former chairman of the state National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (a.k.a. Tokyo) to disrupt the peace of the state.

Folarin said the invitation by the police was politically motivated, adding that it was a build up to the 2015 general elections.

At 1pm, his homes at Iyaganku and Oluyole areas of the city were besieged and ransacked by armed policemen.

After his release, he said he was on his way to Abeokuta to console with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the fire that gutted his Hilltop residence, noting that it was then he got a call came from the police boss, asking him to report at the station over a petition bordering on security. Folarin said he was in company of Chief Lekan Balogun, Deputy Senate Whip, Mr. Hosea Agboola, former DeputyGovernor of the state, Azeem

Gbolarumi and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, Mr. Muraina Ajibola; and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman in the state, Mr Yinka Taiwo, when he got the call.

He explained that his relationship with Tokyo was not political but based purely on the fact that they are both from Ibadan.

He said: “Let us take it easy as politicians after all, 2015 is still far away. Power comes from God. I know this has political undertone. It could have come from anywhere not only from the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, or my party, PDP, as well.

“I am still bereaved because I am mourning my only elder brother. How would I have

Lions Club led by its District 404b governor, Lion Stella Agbogun, presenting relief materials to flood victims in Aballa community of Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, weekend.

Health officer begs Jonathan to sign health bill into law

By CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA— PRIMARY Health Development Agency, PHDA, yesterday, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sign into law the health bill currently before him, saying it would turnaround the sorry state of the health sector in the country.

Executive Secretary of the Fed-

eral Capital Territory, FCT, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Rilwanu Mohammed, who stated this at the launch of the Maries Stopes Clinic for Reproductive Health Care and family planning services recently in Karu, a suburb at the FCT, said the delay by the President in signing the bill into law was hampering effective health care delivery

Zone 6 FRSC records least Christmas, new year accidents

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT - THE Zone 6 Command of Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC, experienced the least number of road accidents across the country between december 2012 and January 2, 2013.

The Zone 6 Commanding Officer, Mr. Yakubu Attah, while presenting the 2012 operations report of the zone and projections for 2013 at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said during the period, an estimated 20 road crashes recorded within the zone comprising Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states in which eight people reportedly died, was the lowest for any zone of

thought or caused breach of the peace in my darling state? Everybody knows I am a non-violent person. I am an easy going and my type of politics is always issues-based. And coincidentally, the police officer who quizzed me is my neighbour and I asked him, if he had seen me harbouring thugs or fomenting trouble with anybody in our area?”

the commission nationwide.

He attributed the marked reduction in accidents in the zone during the high risk festive period to the command’s pro-activeness, demonstrated in the “operation zero tolerance campaign” where all hands were on deck to enlighten road users on commitment to safe driving while responding with dispatch to all eventualities.

Attah pointed to the East-West Road among other listed deplorable roads as “highly accident prone,” calling on government for timely repairs of the roads.

He pledged the command’s commitment to regular monitoring to reduce accidents on such roads prone to accidents.

in the country.

He urged the President to immediately consider the signing of the health bill into law, if the country must meet the health related Millennium Development Goals, MDGS, by 20-2020.

Mohammed who noted that the signing of the bill in to law will bring down maternal mortality rate and improve health care services in the country stressed that if government developed the health sector in a way that health care services were accessed at reasonable cost, it would drive other sectors to improve the economy of the country.

He said: “We have all it takes to improve the health condition of our people. The health sector is the bedrock of all sectors and when it is well taken care of, it will drive other sectors of the economy. The most important thing in this journey is the signing of health bill. Let the president sign the health bill into law, you will see wonders in health sector.”

Speaking earlier, Country Director of Marie Stopes Nigeria, Richard Boustred, said the idea behind the opening of the clinic was to bring high quality sexual and reproductive health care to the door step of the people.

Community petitions Bayelsa Speaker

By SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA —— THE people of riverside Korokorosei community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, yesterday, urged the state chapter of Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, to prevail on the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Kombowei Benson not to provoke crisis in the community.

The community in a letter to the organisation law firm, K.S Sogo noted with concern that the peace of the community may be breached, if the Speaker was not called to order.

The aggrieved community in the letter to CLO

by Ebitari Allison, decried what it described as attempt by the speaker to negate its rotational arrangement for yearly election of chairman of Community Development Committee, CDC, by compounds.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 53

TREBLE CHANCE Cowdenbeath Hamilton Livingston Brechin Clyde Peterhead Rangers Sevilla Chievo

v Morton v Falkirk v Partick v Alloa v Annan v Montrise v Elgin v Osasuna v Atalanta.

SOCCER TIPS

Man City 3 Stoke 0:

Aguero wraps up comfortable win for champions

City keep up the pace with rivals United with a comfortable win over the Potters who struggled to create any chances worthy of note R -- Manchester City started the New Year in perfect fashion as it strolled past a resolute Stoke side with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

The visitors were able to frustrate their hosts for the majority of the first half but had a little bit of luck to stay level, however that luck ran out in the 43rd minute as Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring after Asmir Begovic cleared a low cross into his path. And Edin Dzeko doubled the home side’s lead at the start of the second half with a simple tap in after Begovic had failed to deal with Aguero’s low shot. The win was secured in the 74th minute as Sergio Aguero fired home a controversial penalty after David Silva had been tripped by Steven N’Zonzi.

Roberto Mancini gave Joleon Lescott his first start for a month alongside Vincent Kompany at the heart of the City defence and the Italian’s only other change saw James Milner replace the suspended Samir Nasri. Stoke made four changes to the side that drew with Southampton as Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron, Charlie Adam and Cameron Jerome were all recalled to the starting lineup with Matthew Upson, Ryan . Shotton, Matthew Etherington and Michael Kightly all dropping to the bench.

The victory was secured in the 73rd minute as Silva was brought down by N’Zonzi on the edge of the penalty area, although it looked to be outside the box a penalty was awarded and Aguero made no mistake from the spot as he fired under the dive of Begovic.

FOUR HOMES LATE TIPS

Liverpool complete Sturridge signing

5 X 7 X 8 X11 AFTER being granted permission to FOUR AWAYS PAIR speak to Newcastle striker Demba Ba, 33 15 X 18 X 19 Chelsea have allowed the unsettled 23X year-old to complete his switch to Anfield X 21 on a "long-term deal".

PERMUTATION 36 Ronaldo: I think Mourinho 3 X 6 X 9 X AVOID will stay THE 27-year-old insists that the current 12 X 13 X 24 42 head coach is the right man to lead the TIPS forward, but added that he will RISKY Blancos not discuss his own contract renewal any 28 X 30 X 44 46 further.

CREDIT

EXCELLENT

Lloris enjoying life at Tott enham ottenham

THE 26-year-old admitted that he has

Xerez 2 Cowdenbeath 7 to adapt to the busy schedule, after enjoying a winter break during his time in Santander 2 Hamilton 7 France, but stressed that he is relishing Numancia 2 Livingston 7 the new experience. eng has FFulham ulham Boateng Girona 3 Brechin 5 Derek Boat SP. Lisbon 3 Clyde 5 medical ahead of move TALKS resumed between Dnipro's Ghanaian Napoli 3 Peterhead 5 Genoa 3 Rangers 5 midfielder and the Cottagers in early December and now it appears he is set to complete a Chievo 3 Sevilla 5 January move to west London.

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS Week 25 Scottish Division One 1 Cowdenbeath 2 Dumbarton 3 Hamilton 4 Livingston 5 Raith

v Morton XX v Dunfermline 2 v Falkirk XX v Partick XX v Airdriue 1

.

Scottish Division TTw wo 6 Brechin 7 East Fife 8 QueenO'Sth 9 Stenh'smuir 10 Stranraer

v Alloa v Albion R. v Abroath v Forfar v Ayr Utd

XX 1 1 X2 X2

Scottish Division Three 11Berwick 12 Clyde 13 Peterhead 14 Rangers 15 Stirling A.

v E.Stirling 1 v Annan XX v Montrise XX v Elgin XX v Queen's P 2

Spanish La liga 16 Barcelona 17 Celta Vigo 18 Deportivo 19 Granada 20 Levante 21Mallorca 22 R Vallecano 23 Real Madrid 24 Sevilla 25 Zaragoza

v Espanyol 1 v Valladolid 2X v Malaga 2 v Valencia 2 v Ath bilbao 1 v Ath Madrid 2 v Getafe X2 v R Sociedad 1 v Osasuna XX v Real Betis 2

Italian Serie A 26 AC Milan 27 Catania 28 Chievo 29 Florentia.

30 Genoa 31Juventus 32 Lazio 33 Napoli 34 Parma 35 Udinese

v Siena 1 v Torino 1 v Atalanta XX v Pescara 1 v Bologna XX v Sampdori 1 v Cagliari 1 v Roma XX v Palermo 1 v Inter Milan 2

Portuguese Premiera Liga 36 Academica 37 Braga 38 Estoril 39 FC Porto 40Gil Vicente 41 Maritimo 42 Rio Ave 43 SP. Lisbon

v Vit Setubal X2 v Moreirense 2X v Benfica 2 v Nacional 1 v Guimaraes 2X v biera Mar 1 v Oldhanense 1 v P. Ferreira XX

•Joseph Yobo

12 24 33 44

Spanish Segunda Division

44 Girona 45 Huelva 46 Murcia 47Numancia 48 Santander 49 Xerez

v Almeria XX v SP. Gijon X1 v Hercules 1 v Las Palmas XX v Ponferradina XX v Huesca XX

Revised Pairs 3 x 6, 12 x 13 30 x 33, 43 x 44

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Catalonia's Martin Montoya (c) vies with Nigeria's Benjamin Francis (L) and Nigeria's goalkeeper Agbim Chigozie (Bottom) during the friendly . Photo: AFP

Catalonia's Sergio Tejera (L) vies with Nigeria's goalkeeper Agbim Chigozie during the friendly. Photo: AFP

How Eagles claimed Catalonia cup F

OR the thousands of people who crowded Cornellà-El Prat stadium in the Catalonia, the friendly international between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Catalonia Selected was much more than just a football game, it was a further expression of the peoples’ desire for selfdetermination.

Thousands of proindependence flags and banners shown by Catalan supporters asking that Catalonia becomes “Europe’s next state” were on display.

The President of the Catalan Government, Mr. Artur Mas, and the leader of the first opposition party, Mr. Oriol Junqueras, attended the match in the state box, supporting the Catalan team.

The match eventually ended in a draw (1-1).

The first goal arrived very early. Sergio González (the most capped

C M Y K

Catalonia player opened the score with a penalty kick in the 2nd minute of the game, and the Catalan team had many scoring chances before the half time. But in the 10th minute of the resumption, Dike Bright finished a brilliant play initiated by Ogenyi Onazi on the break and scored the equalizer.

After the game the glittering trophy for the commemorative encounter was handed over to the Nigerian captain, Chigozie Agbim, amidst a carnival like atmosphere. “Nigeria won the trophy because they were the away team and the goal they scored here counts double”, explained Hugo Alvares one of the organizers of the encounter.

It has been more than just a football match, and it has proved that a huge number of Catalan people wish that Catalan teams can play in official and international major

competitions, an achievement that will just be possible with C a t a l o n i a ’ s independence. This is the reason why proindependence flags have been all around the stadium. As it happened in many other sports events in the last few months, on 17 minutes and 14 seconds time the supporters made more noise, remembering 1714, the year when Catalan people lost its national freedom.

One of the most emotive moments has been the unfolding of a huge banner with the sentence “Catalonia, Europe’s next state”, a clear message to international media that expresses the will of Catalan people.

In the pre-game events, there were also some musical and popular culture actuations, and during the match some music groups created the perfect atmosphere. Since

on September 11th more than 1.5 million people went out to the streets of Barcelona to claim C a t a l o n i a ’ s independence, there have been many acts to

ask for Catalan freedom.

On October 7th, the Camp Nou was full of pro-independence flags in the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The same

situation was lived in other stadiums and events, as a popular concert in Palau de la Música, on December 26th.

Mahama tasks Black Stars to win AFCON

T

GLORIOUS MOMENT: Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, NFF boss, Aminu Maigari and Chris Green pose with the trophy.

HE Black Stars have been tasked to win the 2013 AFCON. Ghana president John Mahama wants the Black Stars to win 2013 Africa Cup of Nations by avoiding complacency.

His Excellency Mahama made the appeal after a brief meeting with the team at the Osu Castle on Thursday before departing to Abu Dhabi for their preNations Cup camp.

The Black Stars were tagged huge favourites to win the last tournament in Gabon and Equatorial but finished a disappointing fourth place.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 — 55

B’Faso, Zambia spy on Eagles in Barcelona G

ROUP opponents of Nigeria in the Afcon 2013 tourney, Burkina Faso and Zambia sent spies to monitor the Nigerian versus Catalonia selected game in Barcelona on Wednesday and they were pleasantly surprised at the quality on display.

According to Assistant Coach Gydounou Valere, the new faces in the Nigerian set up, was a surprise to many.

“Some of the coaches and journalists who came to spy the team had to approach me, saying where are the big names that we are taking to the Nations Cup and I told them that they are seeing them right there

on the pitch”, he said.

The former Assistant Coach of Togo and Mali, says Nigeria is on the way to causing many surprises at the Afcon tournament and urged for total backing from all and sundry. Nigeria will take on Cape Verde Island next week in another warm up game in Portugal.

Dike dedicates goal to teammates

G

OAL hero, Bright Dike, has attributed the goal he scored against Catalonia to the wonderful support he has been receiving from his teammates in the national team and said he was overjoyed to have scored a first goal for his fatherland.

The MLS star said: “Onazi was running so fast with the ball and I was within reach, he decided to give me a

Eagles players and some officials pose with the Catalan Cup.

Keshi: We’ll have stronger squad before Afcon

F

OLLOWING the 1-1 draw earned against star-studded Catalonia in Wednesday ’s friendly international, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said his side will be better prepared before the Africa Cup of Nations starts in a fortnight.

Bright Dike’s second half strike cancelled out Sergio Gonzalez’s early penalty goal to give the visitors a good draw in Barcelona. Ikechukwu Uche missed opportunities to increase the lead that would have seen the Nigerians grab an upset against the Catalonians as they looked confident with substitutions in the second half.

Keshi said he was happy at the display of the team but was not totally done yet with building a strong team.

“It was a great game. I must commend the players because they played to instructions.

The purpose of this

C M Y K

friendly was to try out some formations and tactics and not to win at all cost, but knowing the pedigree and quality of our opponents and so the boys gave their all and I must commend them for this and also Nigerians for their prayers,” Keshi told MTNFootball.com He said, “I needed to see that reaction from the players in a game like this and I must commend them because they lived up to expectation. It’s a test and confidencebuilding game and the boys from back home needed this more.”

He sounded confident that the team would be ready before the commencement of the tournament in South Africa.“In the next two weeks we should have a stronger and more reliable team to defend our colours come South Africa 2013,”.

Keshi is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament in coming days.

Balotelli Continues from B/P ground.

City boss Mancini reacted furiously when Balotelli, 22, left a teammate in a heap with a mistimed challenge.

The fiery Italian confronted his fellow countryman, grabbing

and shoving him, before Balotelli was restrained and led away by a member of the club’s coaching staff.

Mancini must now restore the peace before City host Watford in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Black Stars Continues from B/P players have the credentials to go far.

“Talking about team, the best players have been selected,” Appiah said.

“It doesn’t depend on the names because football is not about names nowadays but the determination and focus to win matches.

“2013 will be difficult for Ghana because teams like Niger and DR Congo

don’t have known players so they can easily cause an upset.”

Ghana’s will begin preparations for the tournament in Abu Dhabi on 5 January before leaving for their base in Port Elizabeth.

The Black Stars open their campaign in Group B against DR Congo on 20 January before matches against Mali and Niger.

good pass and I was too happy to finish it up, that is what we call team work and the coach has been telling us to always play with ourselves and it showed in this game”, the bulky striker declared, he

further said he would be too delighted to be part of the final 23 players that will be selected for the Nations Cup in South Africa and promised to do his best at the championship for the Eagles.

Cr yuf Cryuf yufff Continues from B/P saw the Eagles played against Catalonia selected on Wednesday in Barcelona.

Cryuff, who was handling the Catalonian Selected side for the last time, said he told his players that the Nigerian side was a very strong, physical and tactical side and he was not disappointed with what he saw against his side.

“It was a good game but the Nigerians are preparing for a major tournament and it showed that they are preparing well and will go very far in the tournament”, he said.

Nkono on his part, came to the Eagles dressing room to personally congratulate Keshi for raising such a team from Africa and wished the team well at the South African Afcon championship. The towering former Espanyol fc first choice in goal, hugged, backslapped and said he was fascinated by the display of the Africans in the exhibition game in the Catalan City.

On his part NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who watched the game live in the

company of Technical Committee Chairman of the Federation, Barr.

Chris Green said that winning a trophy in far away Barcelona in only the second day of the year was a sign of good things to come in 2013.

Maiagari is scheduled to return with the trophy to Abuja, early Friday morning.

He urged the players not to relent in their quest for the Afcon title in South Africa, arguing that President Goodluck Jonathan, has assured that all necessary support will be provided for an excellent outing for the team. “The President even watched the game against Catalonia selected and he was very proud of you. We also on the part of the federation will ensure that adequate provision is made for you to conquer in South Africa.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi said he was happy at the display of the national team but was not totally done yet with building a strong team.

“In the next two weeks we should have a stronger and more reliable team to defend our colours come SA 2013” he said.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Balotelli, Mancini exchange blows

M

ARIO Balotelli and Roberto Mancini had to be dragged apart today after a stunning bust-up at Manchester City ’s Carrington training Continues on Page 55

Cryuff, Nkono salute Keshi over Eagles display D

UTCH legend, Johan Cryuff, who has adopted Catalonia as his home country was full of praises for the Super Eagles display against his country on Wednesday in an international friendly at the home ground of La

Liga side; Espanyol.

Also former Indomitable Lions of Cameroon goalkeeper and skipper, Thomas Nkono, says the rebirth of African football has started with what he Continues on Page 55

Black Stars have best players for AFCON — Appiah

E

GOOD OMEN: Keshi's first trophy for Nigeria won in Catalunya by the Super Eagles, Wednesday.

X-GHANA captain Stephen Appiah believes the best Black Stars players around have been selected for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah released his provisional 26-man squad before the Christmas Holidays without star players like

Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and John Mensah.

The bookmakers have written off Ghana’s title winning chances as a result.

Appiah, who captained the Black Stars at the 2006 finals in Egypt, is optimistic the current crop of Continues on Page 55

B’Faso, Zambia spy on Eagles in Barcelona — P.55 TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fad (4) 4 Friend (3) 6 Crucial point (4) 9 Unconscious (3) 10 Calm (8) 11 Ban (4) 14 Jeer (3) 16 Sheer (5) 19 Secular (8) 21 Bowl (5) 23 Similarly (8) 24 Iron (5) 27 Clique (3) 31 Reign (4) 33 Atmosphere (8) 34 Solidify (3) 35 Ring (4) 36 Untruth (3) 37 Pour (4)

FLASHPOINT ... Mario Balotelli is grabbed by boss Roberto Mancini

DOWN 2 Cowl (4) 3 Brood (4) 4 Rural (8) 5 Gentlewoman (4) 6 Desire (5) 7 Regret (3) 8 Speak (5) 12 Crouch (5) 13 Plentiful (5) 14 Pendulum (3) 15 Fertile spot (5) 17 Confess (5) 18 Genuflect (5) 20 Amiable (8) 22 Entrap (3) 25 Make-up (5) 26 Crust (5) 28 Lament (4) 29 Hide (4) 30 Pain (4) 32 Meadow (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Spirit 5, Behave 8, Conclude 9, Lard 10, All 15, Bed 17, Ova 18, Axe 19, Law 20, Mimic 21, Ill 22, Lei 23, Keg 24, Wry 26, Nervy 29, Ere 33, Aver 34, Roulette 35, Frenzy 36, Hollow.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 2, Prowl 3, Rich 4, Touch 5, Blesh 6, Holy 7, Verve 10, Allow 11, Lowly 12, Gamin 13, Ormer 14, Tacky 15, Beige 16, Delve 25, River 27, Early 28, Vouch 30, Ratio 31, Grin 32, Meal.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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