PDP MELTDOWN: 58 Reps, more senators back Baraje's nPDP by Vanguard Media Limited

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VOL. 25: NO. 61961

N150

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Okorocha backpedals on abortion law 14

Suntai drags Taraba Speaker, lawmakers 9 to court

PDP MELTDOWN:

58 Reps, more senators back Baraje's nPDP

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR, HENRY UMORU & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

•INEC asked to de-register Tukur's faction PDP

nPDP

APC

REPS:

AGOS—THE Bamanga Tukurled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was on the precipice,

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H O W T H E Y S TA N D SENATE:

COLUMNISTS:

PDP

nPDP

APC

144

58+

137 •P.17

ROTIMI FASAN •P.19 OGAGA IFOWODO•P.19

•P.24

DEAR BUNMI •P.42

Mr & Mrs

NES—From Left: President Goodluck Jonathan; President of African Development Bank Group (AFDB), Mr. Donald Kaberuka; Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and a farmer, Alhaji Maifida Tafida at the opening of the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit, yesterday in Abuja. C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

MASTER TRAINERS—Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (R) presenting an identification tag to one of the beneficiaries of Master Trainers programme, during the official flag off/ interactive session of the accredited master trainers at the state banquet hall, Ilorin, yesterday.

58 Reps, more senators back Baraje's nPDP Continues from Page 1 yesterday, after 58 members of the House of Representatives publicly switched sides to the Kawu Baraje New PDP (nPDP). Four more senators have also joined the earlier 22 senators on the side of Baraje, swelling the number to 26 pro-nPDP senators. However at press time

last night, President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have begun a meeting with 10 governors of the PDP. Besides, the Baraje faction also moved yesterday for the de-registration of the Tukur faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Build the trust in people you want them to accord you. Trust is a two way door; it goes in either way.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

OU have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now —Wayne W. Dyer Let go of your need to win. Ego loves to divide us up into winners and losers. The pursuit of winning is a sure fire means to avoid conscious contact with the intention. Why? Because automatically, winning is impossible all of the time. Someone out there will be faster, luckier, younger, stronger and smarter and back you go to feeling worthless and insignificant. You are not your winning or your victories, you may enjoy competing and have fun in a world where winning is everything, but you don’t have to be there in your thoughts. There are no losers in a world where we all share the same energy source. All you can say on a given day is that you perform at a certain level in comparison to the levels of others on that day. But today is another day, with other competitors and new circumstances to consider. You are still the infinite presence in a body that’s another day or (decade} older. Let go of needing to win by not agreeing that the opposite of winning is losing. That’s ego’s fear. If your body is not performing on a winning fashion on certain day, it simply does not matter when you are not identifying with your ego. Be the observer, noticing and enjoying it all without needing to win a trophy. Be at peace, and match up with the energy of intention. Ironically, although you hardly notice it, more of those victories will show up in your life as you pursue them less.

The Baraje faction in court seeking to legitimize itself also claimed that Tukur was not a valid member of the party and as such not in position to lead the ruling party. The sense of panic among Presidency and party officials was exacerbated after the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih announced the postponement till next Tuesday, of the scheduled peace parley between the aggrieved seven governors and President Goodluck Jonathan. The anxiety was also not helped by comments by Anenih that “some of the governors have genuine grievances.” Six governors elected on the platform of the party had walked away from the special national convention of the party and proceeded to establish a parallel faction of the party on the basis of alleged multiple infringements of the rules of the party and hostility against some of the leading officials. The six governors: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Sule Lamido, (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Ahmed Abdulfatah (Kwara) were joined in the walkout by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. They were to reconnect with Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State who was three months ago suspended from the party by the Tukur leadership and proclaim the estab-

lishment of the Baraje faction. The peace parley summoned by the president with 16 governors in attendance last Sunday which was expected to resume yesterday failed to hold. Anenih who was at the head of the peace efforts on behalf of the president said the postponement was to give room for the two parties to further consult on the issues earlier raised at the preliminary meeting.

Some rebel govs have genuine grievances — Anenih Anenih, nevertheless, said that some of the governors have genuine grievances. “I believe some of them have genuine grievances; but I have hope that, once the grievances are addressed, they will come back. I am happy that the PDP has an internal mechanism for effective conflict resolution, and at the end of the day, the problems will be addressed and the PDP will come out of the crisis stronger,” Anenih stated. Anenih said that the peace talks will continue next Tuesday after some party elders would have first met to discuss the issues raised at the first meeting. He said: “Part of the wider consultations is the meeting of selected party leaders with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday morning and

thereafter, we will meet with the governors on Tuesday, next week.” Anenih, however, did not articulate the grievances of the governors though several issues have surfaced in the media. Among them are that Tukur should be removed from office, the return of the party structure in the states to the governors, that the president should commit himself to serving only one term in office and the restoration of Amaechi’s full membership of the party. There were also assertions that part of the reasons for the failure of the meeting to hold yesterday was the President’s reluctance to meet the alleged request by the governors that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, should be stopped from further investigations of the states. It was being alleged, yesterday, that the President’s failure to make a commitment on the requests by the governors may have influenced them into seeking further consultations and thus the failure to hold the meeting as scheduled, yesterday. The claim of persecution of the governors also reverberated in a statement issued by the 58 members of the House of Representatives in which they cautioned the security agencies to work within the ambit of the law in their dealings with defectors from the Tukur-led PDP.

58 Reps back Baraje The 58 members of the House of Representatives in a statement switching loyalty to the Baraje faction, yesterday, said the members of the faction doing so are patriots. In the statement issued in Abuja, the members said they also strongly condemned attempts by some agents of the Federal Government to use

state apparatus to witchhunt some of the patriots for taking the step. The statement reads: “We, the members of the House of Representatives under the platform of the New PDP, hereby congratulate our leaders on the emergence of the new party. “Although a sizeable number of our members who could not append their signatures because of their unavailability in the country will do so immediately on arrival, we the under-signed salute and appreciate the courage, sacrifice, resilience and patriotism of our leaders namely: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the governors — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wamakko, (Sokoto); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Mu'Azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Abdul Fatah Ahmed (Kwara), and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), and other wellmeaning and eminent Nigerians for leading the way for the emergence of the New PDP. “We are also using this opportunity to condemn in strong terms attempts by some agents of the Federal Government to use state apparatus to witch-hunt some of these patriots for taking this bold and courageous step. “As members of the House of Representatives, we call on the security agencies and other anti-graft bodies to be professional in their activities and not allow themselves to be used by anybody no matter how highly placed for their political ambitions. Remember how you want history to judge your tenures. “We won’t hesitate, however, to use all instruments of law within our Continues on Page 51

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—7

Rape of two sisters: Police re-arrest suspect in court BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI — THERE was a mild drama at the premises of an Abakaliki Magistrate court, Ebonyi State, as operatives of Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, Ebonyi State Command, numbering over 20, besieged the court to re-arrest the Vice Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Mr Sunday Ota and Sunday Nwaokpokwu. The duo were alleged to have been involved in the rape of two sisters in Ikwo council, last month. The suspects were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, robbery and rape. The heavily armed SARS operatives stormed the court at 12:30pm and took positions in the front and back entrances to the court after Magistrate Gladson Ugbala had ordered that the name of the vice chairman be struck off from the charge sheet on grounds of noticeable defeat in the document. During the proceeding, the chief magistrate described the inclusion of the name of the vice chairman in the charge as an after-thought and wondered why his name would be written with a pen in a criminal matter. Ugbala ordered that Sunday Nwaopkoku be remanded in the Abakaliki Prisons and adjourned the matter indefinitely. Meanwhile, the vice chairman of Ikwo council was taken away from the court in a blue Sienna car to the Ebonyi State Police headquarters.

Woman, 23, nabbed for dumping baby in toilet

UTSE — THE Nigeria Se curity and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Jigawa State, yesterday, arrested a 23year-old woman for allegedly dumping her new born baby boy in a toilet in Hadeja town of Hadejia Local Government Area of the state. The state's corps commandant, Mr Muhammad Gidado, told News Agency of Nigeria in Dutse that the suspect was arrested following a tip-off by patriotic citizens. He explained that the suspect gave birth to the baby on September 1 around 11.30 p.m and allegedly dumped him in the toilet. The commandant said the suspect alleged that she was impregnated by a man who ordered her to dump the baby.

Father of stowaway boy appears zSays wife refused him access to people zAs DSS releases stowaway kid to Edo govt BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY — THERE was drama, yesterday, at Edo State Government House, Benin City, when the father of the stowaway teenage boy, Daniel Oikhena, who was said to be bedridden due to illness, surfaced during a meeting between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the family. This came as theDepartment of State Services, DSS, yesterday, handed over Daniel to the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development but denied the mother, Mrs. Evelyn Oikhena, access to her son. Mr. Osaigbovo Oikhena, 44, a driver by profession, told journalists that contrary to reports that he was sick and bed-ridden, he was living separately from the family due to a disagreement with his wife. He said his wife refused to stay in the house where he could afford the rent. Therefore, he decided to move out of the house a year ago to where he could afford the rent. He said: “I decided to come here today (yesterday) to tell the world that I am the father of Daniel. Initially, when I heard the news, I thought my son was kidnapped. But my wife said I should calm down that when everything is okay, she will call me.

America, I am not married to another woman. My wife refused to give the DSS my number when they asked for it. "Arising from my loss of job, I decided to move to a new apartment where I can afford the rent and told my wife that they should move in with me, but she refused and continued to stay in the threebedroom flat on 7, Ehigiagbe Street, Ekenwan, Benin City.” Mr Osaigbovo who said he resides at Siluko Road, noted: “I usually pay my children's school fees and provide feeding money regularly, contrary to claims that I abandoned my family.” He accused the wife of making it look as if he was dead by

denying people access to him. Meanwhile, De RAUFS, a volunteer group which had indicated interest in the welfare of Daniel was at Government House, Benin City. Represented by Yinka Muyiwa, head of legal team, De RAUFS said it came to Edo State to reaffirm the scholarship it earlier gave the lad to continue his education up to university level.

DSS releases stowaway kid to Edo govt The 13-year-old Oikhena has been in the custody of DSS in Lagos before he was released to the

Edo State Government, yesterday. Meanwhile, Mrs. Oikhena, the mother of Daniel, has confirmed the return of her son to Benin. She told newsmen in Benin that she got a call, yesterday, inviting her to the state Ministry of Women of Affairs. She said: “I went to the office and was told that my child had been taken to DSS. I went there and saw Daniel. They did not allow me to touch or greet him, but he was looking good.” She said after a short session with DSS, she was asked to go and wait at the Ministry of Women Affairs.

My wife refused to move in with me “I never dreamt of going to

The suspects

How Police foiled attempt to rob pharmaceutical firm BY EVELYN USMAN, UJU MBANUSI & LINDA AMALU

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos have foiled an attempt by an eight-man robbery gang to smuggle two trucks of drugs worth over N20 million from May&Baker company in Oba Akran area of Ikeja. Surprisingly, two of the suspects were discovered to be guards attached to the company. Recovered from them were seven packs of drugged Lucozade Boost and another drugged drink which were reportedly given to other guards, in order to put them to sleep while the operation lasted. Other items recovered were five destroyed padlocks of the warehouse from where they attempted to remove the drugs, a knife, a saw, a chisel and 84 cartons of sulphorite and taxamite drugs which they allegedly succeeded in loading inside their

operational truck before they were apprehended. Parading the suspects before newsmen at the command’s headquarters, the command’s spokesman, Ngozi Braide, said information on plan to operate at May&Baker was received by the operatives on August 24, 2013. She said: “At 9 p.m, one of the suspects came in and cut the keys to the entrance of the company. Before then, they had connived with some of the guards and even gave them some poisoned juice to give to others who were not in the know. "They were promised N200,000 at the end of the operation. SARS operatives waited patiently from 6 p.m till midnight when other members of the gang came in with two empty trucks. They were caught in the act. They came with two AK-47 rifles but when they discovered that SARS operatives were around, they threw the weapons inside the warehouse. "Same time last year, same

gang struck in the same company carting away same drugs.”

How we struck One of the suspects, Olarewaju Simeon (21) stated that one James contacted him on the operation. He said: "But I told him there was need to speak with the security men before I could get them a buyer. He later came with one of the security men who demanded N1 million. At the end, we agreed to pay the security man N200,000. So we fixed August 24 for the operation. "He later came with two other security men who said there was need to carry others along because there were over 20 guards in that premises which houses about six companies. "I told them not to worry that we would add Rophinal into Lucozade Boost which would make them fall asleep. That night, before we left, they informed us that the people had

slept off, that we should come. "When I went inside, I cut the keys. But later, three other people came and said I must pay N2 million because of the number of cartons I intended to carry. I agreed. But while loading, we heard sporadic gun shots. All I did was raise my hands, informing the policemen that we were not armed.

We carried out last year’s operation "We were not armed because we never expected to have any confrontation because those who could have raised alarm were already asleep. "We were also responsible for last year’s operation at the warehouse. That operation was successful because the guards were also involved. We were six in number and at the end of the day, I got N1 million. My share for this foiled one would have been over N1 million.”

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Jonathan promises cheaper loans for farmers BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE & EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, promised to provide very low interest loans to farmers. He made the promise while declaring open the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he also launched the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme, YEAP, designed to attract more youths into the agricultural sector. He said providing cheaper loans to farmers was part of strategies to achieve the transformation agenda of his administration in the agricultural sector. The President said: “A critical success factor to the transformation agenda for the agricultural sector is access to affordable finance for farmers and agribusinesses. “Government will continue to develop innovative financing mechanisms to make agricultural credit more affordable. “A team headed by the Finance Minister is working on how government can link up with the private sector and the Central Bank to make sure that farmers get loans at very low interest rates.”

On YEAP

Commenting on YEAP, President Jonathan said: “Agriculture as a business holds a bright future for our country, especially for the youths. Unemployment among our youths is one of the biggest challenges. “The time has come to create jobs and create a new foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth. There is need to get younger farmers, especially young graduates and young school leavers to take up agriculture as a business. “I am excited that a lot of young people now see agriculture as a viable business opportunity. In order to encourage young people and create another cadre of young dynamic and entrepreneurial commercial farmers and agro businesses, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has developed the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme. “Over the next five years this programme will see the emergence of young graduates and school leavers across the six geopolitical zones into commercial farming and agribusiness. “They will be called Nagropreneurs. These Nagropreneurs, through their businesses, will create jobs for hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths. “Let me use this opportunity to call on all young people to take advantage of this opportunity. “We are paying the huge prize for the predominant focus on our oil-led economy to the

zLaunches Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme zTargets rice sufficiency in 2015 zADB President tasks states on agric sector abandonment of agriculture. Our population is too big to depend on other nations for food importation. “This is why we must not fail in this course. Our target is to be food sufficient. By 2015, we intend to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

Agro targets, population explosion

“We have ended corruption in fertilizer distribution through private sector, who now sell directly to farmers. We have established new plants for cassava processing across the country. “Our target is not only to be a major producer of cassava processed products but a major exporter to the rest of the world. “Our national revolution plan is further intended to add value to our priorities and also to our agro processed products. We are working to reduce costs in production of agro products.” The President, who identified power as an indispensable factor in driving the economy, said that efforts were being made to reposition the power sector and assured that the ongoing deregulation of the sector will be completed before end of the year. “You cannot talk about agriculture without power, finance, fertilizer, education and gas. We are using this summit as a fulcrum to dialogue on critical issues about the economy. “The theme is most apt, especially this time the administration is determined to unlock the challenge of food sufficiency.” He debunked the claim that Nigeria is over populated, saying that the nation’s population will not explode as believed in some quarters. According to Jonathan, the administration is working hard to meet the challenges of population increase in the country.

SUMMIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), Chairman, Board of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Foluso Phillips(left) and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, at the opening of the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO. He added that a 30-year strategic plan has been unfolded by the administration to ensure security of critical infrastructure across the country. This, he said, was part of ongoing efforts to guarantee steady growth and sustainability of ongoing transformation of the economy.

ADB President

Meanwhile, President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, has called for more state support for farmers in the country. Speaking during the Presidential Dialogue session of the summit, Kaberuka commended the ongoing reforms in nation’s agricultural sector. He said to expedite the reforms, it was necessary to provide state support for farmers. The ADB boss s aid: “When the President asked me to join the Presidential Advisory Coun-

cil on Agriculture, I wanted to turn it down, because I don’t participate in such advisory councils. “There are 54 African countries, and I cannot be on the adversary council of all of them. But I concluded that this one is very important. It is not only because of Nigeria’s demographic importance, but because if we can succeed here, we can succeed elsewhere. “I have been around now for eight years in my job. I have been to oil exporting countries in Africa where you see plenty of oil, plenty of poverty, and plenty of opportunities. “Now that the leadership here is determined to do something about it, I think we must rally behind Mr. President. “The science of making agriculture work is well known. It is not rocket science. The policy framework that we need is well known, but what we need are

people that recognise that Africa must seize this opportunities of the growing population is the world, not only to feed ourselves but to be part of the agricultural value chain. “I don’t buy the idea that we should simply promote agriculture to feed ourselves. That is not the point. “I think we must now seize the opportunities in the global market. So I am exited in what you are doing here, and I support it. “I am a firm believer in free markets, but when it comes to agriculture, as long as we have an exit structure, it is a correct thing to provide state support to farmers, provided it is targeted, transitory and it has an exit plan. “And that includes having institutions that are well run, not politically run. Well ran to support the farmers." “If that is done, institutions like African Development Bank will rally behind it.”

Delegates discuss Natn'l Confab, unity, security at Uyo Summit BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & TONY NYONG

HE call for a national conference, stability and security of the nation were some of the issues that came to the front burner, yesterday, at the political summit organised by the Nigerian Consensus Group underway in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. Delegates from all parts of the country stressed the need for the unity of Nigeria to be strengthened. They also made a case for the

enthronement of equity, justice, security and peace for positive socio-economic and political development. They said President Goodluck Jonathan should convene a national conference urgently, so that the 394 ethnic nationalities can sit down and agree on the terms of living together in peace and harmony. Prominent Nigerians, who attended the summit yesterday included Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief

Mbazulike Amaechi and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah. Others are Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, Mr. Michael Orobator, Mrs Annkio Briggs, Chief Maxi Okwu, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Dr. Yinusa Tanko, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Charles Nwodo, Ado Ibrahim and Senator Isa Kachako. There were also Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Professor Ishaq

Akintola, Mrs Josephine Anenih, Mrs Annkio Briggs, Ahmad Aminu, Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN), Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Professor Kimse Okoko, Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Guy Ikokwu and Bala Zakka. Dr. Mani Ahmad, Farouk Umar, Professor Nat Aniekan, Mr. Yahaya Ndu, Chief Maxi Okwu, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Ambrose Owuru, Senator Dangana Ndayako and Hajia Ramatu Bala Usman, among others, were also there.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—9

Suntai drags Taraba Speaker, lawmakers to court zIt's a little quarrel, settled— PDP zWe told ourselves the truth— Dep Gov BY SONI DANIEL, IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & JOHN MKOM

BUJA— GOVERNOR Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, yesterday, commenced a legal action against the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for refusing to allow him resume duties as governor after his return from medical treatment abroad. Suntai, who was previously incapacitated to carry out his official duties sequel to his involvement in a plane crash, in an originating motion he filed before Taraba State High Court, Jalingo, accused the state legislature of attempting to usurp his position and constitutional powers. Suntai had on August 26, transmitted a letter to the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, notifying him of his return after a 10-month absence and his readiness to take over his office as governor. However, his request was rejected on the premise that the letter ought to be deliberated upon by the House of Assembly before a decision could be reached on it.

Acting Gov

Accordingly, the state House of Assembly directed that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Garba, whom it had declared acting Governor, should continue to exercise the powers of governor pending a resolution of the House on Suntai’s letter. Dissatisfied with the action of the legislature, Suntai, in a suit filed through his lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), yesterday, maintained that his letter notifying the Speaker and the House of his return and intention to take over was not subject to the exercise of their discretion to accept or reject, saying it is “mandatory” for them to do so.

The suit Specifically, he urged the court

to determine “whether by virtue of Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the 1st and 2nd Defendants can by press release or debate, interfere with, do anything whatsoever in connection with or in relation to the letter transmitted by the Plaintiff to the 1st Defendant pursuant to the said Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). “Whether the 1st and 2nd Defendants can debate the letter of Plaintiff, dated August 26, transmitted to the 1st Defendant and, by press release, direct that the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, should continue in office as Acting Governor of Taraba State till Plaintiff is declared medically fit to resume office having regard to the provision of Section 190(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

‘My letter mandatory'

He is also urging the court to “declare that the letter of the Plaintiff dated August 26, transmitted to the 1st Defendant is absolute, mandatory, immutable and cannot be debated or contradicted by any means whatsoever as the 1st and 2nd Defendants lack any discretion and that upon transmission of the said letter, Plaintiff has automatically assumed his powers and responsibilities as Governor of Taraba State.” Besides, he wants the court to declare that by virtue of Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the 1st and 2nd Defendants cannot by press release or debate, interfere with, do anything in connection with or in relation to the letter transmitted by the Plaintiff to the 1st Defendant pursuant to the said Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). “A declaration that the 1st and 2nd Defendants’ press release of

August 29 or any other date whatsoever directing that the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Umar Garba, should continue as Acting Governor of Taraba State is null and void, ultra vires and constitutionally void and of no effect whatsoever.” Accordingly, he is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants from debating, interfering with, doing anything in connection with or in relation to the letter transmitted by the Plaintiff to the 1st Defendant pursuant to Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

PDP intervenes

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made a spirited effort, yesterday, to reconcile the ailing governor of the state with his Deputy, Umar, who has acted as governor since October last year. The party held a successful consultation with the different factions in the state’s raging political crisis and pleaded with them to give peace a chance by allowing the governor to recover fully from his medical condition. The Hope Uzodinma Factfinding Committee, which was empaneled by the party’s leadership, flew into Jalingo in the morning and was able to meet with the critical parties, including Suntai, his wife, Hauwa, acting governor, Umar and members of the state House of Assembly before arriving at a political solution to the crisis. Although the seven-member panel met Suntai in secret, they later held a session with others at the Governor ’s Office, Jalingo, before making known their verdict on the crisis, which accentuated with the attempt by Suntai’s loyalists to take over the mantle of leadership from Umar following the return of Suntai.

...arrives at decision

VISIT: From left— Mr. Paul Olanrewaju, Director-General, Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association; Ibrahim Igomu, Chairman, Nigerian Textile Garments and Tailoring Employers Association; Sen. Walid Jibril, leader of the delegation from Textile Manufacturers Association, and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during a courtesy call on the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

The committee aligned with the position canvassed by the state House of Assembly and the representatives of the state in the National Assembly that while Suntai remains the governor, the Deputy Governor, Umar, must continue to act pending when Suntai would recover from his condition. The bitter struggle between forces loyal to the two political leaders in the state led to the sack of the State Executive Council by the governor’s supporters. The situation forced the state House of Assembly to openly

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State. oppose the takeover of the administration by Suntai’s men. They promptly asked the ailing governor to return to the United States and seek further medical attention, while Umar continues with the running of the state’s affairs. However, after a closed-door meeting with the stakeholders in Government House for about two hours, Senator Uzodima announced that the acting governor would continue to hold the fort for Suntai, who remains the governor. Uzodima, who played down on the problem in the state since the return of Suntai, said that the state was merely involved in what he called “little quarrel” and nothing more.

It’s settled — PDP C’ttee Chair

He said: “We had a little quarrel in the state, but not crisis as some people may describe it. We met with Governor Suntai and discovered he is getting better by the day. “He (Suntai) has also agreed that Umar should continue to run the state in acting capacity and we all agreed with him. “Umar, the acting governor will be running the government in serious consultations with Suntai and we urge all of you to support him to succeed in the onerous task.” Umar told journalists that he was grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the original PDP for taking urgent steps to resolve the crisis. He restated his commitment to work in strict collaboration with Suntai, particularly on matters of politics and the development of the state. Umar said: “Today we have been able to tell ourselves the truth and we have been able to resolve all the differences.” On the dissolution of the State Executive Council by Suntai, Umar said: “I am still in consultations with my boss and I will communicate to you on the issue after our consultations.” The governor and his deputy were expected to hold the consultations last night and the out-

come made public today.

Participants

Umar and the Secretary to the Government, Gavey Yawe, had earlier received members of the team at the Jalingo Airport before leading to the crucial meeting with stakeholders at the Government House. Before the arrival of the team, Suntai’s wife, Hauwa, had touched down at the Jalingo Airport with chattered plane marked No.5N-BMR at about 10am. Another hired private plane, No.9H-ZAT, Hawker 900, with members of the National Assembly from the state, also touched down at exactly 10:25 am. The NASS members on the team were Sen. Abubakar Tutare, representing Taraba Central; Jerry Mamwe, representing Karim-Lamido; Lau, Aldo-Kola Federal Constituency; Aminu Male, representing Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency and Ibrahim Tukur, representing Gashaka, Kurmi and Sadauna Federal Constituency. However, in spite of the intervention of the PDP fact-finding mission, the Senator representing Taraba South, Sen. Bwacha, and a close ally of Suntai, had maintained that members of the House of Assembly should respect the position of the law regarding the letter transmitted to them by the governor.

Police boss sued

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been urged to compel the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the letter sent by the Governor Suntai to the Taraba State House of Assembly, indicating his readiness to resume duty. In the suit, No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 593/13, filed by Falana Chambers on behalf of Haruna Daniel and Bako Ojoda against the police boss, and Taraba State House of Assembly, they also asked the court to compel the lawmakers to equally constitute a committee to investigate the state of the Governor’s health before he resumes duty. No date has been fixed for the suit.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Support APC for progress, LCDA boss tells Nigerians

HAIRMAN OF Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos, RasaK Adeniy, has said All Progressives Party, APC, will transform the country when voted into power in 2015, calling on Nigerians to rally round the party to save the nation from further retrogression. He equally assured members in the LCDA that APC structure is fully on ground and that they should queue behind the existing structure pending when a broader meeting will be held, noting that .APC was now a bigger family including All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and a part of All of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA. At a briefing, he said “One of the ingredients for peace and unity in our society is to work under party leadership that is popularly elected and accepted by the populace. The party Chairman in my Local Government is Hon. Rasak Ogunleye with members of the of the Executive, during the flag-off ceremony of our great party, we all trooped out, having worked assiduously for the success of the merger arrangement.”

SUMMIT: From left, Country Managing Director, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Director, Real Sector, Mrs. Juliet Anammah, and Marketing Lead, Mr. Segun Olalandu, all of Accenture Nigeria, at the opening of Nigeria Economic Summit, in Abuja, yesterday.

Sue NSCDC, Fashola orders OPD BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & have been polluted by oil ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH spill from the Nigerian Na-

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday gave a marching order to the Office of the Public Defender, OPD, to take legal action against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, for allegedly arresting eight residents of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area LCDA, whose wells were found to

tional Petroleum Corporation, NNPC pipeline in the area. It would be recalled that NSCDC officials, last week, allegedly invaded the buildings at No.17 and 30 Aminatu Ilo Street, in Ejigbo LCDA, and arrested eight persons, including a landlord and his wife, a pregnant woman on the suspicion that they dug their well to the level of oil pipeline which runs through

DANA CENOTAPH: Lagos govt compensates

5 landlords BY MONSUR OLOWOPEJO

Nigeria’s US aviation Category 1 status well deserved — NCAA BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

IGERIA CIVIL Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday, said Nigeria was awarded United States’ Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Category I status by United States of America in 2009 because of NCAA’s full compliance with international civil aviation safety standard. Director General of NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, explained this at the second Annual Seminar for Federal High Court Judges on Civil Aviation Law in Lagos.

the area. The governor through the Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, had, weekend, condemned the alleged unwarranted arrest and urged the victims to institute legal action against NSCDC. He noted that the “illegal arrest” was carried out without proper investigation. However, Fashola, who frowned seriously at what he termed “indiscriminate arrest of innocent citizens.” A team of the OPD, led by

AGOS — Lagos State Government, yester day, compensated five landlords whose lands were acquired by the government for the construction of the Dana Cenotaph in Iju-Ishaga, IfakoIjaiye Local Government Area of the state. This came barely three months after Governor Babatunde Fashola unveiled the cenotaph, to mark the one year anniversary of the ill fated Dana plane crash of June 3rd, 2012. The acquired land, according to the government measured 2,834.917 square metres. The beneficiaries are: Mr. Isaac Aduroja, Pastor Daniel Omowumi, Pastor Ezekiel Akin-Jesu, Alhaja Ramota Akinwusi and Alhaji Wahab

Oshinaya. Although the government did not disclose the amount paid to the landlords, vanguard gathered that over N20 million was paid to the landlords to part with their lands. Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who handed over the cheques to the owners at his office in Alausa Secretariat, said the fund was approved by the state governor, on the basis of the prevailing fair market value within the neighborhood where the cenotaph had been erected. Muri-Okunola said : “The compensation was paid in accordance with the fair market value for a plot of land in the local government, which is valued between N4 to N5million.”

its Director, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, visited the affected area on Monday to interact with the people arrested by NSCDC. She also faulted the arrest, disclosing that the governor had directed OPD to take up legal action against the NSCDC, explaining that OPD had since secured the release of the arrested persons, but would be suing for damages. The OPD director spoke with the owners of the two houses who claimed that they informed Ejigbo Police Station when they first noticed that substance suspected to be fuel was coming out of their wells instead of water. They claimed the Police took them to NNPC office to make an official report, stressing that NNPC officials came to take samples from the well and sealed it off with the promise that they would return on Monday, August 26, 2013. But on Saturday, August 24,according to them,NSCDC came to arrest them and all pleas to them that the matter had been officially reported to the appropriate quarters fell on deaf ears.

OFAAC to disburse 5th phase of micro-credit to 500 beneficiaries

HE ORGANISATION for the Ad vancement of Anioma Culture, OFAAC, the cultural umbrella body of Anioma people, in Delta State, will tomorrow present cheques for the organisation’s fifth microcredit loan scheme to over 500 beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are drawn from the nine local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District. The event will hold at the Orchid Hotels, Asaba. The President of the Organisation, Kester Ifeadi, in a statement, said the initiative, in partnership with Main Street

Bank, since five years ago, had helped to boost small scale businesses within Anioma communities. The repayment rate of loan disbursed has been very encouraging with over 95 per cent recorded, a good picture of credit worthiness among the people. “It gladdens my heart to note that OFAAC’s little effort through its microcredit programme is contributing to the growth of rural businesses, employment of Anioma people for poverty reduction and invariably reduced inequalities,” Ifeadi said.

Vanguard WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 11

Cracks in Ogun APC as CPC backs out of Abuja planned protest BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — A major crack has occurred in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State as the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, dissociated itself from the planned

protest in Abuja today against the party’s guidelines for the state harmonisation committee of the party. The defunct CPC in the state while briefing newsmen at the party secretariat, Abeokuta, yesterday, said it was satisfied with the recommended guide-

lines on the harmonisation of the state APC committee, urging the faction to desist from such move. State chairman of the defunct CPC, Mr. Oluwole Smith, alleged that a faction in the new party had been commissioned by

ROLL-OUT: From left, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Group Managing Director/ CEO, ipNX Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ejovi Aror; Special Adviser, Bureau of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Jegede; and Executive Director, Finance, ipNX, Mrs. Bimpe Olaleye, during the ground breaking for the Fibre Optic Network Roll-out (Phase 1A), in Ado-Ekiti.

some politicians to protest harmonisation of the APC committee. According to Smith, “as the authentic CPC caucus in APC Ogun State, we want to say without mincing words that, this group in APC has no hand in the ‘rally’ being planned by some people from Ogun State, in Abuja, against the recommended guidelines by the national interim executive towards harmonisation of legacy parties into APC committee at the state level. “With this statement, we hereby wash our hands off the unholy and uncalled-forrally which we regard as unprogressive and retrogressive in its entirety. “We view this planned protest as callous, unwarranted and undemocratic. “For too long we have been kicked around by politicians who think the only way they can oil their wheels of selfaggrandisement is to keep us back when progress is being made.” Attempts to get reactions from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state was unsuccessful. When the Publicity Secretary of defunct ACN, Mr. Sola Lawal, was contacted, he promised to get back, but at the time of this report, he had not.

PDP crisis can destroy Nigeria — Gov Aliyu BY WOLE MOSADOMI

IGER STATE governor, Dr. Muazu Aliyu has warned that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has assumed a dangerous dimension and if not swiftly addressed is capable of destroying Nigeria. The governor at a meeting, yesterday, with the PDP stakeholders, in Minna, to inform them of what transpired at the party’s National Convention in Abuja, argued that the challenges confronting the ruling party would not only affect it, but the nation as well. Recalling some of the political developments and the crisis that engulfed the party’s special National Convention that resulted in seven governors including himself walking out of the venue to form a splinter PDP, new PDP, nPDP, weekend, he faulted the situation where persons at the helms of affairs intimidated and forced their personal opinions on the people without giving room for dialogue and negotiation. According to Aliyu, “even though there are issues, they should be discussed and every one carried along.

“In a situation where one person wants his opinion to over rule others, there will be issues. But, when you persuade them, they will see reasons and accept what you said. “That is the only way for which democracy can thrive in the nation. “If dialogue fails, we must give room for wounds to heal.

This gathering is to inform you of what happened in Abuja. Though efforts are on by elders of the party to resolve the impasse with the leaders of the PDP and as soon as they are through, we will also let you know the outcome of their meeting.” Earlier, state Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Abdulrahaman Enagi

told the governor at the meeting, attended by representatives of the state at both the upper and lower Houses of the National Assembly, that the State was solidly in support of any position taken by the governor even as stakeholders await the outcome of the elders’ meeting.

Mimiko warns new commissioners over social pressure BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE — GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, yesterday, sworein two new commissioners, warning them not to allow social pressure to derail them. The two commissioners are Mrs. Nike Ademujimi and Ogundeji Iroju, represent Okitipupa and Odigbo council areas of the state respectively. Dr. Mimiko said his administartion had zero toler-

ance for corruption and that the new commissioners should avoid undue pressures from politicians. He asked them to abide by the principles of transparency and accountability, the hallmarks of his administration. The governor said the new commissioners should ensure that resources of the state were not wasted and should ensure continuous generation of revenue by their ministries. Mimiko pointed out that his administration required hard work, honour and integrity in

the discharge of their duties. The governor told them that they should work as a team with other commissioners and were not competing for anything, but to co-operate and achieve the overall objective of government. He said they were expected to work towards the continous transformation of the state. Mrs. Ademujimi was appointed Commissioner for Commerce and Industries while Iroju was named Commissioner for Employment and Productivity.

Fayemi assures of uninterrupted broadband services in Ekiti

ESIDENTS, VISITORS and investors in Ekiti State will in the next few weeks begin to enjoy uninterrupted broadband services as the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, kicked off the first phase of the Optical Fibre Cable laying project for Ado Ekiti, the state capital. When completed, AdoEkiti will be the fourth city after Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to have the digital facility. Speaking after kickstarting the laying of the fibre optic cable at the Fajuyi Park, Governor Fayemi said his campaign promise to transform the state to a digital hub was not a gimmick but a step to make it possible for the state to join the world of information technology super highway and make the state the number one choice for people to live, work and play.

‘Guinea worm free Nigeria to be certified December’ BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN — MINISTER of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday, in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the World Health Organisation, WHO, certification that Nigeria was now free from Guinea worm disease, will come in December. The minister who spoke at international symposium on “Global Perspective in Emerging Diseases,” organised by the University of Ibadan in honour of a medical icon, Emeritus Professor Oladapo Olujimi Akinkugbe who clocked 80 years, reiterated that President Goodluck Jonathan administration had eradicated Guinea worm disease in the country. WHO’s supervision team was in Nigeria for more than three weeks trying to see anybody infected by the disease but it found none.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Etsako monarchs beg for Ozekhome’s release BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

UCHI—CLOSE to two weeks af-ter Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, was kidnapped on the Benin–Auchi highway, his people in Iviukwe community, Agenebode, in Wepa Wano clan of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, are still fasting and praying to God to touch those still holding him in captivity to release him unhurt. Chairman of Etsako East council, Mr. Suleiman Afegbua, who was in Ivieukwe to commiserate with the community on the abduction of their illustrious son, said: “We have been praying and to give words of encouragement and advice to the family, that is why we are here. “We also paid a courtesy call on the Okumagbe of Wepa Wano with his chiefs, urging them to pray for the quick release of our illustrious son. We had gone to mosques and churches before then and on Sunday, we were in two or three churches for prayers, so, also on Friday in the two mosques in Okpella and Agenebode. “We are still calling on God, at this time, to touch the hearts of the kidnappers to release our son untouched because we are really

worried as it is taking too long as it is the best thing to do. just as he appealed to security and we are urging the security “Nigerians and indeed the Ni- operatives to change their stratagents to beef up security and exgeria Bar Association should egies to ensure that they are pedite whatever strategies they rise up to this call to ensure that equal to the task of protecting the have to secure his release.” he is not harmed in any way and citizenry. On the situation in Iviukwe that he is released even without Also speaking, a Communicacommunity, he said: “We are in a demanding for money because tion expert and Senior Lecturer sober mood because he is known if you intend to do an evil thing in the Department of Mass Comto all of us and because if this or you are in the process of car- muication, Auchi Polytechnic, had happened to any eminent rying it out and you change your Auchi, Dr. John Edemode, depersonality in that community, we mind, you have done a good scribed as very unfortunate and know the role he would have thing as far as God is concerned. a contradiction that a man, who played. He is a man who, by now, He will give you credit for that.” had spent the better part of his would have gone to the streets to He commended the Edo State life defending human rights protest the kidnap. So, that is the governor, Mr Adams Oshiom- abuses and staking his life to same thing we are doing for him hole for what he has done so far defend others could be kidbecause we are all worried.” to improve security in the state, napped. Meanwhile, the Edo North traditional rulers have also called on the kidnappers to release him unconditionally. Chairman of Edo North Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM, Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday in his Palace, said : “The traditional rulers in Edo North are pleading with the kidnappers VISIT: From left: HRM, Eruvwedede III, the Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom; Olorogun O' to release him imme- tega Emerhor, APC Delta Central senatorial aspirant; HRM, Oharisi III, Ovie of Ughelli diately. This should Kingdom; HRM Ovie of Ogor Kingdom and HRM Richard Okorefe I, Ovie of Agbarhanot have happened. Otor Kingdom, during a consultative visit by Emerhor to the Ughelli North Traditional They should release Rulers Council at the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom.

Why we are mum over Amaechi-Jonathan feud —IYC

...as kinsmen bemoan abduction BY EMMA ARUBI

ARRI—KINSMEN of abducted lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, have said that his continued stay in captivity was giving them and other well meaning Nigerians, grave concern and depression and appealed for his unconditional release. Appealing under the aegis of Iviukwe Community Development Association, ICDA, Warri branch, Delta State, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Iboamoh Amianoghena, yesterday, the people said Chief Ozekhome had fought doggedly against past military administrations and even in the current democratic dispensation for the liberation and rights of the common man.

Delta Central bye-election: Urhobo urged to pick credible candidate BY GODWIN

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—THE Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, yesterday, advanced reasons for its silence over the lingering political feud between Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and the President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the feud was a distraction from the sufferings of the Ijaw ethnic settlements in the state. A member of the Ijaw youth body and former Secretary-General of the group, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, in an interview in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said though the feud between the President and Amaechi was considered a master-boy disagreement, IYC’s silence was due to its bottled-up anger against the actions and poor policies of the River State Government against the Ijaw ethnic group in the state. The Rivers government, according to Eradiri, had not been fair to

the ethnic nationalities with the mass demolition of their homes on the waterfronts and throwing Ijaw families into a state of despair and suffering. Eradiri said: “The Ijaw youths have observed the reported feud between Amaechi and President Jonathan with amusement. IYC is an interested party and supports Jonathan. But we have observed that the crisis is a distraction from the core issues of poor governance and sufferings of the Ijaw in Rivers State. “We are silent because we know the genesis of the crisis. We know that this is a feud between the master and his boy. This has gone too far and the President should be left alone and be allowed to resolve it. The Ijaw people are suffering in Rivers State. The Ijaw areas in Rivers State are suffering from under-development. We are not happy about it.”

OGHRE APELE—A LAWYER, Chief Andi Osawota, has urged the people of Delta Central senatorial district to ensure that they select a resourceful and credible person to replace the late Senator Pius Ewherido in the forth coming bye-election in the senatorial district. He also said that among the aspirants, who have declared for the seat, he is the best. Osawota, who gave the charge yesterday, in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state, said he had given adequate information to the people and enough notices to relevant authorities in the state and beyond that only a credible and resourceful candidate will take off from where Chief Ewherido stopped and that he was not only the most qualified among the aspirants but ready to contest the election if adopted to do so by his political party, Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

NMA canvasses creation of surgeongeneral's office

PDP crisis 'll not break Nigeria — Gov Orji

BY ANAYO OKOLI BY CHIOMA OBINNA & VICTORIA OJEME

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, yesterday, declared that the crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would not disintegrate Nigeria, describing it as normal politicking ahead of election year. According to him, since Nigeria did not disintegrate during the civil war, it will not disintegrate now. Governor Orji spoke to newsmen after he arrived from Abuja where series of meetings were held by leaders of PDP over the lingering crisis in the party. Orji said: “Nigeria will not disintegrate. If Nigerian did not disintegrate during the civil war, it cannot disintegrate right now.” He described the crisis in the party as normal in politics, and expressed the hope that it would soon be resolved, noting that it would even make the party stronger.

Commissioner tasks community on security

NUGU State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Emeka Abugu, has urged the people of Olido in Igboeze Local Government of the state to brace up to the new security challenges facing the area by rallying support for organs that can restore sanity to the community. Abugu spoke while addressing the traditional rulers and leaders of the community following recent threats to security of lives and property in Olido Autonomous Community. He was at the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Higness, Igwe Augustine Agashi, where he warned that the only way to reverse the present ugly trend in the hitherto, peaceful community was for all concerned to pool resources together to fight the evil forces now plaguing the inhabitants.

T SEND FORTH—From left: Ms Titi Jolaoso, Financial Controller, Vanguard Newspapers; Mr Sheriff Ayinde and Mr Samuel Iroegbulam, Accountant, during a send forth in honour of Mr Sheriff Ayinde, Assistant Accountant, organised by committee of friends at the Vanguiard Canal, weekend.

Okorocha backpedals on abortion law BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha, yesterday, bowed to superior fire power of the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, over the controversial abortion law. The governor, who retraced his steps when he addressed members of the State House of Assembly, appealed to the lawmakers to immediately commence the process of expunging the offending sections of the obnoxious law. Okorocha said: “I have always loved children. I fell for this law as soon as I saw the safeguards it contained for the protection of our women.” According to the governor, a law is as good as the acceptability by the people for which it was made. He used the opportunity to appeal to the lawmakers to repeal the offending sections of the law. “I make this appeal because my political opponents are waiting patiently for the outcome of this

unfortunate abortion saga. It is not worth the trouble to keep this law longer than necessary.” He said the law unfortunately touched on the sensibility of church leaders, who he claimed, remained the pillars of his administration. Before anchoring his speech on the abortion law, the governor had earlier given a run down of what he termed “the successes of my administration in the past two years and half”. While saying government had already released N5 billion to the contracting firm handling the Akachi Towers, Okorocha, however, expressed regret that the project had suffered some setbacks. The governor explained: “Over 350 kilometres of rural roads have been tarred. All projects started by this administration will be completed within the tenure of this administration.”

Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Donatus Ozoemena, who also superintended over the day’s sitting, said the House was roundly misunderstood by the citizenry. Ozoemena said: “We had the noblest of intention when we passed the Bill. It went through the processes of law making. We promise to repeal this law to conform to the wishes of Imo people.” Vanguard recalls that this vexatious law was signed by Okorocha since May 29, 2012, and remained silent until Dr. Phillip Njemanze drew the attention of Archbishop Obinna to it. Addressing newsmen last Friday, Archbishop Obinna not only demanded that the offending abortion law be repealed but had also held a meeting with his priests to strategize on how to battle the anti-life legislation.

Minister asks engineers to monitor local content compliance in contracts BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA—THE Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, yesterday, challenged the Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, to ensure effective monitoring of construction firms handling major projects in the country. This is with a view to compelling them to engage Nigerian engineers in line with the local content policy of the federal government.

Ishaku, who said this at a maiden lecture organised by Institute of Appraisers and Cost Engineers, revealed that the Federal Government in its determination to provide jobs for engineers, always attached specific numbers of engineers to be employed by the contractor handling a particular project. He said it was the duty of the Nigerian Society of Engineers to monitor activities of the building and construction industry to enforce compliance

with government’s local content policy as it affected the profession. The minister, who was honoured with an award of excellence for his contribution to the field of cost engineering in Nigeria, said government was doing its best to promote the course of engineering profession in the country. According to him, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan is already doing something, with regards to provision of jobs.

HE Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has called on the Federal Government to create office of Surgeon-General to determine fitness of public officers rendered incapacitated either by illhealth or accidents. NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, made the call at a briefing against the backdrop of crisis trailing the assumption of office by Taraba State governor, Danbaba Suntai, who arrived the country about two weeks ago after 10 months of medical treatment in Germany and United States. According to him, the current political crisis in Taraba State would have been avoided had the office of the Surgeon-General existed to conduct an independent assessment of the fitness of the governor. He said existence of office of a Surgeon-General would have saved the nation the embarrassment and distress caused by the crisis in Taraba State.

Enugu to become oil producing state BY CHINENYEH OZOR S U K K A — FOLLOWING the rich oil wells at Iggah in Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State, President Goodluck Jonathan has offered to designate the state an oil producing area in the country. Chairman, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council, Cornel Onwubuya, announced this at a town hall meeting where he presented a score card of his administration in the past 20 months. Onwubuya noted that President Jonathan in a meeting with stakeholders from the area in Abuja promised to designate the local government area as an oil producing entity.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—15

Military in manhunt for remnants of Boko Haram members BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA—FOLLOWING the strategy of soft and isolated attacks on innocent citizens in villages in the North by Boko Haram terrorists, the military has launched a manhunt for remnants of the terrorist group. Vanguard gathered that the seventh division of the Nigerian Army with headquarters in Maiduguri is spearheading the manhunt with headquarters at Mongonu, Yola, and the MultiNational Joint Task Force, Baga, as well as the battalion in Yobe, all working in synergy to stop the isolated attacks. Sources told Vanguard that among the tactics to be employed in dealing with the menace of the terrorists, said to be leader-less at present, is to lay siege for them. It would be recalled that Boko Haram terrorists have carried out isolated attacks on unsuspecting villagers, despite the demise of its top two top leaders. A security source speaking under condition of anonymity said the unco-ordinated attacks was on-going as there was no longer a central command for the terrorists, adding that the problem of vacuum created by the deaths of their leaders was beginning to manifest. The source said: “The lack of a succession plan, owing to the fact that troops of the Nigerian military have either snuffed life out of their next generation leaders during the dislodgement of the camps in the Sambisa Forests and Gwozar Hills, among other hideouts, is a pointer to disintegration of the group.” Consequently, the source said a directive had been issued from the Presidency that the military should go all out for the remnant and leader-less members going about attacking, killing and robbing isolated villages and hamlets to try to paint a picture that Boko Haram was still a force to reckon with. Vanguard recalls that in the last few days, the sect had attacked villages in Borno State, killing scores of people, despite the dislodgement of the group from camps in the North East. No fewer than 50 people had been killed in these attacks, leading to questions about the alleged victory claimed by the military over the sect in the ongoing state of emergency and killing of Shekau. A senior military officer said: “The attack on these villages is condemnable. They are doing this as a reaction to defeat. They are engaging in desperate action to draw attention to ensure that the public still realize their

existence. “But with the level of cooperation we are receiving from members of the public, such attacks would soon be over. “Two factors are largely responsible for the terrorist attacks on those villages in Borno State; one, terrorists operate by cells, with orders coming from the centre and until the same centre gives a contrary command or order, there is no looking back by the cells. “With the death of Shekau and Bama, there is no succession plan

hence they are in disarray and there is no one to give another command to those cells again. “Two, some of the remnants who are aware of the defeat are fighting hard to draw attention of sympathy to themselves. “This is why you are hearing all those pockets of attacks but we are after every one of them, they would be arrested and made to face sanction of the law. What they are doing amounts to treason and we would make sure they are

arrested.” Reminded of the amnesty promised by President Goodluck Jonathan to the group, the source said “that is the political solution but since they have rejected it, we would make sure none of them escapes. “The new Army Command is doing a lot of work in that direction although we are not interested in celebrating what the command is doing for now. At the right time, the military authorities would handle that.”

The Ovie of Olomu Kingdom and Chief Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo at the 22nd Birthday Anniversary of Delta State of Nigeria marked at the Winners Church in Warri, by the Delta State Government

Jega raises alarm over alleged campaign of calumny BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BUJA—CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, yesterday, raised the alarm over an alleged sponsored campaign of calumny against his person and a planned public display of hostility against the commission by a section of the media. Jega said those behind the alleged planned public display of hostility against INEC intended to implement their plot through rented street rallies against the leadership of the commission. In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Kayode Idowu, Jega said despite the plot, the commission was ready to conduct the 2015 general elections in the country in a free, fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the international best practices. The statement read: “The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has observed a recent campaign by partisan interests in the media to tar the reputation of its leadership, particularly the chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega."

N33bn police pension scam: EFCC gets court order to seize suspects' property BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

BUJA—A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, cleared the way for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to freeze the illicit property of two of the prime suspects in the looting of the Police Pension fund to the tune of about N33 billion. The two suspects to lose their property scattered in many locations in Lagos and Abuja, are Atiku Abubakar Kigo and Uzoma Cyril Attang, who are alleged to have used the stolen funds to acquire the assets. The commission said it got the blessing of Justice Sunday E. Aladetoyinbo of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, to take possession of the assets of the two suspects via an interim forfeiture order issued by the judge on July 30, 2013.

The order, which is pursuant to section 29 (a) and (b) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004, is expected to remain in force, pending the hearing and determination of the case of corrupt enrichment filed against them by the anti-graft agency. Both Mrs. Attang, who was an Assistant Director at the Police Pension Office between 2005 and 2008, and Kigo, who was Director of the Police Pension Office before being made Permanent Secretary, were first arraigned on March 29, 2012, on a 16-count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust before Justice Mohammed Talba of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja, alongside seven others. 46 of the attached property

situated mostly in Lagos and Abuja belong to Attang, while Kigo, whose properties had earlier been attached, had another of his plot of land at Gudu district attached. Among property traced to Attang and covered by the interim order are : a block of four flats at 3 Mama Ada Street, Alasia, Ajah, Lagos; a block of four flats at 33 Pamona Street, Sun City Estate, Abuja; Blocks of Flats at 71 Pamona Street, Sun City, Abuja; a piece of land and three bedroom duplex along Ajah- Epe expressway, Alasia – Lagos; two blocks of three bedroom duplex at 13 & 15 Adele Road, Apapa, Lagos; two units of two bedroom bungalow at Plot E148, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja; three bedroom bungalow at 44 Main Street, Sun City, Abuja; three bedroom bungalow, 8 Pomona Street, Sun

City, Abuja and five bedroom house, at 12 Olushola Agbaje Street, Lekki Phase 1,Lagos. Other are: five-bedroom house at Ikot-Nseten, Ikono, Akwa Ibom State; four-bedroom house at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State; Shops 1,2 & 3 at Garki 2 Ultra Modern Market, Abuja; Shops/Office B74 & B76,Effab Mall, Area 11,GarkAbuja; Shops E1 to E5, F6 & F7 at Oba Elegushi Market, Jakande Estate, Lekki-Lagos; Shops D11,C03,C04,C07,C08 & D02 at Effab Mall, Area 11,Garki-Abuja; Shops 174,176,185,186 &187 at Ikota Shopping Complex, Ajah, Lagos; a warehouse at 3, Nwanyinkwo Street, Ajah, Lekki, Lagos and a water factory at Industrial Estate, Idi Iroko Road, Ota, Ogun State. Also attached are some companies allegedly operated and used as conduits by Attang to siphon public funds.

16—Vanguard , WEDNESNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Kwara gov swears in new Offa LG boss

RATINGS: Jonathan scores 57% in NOI polls BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

LORIN—GOVER NOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State yesterday swore in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Prince Oluwasegun Olanipekun declared winner by Kwara State State Independent Electoral Commission, KWASIEC in the last weekend’s re-run election as the new chairman of Offa local government. It will be recalled that All Progressives Congress, APC, did not only reject the result, but on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin against the declaration of the PDP chairmanship candidate for the election as the winner of the re-run election. Performing the ceremony, Governor Ahmed charged Olanipekun to tackle the daunting security challenges facing the people of Offa and its environs.

Cuba Radio, TV festival ‘ll strenghten bilateral ties with Nigeria —Maku BY EMMA ELEBEKE

BUJA—INFORMA TION Minister Mr. Labaran Maku has said the forthcoming Radio and Television Festival in Cuba will provide avenue to strengthen partnership between Nigeria and Cuba in the area of cultural relationship and exchange of information. The Minister stated this in Abuja when the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Hugo Reni Rano visited him. He attributed the slow pace of development in developing countries to dearth of infrastructure, which he said necessitated the need for developing countries to create more outlets for information sharing and to take advantage of information and communication technology to advance their growth. Maku said: “It will be our pleasure to continue to share in this mutual relationship particularly in the field of information dissemination, exchange of information and information management between the two countries.

BUREAU CHIEF

BUJA—JONATHAN’S performance rating soared to 57 per cent last month, according to NOI Polls, citing results of its monthly opinion polls on President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance. “Latest monthly governance poll result released by NOIPolls Limited has revealed that almost 6 in 10 (57%) Nigerians approve of President Goodluck Jonathan’s job performance in the month of August 2013”, the organisation said in the report. According to the polls, August’s score indicated a 4Point increase in the job approval rating of the President from the 53 per cent rating in July and marked the highest approval rating the President has scored since January 2013. “Furthermore, same as in July, the results indicated that (42%) of Nigerians rated the performance of the current administration as average. However, there was a slight decline (2-point) in the proportion of Nigerians (36%) that had experienced some improvements in the power supply in August. The polls showed that President Jonathan’s approval rating in August was highest in

South-East (76%), North Central (70%) and South-South (66%). The highest proportion of respondents that disapproved of the President’s performance were from the NorthWest zone with 31% (28%+3%) down from 40% in July, followed by the NorthEast zone with 26% (14%+12%) down from 31% in

July. The largest number of respondents that were neutral towards the president’s performance was from the SouthWest zone with 33% up from 26% in July. In addition, more female (60%) than male (54%) respondents approve of the President’s job performance. The organisation said that the Governance Snap Poll was con-

ducted in the week of August. The results presented are the eighth in the monthly series of governance polls conducted by NOI Polls to gauge the opinions and perceptions of Nigerians regarding three crucial elements – the approval rating of the president, the performance of the current administration, and the situation of power supply in the country.

WELCOME BACK: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (middle) acknowledging cheers from supporters on his return to Minna, after he joined other party leaders to form the New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP.

Pensioners task First Bank on defunct NSITF scheme

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

AGOS—FIRST Bank pen sioners have called on management of the bank to help them retrieve members’ funds trapped in the defunct Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF scheme and the National Housing Scheme, NHS. At a briefing by its new executive in Lagos, the pensioners under the auspices of First Bank Pensioners Association of Nigeria, called on the management of the bank to review their current pension which they said had made made life difficult for them. Reading a communiqué at the end of their meeting before news men, the association’s National General Secretary, Cosmos Aligekwe said, “It is our belief that the management of First Bank is unduly playing pranks with the lives of pensioners whose collective efforts in the past brought the bank to its present glory. “We are hereby informing the bank and the general public that enough is enough. We, the retirees of First Bank have suffered enough in silence while the bank continues to go public with its fabulous profits.” However, the management of First Bank in an unsigned statement said: “Management wishes to state that First Bank of Nigeria

Limited is guided by globally acclaimed best practices in its relationship with serving and ex-staff that have been instrumental to

the success of the bank over the decades. The bank meets its obligations to its current and exstaff as at and when due, and

will continue to maintain an open door policy with all its stakeholders.”

Nigeria’s mobile app market worth over $1bn —Osamede BY MICHAEL EBOH, LAJU ARENYEKA, JONAH NWOKPOKU & PAULMETUH AGOS—THE Nigerian mo bile application market was yesterday valued at over a $1 billion (N160 billion) and also viewed as capable of addressing the unemployment challenges in the country. Speaking during a visit to Corporate Headquaters of Vanguard Newspapers, ahead of its Mobile Apps summit, scheduled to hold in Lagos, Mr. Umweni Osamede, Managing Director, 70th Precint Limited, said Nigeria’s mobile apps market was a multi-billion dollar market and if properly harnessed could position the country among the leading economies in the world. His words: “With a population of about 160 million people and less than 21 per cent smart phones penetration, the potential of the Nigeria application market is enormous. The mobile application market is a huge rev-

enue earner, especially as companies are today, putting a large chunk of their advertising spend on digital media.” He explained that if encour-

aged and supported, application developers would position Nigeria to tap from the about $50 billion global mobile application market.

Why Akwa Ibom lawmakers are not fighting Akpabio —Speaker

YO—THE Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon has said the reasons why the state lawmakers are not fighting with the executive arm of government is that the interest of both arms of government is to meet the yearnings of the people, the electorate in the state, and not their personal interests. His words: “As a State House of Assembly, the lawmakers try to ensure that legal and financial frameworks for smooth administration of the state is laid, not to look for problems where we can confront the executive and

make gains from it. ” Speaking while declaring open a three-day workshop organised by the House on Parliamentary Reporting for Reporters covering the House, Ikon said: “We are in partnership with an administration that is people oriented, an administration that goes out of its way to ensure the yearnings of the peoples are met. That accounts for the synergy, peace and cooperation you have seen between the executive and the legislative arms because we have the same goals and objectives.”

Who’s afraid of Madam Due Process? T

HE nature of governance in Nigeria has changed and it can only get better, thanks to increased mobile phone and internet penetration and the ‘almighty’ social media! In the hype of the 2011 elections, quite a few government officials opened social media accounts. Mr President had declared his intention to run on Facebook; the first African President to do so. His Facebook wall was full of praises, words of commendation and encouragement and lots of words of wisdom and advice on how to make Nigeria better. One year in, Nigerians were not smiling. His wall had become a gallery for insults and Ministers like Bolaji Abdullahi had made a quick u-turn from platforms like Twitter.

Social media The reason was simple - social media is bi-directional. You speak, we respond. It’s not TV or radio where you tell your side of the story and citizens can’t ask questions or engage. Engagement is fantastic in theory but very hard to practice. There are approximately five million Nigerians (in Nigeria) on Facebook. 10 per cent of that number is more than read all Nigerian newspapers on any given day. The reach is incredible and with that, I’ve probably just justified the millions being wasted on Facebook adverts to promote Mrs Allison-Madueke

Responsive governance

47 countries in Sub Saharan Africa including Nigeria and now, as a Senior Economic Adviser to a number of Presidents and their cabinets in Africa through the Open Society Foundation’s Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative. Like clockwork, every time she challenges those in government by demanding accountability, every attempt is made to malign her name and discredit her integrity. Never with facts but insinuations; regardless, she doesn’t shy away from insisting that those we have elected to serve us must be accountable. In her words, “Is it not a tragedy

Like clockwork, every time she challenges those in government by demanding accountability, every attempt is made to malign her name and discredit her integrity

as the savior of Nigeria’s oil industry, but that’s an expose for another day. Nature abhors a vacuum. Social media is full of Nigerians who have questions and want to learn. For a lot of young people who believe governance in Nigeria can be better, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili is a mentor and role model. She periodically tweets with the hashtag #PublicPolicy101 sharing lessons from her time in government, at the World Bank providing economic policy advice and development funding for the C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—17 headlines was the reference she note that the National Assembly made to “the squandering of the budget, as a statutory transfer, is significant sum of $45 billion in a first line deduction before foreign reserve account and funds are allocated to ministries, another $22 billion in the Excess departments and agencies Crude Account being direct (MDAs). The response followed savings from increased earnings from oil that the Obasanjo January’s pattern - her claims administration handed over to were said to be false but no facts the successor government in were given. The Senate Leader 2007.” Full page adverts were Victor Ndoma-Egba said, “I don’t taken to respond to her and she know how she arrived at the was called a liar. She then figure. But what is allocated to challenged anyone in the National Assembly is known government to a public debate to to the public. It is another attempt discuss her assertions. The to blackmail the National natural participants would have Assembly.” The Chairman of the been the Minister of Finance, the House Committee on Media, Director-General of the Budget Zakari Mohammed had this to Office and the Central Bank say, “She just made a blank Governor. None of them took her statement. She has to do it in up on the challenge, though the specifics. The entire National House of Representatives Assembly spends about N150 billion annually on staff salary, lawmakers’ emoluments, support staff and all that. That is for both the Senate and the House of Representatives. That is why she should get her facts right.” Needless to say, neither one of them had bothered to do their own research to realize they were actually confirming her assertions. In turn, she responded by requesting for a public hearing on their budgetary allocation and remuneration.

that we make it seem that asking that the right be done in governance is sacrilegious? More tragic is conveying the impression that it is “saintly” to simply do the right things. No it is not! It simply shows decency in a just society.” On January 24, she was at her alma mater - University of Nigeria, Nsukka to give the 42nd Convocation Lecture titled “The Wealth and Poverty of a Nation: Who Will Restore the Dignity of Nigeria?” The lecture raised fundamental issues about why Nigeria is a resource-rich poor

c o u n t r y, stating, “Resource wealth has tragically reduced your nation- my nation- to a mere parable of prodigality. Nothing undignifies nations and their citizens like selfinflicted failure. Our abundance of oil, people Dr. Oby Ezekwesili a n d geography should have worked favorably promised to host a public hearing and placed us on the top echelons on her claims. It is yet to happen. of the global economic ladder by The most recent incident is from now.” a lecture she gave on Monday, She then challenged the August 19, as the keynote graduating students to “...create speaker at a civil society a new political context in which roundtable on “Cost of citizens’ demand for good Governance.” She spoke about governance and accountability our unsustainable economic begins to compel those who structure and used budgetary govern to persistently make allocations & transfers to the choices that will more likely National Assembly in her improve the outcomes of discussion on the management economic management for the of public finance. Using publicly larger number of Nigerians. You available data, she showed that have the tools needed for massive the National Assembly had spent political and civic education of over 1 trillion naira since 2005 your illiterate peers on the (see table). She also referenced importance of political rights and The Economist article of July 18, participation in the political which stated that at a basic salary process.” of N2.55 million per month, our While this was the essence of lawmakers were the highest paid her lecture, what made the in the world! It is important to

While not one to shy away from a challenge, she is also very particular that this fight for responsible and responsive governance is for all of us, especially young people who make up over half of Nigeria’s population. Given the fact that most of the active users of social media are young Nigerians, she is definitely speaking to the right audience. Anyone who demands accountability and transparency must also be ready to answer questions of which they are the subject. It was, therefore, not surprising when she was challenged to disclose her salary when she was in government since she was demanding same of members of the National Assembly. An interesting exchange on Twitter ensued: It is the right of every citizen to ask questions and expect answers from the custodians of our common wealth. Yes, with Nigeria’s military history and the layering of culture and religion that makes it disrespectful to challenge those in authority, it is sometimes very difficult for people to grasp the idea that rights and responsibilities of citizenship demands engagement. However, the tide is changing. 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population is between 18 and 35 years old and for most of them, asking questions is part of growing and learning. Those who choose to present themselves for public service need to begin to accept this and realize that it’s not personal. That we challenge how public funds are spent requires factual, concise and polite answers; not abuses and insults. We have only just begun. Enough is Enough Nigeria

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 OVER the past few months, governments across the country have been giving out cheques to victims of the political riots that followed the results of the 2011 presidential election. It is instructive that nobody has been punished for the riots that swept many States, where political leaders had openly said they would cause trouble if certain candidates did not win. Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State at an event where victims received cheques said, “Let me take this opportunity to call on the political class in this country to exercise utmost caution and high sense of responsibility in all our actions and utterances before, during and after elections. Democracy goes beyond periodic elections and survival of our nation should be paramount in all that we do.” The governor should have mentioned that mobs that caused the mayhem acted on some people’s behalf. They were equipped, they were fed, they were paid and most importantly, they were assured the law would not inconvenience them. Have we not witnessed mayhem that descended on Nigeria after the 2011 election?

BY AKIN AJOSE ADEOGUN Continued from yesterday's Viewpoints pg FITTING culmination to his political career in this period was the singular honour that was bestowed on him when he was selected to move in 1958, on the floor of the House of Representatives, the resolution which formally demanded Independence for Nigeria in 1960. This was the resolution to which the British government was favourably disposed and thus acceded to. Chief Enahoro is often wrongly assumed to have moved this motion; his own motion for selfgovernment in 1956 was, in fact, defeated by the opposition of the Northern People's Congress. Chief Akintola's 1957 motion for independence in 1959, was, like Chief Enahoro's, unsuccessful because the British government refused to accede to it. The second phase of Chief Fani-Kayode's political career commenced in 1960, when he entered the Western Nigeria legislature in August, 1960, as a member of the N.C.N.C. This phase, which lasted till the close of his political career which ended with annulment of the 1993 presidential election results, presents greater difficulty than the pre-independence phase, and, it must be conceded, is not as glorious. However, it started well enough when within a few months he succeeded the late Chief Osadebay as the Leader of the Opposition in the Western Nigeria legislature in November, 1960, even though, he had just joined the N.C.N.C. a few months before. This appointment was obviously in recognition of his effectiveness as a

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Punishing Political Rascals Have we not seen how the crisis has continued with extensive bombing and daily killings in the North? In the South, victims of political violence were also compensated. Their sponsors are strutting, boasting of future mayhem; they have no reason to re-think their destructive approach to politics. The high level of impunity we are seeing is related to not punishing the perpetrators of the 2011 post-election violence. Why is government paying for destruction they caused without punishing them? Is it acceptable to destroy Nigeria if one does not win an election? The duplicity in treating issues

creates precedents that make sanctions unjust and unjustifiable. Nigeria must protect itself. The responsibility lies with leaders, aspiring leaders and all who have risen to such prominence that the public take them serious. Their utterances mislead their followers and cause more troubles. Every Nigerian has a right to contend for power within the law. Every Nigerian has rights to enter into legitimate alliances to access power; the constitutional provisions on freedom of association permit it. What we must avoid is being so consumed about leading Nigeria that we threaten to set the country on fire, if we cannot actualise the ambition. Laws guide our country. Those who aspire to lead – and their supporters – must eschew threats in their ambitions. They should be telling Nigerians what qualifies them to lead the country and how their leadership would improve the lives of Nigerians. They are better options to threatening more crises on a country that has been soaked in blood since 2010. Nigerians can also punish those who threaten their peace by not electing them.

OPINION The bitternes of Femi Aribisala (2) legislator and political leader. Within a short period, his dynamism and strong leadership revived the Western wing of the N.C.N.C. and restored their faltering morale. In 1962, when the pro-Awolowo faction of the A.G. sought to remove Chief Akintola as Premier, he saw this as an opportunity to bring the N.C.N.C. into the government of Western Nigeria and thus came to the assistance of the smaller embattled pro-Akintola faction of the A.G. by allying the Western wing of the N.C.N.C. to them. When the pro-Awolowo faction sought, in May, 1962, to remove Chief Akintola by means, which at the time, were legally ambiguous and had no constitutional precedent, the N.C.N.C. legislators led by Chief Fani-Kayode joined the pro-Akintola A.G. legislators to forestall in the legislative chamber what appeared to them to be an unconstitutional method of removing the Premier, particularly as Chief Akintola had earlier filed a lawsuit. A vindictive, intolerant, paranoid and partisan Federal Government, seeing an opportunity to break the back of their bogey, the proAwolowo faction, rushed in with indecent haste and doubtful constitutional legality to impose a state of emergency in Western Nigeria. When the so-called emergency ended in January 1963, Chief Akintola was asked by the Federal Government to form a government without the benefit of a new election which would have decided once and for all which faction really commanded

a majority in the legislature. When I took Chief Fani-Kayode up on this, he informed me that as of January 1963, when a coalition government of the pro-Akintola faction and the N.C.N.C. was formed, that alliance commanded a majority in the legislature. It is difficult to accept this as neither a vote of confidence in the Akintola government nor new regional elections were ever held.

t may be recalled , however, that Chief Akintola had pre-emptively challenged his attempted dismissal when he filed a lawsuit in May 1962. He was successful at the Federal Supreme Court, which then occupied the intermediate position the Court of Appeal presently occupies in the judicial hierarchy. The pro-Awolowo faction appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which was then the final Court of Appeal for Nigeria. A powerful Board, which included some of England's finest jurists such as Lords Radcliffe, Devlin and Guest, held that Chief Akintola had been lawfully dismissed, as the novel procedure adopted by the proAwolowo faction was constitutional. It must be conceded that it was a failure of statesmanship on the part of Chiefs Akintola and Fani-Kayode that they did not immediately resign at this point, for their government had by that decision become illegal. Of course, the Balewa-led coalition government of the N.P.C. and N.C.N.C. must also even take a greater portion of the blame for committing the constitutional

abomination of nullifying this judgement by passing a law, which had retrospective effect from October 1, 1960, abolishing appeals to the Privy Council. This was done in order to sustain their allies in power. This singular action destroyed parliamentary democracy in the West, and subsequently, in Nigeria. The primary motive which informed the actions of Chiefs Akintola and Fani-Kayode and their associates was the desire to take the Yoruba out of the cul-de-sac they believed that Chief Awolowo's rigidity had led them into. Both men had in 1959 evinced a preference for an alliance with N.P.C in order to prevent the political isolation of the Yoruba. Consequently, they also believed in reaching a consensus with the N.P.C in order to establish a working relationship with them. This involved refraining from taking actions that the North might consider inimical to its interests - e.g. they wanted to put an end to the political activities of the A.G. in the North and thereby transform the party into a regional party. Both men and their associates felt that as a result of the Yoruba's political isolation in opposition, some chauvinistic Igbo leaders had seized the opportunity to completely efface the Yoruba from the public services, while at the same time establishing Igbo hegemony in the country.

Concluded. *Mr. Ajose-Adeogun, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013— —19

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HERE are very practical but undesirable consequences to the terrible situation in our universities. The wrong people, staff and students, find their way into our universities, the very space in which we expect to train and provide leadership for the country’s quest for scientific and cultural rebirth and development. What is more, government’s failure to provide necessary infrastructure that aids university education has led to the rise of a new crop of pseudo-academics whose primary vocation is ASUU unionism. They hibernate in the system and function more or less like primary school teachers and only lie in wait for when a strike would be declared before springing into action. They are neither regular in class nor do they see the need for research of any kind. Some hold the highest degrees possible while others remain stuck on doctoral studies begun many years ago, victims of a skewed system and/or frustrated supervisors that derive wicked pleasure in consigning students into academic limbo.

Being so brutalised these pseudointellectuals are often brutal to their students and the system. They lack the clear-sighted apprehension of the challenges facing university education beyond desultory mouthing of empty slogans. Nor do they possess the intellection of ASUU leaders of a bygone era. Some have assumed cult status in their domains of influence. Their purpose is to cripple academic activities as soon as government makes another strike inevitable. These are the ‘struggle’ entrepreneurs and union warriors who have turned ASUU politics into private meal tickets. They profit from government’s lack of foresight and readiness to live up to its responsibilities by providing necessary and adequate funding for public universities. The activities of these kinds of clowns could be curtailed if ASUU strikes could come without pay. But who is to enforce such no-work-no-pay rule where the very foundation for the short-changing of the system has been laid right from the very top by irresponsible governments

and their officials whose greed and criminal pilfering has ruined everything? Yet, it cannot be denied that the fact that people get paid for job not done encourages them to be lazy and irresponsible and hurt the system they claim ‘the struggle’ is meant to protect.

n the last two months since the ASUU strike commenced, I have been at a South African university of just about 7,000student population. But the facilities in this 109 years old university, its academic and maintenance culture, trump what you will find in any of the best Nigerian universities. But in my local university, the ASUU was so enamoured of the ongoing strike that it opposed an academic event, a grant award organised by their own colleagues to honour some of their junior members on doctoral studies. Many of these individuals cannot embark on field trips to complete their studies for lack of funding. Yet an opportunity that came their way was spurned and thwarted by other members who claimed ASUU was on strike. The same members ensured ASUU had

Will America ever erase the colour line?

YEAR to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the benediction of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, America reached for a brush, dipped it in white paint and freshened the racial colour line of which King’s predecessor, W. E. B. Du Bois, spoke so eloquently 60 years earlier in The Souls of Black Folk. I am speaking of the murder on February 26, 2012 of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old African-American boy by George Zimmerman, a White-Hispanic American. Martin had crossed the colour line by his sheer presence in Zimmerman’s gated community. Thus, though warned by the police not to follow Martin, Zimmerman would sooner damn the consequences, if any, than let a Black boy “get away” with the “crime.” An all-White jury acquitted Zimmerman. Martin’s murder echoes the slaughter of the 14-year-old Emmet Till in the aptly named town of Money (after all, what was slavery for which racism was a necessary ideology but the unconscionable pursuit of lucre?) in Mississippi, a state King described in his speech as “sweltering with the heat of injustice . . . [and] oppression.” Till’s crime was “flirting” with a White woman, Carolyn Bryant, by “speaking” to or “whistling” at her. Days after the encounter, Carolyn’s husband, aided by his brother, seized Till from his great-uncle’s house where he had been staying on a visit from Chicago, drove him to a barn, tortured and then shot him through the head. Bryant and his brother were acquitted of kidnapping and murder. So has nothing changed in the racial psychology of America since the genocide

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against Native Americans (the true owners of the land), Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, the Civil Rights revolution of the 1960s? You would be an incurable cynic, an insufferable paranoiac, to deny the monumental progress since the unthinkable days of lynchings and “For Whites Only.” But you would be a delusional optimist, a closet racist, to think that America is now in a post-racial epoch. The election and re-election of Barack Hussein Obama, giving him and his all-too-black family occupancy of the White House, is enough to cause such euphoria. Still, the racial cauldron boils over every now and then for the requisite reality check. And when it does, we are reminded of the great paradox of America’s selfproclamation as the land of freedom, of the constitutional enshrinement of the equal humanity of all, stirring sentiments founded, nevertheless, on the twin evils of genocide and slavery. Which leads to the inescapable fact of racism as the political unconscious of America. For to perpetuate the national myth of being the land of freedom, America has, necessarily, to deny its history that perpetually mocks the claim. The result, to slightly adapt Du Bois speaking of the Negro (African-American), is “a double consciousness”: the rousing declamation of freedom while committing unspeakable atrocities. Thus, two ideologically “unreconciled strivings,” two “warring” claims in one body-politic for a classic case of trauma and repression. As with every trauma, the only way to break its crippling hold on the present and the compulsion to repeat the original

no input in the conduct of the postUTME exam for prospective students, leaving a purely academic matter in the hands of non-academic staff. I wouldn’t see what was wrong in ASUU allowing its members to conduct this event that would take just about five hours at the most. In no distant time, the same ‘aluta’ warriors would whine about the poor quality of students offered admission. Like them, we have state officials who get paid for the wrong job or jobs not done at all. This is coming back to the case of our bloated bureaucracy of over 40 ministers in Abuja alone without looking at the states or local governments. Among the ministers are the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with double designation. There are also the substantive ministers and the (junior?) ministers of state- all serving the same president! This bloated bureaucracy is a drain on the economy and makes any call for sacrifice from any sector of the Nigerian public hollow. Surely this can’t be a functional bureaucracy in which everybody earns what they are paid or Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education, wouldn’t be fighting a proxy battle for President Jonathan and his wife in Rivers State, while Nigerian universities are on strike. He has had no word to utter about the strike nor did we hear of his input all through the various negotiations. What is the justification for such a man remaining in the system? When the universities are shut down for months at a time, we have no right to complain about teachers who cannot read or graduates on national service who can’t fill out registration forms. To conclude on a personal note: While on research sabbatical at the University of London earlier this year, a student I had known back

in Nigeria came to visit. He was studying for his masters in a university in London. More than any need for a leisurely visit, he had very urgent obligations for which he needed assistance. He was having trouble writing an acceptable proposal for his dissertation. Only a couple of months before, he had submitted his long essay which he couldn’t have done without writing a proposal. While working on his long essay, I had seen him on a number of occasions and whenever I asked he had assured me he was making progress with the essay. You can then imagine the irony of him being stuck writing, not his dissertation, but the proposal, his work plan, to put it in simple terms. Among other things he told me, his lecturers had wondered how he got his degree given his obvious deficiencies. At the time he came to me, his supervisor had been so frustrated she had totally refused to offer further advice on or read his work until he made personal efforts of his own. His confession and discomfiture told me he had been sufficiently chastened for me not to remind him of my warnings and questions only a few months before. Yet what he experienced, not necessarily in similar terms or to the same degree, is what even many of us academics face when we travel abroad. This is the tragedy of university education in Nigeria, that we are neither creating competent manpower nor opportunities for the next generation. President Jonathan, as a former academic, can make his contribution to the reversal of this deplorable situation by acceding to the demands of ASUU and fulfilling the terms of the 2009 agreement between the union and Abuja. Concluded

catastrophe in new, often unrecognisable, ways is to acknowledge it. But America’s refusal to confront its “collective unconscious,” as Carl Jung might put it, leaves every person of conscience wondering how, in the second decade of the 21st Century, the great

ASUU and Abuja: ‘No agreement ttoda oda odayy; no agreement ttomorr omorr ow’ (3) omorro

When the universities are shut down for months at a time, we have no right to complain about teachers who cannot read or graduates who can’t fill out registration forms

To perpetuate the national myth of being the land of freedom, America has to deny its history that perpetually mocks the claim; the result: the rousing declamation of freedom while committing unspeakable atrocities

miscarriage of justice in the Trayvon Martin case could happen. Or maybe not, since our world as currently constituted remains largely divided by the colour line.

n the “unconscious” depths of the mind of White America — and I speak generally, mindful that about a third of the 250,000 thousand that marched on Washington were White people —the African or coloured person is inherently inferior. Is this a cynical view? Well, then, join Toni

Morrison in a thought experiment. In an interview with the Guardian (UK) of April 13, 2012, Morrison disclosed that she performed the experiment, at the age of 17, in an effort to understand the kind of rage that led some White mothers in the south to try to overturn a school bus carrying Black children. “I didn’t know if I could turn over a bus full of little White kids,” she said. “I didn’t know if I could feel that… fury. And I tried very hard to. This is what I did: I said suppose … horses began to speak. And began to demand their rights. Now, I’ve ridden horses. They’re very good workers. They’re very good racehorses. Suppose they just … want more. Suppose they want to go to school! Suppose they want to sit next to me in the theatre. I began to feel this sense of — ‘I like you, but …’ ‘You’re good, but …’ Suppose they want to sleep with my children?!” As her interviewer thankfully informs us, Morrison was by this point “laughing heartily.” Then the clincher: “I had to go outside the species! But it worked, I could feel it. You know; don’t sit next to me.” This is the psychic state that keeps the colour line continuously whitewashed and bright in America. But it can be erased. America’s tantalising promise of one human identity, which affirms the dream of a common human destiny, demands nothing less. But will the greatest power on earth even try?

20 —VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 21

BRANDMASTER CLASS: From left: Marketing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Africa, Reuben Onwubiko; Head, Marketing, Nokia West Africa, Deborah Shepard; President, Junior Chamber International Eko, ’Jide Adeyemi and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Noah’s Ark Communications, Lanre Adisa, during the 3rd edition of BrandMasterClass sponsored by Nokia, in Lagos.

Access Bank shifts focus to SME sector …Targets one million phone users By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

ROUP Managing Director (GMD)of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has said that the bank will be shifting its focus to the SME sector as it targets about one million mobile phone customers in the next 12 months. Imoukhuede disclosed this at an interactive session with newsmen where he said the bank will be focusing on the SME sector through a series of initiatives and activities that will activate development across key sectors of the economy. This, he stated is aimed at highlighting the bank’s commitment to economic empowerment of individuals and growing entrepreneurs. Aig-imokhuede pointed out that the bank has identified 13 critical segments of the economy which are already benefiting from its empowerment programme, adding that the bank has created a full division (Business Banking) to support the needs of the SME sector in Nigeria. He noted that the bas ic driver of industry defining initiatives has also been identified and is set for implementation of about 200 different initiatives that would change the face of banking in Nigeria.

He said that the initiatives will be rolled out one-after-the other from this week, which amongst them is the bank’s planned multi-channel banking platform initiative and a host of others. He said that the bank will also be laying emphasises on pioneering role in sustainability and public ad-

vocacy with the adoption of sustainable banking principles in Nigeria and beyond. Aig-Imokhuede, while speaking with reporters said the bank led the adoption of International Finance Reporting Standard, IFRS in Nigeria. “We are leading the drive for lending to Nigeria’s real

sector. The bank is in pursuit of health-focused Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and also building capacity in public sector for effective public policy outcomes.” He went further to point out that the bank is also leading Nigeria corporate banking with significant retail growth

Microsoft to acquire Nokia’s handset business for $7.2bn By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU with agency reports

I C R O S O F T Corporation said it will buy Nokia’s mobile phone business for $7.2 billion, which amounts to N1.152 trillion. Nokia in 2011 partnered Microsoft and uses Microsoft’s Windows software to run its mobile phones. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014 and it is subject to approval by Nokia’s shareholders and regulatory approvals. Nokia, once the world’s dominant handset maker, has failed to close a yawning lead opened by Apple and Samsung in the highly competitive market for smartphones and will now concentrate on its networking equipment unit, navigation business and technology patents.

Nokia’s Canadian boss Stephen Elop, who ran Microsoft’s business software division before jumping to Nokia in 2010, will return to the US firm as head of its mobile devices business. He is being discussed as a possible replacement for Microsoft’s retiring CEO Steve Ballmer, who is trying to remake the U.S. firm into a gadget and services company like Apple before he departs, though it has fallen short so far in its attempts to compete in mobile devices. Nokia, which had 40 percent of the handset market in 2007, now has just 15 percent, and only three percent in smartphones. Shares in Nokia surged 39 percent to 4.10 euros yesterday. While up from their decade-low of 1.33 euros hit last year, they are still only a fraction of their

2000 peak of 65 euros. After yesterday ’s gains the company is worth about 15 billion euros, a far cry from its glory days when it peaked at over 200 billion euros. Yesterday ’s deal includes an agreement to license Nokia’s patent portfolio for 10 years. Without it, Nokia’s devices and services business would have been worth about 3.7 billion euros, the companies said. However, there are indications also that Microsoft shares in Frankfurt were down about 5 percent, as investor are saying that Nokia was being sold for peanut.

potential of 87 per cent profit in Nigeria and 13 percent in other branches in parts of Africa. “We want Access Bank to be seen as a tier 1, customer focused Bank which is already the 2nd largest Customer base with 6.5million customer base. The second with Automated Teller Machine, ATMs/POS,” he retorted. In related development, the GMD said that in three months time: “We are going to launch a solution that will allow youths to have a company, if say for example, you want to link all the balances with all your accounts, say ten bank accounts, in those banks people are paying money for say sale of newspaper and everyday you want to leave a balance of only N1 million in those bank accounts, you can move any amount over N1million to your major account.” Continuing, he said, “You can do that, because the bank is going to launch a solution that will allow you in 60 days time, from your computer take money out of all your bank account and consolidate in one without paying an extra fee.” You will have to give the instruction from day one, that is how this thing is done in the world today, but this is a major achievement from the bank, this is another first from the bank.” “What our plan says is that by 2015 ,we are going to be the world’s most respected African bank, a multi channel bank.We want to move from being Nigeria’s corporate bank leader and by 2015 target being a high performing Nigerian diversified bank” he assured.

-1.15

112.0

2,400.00 -56.00 16.33

-0.04

114.36

-0.23

106.82

-0.83

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

SELLING

154.76

155.26

155.76

239.8316 204.8249

240.6064 205.4866

241.3813 206.1484

166.3371

166.8745

167.4119

1.5745

1.5847

0.294 233.8924

0.304 234.648

0.314 235.4037

25.2879

25.3701

25.4522

41.2627

41.396

41.5294

27.4543 234.5078

27.543 235.2655

27.6317 236.0231

CBN Exchange rate as at 03/09/2013

22 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

BRIEFS US financial regulation has gaps in risk oversight, insurance A Financial Stability Board (FSB) peer review of U.S. regulation found gaps in oversight of systemic risk, insurance firms and financial infrastructure. The report called on the United States to develop the Treasuryled oversight council into a “systematic, analytical and t r a n s p a r e n t macroprudential framework” that better coordinates the work of its member regulators. The 10 agency heads in Financial Stability Oversight Council have not always seen eye to eye. “Given the complex and fragmented U.S. regulatory and supervisory structure,” the FSB stated that it also looked to address overlaps or gap in roles and responsibilities of the agencies. Such gaps were identified in the insurance sector run by individual states, and it recommends moving towards a more federal structure. Better supervision of financial market infrastructures (FMIs) such as swap central counterparties is also sought. The review examined progress by the U.S. in supervisory areas of most importance for stability. The FSB reviewed if there is effective regulatory coordination and information sharing with other countries. It found good overall progress by U.S. authorities in meeting the recommendations issued by the International Monetary Fund in 2010. These were issued under the auspices of country reviews in the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). The FSB is an international group of national authorities in 24 countries, responsible for financial stability. It is used by the Group of 20 major countries to ensure that agreed reforms are properly and consistently implemented. All FSB jurisdictions including the United States have committed to undergo an FSAP assessment every five years and complement that with an FSB peer review two to three years later. The new report is the FSB review.

C M Y K

NAICOM decries low financial literacy in Nigeria STORIES BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

OMMISSIONER for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel has decried the persistence of low level financial literacy in Nigeria and some other African countries which is the cause of low insurance penetration in such places. Daniel said, “It is a well-known fact that

insurance is not very popular in our subregion for various reasons amongst which are; low level of financial literacy, lack of adequate awareness of insurance mechanism and poor perception of the industry.” According to Daniel, insurance practitioners

need to come together to tackle the menace. It will be recalled that Managing Director of Riskguard-Africa Nigeria Limited, Mr. Yemi Soladoye said that the future and solidity of the Nigerian insurance industry can only come from market expansion. Soladoye said that the concentration on

premium growth, as against market expansion by insurance operators is inimical to growth. He said operators often focus on how to raise their yearly premium, abandoning the need to create expansion through good services and people tailored products. He said, “All the operators want is to ensure that their

NCRIB MEMBERS EVENING: From left: Deputy President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu; President, NCRIB, Laide Osijo and Group Managing Director, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Mr. Ganiyu Musa at the August 2013 edition of NCRIB Members’ Evening, hosted by Cornerstone Insurance Plc, in Lagos.

he finance chief of Zurich Insurance, Pierre Wauthier, named Chairman Josef Ackermann in his suicide note, the company confirmed last week as it pledged to investigate whether he had been put under undue strain before his death. The insurer has been thrown into disarray since company veteran Wauthier was found dead at his family’s lakefront home and the subsequent resignation of former Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) boss Ackermann three days later. Ackermann, one of Europe’s top financiers, quit after Wauthier ’s family shared the contents of the letter with senior executives at the firm, a source told Reuters. Wauthier explicitly blamed Ackermann in the note for putting him under pressure, said the source, who declined to be named because of the

premium for this year is higher than what it was last year, and they are ready to spend anything to achieve that. If their market position last year was number six and they move to number five this year, their board would applaud their effort, not minding the cost. “The companies cost of doing business is indeed very high; the claims ratio is quite low. These are pointers to the fact that insurance companies need something new and better. “The issue of unhealthy competition will be getting worse until they look for better, cost effective and nonvolatile distribution channel. This can be achieved by bankassurance which is insurers having collaboration with banks to grow their retail businesses. It also means engaging in strategic alliances with organisations, like Shoprite, Megaplaza and others,” Soladoye said. He also urged operators to initiate collaboration with cooperative societies and other relevant bodies to deepen insurance penetration.

Zurich Insurance CFO names chairman, Ackermann in suicide note sensitivity of the subject. Ackermann has described the allegations as “unfounded” but said he would leave to avoid damaging Zurich’s reputation. He took over as chairman last year. The insurer said Ackermann had made a personal decision to leave. Sources said

Ackermann and Wauthier had clashed ahead of the company’s second-quarter results in August over how they were presented. Wauthier, finance chief since 2011, mentioned the presentation of the results in his suicide note, a company source added. In a conference call

with investors, the company said there was no link between Wauthier ’s death and Zurich’s financial performance. “We stand by everything we said at the half year,” Chief Executive Martin Senn said. Acting Chairman Tom de Swaan said the company would

investigate the circumstances leading up to Wauthier ’s death. “The board sees it as its prime responsibility to look into the question as to whether there was undue pressure placed on our CFO,” he said, adding that he was not aware of any inappropriate behavior by Zurich’s board members.

Insurance sector grappling with inadequate infrastructure — WIGGLE

ANAGING Director of Linkage Assurance Plc, Mr. Gus Wiggle has said that the insurance industry is grappling with inadequate infrastructure and unstable weather which exposed insured assets to natural disasters such

as floods. According to him the current performance of the industry has not been sufficient for it to reach the critical mass necessary to make the desired impact on the economy. Wiggle said that the Nigerian Insurance

Association, NIA, was reviving the Nigerian Oil and Energy Insurance Pool to improve the industry’s oil and energy underwriting capacity. According to Wiggle, the Association had completed and started deploying the first phase

of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) Motor Insurance Module adding that delay in claims payment had reduced as its members continued to live up to their obligation of prompt claims payment to policy holders.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—23

STORIES BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

anaging Director of Riskguard Africa Nigeria Limited Mr. Yemi Soladoye, has warned that reliance on brokers alone to market insurance products on behalf of insurers could lead to market stagnation and unhealthy competition in the sector. Soladoye said, “The issue of unhealthy competition will be getting worse, until insurance operators look for better, cost effective and non-volatile distribution channels. According to him, adoption of other distribution channels is not a matter of ‘if they like’ but a matter of must saying that it is compulsory because they are already feeling the bite of the narrow distribution outlet that they are using at the moment. “Most of the problems insurers face high cost of doing business, premium reduction, unhealthy competition, are all manifestation of the fact that they are using narrow distribution method. If you have an alternative, you would be able to do business on your own terms, but when you do not have alternative, you have to achieve whatever anybody tells you. That is the problem with the operators for they are not creating alternative distribution outlets for themselves,” Soladoye

Reliance on insurance brokers alone not healthy —SOLADOYE

he new Managing Director and CEO of the New York Institute of Finance, United States of America, Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald has asked for collaboration with the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM in the areas of training and manpower development. Fitzgerald and the Registrar of the Institute, Currie Marcia paid a working visit to the NAICOM Headquarters in Abuja last week and were accompanied on the visit by the immediate past President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Nigeria, Mike Itegboje. According to Fitzgerald, students of the Institute turn out better informed, educated and connected at the end of each programme. He noted that because

Car financiers to refund $15m after ASIC crackdown

WORKSHOP: From left: Head, Benefits and Insurance, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Lana Loyinmi; Acting Director-General PenCom, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Dave Udeanu and Director, Inspectorate NAICOM, Thompson Barineka at a workshop on annuity and group life insurance, in Lagos. stated. According to Soladoye most problems in the insurance industry is a manifestation of the refusal by the operators to adopt retail as a business policy. He called on the boards of insurance companies, to as a matter of urgency, compel their management team to

adopt retail marketing. He said the operators are into the problem of unhealthy competition because they boxed themselves into a very narrow distribution outlet, which is brokering market, adding that price becomes the only competitive strategy because people are not adding value. He noted that clients are asking for

reduced price every year because they are yet to see any competitive strategy from the operators, stressing that insurance companies, concentrate on premium growth, as against market expansion. “The future and the solidity of the operators can only come from market expansion. All the operators want is to

New York institute seeks collaboration with NAICOM

BRIEFS

participants in the Institute’s training programmes come from diverse backgrounds, it gives them the opportunity to consumate cross-border relationships and contacts that are in most cases mutually beneficial to both the participants and their r e s p e c t i v e organisations. He said that he believes the Commission will benefit immensely from the institute’s hands-on/practical approach to learning as the importance of insurance is growing at a great speed across the globe and thought Nigeria could take advantage of the institute’s learning programmes to get to the same level like its contemporaries in other jurisdictions. While welcoming the

team to NAICOM, the Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration of the Commission George Onekhena thanked the team for the visit, adding that the Commission is committed to training and development of its manpower as it is key to effective supervision of the insurance industry and alignment with

international best practices. He said the Commission is pleased to hear that the institute is focusing on Africa and assured the team of NAICOM’s readiness to collaborate with the institute. He said “The Commission will be interested in what kind of services you are ready to offer and how such services would impact

ensure that their premium for this year is higher than what it was last year, and they are ready to spend anything to achieve that. If their market position last year was number six and they move to number five this year, their board would laud their effort, not minding the cost.

positively on our operations. Of course we have needs to equip our staff with a lot of skills, especially in the areas of financial analysis which is very key to us and risk management. The learning needs in these areas are very huge so, we shall need as much assistance as we could get.” The New York Institute of Finance is the training arm/ division of the New York Stock Exchange in the United States of America.

ORE than 30,000 car owners will receive more than $15 million in refunds after an investigation uncovered improper financing of tyre and rim insurance premiums by some of Australia’s largest car financiers. The Australian Securities and I n v e s t m e n t s Commission (ASIC) inquiry began when BMW Australia Finance notified the regulator of a National Credit Code breach and repaid $1.39 million to 2466 customers. Other companies that will refund more than $1 million include Esanda ($5.3 million), Capital Finance Australia ($2.7 million), Yamaha Motor ($1.48 million), BOQ Credit ($1.26 million) and Toyota Finance ($1.01 million). The credit code allows the financing of car cover premiums for one year only, ASIC says. Any longer and customers can pay undue interest on premiums and be unfairly locked into long contracts with one insurer. “These businesses were quick to respond once it was brought to their attention,” ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said. The financiers have taken steps to repay the money and will change their systems to prevent further breaches. “If we find there are car financiers that have failed to respond to this issue, we will act quickly and decisively with strong regulatory action,” Kell said. Tyre and rim insurance covers wheel damage including punctures and blowouts. ASIC says such damage is not usually included in s t a n d a r d comprehensive motor vehicle policies.

Consumers wary of catastrophic costs— Swiss Re

LMOST 80 per cent of consumers fear governments will leave them to foot the bill for damage from earthquakes, floods or other natural disasters over the next 20 years, according to a global survey by Swiss Re. “The findings are a call for better co-operation between government and the private sector,” the

reinsurer’s Group Chief Risk Officer David Cole said. “It’s vital to prepare systematically for the future and make societies more resilient.” About 27 per cent of respondents think their government’s disaster preparedness is “bad” or “very bad”. The survey, held by Gallup for Swiss Re’s 150-year

anniversary, questioned 22,000 people across 19 markets in April and May. It measures consumer perceptions of risk linked to issues such as climate change, natural disasters, energy and food supplies. Many respondents want political leaders to step up mitigation against natural disasters and to promote energy

efficiency. About 58 per cent think climate change will contribute to future natural disasters “to a great extent” or “to some extent” and 26 per cent “to a small extent”. Some 75 per cent will use renewable energy if it is made available and 91 per cent want governments to better promote energy efficiency.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

By ZINO MAGBEGOR WITH Agency Report

COBANK Transnational Inc (ETI)’S Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Tanoh will relinquish a $1.14 million bonus for 2012, as the lender reassesses corporate governance after allegations of fraud by a senior manager. Jeremy Reynolds, a spokesman for Lome, Togo based-Ecobank said by email sent to Bloomberg , yesterday that, the Executive Director of Risk and Finance, Laurence do Rego will meet the board next week about fraud allegations she made to Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month. Do Rego said she had been pressurized to write off debts owed by a business that’s chaired by Ecobank chairman, Kolapo Lawson; and also to manipulate the bank’s results for 2012. The bank which operates in more

African countries than any other, will appoint external advisers to review governance, ‘’while the bank doesn’t agree with Do Rego’s allegations, ”she has the opportunity to elaborate and present her evidence to the Board”, he said. While Ecobank investigates a possible mis-statement of her Qualifications which was made when she joined 11 years ago, Do Rego is not attending work at the bank. But according to the Financial Times report on the 29th of August, she didn’t lie about her Qualifications. The new allegations against Ecobank, came after the Nigeria’s capital markets regulator met with the Board last month. Chairman Lawson came to an agreement over his outstanding debts with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCN), a government agency created to buy lenders’ bad

AWARD: From left: Mr Jose Priesto, President/CEO, Business Initiative Directions (BID); Prince Emma Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer, Swiss Biostadt Limited and Mr. Graig Miller, President QC 100 at the presentation of international star for leadership in quality award, Gold Category, to Swiss Biostadt at the BID 2013 quality awards in Paris.

FBN Capital attributes Mobil Oil’s PAT growth to gross margin By PETER EGWUATU

BN Capital Equity Research has attributed Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc’s second quarter Profit after Tax (PAT) to growth in gross margin. In its analysis on Mobil Oil’s second quarter results ended June 30, , FBN Capital, stated “Higher risk-free rate offsets increases to our Earning Per Share (EPS) forecasts: Following Mobil Oil Nigeria’s better-than-expected second quarter (Q2) 2013 results which showed that PAT grew 111 percent year on year (y/y) primarily due to gross margin expanding by 595 basis points (bps). We have raised our EPS forecasts by around 26 percent on average over the 2013-14 period. “In spite of the increase to our EPS forecasts, our new price target of N135.8 is 6.9 percent lower, because of our decision to increase our risk-free rate to 13.0 percent (previously 11.0 percent); yields on government paper have climbed through the year.

Although our price target implies an upside potential of 21.2 per cent from current levels, relative valuation is less compelling. The shares are trading on a 2013E Price Earning (P/E) multiple of 11.8 times for 7.6 percent EPS growth in 2014. This compares with the 9.3 times 2013 average P/E multiple for our coverage names in the sector. Year to date (Ytd), the shares are up 2.5 percent, underperforming the index by 26.7 percent. We have kept our neutral rating unchanged. The FBN Capital said: “Although Mobil’s Q2 2013 sales were down 21.1 per cent y/y, Profit Before Tax, PBT and PAT advanced strongly, by 110.3 percent y/y and 111 per cent y/y. to N1.5 billion and N1.0billion respectively. Trends across the Profit and Loss (P&L) were generally supportive, with the company’s gross margin expanding by 595bps y/y to 13.7 per cent - this was the key driver behind the strong PBT growth.

Budgets, project execution and budget performance (2) I

T was indicated in the first part last week that government’s performance should be based on the quality of social infrastructure government provides and the value the public derive from using the social infrastructure. Also, the value of any social infrastructure encompasses its costs and how it functions in use. The week before that we asked whether we should stop advance payments on contracts. Our next example compares a school building project executed by an entrepreneur with a similar government project and the comparison shows how government can improve value delivery on its projects. The entrepreneur’s school was a building on four levels which was erected during the period between the end of each school year and the commencement of the next school year. The ground floor level to first floor slab was completed during the first school holiday and the building was put into use on resumption after the holiday. The first floor was added during the next school holiday and subsequently put into use after the holiday. The other two floors were added in similar manner. The entrepreneur thus obtained value at each stage of the project over four years. In contrast to the above, I have observed a government project in which 12 classrooms are being added to an existing school under the Millennium Development Goals, MDG, scheme. The project had a 36-week completion period but has attained about 80% completion after three years. The startstop-start again sequence of activities on the project suggest that funds have not been readily available for the project. No benefit has been derived by the school for the expenditure on the project to date. It would have been better if the construction contract was structured in such a way that a block of four classrooms would be completed and put into use before the next block of four classrooms is added and so on. There has been a significant failure in the provision of public housing by government. Again, arrangements made for housing projects often do not give appropriate value. If an individual wishes to build 100 housing units and the funds initially available would cover 10% of the project costs, the individual would apply himself to building 10 housing units before proceeding further. However, with government, contracts would be awarded for all the 100 housing units at the start and 10% or more of the contract sum would be paid to the contractor as advance payment. We may end up with 100 foundations under construction for the housing units and these units may never be completed if additional funds are not made available. The government should adopt the same approach as the individual and start with 10 housing units. There have also been efforts to provide housing units through public-private

partnerships. The government provides the land for the housing units whilst the private developer raises the funds and builds the housing units. The complaint from the public has invariably been that the housing units have not been affordable to all but the highest income earners. The high interest rates charged for the project funds and the period over which the interest is charged are largely responsible for the high prices at which the housing units are offered to the public.

he Lagos State Government, LASG, for example, has a home ownership scheme in which mortgages are granted to persons purchasing housing units built by the publicprivate partnership route. In order to bring down the sale price of the housing units, allotment of the units should be carried out before construction starts and each allottee should be asked to make a down payment of 20% of the price of a

Ecobank’s CEO to give up $1.14m bonus as bank probes corporate governance

There has been a significant failure in the provision of public housing by government. Again, arrangements made for housing projects often do not give appropriate value

housing unit. The mortgage company should pay the remaining 80% of the sale price into the project account. This is not the usual mortgage process but given that the mortgage company is owned by LASG, guarantees should be given by LASG to the mortgage company that the housing units would be completed within a year. All the funds required are available at the start of construction and there is a firm basis for the guarantees. The economic well being of the country is measured through the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and government should provide social infrastructure so as to improve the contribution made by the population to the GDP. Budgets are made for one year at a time but projects may require two or more project years before they could be completed. The situation sometimes arises in which funds for a project would be readily available from the budget in the first year and the funds provided in subsequent years would not be adequate for the completion of the project. Projects should be completed within schedule. Budget and financial arrangements to make this possible will be considered next week. To be concluded.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—25

DIARY

Select ICT events zITEXPO West 2013. Holds 27-29 Aug 2013 in Las Vegas, USA.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

zDesign & Manufacturing Midwest 2013. Holds 10-12 Sep 2013 in Chicago, USA.

Etisalat slashes tariffs for 2013 Hajj

zMiddle East Telco World Summit 2013. Holds 23-24 Sep 2013 in Dubai, UAE.

BY EMEKA AGINAM

zP & T EXPO COMM CHINA 2013. Holds 24-28 Sep 2013 in Beijing, China. zCRM-expo 2013. Holds 24-26 Sep 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany.

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New inventions shaping life and living

MEETING: From left, Mr Will Anyaebunam, MD/CEO, Beta Computers; Mr Ibrahim Balogun, MD, Brian Computers; Mr Emeka Ezekwesili, Head of Research, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and Dr Ashiru Daura, Acting D-G of NITDA during an interactive meeting of the agency and local OEMs in Abuja.

How Nigeria's ICT industry can grow, by Pakistani envoy BY EMMA ELEBEKE

THE Solara unmanned, high-altitude aircraft from Titan Aerospace designed to run entirely on solar power for an unbroken flight time of up to five years. The Solara was developed to offer an alternative to typical satellites, which are expensive to manufacture and to launch, and can also not be reclaimed once they've been put into use. The Solara is designed with solar panels on its tail and wings, which allow it to generate enough power during the day to store for use at night. It can carry a payload 20,000 meters into the air then keep it there for up to five years without needing to refuel, and it can also be brought safely back down to the ground for repairs or simply to recover the cargo.

NLESS Nigeria adopts the indigenous, home-grown approach by discouraging imports, her ability to manufacture technological products will remain a potential. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Ashraf Saleem stated this when he visited the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA in Abuja. Pakistan, he said, has a data management system as good as what obtains in developed econ-

Titan's new UAV stays airborne for five years

makes importation less attractive and put in place policies that will make local brands to thrive. "Pakistan has achieved almost 100 per cent people carrying a very modern card fitted with the SIM on which they carry along with them all their biometry and everything. ``Our passports are machine readable. All our boarders and all the entry and exit points in Pakistan are having connectivity; anybody entering, coming out; his data can be found very con-

I urge you to also adopt this approach and will advise you to stop importing IT from the developed countries because they would never give you what will make you develop your economy. They would always love that you keep on coming back to them to buy more. This is not how you can grow the sector

I N S I Magical side of D growing Nigeria's E economy C M Y K

omies, adding that Nigeria can develop its information and communications technology and agricultural sectors, if the country has the political will to ban importation of technology and agro products from abroad. With the aid of right policies and legislation in place, he insisted that Nigeria has all it takes to leapfrog from her present status to an enviable level in the world. According to him, Nigeria will not be able to manufacture ICT products, until government

The bottom mounted freezer, from Samsung

NITDA tasks OEMs on product quality, after-sales service

veniently. "I think Nigeria needs technology for crime control, to know the location of people. Technology can be very beneficial in crime control. "Identity and security management for security are the prime areas where Pakistan and Nigeria can cooperate right away,’’ said the envoy. Saleem, who argued that technology is not an exclusive preserve of any country, said that Nigeria should make use of it and develop its economy. “Pakistan is today, one of the top countries in the area of ICT, because we decided to stop importing technology and this gave us the opportunity to develop on our own. ‘‘We adopted home grown tech approach which suited what we needed. Through this, we have been able to Continues on Page 30

OBILE phone operator, Etisalat Nigeria, has disclosed that from September 1st to November 30th 2013, its new and existing customers travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy pilgrimage would enjoy discounted rates on local calls in Saudi Arabia, calls to Nigeria, SMS and data services respectively. Director, Business Segments, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada in a statement said the Etisalat Hajj Promo will give customers on the network great discounts on outgoing calls to Nigeria at N30 per minute, local calls within Saudi Arabia at N30 per minute and N20 per SMS, with a data package for as low as 1 kobo per KB for all pay as you go data plans. He added that all incoming calls and SMS received in the holy land during the promo period will be totally free of charge. According to him, the promo which is in its fourth year was designed to help customers stay in touch with their family, friends and business associates in several places across the globe including Saudi Arabia at a very low cost. “The Hajj Special enables customers to seamlessly and conveniently stay connected to family and friends while performing Hajj by providing heavily discounted rates on calls to Nigeria, local calls in Saudi, SMS and data services,” he said. Under the promo, customers can also conveniently travel with recharge cards as well as receive e-top up.

Nigeria, other African countries record 781m mobile subscription in Q2

C M Y K

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LOBAL leader in Gdigital home

Magical side of growing Nigeria's economy

OR those who read this column, I wish to recommend that the main story on the page preceding this be read first, and recall previous outings of this column on this issue, which is that of realistically jump-starting the Nigerian economy and kicking it, screaming like a new born-baby into the 21st century. Like many others who feel sufficiently concerned, there is no way Vision 20-2020 can be realized without at least fifty per cent of everything we currently import being made here in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the export market. The way we are going, especially importing petroleum products while we refuse to refine the crude we h a v e , nothing much will b e achieved outside the unending rhetoric of our rulers. In the story on the preceding page I referred to, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Ashraf Saleem visited the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA in Abuja, where he said that his country “adopted home grown tech approach which suited what we needed. Through this, we have been able to manufacture many ICT products by ourselves.” You will agree with me that we do not need the Pakistani envoy to tell us which path to tread, or what to eat, for that matter. Nigeria is blessed with abundant human resources, which, if properly deployed in the last 50 years of our independence, would have taken us beyond the moon, and made this nation of great peoples the one to be respected most in the world. I recall President Goodluck Jonathan’s Buy-Nigeria directive, announced by Information Minister Labaran Maku at the end of a cabinet

meeting just weeks before the general elections of 2011. If that directive had been given the tenacity of pursuit and enforcement, it would have begun with foreign-brand computers vanishing from government offices. Just imagine if all federal MDAs are using computers made in Nigeria by Zinox, Omatek, Brian, Beta Computers and the others, they would have transformed, in just two years into gigantic corporations. Even then, more OEMs would have sprung up, generating thousands of jobs for the ever-energetic Nigerian! But what do we have? Lip service, that’s what! Mr Ashraf Saleem of Pa k i s t a n made the good point that we will not be able to manufacture ICT products until government makes importation of those products less attractive and put in place policies that will make l o c a l brands to thrive. Mr Saleem should know; his country and India stubbornly refused to be coerced by the West into dropping nuclear capability ambitions and suffered sanctions as a result. Thus, what they could no longer import because of sanctions, they now make. In retrospect, those who sanctioned Pakistan turned out to be her best friends! In about 15 months, elections will hold, and INEC will need new, more computers. We are trying to do a national ID project. We are trying to give computers to our children in schools. We are building IT parks. Everybody is buying smart phones and tablets. But we are importing all of them. I think we are trying to sail to England in a canoe; we won’t get there, and that’s not a curse. We must rethink and retool our system from this analog approach and get truly digital in our thinking and ways of doing things.

We must rethink and retool our system from this analog approach and get truly digital in our thinking and ways of doing things

C M Y K

appliances, Samsung Electronics West Africa has introduced into the Nigerian market the Bottom Mounted Freezer refrigerator . The product automatically adjusts cooling speed in response to temperature fluctuations for greater energy efficiency. It comes with a new Digital Inverter Compressor that strengthens durability and improves energy efficiency and cooling performance by automatically adjusting across five speeds of RPM (revolutions per minute) in response to cooling demands. Due to frequent door openings, hot plate of food or outside temperature changes, the compressor of the product reacts to either rapidly provide cold air or slow down to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Main features The new product offers a Grab’n Go sauce basket that can be detached and moved for cooking or enjoying a meal, and a top LED that illuminates the refrigerator’s interior more brightly than conventional models. It also has a CoolSelect

The bottom-mounted freezer, from Samsung zone which allows consumers to control the compartment's temperature with a simple-touch button display, maximizing freshness and allowing the space for multi-purpose use, keeping vegetables and meat fresher far longer. Of course, the no Frost Technology prevents ice buildup on the inside of the freezer wall and prevents water drop formation in the refrigerator that can leave stains. Backed with one year warranty, the innovative technology works to strengthen the durability and extend the life of the refrigerator. “In many ways, the refrigerator is at the heart of the kitchen, experiencing a lot of physical demands and activity throughout the day,” Product Manager, Refrigerators, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Manmohan Chandroth, said, adding that, “In

addition to small temperature changes that come from frequent door openings, we also thought about situations in which a home’s electricity supply may be unstable with spikes and power cuts. “This will damage a refrigerator over time. And if it breaks, it causes a huge amount of stress and takes significant time, money and effort to fix or replace. At Samsung, we pride ourselves on always thinking ahead to what our consumers will need, and our new Bottom Mounted Freezer Refrigerator thoughtfully delivers on providing real solutions with unprecedented technology, durability and design,” he added. — Emeka Aginam

Microsoft rated top employer in Africa BY EMEKA AGINAM

ccording to CRF In stitute Top Employers in Africa Index, Microsoft has been certified for the second year running as one of Africa’s Top Employers in 2013/ 2014 for its operations in Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. This makes the company part of the CRF Institute’s Top Employers in Africa Index along with the first class of certified multinationals. According to the CRF Institute, Microsoft has successfully demonstrated its excellence in the application of its Human Resources policies and practices across all of the countries where it operates, and this is the key criteria for certification. Although doing business in Africa does have similarities to other dynamic emerging markets where infrastructure and availability of technology can be limited, Microsoft has a fundamental belief that no matter where it is in the world, the brand needs to stay consistent. This means, that what is available to employees in the US or Europe is available to employees in Africa. “We strive to make our

AWARD: NCC's Head of Human Capital, Mrs. Maryam Bayi (right) and Mr. Geoff Truman, expert on leadership and management during the presentation of award for HR Training and Development Manager of the Year 2013 from the British International Leadership and Management (BIILM) to Mrs Bayi, recently. programs, processes and overall way of working with our employees first class,” Cherise Mendoza, HR Lead in West East and Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, said. “As we grow on the continent, we work continuously with our 10 000 partners across Africa to ensure the best possible reach and impact. We are constantly adding to our team of dedicated people on the ground who truly understand the Af-

rican economic and business environment, this is what makes the difference,” Mendoza, said. According to Mendoza, in February this year, Microsoft launched its multi-million dollar 4AAfrika initiative, a new effort through which the company will actively engage in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness. “This forms part of our vision to give more people and businesses in

Africa access to technology at a more affordable price. “To achieve this vision, we have made a significant investment in our talent pool, to allow us to enable businesses in Africa to realise their full potential through innovative technologies,” Mendoza, said, adding that Microsoft as a global organization has been able to instill a culture of performance excellence in its employees.

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Mba’s Bastia move collapses

unday Mba’s proposed move to Ligue 2 outfit CA Bastia is off after Warri Wolves rejected the Corsican club’s offer. The Nigeria international was unveiled by Les Noirs and given a squad number ahead of his expected arrival, but his Nigerian club have pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour. The €250,000 offer was set to be paid in three separate installments over the course of the next two years, with an additional €100,000 should Bastia earn promotion to Ligue 1 in either of the following two seasons. Wolves, however, have rejected the deal and the 24-year-old is now set to return to the Nigerian Premier League club after the international break. An unnamed club official confirmed that the deal is dead in the water, saying: “The offer has been rejected and there will be no deal between us and them for Sunday Mba.”

Enugu Best Farmers dare Golden Eaglets

irst Best Farmers (FBF) soccer acad emy under the aegis of Dr. Mrs. Ify Nwobosi would have a foretaste of the firepower of the National Under-17 team today; in a friendly match slated to hold 4pm at the practice pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The match would be the Golden Eaglets’ 21st domestic friendly match and it promises to be a spectacle with FBF spoiling for battle. “First and foremost, we want to use this opportunity to commend the good job you guys are doing with the Golden Eaglets,” the soccer-loving President of FBF, Mrs. Nwobosi was quoted as saying. ”Playing against the Golden Eaglets would give our players needed exposure as we prepare for a training tour soon and we are ready to give a good account of ourselves against your boys.”

Wikki FC management sacks Technical Adviser

he management of Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi on Monday announced the sack of the Technical Adviser of the club, Yakubu Maidajin, Chairman of the club, Sule Chindo, who spoke through the Media Officer of the team, Usman Osculator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi that Maidajin’s appointment had been terminated for poor performance. “Following the poor performance of Wikki Tourists FC in some of its home matches, the club’s management, after deliberating on the matter on Monday, decided to relieve the Technical Adviser of his appointment with immediate effect. “The Chief Coach, Abdullahi Pele, has been directed to take charge of affairs of the club and ensure that Wikki Tourists improved on its performance,” he said. The Chairman described as unacceptable, the conceding of home defeat in three matches in the current Globacom Premier league.

We’re ready to extinguish the Flames — Oduamadi 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

IGERIA will be expected to beat “disre spectful” Malawi on Saturday to reach the final stage of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers next month. The African champions set the pace in Group F with nine points, followed by Malawi with seven points. Namibia are on five points, while Kenya are bottom of the standings on three points. Malawi therefore need to win to go ahead of Nigeria in the qualifiers, while the home team only need a draw to march on in their quest to feature at Brazil 2014. When both teams first met in the reverse fixture in June last year, Malawi forced a 1-1 draw in a dramatic final flourish in Blantyre. Malawi have launched a mind game in which they have demanded for a replacement of the referee and that the southern coastal town of Calabar was unsafe and not suitable to stage a match of this magnitude. The mind game has also seen FIFA demand an explanation from Nigeria over comments attributed to coach Stephen Keshi about their Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, who incidentally was appointed Nigeria technical director but never got to take up the job because of local opposition. Brescia forward Nnamdi Oduamadi was firm that Eagles will go all out to silence the Malawians this weekend. ”We are not underrating them, I know they have been preparing for the game even playing pranks on us. Their coach has been boasting they will

•Stephen Keshi come to Nigeria to upset us, that’s just his wish but we are more than ready to silence them,” he said. “We are taking the game as a cup final. They will have nothing to say by the time we hammer them big time.” Oduamadi added: “I am not disputing their potentials, I

Joel Obi plans Eagles return with Parma JOEL Obi has said he hopes to use his loan move to Parma to relaunch his once promising career and make a return to the Super Eagles. Obi, whose career has been hampered by recurring injuries, told Brila FM he hopes to get more playing time and do well with Parma. ”Moving to Parma is a good move for me. This will give me chance to play regular football. They actually wanted a permanent deal, but we settled for a loan deal,” he said. “I will prove my worth and use my move to Parma to get back to the Eagles. I have not played for a year due to the injury. I am happy with the deal.” The left-sided midfielder last featured for Nigeria in November 2011, same year he made his debut against Sierra Leone in Lagos. Obi has not enjoyed regular first-team football action since his return from a long injury lay off. He joined Inter Milan in 2010 and has played 38 matches with a goal credited to him.

•Tom Saintfiet

am not underrating them, but we d serve some respect. If they think th want to come to Calabar to emb rass us, we are ready to disgrace th and we will prove that on the pitc Nigeria are yet to lose to Malaw full international level as the Eag have claimed victories four tim from previous meetings includin 1978 All Africa Games clash. They also welcome back severa their top stars like Emmanu Emenike, Vincent Enyeama a Mikel Obi, who missed last mont friendly in South Africa, which th won 2-0 in Durban.

Real reject Unite bid for Khedira

• Joel Obi

anchester United are ported to have failed wit 40 million euro bid for Real Madri Sami Khedira. Both United and Chelsea ha been linked with the German int national after he was believed have been made available fo transfer this summer. But it seems Real Madrid – w today unrelieved world record sig ing Gareth Bale – are holding o for more money for the 26-year-o

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U.S. OPEN 2013:

Sweet revenge for Serena against Stephens T

•Serena

OP-ranked defending champion Serena Williams defeated US 15th seed Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-1 Monday to reach the US Open quarter-finals, avenging a loss that ousted her from the 2013 Australian Open. Williams won eight of the last nine games to advance after 87 minutes to a last-eight matchup against Spanish 18th seed Carla Suarez Navarro, who upset German eighth seed Angelique Kerber 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). “It will be a tough match,” Williams said. Williams, who at 31 could become the oldest US Open women’s champion, and Stephens had not played since the 20-yearold prodigy beat the four-time US Open champion 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in an Australian Open quarter-final last January. “It definitely felt like a bigger match because Sloane is such a great player, but I had to stay focused in the moment,” Williams said. “I just tried the whole time to do what I wanted to, stay calm and stay relaxed.” The Williams-Stephens relationship was strained after Stephens accused the 16-time Grand Slam champion of being disrespectful and using intimidation tactics and mind games with her yells of “Come on”, but both women said before the match that soured feelings had been repaired. In the match, both apologised to each other for wind-blown ball tosses that they did not hit. And when they met at the net after match point, Williams told Stephens, “I love you so much”. Stephens said she was simply outplayed by the world’s best.

Federer upset, loses in straight sets •Oduamadi

The Gunners need a striker – Parlour

•Parlour

RSENAL’s failure to land a striker in the trans fer window has been somewhat gilded over with the signing of Mesut Ozil. The former Real Madrid attacking midfielder was the biggest deal of the transfer window deadline day, signing for the Gunners for a club record £42.5 million. It was just the signing that all Arsenal fans hoped for but it has somewhat papered over the need for another striker at the Emirates Stadium according to many pundits, including former Gunner Ray Parlour. Parlour told Talksport: “The only problem I’m worried about is the forward line. Giroud was excellent at the weekend. I thought he played ever so well against Tottenham.

OMMY Robredo stunned Roger ners. Federer with a straight-sets win in the Robredo was consistent with 31 winners fourth round of the U.S. Open Monday. and 26 unforced errors, and made the most Robredo capitalised on an error-ridden of his opportuniand wasteful performance ties—converting four from the 17-time Grand of seven break Slam champion to clinch points. a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-4 win at The exit is Flushing Meadows. Federer’s earliest at “I kind of feel like I beat the U.S. Open since myself, without taking any 2003—when he also credit away from Tommy,” exited in the fourth Federer told reporters. round—and second “Clearly he was making early departure at a sure he was making many Grand Slam this year balls. It was up to me to after a second-round make the difference and I loss at Wimbledon. couldn’t. Federer started “I kind of self-depoorly and three structed, which is very disunforced errors in the appointing, especially on opening game saw a quicker court. Your serve Robredo break, only helps you out. You’re gofor the Swiss great to ing to make the difference respond in the fourth somewhere. I just couldn’t game to make it 2-2. do it. It was a frustrating Robredo claimed performance today.” his second break for Federer converted just 5-4—a game after two of 16 break points and Federer squandered Federer committed 43 unforced era chance—but was rors to go with his 45 winunable to close it out.

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CWG Sales Academy graduates students BY EMEKA AGINAM

GRADUATION: James Agada, Chief Technology Officer, CWG (middle), flanked by Mrs Olapeju Ayo-Fisher, Head, Human Resources/Admin, CWG (left) and Stephen Albert, Business Development Manager/Sales Academy Coordinator, CWG (right) with students during the graduation ceremony in Lagos.

How Nigeria's ICT industry can grow, by envoy Continues from Page 25 manufacture many ICT products by ourselves. ‘‘I urge you to also adopt this approach and will advise you to stop importing IT from the developed countries because they would never give you what will make you develop your economy. They would always love that you keep on coming back to them to buy more. This is not how you can grow the sector. ``Indigenous approach is always good. We at times, I think Pakistan has been very lucky because we are subjected to many sanctions because of our nuclear programme and those sanctions were blessing to us because we have started producing our own things. That is why we need to cooperate to move forward,’’ said Saleem. Responding, acting Director General of NITDA, Dr Ashiru Daura, said the partnership is coming at the right time, especially, when the agency has been promoting local content in order to strengthen the ICT sector. He expressed optimism that the proposed ICT partnership with Pakistan would surely serve a mutual benefit and specifically impart positively on the Nigerian economy. In his remarks, the President, Nigeria Computer Society, Professor David Adewumi said the importance of the partnership to the economy C M Y K

cannot be overemphasised and commended NITDA leadership for the way and manner it had pioneered IT penetration and development in the country. He said that NCS is

ready to further NITDA on how to accelerate the pace of IT development in the country, saying that the worthy goal of NITDA are in line with the core objectives of the Society.

He however, urged NITDA to seek for stronger partnership that would build an inclusive and globally competitive and prosperous Nigeria, that will be the envy of other African nations.

NITDA tasks OEMs on product quality, after-sales service BY EMMA ELEBEKE

HE National Infor mation Technology Agency, NITDA has again restated its commitment to promote and optimize the qualitative production capacity of the nation’s indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs. The agency said the idea is in a bid to achieve Nigeria’s IT Local Content inclusion, adoption and patronage of local OEMs. The Acting DirectorGeneral of NITDA, Dr Ashiru Daura made this known during an interactive meeting between the management of NITDA and some representatives of Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs in Abuja at the weekend. Daura stated that NITDA is ever committed to ensure adequate development of local capacity, in line with Nigeria’s IT content development initiative. He noted that a robust performance framework is been put in place by NITDA, through the support of the Ministry of Com-

munication Technology, to ensure makers of local OEMs deliver high quality products of international standards with Key Performance Indicators, KPIs put in place in order to measure their efficiency in the market and consumer satisfaction. As part of NITDAs aim of achieving the lofty objective, the Acting Director said that the agency recently at the second National Council on Communications Technology (NCCT) held in Akure, Ondo State presented a memorandum on the need for the patronage of local OEMs, while the NCCT in its final communiqué adopted the prayers of NITDA by recommending that all states and the Federal Capital Territory should promote the Student Computer Ownership Scheme by encouraging the adoption of local OEMs for the programme. He identified lack of dependable warranty and non-existent after sales services as some of the challenges affecting the purchase and usage of some locally made PC

brands. He stressed the need for strict compliance with the international standard Organization, ISO 9001:2008 standard certification for sourcing and procuring of computer hardware from local OEMs for which there is local capacity for manufacturing, assembling, testing, deployment and maintenance. In addition, he advocated that local OEMS contracting to supply any state-wide ICT projects must have first level contact centres to handle customer queries, adding that all local OEMs contracting to supply any state-wide ICT projects must have regionally located fulfillment centres as well as regionally located return/repair workshop capable of handling after sales service and adequate warranty service issues. The NITDA boss however, urged stakeholders including States and Local Government Areas to help push for the development of Local Content as a substantial source of revenue earning for the country.

ne of the leading Pan-African Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Company, Computer Warehouse Group, recently graduated another set of students from the Sales Academy in Lagos. The graduating students of the 2013 first session have successfully completed 6 weeks of intensive classroom work, practical training and live project attachments. Speaking at the event, James Agada, the Chief Technology Officer of the company highlighted the importance of sales in business growth. According to him, the world can only be ruled by people who have the selling skill, because we all have something to offer but your ability to convince others to buy is what makes the difference. Thus, the Sales academy creates the avenue to impact its students with the required selling skill that will enable them excel in their career. “Considering the role of ICT in the economy and its growth rate, raising human capital that can sell the value appropriately to the users becomes imperative. Contrarily, so many fresh graduates lack the required skill for immediate employment especially in the IT field. It was on this heel that CWG has established the Sales Academy to bridge

the gap”, he explained. While congratulating the graduands, he charged them to give attention to the knowledge they have acquired from the academy as they are not common. CWG Sales academy formerly called DCC Sales Academy emanated from DCC Networks, the Communication division of Computer Warehouse Group in 2012 with the mission to provide experiential knowledge on selling of IT products and services for fresh and experienced graduates who wish to hone their selling skills. However, it became CWG Sales Academy this year in order to provide a holistic sales training in the three disciplines of IT; Hardware, Software and Communication for the students. Both the alumni from DCC Sales Academy and the graduating students from CWG Sales Academy were glad to give testimonials of the impact of the academy on their career. Sogbamu Segun and Excel Chukwuewube both alumni of DCC Sales Academy shared testimonials of the transformation they have experienced in their careers and life as a result of their participation in the academy while three graduating students; Oluwatobi Ojomo, Olayisade Adekunle and Damilola Oluwatunmise on behalf of the graduands also shared testimonials on their experience at the academy respectively.

ABU partners Dataflex on omputer based test

ne of the top rated Federal Universities in Nigeria, the Ahmadu Bello University(ABU) Zaria, has engaged the services of DATAFLEX a leading ICT solutions and services company in the country in the supply and support of Dell Thin Client at the university for computer based test. The DELL Thin Client is a computing device that could act as a Virtual Desktop hence using the computing power residing on networked servers. This System from DELL is a highly efficient and cost effective device with a centralized management system that provides some security benefits for any organization. The Dell Thin Cli-

ents will be used for the Computer Based Tests(CBT) purposes of the institution. In presenting the systems to Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, the Vice Chancellor of ABU Zaria, Danjuma Attah; Regional Director for DATAFLEX thanked the VC for the opportunity given to DATAFLEX to provide the service to the institution. ‘At DATAFLEX, we are committed to providing superior service to ABU Zaria and in working in close relationship with our Global partner DELL, you can be rest assured of our commitment to providing the best in class service to Ahmadu Bello university ’.Attah said.

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Swift Networks plans LTE launch with 500 volunteers Call Centre as part of the BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

BRIEFING: Secretary of State in the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr Gunnar Oom, flanked by ministry Ambassadors, Inger Ultvedt (left); Anders Johnson (immediate right) and Wictoria Amandustin, Deputy Director at Minister's office (far right) as the State Secretary briefed African Journalists on Sweden's mission to harmonise trade relations between his country and the Sub-Saharan African countries, in Stockholm, Sweden last week. Photo: Prince Osuagwu.

Nigeria, other African countries record 781m mobile subscription in Q2 BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

HE global mobile subscription would hit 9 million by 2018 and Nigeria, South Africa among other African countries are major part of this realisation with current standing of about 781 million in mobile subscription. This was revealed in the second quarter statistics of Ericsson's Mobility report released in Stockholm, Sweden at the weekend. Nigeria led the pack of the African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, by adding about 20 million new subscriptions in quarter two of 2013. The Continent ranked third in the report after Asia Pacific and China, which presently have 1.28 billion and 1.17 billion mobile subscriptions respectively. With about 105 million net additions of mobile subscription across the globe in Q2 2013, Western Europe; Central and Eastern Europe; India; Middle East; Latin America and North America added one million; six million; eight million; six million; and four million new subscribers respectively. The report also disclosed that the global mobile subscription was expected to grow six per cent from 2012 to 2018, reaching nine billion, higher than the population of the world, presently pitched at about seven billion. C M Y K

The report, which currently puts global mobile subscriptions at 6.5 billion as at the end of June, noted that world wide mobile penetration reached 91 per cent, “however, the actual number of mobile subscriptions is around 4.5 billion, since many have several subscriptions.” According to Ericsson’s Head of Strategic Marketing and Intelligence, Patrick Cerwall, China alone accounted for 30 per cent of net additions, adding 30 million subscriptions; Indonesia added nine million; India added eight million; Bangladesh added five million; Nigeria added

four million in terms of net additions. Indeed, statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) put the country’s connected lines at 181 million with active lines now 120 million. Nigeria's four GSM operators including MTN Nigeria; Globacom; Airtel and Etisalat currently shares 117 million active lines; while the Code Division Multiple Operators including Visafone; Starcomms and Multilinks battle for 2.56 million subscribers. The Fixed Wired and Wireless operators share 382,678 lines. This is even as Nigeria’s tel-

edensity is presently at 85.3 per cent. Cerwall however noted that mobile subscriptions have grown around seven per cent year-on-year and two per cent quarter-onquarter basis. He contended that, there was a large difference between the number of subscriptions and subscribers. He attributed this to the fact that many subscribers have several subscriptions, with reasons including users lowering their traffic cost by using optimized subscriptions for different types of calls; maximizing coverage and having different subscriptions for mobile PCs, tablets and for mobile phones.

IGH speed broad band internet and data services provider, Swift Networks, has announced that 500 volunteers will test-drive its brand new Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in preparation for its launch in Lagos. in the first instance. SWIFT has built the LTE network on the spectrum resources of the Direct On PC which it acquired recently, enabling it to overlay the ultra-fast LTE network over its current 4G WIMAX network to offer higher access speed to its current and future customers. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource and LTE uses it more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience. It delivers at least 10 times faster download speed than 3G and 4 times that of WIMAX 4G networks. “This will be Nigeria’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network; we will not rush this launch and will take every care to ensure that we get it right the first time. Getting the most aggressive users from our current customer base to test-drive it will enable us to debug and fine-tune it to meet the exerting demands of our target customer base”, according to Mr. Chukwuma Okoye, the Chief Operating Officer of SWIFT. “These volunteers who have been on our network for at least three years will give us feedback on the several performance metrics we are tracking including download and upload speeds, network latency and uptime. They will also ghost call the

predetermined performance indicators that are important to our market segment. These customers have been with us through our Pre-WiMAX and current 4G networks and bring along their treasured comparative memory of our services”, he said. According to Philip Sonibare, Assistant General Manager, Consumer Sales and Marketing at SWIFT Networks, “ we continue to see the demand for true broadband internet skyrocket in Nigeria and our 4G LTE network rollout starting from Lagos responds to what customers want from their broadband internet experience — faster and more reliable services backed by 24x7 customer care,” When activated, the new LTE network will bring key benefits to the market, including the capability of delivering internet speeds of up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can download, upload and stream audio and video content without buffering as well as make high definition phone calls. Gamers will also game faster than ever before. SWIFT said it will offer several new LTE modems, including WIFI capable indoor modems with telephone ports and mobile multi-user WIFI enabled versions for people on the go. All these will enable LTE internet and data speeds on PCs, Laptops, smart phones and tablets, either at home, office or in transit. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you’ve sent the request.

Stakeholders seek collaboration on space systems BY EMMA ELEBEKE

HE 2013 CSTD Week has ended in Abuja, with stakeholders in the space science and technology industry urging for a stronger collaboration among major players in the industry that would aid easy actualization of indigenous capability to design, fabricate, test and launch of a space systems in Nigeria. The two day event, entitled: Achieving the Benefits of Space via Corporate Partnership, was organised by Centre for Satellite Technology Development, CSTD.

It is an annual event which provides platform for the Centre to meet policy makers, government agencies, private sector, academia, engineering and science community to brainstorm on possible areas of collaboration, towards the maximum utilization of the country’s space assets for sustainable development and economic growth. The conference also explored the benefits that could be accrued through long lasting partnerships with both public and private organizations and how to

strengthen the existing bonds for commercialization of research findings, development and educational purposes. Some of the topics discussed at the conference include: telecommunications and navigation; security and monitoring operations; education and workforce; energy and environment; emergency and disaster relief; remote sensing and GIS; policy regulatory roles in telecommunications and commerce, banking, publicprivate partnerships. Participants at the occasion reasoned that taking an in-depth exploration of the technical, regulatory,

economic and marketing issues affecting the satellite industry for current and planned services will help in charting the way forward towards achieving greater heights. Chief Executive of CSTD, Dr. Spencer Onuh, in his welcome address said that the workshop became necessary as it would stir a solid interaction between government and corporate bodies and academia to establish a firm relationship between various sectors. Dr. Onuh said the center was prepared and can boast of highly skilled

man power that can be mobilized to actualize the dream of manufacturing satellites locally in the country, and called on government to provide the enabling environment. “CSTD is ready to indigenously design and manufacture satellites in Nigeria if challenged with the right climate of operations. It might interest you to know that one of the countries engineers and scientists that were trained in SSTL along with our engineers and scientists have successfully designed and manufacture satellite in their own country,” he said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013— — 33

C M Y K

34—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

I can no longer cope with my friend's lifestyle

My wife is a terrible cook Dear Bunmi, I used to scoff at the adage that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but my wife is making me do a rethink. We’ve been married for more than 10 years and have

three lovely children. My wife has been a good wife and mother. I have a very successful law practice and she does good business selling fabrics and jewellery. My grouse is that

Too young for marriage Dear Bunmi, I am an undergraduate in love with a Youth Corper. We met at the university and love each other. I am only 20 and reading medicine, so I have a long way to go. My partner is thinking of marriage. I’d had two abortions before but he now says we should be thinking of getting married now that he’s finished his studies. Some of my friends tell me early marriages have advantages as you have your kids early. But apart from the fact that my parents could kill me if I have a shot-gun wedding, I am not ready though I think I might be pregnant again. Should I have an abortion? Mariam, by e-mail Dear Mariam, The first thing you must do right now is get a pregnancy test done to see if your fears are justified. You can’t make any decisions until you have the facts. Any of the clinics

should do a pregnancy test if you don’t want to use facilities at your teaching hospital. You could even get one of these do-it-yourself kits from the chemist. They’re usually accurate. If you are pregnant, you have three basic choices: Continue the pregnancy and get married, be a single parent or end the pregnancy now by having yet another abortion. For your sake, I hope this pregnancy is a false alarm as frequent abortions are bad for your reproductive system. You appear to be living in fear of your partner’s reaction which makes me wonder if the relationship is really as secure as you would like to believe it is. You’re still very young to be saddled with major decisions like marriage. Make appreciable progress in your education as your man has done. A couple of years wait wouldn’t kill a strong and stable relationship.

her cooking leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Most of the time, she has a trained caterer come to the house to do the week’s shopping for foodstuff and store enough prepared food in the deep-freezer to feed an army. This is all well and good but you know how PHCN is; and whenever the generator breaks down, meals become a nightmare. I’ve asked her to make more effort at cooking, but apart from simple fry-ups like dodo and chips, her stews are something else. She told me she’s tired and doesn’t know what else to do. She is thinking of getting a live-in cook and paid for by her but I still feel bad that she doesn’t love me enough to want to know how to cook. Nduka, by e-mail Dear Nduka, Is it really the end of the world that your wife can’t cook? Just as some women are petrified at sitting behind the wheels, a few find experimenting in the kitchen a bit daunting. You said she is a good mother and wife, and has even offered to employ a live-in cook paid for by her. If this is not love, I wonder what it is? Your wife has readily admitted her short comings in the kitchen and is willing to make up for it. If you’re a deft hand at cooking, helping once a while might challenge her.

He doesn't know I fancy him Dear Bunmi, I’m 24 years old and up until about a year ago, I had strong views about getting married. I promised my self I wouldn’t settle down until I was at least 28. But now my attitudes have changed dramatically and I think I have met the perfect man for me. We have been very good friends for about three years and we live next door to each other. He is in his late twenties and he is good looking, caring and very considerate -in fact he’s what you’ll call a perfect gentleman. Keeping my hands off him is agonising. I get jealous if he talks about

other women and miss him terribly when he goes away. He doesn’t have a girlfriend and I just can’t stop thinking about him. I’m afraid that if I tell him how I feel it will jeopardise our close friendship. On the other hand, if I don’t say anything how will I ever know if he feels any affection for me? Should I open up or keep these feelings to myself? Ufuoma, by e-mail Dear Ufuoma, You really don’t have to throw this man to the ground and swear your undying love for him, you know. Feelings can be displayed without great declaration. Add a new

element to the friendship you already have - buy him a lovely decoration for his room for instance, or a book on one of his interests, or offer him a small personal courtesy that will make him look at you in a slightly different way. Ask his advise about one of your ‘problems’ or about a new hairstyle. Ask him if he’d like to go to a movie, or somewhere off your usual beaten path. Make a gesture that will place the ball in his court and give him a chance to respond in his own way. Remember, most people do not lead their lives by taking big leaps but simply by going gently with the flow.

Dear Bunmi, Because of the type of friends I keep, and our lifestyle, I’m in terrible debt. I have a thriving business and it’s not that I spend a lot on myself per se. But I’ve run up huge debts trying to keep up with the various aso-ebi I bought for my friends’ numerous social engagements. As things are, I don’t even have my rent which is due soon and I haven’t got a clue how I’m going to survive. Thanks to the current power crisis, my business is also suffering. A lot of my friends know how bad things are but they have refused to help me when I asked for financial help from them. I was always very generous with them. I can’t be-

lieve they’re being so selfish. Mandy, by e-mail Dear Mandy, It seems to me as if you’re very laid-back about money. The good side of that is you’re generous to your friends. The bad side is it means you let your spending get out of hand. Your friends are obviously much more careful about money and don’t indulge in every aso-ebi, as you do and they don’t lend money to others. It’s nothing personal, it’s just the way they are, in the same way as you’re easy come, easy go. Don’t feel too bad about your friends. Instead, ask them to help you learn how to budget so this situation doesn’t occur in future again.

‘

If you are pregnant, you have three basic choices: Continue the pregnancy and get married, be a single parent or end the pregnancy now by having yet another abortion

’

Confused widower and his son Dear Bunmi, Around last Christmas, my world fell to pieces when my wife of eight years was killed in a car crash. Not only have I lost my soul mate, but our six-year-old son has been left without a mum. I just don’t know how to handle things. Daniel, by e-mail Dear Daniel, The first and most important thing your little boy needs is love from you, so give him loads of affection. Answer his questions as he asks them, so

he’s getting information when he’s ready. Reassure him that mummy hasn’t gone because of anything he did, which some children fear. And don’t think you have to ‘cope’ with your own feelings of loss in private. Children need to know that adults feel grief too, so it’s fine to cry together. Finally, seek the support of friends and relatives and encourage your son to interact with relatives in his age bracket. I wish you the best of luck.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 35

5 simple sore throat remedies

Eat cucumber for soundness of mind, body and soul BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

ATURE really does have the best cures for ill health in the form of herbs, vegetables and fruits. One particular fruit that does wonderful things for human health is the cucumber, which not only does great things for the innner body but it is beneficial for the body's exterior as well. Apart from being a fruit that is great to eat, cucumber has other awesome uses.

Nutritious

Cucumbers are a great source of B vitamins. Apart from that, they are made of about 95 percent water, making them a great fruit to help hydrate the body. When the body gets good hydration, it can eliminate toxins, which is good for the kidneys and liver as well. With their skin they possess the most of the amount of daily vitamins that a body needs, it is a good idea to eat them as snacks.

Anti-carcinogenic

Cucumbers contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol; these are

called lignans, and they work in combination to help the body fight off cancer. So, cucumbers have the ability to help fight ovarian cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

Anti-diabetic

Cucumbers can also help with other issues as well. There is a hormone found in cucumbers that can help the pancreas produce insulin. Since that is a huge issue with diabetic patients, cucumbers could be beneficial

potassium, fibre, and magnesium, they can help a person regulate their blood pressure. Cucumbers are very rich in a vitamin called silica that helps promote health, because it can give strength to connective tissues such as joints. Since that is the case,

Relieves breath

cucumbers can help people who suffer with ailments such as arthritis pain, joint pain and gout.

• Cucumber to people who have diabetes. There is also a compound in cucumbers that can help lower cholesterol levels, and because cucumbers are rich in

Good for digestion

For weight loss and digestion, thanks to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people trying to lose weight. Numerous studies

Left arm pain “One good thing about music – when it hits you, you feel no pain”Bob Marley

N a recent transatlantic flight a commotion started two seats ahead of mine. The famous American gentleman I’d greeted on boarding had developed a sudden medical emergency. The desert trolley was rushed away and a crowd surrounded his seat. With calm trepidation, I left my seat to offer assistance. Two Doctors had responded to the Purser ’s call. One had ordered high dose aspirin and the other a device to check blood pressure, neither of which had arrived. Apparently, this celebrity patient, whom, for privacy and confidentiality, I shall call “Mr X”, had complained of sudden onset left arm pain. I introduced myself to the physicians then offered my US business card to the patient. “What is this?” the first Doctor snapped. “I find this inappropriate to be giving your card to a man clearly having a heart attack!” Even if Mr X was having a heart attack, he was alive enough to be accorded all necessary client protocol before thrusting your services on him at the behest of the flight attendant. Ignoring my respected colleague’s comment, I asked Mr X for his permission to render my services. “Thanks for the introduction, Doc.”

have been done that prove that cucumbers are also good for digestion, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure and even helps with hangovers. Fibre in cucumbers are very effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion and preventing c h r o n i c constipation.

he tapped my card and waved his headphones. “I was just listening to some music when it all started.” I discovered two painful spots in Mr X’s left upper trapezius muscle between his shoulder and neck. These are tight nodules called “trigger points”. They form within an affected muscle causing pain that radiates away from the source. Trigger points are often symptomatic of a common condition called Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Unable to inject, I chose to massage the points. This worsened the pain. Mr X groaned. My displeased colleague, the one who had ordered the double dose aspirin, whispered in my ear. “You are going to kill this man by dislodging the clot in his arm!” “There is no clot in his arm”, I whispered back. He complained to the Purser who simply ignored him. Within minutes, to the joyful relief of the patient, the pain subsided. I requested extra shoulder support for his chair and, jokingly, delegated two female flight attendants to massage his arm on a rotating shift. For a moment, the Purser believed me. Mr X chuckled. Over the past 30 years I have had the fortune, or misfortune, of encountering many non-hospital situations such as this and even published an article “Fight or flight –

bad

Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.

Promotes joint health

Promotes joint health, relieves gout and arthritis pain -Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, relieves gout and arthritis pain by lowering uric acid.

VERYONE gets a sore throat now and then. Here are simple remedies that will make you feel better quickly and efficiently. Echinacea: This wonderful herb comes in tea and supplement form and has been proven to work with the same efficiency and quickness as the over the counter alternatives. You can buy it just about anywhere. Sea Salt Water: Many of us have heard tales of gargling salt water to improve a sore throat. It works like a charm!. Gargling salt water can soothe your throat. Turmeric Tea: Turmeric is a natural healer for a lot of ailments, but one thing it does well is cure a sore throat. Why? It’s packed full of vitamins that help boost the immune system and cleanses the body. Apple cider vinegar: Add this to tea with a little bit of honey and you’ve got a soothing warm drink that is sure to knock out your sore throat in a pinch. Steaming: This certainly helps. Take a warm shower, sit in the bathroom with the steam in full effect, or do a “steam tent” over a bowl of hot water to feel the relief.

The Good Samaritan”, in a UK journal back in 1996. I will occasionally share some of these sometimes humorous, sometimes chilling experiences in the life of this Column. (Left) Arm Pain - Can be mild or unbearable, sudden or chronic (over 3 months), from the fingers to the shoulder, may be unilateral or bilateral, can be dull, sharp shooting, constant or episodic.

Causes

auses can be divided into those due to trauma or injury, to individual behavior and to diseases. An evolving heart attack is the most dangerous cause of left arm pain. However this is less common, and will likely be associated with other findings. Trauma includes fractures, nerve injury, strains and sprains of muscles, ligaments and tendons in the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Behavioural causes include stress, posture (sitting or sleeping), some medications and food. Spicy or peppery foods can cause gas distension in the gut which can cause left arm pain. Diseases of the bones, muscles, tendons and the nerves themselves

are very common causes. These include joint arthritis, spondylosis in the neck, radiculopathy, diabetic neuropathy, tumors in the thoracic outlet and tendinitis (tennis elbow, golfer ’s elbow/shoulder). Left arm pain can occur as a component of myofascial pain syndrome (Mr X), fibromyalgia or following a stroke. Often causes are multiple.

Treatment Treatment of (left) arm pain depends on its cause(s). Physical therapy (Mr X’s massage) Psychotherapy Acupuncture Relaxation therapy (Mr X) Behavioural therapy (Mr X’s shoulder support) Drugs - paracetamol, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anaesthetics, and sometimes strong narcotic pain medicines may be needed. Mr X’s had an acute exacerbation of a chronic problem. Pain medication must address both states.

36—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Desperadoes threaten Edo APC, says party chieftain

Delta communities sue for peace

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Chairman of Congress of Progressive Change, CPC, in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Erhahon, yesterday, alleged plots by people he described as “desperate” governorship aspirants in the state to cause division in the new party. He warned that if such persons do not refrain from such destructive activities, they would never get the support of the people. Erhahon, who was reacting to the crisis rocking Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the national level, said: “It is the will of the Almighty God that those that gang up to exploit and mislead the people shall scatter. “So nobody should expect PDP to come out from this crisis no matter how Mr. Fix it tries to fix the problem.” Noting that APC was waxing stronger in the state, following its formation, Erhahon said that the leadership was doing all it could to ensure the parties that make up the new party get fair share of the offices. He said: “We are doing our ground work and we appeal to APC supporters from the three legacy parties to remain united and not to allow desperate governorship aspirants to create rancour and bitter-

BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—THE people of Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have agreed to settle all pending disputes in the kingdom. The Reconciliation Committee of the kingdom, which made the disclosure in a statement, yesterday, recommended that all court cases be withdrawn with immediate effect. This was contained in a statement by the Committee’s Chairman, Chief S a m u e l Oboramowhoyere, and Secretary, Chief M. Mukoro. It also recommended that the “Ohworode of Olomu shall confer chieftaincy titles on deserving sons, daughters and non-indigenes of Olomu Kingdom, recommended to him after screening and found creditable by the screening committee for his information and necessary action. “The sons and daughters to be conferred with chieftaincy title will, prior to the conferment, take date from the Odjenigbonvwan of Olomu to entertain all the Olomu chiefs in his compound in Olomu.” The statement added that the recommendations are subject to approval at a general meeting of Olomu Kingdom to be held in the house of the kingdom’s PresidentGeneral.

ness among us. “Whoever attempts to exclude any member of the legacy party shall be treated

as one that does not believe in the merger and therefore, should expect not to lead the merger party he does not believe in. “We are happy that Governor Adams Oshiomhole is car-

Ex-militant leaders call for PPMC boss' sack E

X-MILITANT leaders under the aegis of Phase II Generals have renewed their call for the removal of the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, PPMC, Prince Haruna Momoh, on grounds of inefficiency and for working contrary to President Jonathan's transformation agenda in the petroleum sector. The ex-militant ‘Generals’ in a statement by its leader “General’ Okunbiri J., a.k.a. Forest

Dog, said that the call became necessary as PPMC, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, under the management of Haruna Momoh, has derailed from its mandate, thereby, shortchanging Nigerians of regular and adequate supply of petroleum products across the country. He attributed his inefficiency to what he described as “undeserved promotion in PPMC,” which did not follow

ENAGOA—FEDERAL Government and its agencies have been called upon to give Bayelsa State communities and other flood-prone communities in the country

BY GBENGA OKE

ELTA State gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Okocha, yesterday, said that his mission in Delta State was to restore development through schemes that would eradicate poverty and the creation of the right environment for businesses to

strive. He added that he would resuscitate the life and communal livelihood of the people of the state. In a chat with Vanguard, Okocha said if elected governor of Delta State, his administration will touch on five special areas, which include 13 percent derivation from oil and gas production, roads and wa-

special attention to enable them mitigate the annual problem. Chairman of Bayelsa State Post Flood Management Committee, Chief Francis Doukpola, who made the appeal at a one-day workshop on Flood Preparedness and Man-

agement in Yenagoa, said “every community in Bayelsa State is located either by a river, creek, canal or ocean, making them vulnerable to the impact of flood, erosion and landslide.” He added that the perennial occurrence had subjected the

terways system, rail transportation, security and erosion. He said: “Communities and local governments, where oil and gas are explored and exploited suffer so much from polluted land, water, rivers, swamps, ponds among others. “As governor, I shall hold the oil companies responsible for cleaning up of oil spills on land and waterways, while there shall be stakeholders’ participatory approach in utilising these revenues through the restructuring of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. “The development of Delta State will be boosted through the construction of specialised system of rings roads with compass networks of NorthSouth and East-West Roads to link rural communities.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

due process in line with civil service rules, describing the PPMC MD as an enemy of the petroleum sector. He added that his removal would definitely pave way for a better and efficient PPMC. Okunbiri maintained that there was need for a change of the management of PPMC to achieve the transformation agenda in the petroleum sector, which is key to the rapid development of all sectors of the country’s economy.

Delta guber aspirant promises poverty eradication

FG tasked on flood-prone Delta communities BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

rying the legacy party along. Those who are trying to undercut the governor and the other members of the legacy party will end up cutting themselves out of relevance in APC.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On boy found on airplane's wheel well

think he should be taken to a psychiatrist for check up. Then if he is certified to be mentally sound, the government ought to make the boy believe there is hope in this country by providing him free education and support till he is able to stand alone.— Miss Deborah Awodi, Broadcaster.

am using this opportunity to appeal to the government of my beloved Nigerian to consider this innocent boy and find a way to help him achieve his goal. Maybe this boy has something in his brain that requires better facilities to bring out.— Mr. Ricks Okororie, Businessman.

HAT a shame. A little boy of that age could beat the whole security at the airport? The government should do something about the security of this country. I must say the boy must have been exposed to foreign movies. A lot of foreign movies.— Miss Chika Dike, Student.

HE boy is a phenomenon. He didn’t die. God has plans for him, and he also broke at least Nigerian record. He, truly, is a brave one. I think he deserves an honour and a good education. Our government won’t see this act as one worth harnessing.— Mr. Ig Bond, Businessman.

OULD anybody be happy to see this boy in the street with gun, shooting people and collecting their belongings? Please, consider this boy and help him, because he was looking for a way to survive. That’s all.— Miss Glory Moses, Teacher.

ANIEL was really brave and courageous. He’s a genius! His name should be written in the Guinness Book of Records. Let the Aviation Minister pick him up and train him. Besides, why did the police hold him like a criminal?—Mrs Masodi MaryJane, Businesswoman.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—37

NABTEB releases 2013 May/June exams results

69-yr-old woman asks FHA to refund N74,000 housing fund

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT— AGED Mrs. Beatrice Oduda has asked the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, to refund the N74,000 she committed to the National Housing Programme, NHP, 20 years ago. Oduda told Vanguard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State that at 69 and grappling with ill-health, she has lost hope of owning a house through the NHP and all she wanted was a refund of her hanging payment invested in the programme. Explaining her case with receipts detailing her payments, Oduda said that she had suffered untold hardship trying to retrieve her commitment to the housing programme. She said: “In 1994, I saw a newspaper advertisement by the FHA, asking people to apply. I needed a house, so I applied. I paid N74, 000 and got a receipt with registration number 054002. Since then, I have been waiting to see the house they promised. “In November 2012, I travelled to Abuja to find out what was going on. A lady named Hauwa assisted me to open a file, but all I want now is my money back. I can’t wait till eternity for the NHP assisted home. Let me have my money now that I am still alive.”

Nigerians urged to imbibe good values

ORMER vice chairman, Burutu Local Government area of Delta State, Mr. Sunday Feke, has called on Nigerians to imbibe good values for the development of the country. He noted with concern that “Nigerians dwell so much on wrongs and mistakes of the past, which is a waste of time, energy and resources.” Represented by Mr Otu Akanyo, while receiving the Legacy of True Leadership National Award from Africa Leadership News Magazine, Merit Award House, Abuja, he opined that there was need to rebuild trust and confidence, and see beyond the trial and challenges of today, which are normal in development. C M Y K

VISIT—From left: Mrs Oyemeachi Mrakpor, member, representing Aniocha South LGA of the Delta State House of Assembly; Mrs Roli Nere Uduaghan, Delta State First lady; Mrs Elizabeth Essien, South-South PDP Zonal woman leader; and Mrs Felicia Adowei, Delta State PDP women leader during a visit by the South-South PDP women on Mrs Uduahan, wife of the Delta State Governor in Asaba. Photo: Henry Unini.

Ex-militants give FG ultimatum on unpaid allowances BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—NIGER Delta exmilitants Phase II leaders, yesterday, issued a one month ultimatum to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to release the unpaid allowances to members of the various camps in the phase or risk another round of crisis in the region. They also raised alarm over nonimplementation of the leaders’ entrepreneurship training,

lamenting that the amnesty office has been sending some of the boys for training without notifying their leaders. Speaking with newsmen in Ughelli, Delta State on behalf of the leaders, ‘General’ Owonama Edward and ‘General’ Charles Akatakpo, decried the omission of some members in the monthly payments. He said: “We have been experiencing a situation where some of the boys will receive

their salaries in a particular month and have their names omitted the next. We are insisting that the pending allowances should be paid.” Reiterating that the leaders of the phase II were not being recognised and carried along by the amnesty office, they said: “ we the leaders are being treated like nuisance by the amnesty office, why? They should work with us on the implementation of the leaders’ entrepreneurship training.”

Group calls on Jonathan's critics to support transformation agenda BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—NATIONAL Coordinator of Campaign for Good Governance, Prince Obaro Unuafe, yesterday, expressed worry over the spate of criticisms, President Goodluck Jonathan’s policies are subjected, appealing to Nigerians to allow him to carry out his transformational agenda. Unuafe in a statement, said: “the Campaign for Good Governance is worried about critics of Jonathan’s policies and wishes to note that these outbursts are borne out of sheer personal malice or a desire to play politics with the collective destiny of Nigerians. “It is easy to see some remarkable achievements of the Jonathan’s administration. The planned privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, and the successful bidding by several distribution companies (DISCOS) and other generation companies (GENCOS) is revolutionary as Nigeria is set to repeat the feat of the telecommunication industry. “The railway sector has also received a boost with the delivery

of several coaches and construction of additional standard gauges. The pilot delivery of

containers of goods from Lagos to the North is salutary after 35 years of inactivity of the Railway Corporation.

Utuama tasks youths on meaningful ventures BY NATH ONOJAKE

SABA—DEPUTY Governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, SAN, has called on youths to channel their energies toward meaningful ventures ,especially by being self employed rather than engage in criminal activities that will ruin their lives. Professor Utuama spoke at the opening ceremony of the 15th annual conference and synod of the West Presbyterian Young Peoples Association of Nigeria/Benin/Togo with the theme; Triumphant Faith in Asaba. Represented by Special

Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Rev. Godspower Agbuduta, commended the organisers of the conference, stressing the need for youth empowerment to enable them not only become self reliant but employers of labour. "The youth empowerment scheme of the Presbyterian Church is timely", he said, adding that it would enable youths to receive empowerment that will help them break new grounds and attain self actualisation. The moderator, Synod of the West, Rev. Nnanna Odege, urged the youths to remain focused.

ENIN CITY—THE National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, yesterday, released the results of the 2013 May/June National Business Certificate, NBC, and National Technical Certificate, NTC, Examinations, disclosing that 5,108 candidates were sanctioned for examination malpractices. The Registrar/Chief Executive of the Board, Dr Olatunde Aworanti called on the National and state assemblies to pass laws that would ensure the implementation of modern and well equipped technical colleges in all the local government areas in the country, with a view to boost technical education. A breakdown of the results, showed that a total of 106,573 candidates enrolled for the examination nationwide but 103,753 candidates sat for the examination. He added that out of the 103,753 that sat for the examination “28,230 representing 27.2 per cent obtained credit passes in five subjects and above including Mathematics and English language.

Tracking down bandits is tough work — POLICE BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—TRACKING down the bandits involved in the bank raid in Issele-Uku, Delta State, recently, has been a herculean task for the state police command as the intensive manhunt to apprehend the fleeing thieves has remain a mirage. Speaking with Vanguard, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Lucky Uyabame, said “no arrest yet but we are not relenting. We are still searching for them but as at now, no arrest has been made.” Uyabeme had told Vanguard on the day the raid took place that “we are trailing the robbers. We are on their trail. We have even trailed them to Edo State.”

38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LAP, Anambra govt to hold summit on values BY CHARLES KUMOLU

WKA—IN an effort to re-order societal values and ethics to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, League of Anambra Professionals, LAP, is organising a parley to bring issues to the front burner. The summit, which comes with the partnership of Anambra State Government in Awka, will feature Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, as speaker. Other guests include Governor Peter Obi, who would be the chief host; Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, former Presidential Adviser on Petroleum Matters; Dr Joseph Ikem Odumodu, DG, Standards Organisation of Nigeria; Prof. Boniface Egboka, VC, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Mrs. Ngozi Melifeonwu, Chairman, Anambra State Civil Service Commission; Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, MD, Juhel Nigeria Ltd and Chief Osita Chidoka, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission. LAP President, Mr. Chike Nwegbe, who disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos, said: ‘’The LAP 2013 Summit aims to restore and endear core societal values without which investors cannot put down their money, and employment and productivity cannot improve poverty, and the best of the state’s human resources keeps migrating to other parts of the country, leaving behind the weakest members of society to drive the development and governance.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CRIMINALS: Imo Police slam LG chiefs, monarchs BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—IMO State Po lice Command has lashed out at traditional rulers, sole administrators of local councils areas and religious leaders for failing to report the activities of neighborhood criminals to the police. The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mrs. Joy Elemoko, a deputy superintendent of police, DSP, made the command’s position known during a press briefing in Owerri. “A a well known criminal, Chizuru, alias Point One, involved in the kidnap of Ugoeze Joy Nwaokeke, is living and moving freely in the locality, even when he had been declared wanted by the police,” the PPRO said. Mrs. Elemoko recalled with grief that despite adequate information on Emeka Osueke, alias Ogbanje, the suspect still sneaked into Umunoha, Mbaitoli local government area of the state and nobody cared to alert the police. “Emeka Osueke, who was involved in the kidnap and gruesome murder of the Managing Director of Naija Plaza Hotel, Oguta, sneaked into Umunoha,

M U A H I A — FORMER Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, Professor Samuel Igwe, has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to create an additional state for the South East Zone as constitutional procedure to achieve same was too cumbersome. Giving a lecture in Umuahia to mark the 22nd Abia State anniversary celebration, Igwe said since creation of new states through constitution review had become extremely difficult, the lawmakers should use the principle of doctrine of necessity to give the South East zone another state to bridge the imbalance in C M Y K

Elemoko said: “Ohaji area of the state is now on a circle of red alert, having been identified as a den of criminal elements responsible for the spate of armed robbery attacks on innocent citizens. “This prompted the Commis-

sioner of Police to invite all royal fathers and other highly placed individuals for a strategic meeting. Earlier in an operation tagged Puff Adder, six notorious hoodlums were arrested. This operation is on-going.”

FACILITY TOUR: From leftt: Sales Manager, Mr. Odusile Olufemi; Sales Director, Mr. Felix Aighobah and Packaging Manager, Mr. Sola Aladelo, all of Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited, during a media facility tour of the firm, at Ota, Ogun State, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Imo abortion law evil, says Anglican Bishop BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—THE palpable anger generated by the abortion law in Imo State is growing by the day as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor, has condemned the law as extremely evil. The Anglican cleric, who

Former VC seeks additional state for S-East BY ANAYO OKOLI

where he planned to launch further attacks on innocent citizens but for the timely intervention of the police. His latest victim would have been one Mrs. Uche Ejiogu.” On the upsurge of criminal activities in parts of the state,

the number of states in each of the nation’s geographical zones. “There are six geo-political zones. Four have six states; one has seven while the South East has five. Don’t forget that our national revenue is shared on the basis of states and local governments which leave the South East receiving the least. That is not right. “All we are saying is why don’t you (Legislators) invoke the law of necessity and create one additional state in the South East, at least, for purposes of equity and fairness. “Since the unfortunate civil war ended, we were told the slogan was no victor, no vanquished. Let them put it into practice,” Prof. Igwe said.

made his view known while reacting to the controversial law, said the legislation, as far as the church was concerned, was a sin against God. He opined that from the manner the law was coined by the lawmakers and signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration was a clear indication that the government was promoting and legalizing prostitution. “Imo State is entirely a Christian state. The governor and

the legislature must guard against betraying the confidence the people reposed in them,” Bishop Okorafor warned. Meanwhile, as the controversy surrounding the abortion law rages in Imo, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, said he had nothing personal against Governor Okorocha but said he would battle the governor against

bad policies. “It is not true that I am personally opposed to Governor Rochas Okorocha. The church is only bent on opposing bad policies,” Archbishop Obinna said. He recalled that the church had always taken tough stance against past administrations, including military governments, each time they came out with anti-people policies and programmes.

....As SANs back Okorocha on new law BY BARTHOLOMEW

MADUKWE

A G O S —FOLLOWING Governor Rochas Okorocha’s signing into law last week of Abortion Bill passed by the State House of Assembly, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, and Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, yesterday threw their weight behind Imo State Government’s decision, despite opposition from people of the state. However, some lawyers kicked against the abortion law, saying it was against the Christian faith, especially as it would encourage trafficking of human embryos. Sagay, a professor of law and human rights activist, held that

the legalization of abortion in Imo State was for the best. His words: “Right now, is there no abortion in Nigeria, even when there is no law that is providing some exceptions as Imo State law is trying to do? I think the legalization of abortion is for the best. “The criticism shows either lack of thinking or lack of humanity. The law is very clear, you are only entitled to abortion when the person is raped and when the person is assaulted, when the person’s life is endangered if she is going to bear the child.” A member of the Body of Benchers, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, noted that legalizing abortion was neither here nor there,

since in recent time, nobody had been charged to court for procuring or abetting the procurement of abortion. He said: “I cannot recall in recent time when any person has been charged to court for procuring or abetting the procurement of abortion. To that extent, the law has been moribund. So the repeal of that moribund law makes no difference. “In other climes, the law against procurement of abortion has been amended to allow procurement when the life of the mother is threatened. So in effect, Imo State Government did no wrong in its repeal of the law.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;39

MEETING: From left, Deputy President, National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Oluwaseyi Olatunde; President, NULGE, Ekiti State, Mr. Bunmi Ajimoko; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and state NULGE Secretary, Mr. Adebayo Victor, during a stakeholders' meeting inside the Governor's Ofice, in Ado-Ekiti.

VISIT: From left, Dr.Taofik Folami, Special Adviser on the Environment; Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Hon. Abiodun Mafe, Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area; Mr. Tunji Bello, Commissioner for Environment, and others, during the Commissioner for Environment's visit to AboruArigbanla Blocked Carnal, at NNPC Pipeline, Mosan Road, Abesan Estate, in MosanOkunola LCDA, for Monthly Environmental Sanitation, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

CONFERENCE: From left, Mrs. Poet Deborah Magbegor, President, World Express Design; Chief Beatrice Ubeku, Country Focal Person of West African Women Association, WAWA, in Nigeria, and CEO/ Founder, Women Care Association of Nigeria, and Dr. Henry Boyo, Head of Physics Department, University of Lagos, during WAWA's First International Conference 2013 and Exhibition and Workshop, at ECOWAS Secretariat, Onikan, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Martin Mabuto, General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria; Miss Beverly Osu, Mr. Melvin Oduha, Big Brother Africa Housemate, representing Nigeria and Mr. Obinna Aniche, General Manager, Brands Airtel Nigeria Limited, during press briefing/reception in honour of ex-Big Brother Afica Season 8 participant, tagged "The Chase" by Multchioce Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria Limited, at Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: KEHINDE GBADAMOSI

SUMMIT: From left, Mr. Ezewele Edward, Executive Director; Mr. Osamede Umweni, MD/CEO, and Mr. Olowookere Gbolahan, Executive Director, all of 70th Precinct Ltd, during their courtesy visit to Vanguard Media Ltd, in Lagos, yesterday, on its APPS Summit scheduled for November 5, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

PROGRAMME: Cross section of the Lagos Empowerment And Resource Network students, L.E.A.R.N, at a Skill Acquisition Training class, weekend, as part of the on-going Free Summer School Programme for Children organised by L.E.A.R.N, the non-profit organisation of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola.

VISIT: From left, Jess Castellote of Pan Atlantic University; MD/CEO, Heritage Banking Company Limited, Ifie Sekibo; Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Juan Elegido, and Executive Director, Enterprise/Institutional Banking, Heritage Bank, Robert Mbonu, during a courtesy visit by officials of the university to Heritage Banking Company Limited Head Office, in Lagos.

TRAINING: From left, Deputy Director, Directorate of Food Safety Evaluation, Mrs. Sylvia Ajoku; Director, Food Safety Applied Nutrition Directorate, Mrs. Ogo Mainasara and Manager, African Growth Opportunity, AGOA, Mrs. Ogor Ifeoma, during the 40th monthly training programme of AGOA, at the training centre of Bank of Industry, Marina, Lagos.

WORKSHOP: From left, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom; Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu; General Manager, Lagos State building Control Agency, Mr. Abimbola Animashaun; and President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Kunle Awobodu, during SON Sensitisation Workshop on sandcrete blocks manufacturing and allied products, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Bauchi Assembly wants two contractors blacklisted

Lagos guber aspirant makes case for Jonathan's second term

BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State House of Assembly has asked the state government to blacklist China Zhangou and Sino Rich Field construction companies for allegedly failing to execute projects given to them in the state as specified. The House gave the directive, yesterday, while accepting a report of the Special Committee constituted to investigate the cause of delay in the execution of on-going projects in the state. A report submitted by the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Bokoji Aliyu Bobo, said the payments made to the construction firms were more than the approved mobilization requirements. According to the Chairman, “ we noticed that there was lack of capacity and commitment in the execution of the projects. Apart from the fact that all the projects were not properly executed, the construction firms were paid more than the approved amount”.

Suleiman empowers widows in Owhelogbo LG

SOKO—AYEBO of Iyede kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Felicia Suleiman, has kickstarted an empowerment scheme for widows in Owhelogbo area of the local government. According to Suleiman, the desire to embark on the empowerment scheme for widows was borne out of her desire to help humanity. She said the choice of widows as the target group is because this set of women who lost their bread winners were passing through hard times and the least she could do was to put smiles on their faces. "In Isoko where I come from, it is mandatory for husbands to buy clothes for their wives, but since the husbands are no more, somebody must stand in the gap", she said.

BRIEFING—

Executive Chairman, Plateau Independent Electoral Commission, PIEC, Mr Peter Dalyop (M), briefing newsmen on the election time table for Plateau Local Government Elections in Jos, yesterday. With him are commissioners of PIEC, Mr Iliya Shanding (L) and Mrs Mariya Isa. Photo: NAN.

PDP crisis, divine intervention — CNPP BY PETER DURU

AKURDI— THE Con ference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, has described the crisis rocking the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, “as God’s divine intervention to liberate the ordinary Nigerian from years of deprivation, repression and maladministration by a class that has held Nigerians captive.” The Benue State chairman of CNPP, Baba Agan, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, said “ what we are seeing in the acclaimed biggest party in Africa is a clear indication that it is only God that rules in the affairs of men. Nigerians are suffering in the midst of plenty and those ruling us have not taken it upon themselves to assiduously address these pains the people are living with. "We daily hear of so much money coming into the country, yet it has not translated to a bet-

ter condition of living for the ordinary man in the streets and you think God is happy? "We are not saying that those leading the revolt within the party are better but the laud celebration that greeted their action from Nigerians clearly shows that the people are happy with the steps they have taken. ”Nigerians are going through suffocating hardship and our leaders are living in affluence without regards for the feelings of the people, but with this development there could be respite at the end of the day. "You must understand that if those at the helm of affairs are doing well, majority of Nigerians would have kicked against the revolt within the party; but that is not the case at the moment; look at what is happening in Rivers and Taraba states and elsewhere and you’ll begin to ask yourself some

basic questions. I recall vividly that there was a time a barrel of crude oil sold at the international market for as low as $20 and Nigerians never faced the kind of hardship they are confronted with today. ”It clearly shows that the those at the helm of affairs and currently in control of the PDP have lost touch with the people and fully legalized corruption in Nigeria and by so doing made us a mockery before the international community. I urge our leaders to visit a neigbouring countries like Ghana which was several years behind Nigeria in terms of development. But go there today and you will lament our situation in this country, all because of bad leadership and they think that God will not hear the cry of the masses. The truth is that the end of PDP has finally come.”

AGOS—A PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship hopeful in Lagos State, Mr Owolabi Salis, has advised the party to allow President Goodluck Jonathan contest the 2015 presidential election under its platform, saying Jonathan going for a second term will perfect the nation's democracy and diversity as a nation. Salis, who was supposed to contest for the National Publicity Secretary of the party at the Special National Convention in Abuja before the election was suspended, gave this advice at a press briefing on the fallout of the convention, yesterday, in Lagos. Salis said: Jonathan is the leader of our great party and the President/Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces. Therefore, since he is eligible to contest, the party should allow him without any dissent. It is not a consensus of Nigerians that power must shift elsewhere. You cannot enforce an agreement with the head of an institution. "Jonathan is the head of PDP. Rotational democracy, as being canvassed by other stakeholders in the Nigerian polity, is undemocratic and does not bring value. What I think that we should do to reform our democratic system is to entrench diversitybased democracy. It will bring equity, curb electoral fraud and stop ethnic and religious crisis.” On the crisis in the party and fallout of the special national convention, Salis said: “The crisis in our party, the PDP, can be likened to a revolution taking place in the party, which I think will eventually shape the party."

Shettima swears-in Acting Grand Khadi of Borno BY NDAHI MARAMA

AIDUGURI— ABUBAKAR Imam has been sworn-in as the Acting Grand Khadi of Borno State by Governor Kashim Shettima, in line with the 1999 constitutional provision. The provision stipulates that the most senior Khadi be appointed when a vacancy exists

before a substantive Grand Khadi is finally appointed. Speaking, Governor Shettima reiterated the significance of Sharia to the people of the state and urged the Acting Grand Khadi to be fair and just in the execution of his assignments. He commended Khadi Abubakar Imam for the way he had been doing his duty

in the past and assured of the maximum cooperation of his administration in ensuring that justice was accessible to all. According to him, “I might be your Governor but be fair with anything to do with me without regard to my position. Borno is now the land of Emerging peace”, he said and advo-

cated equal treatment to all irrespective of their religious beliefs.” On his part, the Chief Judge of Borno, Justice Kashim Zanna, said the appointment of Khadi Abubakar Imam as the Acting Grand Khadi was a constitutional requirement under section 276 (4), adding that Sharia was important to the people.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 41

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

Alh Abdulahi Kawu Baraje National Chairman

Dr. Sam Sam Jaja Deputy Chairman

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola National secretary

We heartily rejoice with our patriots and eminent Nigerians led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar GCON, and the Governors of Kano State, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Wammako, (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abdul Fattah Ahmed (kwara), and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), for the bold, swift and courageous step to reposition the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Democratic Party under a new leadership. We congratulate the new chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Kawu Baraje, the Deputy Chairman, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, National secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola and other members of the National Executive Committee for their emergence as leaders of our great party. By this decision that no doubt provides a soothing balm that will calm frail nerves in the party, you have written your names in gold and will be remembered in our political history as men that stood to save the party and Nigeria's democracy.

We therefore, pledge our unfettered loyalty to the Barage led PDP National Executive.

SIGNED: 1. Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo 2. Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume 3. Sen. Ahmad Zannah 4. Sen. Abdulahi Adamu 5. Sen. Abdulahi Danladi Sankara 6. Sen. Abdulmumini Mohammed Hassan 7. Sen. Umaru Dahiru 8. Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Maccido 9. Sen. Muhammad Shaaba Lafiaji 10. Sen. Simeon Sule Ajibola 11. Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

12. Sen. Magnus Ngei Abe 13. Sen. Wilson Asinobi Ake 14. Sen. Danjuma Mohammed Goje 15. Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali 16. Sen. Ahmed Hassan Barata 17. Sen. Bindowo Umar Mohammed Jibrilla 18. Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan 19. Sen. Ibrahim Abdulahi Gobir 20. Sen. Bashir Garba Mohammad. 21. Sen. Abdulaziz Usman 22. Sen. Isa Galaudu

42 — Vanguard,

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

By IFEANYI OKOLIE and UJU MBANUSI

F those that wanted to snuff life out of the philanthropic and amiable popular transporter and Chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo, had succeeded, his last words on earth could have been the wild exclamation which he uttered as soon as the hoodlums started firing volleys of bullets into his car, penultimate Tuesday. Sources said the armed police Inspector who was in front of the vehicle he was driving, a Lexus SUV, revealed that as soon as the gun-totting hoodlums blocked the Chief ’s car with theirs and started pumping bullets into it, bewildered Chief Obianodo who was earlier trying to dim his vehicle light for them to have easy passage exclaimed loudly in Igbo language; ‘Dike Anaaaaa’ (The great man is gone). Sources said that after he was hit on the left shoulder, the transport magnet laid flat on the steering wheel as bullets were flying left, right and centre. That cry seemed to have spurred Inspector of Police Simon Ogbueshi, who was sitting in front of his vehicle to action as he quickly reacted by releasing volleys of bullets from his own weapon towards their attackers.

Saving grace A police source said the Inspector of Police is attached to B.OPs, Patrol and Guard at the Lagos State Police command, Ikeja and has been working with Chief Obianodo for two years, as a guard. The source who described the action of the Inspector as ‘the only saving grace ‘ said as soon as the bandits blocked Chief ’s car with their own, they came out fir-

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (left) with Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Young Shall Grow Motors Limited, Chief Vincent Obianodo, who is recuperating after the attack by unknown gunmen.

How Young Shall Grow boss •Fingers point at popular auto-dealer in Lagos •The police officer that saved his life •What could have been the chief’s last words •Family wants transfer of investigation from Festac police their bullets, and subsequently the Inspector engaged the hoodlums in serious exchange of fire. After sometime, he pretended as if he was dead and just laid on top of the chief. At that stage, one of the attackers came out from their vehicle and approached that of chief with a view to finishing what they started, not knowing that the Inspector was

Investigations carried out by Crime Alert revealed that the first attacker that was gunned down is a popular auto dealer at Amuwo odofin area of Lagos State and is reputed to be seen frequently in police circles in the area

ing towards the two cars in the convoy. According to him, “That exclamation from the chief moved the police Inspector and he quickly used his body to act as a protective shield against that of Chief Obianodo. He said he took that risk because he could not think of allowing the transporter to be killed like a chicken. That was why he covered the chief who had already collapsed on the steering after he was hit by

•CP Umaru Manko - time for

closing in on him. As soon as he approached their car, the gallant Inspector released several shots into his large frame and he laid dead, clutching his AK 49 fully loaded gun. His gang members however, tried to sustain the firing and at that stage, the Inspector devised a new strategy. He tried to quickly slip out of the car, aim at their driver and demobilize their vehicle. Unfortunately, as he was discreetly stepping out of the

car, his legs slipped and he fell into a ditch. “The ditch is so deep that it swallowed both the Inspector and his gun. While inside the ditch, he was still making frantic efforts to accomplish his mission while the attackers concentrated on firing at both the Chief ’s car and his back up pick up security van occupied by two other policemen and Chief ’s driver. Unfortunately, they succeeded in killing the police constable in the backup car and the driver before the Inspector managed and raised himself from the ditch and also released another round of bullets into their vehicle thereby shattering the back windscreen. That was why the attackers quickly jumped into their car and sped off. It is believed that some of them might have been badly injured after the exchange of fire and could not have gone far if the chief ’s security aides had received back up from the police. “The Police from Festac division only approached the scene of the shooting after they saw the Inspector in uniform coming out from the

ditch. They were then shown two of the attackers who were gunned down with their heavily loaded weapons. Six loaded magazines were seen inside the bag of the first dead suspect. Interestingly, while policemen were still going through the contents of his bag, his phone started ringing stridently. It was also recov-

ered by the police. The brave Inspector who has served the force in different states of the federation for over 32 years is from Udenu L.G.A in Enugu State and is married with two children. Luckily, he had only a sprain on the leg after the deadly encounter.” Investigations carried out by Crime Alert revealed that the

A similar but different ball

N March 2, 2013, a similar scenario played out in the coal city of Enugu after which the visiting Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, Mr. Chinwike Asadu was brutally mowed down.. The approach of his attackers was significantly similar to that of those that attempted to kill Chief Obianodo last week in Lagos. Late Cp Asadu was on the wheel together with three armed police officers. He was approaching his residence when the gun-totting hoodlums blocked his car with theirs, approached and dragged him out of the car before noticing that the policeman at the back of the

•Slain CP Chinwike Asadu car was carrying an AK47 rifle. Infuriated by the sight of danger, they subsequently opened

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

—43

Herbalist, Okada rider docked for Kidnapping By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE

•The ditch along 3rd avenue junction where the Police Inspector slipped into during the firing.

was attacked first attacker that was gunned down is a popular auto dealer at Amuwo odofin area of Lagos State and is reputed to be seen frequently in police circles in the area. Close associates of the wounded Chief intimated Crime Alert that he was flown out of the country last Monday in an air ambulance to USA. The Chief was reported to have asked his aides after he recovered from the shock in a private hospital in Apapa, “ why did they want to kill a man like me that is feeding not less than 10,000.00 Nigerians? Would they be able to feed all these people?” The associates also disclosed that a top Oba in Lagos State presently

ame in Enugu

re thereby killing the Cp instantbefore spraying bullet shots at e armed policemen at the back the car. His guards miraculoussurvived the attack after sustaing varying degrees of injuries. The only difference however, is at while the security aide with e CP waited for the attackers to reak havoc before attempting to ave his own life in spite of his antage position, that of Chief bianodo, Inspector Simon Ogueshi, exhibited exceptional bravy by, not only protecting his boss ith his frame, but reacted sharpand shot dead, one of the attacks that was approaching, armed ith an AK49, to finish the job of lling his boss.

holidaying in London, played positive role in flying Chief Obianodo out of the country for better medical attention. They also said that the traditional ruler was shocked when he learnt of the alleged role played by the police in Festac, both during and after the incident, and promised to take it up with police authorities . According to one of his associates, “we pleaded passionately with the respected Oba to help us and transfer the case out from Festac because we have no confidence in getting justice there.

Cracking of the case We know that the commissioner of Police is a no-nonsense officer and he is not aware of the goings on in Festac police area, so we pleaded with the Oba to intervene on our behalf and we know that CP Manko, going by his track records, must crack this case in no distant time, if taken out from Festac.” Meanwhile, Crime Alert gathered from Police sources that Lagos State Police boss, Umaru Manko has given the police in Festac matching orders to round up perpetrators of the act or face sanctions. Sources said he assured all concerned that there will be no hidden agenda and nobody has the power to cover up anything in the case.

32-year-old herbalist, Okula Bamiwola and one commercial motorcyclist (popularly called Okada rider), Whenayon Kikisuhu, 28, have been arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, on a four-count charge of kidnapping, stealing, and conspiracy. The accused persons charged by men of State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, were said to be residents of Tande area of Ajara, Badagry, Lagos, and Idojori,

Ago-Shasha, in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State. Crime Alert gathered that the alleged offense was committed on July 16, 2013, at about 2pm in Badagry, when one Timothy Wuse, 27, was contacted by the accused persons for hiring of his motorcycle. The story took a different dimension when Wuse’s whereabouts could not be ascertained after the deal. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Clement Okuoimose, the accused persons are also facing charges relating to witchcraft and juju, adding “when Wuse and his motorcycle could not be seen or traced, leading to the notion that the

two accused persons might have kidnapped him, the case was reported to the police at Badagry division, before it was transferred to SCID for investigation.” The prosecutor said the alleged offenses committed by the two accused persons contravened Sections 130, 269, 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. However, when the plea of the accused persons was taken, they pleaded not guilty to all the offenses. The presiding magistrate, Mr. O. O. Olatunji, subsequently granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000, with two sureties in the same like sum. The matter was adjourned till September 25, for mention.

Tension high in Nsukka as gunmen kill Hausa indigene By CHINENYEH OZOR, Nsukka

ENSION was high at the University town of Nsukka, last Sunday, following the wicked killing of an Hausa man, Aminu Mohammed by two gunmen. Crime Alert gathered that the two armed men simply identified as Emeka Nnamani (a.k.a Catiga) and Ifeanyi Okorie (a.k.a One Window), still at large, had walked into the shop of one Dauda Umaru who was a battery phone charger. They reportedly demanded to take their phone which was being charged but the deceased did not allow them. He pleaded with them to wait for the shop owner, Umaru, to come back to give them their phone. It was learnt that the two gunmen ignored his pleadings, shot him on the head and threatened to shoot any person who ventured to accost them. The two shot sporadically into the air while fleeing the scene.

The incident took place along the popular slaughter road, Nsukka where the shop owner, Umaru, is suspected to be dealing also on Indian hemp. The victim, Aminu Mohammed was rushed to Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka where he was confirmed dead. Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Hausa Community in Nsukka, Alhaji Azaga described the incident as strange, saying that Hausa people have been enjoying peaceful co-existence in the annals of history of the Community in Nsukka spanning over 30years. According to him, “The killing of Aminu Mohammed is very unfortunate; he was a victim of circumstance. I plead with my people not to take laws into their hands but to allow Police to carry out a full scale investigation into the incident and persecute the killers of the victim. Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu said the Police has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident while manhunt on the fleeing suspects has been intensified.

PHOTO SPEAK

(L-R) Dr Henry C.Lee, Professor Babajide Alo, DVC, Academic and Research, University of Lagos, CP Tunde Ogunsa-kin of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), representing Sir Mike Okiro, Chairman Police Service Commission on a 5-Day Forensic Workshop organised by University of Lagos in conjunction with NEBRASKA Institute of Forensic Sciences, USA and INQABA BIOTIC, South Africa

44—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Why I stepped down for Ngige

Group mobilizes against Ngige, Obiano

— Okonkwo BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

ANY had looked forward with expectation to the possible clash between Senator Chris Ngige and his predecessor in the Senate, Senator Annie Okonkwo in the APC primaries. However, just three or so weeks to the primaries done last Monday, Senator Okonkwo stepped down from the contest and took up position as the chief campaign manager for the Ngige campaign. On why he decided to take the position, Senator Okonkwo who is also the

Deputy National Chairman of the APC said: “I am the Deputy National Chairman of the party in charge of southern Nigeria. What that means is that my jurisdiction covers about 18 states and of course we are laying the foundation of APC. It was really difficult as a party man, the man at the helm of affairs to leave it and come to govern the state.” “It is all about service. I considered that my position in the national hierarchy of APC would serve our people better in terms of structuring the party which is better than coming to Anambra State which is just one of the states

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

•Okonkwo: I am satisfied for now

I control. So, I decided to support a candidate whom I believe if we can all give our support, will transform Anambra State. That is why I

decided to lead the campaign of Senator Chris Ngige, to make sure that Anambra state will become the first state I will deliver to APC before other states will follow.”

Mazi Okwu's wonder in APGA! BY VINCENT UJUMADU

HE erstwhile factional chairman of APGA, Chief Maxi Okwu surprised political watchers in Anambra State when he announced in Awka that Dr. Chike Obidigbo, one of the party ’s governorship aspirants who could not make it at the screening level is the candidate of the party for the November 16 election. The event took place at a hotel in Awka and many loyalists of Obidigbo, an industrialist, were present during the presentation.

Okwu said the special congress to elect the governorship candidate was in line with Sec 11(11:4) of the party’s constitution and code of conduct. There was no official reaction by APGA at press time, but some of the members who were aware of the development dismissed it with the wave of the hand. However, Chief Chris Eze, who was secretary of the committee that screened Obidigbo pointed out that after a careful and critical appraisal, he (Obidigbo) came

We're with Ngige — Modebe BY VINCENT UJUMADU

ORRIED by the statement made by the former Anambra State chairman of the defunct of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Prince Chuba Ikeagwu that members of the former party have moved to the newly registered Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, the candidate of CPC for Onitsha federal constituency in the 2011 elections, Akunwata Chuka Modebe said yesterday that there was no iota of truth in Ikeagwu’s claim. Speaking with Vanguard Politics, Modebe said members of the defunct CPC in all the 21 local government areas of the state are happy belonging to All Progressives Congress, APC, which has nominated Senator Chris Ngige as its governorship candidate. He said: “CPC is an integral C M Y K

part of APC in Anambra State. The former CPC chairman can decide to join any group he wants to, but he cannot decide for the teeming supporters of CPC. The party and its members in Anambra State dissociate themselves from the statement by the former chairman. “We support APC and its governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige and we hold the report of the defection as false and a calculated attempt to distract from the emergence of Ngige.”

•Ngige: APC

out tops. According to him, it is not proper to sacrifice such high caliber personality on the alter of sentiments..

The aspirant went ahead to poll 452 votes and was so declared elected as the candidate of the party.

Idigo has no structure to hand over to Obiano — APGA Forum BY VINCENT UJUMADU

OLLOWING the recent report that a former governorship aspirant of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Prince Chinedu Idigo has transferred his structure to the party ’s candidate, Chief Willy Obiano, an organization that calles itself the APGA Integrity Forum, AIF, said yesterday that the former aspirant has no

structure to hand over to anybody. National President of AIF, Mr. Nnamdi Oguekwe described the claim as ill conceived, adding that it was aimed at scoring cheap political goals. “We are aware that if there is any structure to collapse into APGA, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife and Chief Paul Odenigbo are in better positions to do that,” Oguekwe said.

NONG OV E R N M E N TA L Organisation, Conference of Nigeria Registered Voters, CNRV is threatening to mobilize the public against the candidates of the APC, Senator Chris Ngige and APGA, Mr. Willy Obiano on the allegation that both men emerged through allegedly fraudulent primaries. The group in a statement issued by its national chairman, Barrister Jezie Ekejiuba said the two men were imposed on their party members by godfathers in the party. Ekejiuba was, however, quiet on the emergence of the candidates of the two other major parties, PDP and LP, Comrade Tony Nwoye and Chief Ifeanyi Uba respectively. “APC manipulated the primaries result with prewritten results by the APC leadership to fulfill the APC formalities,” he said in a statement yesterday. “This is the second imposition. The first imposition was by APGA that manipulated its primaries to impose Willy Obiano. Conference of Nigeria registered voters (CNRV) will mobilise registered voters to reject both APC candidate senator Chris Ngige and APGA candidate Mr. Willy Obiano,” he said.

APC dazzles with Option A4

NAMBRA State became a guinea pig for the newly registered APC to test its internal democracy credentials. After some dithering arising from the refusal of Mr. Godwin Ezemo to step down for the popular Senator Chris Ngige, the party conducted a two way statewide primary last Monday using the famed Option A4 system. The use of Option A4 according to the former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekaru was to bring democracy down to the grassroots. Shekarau was the chairman of the electoral panel whose

work ended with Senator Ngige beating Ezemo in the election conducted simultaneously in all 326 wards. Shekarau said the process was chosen by APC to test the popularity of the two candidates in the state and to reduce corruption in the system. His words: “We are not like other political parties where they fight to select their candidates, what APC is doing is showing the way for others to follow, ours is not a do die affair, APC does everything in an open and democratic process."

•Obiano: APGA

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 —45

Benue: My

plans after Suswam — Lawani, Dep gov

IN this interview, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steven Lawani, spoke on his relationship with Governor Suswam, and why he has decided to joined the race to succeed him in 2015 and other nagging issues. Excerpt: BY PETER DURU Everything has its time, seven years ago nobody thought that a black man would emerge the President of the USA, but that is the reality today. We have to start somewhere in Benue State as in other states where the majority hold sway. You were generally expected to run for the Benue South senatorial seat. So, what happened to change your mind? The general opinion has been that this administration has been largely successful, and I’ve been part of the team and success story; and I think that I can continue in the same vein.

S it true that you are contesting the 2015 governorship election? Yes I’m running. In fact about three weeks ago, before I travelled out of the state, I had informed the state executive of the People’s Democratic Party of my intention to put myself forward to run for the office of Governor of Benue State. What is the Governor ’s position on your decision to run? Well I must tell you that I’ve been to the Governor, my boss to inform him. I didn’t go to him for endorsement, I only asked for permission to allow me consult and he graciously permitted me. I know that some people haven’t come out yet. Some of the people who are going to aspire are still bidding time. Don’t forget that everything is still a year from now and in any case, some people have come out to say that they have been endorsed by the Governor. Governor Suswam has not endorsed anyone to succeed him. How can a man endorse more than one aspirant at a time?

But in any case if they say they have been endorsed, it means they are lucky, but I did not ask for endorsement, I asked for permission to consult, which was granted by my boss. Would you sustain the legacies of the Suswam administration or seek to trudge your own path? No, I’ve been a member of the Suswam’s administration. I’ve been largely responsible for what has gone on in the last six years, but suffice it to state here that when the need to continue and carry on with what we already have, I will continue but when there is need to make changes I’ll do so. Other sections of the state aside the Idoma section of the state are also laying claims that it is their turn to produce the next governor of the state. So, how far do you think you can go? I think I know where you are heading with the question, and that has to do with the issue of tribalism and politics. The issue

Permission to consult

governor without any quarrel. What is the magic? The magic? I have said it before and I will say it again. You know that I ran the same PDP primaries with the governor. He was the one who won. After which I went back to my business. But he came calling and asked that I should come and be his running mate. I know what it meant to be a deputy governor. I did not come here to be co-governor because I was not even elected. I am a deputy. That is the whole thing. It is more or less to advise and give your support.

The general opinion has been that this administration has been largely successful, and I’ve been part of the team and success story; and I think that I can continue in the same vein

•Lawani of whether I would enjoy the support of other parts of the

state if I pick my party ’s nomination. I think I would.

Don’t forget that in the last six years I’ve been playing the number two role which was purely advisory. But if I have the chance to be the pilot, I won’t say it would be something too different; but my experience in governance would to a large extent place me on a better stead to improve on what we have achieved so far. Despite being older than the governor you have in the last six years remained loyal the

My duty means that I stand for him when he is not around. He can also delegate a responsibility to other top functionaries of government, that is what obtains in other states. But if he enjoys my trust, then he can trust me to work with him even when he is around and when he is not around because I’m not after his job as obtained in other states. I am here to deputize for him and nothing more.

Akpabio’s uncommon plans for the Senate MR. Bassey James, is Chancellor of Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development (ACLD) through which he aims to project lessons from Governor Godswil Akpabio’s legacies in Akwa Ibom State. He recently spoke to newsmen on sundry issues concerning Akwa Ibom and its leadership. Excerpts: BY LAJA THOMAS

OME people have nicknamed you to be the mouthpiece of Governor Akpabio as you often sing his praises. What is the relationship between you and Governor Akpabio? I am not the mouthpiece of Governor Akpabio but I am an interested person who is enjoying the dividend of democracy in Akwa Ibom State and I am one of the

beneficiaries of good governance. Millions of people in Akwa Ibom State are saying the same thing just that most of them don’t have access to the media. Citizens and residents of the state are spreading the message of hope, faith and unity which is what our governor represents. The story in Akwa Ibom has changed; the lifestyle of the people has changed, we now sing a new song, there are

peace, joy and developments in the state. Our governor has done so much and that is why everyone in the state is singing his praises. How is the ACLD sustained? ACLD is a household name in Nigeria today especially in the South South region. We are also in diaspora and people are embracing the concept because of the personality of Governor Akpabio and his ideologies. He has demonstrated good governance in public service and so when you have a sellable material, you have no problem taking it across the world. Everywhere we go with the concept, people embrace it and indigenes of our state are already ambassadors of

— James

ACLD. The lovers of good governance are promoting the concept and we are happy to be the one driving the ideology. So many people are interested in what we are doing and the movement of Nigeria today is great because we have someone who is governing with a very high sense of responsibility. The concept is all about leadership which Governor Akpabio has given to Akwa Ibom State. I am using this medium to invite the world to Akwa Ibom State and they will feel a sense of belonging because our governor is a detribalized Nigerian. Continues on page 45

46—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Jonathan’s 2nd term ’ll ensure stability — Edeoga ONE-TIME spokesman of the House of Representatives and currently Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga weekend spoke with selected journalists on various national issues. Excerpts: BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

OME people like Orji Uzor Kalu claim President Goodluck Jonathan will truncate the chances of the Igbo presidency if he contests in 2015. Do you agree? They are entitled to their opinions so far they fall within the ambit of the law. Orji Kalu and people who share his views can also test their popularity. Orji Kalu can speak for himself or any platform of his, but not on behalf of Igbo people neither can I speak for the rest of the Igbo people. The Igbo are wise enough to cast their votes where they feel they are best protected. I sincerely believe that if Jonathan declares an interest to contest for the presidency in 2015, a majority of the Igbo will vote for him based on his scorecard in office and for the sake of continuity. It is also in the strategic interest of Nigeria that Jonathan seeks second term. How strategic is it? A convention of rotational presidency is emerging. From 1999, for instance, it started with the South-West, where Olusegun Obasanjo did two tenures. It rotated to the North-West. Unfortunately Musa Yar’Adua died in office. The power automatically by law devolved to Jonathan.

Rotational presidency He completed the tenure and ran on his own and won. The important thing that has happened is that the presidency moved from the South-West to the North-West and then to the South-South. Rotational presidency is a necessary Nigerian invention to address Nigeria’s differences. It seeks to build a homogenous national entity. If the contest is left for numerical strength as it is claimed, it might not have gone to the South-West. Obasanjo would not have qualified because he did not even win in his ward as the PDP constitution stipulates. These are sacrifices that we have to make for the national unity. When Yar’adua died, the rotation went to the South-South which is in tandem with the rotational principle. When Jonathan serves his second term, it will go to any other zone where it has not gone at least in the current democratic dispensation. It can go to the South-East or the North-East. If

•Edeoga

rotational presidency is adopted, the acrimony that goes with the contest will be eliminated. Rotational presidency will also address the issue of some people who feel that they are entitled to some political offices in this country. There are also some people who feel alienated from Nigeria because they feel there is a particular limit they can aspire in the Nigerian polity. Rotational presidency will create a conducive atmosphere where every Nigerian can aspire to become president. You are a lawyer. Can’t rotational presidency be enshrined in the Nigerian constitution? It is an evolving convention. A convention is also a legal precept. A convention practised overtime becomes not really a law in terms of written, but acceptable by

everybody. Law-making has various stages. If something happens overtime and it is not resisted, it becomes a convention. There are people in this country, mainly from the North-West and the South-West, who want to truncate the emergence of this convention. The position of the South-West in this matter is understandable but not excusable. The SouthWest, under Obasanjo, had its turn of eight years. The SouthWest governors, under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy, created an enabling environment for Obasanjo to complete his second term. If the rotation endures, it will return to the South-West when other zones had done theirs. There are elements in the SouthWest who will not allow this scenario to play out. They were

the same people who relinquished their gubernatorial positions for Obasanjo. Today they have evolved from the Action Congress of Nigeria to the All Progressives Congress. They now agitate that the presidency is up for grabs. They are the same persons who are putting pressures on Rivers state governor Chibuike Amaechi to do unto Jonathan what they refused to do unto Obasanjo. That is the duplicity in Nigeria’s political situation. But if they help in truncating it, it will create a situation of fluidity. The most important thing for them is that the system has been truncated, then other factors will come into it. Even the attack of religious politics that the APC levelled against Jonathan is something that is in ACN or the APC as it is now called. The APC is now trying to zone the position of the vice president to either the SouthSouth or the South-East. Recall also that the days when the Igbo aligned with the North and accepted the position of vice president, the South-West media kept attacking the Igbo as taking the crumbs from the northern table.

Remembering our history But now it is the same SouthWest that plans to zone to the South-East or South-West the same position which they derided the Igbo. We must remember our history. What is your take in the recent deportation of the Igbo by the Lagos state government? I have a lot of soft spot for Tunde Fashola, so I don’t want to make negative comments about him, more so with some restraints he has shown in this matter. It is evident that he has realised that he has erred. There is nothing in his history that indicates that he is headed in that direction, so people are entitled to their mistakes once in a while. It is not a reason why we should create loopholes for

rabble-rousers to begin to build mountains out of a molehill. It is not only in the South-West that the Igbo have become migrants, they have become migrants all over the world because the home environment is no longer in consonance with their entrepreneurial abilities and drives. Where are the cashew industries, Niger Gas, Golden Guinea, Premier Breweries and a host of them? They have been destroyed. Our leaders have failed to move things to the next level. However, some of them, like Sullivan Chime of Enugu state, are doing well in the provision of infrastructure. We have to build on that. We must thank Jonathan for creating an international airport in the South-East. It will boost the economy once again. The Igbo’s movement outside home is a result of home not being conducive for selfactualisation.

Conducive for self actualisation Even the entrepreneurs who now throw their resources towards political contests should redirect them. It is not only in Lagos, the Igbo are also being hounded in the North. Where is the home to run to? It is the dilemma of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The South-East region has buried the industries that Azikiwe and Okpara created. What is your reaction to the declaration of Governor Sullivan Chime that an Nsukka man will succeed him as governor of Enugu State? There is also in Enugu State an emerging convention about rotation of the gubernatorial position. It started from Chimaroke Nnamani who did two terms for the Enugu-East senatorial district and then Sullivan Chime, who is currently the incumbent, and about to round off his two terms in office. He is from the Enugu-West senatorial zone.

Akpabio’s uncommon plans for the Senate Continues from page 44

What will become of ACLD after the expiration of the tenure of Governor Akpabio? After 2015 ACLD will still strive just like the ideologies of other world great leaders. People are still talking about Awosim and they will continue to preach his ideologies as far as Yoruba nation still exist. We are talking about the ideologies of a governor who has performed exceptionally well and Africans all over the world are proud of him. You can’t question what will happen after 2015 in Akwa Ibom State because our

governor has laid structures in ground and we will continue to talk about his ideologies even beyond 2015. Come 2015 while in the senate, our governor will spend more time travelling around the world speaking on international projects and programmes. He will be more useful in 2015 than he is now. He will be the most sought-after African in a couple of years. We have taken the bull by the horn by erecting an international conference center and in a couple of months; activities at the center will be almost on a daily basis. We have friends in

•James

and outside Nigeria working on the partnership and are

— James

ready to work with us. His personality will be wholesomely displayed in that center. People don’t need to worry about 2015 because we know our governor is going to the Senate and there we will see great demonstration of governor and outside the senate you will see a great wisdom. We are reaching people through the mass media because we want to tell the whole world about the deeds of our governor. This is our contribution to promote good and responsible governance in Nigeria.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 47

Syria: Obama plans regime change

gress. House majority leader Eric Cantor was most explicit, calling for the US to take sides in the “sectarian proxy war ” against Iran.

•Key US lawmakers back strike, UN warns

dent’s call for military authorisation from Con-

Syria's refugees hit 2m — UN

ARACK Obama portrayed his plans for US military action in Syria as part of a broader strategy to topple Bashar al-Assad, as tougher White House rhetoric began to win over sceptical Republicans in Congress on Tuesday. And bolstered by his meeting with key US lawmakers Tuesday, President Barack Obama’s chances of successful votes in Congress next week looks stronger as he heads for Europe in the hope of persuading more world leaders to back his strategy. Also Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon cast doubt on U.S. and French intelligence on the alleged chemical attack in Damascus and warned against a U.S. military intervention. “We should avoid further militarization of the conflict and revitalize the search for a diplomatic settlement,” Ban told a news conference at U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday. “We must consider the impact of military intervention,” which he said could increase bloodshed. Ban also said U.S. force in Syria would be “lawful” only if it were in self-defence or with Security Council approval. “That is a principle of the United Nations,” he said. However, stressing that Washington’s primary goal remained “limited and proportional” attacks, to degrade Syria’s

ORE than two million Syrians have now fled their war-ravaged country, according to the UN refugee agency, marking the nearly 10fold increase from a year ago.

Israel test-fires defence missile

•President Barack Obama (2 left) with US key lawmakers at the meeting yesterday. chemical weapons capabilities and deter their future use, Obama hinted at a broader long-term mission that may ultimately bring about a change of regime. “It also fits into a broader strategy that can bring about over time the kind of strengthening of the opposition and the diplomatic, economic and political pressure required – so that ultimately we have a transition that can bring peace and stability, not only to Syria but to the region,” he told senior members of Congress at a White House meeting on Tuesday. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor echoed those concerns in a statement released after the meeting, saying, “America’s

Kenya debates exit from ICC

HEAD of the November 12. trial of President Uhuru Kenyatta in The Hague-based International Criminal Court,the country’s parliament was recalled yesterday to debate ending membership of the World

•President Kenyatta

In addition to the two million Syrians living as refugees, another 4.25 million people have been displaced within the country since the conflict began in March 2011, UN figures show.

judicial body. Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso issued the order for the “special sitting of the assembly”, with parliament to meet tomorrow. However, even should Kenya choose to leave the ICC — the first country potentially to do so — it would not affect upcoming trials since legal proceedings have already started. On Tuesday, the ICC trial opens of Vice-President William Ruto on three counts of crimes against humanity for allegedly organising 20072008 post-election unrest that killed at least 1,100 people and displaced more than 600,000.

credibility is on the line.” “A failure to act when acting is in America’s interest and when a red line has been so clearly crossed will only weaken our ability to use diplomacy, economic pressure and other nonlethal tools to remove Assad and deter Iran and other aggressors,” Cantor said. Cantor, a staunch supporter of Israel, warned that the violence in Syria is spilling over into other countries and threatens to imperil U.S. allies in the region. “It is not just an abstract theory that the Syrian conflict threatens the stability of key American partners in the region,” he said. “It is a reality.” Cantor didn’t mention Israel by name. Other lawmakers, including the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger also said they would support military action. The comments suggest Obama’s strategy of seeking authorization from Congress before attacking Syria, one of the biggest gambles of his presidency, could pay off. Rep. Eliot Engel (D., N.Y.), the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he couldn’t speak for all who attended the meeting but that there appeared to be “general consensus” among congressional leaders to support the president’s call

for action in Syria. The president’s meeting came as part of an administration-wide push to get Congress to back military strikes against Syria. Later Tuesday, members of the president’s cabinet, including Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, as well as Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took questions about the administration’s strategy before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. At the beginning of his meeting with lawmakers in the White House Cabinet Room, Obama praised Congress. “Congress as a whole is taking this issue with the soberness and the seriousness it deserves,” Obama said. Asked if he is confident Congress will support authorizing strikes against Syria, Obama said, “I am.” The apparent change of emphasis appeared to resolve some of the political deadlock on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, as House speaker John Boehner and a series of other Republican leaders announced that they would back the presi-

HE Israeli defence ministry confirmed it had launched a Sparrow target missile at 9.15am local time. It said the test of the Arrow anti-missile system was successful. The exercise was conducted jointly with the United States, according to Israel. However, a spokesman for the US navy European headquarters told Reuters: “No missiles were fired from US ships in the Mediterranean.” Russia sounded the alert, saying its radars at Armavir, near the Black Sea, had detected the launch of two ballistic “ob-

•Netanyahu jects” in the area, fired from the central Mediterranean towards the east. A Syrian source told Lebanese television that nothing had been detected by its early warning system.

Zuma hails Mandela's discharge

ELSON Mande la’s discharge after nearly three months in hospital showed that he had made “progress,” South African President Jacob Zuma said yesterday , adding the 95-yearold was responding to treatment. “I think we feel very good that he reached a point where the doctors who were treating him felt

that he could now leave the hospital. which indicates the progress he had made,” Zuma said. “He remains critical but stable, responding to treatment,” at his home, the president added. It is the first time Zuma has commented on his predecessor’s status since Mandela was released from hospital at the weekend.

Morsi supporters get life jail

LEVEN supporters of Egypt’s ousted President Mohammed Morsi have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of attacking the army. The men were accused of wounding soldiers, sabotaging armoured vehicles and burning churches during riots in

the port city of Suez last month. Forty-five others received five-year sentences, while five were acquitted. The riots followed a deadly crackdown by security forces on two proMorsi protest camps in the capital, Cairo.

US court indicts Nigerian for aiding Al Qaeda BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N indictment was unsealed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging a Nigerian citizen with providing material support to a designated for-

eign terrorist organization, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (“AQAP”), and using high-powered firearms in furtherance of that crime. The United States is currently seeking the extradition of the defendant, Lawal Olaniyi Ba-

bafemi, also known as “Abdullah” and “Ayatollah Mustapha,” from Nigeria. At the request of the United States, the Nigerian government thereafter commenced extradition proceedings against the defendant in July 2013.

48 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

N/Delta environment degradation: When oil theft, illegal bunkering take centre stage BY JUDITH UFFORD “

HEN we track the thieves, we arrest them and destroy the stolen products. We destroy, we destroy,” that was the refrain from Major General Bata Debiro, Commander, Operation Pulo Shield as he describes the operation of the agency against oil thieves and other illegal bunkering criminals in the Niger Delta creeks. The silence in the Jasmine Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the recently concluded conference on oil theft and illegal bunkering as the Major General spoke was more of disapproval than indifference. “There has to be a better way of getting this job done without hurting the environment further,” a participant whispered to no one in particular. This reporter heard and nodded in agreement. It was obvious from the Major General’s tone and language that the problem at hand needed a different approach. This was the position of Dr. Ade Abolurin, Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,NSCDC, but not before he made the hapless state of NSCDC public. “We are helpless, handicapped and ill-equipped.

Oil thieves or illegal bunkering operators? issue of oil theft in a more sustainable manner given the already devastated state of the Niger Delta environment. Speaking earlier in an address of welcome, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and

It may never be possible to assess the exact figures, but it’s clear that a well financed and highly organized criminal enterprise exists on a phenomenal scale...most of the stolen oil ends up in ocean-going tankers that transport it to refineries in other parts of West Africa, Europe and beyond

Other stakeholders look down at the Corps as if we are not supposed to be there. We arrest trucks but our personnel are imprisoned and beaten. We are suffering in the hands of fellow stakeholders simply because we want to protect the people, “ he said. Oil theft, he disclosed, is in the hands of a cartel. “It has been internationalised, it is no longer local because they have international contacts”. As he made his final summation, Dr. Abolurin noted that the problem of oil theft does not need military approach. He got a good applause for that remark. No, he wasn’t playing to the gallery. The audience saw enough from the Operation Pulo Shield documentary to know that there was urgent need to tackle the

Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku noted thus: “While several estimates have been made regarding the cost to the national economy in lost revenue and pipeline repair, no one has calculated the cost to the environment and the livelihood of the people of the Niger Delta. No one has calculated the cost of restoring the environment; but extrapolating from the cost of aquatic life in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Gulf Coast spill of 2010, the cost to the Niger Delta will amount to more than one trillion dollars”. Kuku found a ready ally in Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, an environmentalist, who hazarded a 30-year clean up plan in Ogoni land alone, adding that “the money from oil cannot restore the

environment”. Bassey was of the view that given the present state of degradation of the Niger Delta region, no oil company should go offshore if they have not cleaned up onshore. According to him, it was important that the quantity of oil being stolen is known because “it’s no rocket science to meter the quantity of oil been produced”. In his summation, oil theft is from three angles: from collusion, agencies and illegal refineries.

International involvement But transnational companies would swear they have nothing to do with it. In an April 2013 report by Royal Dutch Shell PLC, the company stated: ”Rising incidences of oil theft in Nigeria’s oil producing Niger Delta come at a significant environmental cost”. In its sustainability report, the Anglo-Dutch oil major said its Nigerian unit, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, experienced 137 spills as a result of sabotage and theft last year, with the volume of oil lost amounting to 3.3 thousand tons. “This was an increase in both volume and numbers from 2011, as the scale of oil theft in Nigeria reached unprecedented levels,” it stated in the report. In an open letter published in

the report, SPDC’s Managing Director, Mutiu Sunmonu, said the problem of oil theft in the Niger Delta has reached “unprecedented levels” and puts enormous strain on the company’s staff as well as costing the country billions of dollars a year in lost revenue. He added that the Nigerian government puts the volume of oil stolen significantly above the 150,000 barrel a day estimate given by the United Nations in 2009. “It may never be possible to assess the exact figures, but it’s clear that a well financed and highly organised criminal enterprise exists on a phenomenal scale...most of the stolen oil ends up in ocean-going tankers that transport it to refineries in other parts of West Africa, Europe and beyond,” Mr. Sunmonu said.

Cummulative annual spill “We urgently need more assistance from the Nigerian government and its security forces, other governments and other organisations,” Mr. Sunmonu said. Whether they accept culpability or not the fact of the case is that a conservative waste/leakage/ spill rate of 10% which amounts to a crude oil spill rate of 40,000 barrels per day, amounting to a

cumulative annual spill volume of about 14.4 million barrels of crude oil spilt into the Niger Delta environment as a result of the crude oil theft enterprise has left the region more devastated than ever before. This accounts for community leaders screaming themselves hoarse, demanding a more proactive approach to dealing with the problem. The devastation has left many Niger Delta communities further impoverished since their means of livelihood (fishing and farming) have been ruined by constant spills, leakages and actions of various security operatives. It was against this backdrop that the conference decided that pipeline be encased in a minimum depth to protect them against vandalism; establish joint mini-refineries to absorb illegal refineries and engage local communities as well as fund the immediate clean up of the Niger Delta. Conference also decided that security agencies have a role to play. The agencies were enjoined to enhance security sector collaboration with community participation, enhance intelligence gathering system with advance electronic and community input, stop the un systematic destruction of illegal oil theft facilities which compounds environmental damage.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—49

2011,’’ a former Marketing Director with the defunct NEPA, Alhaji Gambo Gobirawa, told VF. He, however, cited the coming of the Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Lighting Scheme as one of the few indications that it is no longer leap service in the sector. ‘’ I can tell you that another giant stride in this sector which has made the environment conducive for the private sector participation in the power sector is the coming on board of a creditworthy off-taker of power, NBET Plc,’’ he stated, adding: ‘’The firm has become the springboard in boosting the morale of the power generating companies that they will be paid for power produced. The administration also flagged off the Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Lighting Scheme.’’

Can an old song create light out of darkness? BY CHARLES KUMOLU

OR the umpteenth time a people living in darkness have been promised that gloom will give way to light by December 2013. Ordinarily, the pledge would have elicited unrivaled enthusiasm across the country, given that light would finally shine in a land overshadowed by darkness, but the reverse is the case. Reason: The pledge of improved power generation and distribution, is now worth ten a penny. At a time when the 6,000 megawatts promise in the last dispensation is yet to translate into improvement in the power sector, Nigerians were yet again told that come December this year, Nigeria would experience an improved power supply. This, according to the Minister, would guarantee 18 hours of uninterrupted power supply in every part of the country. “We envisage 10,000 megawatts by December 2014. With our short term, long term and immediate strategies that we have in place, in addition to working assiduously with other stakeholders in the power sector, we will get there. We have the NIPP work going on, and the Niger Delta Power Company coming up for commissioning by December 2013; we look forward to 10, 000 megawatts come December 2014,’’ Nebo stated while briefing the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, on the activities of his ministry. Nebo’s pledge was also re-echoed by the Minister of State for

C M Y K

Power, Hajiya Zainaib Ibrahim Kuchi, who said the power generation will peak at 10,000 megawatts by the end of December 2013. This promise, nonetheless, raises questions, and doubts have continued to trail its possibility given an unbroken history of failure at fixing the sector. ‘’We are used to such promises. Every administration comes with pledges but we continue to descend into darkness. The Minister might have good intentions but the system that has undermined every good intention in the power sector must be demobilised,’’ a former Chairman Power Projects, Mr. Abdulateef Kadiri, told VanguardFeatures,VF.

Dream of a rejuvenated power sector However, findings re vealed that the pledge by the Minister requires an indepth scrutiny to determine if he was saying the usual or if the realisation of the dream of a rejuvenated power sector has come. Accordingly, it was gathered that the latest move would be driven by massive involvement of the private sector. This, VF was told, would be achieved through the Independent Power Projects ,IPPs, which has brought with it great expectations. Disclosing this, the Managing Director of Power Solutions, an independent power company, Dr. Silas Chukwukadibia, said: ‘’The ini-

tiative marks the determination of the Ministry to ensure that Nigerians have the ownership of the scheme with some foreign, direct investments. This signals that there will be a synergy in building consortiums, while the IPPs address matters concerning power requirements.’’ He further said: ‘’The oil sector has become an albatross as it has overshadowed other sectors in Nigeria. But as the Minister once observed, the power sector will soon become Nigeria’s bridal economy. Thus, the current move to unravel various potentialities in the sector by the Power Ministry is appealing. This singular effort will also change the destiny of Nigeria for good because the anticipated meteoric increment in the megawatts will become Nigeria’s springboard in jobs creation, and general private sector development.’’ However, further checks showed that the current rejuvenation efforts is not unconnected with President Goodluck Jonathan’s resolve to solve the perennial power quagmire. ‘’Jonathan’s vision in unbundling the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, into 18 companies to enhance productivity and efficiency has proven to be the best decision ever taken. The creation of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc has also brought light in achieving Nigeria’s electricity dream in the near future. It would be recalled that Jonathan inaugurated the CEO and board of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc in August

Gobirawa further explained thus: ‘’ The goal of this project is to encourage the use of energy efficient bulbs and lighting systems which is capable of massive energy conservation. To wrap it up, the Jonathan administration entered into an MOU with worldwide leaders in the power sector, General Electric.’’In addition, he said: ‘’The deal indicates that the General Electric will invest about 15 percent equity in power projects in Nigeria. This rounds up to

10,000 MW CHALLENGE:

Energy efficient bulb

gerian Independent Power Plants as well as the Niger Delta Power Company which is billed for commissioning in December this year. Records show that this will generate 10, 000 megawatts in December 2013.’’ As the December target draws near, it is still left to be seen whether the promise would become a reality.

Ten distribution companies Meanwhile, VF gath ered that the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria ,PHCN, has been completed. Further findings showed that the Federal Government wiould hand over privatized successor firms of the PHCN to private investors on September 21, 2013. Ten Distribution Companies, DISCOs and five Generation Companies, GENCOs, have been handed to the successor companies that rose from the balkanisation of the defunct PHCN. The companies are those which completed the payment of the 75% balance on their bid price for the companies. Power Minister, Professor Nebo, said as at the deadline period, all preferred bidders had paid up, except the Enugu Distribution Company, while the preferred bidder for Sapele Power Station had made substantial part-payment.” He made this disclosure in a

We envisage 10,000 megawatts by December 2014; with our short term, long term and immediate strategies that we have in place, in addition to working assiduously with other stakeholders in the power sector

10,000MW capacity by the year 2020. The power firm also plans to build packaging facility with local contents for small aero-derivative turbines in Nigeria which will promote job creation.’’ Not done with his optimism about the future of the sector, he said: ‘’The Federal Government also entered into an MOU with the Exim Bank of the United States to provide an investment opening of about $1.5 billion for investors willing to invest in the Nigerian power sector. There has never been a time when such sumptuous amount of money was ever provided by the US Exim Bank for a specific sector in Africa.’’ When asked why he is so optimistic despite challenges which have made past policies unfruitful, he said: ‘’One basic hindrance, according to Nebo, has been the transmission challenges which make attempts at putting 5000 megawatts into the transmission network unworkable. But the milestone in the renewed electricity quest is the effort at repositioning various Ni-

statement signed by his media assistant, Kandel Daniel. The statement said: “The completion payment now entitles the preferred bidders to take full possession of the 15 PHCN unbundled entities (10 distribution companies and five generation companies)” . Nebo described this development as a great milestone in the Power Sector Reform Roadmap that should give hope to all Nigerians and inspire confidence in government’s power reform programme and President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda. Nebo also reassured Nigerians and investors of government’s resolve to pursue the transformation agenda to the end, and monitor the emerging transition market, in order to protect the interest of both the citizens and the investors. He said the stability of the national grid was being enhanced to ensure effective transmission of any quantity of power being generated in the new dispensation.

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013—51

POAWER—From left: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswan; Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, and Permanent Secretary, Power, Amb. Godknows Igali, during the meeting on Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), in Abuja.

58 Reps, more senators back Baraje's nPDP Continues from Page 6

powers as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to stop this and bring anybody found wanting to book. “We wish to state that by this statement, we pledge our loyalty and support to the New PDP under the able chairmanship of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, the Deputy Chairman, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, National secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola and other members of the National Executive Committee. “We congratulate them and wish them the very best as they steer the affairs of our party to provide level-playing field for all Nigerians.” Members who signed the statement include: Abdullahi Balarabe, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Ali Ahmad, Abdullahi Muhammad Wamako, Abdullahi Muhammed Rico, Abdulmalik Usman Cheche, Adamu Bashir, Ahman-Patigi Aliyu, Ahmed Zerew, Aishatu Ahmed Binani, Aiyedun Akeem Olayinka, Alhassan Ado Garba, Aliyu Madaki, Aliyu Shehu, Aminu Shagari, Aminu Sulyman, Aminu

Tukur, Andrew Uchendu, Asita Honourable, Bashir Baballe, Blessing Nsiegbe. Others were: Dakuku Peterside, Dawari George, Faruq Muhammed Lawan, Gibson Nathaniel, Gogo Bright Tamunu, Haliru Zakari Jikantoro, Hassan Adamu, Hussain Namadi, Ibrahim Ebbo, Ibrahim Tijjani Kivawa, Issa Bashir, Kabiru Achida, Khabeeb Mustapha, Maurice Pronen, Mohammed Sabo, Mpigi Barinada, Muhammad Ahmed Mukhtar, Muhammad Ibrahim, Muhammad Sani Kutigi, Mukhtari Muhammad, Musa Ado, Musa Sarkin-Adar, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Mustapha Mashood, Ogbonna Nwuke, Rafiu Ibrahim, Sa’ad Nabunkari, Sani Muhammed Aliyu, Shuaibu Gobir, Sokonte Davies, Sufiyanu Ubale, Umar Bature, Usman Wada, Yusuph Dunari Sule, Yusuph Galambi, and Zakari Muhammed.

nPDP wants PDP de-registered Meanwhile, court papers filed by the Baraje faction seeking recognition as the de facto leadership of

the party obtained by Vanguard yesterday indicate that the faction is INEC to deregister the Tukur faction for allegedly infringing Section 222 (d) of the Constitution. The provision requires any political party making changes to its constitution to notify INEC at least 30 days before the amendments. The Baraje faction is alleging that changes made in the 2009 constitution of the party were never submitted to the commission and that subsequent changes made in the 2012 constitution upon which the 2013 convention was held were also not submitted to INEC. The provision states thus: 222. No association by whatever name called shall function as a party, unless (d) any alteration in its registered constitution is also registered in the principal office of the Independent National Electoral Commission within thirty days of the making of such alteration; In its statement of claims in its case against the Tukur leadership filed at an Ikeja, Lagos High Court, the Baraje faction deposed thus: “It will be recalled that the 2009 PDP constitution was amended which

brought about the 2012 PDP constitution. “Evidence has surfaced to prove that strange clauses which were not part of the proposed amendments were inserted into the original produced version of the 2012 constitution and those alterations were not approved by the party convention and the National Executive Committee thereby making the document a forged document which is invalid. “The forged 2012 constitution was not equally filled before INEC as required by the constitution, thereby making the PDP constitution upon which the 2013 convention was held an invalid document and the outcome of that convention invalid, as it was held with no valid constitution. “The proof of these evidence can be seen in the approved memo by the PDP NEC upon which the amendment was done in the 2012 and the original version of the PDP constitution filed with INEC will as well prove these violations.” The Baraje faction is also claiming that Tukur is not a valid member of the party and as such not in a position to hold the office of chairman or preside over the national convention of the party as he did last Saturday. According

to the claims, Tukur was expelled from the party in 2001 and after that was neither formally readmitted nor given a waiver to allow him hold office in the party. “Exactly on the 31 May, 2001, the PDP NEC after its meeting held in Abuja expelled eight members of the PDP in accordance with the PDP constitution which gives the NEC the powers to discipline NEC members who breaches the constitution. “They were expelled after NEC considered and adopted the report of the Iro Dan Musa-led PDP Disciplinary Committee. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Don Etiebet, Aishek Jarma, Ume-Ezeoke, Emmanuel Ibeshi, Harry Marshal and Gbenga Olawepo were the ones expelled from the PDP. “Note that Article 10(b) iii of the PDP 2009 constitution and Article 8(17) of the 2012 amended constitution which holds that any member of the party who loses his membership by expulsion can only return to the party with the approval of the party executive at his ward, state and national levels, who shall give him a waiver. “Since the expulsion of Bamanga Tukur in 2001, he has not complied with the above requirements of the PDP constitution,

meaning that his purported participation at the 2012 convention where he was elected was a fraud and invalid, as he is not yet a member of the party.”

Wants convention declared illegal The faction is also asking for last Saturday’s convention to be declared illegal on the claim that illegal delegates voted in the convention, a claim compounded by another claim that the Tukur executive failed to give the requisite 21 days notice to INEC for the conduct of a national convention. The claims filed by the Baraje faction were also made at a press conference in Abuja yesterday by the PDP Stakeholders Forum. Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Chairman, of the forum, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere said he was already heading to the court to challenge the validity of the last convention just as he also accused Tukur of serially violating PDP constitution and usurping the powers of the National Executive Committee. He also reiterated the claim that Tukur is not a valid member of the PDP.

Army retires 10 generals BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA — AU THORITIES of the Nigerian Army have issued ten Major Generals letters of retirement from the force with immediate effect, with some of them expected to proceed on retirement by December this year while some have already gone. According to Vanguard sources, those affected are those who have served the mandatory 35 years in service while others caught by age on rank in accordance with the terms and conditions of service of the armed forces have been sent on compulsory terminal leave. Among those that have left service are Major General Lawrence Ngubane, formerly the Chief of Training and Operations, Defence Hq, Major General Babagana Mongonu. Commandant of the Training and Doc-

trine Command, TRADOC, Minna. Those expected to go on or before December include Major General E. E. Bassey, Chief of Policy and Plans, Army headquarters, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu, Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy and an intelligence chief. Already, Major General Isang, formerly Chief of Nigerian Army Standard and Evaluation has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Training and Operations , Major General Mohammed Abdukadir, formerly the Force Commander of AFISMA in Mali has been posted to TRADOC as the new Commandant of Training and Doctrine Command, Minna. Vanguard gathered that more Generals especially those of the ranks of Brigadier Generals and Colonels whose age on rank have become incompatible would be given letters of retirement soon.

52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

LMC imposes sanctions on Kwara Unit ed, order s repla olv es nited, orders replayy with W Wolv olves •Warri Wolves ‘ll not replay — Amaju

Ogunjobi cries over NFF’s persecution

WARA United and Warri Wolves have been directed to replay the Week 29 abandoned Glo Premier League match on Thursday, September 5 at the FIFA Technical Center, Abuja even as the Ilorin side were slammed a host of sanctions by the League Management Company (LMC) for the breaches that led to the noncompletion of the encounter last Sunday. The sanctions according to the LMC is to serve as a message to all the Clubs that the security of match officials and visiting teams are the responsibility of the host team In a letter addressed to the Management of both Clubs by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, it was noted that the Match Commissioner’s report indicted the host team, Kwara United for the security breaches that led to the physical assault on the First Assistant Referee, Mr. C. I. D. Durunna by the home fans. Having established this, Delta State FA chairman, Pinnick Amaju, said yesterday that they were scandalised by the decision

•Mba to order a replay. “What the rule says in such security breach that leads to the abandonment of a game is that the home team loses the points. Why is it difficult for the LMC to apply the rule? We will not go to Abuja to replay that match. The rule should

Malawi Continues from B/P Federation) welcomed the two in Abuja as well as in Calabar. They inspected some of the hotels in Calabar and they have settled for the Dannic Hotel (10 minutes to the stadium). The hotel is new and resembles the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe and it is generally a good hotel,” Nyirenda said. Contrary to their expectations Nyirenda confessed that Nigeria Football Federation has been supportive. “NFF has provided every support required and they are no stone unturned in making sure that all is set for the game. Everyone in Calabar is talking about the game and the game fever is so high here,”

reads the statement. The Flames advance party would inspect the training venue today and then attend a preparatory meeting to be conducted by the NFF. Nyirenda is optimistic that the Flames would find the weather favourable since its rainy season in Nigeria. “In terms of weather, it has been showering this afternoon as we are still in the rainy season in Nigeria. It is generally cool and I think our players will like the weather,” he said. Flames, who are in Botswana for a friendly game are expected to leave on Wednesday for Accra Ghana. They will connect to Calabar on Thursday.

prevail. We are taking this decision to fight for justice for Nigerian football. Let the right thing be done so that our football can grow. What they are doing is encouraging violence. Supporters of any club can now kill and get a rematch. We must all stand for justice in our football,” Amaju said.

ORMER Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi has decried allegation of swindling a Flying Eagles player, Kayode Olanrewaju saying it is an attempt to persecute and malign him before the 2014 election into the Nigeria Football Federation board. The Osun State FA boss is miffed that football issues could be taken to such a ridiculous level of instigating a player to lie against an individual. The NFF set up an investigative panel headed by Chris Green on Monday to look into allegation against the Prime FC of Osogbo boss after Kayode was reported to have allegedly accused him of an offence the NFF did not disclose in its press release on Monday. “This is strange,” Chief Ogunjobi snapped. “It is ridiculous. How and why will NFF investigate me? I am not a FIFA licensed agent; I am just an individual.''

Eagles Continues from B/P Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Nwofor, who scored two beautiful goals against Bafana Bafana in the Mandela Challenge. When the team arrived its hotel, other players who came in through Abuja were already waiting. Among them, Efe Ambrose, Sunday Mba, whose deal with a French side is now in doubt, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor and Victor Moses. More players were expected as at the time of this report, but Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has said he is happy with the response of the players and he expects a good game against Malawi on Saturday. Meanwhile, Cross

River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has assured that the entire state will be out to support the team on Saturday, declaring that he was sure that the team will whip the mouthy Malawians come Saturday. Imoke spoke through Sports Commissioner, Hon Patrick Ugbe, who had to cough out time off his busy schedule to watch the closing moments of the team’s training on Tuesday evening. “We have his excellency ’s support and that of the entire people of Cross River and we are sure that the team will not only win but win well”, Ugbe told Keshi after training on Tuesday evening.

Peterside acquires TV in SA

DAH Peterside, the Nigerian ex international who is a soccer analyst on DSTV has added another feather to his cap. The former Eagles goal keeper retired in South Africa and started a church there while also working for Multichoice, the owners of DSTV as a commentator on Supersport. After the 2010 World Cup, he relinquished the job of a spokesman of the Super Eagles, saying that he needed time to concentrate more on his church, The Christ Ambassador Church in Johannesburg which he said was “touching many lives.”

Peterside informed yesterday that Christ Ambassador Church has established a cable television station named ATV. Said he: “It is a Christian Television and it is on DSTV in South Africa. It is received in Australia, UK, parts of Europe like Spain and some Sub Sahara Africa. We do programmes on Gospel, lifestyle, Comedy and a few other things. We may add sports to it in a way soon. Christ Ambassador Church is gowing and one of the biggest in South Africa. God has been faithful to us. When I look back to my humble background I can’t believe what is happening. God is awesome.''

Guinness promises $2,000 for each goal

UINNESS, official sponsor of the Nigeria Super Eagles has again thrown its weight behind the Super Eagles as it announced a $2,000 reward for each goal scored by the National team against Malawi in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying

game scheduled for Calabar on Saturday to spur the Super Eagles to victory. Reassuring the team of its unwavering support, Guinness urges the African Champions to go for goals and qualify for the World Cup.

FCMB backs Ogunkoya 400m championship

FRICA’S 400m record holder, Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo’s desire to raise men and women quartermilers who will break her and Innocent Egbunike’s records has received the backing of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) who has pledged financial support to next month’s Falilat Ogunkoya Athletics competition. The competition,an initiative of Falilat Ogunkoya Foundation,will feature only the

400m events for both boys and girls and is aimed at identifying talented young quartermilers from every nooks and crannies of Nigeria. The competition is slated for the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode from October 17 to 19, 2013. FCMB Head of Retail Banking (South-West) Leticia Igna-Igboko said the bank is proud to be associated with Faliat’s efforts to raise world class quartermilers.

Bishop Okonkwo tasks Keshi

HE Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo has advised Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi to field Nigeria’s best players against Flames of Malawi in the September 7 FIFA World Cup qualifier slated for the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Speaking at the 11 th Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football Cup Final on Saturday at the YabaTech Sports ground Lagos, Okonkwo enjoined Keshi and other officials of the Nigeria football Federation(NFF) that fairness and determination are crucial, as only such would guarantee victory against Malawi.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 — 53

'There’s no bread on the table but no worries, we’ve got Bale' L

IKE the astronomical salaries of CEOs, the world of top footballers appears to be recessionproof. Never mind that most Spanish clubs are hugely in debt and many haven’t paid taxes for years, Real Madrid have coughed up €100m for the Welsh winger Gareth Bale. Bale will be paid €6m a year – €1 for each of Spain’s 6 million unemployed. He is 24 but he won’t be among the 56% of Spain’s under-25s who are out of work, nor the others who are stuck at home on salaries of €600 a month. “It’s a sad day,” said Toni, a waiter in Barcelona. “While the country is sunk in misery, families are ruined and children are growing up in poverty, this guy turns up and we pay €91m for him. Really, we’ve lost the plot.” “I think Spanish clubs should stop spending on foreign players and

has been running all summer, about 30,000 fans turned out at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium to welcome the player. Bale, accompanied by his family, won the fans over by kissing the team’s badge. He then said, in Spanish: “It’s always been my dream to play for Real Madrid. Thank you for such a warm welcome.” In his first press conference Bale said the money wasn’t an issue. “I would have signed for a cent,” he said. He was also quick to praise his fellow player Cristiano Ronaldo, who many believe is jealous of Bale. While the talk is of Bale signing for €100m, the figure released by Madrid is €91m, ensuring it is not higher than the €96m they paid for the prickly Ronaldo. Prof Sandalio Gómez of IESE Business School’s centre for sports business management, an expert on

In Spain, the bakery may have shut down but the circus is still hiring, it’s paying top dollar, and the public love it.

instead invest in youth teams,” said Miguel, a student from Tarragona. “Besides, Barcelona have won 16 cups spending half what Madrid have. And if this money is a loan guaranteed by Bankia, as it was when they signed Ronaldo, maybe we’ll all end up paying for it, not Madrid.” Despite Spain’s dire economy and colossal unemployment, reading through the hundreds of readers’ comments in the Madrid sports daily Marca, the prevailing argument is not that paying such a fee is scandalous or whether Bale is worth it, but whether he will be successful and, above all, if he will help the club to overtake Barcelona. “The crisis is over, Bale is here,” quipped one reader. “There’s no bread on the table but no worries, we’ve got Bale.” After the anticipation of an on-off transfer story that

•Ozil

ESUT Ozil has no doubts he can take his game to a new level at Arsenal and revealed he was convinced to sign by Arsène Wenger after Real Madrid lost faith in him. The 24-year-old Germany international completed a club-record transfer from Real Madrid late on Monday evening for £42.5m. Ozil revealed that once it was clear he no longer figured in the first-team plans of the Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti following the world-record signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, that he had no hesitation in accepting a fresh challenge at Arsenal. Speaking to the German football federation’s website, www.dfb.de, Ozil said: “At the weekend, I was certain that I would stay at Real Madrid but afterwards I realised that I did not have the faith from the coach or the bosses. I am a player who needs this faith and that is what I have felt from Arsenal, which is why I have joined.

Real Madrid, said that when it came to football you had to look at the investment from both an economic and a sporting perspective. “Trophies aren’t worth much economically, but winning attracts sponsors and TV rights. Real Madrid paid the same amount of money for Cristiano Ronaldo as for Bale and no one disputes that it was money well spent because of the attention it brings the club. Or look at David Beckham. They didn’t sign Beckham to play football because they didn’t need him for that; they needed him because the media love him and for that reason he was a profitable signing. Bale is not a media star, but if he’s successful as a player, he could become one.” In Spain, the bakery may have shut down but the circus is still hiring, it’s paying top dollar, and the public love it.

I’ll repay Arsenal’s faith in me — Ozil

BALE OF MONEY— Gareth

La Liga is the Real deal — Bale

EAL Madrid’s new world-record signing Gareth Bale has delivered a blow to the Premier League by insisting the Spanish La Liga is the best league in the world. Welsh star Bale finally sealed a £86million move to the Spanish giants on Sunday night after a protracted saga throughout the summer over his switch from Tottenham. And in his first interview as a Madrid player, Bale said he believes his new home plays host to the world’s brightest talents. ‘I’m very excited to be here. I think La Liga is the best league in the world,’ Bale told Real Madrid TV. ‘It has the best players playing here and I can’t

•Ronaldo wait for it to start.’ Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona made a big signing of their own with the £50m capture of Brazilian star Neymar lining up alongside Lionel Messi, with Bale joining former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo at Real.

•Messi Bale said he is looking forward to joining up with his new team-mate, insisting that he, not Messi, is the world’s No 1 player. ‘It’s another dream come true for me. I’ve been watching him since he first started at Manchester United,’ said Bale.

•Neymar ‘For me, he’s the best player in the world, it will be a pleasure to play with him. You can only learn off the best and he certainly is that. ‘Hopefully we can both work together and provide more trophies for Real Madrid in a great team.’

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

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VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 , 2013

Mba snubbed ‘slave deal’ — Wolves — P.28 La Liga is the Real deal — P.53 I'll repay Arsenal's faith in me — Ozil — P.53

Mikel, Moses, 16 Eagles storm Calabar A

FTER a dull Monday afternoon, the Super Eagles camp at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel came alive on Tuesday afternoon with almost all the top actors already in town, though only 12 of them trained in the evening session at the

UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Among early trainers for the African champions are stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, Chelsea superstar, John Mikel Obi, goalkeepers Ausin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim. New Turkey

recruit, Godfrey Oboabona, James Okwuosa, who was the first player to arrive camp on Monday morning, Brown Ideye, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Lazio midfield anchor, Continues on Page 52

Malawi FA makes U-turn •Calabar is comfortable

O O T B A L L Association of Malawi is comfortable with Calabar to host the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles. This is in contrast to the association’s fears over the choice of Calabar which prompted Fam to lodge a

•Mikel

complaint to Fifa to consider it changing the venue because of security concerns. Fam General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, who came as an advance party with the association’s accountant Christopher Mdoloto to check on the condition

of the state, said their counterparts have given them a warm reception. Nyirenda stated in a media statement on Tuesday that they were given a chance to inspect some hotels and settled for Dannic Hotel. “NFF (Nigeria Football Continues on Page 52

•Moses

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Plan (4) 4 Watch (3) 6 Job (4) 9 Sheep (3) 10 Peeled (8) 11 Torn (4) 14 Hill (3) 16 Flat (5) 19 Contemplate (8) 21 Not ever (5) 23 Dedication (8) 24 Danger (5) 27 Permit (5) 31 Swift (4) 33 Entertain (8) 34 Golf-peg (3) 35 Ale (4) 36 Youth (3) 37 Neat (4)

DOWN 2 Tardy (4) 3 Excursion (4) 4 Burst (8) 5 Whirlpool (4) 6 Abrupt (5) 7 Wonder (3) 8 Feeling (5) 12 Fragment (5) 13 Beneath (5) 14 Can (3) 15 Spree (5) 17 Sound (5) 18 Mendacious (5) 20 Backed (8) 22 Decay (3) 25 Exhilarate (5) 26 Bury (5) 28 Image (4) 29 Worry (4) 30 Tart (4) 32 Observe (3)

FRIDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Object 5, Seam 8, Assemble 9, Item 10, Ash 12, Learn 15, Mad 17, One 18, Era 19, Emu 20, Gove 21, Kit 22, Sea 23, Due 24, Tie 26, Lofty 29, Rid 33, Fate 34, Tortured 35, Better 36, Bungle.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2, Basis 3, Even 4, Table 5, Steer 6, Arid 7, Arena 10, Agent 11, House 12, Legal 13, Aloof 14, Needy 15, Maker 16, Dated 25, Image 27, Outer 28, Throb 30, Ideal 31, Test 32, Turn.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

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

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