Jonathan notincompetent — Presidency

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...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61811

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

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Drogba begs Eagles SUSPECTS—The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu, yesterday, paraded suspected kidnappers of Mrs Oluwole Rotimi and some other crime suspects (inset). Photos: Dare Fasube.

Jonathan not incompetent — •Dares opposition to come up with facts •Says Jonathan inherited insurgency

....Win Nations Cup for us .Says his AFCON dream over ....See Back Page

Arise News TV hits airwaves •Pg.14

Presidency

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA— THE Presi dency yesterday took a swipe at critics of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing the accusation of incompetence levelled against him by the opposition as mere political propaganda and untrue. It

COLUMNISTS:

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Why I stopped paying former militants N250m monthly — Dickson

Mr & Mrs

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2—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Kidnappers abduct Edo House member zAs Assembly suspends plenary

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY — EDO Sate House of Assembly, yesterday, suspended sitting following the abduction of the member representing Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, Mr Victor Edoror, by gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Uyi Igbe, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, yesterday, in Benin City, saidEdoror was kidnapped in Irrua, the administrative headquarters of Esan council on Sunday in company of his driver.

Vanguard observed fear on the faces of the lawmakers, including the Speaker, when they stormed the state Government House, yesterday, apparently to brief Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the situation.

Vanguard observed that security had been

beefed up at the legislative quarters in GRA, Benin City.

Igbe explained that the lawmakers were informed of the suspected kidnap by the wife of the victim, saying that no contact had been made between the abductors and the family.

House suspends plenary He said the House had suspended sittings till further notice in protest over their kidnapped colleague, who is considered as a vibrant member of the House.

Vanguard learnt that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmaker was on his way to a meeting in his constituency when the armed men struck.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ejiroro Awahra, said the police were investigating the matter.

Monarch, 18 others arrested over sale of NDDC transformers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

a warehouse on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

The owner of the warehouse, during ORT HARCOURT — POLICE in Rivers State interrogation, said he bought the transformers from have smashed a syndicate that specialises in some traditional rulers and community leaders. diverting transformers released by the Niger Delta A top Police source told Vanguard that 19 Development Commission, NDDC for installations suspects including a traditional ruler were among in communities to the market. those so far arrested in connection with the scam.

Vanguard gathered that 20 of the transformers According to the source, “during interrogation, meant for various communities were recovered at the suspect confessed that he bought the transformers from some traditional rulers and community leaders. Based on the confession, 19 suspects, including a traditional ruler, have been arrested.”

The Police said a case of conspiracy and stealing had been established against those arrested and they would be prosecuted accordingly.

Meantime, Vanguard gathered that no NDDC

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & staff had been linked with the sale of the ONOZURE DANIA transformers. “No linkage with any NDDC staff since they had been supplied to the various AGOS — LAGOS State government, yesterday, communities.” arraigned the embattled President of Aguyi Ironsi Market, popularly called Ladipo Market, Mr. Jonathan Chibuzor Okoli, for an attempted murder before an Ikeja High Court.

Okoli was arraigned before Justice Lateefa Okunnu on a 12-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful display of arms, causing of grievous harm contrary to Section 243 of the criminal code, Laws of Lagos State.

BY TONY EDIKE He was arraigned along side others accused of attempting to kill five members of his market NUGU — THE police in Enugu, yesterday, association during a protest last year. announced the rescue of a 79-year-old The entire premises of the court was occupied by hundreds of his supporters who came to show woman, Mrs. Theresa Udeji, who was allegedly kidnapped since December 13. solidarity for him.

A member of the gang that kidnapped the During the proceeding, the state, represented

by Mr Femi Adamson alleged that the accused woman was arrested by the police during the alongside his alleged culprits on March 5, 2012, rescue operation.

Mrs. Udeji was abducted by gunmen in Agwu “armed with guns and machetes attempted to kill and was reportedly taken to an unknown Maduchukwu Ejike, Solomon Eze, Cyril Nwenu, Joseph Nnaji at Ladipo Market by inflicting destination.

According to a statement by the state police grievous harms on them.” spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, yesterday, They were also accused of unlawful assembly at ”following the development, operatives of the the market “to act in disorderly manner and to anti-kidnapping unit of the Enugu State disturb the public peace.”

However, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Command began their trail which incidentally The moment his plea was taken, his lawyer, paid off on January 31, 2013 when she was Nnorom Quickers, disclosed that his client has successfully rescued in an uncompleted building been in detention since last October without bail, around Nara axis of Nkanu East Local adding that the offence preffered against his client Government Area of Enugu State by the operatives without payment of ransom.” is bailable.

He said the victim had been re-united with her The State, however, opposed the application for bail, saying granting him bail may further cause family.

According to Amaraizu, a suspect who gave mayhem in the market. his name as Ozoemena Mbah of Onuorie Nara In her ruling, Justice Okunnu admitted Okoli to had been arrested and he is currently helping bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, who must be residents and gainfully the police in their investigation just as investigations are ongoing. employed in Lagos.

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Ladipo market president docked for attempted murder

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Police rescue abducted 79-yr-old woman in Enugu, arrest suspect

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Some suspected robbers and their weapons as paraded by the Rivers

Okonjo-Iweala mum kidnapper arraigne

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA – A member of the 10-man kidnap gang that allegedly abducted the 82year-old Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who claimed to be in charge of feeding the woman with bread and groundnuts while in captivity, was, yesterday, arraigned on a four-count charge.

The accused, Andrew Dime, 32, hails from Enikorogha in Edo State.

This is the second suspect to be arraigned in connection with the kidnap of OkonjoIweala’s mother as one William Omenma, 30, had earlier been arraigned.

No plea was taken when arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate Court. Trial magistrate, Mr. Sylvester Ehikwe, ordered the remand of the accused at OgwashiUku prisons and adjourned the case till February 28, 2013.

The charge read: "That you Andrew Dime, male and others now at large, on December 9, 2012, at Asaba in the Asaba Magisterial District did unlawfully imprison one

Professor Kamene Okonjo, female, in such a manner as to prevent any person entitled to have access to her from discovering the place where she was unlawfully imprisoned, thereby committed an offence punishable under section

Money launde remanded in K

ANO— THE eldest son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, Aminu Lamido, has been remanded in prison custody until today following his arraignment, yesterday, at a Federal High Court in Kano on money laundering charges.

Judge Satun Riman ordered his remand pending his ruling on the bail application after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Aminu Lamido had been enjoying administrative bail granted to him by the EFCC since December 13, a day after he was arrested at the Malam

Aminu

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—3

Kogi ex-senatorial candidate nabbed over alleged fraud zDoctors Yar'Adua, Obasanjo, Dangote's photos zDupes Abia First Lady

BY EVELYN USMAN

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s State Police in Port Harcourt. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

m’s suspected d, remanded 364(2) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21, Vol1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006 "That you Dime, male, and others now at large, on December 22, 2012 did unlawfully imprison one Solomon Onyesom, male, in such a manner as to prevent

any person entitled to have access to him from discovering the place where he was unlawfully imprisoned and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 364(2) of the criminal code law cap C21, Vol1, laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006."

ering: Gov Lamido’s son prison Aminu Kano International Airport by EFFC operatives for allegedly not declaring

Lamido with EFCC operatives.

$40,000 in his possession on his way to board an Egypt bound flight to Cairo.

AGOS — THE Lagos State Command of the State Security Service, SSS, has arrested two suspected fraudsters who have been masquerading as Directors with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners.

One of the suspects, Azeez Bello,was discovered to have contested for the Kogi Central senatorial seat in the 2011 general elections, on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria.

Bello, said to have impersonated the EFCC Director of Operations, Mr E.A Adegbite, in his confessional statement, reportedly admitted to have collaborated with one Nelson Ndukwe and one Chief Okafor, currently on the run, to defraud the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Mercy Orji, pretending to be investigating her on trump-up financial offences.

Parading the suspects, yesterday, Director, SSS, Mr. Ben Achu-Olayi, said: “Acting on intelligence report received from Abia State that one suspected fraudster was impersonating Adegbite to defraud the first lady, we trailed and successfully tracked and arrested him at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.”

He further explained that his partner in crime, one Uche Onwuka, on his part, lured a Nigerian based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates to the country, to invest in a $7 million real estate belonging to business mogul, Mike Adenuga.

On arriving the country, their client identified as Livinus Yakubu, was reportedly urged by Uche to bring $30,000 for them to purchase chemical with which to wash and print some materials into currencies.

The twist in the supposed business proposal, according to the Director, SSS, Mr. Ben AchuOlayi, arouse Yakubu’s suspicion, following which he reported to SSS on January 7, 2013.

Achu-Olayi explained that Yakubu was encouraged to play along, while his men placed surveillance on him. The suspects, he said, were arrested around Camelot Hotel in Victoria Island, at the verge of collecting part payment for the purchase of the chemical to wash the dollars.

Doctors Yar'Adua, Obasanjo, Dangote pictures During a search at the suspect’s hotel room at Travel House Hotel, Ajah, Achu-Olayi disclosed that 12 fake internet super-imposed pictures of the suspect in the midst of eminent Nigerians and documents purportedly signed

by President Goodluck Jonathan, were discovered.

He said: “The suspect had several fake internet super-imposed pictures with different highly placed personalities like the late president, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; former president Olusegun Obasanjo and business mogul, Aliko Dangote among others.

“The worst is that the suspect super-imposed several pictures where he was with President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential office. He portrayed himself as a member of the inner-caucus or kitchen cabinet of the president and close ally of prominent business moguls in the country. He has used such gimmicks to lure his victims.”

Man, 40, slumps, dies watching Eagles vs Cote d'Ivoire match

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — A 40-year-old Moshood Ismail Owolabi was reported to have slumped and died on Sunday at a viewing centre located at Lanlepe compound, Oke-Sokori in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital during the quarter final match of the African Cup of Nations between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

Owolabi, an engineer with Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Federal Ministry of Works in Abeokuta was said to have been immediately rushed to a nearby clinic where he was given a first aid before being referred to another hospital.

He was said to have died on the way to the hospital also in Abeokuta.

Confirming his death, Medical Director of the clinic, Sulaiman Kolawole, told Vanguard that Owolabi was already dead before he was brought to the clinic and that all effort to rescue him hit the rock.

While explaining the cause of his death, medical director told our correspondent that the incident was as a result of excessive intake of carbon-dioxide which he said resulted to what he called anoxia.

He said: “He was brought in dead, from what I learnt. I was told by a close friend that he had a fatal accident about two months ago and he was treated and managed.

“It was supposed to be a heart attack, because the way I saw him, he looked weak like someone who had been sick for a very long period."

When Vanguard visited the viewing centre, yesterday, it was observed that, the ramshackle wooden place had a very small window for ventilation said to have accommodated hundreds of football fans during the match.

An eye witness told Vanguard that the late Owolabi, who was married with two children, couldn’t control himself when Victor Moses missed a chance.

2 women, 2 children die in Ebonyi boat mishap

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI—NO fewer than four persons were, weekend, confirmed dead after an engine boat carrying 40 passengers capsized at Oferekpe community in Ikwo South East, Ebonyi State.

The incident which occurred about 8:00p.m. also led to the rescue of 36 others who were on board the boat to Cross River State for a burial.

Confirming the incident, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Sylvester Igbo, said the accident occurred when the boat carrying the passengers collided with a log of wood at night and capsized.

He said while four persons lost their lives as a result of the incident, 36 others were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment, adding that the police had commenced investigation into the incident.

An eyewitness, Mr. Chigbogu Nwite, stated: “The accident happened at about 8:00p.m as Mrs. Nwaka Monday, Mrs. Jennifer Eworo, their kids including 36 other passengers boarded an engine boat to Cross River State to attend a burial. The only thing that divides us and Cross River State is the river.”

According to him, the accident occurred when the boat collided with a log of wood and capsized causing Mrs. Nwaka Monday and Mrs. Jennifer Eworo including their kids who could not swim to drown while 36 other passengers including the captain of the boat, Mr. Oyom Agbor were rescued.

Marine spirits fingered

Nwite, however, attributed the cause of the accident to the activities of marine spirits, arguing that the wounds on the faces of the deceased women and the foams gushing out of the mouths and noses of the dead children were clear indication of such occurrence.

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4— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

CHANGE OF BATON—President Goodluck Jonathan (2R) flanked by Vice President Namadi Sambo (2L); the incoming Commander, Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), Air Commodore Uko Ebong (R) and the outgoing PAF Commander, AVM Adesola Amosu after the change of baton at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Jonathan not incompetent —Presidency Continues from page 1 stressed that no Nigerian expected the level of insurgency that the Jonathan Administration inherited on assumption of office.

The Presidency, however, dared the opposition and critics of Jonathan’s administration to come up with facts of his incompetence and lack of

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Little alterations we make in our habits and choices create great differences. Live life with care and make the necessary and needed adjustments.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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HERE is a saying that life can only be under stood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

You can choose every day to live your life forward, to “do good things for the present and the future.”

Every day you can choose a better way — Steve Goodier Kim Phuc has more to kick about life than most of us. Photographer Nick Ut received a Pulitzer Prize for a dramatic war-time picture taken in Vietnam.

A Napalm bomb dropped on a village, and a little girl running scared, clothing seared off and a severely burnt skin. And that little girl was Kim. Kim hovered between life and death. She required 17 different surgical operations and months of rehabilitation. Today, she lives in Canada and has become an important spokesperson on issues of war and peace. “Pain never disappears,” Kim says. “You just learn how to deal with it.”

During a presentation at the Washington memorial, Kim says: “Even if I could talk face to face with the pilot who dropped the bombs, I would tell him we cannot change history but we should try to do good things for the present and for the future to promote harmony.” There are certainly plenty of people she can blame for her suffering. She could have grown up a bitter and resentful woman. But instead, she is a person of graceful dignity.

achievements.

In a statement signed, yesterday, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the Presidency urged critics to x-ray the challenges Nigeria had prior to the emergence of President Jonathan as the country ’s leader, adding that achievements and competence cannot be judged by noise making, propaganda and deception which it argued were the hallmarks of the opposition.

Okupe said: "President Jonathan's background does not fall into the mould of incompetence or cluelessness that the opposition tries too hard to sell to the Nigerian populace.

What is incompetence?

“By definition, Reference Dictionary says: “Incompetence is lacking qualification or ability”. Webster Dictionary defines it as “lacking the qualities needed for effective action”. Going by the above definitions, President Goodluck Jonathan is perhaps the most academically qualified Nigerian President ever.

“By cognate qualifica-

tion, no President has had the experience, preparation and tutelage for the post of the President than Goodluck Jonathan. He was Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, Acting President and elected President. Taking the Webster Dictionary definition, an incompetent person, lacks the qualities needed for effective action.

“We do not wish to assert the obvious fact that the President has the requisite qualification for effective action, rather we will examine the challenges that faced the nation before his election as President and state how he has tackled them. This will also probably disprove the Governor Fashola’s “Mechanic allegory”.

“Empirical evidence shows that President Goodluck Jonathan, has not only tackled the challenges he inherited, but has successfully solved many of them while those that remain are part of works in progress which, God willing, will be resolved before the end of 2014.

“The repeated false claims by the opposition that the President is incompetent is not only untrue and obviously cannot be supported by facts, but is also part of the opposition’s strategy

to present the government as not being effective so as to advance their selfish cause. Nigerians should therefore ignore this wild and baseless comments and team up with the silent and effective achiever, in the person of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“We want to assure Nigerians that with the undoubted and continued effective implementations of the Transformation Agenda, Nigeria will never ever be the same again. Achievements and competence are always not judged by noise making, propaganda and deception which are the hallmarks of the activities of the Nigerian opposition.”

Challenges before Jonathan Listing President Jonathan’s challenges on assumption of office, he said in power sector, “major challenges in the sector were: Low generating capacity (output less than 3000 MW); abandoned NIPP Projects, Unavailability of gas to service the NIPP projects, Transmission challenges, Protracted Inability to unbundle the PHCN and the eventual privatization of the sector.”

According to him, in infrastructure: “Roads were in states of disrepair nationwide. Railway Corporation was not functional. Airports were in state of total dilapidation, most of them without any maintenance for decades.

On what the Jonathan’s Administration has done so far, Okupe said: *Benin-Sagamu Road has been awarded and presently, the commuting time has been reduced from 12 hours and above to four hours. *The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concession

was decisively dealt with and immediate rehabilitative efforts were carried out by Julius Berger and RCC, which reduced the burden on commuters on that road during the Christmas holidays. *Abuja-Lokoja Expressway is progressing steadily. *Kano-Maiduguri Road is in progress; *The East-West Road, despite the negative reports by detractors, has made significant progress with most of its concrete works and bridges nearly completed. *Onitsha-Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriage way, a distance of 1664km, is due for completion in 2013. *2nd Niger Bridge – N5 billion has been set aside for commencement of works.

“The Lagos-JebbaKano Rail line which has been shut down for over 20 years has commenced successful operations since December 2012. The AbujaKaduna modern gauge rail line is over 35 per cent completion.

Ajaokuta-Warri modern garage rail line has been completed. A new modern gauge rail line from Lagos to Ibadan was awarded towards the end of last year. The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri (Eastern Rail line) will start operation anytime from now.”

On Aviation, he said: “22 Airports were earmarked for re-modeling and rehabilitation. 11 have been completed and commissioned. Five new terminals in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu as well as six Cargo Terminals will begin this year.

“In the last 50 years, the Nigerian economy has suffered stagnation due to inability of successive governments to diversify the economy Continues on page 41

6— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—7

Subsidy payments: FG asks for time to respond to suit

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Feder al Government, yesterday, sought for more time to challenge a suit seeking to compel President Goodluck Jonathan to totally remove the subsidy on fuel.

The suit was filed before a Federal High Court Abuja by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Chief Stanley Okeke.

The plaintiff is praying the court to order President Jonathan to return to the Federation Account “such money earlier appropriated and or approved for the payment of fuel subsidy.”

Listed as defendants in the suit were President Jonathan, Minister of Pe-

troleum, Diezani AllisonMadueke and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The plaintiff is contending that the subsidy fund was unjustifiable in the face of corruption in the system, perennial fuel shortage and long queues in the country.

According to him, the only way to stop abuse of the fuel subsidy scheme is the removal of the policy by the Federal Government.

Besides, he is beseeching the court for an order directing the Finance Minister, Okonjo-Iweala to stop further payment of fuel subsidy, insisting that the payments had been corrupt, illegal and unlawful.

Although, Presiding Justice Adeniyi Ademola had slated the matter

for hearing yesterday, however, a counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Mr Nasir Habib, told the court that the case had just been assigned to him, even as he asked for time to study the matter and file the necessary processes. Consequently, the case was adjourned till February 19 for hearing.

Tthe plaintiff is urging the court to among other things, determine “ whether in view of the official corruption and abuse of office inherent in the fuel subsidy regime as evidenced by the on-going trial of certain individuals in the Federal High Court Lagos, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is validly competent to order the removal and or abolish the fuel

subsidy scheme; “Whether consequent upon the perennial fuel shortages and the attendant long queues on our roads, it would be proper and lawful for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to completely remove and abolish the fuel subsidy regime; “Whether having regards to the near infrastructural collapse in our country, it would be proper to re-channel funds meant for fuel subsidy scheme into the building of infrastructural facilities, and; “ whether the 2nd and 3rd defendants being appointees of the President by not ensuring a corrupt free subsidy regime has not failed in their principal duty to Nigerians.”

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INISTER of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, has been named Champion Newspapers Man of the Year for 2012.

A statement by the Group Managing Director and Editor-in-chief of Champion Newspapers Ltd, Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, said Oduah was picked by the organisation after careful consideration of all the feats she has been able to achieve in the 18 months while steering the aviation industry.

According to the statement, “the aviation minister is the third recipient of the award after Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State and Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and like the previous two awardees; she went through a thorough process against stiff competition”.

The event billed to hold in Lagos on February 19 will have Vice Chancellor of Federal University Ndufe-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Oye IbidapoObe as the guest lecturer.

Prof. Ibidapo-Obe who

Oduah, Aviation Minister, bags Champion Man of Year 2012 was the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, will deliver the lecture with the theme: “Value-Driven Leadership as the Key to National Development”.

Mrs Iheakanwa also revealed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim will be the Chairman of the event.

It will be recalled that Oduah who was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to pilot the affairs of the aviation industry on July 4, 2011, has been excellent focusing her agenda both on safety and infrastructural development.

8—Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

World cancer day: FG to produce liquid morphine zTo alleviate pains of cancer patients

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

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ORRIED about the ex cruciating pains experienced by cancer patients, Federal Government has announced plans to commence production of liquid morphine at the Federal Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Yaba Lagos.

Morphine is an active ingredient in many different prescription medications. It is especially useful for “palliative care” (pain relief for people who are dying), as it helps relieve shortness of breath often experienced near the end of life.

Meanwhile, National Cancer Prevention Programme, NCPP, is targeting 10,000 Nigerians for free cancer screening in Benin City as part of activities to mark World Cancer Day. Making the announcement in Lagos, through the Director of Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Pharm Abisola Akinbisehin, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health has commenced decentralization of its medical stores among the six geopolitical zones of the country for easy access to morphine.

Chukwu said: “Although we know that cancer patients most times do not survive but we should not allow them to die in pain”.

Chukwu noted that “apart from prevention, early detection and legislation to put cancer in the front burner, there is also the need to ensure palliative care for these patients and that is why we are refurbishing the Federal Pharmaceutical Laboratory Yaba Lagos”.

He explained that production of liquid morphine would not only alleviate the excruciating pains experienced by cancer patients and other diseases like HIV as well as traumatized patients with non-communicable diseases but will make the product cheaper and available in the country.

He recalled that before now, the Oshodi medical stores had remained the only outlet where any body could get powdered morphine.

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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IGERIAN National Petrole um Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, faulted the recently released audit report of the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, saying the report is inaccurate, misleading and will misinform the public about the true situation of things.

According to a statement by the NNPC, the report contains fundamental inaccuracies which are misleading and constitutes misinformation to the generality of the public. “Given that the NEITI audit report is expected to be factual in all respects, it has become necessary to make the following observations and clarifications” .

The NNPC also admitted that the draft report was made available to it on January 17, 2013, and that it was in the process of reviewing it for the purposes of reconciliation, when NEITI made the report public.

The NNPC maintained that standard audit procedure required close-out between the auditor and the auditee before it is finalised and put in the public domain.

It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the statement credited to NEITI is not correct and is misleading. The following is a detailed account of the N1.3 trillion: “NNPC has 90 days moratorium for the payment of domestic crude. This implies that at every year end, the Corporation will have outstanding three months balances not yet due for payment.

However, the debt portion of the N928billion had been paid in the first quarter of 2012 on the relevant due dates. This can be verified with the relevant authorities.

One would have expected NEITI to take cognizance of this process in the report to avoid misrepresenting NNPC’s debt profile.

“The N377billion purported debt was a carry-over of 2004-2005 when NNPC was directed to buy crude oil for domestic consumption at international market price while the sale of petroleum products was at subsidized prices without appropriate instrument to recover the shortfall.

“NEITI’s report ought to have identified the anomaly and vindicated NNPC of the N377billion imposed debt repayment.

“The report questions both the process and NNPC’s right to reimbursement under the subsidy scheme. This was amplified by the Media as “Illegal”, “cornered”, “took” etc, giving the impression that there is no due process and transparency in the payment of subsidies due to the NNPC. “All our subsidy claims are duly verified, approved and authorized for payment by relevant agencies. However subsidy claims due to NNPC are not “cash payments” as amounts duly approved are backed out from the Gross Domestic Oil revenue due to the Federation Account in any given month. This is the extant process for this transaction.

“On the total amount of

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) with former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Madam Eunice Jonathan, mother of the president, Mr. Femi Otedola, Managing Director, Forte Oil and other worshippers during the Sunday service at the Aso Villa Chapel, State House, Abuja.

N1.3trn debt: NEITI report's inaccurate, misleading—NNPC N1.4trillion deducted, the report deliberately ignored and or omitted the factors responsible for the increasing amounts paid especially the price of crude oil which accounts for 82% of the price buildup for petroleum products. Other factors include increase in volumes consumed, variations in exchange rates and increase in freight rates especially in 2011.

“It should be noted that as a fall out of the subsidy crisis of 2012, other players that constitute over 50% of the market share in the downstream refused to import Petroleum Products from their supply obligation. NNPC being the supplier of last resort under the NNPC Act continued to supply the nation at huge cost while still maintaining the strategic reserve obligation. NNPC should be commended in this regard.

“The report asserted that the Corporation underpaid the Federation by N.30billion between 2009-2011 as a result of the application of wrong exchange rate in monetizing the value of crude lifted.

“The above assertion is wrong in view of the fact that the 445,000 barrels per day Crude Oil purchased by NNPC for domestic consumption is a Naira denominated transaction and is paid in Naira based on the equivalent exchange rate on FAAC date in the Month of lifting. For the purpose of clarity, only export crude Oil & Gas sales are denominated in Dollars.

“From the foregoing, NEITI without taking cognizance of the extant laws and regulations, guidelines and terms of relevant contracts in NNPC’s operations has continued to portray the Corporation to the public in bad light.

“While we conclude our review of the draft NEITI report, we await formal engagement with NEITI to close out the report. We remain

committed to conducting our business in a transparent and accountable manner, in compliance with existing laws.”

FOI Act: Lawyer sues Energy Commission over unspent budget

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—A public interest lawyer, Mr Bob Olukoya, has dragged the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, NAEC, and its Chairman, Dr. Franklin Osaisai, to court over unspent budget of 2010 and 2011.

In an originating motion he entered before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, the plaintiff, is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the defendants to disclose the total amount the commission returned to the federal treasury as unspent budget for years 2010 and 2011.

The plaintiff is also demanding for the total amount allocated to the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research and Training, CNERT, University of Maiduguri, and Centre for Nuclear Energy Studies, CNES, University of Port-Harcourt for 2010 and 2011; copies of its annual report and amount payable to a named contractor for the provision of services in 2011.

He is further demanding for details of the recruitment of additional staff upon which interview was conducted on September 25, 2012, and details of the

competitive bids from companies interested in the provision of security services to the commission.

However, when the matter came up for hearing before Justice Adeniyi Ademola yesterday, the defendants raised a preliminary objection, asking the court to dismiss the suit on the premise that the “plaintiff’s affidavit is improper, fishy, and baseless.”

According to the plaintiff, by virtue of Section 4(a) of the FOI Act, when a person requests for information from a public official, institution or agency, they are “under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for except as otherwise provided by the Act, within seven days after the application is received.

“The information requested for, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FOI Act, bothers on issues of national interest, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability”.

In an affidavit he filed in support of the suit, one Karik-Antyak Cynthia averred that since November 6, 2012 that Olukoya requested for the information through a letter, the defendants have failed and refused to provide the details.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—9

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10—Vanguard,TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Court rejects 2 directors' injunction to stop Newswatch daily papers

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS —A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, declined an application for interlocutory injunction by two former directors of Newswatch Communications Limited, Nuhu Wada Aruda and Professor Jibril Aminu, seeking to stop further publication of Daily, Saturday and Sunday Newswatch Newspapers.

Aruda and Aminu are representing minority shareholders in the media outfit.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned till February 11, 2013 for hearing in the substantive suit on merit.

Reacting to the judgment, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim said: “No one says the minority does not have a right, but not to the extent that a less than one per cent right, as in Aruwa and Aminu, will overrule over 50 per cent right of the majority.

It will be strange in our jurisprudence, for those individuals are not parties to the contract, as stated in the House of the Lords case of Pains vs Cave."

Capital Oil urges court to punish Access Bank

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS — Counsel to Capital Oil and Gas Limited and Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, yesterday, condemned the action of Access Bank in ridiculing the country’s judiciary before a London court, and asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to issue necessary punitive orders against the bank’s principal officers.

Olanipekun argued at the continued hearing of the suit of Capital Oil and Ubah against Access Bank over its alleged refusal to comply with an order of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

How we shared N13m ransom — Oluwole Rotimi wife’s kidnappers

BY OLA AJAYI

suspects at the State Police Command, Eleyele, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu said the suspects were arrested in Ogun State.

This came as the prime suspect told newsmen that they were paid the ransom of N13million before Mrs. Oluwole Rotimi was released.

According to the suspect who identified himself as Godwin

to his arrest.

Asked how he delved into the criminal act, he said it BADAN —MORE facts was frustration that led him emerged yesterday as the into it. “I contested election Oyo State Police Command for a local government paraded three suspects alcouncillor in Ward 2, Akwa leged to have been involved Ibom, but I was defeated. It in the kidnap of Mrs. Titilayo was then my friends invited Oluwole Rotimi, wife of the me to Lagos where they former Governor of Western introduced me to State last year. kidnapping.”

While parading three of the The second suspect, Johnson Kingsley also confessed that he took part in the kidnapping, saying he got N2million from the heinous crime.

However, there was heated argument between two of the suspects, Kingsley and Akiniyere Sunday, an Okada rider who claimed not to know anything about the incident.

He said, “When they were coming, Tehir Nissan car had a fault and they asked me where to get a mechanic. I told them and I used my Okada to convey them not knowing they were kidnappers.

Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN,Lagos State Governor (left), being conducted round the on-going But, other suspects 11-Floor urban re-generation residential development of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, insisted that he was lying comprising 54 flats , two parking floors, lifts, staircases and escape staircases, at Isalegangan, in adding that they used Central Lagos by Mr. Chahid Raffoul, the MD, Anatolia International Limited (2nd left), during his house as relaxation an inspection visit by the Governor, weekend.In the entourage is Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the point.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.

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Mfon from Akwa Ibom State, “We collected N13 million. I collected N2.5million. I used N1.1million to settle my debt and used the remaining change to buy a navy blue Honda Accord car with registration number LAGOS LSR 446 BB”.

Mfon who claimed to be a graduate of a university in Calabar, stated further that his mistress was instrumental

Court sentences 30 beggars to Kirikiri, Badagry prisons

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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S part of ongoing measures to rid Lagos of environmental nuisances, the Special Offences

Magistrate Court sitting in Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday sentenced 30 beggars to Kirikiri and Badagry Prisons for soliciting for alms in violation of the state

environmental law The prosecutor and Attorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, read some of the charges against the beggars to include

conducting themselves as disorderly persons without visible means of livelihood and thus committed an offence under the criminal law of Lagos State.

Lagos begins re-registration of private schools

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

private schools and educational AGOS — LAGOS State Min centres in the state with the aim of istry of Education has com- positioning them for greatness.

Speaking with Vanguard, sourcmenced the re-registration of all es close to the ministry said the registration of all registered private schools and vocational centres, would help the

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG ministry in its planning AGOS — FIVE unions in the nation’s and grading purposes. health sector have said their campaigns “The registration, for the sack of the Minister of Health, Profes- from January 28 to sor Onyebuchi Chukwu, is to better the health March 31, 2013, would care delivery system in the country, urging Pres- help officials of the ident Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the minister ministry know the curbefore it is too late. rent standards of the The five union: Medical and Health Workers schools.

Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, National Associa“We would use the tion of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, standard of facilities Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teach- and quality of teachers ing Hospital, Research Institutes, SSAUTHURI- in these schools to AL, National Union of Pharmacists, Medical grade them, and since Technology and Professional Allied to Medicine, the grades would be NUPMTPAM, and Non-Academic Staff Union open for all to see, this of Educational and Associated Institutions, would make the NASU, in a statement, said their campaign had schools want to imno political bearing.

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Sack Minister of Health, workers urge Jonathan

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prove”, officials of the ministry said.

Proprietors of schools and educational centers are to either go to Alausa to collect the

forms or go to www.lagosstate.gov.ng then click on Ministry of Education, then download the forms, fill and return to Alausa.

PUBLIC NOTICE

UMUOTI DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, AROCHUKWU This is to notify the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Barrister Mike Adimoha 2. Sir Thomas Nwafor Adimoha 3. Mazi Linus Ndionye 4. Mr Isaac Oji 5. Sir Godwin Okorafor Ivi Aims And Objectives: A. To provide a forum for social interaction and co-operation among the members of the association.

B. To promote the welfare, happiness and security of and among the members of the association.

C. To contribute to the development and improvement of the Umuoti Community of Arochukwu.

D. To do such things as are Lawful, incidental and conducive to the attainment of these aims and objectives or any of them.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: CHIKA ADIMOHA (Mrs), For: ADIMOHA &CO., LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, 08065600688

Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,

Ogun PDP expels Obasanjo's loyalists

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, expelled loyalists of exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo including the party's governorship candidate in the last general elections, Gen. Adetunji Olurin (rtd), the National Auditor of the party, Senator Bode Mustapha and the factional Chairman of the party, Dipo Odujinrin from the party.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary,Waliu Oladipupo, in Abeokuta, said Olurin from Yewa South Local Government had been expelled from the party, while Mustapha and Odujinrin from Odeda Local Government and Remo North Local Government respectively, had equally been expelled.

According to the party, the factional State Secretary Dapo Adeyemi and Yahaya Ahmed from Ifo Local Government and Ado/Odo Ota Local Government respectively were suspended for six years in accordance with Section 58 58 (1) b, f, j, k and I of the party’s constitution, saying, “their expulsion is in line with Section 58 (1) b, f, j, k and I of the party’s constitution.

"The five former members had been suspended for one month

as a result of their anti-party activities on 3rd of November, 2012. However, they failed to appear before

the disciplinary committee set up to defend the charges against them within the 30 days stipulated by the

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BEOKUTA—TRAGEDY struck yesterday along Ibadan-Sagamu expressway in Sagamu local government area of Ogun State when six persons including three children died in auto crash while 13 others were in critical condition.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Commander, Sagamu Unit, Lanreaju Ogundele, said the accident involved a Toyota

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From left: Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, Head of Department, Administration and Industrial Relations, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, National President; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor and Comrade Promise Adewusi, Deputy President, during the labour leaders' working visit to the Governor, in Ado-Ekiti.

Ondo election tribunal dismisses AP, CPC, PDP's petitions

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — THE Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Ondo State, yesterday, dismissed the petitions filed by the Accord Party ’s candidate, James Ojo, Congress for Progressive

Change, CPC’ s candidate, Olusoji Ehinlanwo and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, in the last year October 20 governorship election.

In over five hours ruling on about 33 applications from

Hiace bus marked Sokoto GWD 20 XA heading to Lagos from Sokoto .

He said the bus was carrying 19 passengers before the accident and that apart from the six passengers that died,13 injured passengers had been taken to a nearby hospital.

According to him, “19 persons were involved but only six died; others are in very critical conditions as we speak and receiving

treatments at Idera Hospital in Sagamu. Corpses of the three children as well as that of the two male and one female adult had been deposited at Fakoya Hospital Mortuary in Sagamu.

"It is very important for drivers to be very careful when they drive in foggy weather condition especially when visibility is impaired, drivers should drive with common sense speed limit.”

the petitions challenging the victory of Mimiko, the tribunal held that the petitions were “incompetent, vague, nebulous, abuse of court process, fundamentally and incurably defective”.

However, a mild drama ensued during after the ruling when a counsel to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Mrs. Folashade Aladeniyi, traded words with the Chairman of the tribunal Justice Andovar Kaka’an over the admissibility of a Supreme Court authority which the tribunal accused the counsel of not providing to help its case.

While Aladeniyi insisted that the authority was admitted by the Secretary of the tribunal and dated 30th of January this year, the Chairman said that the party could seek redress at the Appeal Court if not satisfied with the ruling.

Egbayelo sues for peace as contest for throne of Olikan of Etikan hots up ...Says he's chosen by Oracle

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ONTESTANT TO the throne of Olikan of Ode Etikan in Ondo State, Prince Festus Olasehinde Egbayelo has called on the Ikumapayi ruling house, which is contesting the crown with him, to give peace a chance and desist from allegedly hijacking the process.

He said he has been chosen by the Oracle (Ifa) as the most

Osun acquires 19 ambulances to assist accident victims

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

6 die, 13 injured in Ogun auto crash

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

party’s constitution.

"The PDP hierarchy at all levels and the general public should, please, take note.

2013 —11

suitable candidate for the throne.

Prince Egbayelo, in a statement, yesterday, said “Ruling House should present me to the kingmakers as the Olikan of Etikan Kingdom.

"The kingdom started the process well, but they know where they got it wrong, they should endeavour to retrace

their steps and do the right thing.”

Prince Egbayelo, ace broadcaster and former Chairman, NUJ Radio Nigeria, Lagos, while tracing the genesis of the tussle, said the crisis started when some kingmakers from Mafenwa ruling house and few elders from Ode Etikan kingdom, allegedly withheld the result

of the Oracle findings for three weeks that favoured him as the most suitable person for the throne.

“This action truncated the process of announcing and forwarding my name to the kingmakers. Thereafter, every other step by the kingdom to continue with the process snowballed into crisis upon crisis,” he said.

SOGBO—IN desperate effort to check the unnecessary loss of lives on the roads, Osun State Government has procured 19 ambulances equipped with state of the art gadgets to give first aid at accident scenes and in transit while speeding to hospitals.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who decried rising wave of carnage on some of the roads in Nigeria, at the flag-off of the Special Ambulance Services System and Emergency Response Team code-named OAmbulance, lamented that road accidents had claimed numerous promising lives.

While assuring the government would procure more ambulances to cover all accident flash points in the state, he said the programme was another turning point in healthcare delivery in the state.

Aregbesola decried the lack of prompt response to road accidents, floods, fire incidents and medical emergencies by health personnel.

NLC TUC Commend Fayemi THE LEADERSHIPS of the two labour unions in Nigeria, Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have commended the performance of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration in Ekiti State.

The President of NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar and TUC President, Peter Esele, in unison, said, Fayemi administration “is an example of governance that the nation needs.”

They gave the endorsement in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital, yesterday, during their visit to the Governor ahead of their assignments in the state.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

IYC lauds Kuku over N-Delta devt

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JAW Youth Council, IYC, has commended Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, for his role in the development of the region and the peace currently enjoyed in the once militarised region through the effective and efficient coordination of the amnesty programme for ex-militants.

Director of Youth Mobilisation, IYC, Abuja chapter, Mr. Ebi Eregbene, in a statement in Warri, Delta State, weekend, noted that the successful implementation of the amnesty programme had brought peace to the once troubled region and enhanced the nation’s oil output to a substantial level.

He said the peace in the region did not come cheap but through the effort of stakeholders, such as Kuku, adding that he had administered the amnesty programme with all sense of responsibility and commitment to the development of the long neglected region.

Ijaw advocate fairness in council composition

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JAW in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, have called for fairness in the composition of the leadership of the council. A statement by President, Egbemas for Positive Change, Mr. Ebimene Fetimi alleged that the Ijaw in the council were being marginalised.

He said that the marginalisation runs contrary to the spirit and intent of the 1999 Constitution, sections 14(4) and 15.

Urging President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to look into the alleged marginalisation of Ijaw people, he said no Ijaw has headed the council since its creation in 1991.

Explaining that justice remained a basic condition of humanity, he said the Ijaw in the council should be fairly treated.

Why I stopped N250m monthly pay to militants —Dickson …awards N3.1bn scholarships

BY SONI DANIEL, EMMA UJAH & EMMA OVUAKPORIE

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AYELSA State Gover nor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday, said he stopped the monthly payment of N250 million to militants on assumption of office to challenge the beneficiaries to work and earn a decent living and create equal opportunities for natives of the state to benefit from its resources.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Dickson said he had to put an end to the illicit practice because he knew that it could not be sustained and that the beneficiaries were not entitled to such largesse.

He added that he had created an enabling environment for all to excel and achieve their set goals and would continue to explore ways and means of catering for the majority of the people.

According to him, the insecurity that was once the hallmark of the state was due largely to inadequate investment in human capital by past administrations, which bred “a teeming youth population without adequate education to earn a living in an econo-

my requiring skills and knowledge.”

He added that some people who engaged in kidnapping were doing so purely out of criminality and that his administration had decided to be firm in its decision to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.

The governor said it was in a determined bid to stamp out criminality and give hope to the peo-

ple that his administration had decided to pay unprecedented attention to education and agriculture as a means of preparing the state for the postoil era.

He said that his administration had commenced a massive investment in education with the award of various categories of scholarships from secondary school to doctorate level, re-

INSPECTION: From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Mr. D. O. Osunbor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Edo State and Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, Chief of Staff, during the governor's inspection of ongoing work at the Five Junction, Benin City, weekend.

Delta community protests alleged plan to relocate flow station

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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BAVO community in Ika South Local Government of Delta State, has threatened to stop Pan Ocean Oil Corporation from operating in the area, if it relocates its flow station from Obiayima- Abavo, where oil was discovered.

The traditional ruler of Abavo Kingdom, Obi Uche Irenuma II, weekend, led thousands of aggrieved youths of the town to Government

House, Asaba, to protest the alleged plan to site the Pan Ocean Oil Corporation flow station in Owa-Alidinma community in Ika North-East Local Government Area, which has no oil, instead of Obiayima-Abavo.

The monarch and the youths appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; the state House of Assembly; security agencies and Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to call the oil company and a serving senator from the state, accused of influencing the planned relocation of the oil flow station, to order, to

avoid full blown crisis.

The monarch, in a petition to Governor Uduaghan, said: “When Pan Ocean came into OPL 275 for the purpose of oil exploration, the first port of call was Abavo Kingdom.

All documents made available to us then showed that the flow station for the oil block was to be sited at ObiayimaAbavo. As a result, Pan Ocean was given free access to Obiayima community to drill for oil. Today, three viable oil wells had been drilled at Obiayima-Abavo.”

Chevron assures on negotiation with Ugborodo community …as JTF releases Chief Emami

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—FOLLOW ING the shut down of Chevron Nigeria Limited gas pipeline project by indigenes of Ugborodo in Delta State, over lingering issues of provision of electricity and shore protection, the management of the oil company has promised to get back to the community with a road map to resolve the matter amicably.

Similarly, men of Joint Task Force, JTF, that arrested the

vealing that the state had so far expended over N3.1 billion on the scheme.

No fewer than 789 indigenes of the state studying in 20 countries around the globe have benefitted from the programme with an unprecedented 137 PhD scholars pursuing their dreams in various universities in and outside Nigeria.

community’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Ayiri Emami, over the matter, yesterday, released him unconditionally after Chevron pleaded with him to intervene on their behalf to get the protesting youths to re-open the gas plant.

There was a meeting between the community and Chevron officials at Chevron Office Warri, yesterday, where the oil company promised to get back to the community leadership on ways to resolve the issues and pleaded for the re-opening of the gas plant as they were losing close

to $750,000 daily as a result of the shut down.

Speaking to newsmen on his arrest by JTF, Chief Ayiri said the protesters would vacate the plant, adding that if no good news comes to them

by Friday as promised, they would re-occupy the plant, saying that the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Elder Godsday Orubebe and the Minister of Power were expected to grace a meeting to be facilited by Chevron during the week.

ATF to empower women, youths through skills acquisition

BY BOLAJI AJALA

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N a bid to promote na tion building, Awesome Treasures Foundation, ATF, has said that part of its mission for the year was to empower women and youths as agents of developpment.

The faith-based non-governmental organisation, also said it planned to do this by raising transformation leaders through getting women and youths more engaged in doing practical things.

The founder of the foundation, Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo, who briefed newsmen on the sidelines of ATF Summit in Lagos, said that the programme will impact positively on Nigeria in line with the Millennium Developmental Goals, MDGs. She said the foundation employs advocacy and direct intervention to help Nigeria achieve its development goals, which directly address the most glaring deficiencies in the country, adding that the realisation of these goals would form the basis for the nation’s socio-economic growth.

Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—13

How I escaped death, by Gen Obada

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—FORMER Federal Commissioner for Works, Major-General Orho Obada (rtd.), yesterday, narrated how he escaped death by the whiskers from kidnappers in Delta State.

Meantime, National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, South–South, Dr. Steve Oru, who was shot, weekend by suspected kidnappers said, he ran into the gunmen by accident, adding that they were neither kidnappers nor assassins.

Speaking to Vanguard, Obada said, “I would have been dead by now, but God kept me alive. My car, which was riddled with bullets is packed in my garage as a Museum piece. I have no problem with anybody and I wonder why people are after me.

“I was going to Iyede, last month, for a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 8am, when my car was blocked by some young men in camouflage army uniforms. My driver made a u-turn and tried to drive against traffic when I sighted a man in army uniform squatting. He opened fire on my car. He was wearing a brown khaki army uniform.

“He wanted to kill my driver, the way he was shooting, but God did not allow him. I

Ijaw elders urged to produce Manager for 2015 Delta guber poll

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— IJAW leaders have been urged to unite and produce Senator James Manager as the sole candidate from the ethnic nationality for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State.

Coordinator, Delta State Youths Based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr. Fullpower Bussa, who spoke, yesterday, said the two-time Senator representing Delta South Senatorial district had attracted substantial development to Ijaw nation.

He said Senator Manager, who was a former Commissioner for Works in the state, constructed roads and several projects that opened up Ijaw communities in the state, adding that there was need to support the senator to continue what he termed his good work in the state.

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saw death staring at me but God stopped it and we drove to the police station, where I lodged a report and I asked my driver to return home. We picked another car and proceeded to the convention at 10.30 am because I believed the enemy wanted to stop me and as retired general, I will not give him that chance.”

The PDP chieftain, Dr. Oru, who was shot, Saturday, was at Obada’s house to sympathize with him before he fell victim to the criminals. Oru, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Mr. Monday Okotie, said: “I, along with my driver and police orderly, ran into dare-devil armed bandits at Agbarho.

“My police orderly, was shot and

killed on the spot. I was shot on the back and dispossessed of my valuables; my driver escaped unhurt.

I wish to state that the entire incident was neither a kidnap nor an assassination attempt on my person. I was not the target; it was a mere coincidence.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to my governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for his personal intervention, Prof Amos Utuama, deputy governor of Delta State and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozorie Macauley for their visit to the hospital.

“I also wish to thank Chief Anthony Anenih and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who rushed me to the hospital.”

ALL FOR OBAMA: From left: Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, representing Warri Federal Constituency, and Umar Muhammed Bature, representing Sokoto North-South Federal Constituency in the Houseof Representatives, respectively, at the swearing-in of President Barack Obama in Washington, USA.

Amaize faults CJN on judges’ overseas travels

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—A RETIRED Edo State High Court judge, Justice Roland Amaize, has described as strenge, the recent comment by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Alooma Mukhtar, that incessant overseas trips by judges were a contributory factor negating judges’ performance.

“The directive, to me, is outlandish. If anything, it is simply a power play, the effect of which will add no value to the current state of affairs.

I call for the directive to be reviewed in order to remove the difficulties associated with its current form. In fact, I call for its discardment. It is in bad taste,” Amaize said.

Speaking, yesterday, in Benin, at a special court valedictory session held in his honour by Edo State Judiciary, he said: “Unless there is a drastic turn around, especially in the area of selection and consideration of candidates for appointment as judges at all levels, we, as a nation, stand to compromise the future of our judiciary.”

Edo LG Polls: PDP’ll shock ACN —Asekhame undisputable national leader of the

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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E N I N — F O R M E R Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Mr. Dan Asekhame, yesterday, urged members of the party to complement the efforts of Chief Tony Anenih in rebuilding the party in the state by ensuring its victory in the forthcoming April 20, local government elections.

Describing Chief Anenih as the

party, Asekhame, who is former chairman of the council, noted that the party will benefit from what he described as the brewing crisis in the state Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, as a result of the disagreement among some leaders of the party over choice of chairmanship candidates, to clinch party victory in some councils.

He said: “It is sad that a party that is preaching one man one vote is today imposing candidates in all the councils.”

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FUBRUARY 5, 2013

Otokoto: Police order men out of seized property

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—THE po lice high command has ordered no fewer than 125 of its men inhabiting Chibet Hotels, Owerri, which was seized during the infamous Otokoto uprising of 1996, to vacate the building immediately.

Already, the directive from Abuja has been communicated to the occupiers of the premises by the office of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State.

The quit notice dated January 21, 2013, directed the occupiers “to quit/vacate/relinquish room/apartment/premises, you are occupying at Chibet Hotels, with immediate effect, to enable the owner take possession thereof.”

The commissioner also warned the illegal occupiers of the building that “from the date of this notice, you are not entitled to any further notice and can be evicted at any time.”

Budget: Ebonyi targets N8bn IGR

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI— EBONYI State government said, yesterday, that it would achieve a projection of over N8 billion for its internally Generated Revenue, IGR, in the 2013 budget estimate for the state.

State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Timothy Odaah, who made the disclosure in Abakaliki during the breakdown of the 2013 budget estimate, noted that the introduction of the e-revenue system would enable the state achieve its estimated revenue target for the year.

He said: “The projected Internally Generated Revenue is N8, 727,984,400 as compared to thelastfigureatN8,134,250,030.

This gives 7.3% above the last 2012 projected revenue.”

CHANGE OF NAME Ikie—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikie Cynthia Eseoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eseoghene Cynthia Okoro. All former documents remain valid.

Eternit Limited , Sapele and general public please take note.

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ARISE NEWS TV hits airwaves L

AGOS—AFTER two days of test broadcasting, a 24hour international TV news operation, ARISE NEWS, set to rival existing giants in the global market was launched, yesterday and would be broadcasting from its main News Centres in London, New York, Johannesburg and Lagos.

ARISE NEWS, will have a strong African footprint and serve underserved communities in the USA and other parts of the world, supported by a further eight bureaux around the globe stretching from Beijing to Rio de Janeiro.

A sister channel, ARISE 360, which will be entertainmentsbased with fashion, music, sport and pay per view films, will start broadcasting toward the end of this year.

The ‘arrival’ of the network was announced by company executives in London and New York.

Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ARISE NEWS and ARISE 360 is a leading African media entrepreneur, Nduka Obaigbena, owner and publisher of the global glossy style, fashion and culture magazine, ARISE, and the publisher of several other titles including one of Nigeria’s biggest and most influential daily newspapers, THISDAY. Mr. Obaigbena said: ‘We will

attract a global audience interested in emerging markets, developing countries and evolving politics. With headquarters and bureaux throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, we are ready to speak to our audience and give them a voice as well.

‘We are a new international network established to reflect the new world order not hardwired

to the old and built to reflect the modern way news is consumed.

Nowhere is this more important than in the emerging economies.”

Mr Obaigbena stressed: “There will be no state funding and no state agenda. Our coverage will be balanced, comprehensive and completely independent.

INVESTITURE: From right: Sir Tony Nnachetta, Sir Emeka Osaji, Sir Simeon Eyisi, and Sir Emmanuel Ikhazobor, during the 3rd Degree Investitute Mass ceremony of Knights of St Mulumba, Nigeria, Lagos Metropolitan Council, at SS Philip and James Catholic Church, Edado, Lekki, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Flood: Why we’ve not disbursed N5O9m relief fund —Anambra SSG

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE N509 million generated by Anambra State for victims of last year’s flood disaster that ravaged 60 communities in the state is still intact, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has said.

Obaze, who is the chairman, state flood disaster relief coordinating committee, said the money consisted of N500 million from the

Federal Government and N9 million from other donors, adding that the amount was lodged in Anambra State flood emergency fund account.

According to him, all the resources spent so far in tackling the flood disaster, which totaled N128 million, are on account of the state government.

He explained that disbursement of the Federal Government fund and other donations would

commence this month once the Board of Trustees reviewed the target sectors and needs assessment to determine the sector requiring the most critical intervention.

He, however, said that the state was looking forward to further disbursement of funds from the presidential committee on flood relief and rehabilitation to enable it support fully those affected by the flood.

Imo judiciary workers commence strike over commenced an indefinite ficer, Mr. Dacep Habila, who minimum wage terday, industrial action, following alBY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State branch of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, yes-

“Our efforts will concentrate on robust journalism anchored on imperatives of the marketplace.”

Rob Beynon, a former executive producer with ITN and Sky News and now International Head of Operations at ARISE NEWS, said a team of TV news experts had been assembled from around the globe.

leged government’s refusal to pay their minimum wage till date.

The union’s National Legal Of-

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF FIRI KE EBI INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20 LFN 2004.

The Trustees of the Foundation are: 1. Mr. Kemela Okara 2. Mrs. Chineze Okara 3. Mr. Tayo Obasanya 4. Mr. Ituah Ighodalo 5. Mr. Ken Etete The aims and objectives of the Initiative are as follows: 1. To promote the eradication of illiteracy in the Niger Delta region.

2. To promote the provision of qualitative education for all children from kindergarten to Senior Secondary School in the Niger Delta region.

3. To work towards the eradication of unemployment among women and youths in the Niger Delta through the provision of vocational training.

4. To grow the private sector in the Niger Delta region through the promotion of work and self employment.

5. To achieve a shift from dependency to empowerment by promoting the establishment and growth of micro, small and medium scale enterprises through the provision of entrepreneurial training and business mentorship programmes throughout the Niger Delta region.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of publication.

Signed: Streamsowers & Kohn (Legal Practitioners) 16D Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

was in Owerri with two other national officers, Mrs. Victoria Fulake and Mr. Celestine Chukwuma, to enforce the industrial action, confirmed that the branch religiously fulfilled all the processes before the strike.

He said: “There has been no meaningful response from the state government to pay them their due share of the minimum wage.

“During the negotiation, the state government did not seem to be sincere as they abandoned the negotiation half way and refused to come up again.”

Noting that labour would be very willing to resume negotiations with government again if it showed readiness, the labour leader was, however, irked by the fact that the state government had not been sincere.

Abia beyond political propaganda —Gov Orji

U

MUAHIA—GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State, yesterday, in Umuahia, said his government cannot be distracted in its determination to develop the state with cheap blackmail by people who feel the state is their private estate.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr. Ben Onyechere, the governor said: Time has passed when one man will come from nowhere to hypnotize the political atmosphere in order to hold sway and inflict the reign of oppression and corruption, shielded in mischief making propaganda hype.

“What we have in Abia State is a situation where people who failed in their responsibility to develop the state are very angry and envious at the speed and scope of work particularly in Umuahia which is the state capital and Aba which is the commercial nerve centre of the South East.

“We have not only restructured the state capital but have also lifted the standard and quality of road construction in Aba by making sure that contractors no longer fall short of expectation.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 —15

Bomb scare paralyses economic activities in Abuja

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, LAIDE AKINBOADE, CALEB AYANSINA & BENSON DAVID

A

B U J A — B O M B scare, yesterday, caused a stir and halted all business activities at Area 10, Garki Abuja as the Anti Bomb Squad unit of the Nigeria Police was reported to have detonated two parcels suspected to be bombs at the gate of Nigeria Postal Service, NIPOST office FCT Police Commissioner, Aderenle Shinaba however dismissed the bomb scare noting that the Police Explosion Ordinance Device Squad of the command, only disarmed a 40 ton object made up of sand and tiles.

The police anti bomb squad barricaded the area in a bid to detonate them to ensure that there were no casualties.

An eye witness, Jibah John, a traffic officer said that the parcel was left outside the gate of the Post Office last Saturday and was addressed to a female cabinet member (names with held) with N50.

00 Nigeria postal stamp on it.

It was gathered that when the officials of NIPOST saw the parcel, they were suspicious of it and decided to alert the police.

It was further gathered that the

Police from Area 1 Division immediately arrived at the scene and called the Anti bomb Units, who on arrival instructed the on lookers to stay away from the scene as they eventually detonated the contents and left to their office with the cylinder.

Also speaking, a Vendor beside

the NIPOST office, Victor Paul, said, “from the items we saw here they are one of those things they always described, whenever we heard of people being caught with IED and others.

He said: Most of these items like wire, sand, clay and all

those substances were actually there, if only police can show you the video you could have seen the items, but I cannot say it is bomb because we are watching at a far distance.”

Demolition: I have no hand in Waya’s problems —Metuh the property encroached into an

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

BUJA—THE National Pub licity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has debunked reports linking him to the demolition of part of the Abuja home of Second Republic Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.

Part of Wayas’ house located in Asokoro District of Abuja was last Monday demolished by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, one of who was said to have cited encroachment into an adjourning plot allegedly owned by Metuh as reason.

But dismissing the allegation, Special Assistant to Metuh, Mr. Richard Ihediwa, said the PDP

chieftain was not the owner of the said adjourning plot and could not have had any hand in the demolition.

Ihediwa said Metuh acquired the land a few years ago but was forced to dispose of it last year at a give-away price after several meetings with Wayas over his encroachment into half of the property yielded no results.

He said Chief Wayas is fully aware that the land has since been sold to another person and in fact has been transacting with the new owner.

He said: “We read in the papers that part of the house belonging to Second Republic Senate President, Chief Joseph Wayas was demolished by officials of the FCDA. The report said that the demolition was because

adjourning land said to be owned by Chief Olisa Metuh.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the plot of land in question does not belong to Chief Olisa Metuh. He acquired the plot a few years ago but noticed that there was an encroachment into half of the land by Chief Joseph Wayas.

“After several meetings with Chief Wayas, which yielded no result, Chief Olisa Metuh was forced to sell the land at a little or no value. Chief Joseph Wayas is fully aware that the land has since been sold to another person. In fact, he has been transacting with the new owners of the land.

“So Chief Olisa Metuh has no interest in the land and is in no way involved in the demolition.”

....Tasks new Ministers on changes

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—TWO new ministers were yesterday sworn into the Federal Executive Council by President Goodluck Jonathan in what he said was an injection of new members to the council that is expected to up the ante in governance.

The new ministers, Chinedu Osita Nebo (Enugu) and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (Kebbi), replaced the former Ministers of Power and Defence, Barth Nnaji and Haliru Bello Mohammed respectively, who exited the cabinet last year.

President Jonathan, who likened their introduction midway into his government to changes made by a football coach in a game, charged them to justify their introduction by bringing about changes in their various ministries.

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Dissolution of Oyun, Offa LGs: ACN blames Kwara govt

Kano bye-election: We 've silenced opposition parties — PDP

T

zAs ANPP rejects result

HE Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, yesterday blamed the Kwara State government over the dissolusion of the Oyun and Offa Local Governments in the wake of the communal crisis between Erinle and Offa communities, describing the action as "a knee-jerk response to a deep-rooted problem.’’

In a statement in Lagos

by ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the government’s action "risks aggravating the crisis, especially as the people of Offa Local Government, the only council controlled by the ACN in the state, are bound to interpret the government’s action as being aimed at depriving them of the leadership they have willingly voted into office.’’

Mohammed further said that the "state government either acted in haste in dissolving the councils or decided to cash in on the crisis to neutralize what it saw as the awesome popularity and acceptability of the ACN. Considering that judgment is still being awaited on the ACN’s appeal against the election tribunal’s award of the council to the PDP, and being acutely aware that any fresh election ordered in the local government will be swept by the ACN.’’ It noted that when a more serious crisis occurred between the Share and Tsaragi communities of the same Kwara State last year, the state government did not dissolve the affected Ifelodun local council.

BY HENRY UMORU & ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

A President Goodluck Jonathan shaking hands with a cross section of traditional rulers from Kaduna State during a visit by the state's delegation to President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House.

Jonathan to Gov Yero: Stabilise Kaduna State A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Good luck Jonathan yesterday tasked the Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, to use the state’s strategic position to stabilise politics in Northern Nigeria.

Jonathan gave the governor the task at the Presidential Villa when he received a delegation from the state led by the governor on condolence and solidarity visit.

The President noted that by its strategic position, Kaduna State was the melting point of Northern politics.

Jonathan said: “Kaduna State is the fulcrum of the Northern politics and it is where everything revolved round. So, governing Kaduna State is really carrying a lot of responsibilities because your duty is beyond making food available on the table of the Kaduna people, but you have the duty to even stabilise the politics of Northern Nigeria especially.

"This is because Kaduna State is where most things happen. So you have a big responsibility and God

will give you the wisdom to handle it.”

Jonathan advised the governor to secure the supports and solidarity of the leaders in the State to succeed in the task.

He said: “To succeed requires the support of your people, luckily the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other members of the State Assembly are here with you. By working together with them and other leaders, you will surely succeed.”

He assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s support and his own personal support. The president noted that his relationship with the State had been further cemented with the unfortunate helicopter crash of Dec. 15 last year in Bayelsa.

He said the crash, which took the lives of the former State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, and the former National Security Adviser, Andrew Owoye-Azazi from Bayelsa established a permanent bond between him and the state.

“It is something that cannot be erased that has brought a permanent bond between me as a person with my good brothers and sisters from Kaduna State.”

He thanked the delegation for the visit and assured that he would continue to work with the State.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo, an indigene of the state, welcomed the delegation and prayed for the repose of the souls of the late Yakowa, Azazi and four other people that lost their lives in the crash.

Yero said the visit was to show solidarity to the Federal Government and to condole with the President on the unfortunate incidence of the helicopter crash and the death of his younger brother, Chief Meni.

The Kaduna State governor expressed appreciation to the President for the support he had rendered to the State since the death of the former governor.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

BUJA—THE Peoples Dem ocratic Party, PDP, yesterday described its victory during Saturday’s Kano State House of Assembly bye- elections as a litmus test for the proposed merger by the opposition political parties.

According to results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the PDP polled 42,696 votes in Gaya as against the 2,379 by the ANPP and 53,895 votes the PDP got in Garko while ANPP scored 2,168 votes.

This was even as the Kano chapter of ANPP has rejected results into Garko and Gaya constituencies won by the ruling PDP. The ANPP publicity secretary, Alhaji Nuraddeen Yakasai told newsmen in Kano that “we are not only rejecting the result, very soon the party will take appropriate action”.

However, in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh,the party stated, ‘’the PDP had in a landslide victory in Gaya and Garko Local Government Areas of the state swept over 80 percent of the total votes cast, leaving the opposition parties to collectively scramble for the remaining less than 20 percent of the votes. ‘’The victory in the bye elections, is a clear indication that PDP is still the party to beat and a sign of weakness on the part of the opposition despite their alliance and much talked about mega party. ‘’The victory indicates that the PDP is still very popular among Nigerians, including the grassroots people in spite of the unnecessary attacks against its image by the opposition elements".

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY: WHAT IS YOUR TAKE?

I

am in support of Lo cal Government having autonomy because with that development will get to the grassroot.

This does not rule out the fact that there will still be embezzlement, but atleast tax payers in those areas will see what their money is used for.

Mr. Oladipupo Bada— Administrator.

C M Y K

T

HE problem should not be whether Local Governments should have autonomy. It is more of “who checks how money is being spent”. If money appropriated for Federal States and Local Government is used appropriately, then why would anyone bother on autonomy? Miss Constance Nduba—Student.

T

HE Local Govern ment should have its own account, which will help in providing social amenities to the people.

I believe there are minor problems in communities that the presence of a working Local Government can solve, if the fund is there. Mrs. Titilope Dada—Student.

I

really support that Lo cal Governments should have autonomy, but I do not believe they will be able to achieve so much without the States and Federal Government. May be, with money in their (Local Government) hands, things will be better at the grassroots.

Miss Yinusa Abiodun— Caterer.

C

REATION of Local Government was basically to get government closer to the people, especially at the grassroots. But today in Nigeria, many people at the grassroots are yet to feel government; so let there be autonomy in the Local Government. Miss Kemi Magnus—Student.

W

HY won’t I support Local Governments in having autonomy? In my Local Government (Idimu), for over two years now roads have been bad, due to the Local Government’s impecuniousness.

Let the States, Federal Government and LGAs run separate accounts. Miss Maryam Ade-Akanni— Computer Trainee.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—17

L

is that the foundation is wrong and nothing good can stand on it. We must get that and stop chasing shadows.

Disorder and a country at war

I

‘I only stole N23 billion...’

Yusuf and reciprocated his goodwill with a handshake instead of handcuff.

Tell me; have you ever wondered why it is possible in Nigeria for someone to steal N50,000 public fund and he or she is not found out? He or she steals one million Naira, and nobody finds out? He or she steals two million, N10 million, N20 million, N200 million and yet the system does not find out? He or she steals One billion, yet the system remains blind to that? One, two, three, four…up to 23 billion and the man gets bored and stops! Then Rip Van Winkle wakes up!

There is something fundamentally wrong with our country that the Yusufus of this world are pointing out to us! Nigeria, as presently structured, can only sustain corruption!

Between the town and Abuja money

R

emember what late Dr. Ukpabi Asike, former Administrator of defunct East Central State, described as “Ogbomosho syndrome”? He did not mean any offence to Ogbomosho people. He simply used their great virtue to explain the very thing wrong with the structure of our federation.

He illustrated that an Ogbomosho man will never embezzle the money entrusted to him by his town's union.

This is because he easily relates with the owners of the money; he is one of them; he relates to the objective for which the money was collected; he would not disgrace himself or betray his trust among his people! But the same man may not the same John YakubuYusufu accompanied by Security entertain sensitivity for money men

stashed in Abuja and owned by an anonymous entity. If he steals it, people may rally behind him as “our son”, not a thief. The church will collect his tithe and look the other way. In other words, stealing (okay, we euphemistically call it corruption) like defecating on the water front on Marina Street, Lagos, hides under the anonymity of our faulty federation. A goat owned by everybody is easily starved, say my people.

Those who are opposed to the restructuring of this country for effectiveness forget that order is the first law in heaven. And God said, let there be light. That was order being ordained! And there was light. And

,

AST week, Nigerians were outraged. Mr. John YakubuYusufu, one of the eight civil servants accused of stealing N40 billion, note; not N40 million, from the Nigeria Police Pension Fund, got a limp tap on the wrist. He had pleaded guilty to stealing N23 billion, again note; not N23 million! The judge sentenced him to two years imprisonment.

Anyway, he was not to serve the two years imprisonment. He was given the option of walking away by paying just N750,000! Yes, you heard me right, N750,000 only, not N750 million! That was the reason for the national outrage!

But in the din of the uproar, we missed the profound message Mr. YakubuYusufu was sending to us! He told us, “I only stole N23 billion.

Government has already seized my 32 property!” Got that? He stole only N23 billion when he could have stolen more! It was out of patriotism that he decided to limit himself to N23 billion; chicken change, you must agree. After all, the money was there to be stolen and he stole only N23 billion. And “my 32 property” seized (wrongfully?) by government were proceeds of the “only N23 billion” he stole. So, why should he be crucified? Why the hullabaloo?

Perhaps if you made more noise, Mr. Yusufu could refer you to the series of scandals that went on in the National Assembly and challenge you to show him one person that has been convicted. He could even remind you of the rot in the NNPC. He could point to the trillions of Naira budgeted annually that get us nothing in return.

He could even recall the Permanent Secretary who, in the early months of Obasanjo’s administration, stole “only ” N400 million and got away with just nolleprosecui! So a man steals “only N23 billion”, of money that was readily available and waiting to be stolen, and the nation is outraged? I believe the Judge appreciated the generosity of Mr.

It is only a disorderly federation like ours that can allow any man so disposed to steal as much as he can without being caught and when caught, walks away with a slap on the wrist

,

He looked at the result of that order, and IT WAS GOOD! The universal truth is that order is good! Another truth is that disorder is anti-good! In the order of things in the universe, where there is truth, falsehood has no place. We have been labouring on the Nigerian project, shed blood, tried leader after leader, yet nothing is working—from ordinary roads to pension funds! Why is it so? The truth

t is only a disorderly federation like ours that can allow any man so disposed to steal as much as he can without being caught and when caught, walks away with a slap on the wrist. A disorderly country is like a country at war; it is susceptible to looting. Can anybody tell me when and where in the First Republic we saw the level of rot we are seeing in every facet of our national life today?

Why is it impossible to steal one million dollars in the United States of America and get away with it? Why is it impossible to steal one million pounds in the United Kingdom and get away with it? Why is it impossible to steal one million Rand in South Africa and get away with it? Now nearer home; why is it impossible to steal one million cedes, in Ghana of today, and get away with it? These countries are structured for effective law and order! Simple! It is this order that has made it possible for the citizens to have no alternative to being patriotic.

Yusufu and others like him who freely help themselves to public funds are mere symptoms of the ills we have refused to correct in order to get our country functioning effectively. The good sign, though, is that many more eminent Nigerians have seen this truth. I listened to General Ibrahim Babangida last Thursday at the launching of two books written in honour of Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi admit that we have made mistakes all these past years. And so “right policies have been wrongly implemented and temporary solutions have often been turned into permanent policies, even though the problems they were designed to address have long been solved”. It is common sense that a wrong structure can only yield wrong policies. And once the policies are wrong, they cannot be implemented.

IBB admitted that “the starting point has to be an admission that we have to fix things”!Unfortunately, there are people who think that the solution is to panel beat the constitution in a way that serves their personal interests.

The truth is, a Nigerian that works for only a few as it is now, will ultimately not work for anybody! And people like John YakubuYusufu will continue to find it easy to steal “only N23 billion” and get away with it.

OPINION

BY TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

A

CITY is not just a collection of buildings, streets and public spaces arranged by architectural, engineering and urban planning standards. It encapsulates and expresses the totality of a people’s way of life. Therefore, Nigerian cities are invariably expressing the totality of the Nigerian way of life, that is, the Nigerian reality. Street hawking in Nigerian cities is a manifestation of the Nigerian reality – a direct consequence of an evil mix: A corrupt and irresponsible political class and a spineless and passive citizenry.

An imaginative writer’s description of Nigeria will inescapably include the avarice, corruption and economic bungling of the Nigerian power elite and the vibrancy, resourcefulness, resilience and docility of the Nigerian masses. The greed, thievery and bungled governance of the power elite ruined the economy and undermined a principled distribution of the national wealth. And the masses, in their passivity, accepted to vegetate in desperate poverty in a land of plenty. Passive, yet, resourceful and resilience, they honed survival skills worthy of those

Street hawkers are victims not villains that inhabit the poorest and/or war-devastated countries of the world; they took to eking out a living under most miserable circumstances.

Consequently, in Nigerian cities, apart from scavengers (men, women and children) rummaging through trash dumps for edibles, reusable items and sellable scraps, street hawkers throng the streets hoping to survive by selling to motorists and pedestrians. In the blazing sun, along the streets of Lagos, children that should be in school, women (some of them with babies strapped to their backs) and ablebodied men dart through slow moving traffic, selling bananas, groundnuts, water,, soft drinks, CDs, etc.

The presence of such desperate, primitive poverty that spawned garbage foragers and frantic street hawkers in the economic capital of an oil-rich nation, amid the massive corrupt enrichment and extravagant lifestyle of the political elite, should have evoked the pity and roiled the conscience of the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola. But like the generality of

the Nigerian power elite, Babatunde Fashola is indifferent – contemptuously indifferent – to the ever worsening economic woes of the Nigerian masses.

Consequently,, not only that he is unconcerned about the economic plight of these Nigerians trapped in insufferable, dehumanising poverty, he, in his illconceived urban renewal policy and its harsh implementation methods, unleashed Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials against them.

KAI officials, in their voracity, are feeding off the misery of street hawkers. They confiscate their goods, some of which they expropriate for personal use or resell. They arrest them and extort money from them (they call it bail). They pursue and herd these innocent people (including women and children) around like animals. They brutalise them as though they are slaves.

KAI officials’ cruelty, viciousness and brutality conjure up the image of slave drivers hounding fugitive slaves.

Continues tomorrow pg17 *Mr. Ezukanma, a social critic, wrote from Lagos C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

UR hypocritical senators showed their anger at N4 billion allocatO ed to the construction of an office for

the First Lady in the 2013 budget. We should applaud their concerns about probity. Should we?

Everyone knows the First Lady• fs office is one of the illegalities of our times.

Were the Federal Capital Territory officials, who wanted the expenditure unaware that budgets were allocated to bodies laws recognised? Did the Senate express any anger at the FCT officials, who made this illegal entry in its budget?

Was it enough to rant about the illegality?

Anyone who knows the Senate would wonder why the sudden display of efforts at saving public funds. What the Senate considered scandalous was the sum, N4 billion, not the act, the fact that some people tried to foist the illegality.

It may, perhaps, not be out of place if the Senate allocates funds to the project, a personal enterprise of the President• fs wife. Since its argument was that the

Abuja's N7 .5 billion gat N7.5 gatee FCT proposal was too much, it might allocate N2 billion. It must be spelt out that the issue is the illegality of the allocation, not how much was allocated.

FCT• fs infrastructure is decaying.

Neighbouring villages do not have basic amenities, yet all that FCT officials are thinking about is illegal appropriation of N4 billion, more money than the Federal Government allocated to each of its brand new universities as takeoff fund. A very unproductive FCT also indulges in bogus projects like a N7.5 billion city gate.

The Senate saw no scandal in the proposed city gate. It expressed no anger and would have no qualms passing it.

What has Abuja lost in the years that it

did not have a city gate of the type it administrators now want? No senator sees the impact N7.5 billion can make on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. How would a city gate improve lives in Abuja? Who would it benefit except its contract-minded promoters? What would be the return on the investment?

Why would the Senate encourage the circle of wastes written all over Abuja?

It would most likely borrow the money that would be wasted on the gate. A few years hence, budgets of similar figures would be required to renovate the gate, or to construct a more befitting gate for a city decaying in a manner that was never associated with it.

Suggestions that FCT• fs budget should be approved are the type of insult that makes Nigerians wonder if their legislators are in the same Nigeria, where diseases, hunger, insecurity, unemployment are ravaging the people.

Abuja does not need a city gate just as people should stop scandalising the First Lady.

OPINION

BY JUDE OTUONU

T

HE dust has settled and every man, woman and child in Anambra State has acknowledged that their governor, Peter Obi, is indeed the best thing that has happened to the state in since this democratic dispensation.

Any lingering doubts about this were finally put to rest when the information and national orientation minister Labaran Maku – a non-Igbo from the northern part of Nigeria and a non-APGA member – shot Obi to high heavens with praises after his Good Governance Team rounded off their tour of state and federal government projects in the state.

An overawed Maku described as amazing, the number and quality of projects that the government of Anambra State, under Gov. Obi had executed and still executing in the state. The climax came on the elegant 165-metre Odor Bridge, a link for Awgbu and Amaokpala communities in Anambra State.

Hear the minister, ‘this is the most amazing project I have seen constructed by any state government since this tour started. The only road project near to this in all ramifications is the one at Mancho, Vom (Plateau State).’ These were neither the words of a paid agent nor the praise of a biased kinsman. They were genuine words of an excited servant of Nigeria, happy that at last there exists a fellow public servant who wish is the satisfaction of the greater needs of society.

The minister speaking at the town hall

Anambra: Echoes of a national tour meeting that followed at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka said the government of Obi had distinguished itself not just in the magnitude of projects he had executed, but more significantly in the even distribution of the projects down to the remotest part of the state. ‘The governor has moved away from the common practice of concentrating projects in the towns and has reached areas of the state that were neglected by past governments and has opened up the entire state with impressive network of roads and projects cutting across all sectors,’ Maku said.

Indeed Obi’s commitment towards opening up all parts of the state had before now led elicited criticisms. with his critics wondering why he did not concentrate development in the capital city like all the others. Obi has elected to be different.

Driven by unparalleled vision and passion for the state, he saw the compelling need to give a facelift to every part of the state.

The result is the massive road network that has developed all parts of the state, making Anambra the only state in Nigeria with urban villages. Consequently, many people now operate from their villages. Anyway, let’s return to Maku and his visiting team.

Speaking further, he commended Ob's education programmes

particularly the partnership with the Church and other voluntary organisations describing it as a model worthy of emulation.

The minister also took time off to visit the Innoson Motor Manufacturing Plant in Nnewi which now thrives due to the conducive economic climate provided by the Obi administration. Here, Maku was thrilled by what he saw and which prompted him to announce the federal government’s initiative to encourage the company by patronising it as well as assuring that work would fast track at Zik’s mausoleum.

The minister who also toured various federal government projects in the state, said the development in Anambra State was essentially due to the r Obi’s wisdom in working harmoniously with the presidency, a far cry from what used to be when other governors were here.

D

escribing Obi’s tenure as Anambra’s glorious moment, he said he had restored civility, stability and honour to Anambra State due to his vision. Maku wasn’t the only one effusive with praises.

The president of the National Union of Journalists, Mallam Ahmed Garuba, represented by the president south-east, Chris Isiguzor; RATTAWU president, Yemi

Bamgbose; the president of National Council of Women’s Societies, Nkechi Mbah; Alistair Soyombi of Ben TV, Uk as well as others on the tour agreed that Anambra was one state where democracy is thriving. They said they were overwhelmed by the projects executed by the governor across all sectors, particularly roads, health, education and attraction of investors.

In Bamgbose’s words: ‘Some states we visited were even afraid to show us projects, but in Anambra they have so many that they asked that we stayed longer so that we can see at least 50 percent of the projects.’ One imagines what their impression would have been if they had seen all the 86 projects lined up for the tour.

Responding to the praises and adulations heaped on him, the ever humble Governor Obi regretted the inability of the touring party to visit all his projects. He was full of gratitude to the federal government for the initiative, which he noted would offer the people of the country the opportunity to see what those they elected to lead them were doing for them. Obi astounded those present by revealing that the state had not borrowed from any financial institution or raised any bond during his tenure. He said all the on-going projects would be completed while new ones, with funds already set aside for that purpose would commence execution.

*Mr. Otuonu, wrote from Nimo, Anambra State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013— 19

, Boko Haram and security challenges of presidency of Goodluck Jonathan

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bomber. Farouk Abdulmutallab, to name a few come from very inference that the Boko Haram is privileged, wealthy families but a “poor people’s movement”, and embraced violent political can be a poor people’s movement. activities. But this does not justify The Guardian’s and Vanguard’s the President’s dismissal of poverty front page headline of their and misrule as the basic cause of Tuesday January 29, 2013: “Boko Islamic terrorism in northern Haram declares ceasefire” refutes Nigeria, as well as the rising the logical and theoretical link poverty and unemployment (also between the so called antecedent offshoots of misrule and causes and terrorism as effect. If corruption) as the trigger for poverty and bad governance violent crimes in Southern determine terrorism, then the Nigeria… President Jonathan Boko Haram would not must also wake up to the pressing unilaterally declare cease-fire but need for good governance as the “would continue until the system primary cure for social upheavals that cause their recourse to in the country. His statements at violence has been eliminated. the interview suggest he is living in denial of this fact. As the sitting he Boko Haram declaration President, he must lead the way for of cease-fire surprisingly good governance. Unless he does makes no mention of their something quickly his regime will antecedent causes and is soon join those of discredited bad apparently willing to disarm leaders who have bedeviled this perhaps in the hope that there nation since 1960”. would be a governance Ochereome agrees in substance transformation that eliminates with Dr. Junaidu Mohammed poverty and misrule. My point is “when he challenges the President not that there are no relationships to name the cause of terror if not between misrule, corruption and poverty, bad governance and poverty and disaffection of the misrule”. His only point of exploited and oppressed but that apparent disagreement with Dr. recourse to violence is a political Junaidu Mohammed is the latter’s decision that is not determined by

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For Pa Gbinije: A year after

BY BOBSON GBINIJE “The lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime. And departing leave behind us foot prints on the sands of time” [Anonymous]

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HE oscillatory pendulum and gamut of time and history swung and turned full circle today February 4th 2013 as we gloriously mark one year of the transcendental transition from terrestrial realm to celestial bliss of the incomparable satyagraha- Chief Patrick Aghogin GbinijeThe Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom.

He was a quintessential statesman, Patriot, Avatar, Okpe Nationalist, paragon of altruism, Catholic communicant, Political guru and the millennial Father. A suaviter in modo. Fortiter in re (gentle in manner, resolute in action), an impeccable exemplification of contentment and like August Caeser, he met Rome (The World) of bricks, but left it of marble. O whenst cometh such another?

He was a phenomenal and peerless pioneer, icon, institution, oracle, legend, phoenix, leviathan and political colossus.

Indeed, life levels all men, death reveals the eminent. But Papa Hon. Chief P. A. Gbinije was all embracingly pre-eminent. Here he is “The sea of civilisation of all history...”.

Born in 1918 at Okobia to the the Gbinije royal family of Okobia in Okpe local government area (Paternal) and the Agbarha/Akpeta Family of Evwreyin-Ugolo in Okpe Local Government Area all of Delta State, Nigeria and consistent with the Achebian dictum that, “the chick that will grow old will be known the day it is born.”

Chief P.A Gbinije started displaying infantile vibrancy and unusual finesse at

very early age.

As a precocious child prodigy, he got admitted into the Native Authority School, Sapele, where he excelled in academics and sports. He then proceeded by dint of intellectual brilliance and the support of his maternal uncle, Mr. Stephen Ogbogbo to St. Gregory’s College, Lagos (19441947) and became a London Matriculant in 1949.

Due to pecuniary doldrums he branchedoff his academic boulevard and joined BEWAC LTD as a manager in 1949 and displayed his managerial wizardry till 1956. In his quest for greater laurels in the business field he resigned honorably and became a dealer under Total Oil Products (Nig) Limited and had his filling station at Mission Road, Benin-City. As a man with juvenescent valour, business acuity and a gregarious disposition he gained dealership under Niger Motors Ltd (UAC Conglomerate) and specialised in the sales, repairs and distribution of Bedford lorries,

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CHEREOME Nnanna’s Vanguard, Monday, January 28th, 2013, is devoted to President Jonathan’s explanation of the Boko Haram insurgency in his recent interview by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. Ochereome quotes the President: “The sect was not born out of misrule, definitely not; sometimes people feel it is a result of poverty; but no. Boko Haram is a local terror group and that is why we call on the rest of the world to help us” Ochereome reviews the postulations of the President and his two Northern critiques, Dr. Junaidu Mohammed and Mallam Shehu Sani. To both Dr. Junaidu Mohammed and Mallam Shehu Sani who insist on a causal relationship between poverty and armed revolts, Ochereome cites example of revolutions organised by members of the economic elite. “Sani’s quoted statements is also fallacious. Wealthy people do sometimes engage in (political) violence Fidel Castro, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Osama Bin Laden and even our own aborted aircraft

Boko Haram has shown that insecurity and thus ungovernability can be politically induced in Nigeria; this is thus the security challenge that has to be addressed by the Jonathan preisdency

Without a doubt Chief Gbinije was one of the veritable fathers of modern Delta State

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Lucas Batteries, spare parts and all their accessories. He was voted over 23 times as the Niger Motors (UAC) all-round dealer.

He went on to gain dealership with WALPARMUR PAINTS AND NIDO GAS. His name became a bye-word for efficiency and prudence in business. He was a transporter and dealer for AGIP (NIG) LTD. He changed from dealership logos and insignia to his own Limited Liability Company (PAGSON MOTORS LTD) and proceeded to expand and made more forays into the petroleum marketing area and became a licensed independent marketer of petroleum product with stations at the Airport Road and Udu Road, he was an investment guru and had investments in properties, stocks and bonds. He is the owner of De Mustard Hotel, a three star standard Hotel located at Effurun.

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The lateChief P.A Gbinije

the facts of corruption and misrule. Ochereome argues that much when he points out that misrule is both a Northern and a Southern Nigeria fact and as such the Boko Haram insurgency should have its southern Nigeria counterpart. President Jonathan while not denying the fact of misrule, corruption and poverty cannot be faulted when he insist that Boko Haram is not caused by poverty and misrule but is a choice of a political group that has decided to take up arms in pursuit of a cause. Elimination of poverty and misrule can be the agenda of a reformist party. Organising to reform the system in promotion of good governance as Ochereome advocates in his piece buttresses President Jonathan’s point that the choice of armed insurgency by the Boko Haram is a political choice that should be addressed as a decision that is not caused by the evils of bad governance. And the President can maintain that position without being tagged with the label of an unrepentant pro -bad governance leader.

Insurgency is an anti-system strategy. It is a decision to opt out of the governance system that is aggressed against. What the insurgent Party chooses to replace the rejected system with, as it is the case of the Boko Haram is a Sharia Constitution that is antiwestern, anti-secular and perhaps anti-capitalist. There is thus no causal relationship in the case of Boko Haram between their diagnosed cause and the prescriptions to eliminate the cause.

The Sharia ideology is a new element not accounted for by the analysis of the conflict situations.

The fact that the Boko Haram have declared a cease-fire does not ipso facto make peaceful resolution of the conflicts arising from the differences between their proposed societal system and the constitutional order of Nigeria feasible or the ends they seek

n astute and consummate politician, he did not lost in any election all through his political career from 1953 to 1983. He was the Mid West Democratic Front (MDF) member representing Urhobo West IV (1955). He became the Action Group (AG) Councilor, Chairman Western Urhobo Disrtict Council, (1955-1962); Chairman Committee of Management Sapele Urban District Council, (19611962), Chairman Western Urhobo Divisional Council, Secretary Okpe Land Trust and Chairman Okpe/Sapele Land Trust.

harmonizable with ends that the Government is established to implement and secure. The fact that this Government will presently have to address is living with an undefeated Boko Haram who has demonstrated its capacity to wage war against Government and after 42 months of insurgency is still in a position to decide to stop its insurgency at will. Herein lies the importance of President Jonathan’s characterisation of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation. The campaign that the sect has waged in the Political North is a terrorist campaign and this fact makes it difficult to infer their aims from their politics. The Sect have attacked churches and mosques, market women and the police; they have killed politicians and attacked the United Nations: they have bombed the Headquarters of the Police and Jaji, the training headquarters of the Armed Forces. Nothing has been off-limit in their use of violence. No ideology can be inferred from their strategy in the use of violence and no revolutionary tactic can be discerned in their conduct. They have struck fear into all and made even the members of the National Assembly confess their insecurity.

This deployment of violence is in the mold of terrorist organisations. The Boko Haram have used terror politically in that they have achieved of the aim of terrorists- they have achieved the purpose of demonstrating that this government cannot protect its citizenry and thus set the stage for the eruption of generalised anarchy. In pursuant of this end, the Boko Haram has more than succeeded. Terror is used to make government and governing ineffective. And Boko Haram has shown that insecurity and thus ungovernability can be politically induced in Nigeria. This is thus the security challenge that has to be addressed by the Jonathan preisdency.

He contested and won election under the banner of NPN to represent Ethiope South at the National Assembly (1979-1983).He was re-elected again in 1983, but the tenure ship was botched by the Buhari/Idiagbon Coup of 1983. He then withdrew from active politics and featured furtively as a political godfather and adviser to many politicians. It must be recorded for posterity that Chief Gbinije was in the vanguard of those who fought for the creation of Mid West Region/state from the old western Region and he stood and worked assiduously to ensure that Bendel State and later Delta State were created.

Indeed, he paid his political dues and championed state and national courses to ensure a progressive political template and ambience. Without a doubt Chief Gbinije was one of the veritable fathers of modern Delta State.

Chief Gbinije was an uncompromising traditionalist and an arrow head of customs and tradition especially of Urhobo Nation. He became a gazetted Chief in 1955 and stands until his death as one of the most senior chiefs not only in Okpe Land, but also in the totality of the Urhobo land.

He was made the Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom by the Late Esezi II Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in 1955 and worked under three Orodjes with honour. He worked with Spartan verve during the period of interregnum in Okpe kingdom following the passing-on of Ororho 1 Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and fought with Trogan elan to ensure the peaceful transition of power to (HRM) Orhue 1 Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

Orime festival which is a cultural melting pot of the Mereje people of Okpe Kingdom considered him to be the hallmark and arrow head of the festival as songs and dance steps are taken in his name.

*Mr. Gbinije, a social critic , wrote from Warri, Delta State.

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Vanguard , TUESDAY TUESDAY,, FEBRUARY 5 , 2013

How murder of Islamic cleric by masquerades sparked off angry reactions

By DAUD OLATUNJI,ABEOKUTA

Torched Egungun house in Ijaiye, Abeokuta

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F Alfa Lateef Amusa, a popular Islamic cleric in the Ijaye area of Abeokuta had known that the Egungun masquerade’s threat would lead to his death, he would have avoided them A minor altercation between the deceased and the masked but armed masquerades who had blocked the road that fateful Sunday, led to the death of Lateef. He was killed when one of the masquerades popularly called ‘Leyin Aponle,’ allegedly shot him at close range.

Before his demise, Lateef, 25, was planning to get married to his heartthrob before the end of the year.

He was described by neighbours and friends as a very gentle, popular and morally upright person who did not discriminate against other religions.

Ijaye where this popular Muslim scholar was gunned down, occupies a strategic place in Egba land. It is the headquarters of some traditional activities which includes Egungun and Olomolu.

Vanguard Metro gathered that

deceased who refused to alight from the bike. Pissed by this apparent insubordination, the masquerade allegedly pulled the trigger and fired the cleric who slumped and died on the spot.

The killing of late Lateef who has been buried according to Islamic rites, infuriated members of his religious group who stormed the family house of the notorious masquerade in Ijaye.

Armed with kegs of petrol and other dangerous weapons, they burnt down the masquerade’s house .

The irate youths reportedly searched the house popularly called Chief Dada’s House and removed the costumes which they dragged to the street before setting them ablaze.

When Vanguard Metro visited the scene, charred remains of the burnt costumes and paraphernalia littered the surroundings .

There was palpable tension in the area as a detachment of heavily armed regular and antiriot policemen drawn from the

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The masquerade ordered him to disembark from the bike or face their wrath,this threat was said to have infuriated the deceased who refused to alight from the bike

the cleric who was on a motorcycle with his friend was coming from Maulud Nabiy ceremony. He was said to be heading to OkeIjigbo before he ran into the procession of the Egungun worshippers who had blocked the road.

Dressed in his Islamic regalia which included the turban and rosary, Vanguard Metro learnt that the deceased was easily identified by the Egungun worshipers.

Trouble however started when one of the masquerades allegedly insulted him. According to sources, the masquerade ordered him to disembark from the bike or face their wrath. This threat was said to have infuriated the

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different divisions in the state, kept vigil .

Meanwhile, the Muslim Community in the area is now spoiling for war over the death of their member. They are insisting that justice must be done. A source told VM that the person behind the masquerade has been identified as Jasper .

The youths are angry because the said Jasper is still moving freely in the town.

The Chief Imam of Ijaye land, Sheik Musa Musbau-

Olomu told Vanguard Metro that, the community has held a meeting with the Alake of Egbaland,Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo who ordered the indefinite suspension of Egungun festival.

Meanwhile, the President of Islamic Humanitarian Services of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasheed Okenla has given the state government three days to bring the perpetrators to book. According to him, failure to make the perpetrator face the music might lead to a reaction by the community.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi told Vanguard Metro

that the perpetrators of the crime have been arrested . “ Investigation revealed that others in the masquerade camp ran and abandoned the masquerade after one of them shot and killed Lateef at the scene of the fracas,” he said.

Adejobi, an Assistant Superintended of Police added that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has already ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. “The CP has also ordered that all masquerade outings and festivals in the state be put on hold till further notice, “ he said.

The police spokesman said that the masquerade and the other

suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations into the matter were concluded.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC has described the incident as disheartening and callous. The group blamed the government for not heeding persistent calls to check the activities of the traditionalists. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Soliu Luqman, the Islamic body called on the state government to urgently prosecute those arrested in connection with the incident “to prevent a reprisal attack from the aggrieved youths.”

Eleme monarch uses football to foster communal harmony

BY ETOP EKANEM

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N a bid to foster peace and uni tyamongtheyouthsofOkoricommunityinElemeLocalGovernment Area of Rivers State, a renowned philanthropist and the Paramount Ruler of Okori, Eleme, Rivers State, Chief Appolus Chu, recently initiated a football competition in the community. The competition which is also aimed at discovering hidden talents, saw the winners carting away the sum of one million Naira.

The competition took place between January 1 and 13, at the Alesa Unity Stadium in Eleme According to the image-maker for Okori community, Mr. Sunny Ogbu, the competition was aimed at bringing together the Okori youths and to make them engage in gainful ventures.

He said the competition was also meant to encourage the youths to stayed away from violence and all other unholy undertakings.

He said: “Nine communities make up Okori in Eleme and as a philanthropist, the sole sponsor of the competition, HRH Appolus Chu decided to foster peace and unity among them, especially in these days of youth’s restiveness.”

The top three teams got cash

rewards of N1 million, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

A representative of the Rivers State Football Association, Chief Jacob Npkaa, said:”I want to congratulate His Royal Highness, Chief Appolus Chu, who has put together this competition. Nkpaa, on behalf of the Eleme Football Council presented an award of honour to Chief Appolus Chu, for his contribution to the development of sports in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the HRH, Chu, who was absent at the event, Chief Sunday Goya, commended the entire

community, particularly the competitors and organisers for a job well done.

“We are so happy for a successful competition without any strife amongst the participants. This is exactly the desire of Chief Appolus Chu – to ensure that our youths are united so that they would be able to progress in life and also bring about growth in our communities. A lot of talents have been displayed here today and I am sure the Eleme Football Council has been able to note these talents, which HRH Chu will be willing to sponsor”, Goya said.

Okori Alesa youths, the winning team, being congratulated by Chief Sunday Goy, representative of Chief Appolus Chu. With him are Youth President, Mr Kenwi Appie and Prince Ochen Oluka in Okori, Eleme in Rivers State during a youth empowerment football match.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — 21

CBN moves to reduce unbanked population by 20%

BY LAJA THOMAS THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has restated its commitment to reducing the country ’s unbanked population by 20 per cent before year 2020. The move is part of the apex bank’s financial inclusion strategy aimed at ensuring greater participation in the nation’s financial sector.

Director, Banking and Payments System Department, CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun stated this while speaking at a members’ meeting of the Ikeja District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, in Lagos.

In his presentation, entitled: “Mobile Money in Nigeria: Prospects, Opportunities and Challenges,” Fatokun said surveys conducted on financial services in Nigeria revealed that banking penetration was relatively low because of a number of factors, some of which include proximity to financial service outlets, product complexity and cost of service.

He noted that no nation could progress or truly develop if majority of its population are under-banked or has no access to financial services.

To this end, Fatokun said the CBN was vigorously working to ensure the success of the mobile money initiative as a financial inclusion strategy to reduce the nation’s unbanked population by 20 per cent.

He said: “The percentage figure of Nigeria’s unbanked population currently stands at 46.3 per cent and the CBN will work to ensure the success of the strategy.”

According to Fatokun, a survey carried out in 2008 by an international agency, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access, EFInA, on access to financial services in the Nigeria revealed that banking

penetration was relatively low with only 21 per cent of adult population in the country having access to banking services, while 74 per cent had never been banked.

The remaining five percent, previously banked, in other words, had left the banking system, Fatokun added.

He said: “The concerns for financial inclusion are valid as no nation can progress and develop if majority of its population is under banked or has no access to financial services. A good example is Kenya where it has been proved that a half percentage increase in their national Gross Domestic Product growth is attributable to mobile money transactions.

“Indian policy makers too, have embraced the importance of mobile

money as the best solution for financial inclusion and economic growth.

“A study on the impact of financial access on poverty in the country carried out by Economists, Robin Burgess and Rohini Pande estimated that one per cent increase in the number of rural locations banked; per capital reduced rural poverty by 0.42 per cent and increased economic productivity by 0.34 per cent.”

With the above scenario in mind, and to promote financial inclusion, Fatokun said the CBN identified mobile telephony as one of the veritable channels through which the unbanked can be provided easy access to financial services at affordable cost.

He pointed out that the need to create an enabling environment for all participants was what saw the

development of the Mobile Payments Regulatory Framework in 2009, to guide industry players.

According to the apex bank director, the overriding vision was to achieve a system that is nationally utilised and internationally recognised Nigerian system of mobile payments.

Highlighting the opportunities available in mobile money, the CBN Director said it would help in creating employment opportunities, enhance national economic growth, engender efficiency in monetary policy management and the payments system.

He listed other benefits to include safe and convenient method for urban workers to send money to families in rural areas; and faster, convenient and safer way of being paid, among others.

From left: Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Kano State, Pharma Ali Adamu; Managing Director, Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Pharma Tijani Nasidi; Commissioner of Health, Kano State, Dr Abubakar Labaran and National Chairman, Association of Industral Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr Lolu Ojo during a solidarity visit to Kano State Government by the Pharmacy Community on the closure of open drug market in Kano.

Tower Aluminium pleads for better incentives to avoid closing down

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

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TAKEHOLDERS in the Aluminium sector of the Nigerian economy have called on the Federal Government to listen to their demand for local aluminium manufacturers’ protection against what they described as unfair competition in the sector.

Failure to do so, it was feared, would lead to more companies closing shops and moving out of the country. Tower Aluminium Nigeria Plc, the nation’s largest and only surviving aluminium manufacturing company, made the call at a press conference, held at the weekend, at its Ota complex, in Ogun State.

Group Managing Director and Country Head of the company, Dr. Jinesh Chandra Dugad, bemoaned a situation where importation of

aluminium products was encouraged to the detriment of locally produced ones. He was worried that Nigeria was complacent being a trading and not manufacturing economy as he said the country ’s expanding ratio of unemployment would drastically reduce if local manufacturers’ activities were encouraged and protected against importation of finished products.

The Aluminium giant’s GMD, who said his company was established in Nigeria in 1980, started production in 1982 and had operated for over 30 years helping grow the nation’s economy, was pained that Nigerian Aluminium sector was now under pressure from unfair competition especially from China which, according to him, was dumping Aluminium Coils and Extrusions into

Nigeria and was threatening the jobs created over the years in Nigeria.

He challenged the government to give his company “incentives and they will see that we will produce and supply 100 percent of aluminium need in this country. And they should make a policy that makes ALSCON sell to us duty free,” he said adding that Tower, if given incentives, has capacity for creating 50,000 fresh jobs for Nigerians.

“The protection we are asking for is to increase the import duty and imposition of levy on semi-finished and finished products and complete removal of import duty on raw materials. This would put the local manufacturers in a position to compete with traders who import finished products with no factory in the country and no value addition,” he said.

147.55

0.6

2,199.00

-6.00

18.7

-0.08

116.63 +1.08 97.61 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA

154.74 244.9689 211.0963 171.059 1.6803 0.3007 237.7412 24.8466 41.2607 28.2775

155.24 245.7604 211.7784 171.6118 1.6857 0.3107 238.5094 24.9273 41.394 28.3688

+0.12 SELLING 155.74 246.552 212.4605 172.1645 1.6912 0.3207 239.2776 25.008 41.5273 28.4602

CBN Exchange rate as at 4/02/2013

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Our expectations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria in 2013

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From left: Managing Director, Ideas House, Mr. Kehinde Salami; Chief Executive Officer, Ropeways, Capt. Dapo Olumide and Relationship Manager, Ropeways, Mr. Archie Duke, at the Ropeways Transport Limited Media Roundtable, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Banks develop funding framework for power projects

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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ANKS have c o m m e n c e d collaborative effort to develop a framework to lend and finance power projects.

The effort, which largely focuses on aligning the Nigerian banking system to provide adequate financing to meet the peculiarities of the power sector, is being coordinated by the Bankers Committee with active participation of top management of all banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other key stakeholders, and it is one of the key programme of the Committee for 2013.

The framework is the outcome of extensive discussions on the power sector at the recently concluded 4th annual retreat of the Bankers’ Committee. Participants at the retreat said the development of an industry-wide funding strategy was part of the outcomes of the discussions at the retreat.

Investigations indicate that the funding strategy and banks’ collective initiatives show that the funding strategy would provide the banking industry with a kind of master agreement or template that would foster best practices, remove inconsistency, ease access to funding and encourage regulator-operator

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understanding as banks move into the still-evolving power sector.

While individual bank may adapt the funding strategy to suit its internal structure and terms, the template would provide overall guidelines,

structures, terms and concepts among others for the entire industry.

The CBN would sign on the banking industry funding strategy for power sector, which would give the template a quasiregulatory status.

Diamond Bank donates security vehicles to Abia

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N a bid to boost the improved security situation in Abia State, Diamond Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading customer-centric bank has donated Hilux patrol vehicles to the state government.

Dr. Alex Otti, GMD/CEO of the bank made the donation to Governor Theodore Orji last Thursday at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital.

It will be recalled that Diamond had presented five Hilux patrol vehicles to the Abia state government about three years ago in a bid to assist the state government in improving the security situation in the state.

Speaking before presenting the vehicles, Dr. Otti commended the state government for the transformation that has taken place in the area of security, remarking that, “I can tell you that in the very recent past, talking about two years ago, if I had to come to this state it was a

big project. I had to arrange for a retinue of gun-toting mobile policemen, soldiers, naval people and air force to be able to come to my home.

At some point you think about it and ask yourself if it is really worth it. So a lot of us were not coming home. But today Abia state has turned the corner. If you were here during the last Christmas period, you will agree with me that it was a big carnival.”

He added that the least Diamond Bank can do was to continually show the governor that they were proud of him and disclosed that this donation was the first of several, lined up for the year.

In appreciation, Governor Orji said the state government was very encouraged and happy about the gesture from the bank.

In his words, “I want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart on behalf of Abia State government for what you have done to us.”

he Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, is the link between the electricity distribution companies and the power generation companies. TCN will remain 100% owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, while the electricity distribution companies and the power generation companies will be partially privatised. Two events characterize for me the performance of the TCN. One evening early in 2002, I was driving out of Lagos Island on the Eko Bridge. At the moment I arrived beside the power complex of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, at Ijora, there was a spark – a short circuit – at the top of a transmission tower and there was instant darkness from that spot and through all the neighborhoods on my journey that night on the Lagos mainland. Power supply had not been restored 36 hours later when I had to travel out of Lagos. Also, early in 2002, I had to visit Delta Power Station, now Ughelli Power Plc. On my road journey from Warri to Sapele, I observed that the 132kV transmission lines had been vandalised with a large number of spans of cable missing between transmission towers. If these 132kV transmission lines had been available, they would have carried the power from newly installed Mitsubishi turbines which therefore remained unused at the Delta Power Station.

It would appear that the TCN was not providing adequate protection systems against short circuits at its installations and the transmission system was not being operated such that it would deliver all the power from the power stations connected to the transmission system. These characteristics of the TCN still persist judging from the reports by Clara Nwachukwu in the Vanguard newspaper of 24 December 2012. The reports indicate a long list of unavailable breakers, isolators, transformers, transmission lines and ground switches. In one instance, a transformer was awaiting the installation of a secondary lighting arrestor. One would expect that the FGN would give instructions and funds to the new board of the TCN for putting in working order all the components of the existing transmission system.

At present, the transmission system of TCN is delivering about 4000MW of power to the electricity distribution companies. If we look back at the period in 2001 – 2002 when the electric power sector reform was being contemplated, we will find the projections were that 12500MW of power would be delivered by the transmission system by now. One would be forgiven if one believes that the figure of 12500MW was arrived at simply because someone felt the figure 12500MW could be achieved in a 10 year period. In fact, there were specific projects making up the 12500MW. However, some of these projects such as the Zungeru Hydro and Mambilla Hydro have only recently had construction and procurement contracts awarded by the FGN. Access to the transmission system poses a significant constraint to anyone outside of the FGN who wants to undertake a power generation project. Agura Independent Power Plant, IPP, with maximum output of 700MW – 800MW is been proposed by Chevron Nigeria next door to the Egbin Power Station with first phase output of about 300MW. Agura IPP will use the existing power lines from Egbin Power Station to evacuate power to Aja and Ikeja West Transmission Stations. Reports have indicated shortfalls in the capacities of the 330kV transmission lines and 330kV/132kV transformers in the situation where the maximum output of 700MW-800MW is available from Agura IPP. Chevron Nigeria is committed to completing the first phase by 2016. However, without additional transmission capacity Chevron Nigeria would not take the investment decision for the second phase.

The system operator estimates current demand on the transmission system at about 10000MW. However it is obvious the system does not have the transformers in the sequence 330kV/132kV/33kV to deliver this 10000MW to the electricity distribution companies. The TCN therefore has to provide additional transformers and transmission lines.

In most places across Nigeria, transmission lines near urban centres provide ready access to land through which the transmission lines pass.

The result is that human settlements spring up very close to these transmission lines. The settlements near existing transmission lines will be affected by additional transmission lines. The TCN has to take a longterm view and should set about acquiring land for transmission stations and transmission lines looking towards the day when the transmission system will be able to deliver 40,000MW. This figure of 40000MW is not from some policy maker’s desk. If we look at Saudi Arabia and Iran, we will find that in 2003 Iran had 31000MW of installed generating capacity with plans to increase this to 47500MW by 2010 and to 96000MW by 2020. Saudi Arabia had 25000MW power production capacity in 2001 with plans to increase this to 66000MW by 2023. Both countries have announced economic strategies for industrial diversification away from dependence on crude oil revenues. If we set ourselves the less ambitious target of adding 1000MW per annum to the generating/transmission/distribution network, we should arrive at 40000MW in another 35 years.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 —23

GTBank woos customers with mobile money product

BY PETER EGWUATU

G

From left: Mr. Victor Badaiki, Head of Human Resources; Chief Sameer Vaswani, Managing Director,HAANSBRO Nigeria Limited; Mr. Sunil Gupta, Financial Director and Mr. Sujoy Ghosh, General Manager, Sales, HAANSBRO, during the 10th anniversary of HAANSBRO, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Sanusi justifies revocation of 236 BDCs

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

S reactions continue to trail the recent revocation of the operating licenses of the 236 Bureaux De Change (BDC) operating across the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has explained that the revocation became necessary because the affected BDCs fell short of the minimum operational standards.

Sanusi made the revelation while briefing the press at the end of the Monetary Policy Meeting (MPC) in Abuja recently.

According to Sanusi, most of the affected BDCs are in shortfalls of the regulatory requirements such as mandatory deposit payment and they are involved in cash sales to those who have no intention to use the money outside the shore of the country as required.

According to him, “We want those that purchase dollar to use it for

transaction outside the Nigerian shore”.

The CBN boss however, stated that each of the affected institutions has cases to answer that are peculiar to them and they know reasons why their operating licenses were revoked.

As a backdrop of this, he said that the CBN is working on a holistic policy that would guide the operation of BDCs in the country.

The MPC which were attended by 8 out of 10 members reiterated the commitment of the apex bank to the seeking alternatives means before introducing the electronic system of transaction in the economy to avoid its harsh effect to the masses, thus, partnering with companies concerned to ensure and encourage the use of debit cards in their various transactions.

Topping the list are the likes of Afrinvest BDC, and FBN BDC. Other BDCs affected includes; ALLSTATES BDC, Bojedor Bureau de change Limited, BTS

Securities Limited (BDC), Chik Finance & Securities Limited, Compass Investment & Finance Limited, Consolidated Financial Services Limited (BDC), STB BDC and Safe Link Finance Company

Limited among others.

It would be recalled that CBN announced the revocation of licenses of 236 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) operating across the country last week, but did not state the reasons for the action.

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc, said it has successfully established its mobile money product as a preferred option for discerning users of alternative banking channels in Nigeria.

This is coming pursuant to the license granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the bank for the rollout of mobile money services across Nigeria. GTBank Mobile Money has recorded remarkable achievement in both the download and usage of the application as a result of the Bank’s penetration strategy and world-class partnership with major Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria.

The GTBank Mobile Money service is a convenient, secure and affordable way of sending money using a mobile phone. The service can be accessed by users of smart phones through the various app stores or by downloading the Mobile Money application (“app”) from www.gtbank.com/ mobilemoney. In addition, the Mobile Money app has been automatically installed on the SIM card of all Etisalat subscribers irrespective of phone type.

A distinctive feature of the GTBank Mobile Money service is its capacity to allow subscribers send cash to recipients that do not have bank accounts, and such recipients make card-less cash withdrawals from any GTBank ATM nationwide. All that the recipient needs is a mobile phone (any type) to experience the service. GTBank Mobile Money Application operates on a user-friendly platform specially designed to enable multi-level services such as; phone to phone transfer of funds, airtime purchase, and bank account to mobile phone wallet transfer of funds amongst others.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director of GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje said “counting on GTBank’s robust Banking platform and advancement in the telecommunications industry, the mobile money initiative has gone a step further in bringing banking services closer to the population – especially the unbanked who are more likely to have a mobile phone than a bank account”.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has remained at the forefront of banking product innovations since its inception. Its most recent introductions include its SMS banking which allows customers to request for their account balances, Nigerian Uniform Banking Account Number (NUBAN) and subscribe for transaction notification service through their mobile phones. The Bank also launched the GTBank Senior Account which avails free banking services to Nigerians aged 65years and above.

Heritage Bank pays SGBN customers at account validation centres O NE significant highpoint of the account validation exercise kicked off by Heritage Banking Company on Tuesday 29 January for Customers of the defunct Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN) is the immediate issuance of payment cheques to customers whose accounts are successfully validated.

Investigations conducted across some designated centres showed that the exercise was in two parts namely verification of accounts and instant issuance of payment cheques for those who prefer to collect the balances in

their accounts. Owners of successfully validated accounts also have the option of retaining such with the new Heritage Bank which is set to begin operations before the first quarter of the year ends.

At the AIB plaza centre in Lagos, an official who asked not to be named stated that the management of the new Heritage Bank has put everything in place to ensure that all SGBN customers who turn up for the month-long exercise go back satisfied.

In her words, “Management has made adequate arrangement for everybody and we

have the financial strength to pay everybody if the need arises”.

On the modality for account validation, the official said Savings account holders are expected to come with means of identification such as driver’s licence, passport or national identity card, as well as their cash withdrawal forms and deposit slips.

For Current and Corporate accounts, account holders are expected to present their chequebooks or cheque stumps.

“The process is simple, hassle-free and technology-driven to ensure that customers

that turn up do not have to wait endlessly. We just call up the customer’s number from our server base at the head office.

Once this appears, the customer ’s picture is taken and stored and the form is passed on to the Validation officer through the control officer, for the account to be verified, including the balance in such account. Once this is done, the customer is referred to the cashiers who instantly write cheques for those that want their account balance paid”, the official explained.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — 25

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Indonesia signs pact with Nigeria on aircraft maintenance, operation

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

I

NDONESIAN airliner, GMF Aeroasia and Industry has sealed a pact with five Nigerian airliners on maintenance and operation.

The pact was part of Nigerian – Indonesian business forum organized by the two countries to strengthen their bilateral ties.

The aircraft contract terms with the Indonesian company include short and long term aircraft maintenance and operation with Nigerian Kabo Air; Silverback Africa; Hak Air; Max Air Limited and Service Air limited.

Speaking on the pact, the Minister of Trade, Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Sudirman Haseng said the business forum was focused on strengthening trade and investment links between Nigeria and Indonesia- two key, emerging growth markets that both symbolize the new dynamic in global trade and investment.

He said that the forum was timely in that it took place when governments across the world are exploring new ways to stimulate growth, job-creation and trade-led inclusive development, saying that it is useful for both countries to understand why it is important to continue building

trade and investment bridges between the growth markets of Nigeria and Indonesian. ‘‘With the ongoing eurozone uncertainty and faltering economic growth in other developed economies, it has become clear that the drivers of global economic growth are to be increasingly found in the emerging, growth markets of the south. ‘‘Looking in the future, we need to understand that from

a global perspective, Nigeria and Indonesia, along with other growth markets of the south, will continue to gain in importance by reversing the 60 per cent contribution to global GDP by the developed nations in two decades,’’ he said.

With over $8.92 billion inflow of Foreign Direct Investment, FDI into Nigeria in 2011, which accounted for over one fifth of all inflows to the continent and

From left: Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Manager, Cadbury West Africa; Ms Mayowa Okuyiga, Legal Officer, Lagos Lottery Board; Mr Folabi Awojobi, Manufacturing Maintenance Manager, Cadbury Nigeria and Ms Adebola Williams, Brand Manager, Cadbury Bournvita at the final draw of Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

SMEDAN urges entrepreneurs to maximize bilateral ties

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

HE Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Muhammad Umar has called on Nigerian enterpreneaurs to leverage the enhanced bilateral relations between Nigeria and Indonesia to grow their businesses and the nation’s economy.

Umar made the call on the occasion of signing of Memorandum of understanding, MOU between SMEDAN and the Directorate of Small and Medium Industries of Indonesia in Abuja.

He said that the MOU is expected to open a new vista in the bilateral relationship of the two countries, especially in the area of technical cooperation for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

He also said that the MOU became necessary as Nigeria needed the assistance of In-

the sudden rise of Nigeria from 32 to 23 position in global ranking of FDI attraction index in 2012, Haseng said there was no doubt that Nigeria with a population of 170 million and $412 billion GDP will be a key player in the emerging world economy.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian trade minister also indicated the interest of the country to open a direct flight to Nigeria.

donesia in the proposed conversion of industrial parks to cluster parks and in the revamping and development of existing industrial development centres across the country.

According tom him, the expectation of Nigeria also is to get Indonesia invest in Nigeria’s textile manufacturing sector, so as to produce in Nigeria its fabric which is is in high demand in Nigeria.

This, for him, will help in the actualization of the federal government’s goals in job creation. ‘‘We expect to step up our cooperation through sharing of experiences, training, commercial activities and technology transfer among small and medium entrepreneurs of both countries. The signing of MOU between SMEDA and the Directorate of Small and Medium Industries of Indonesia offers tremendous business opportunities, especially for Nigerian entrepreneurs,’’ he said.

The MOU followed the visit of a Nigerian delegation before the D-8 Summit in Abuja in June 2012, on three days study tour to enable the delegation gain an insight into the Indonesian approach to the development of Industrial parks which relied heavily on private initiatives and management.

Also speaking on the MOU, the Indonesian Director General of Small and Medium Industry, Euis Saedah said the partnership was designed to enable both countries work together on common resources, and to get more value added products from them.

She said that their mandate is to enhance industrial development in both countries and exchange idea and exchange experience on areas of strength. ‘‘Our mandate is to enhance industrial development for small and medium scale enterprise, smes. Nigeria and Indonesia have been looking for possible areas of cooperation

for industrial development. ‘‘Part of our goals are to develop Indonesia Batic and Nigeria cassava industries as our main areas of interest and both countries have it. We have to sit together to see how we can enhance these resources and make them more valuable.

BRIEF Vlisco nominates Dabiri-Erewa, Adichie, others for award

BY WILLIAM JIMOH & JONAH NWOKPOKU

A

S part of activities mak ing this year celebration of the International Women’s Day, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson, National Assembly Committee on the Diaspora, Nigerian writer and winner of the Common Wealth Writers’ Prize and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie and Ace broadcaster, Eugenia Abu have been nominated for the Vlisco Women’s award.

According to the Channel Activation Manager, Vlisco Nigeria, Adaeze Alilonu, the award tagged ‘BE YOUR DREAM’ is planned to celebrate inspiring and successful women, throughout West and Central Africa who have made their dreams come true.

“Women are on International Women’s Day worldwide, honoured and shown respect for their immense achievements, but Vlisco believes women should remain in the spotlight for longer than just a day. So, this year, we are going to celebrate inspiring women, throughout West and Central Africa, for one whole month,” Alilonu, noted.

“In Nigeria, Vlisco has selected five (5) inspiring women as nominees to win the unique Vlisco Women’s Month ‘Be Your Dream’ award. The winner will be elected by the Nigerian public, and will be revealed during a festive award night & fashion show on the 30th March”, Alilonu added.

Philippine Business Bank to raise $79m in country’s first IPO

P

HILIPPINE Business Bank, a midsize savings bank, expects to raise 3.2 billion pesos ($79 million) through an initial public offering this month, underwriters have said, in the country’s first new listing this year after a robust 2012.

The lender’s IPO follows a boom in new listings in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand in 2012 that helped investment banks weather a plunge in bigger Asia-Pacific markets, including China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In the Philippines last year, companies raised a record of about 220 billion pesos ($5.4 bil-

lion) from five IPOs and several follow-on offerings, and another buoyant year is expected on listings of companies like SMC Global Power, a unit of San Miguel Corp.

The final offer price for Philippine Business Bank’s IPO was set at 31.50 pesos per share following the bookbuilding process, joint lead underwriters and bookrunners First Metro Investment Corp and SB Capital Investment Corp said in a letter to the stock exchange dated Feb. 1.

That was 25 percent lower than the tentative maximum price of 41.94 pesos announced earlier. There was no indicative range for the offer.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — 27

BY THEODORE OPARA

R

ENOWNED luxury car maker, Jaguar has added two more forcedinduction petrol engines to its range for 2013. The two new powerplants, 3.0-litre V6 250KW supercharged petrol and four cylinder 2.0 litre 177KW turbocharged petrol joined Jaguar ’s existing engine range comprising 5.0 V8 supercharged 375KW, 2.2 litre (turbo diesel) 140KW, 3.0 litre V6 Td (twin turbo diesel) 202KW. The new forcedinduction engines already fitted to the Jaguar XF and XJ models have expanded Jaguar customers choice of engine variant. The 3.0 V6 superchaged churns out 250KW @ 65000rpm and 450Nm of torque between 3500 and 5000 rpm. This engine also accelerates from 0100Km/h in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed 250Km/h. Returning a combined fuel economy of 9.41/100Km the engine emits just 224/ Km of Co2.

The new 2.0-litre Turbocharged petrol version which delivers 177Kw, accelerates from 0-100Km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 241Km/h while its combined economy stands at 8.9 1/100Km. Presenting the new engines to Motoring Journalists from across the sub-Sahara Africa at the Karkloof Spa, before the day's test-drive in Durban, South Africa, recently, Stephen Coxley, Product Investigation Manager Jaguar Land Rover, South Africa and SubSahara Africa explained that the two engines were the results of Jaguar’s Research and Development Units to offer the most powerful and yet economical engines to its customers.

According to him, the r e s p e c t i v e supercharging and turbocharging technology used in each engine means they offer efficiently delivered high specific power and torque output. The engines deliver their power through smooth eight speed automatic transmission.

He further explained that the all new four cylinder 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, because of its efficiency and power has replaced the former 3.0 litre naturally-aspirated petrol AJV6 in XF model range.

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Jaguar unveils two new powertrains to enhance customer choice

•Jaguar XJ “The 2.0 litre produces 177Kw and 340Nm, offering greater performance than Jaguar ’s existing naturally-aspirated V6, but with four cylinder economy,” he said.

Also, the amazing performance of the new 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol did not come as a surprise given the fact that it drew on key technology used in Jaguar’s award winning 5.0-litre V8 and has significantly higher specific performance than the naturally aspirated version of the engine.

This engine shares a lot with the 5.0 litre version, including the intelligent stop-start system when in traffic. With the arrival of the two new engines, Jaguar hopes to win more market shares in the two segments.

Adrian Hallmark,

•Jaguar XF Global Brand Director, Jaguar cars, excited by the performance of the new engines said “Jaguar currently has its strong-

est range of products for several decades. Our continued growth is dependent on two things; activating the awareness

of the brand and expanding our range to enable us to access new customers in both existing and emerging market.

The introduction of these two additional forced-induction petrol engines is integral to his ambitious plan.”

Lagos govt warns Okada riders on traffic laws T

HE Lagos State Government has warned motorcycle operators popularly known as ‘’Okada” operating in the State to obey the Road Traffic Law 2012 on all unrestricted routes.

Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa gave this warning in his office at Alausa recently.

According to him, it is highly important for

motorcycle operators to obey the Road Traffic Law in order for the State Government to further ensure the safety and security of the people.

Opeifa who lamented the flagrant disobedience of the Road Traffic Law by motorcycle operators said that in spite of the stakeholders engagements, public enlightenment and advocacy embarked upon by the State Gov-

ernment to educate motorcycle associations both legal and otherwise, on the provisions of the Law and the need for voluntary compliance, some motorcycle operators still ply restricted and unrestricted routes with impunity. Opeifa reminded motorcycle operators that Section 3 sub sections 3 and 4 stipulate that no person shall operate a motorcycle either as a rid-

er or a passenger without wearing a standard protective crash helmet and that no motorcycle operator shall carry more than one (1) passenger at a time or a pregnant woman, a child below the age of twelve (12) years or an adult with a baby on her back.

He warned motorcycle operators who ply unrestricted routes without the proper registration of the

motorcycles, to desist from such unlawful act as both rider and passenger would be made to face the law.

Opeifa appealed to Nigeria Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agents to carry out their duties diligently while enforcing the Road Traffic Law adding that Lagosians rely on them for their safety, security and enforcement of the Law.

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28 — Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

All-new Volester, Santa fe, Azera, Genesis hit Hyundai showrooms H

YUNDAI Motors Nigeria Limited, foremost distributors of Hyundai range of vehicles has unveiled four new models into the market.

The vehicles which include the all-new Hyundai Veloster hatchback, Santa Fe SUV, Azera and Genesis luxury sedan are already on display at Hyundai showrooms nationwide.

The all-new Hyundai Veloster, is a fashionable funky three-door sportlike hatchback designed for drivers who want something uniquely different and stimulating.

Equipped with a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 132 Ib-ft of torque mated to a six-speed traditional automatic transmission,

the Volester is the first of its kind in the country.

Mr. Jatin Nadkarni, Director, Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria described the Volester as Hyundai’s “icing on the cake.” It is trendy and youthful and would definitely change people’s perception of hatchbacks in Nigeria,” he said.

Continuing, he said, “from the driver’s side, the Veloster looks like a regular two-door but when turned 180 degrees through, it looks like a four-door - thanks to the perfectly normal-looking rear door,” the director remarked.

Introducing the all-new Santa fe SUV Nadkarni explained that Hyundai has raised the quality of its cars to highest standard in their segments with array of quality materials.

•Hyundai Volester

“Hyundai want to be recognised as a premium brand, hence it has improved in quality. The redesigned Santa Fe SUV adopts the automaker’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design incorporating a third row of seats that increases the passenger count to seven thus effectively replacing the outgoing Hyundai Veracruz.

Although the new Santa Fe comes in three vari-

ants of 2.4-litre four cylinders, a turbocharged 2.4liter and 3.3-liter V6, only the 2.4-liter and 3.3-liter variants will be available in the domestic market, the Director assured.

According to him, the 2013 Santa Fe will be targeted at the families because of its ample leg room and passengers’ space especially in the first two rows that conveniently accommodate taller

Toyota bounces to number one J

APANESE carmaker Toyota has regained its slot as the world’s biggest vehicle maker, capping a year of a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.

Toyota said it sold 9.75 million vehicles in 2012, a jump of more than 22% from a year earlier.

General Motors, which was the biggest vehicle

•Toyota Avensis

maker in 2011, sold 9.29 million vehicles in 2012.

Toyota’s sales in 2011 were hit by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand which hurt production at its factories.

However, Toyota, and other Japanese carmakers that were affected, have seen a steady recovery since then and have been re-

gaining share in key markets such as the US. “The last two years have been very difficult for Toyota,” Vivek Vaidya, an auto analyst with Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC. “The regaining of the top slot would definitely be heartening for the firm and is good news for its investors and share

holders,” he added.

Toyota’s rivals also reported record numbers in vehicle sales for 2012.

Nissan Motor said it sold 4.94 million vehicles globally, up almost 6% from the previous year, while Honda Motor said it saw a jump of 19% from a year earlier, selling 3.82 million vehicles.

adults.

Drivers with high taste for details are also expected to fall in love with the all Santa Fe’s admirable interior materials as well as intuitive controls and extensive number of standard and optional features that distinguishes the new SUV. On the new Azera, he explained that the 250 hp 3.0-liter Azera mid-to-upscale sedan is stylishly

designed to emit all the trappings of luxury that is unprecedented in its class.

He described the Azera has the result of Hyundai’s relentless R&D testing and visionary thinking which seeks to always reflect the will of Hyundai Motor Company to create new possibilities to benefit the world and its people by encouraging and developing new thinking.

Honda Civic, CR-V picks awards

W

ITH a record number of customers buying both the Honda Civic and the Honda CR-V last year, it’s obvious that each vehicle is attracting a steady stream of new customers as time goes by. But what’s just as important is that drivers who already own Civics and CR-Vs keep coming back for more as well. As a result, the two hotselling Honda vehicles recently earned Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards for “superior performance in owner retention.” “Honda’s wins this year are a great example of their commitment to owner loyalty,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “Retaining customers in a competitive marketplace is extremely challenging and Honda’s product offerings, combined with their customer engagement strategies, have resulted in high rates of repurchase loyalty.”

In addition, Honda

also was singled out for its appeal to Hispanic buyers; with recognition as the top brand in 2012 for “Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make,” Honda has now won that acclaim for two straight years—and three times overall. Of course, it certainly helps that the funto-drive Civic and CR-V offer some of the highest values and best fueleconomy marks in their segments, as well as strong evidence of the automaker’s commitment to continuous improvement.

“Honda has never taken owner loyalty lightly, and it’s been an honor to see so many owners return for a new Honda during the last year,” said Tom Peyton, assistant vice president of Advertising and Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Winning three awards from Polk in these hard-fought segments validates Honda’s commitment to high vehicle quality and longterm customer satisfaction.”

Vanguard, TUESD AY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — TUESDA

29

Everybody fears the word ‘cancer’ —OKOYE

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

• Clockwise from top: A vaccinator immunising an infant during the NIPD in Lagos on Saturday; one of the cold boxes containing the ora polio vaccine unattented as a vaccinator takes a break; the oral polio vaccine, pictoral illustration of polio immunisation; the kick polio out of Africa box and the “End Polio Now” campaign logo. Photos by Gabriel Olawale

POLIO ERADICATION:

Nigeria makes progress but old challenges remain

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE, GABRIEL OLAWALE, CHARLYNE IKPE & RACHAEL OLAYIWOLA

I

T was a weekend of new ex pectations and old challenges in the race towards polio eradication for Nigeria in particular and the world in general as the four-day synchronised Nationwide Immunisation Plus Days, NIPDs, commenced Saturday February 3.

In many of the high-risk and under-served local government areas, LGAs, immunisation teams set off daily at the crack of dawn even amidst logistics drawbacks, rising security concerns in the North, delays in vaccine delivery, to begin immunisation of children aged 0-59 months with the bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine, bOPV. Prior to the exercise, the continued transmission of the wild polio virus, WPV, in Nigeria,had been a major concern.

However, indicators from the polio Independent Monitoring Board, IMB, set up to verify global eradication progress, hinted that the goal of polio eradication is on course and the promise of it being seen to completion was “high".

Currently, Nigeria is the world’s most endemic coun-

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try for polio, followed by Pakistan and Afghanistan. India, which eradicated polio in February 2011, is no longer listed as an endemic country.

In 2012, the total number of WPV cases globally was 222, with Nigeria having the highest number of 121, according to data from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, GPEI. In some areas in Lagos, where Good Health Weekly monitored the exercise, the usual hitchesprevailed while the exercise lasted.

Few members of the vaccination teams expressed optimism about the overall success of the eradication drive, but others had reservations about logistics issues.

Specifically, issues such as the remuneration package, large areas allocated for coverage, delay in payment, and rejection of the vaccines among others, were top on the list of complaints.

Numerous incidents of arguments were reported between vaccinators and occupants of private and public residences and households, including churches where access could not be readily gained to conduct the immunisation.

In parts of Mushin, in Mushin LGA; Ebute Metta in Mainland LGA; Yaba Local Development Council, LCDA; Ogere opposite Ojo Barracks in Oriade LCDA in Ojo Barracks, vaccinators were ini-

tially observed attending only to children encountered on the street.

When quizzed, some of the vaccinators explained that many households who were reluctant to open up their doors to them, complained the vaccinators arrived too early in the day when their children were still in bed.

In virtually all areas covered, vaccinators complained that the sum of N4,500.00 they were being paid for the four-day service was too small.

“It is too small, but due to lack of employment in the country,we have no option than to collect the money, but we will render the service of N4,500,” several of the vaccinators remarked. It was gathered that team supervisors are entitled to N6,500.

“It is not the money. If we are to look at the money, we won’t render proper service, but our priority is to ensure that our younger sisters and brothers are polio free,” one of the supervisors remarked.

She suggested training of Corps Members as independent monitors and vaccinators for effective eradication of polio as the move would solve the problem of missed children at every round.

In reaction to an alleged report of deliberate wastage of the OPV, one of the vaccinators denied the allegation. “I

dont know anything of such.

Right now, we are short of vaccines, and will have to come back tomorrow to continue from where we stopped.

We don’t throw away vaccines because we are given a target population that we must cover.”

Generally, complaints about the poor attitude in some quarters towards the overall essence of ensuring every child is immunised against the wild polio virus.

In his annual letter published this week, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored his personal and the Foundation's commitment to the global effort to eradicate polio.

Also last week, while addressed the prestigious Dimbleby Lecture in London, Gates declared: "We are on the verge of doing something we've never been able to do before-reaching the vast majority of children in the remotest places in the world.

“We are building systems, developing technology, and training workers that make it possible to help people who never got any help.

“When polio is gone, we can use the same systems, technology, and people to deliver other lifesaving solutions, especially routine vaccinations for diseases like rotavirus and measles," Gates remarked

HE morbid fear and dread of the word ‘cancer ’ has been identified as a major causative factor in the general denial attitude of Nigerians towards cancer diagnosis and consequent refusal to embrace routine cancer screening and care.

A Radiation Medicine expert at the University of Nigeria College of Medicine and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka, Professor Ifeoma Okoye, who made the observation, also linked the high incidence of cancer in the country to cultural and religious bias.

"Everybody is afraid of the word ‘cancer ’. When you are talking most of the time, the people are in denial. They do not want to listen and they are thinking to themselves: it happens to other people. It will not happen to me. It is not my portion syndrome, we call it.

"If someone tells you that you have malaria, you go and get treatment. When it is cancer, everybody goes to pray.

"Our bodies need us to take them for servicing. One of the servicing we must do is screening," she said.

Okoye, who is Co-Director, the Bone Marrow Registry, spoke in Lagos weekend at the World Cancer Day Youth Jamboree organised by Breast Without Spot, BWS, with the theme, "All Youth Against Cancer Initiative" has the theme, "Cancer - Did You Know? Come Ask The Experts The Truth About Cancer Face2-Face".

Listing cancer screening individuals must subject themselves to, the radiation medicine expert said women must examine their breasts monthly. "It is called breast self examination (BSE). If you are seeing your menstrual period, check your breasts eight to 10 days after the period," she said.

Okoye advised menopausal women to choose a day to check their breasts while individuals should have friends to remind them to also check their breasts on a specific day.

“Do not wait for symptoms.

Know the right age to go and screen for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal, prostate cancer if you are a male, among others.”

30— Vanguard,

TUESD AY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 TUESDA

We diagnose 15 new cancer cases Nigerian pharma sector can meet local demand at LUTH daily, says Ajekigbe of ARV drugs — AGBA F L EBRUARY 4th is marked annually as World Cancer Day. This annually ritual offers a chance to raise collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.

The 2013 event s focuses on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the theme: “Cancer - Did you know?”

In this interview with CHIOMA OBINNA a Professor Remi Ajekigbe, a professor of Radiotherapy & Oncology, and Head of Oncology Unit, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba Lagos says 15 new cancers cases are diagnosed daily at the LUTH. He hints that the worst may yet to be heard about cancer in Nigeria.

Ajekibe warns that cancer has assumed epidemic level already in the country and urges Federal government to invest more in its management. Excerpts:

How Nigeria is faring in cancer management As at now, Nigeria has not less than two million people suffering from cancer and not less than a 100,000 new cases every year. Of the 100,000 new cases only few have access to treatment because there are just three functional cancer centres for 160 million people and treatment is very expensive. LUTH has a linear accelerator, but what we need in Nigeria is at least, one machine for each geopolitical zone. .

There should be at least two machines in each hospital so that when one breaks down you turn to the other.

Current situation Cancer is currently ravaging the country.

There is nobody who doesn’t know somebody who has either died from cancer or is presently suffering from cancer.

It is becoming an epidemic. What we are looking towards now is that in the late 30s, the question you will be asking your neighbour is which type is yours. It is the truth. If you say mine is breast cancer, somebody may say you are lucky.

Another person may say, his or hers is pancreas or cancer of the gall bladder.

That is the truth. The country has to do something now, otherwise, there may be bigger problems.

The machine we are using now was bought by former Head of State, President Olusegun Obasanjo and that was the very first time the country could buy a machine for LUTH. Others used in the past were given to us. One was

by Canada and one by International Atomic Energy

STORIES BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

• Professor Ajekigbe the right breast because most of us are right handed when we apply these chemicals in the left axis they cross more in the left breast.

These chemicals contain what we call parabens. We are defiling the environment; we are eating and rubbing chemicals all in the name of civilisation and that is the price we are seeing.

Can the poor survive cancer?

Even the rich may not survive cancer. It is nice to have money to treat cancer. Poor people will not survive as much as the rich and this is why we are telling the government that health insurance should include cancer because the treatment is very expensive.

The drugs, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are all very expensive. Everything about cancer is very expensive. Government should be involved in treatment and also invest more, the National Health Insurance Scheme,NHIS should cover cancer even if it is only 25 per cent of the cause of cancer treatment.

The country has to invest a lot more in cancer treatment otherwise a time will come when the question will be which type is yours?

Agency in Vienna, Austria. The country has to invest a lot more in cancer treatment otherwise a time will come when the question will be which type is yours.

Why the surge in cancer cases We should blame everybody. It is the price we are paying for civilisation. First, is awareness, people are getting aware and they are coming to the hospital for check-ups. Second, we are all over-civilised now. We are eating chemicals and rubbing chemicals all over our body.

Some of these chemicals, that you rub on your body and armpit, they cross to the breast and cause cancer of the breast. This explains why more people have cancer in the left breast than

New cases at LUTH Not less than 15 new cases are seen every day. Out of the new cases, nine will be breast cancer in women.

Breast cancer is still the leading cancer in Nigeria.

Genetics and cancer Cancer is a genetic problem. We only talk about the etiological factor that is factors that can lead to cancer in anybody. And one of them is the genetic factor.

If your blood relation had

breast cancer, the chances of you also having is very high.

But in this part of the world we will not cut off the breasts, we will tell you to examine your breasts for early detection. Because we know that you will have it before the age that your mother had it. There is nothing you can do about genetic factor because we did not choose our parents.

Diabetes and cancer In cancer, there are certain diseases we call co-morbidities. This means that you have a disease and you have another one that is related. If a patient with cancer has diabetes,

Continues on page 31

OCAL pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nige ria have what it takes to meet the demand of Anti-retroviral, ARV, drugs in the country if given the necessary support and patronage.

Managing Director, Tyonex Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pharm.

Emmanuel Agba who disclosed this in Lagos, urged the State and Local Government agencies to adequately support and patronise local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies as a way of ensuring that the much-needed capacity utilisation within the country’s manufacturing industry is attained.

Agba who argued that even though national policies are designed and effected by the Federal government, maintained such policies ought to be driven by the State and Local governments. “We can meet the demand for ARV drugs and drugs for Opportunistic Infections, OIs. We can fill the need if there is an agreement with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ group of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, PMG-MAN. Weare already meeting up to 80 percent of the local drug needs.”

He recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of State for Investment recently met with MAN, and at that interphase, it was decided that whatever is manufactured locally will be patronised by government.

“Right now, government is patronising us, and it is our expectation that State and Local governments will also stand up and patronise the local industry in their domains.”

He said if Federal government policies are driven by the State and Local governments, and if they can work with industries in their localities, it would augur well for the nation.

In 2013, Tyonex plans to deepen partnership at all levels, particularly in public health and on Non Communicable Diseases, NCDs. The company is also working towards obtaining the World Health Organisation, WHO. prequalification.

In line with this,it donated free ARVs to the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS, Lagos State Chapter; deworming drugs to Compassionate Orpahnage Home, and varieties of drugs to the Alimosho Local Government.

FG tasked on medical imaging policy

A

CALL has gone to Federal government and its agencies to invest more realistically in the practice of medical imaging. Making the call in Lagos at the official unveiling of Everything Radiography International - a 21st century lifestyle magazine with a focus on radiography, the Course Coordinator, B.Sc Radiography Programme, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Mr. L.C, Abonyi, said Nigeria should brace up for the ever emerging challenges of the practice of medical imaging so as to achieve quality service for the patient in treatment outcomes.

“Nigeria remains under-explored and under-exploited as far as medical imaging practice is concerned. Tertiary hospitals are not yet equipped by current international standard, of providing at least a CT scan machine and an MRI unit.

“The common and cardinal objective should be to ensure high quality service in order to promote healthy living by the populace and should equally reflect in the policies of government whose responsibility it is, to provide the enabling environment,” Abonyi explained.

The medical imaging practice ought to enjoy protection from the Federal Ministry of Health against the onslaught from Ministry of Finance via Customs services. This should be the operational perspective of all the agencies of government. Any policy that discourages quality growth of medical imaging practice or escalates the cost of services out of the reach of an average Nigerian, is a disservice to the nation.”

Consultant radiographer and Publisher/CEO, ER International magazine, David Omiyi, said the magazine is targeted to serve as a platform for the exposition, promotion and advancement of the ever-changing trends in medical imaging.

“A decade ago, we had less than 1,000 certified and licensed radiographers in Nigeria; few training institutions; and a handful of imaging centres with obsolete equipment. With what we have on ground today, it is incontestable that radiography is playing an increasingly indispensable role in our healthcare system Despite all the growth in this sector of our health care system, lack of proper information dissemination has left questions in the heart of stake holders, particularly we radiographers.

“In a bid to answer these and other questions; the ER International magazine was conceived to serve as a news hub for effective dissemination of information in radiography,” he remarked.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013— 31 TUESDA

Understanding the politics of food H

IPPOCRATES, the father of medicine, stated, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. I find it amazing that even as far back as 400 BC (and most certainly even farther back) ancient healers, like Hippocrates, clearly understood the importance and even potency of food and its direct relationship to our health.

Yet today, with all of our medical advancements and supposed knowledge of the complexities of disease and the human body, we all too often ignore the most powerful and natu-

ral drug before us — food. God has provided us with the largest medicine cabinet on earth. It is full of everything we need to keep our bodies healthy.

A quick look at the majority of modern medications will reveal that each contains (or at least started from) a natural plant or herb that was utilized for its amazing and powerful healing properties.

Instead, modern medicine has “improved” upon nature by adding chemicals and other additives to produce often exorbitantly priced and

Julia Oyefunke Fortune

The Cancer

FIGHTER

juliafortune@hotmail.com

even deadly drugs to relieve our “symptoms” as though they, themselves, are the disease. Then, when the symptoms subside, traditional medicine proclaims to have “cured” whatever ails us when in reality, these symptoms were just that, an expression of something that is wrong or unbalanced within the body, a warning sign if you will.

Simply removing a symptom does not address the underlying cause of

15 new cancer cases at LUTH daily Continued from page 30 the prognosis is very bad. The patient most likely will not survive.

Diabetes is the worst co-morbidities anybody can have with cancer. In most cases we ask questions are you diabetic because most of the treatment we give, if there is diabetes it will worsen the diabetes.

But once we find out that a patient has diabetes we call in a diabetolgist to co-manage the disease. The only thing that I am thinking that can make people with diabetes survive is this drug which is still in tablet form, known as Metformin glucophage. It is not yet in injection form.

Unfortunately, most times these people are conscious you cannot give anything orally, unless this Metformin can be converted to an injection form,

I believe many of the will survive Nutrition and cancer All of those things we add to our foods that makes them sweeter and will make us to rush them are chemicals.

They are all cancernorgenic . When they advertise them they say it tastes better all of them are addictives. They are all junks.

Message on World Cancer Day You owe yourself every day, if you notice anything unusual about yourself see your doctor. Any lump, any thickening, anywhere in your body particularly your breasts, your lips and tongue, see your doctor.

If there is any bleeding from any natural openings like, your private part, nose, mouth, anus etc, report to

your doctor.

If you are up to 40 and your bowel habit has changed; for instance; you are going to toilet once a day normally, then, it becomes thrice a day, something is wrong with your gastro intestinal system.

If your voice is changing, please see your doctor.

A woman who bleeds from the private part when she should not be bleeding (inter menstrual bleeding) or bleeding during intercourse or after, or if you have finished your menses and you are now post menopausal and you feel that your menses have come back, please note that menses do not come back after menopause.

Any bleeding after menopause is suspicious of cancer. Any unusual thing should be reported.

the disease and although it may appear to “cure” or even lessen the problem, without addressing the fundamental imbalance, there can be no cure as the disease will only reappear or manifest in some other form.

While I am certainly not a doctor, nor would I ever claim to be, I do understand common sense and I think modern medicine has been complicated and even transformed by the ever growing pharmaceutical companies that survive on our “symptoms.”

Again, common sense dictates that as long as medicine remains symptom driven, this billion-dollar industry will fl ourish.

If something as simple as diet (food every person has access to,) were to become the answer to all that ails us there would be no need for the majority of prescription medications.

And it doesn’t take common sense to realize this scenario won’t sit well with the pharmaceutical giants who essentially need us to remain diseased in order for them to survive.

To me, this is the epitome of irony companies whose entire mission statement is based on finding cures for and treating disease, can actually only survive when the very diseases they pledge to eradicate, flourish and spread. This, in itself, should ultimately speak volumes about the medications they produce.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

M

Y wife enjoys sex but she hardly ever asks for it.

I am always the one who remembers that we have not been intimate for a while and then I try to do something about it. I don’t like having to beg for sex all the time. My wife often resists my requests for intimacy at first before eventually saying yes sometimes even though she enjoys it. I just cannot understand her. For me, if I enjoy something, I will be the one to ask for it.

I need your advice on how she can change. Thanks – Uzo Dear Uzo the reason for this is partly natural and partly due to societal pressure and conception of how women should behave. Let us face it, if a woman enjoys sex and news about her sexual enjoyment circulates, people will say she is promiscuous. There is a lot of pressure on women to contain their sexual impulses. But if a man sleeps around, people admire him as if he has achieved something. This affects women psychologically and pressures them into hiding their sexual desires even after they are married.

Secondly, men and women are naturally opposites.

This means that women are everything men are not.

Men are hard and women are soft. Men are rational and women are emotional. Men have deeper voices while women’s voices are lighter and so on and so forth. So it is only natural that whereas men always try to initiate sex, women would rather wait for the man to make the move. Also, women’s resistance to men’s sexual advances is nature’s way of controlling human population. If women wanted sex as much as men do, they will be pregnant all year round and babies will be hanging from trees.

So Uzo you are not alone in feeling this way. My advice to men is that if they manage to get sex from their women two or three times a week, then it doesn’t matter who initiates things. Twice a week is the global average anyway among married couples – Uche I have been reading about the good work you do in

the life of Nigerians. Please keep it up. Kindly help me.

I climax too quickly. What should I do or the cream to use? Also, how about the cost of Pasante Condoms?

Tunde Tunde the creams to use are the same ones you read about in our column such as Marathon Delay Spray, Prolonging Delay Cream, Love Stuff Delay Cream etc. Another option is to wear penis sleeves during intercourse to control your premature ejaculation. Mega Stretch Penis extension is very good for this. Pasante Delay condom is very effective too in controlling premature ejaculation. It costs a little more than regular condoms – Uche Please I need help for my husband and I. He is 63 years and is diabetic. I am 52 years. For about two years now, my husband has been having erectile problems and so we don’t have sex anymore. I am also feeling dry in my vagina maybe due to lack of sex. What can you recommend for both of us? Thanks Mary Dear Mary, old age and diabetes weaken a man’s erection but supplements such as Xzen 1200 can help. Xzen 1200 will restore his erections, sexual desire and performance. As for you, the dryness you experience is due to menopause. Once middle aged women stop seeing their periods regularly, menopause sets in and oestrogen levels in their bodies reduce drastically, leading to vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Use a natural lubricant for intercourse and you will be fine. Colt Slick lubricant will eliminate the dryness – Uche Thank you for the penis pump. I have been using it for three months now and my penis is bigger and my erections are better as well. Bless you - Ezeama You are welcome. That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can reach us on 08191978308 or 08027901621 to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com. Happy holidays Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 —33

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

B

UILT environment professionals and stakeholders who have been tinkering with ways of reducing construction costs, last week, x-rayed the potentials of the dry construction method. The setting was a one-day summit with the theme Bridging the 16 million National Housing Deficit: The Dry Construction Solution organised by Redwood Consulting in partnership with Messrs Nigerite Limited.

The experts were unanimous in approving the dry construction option as the best alternative construction method to bridge the yearning gap in housing provision said to be in excess of 16 million units.

Dry construction uses composite panels or boards installed on metal or timber structures to build exterior walls, interior walls, ceilings and many other applications.

In their separate papers, the experts opined that with the enabling environment in place, dry construction process will go a long way in reducing the housing shortfall in the country. The enabling environment includes availability of land, housing finance, affordable building materials, appropriate institutional framework and sustainable construction workforce. They noted however that dry construction process alone cannot entirely bridge the gap in housing deficit of Nigeria.

Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje stated that the need to bridge the housing gap within the shortest possible time, informed the state’s direct investment and involvement in the construction of houses.

Jeje who said the state government is equally partnering with the private sector to deliver as many affordable houses as possible, declared that it is yielding positive results with housing units springing up at Gbagada, Epe, Ikorodu, Agege, Ikeja, Mushin, Lekki, Igando, Surulere.

“One of the main challenges of mass housing development in this part of the world is the issue of project cost, standard of job delivery and time constraint. There is the urgent need for us to find ways of reducing cost, maintain standard, build functional and sustainable structures with dignifying aesthetic and

HIGH POINTS • The use of dry materials speeds the construction process and allows earlier occupancy • In dry construction, majority of the components of the building are prefabricated off site and brought to site for assemblage • Dry construction process alone cannot entirely bridge the gap in housing deficit of Nigeria

Workmen at a dry construction site.

Experts root for dry construction process to reduce housing shortfall finishing, yet deliver within the shortest possible time, he said. Speaking at the summit, Head of Department, Department of Estate Management, University of Lagos, Prof. Timothy Nubi listed the advantages of dry construction method.

According to him, the method will lead to reduction in building waste. “It offers design freedom combined with comprehensive technological and infrastructure costs,” he said adding that in this construction process, building products and processed materials are transferred directly to the building site, which means less technical, logistical and infrastructure costs. Continuing, he noted that the dry construction method would lead to less energy consumption in buildings. Immediate past president, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria APBN, Mr. Segun Ajanlekoko regretted that “successive governments since independence have been paying lip service to the issue of housing provision”.

The way forward, according to the former President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, is for stakeholders and governments to examine the appropriateness and socioeconomic implications of low income housing provision as

supportive rather than a provider approach. Affordable housing, he said should be defined within the context of minimum wage in the country. Calling for the overhaul of the land tenure system in the country, Ajanlekoko who is also the President, Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy, CASLE (African region), said governments should create the right platform for long and short term fund for real estate projects and infrastructure while the Federal government should establish

Infrastructure Development Bank. Explaining the comparative advantages of dry construction over wet construction method, David Majekodunmi, an architect, noted that the use of dry materials speeds the construction process and allows earlier occupancy. He added that it is a process that involves building construction without use of plaster or mortar. The process involves the use of dry materials such as gypsum board, plywood, steel frames, steel/metal cladding or wallboard in construction. He pointed out

that cladding boards and sidings in fibre cement are light, and easy to work with and have specific technical properties. Also speaking at the forum, President, Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB, Mr. Chucks Omeife said in dry construction, majority of the components of the building are pre-fabricated off site and brought to site for assemblage. He added that with components already fabricated to design specifications, housing projects can be delivered faster and cheaper to required standard.

How to prevent power surges T

he first line of defence against power surges is prevention. While most external surges can’t be controlled, you can eliminate some common causes of internal surges.

Unplug devices you are not using The easiest way to avoid power surge problems is to unplug devices that are not being used. Take a look around your home, and you’ll likely find dozens of idle items plugged in. There is no need to leave toasters, power tools or other small appliances plugged in; if you rarely use the programming features on your microwave or VCR, unplug those as well.

Upgrade inadequate wiring If you have an older home, inadequate wiring could be the cause. Electrical systems in homes built before the 1980s weren’t designed to handle large-capacity refrigerators, enter-

tainment systems and computer equipment.

Some visible signs of inadequate wiring are frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, or lights that flicker or dim when the refrigerator or another large appliance kicks on. Don’t ignore these symptoms – they are a signal that something is wrong, and the problem may become a fire hazard.

Fix overloaded circuits If your home is newer, you may have a problem with an overloaded circuit. Look for two (or more) large appliances drawing power from the same circuit, especially in the kitchen. Another trouble spot might be a circuit with many smaller devices, such as a family room filled with computer and entertainment equipment.

Source: Wellington Electric Inc

34— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

ESVARBON inducts 124 new surveyors, warns against pseudo practices

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Owelle Rochas Okorocha flanked by Mr. Emeka Eleh and Sir Victor Umeh

Okorocha seeks surveyors partnership to build centenary cities zMakes C of O mandatory in Imo State

By JUDE NJOKU

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ARELY one year to the cel ebration of Nigeria’s centenary as a nation, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has challenged estate surveyors and valuers in the country to partner with state governments to build centenary cities in each of the 36 states in the country.

The Governor who was a special guest at the conferment of the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV on the National Chairman of his party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh and 19 others in Lagos, last week, challenged estate surveyors and valuers to be more creative in their practice instead of over concentrating on estate agency.

The conferment of the Fellowship was the high point of the 19th JW Ekpenyong memorial lecture delivered by the Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, ESVARBON, Mr. Ayodele Sangosanya.

Okorocha also called on the land professionals to partner with the Imo State Government to develop the Oguta Blue lake. He told the Institution that instead of going cap in hand to solicit for funds to

bankroll its programmes, it should partner with the state governments to develop model cities, contending that the Dubai’s of this world developed through such models.

Describing Nigeria as one of the richest countries which has the poorest people in the world, the Governor attributed this scenario to the under-utilization of land and over dependence on revenue from oil.

He called for an urgent review of the Land Use Act to make land easily available to citizens and to also make existing lands valuable.

According to the Governor, all lands in Imo state will from henceforth have valid title documents which includes the certificate of occupancy, C of O. Similarly, land in all the communities in the state would be surveyed and covered with survey plans. Acquisition of the C of O, according to him, will not cost more than one thousand Naira.

His words: “My challenge to the members of this noble institution is that they should drive the creation of new cities as Nigeria celebrates 100 years of nationhood. This you can do by partnering with government to ensure that every land in the country has value and the only way a land can have value is by registering the land and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. With government backing and with

the name of the Institution, the doors to every bank in the country will be opened to your members who wish to secure loans to develop new cities”.

The Imo state helmsman who insisted that it is the lack of visionary leaders that has turned Nigeria to “a rich country with poor people,” called for the devolution of power.

Explaining why governments have failed to attract foreign investors despite numerous trips to Europe and America, he said the governance structure in Nigeria is akin to “a lady with a big head, big stomach and skinny legs who can never attract a rich suitors”.

He explained that the big head alluded to is the Federal Government and the big stomach represented the state governments while the tiny legs depicted the local governments.

Condemning the concentration of wealth on the Federal and state governments, Okorocha further drew attention to the current practice in Imo State where a community based approach has been adopted in governance.

Earlier, the NIESV President, Mr. Emeka Eleh challenged members of the institution to play active role in politics in order to initiate and influence policies of government.

“Members of NIESV must become active in the politics of this country for the good of the profession and in the greater interest of Nigeria”, he said, adding that “it is only when you are in government through participation that you can initiate and influence policies affecting our profession and other Nigerians for good”.

On the theme of the Ekpenyong lecture which was ‘Honesty and Devotion in Nigeria’s Transformation Agenda’, the NIESV President explained that the professional training of estate surveyors in project management and asset valuation, puts them in good stead to transform Nigeria through honest and transparent leadership.

HE Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration board of Nigeria ESVARBON, last week, admitted 124 surveyors into the “noble profession”, bringing the number of registered estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria to 3,012.

At the brief but impressive ceremony, ESVARBON Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Sangosanya said his Board is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to check the spread of pseudo practice and bring culprits to book.

“The focus of the Board is to substantially reduce the nefarious activities of quacks by registering many more qualified estate surveyors and valuers in the country. In this regard, the Board has put requisite machinery in place, in collaboration with the relevant law enforcement agencies, to check the spread of pseudo practice and bring to book, culprits found guilty of the offence,” he said, adding that already, ESVARBON has instituted actions in courts against quacks who failed to heed this warning.

Sangosanya who noted that 3,012 surveyors are grossly inadequate, said his board is looking for ways of producing more estate surveyors without lowering the standard. He told the inductees that the stamp and seal given to them are properties of ESVARBON which can be withdrawn if abused.

He pledged the support of ESVARBON to the steps being taken by the Federal government to revitalise the housing and urban development sector.

In a charge to the new surveyors, a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV Board of Trustees, Ms Claire Chizea told them that their seal represents integrity. She enjoined them to be very professional in the discharge of their duties. “You must not soil the integrity of your firm or this profession by falling foul of the sacredness of this seal which you now have in your hands. If your name and that of the profession comes to ruination of any sort from your conduct, it were better you had not been born,” she said.

Continuing, Mrs. Chizea said: “You must ensure that you back up your opinions on land matters with appropriate survey and cognate data which is fluid and consequently subject to change depending on a wide range of factors, chief among which are quality of political governance and economic management of resources”.

She advised the inductees to make valuation their mainstay. “Our mainstay so far has been valuation. We have to dare rural areas with efficiency of land use. We have oil properties to look into. Tremendous hardship is brought to bear on oil communities by exploitation activities there. We have tourism property to conduct our expertise in.

We have industrial valuation as a specialty. We have plant and machinery, sea crafts and airplanes to study and specialise in. We are just not sufficiently creative yet,” she lamented.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 —35

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

T

HE process of being transformed into an emerging modern city is in top gear in Orlu, a hitherto forgotten town in Imo state. The urgency attached to the execution of the infrastructural projects in this town is most attractive. A visit to the city today will reveal construction of both highway and street roads, Orlu Garden Park and the Orlu City Gate.

Apart from Imo State Government, another name that can rightly be associated with Orlu’s transformation is Messrs Timik Consult Ltd., an engineering company.

This firm has played a very prominent role in the execution of works initiated by Gov. Rochas Okorocha in the area.

Governor Rochas Okorocha had at his 2012 State Budget address termed State of the Imo Address, noted that “the potentials of the state were shut in, owing to the absence of an extensive network of roads to support the process of transformation”.

According to him, the cities of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe have continued to reel under the neglect

Mr. Anjorin

Orlu wearing a new look

Urban regeneration: How indigenous contractors gave Orlu a new face of roads within these towns thus making vehicular movement very inconvenient to commuters.

"Although, remarkable efforts have been made since this administration came on board to repair the roads and open up new ones, it is expected that in the year 2012,

over 400 kilometers of roads will be constructed in the state”, Okorocha said.

He stated that the daulization of the entry routes to Orlu from Banana junction (Amaifeke) to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital and that of Okigwe, which were ongoing projects, would be completed.

A gigantic 87-meter spam City Gate, described as the largest modern city gate is under construction at Orlu. The gate is intended to give a spectacular view of the entry into the new face of Orlu town.

The City Gate spans across two highways being constructed by Timik Consult Limited.

The highways are the six-lane Orlu-Owerri Road and Old Owerri Road with a large space in between.

Vanguard Homes & Property which visited

the emerging Orlu last week, saw a lot of completed and ongoing projects. The old order has started changing and very fast too. It was evident from what is on ground that the once sagging image of Orlu would soon be a thing of the past.

Managing Director of the construction firm, Mr. Goke Anjorin explained that a lot of demolition and clearing works, which opened up the town for development, were carried out by his firm.

According to him, one of the Governor Okorocha’s buildings was demolished in the process. “The Governor allowed his building to be demolished as an example that no single individual or group could be above the law or constitute a barrier to the desperately needed infrastructural

development of Orlu town,” he asserted.

While commending the Governor for “the initiative to engage local contractors in the development of the area”, Anjorin equally explained that his company conceptualized the emerging Orlu City, which was bought over by Governor Okorocha.

He noted that given the opportunity and the necessary financial backings, indigenous contractors would perform very well and deliver on time.

According to him, the driving force behind the new face of Orlu is vision and drive for development.

Presently, a lot of road constructions are taking place in Orlu. Anjorin posited that that infrastructures should not be left until they go too bad before the government comes in.

“There should do

proper monitoring and evaluation of projects and feed back by resident engineers from time to time. Awarding contracts to only foreign firms will not help in capacity building.

Project management skills is lacking on the side of indigenous contractors.

Employing expatriates to join indigenous companies to help out in projects will ensure quicker transfer of technology,” he said.

Among the completed and on-going works in Orlu includes a stretch of 1.5km of the Federal highway from the popular Banana Junction to Nkwo-Ito Junction, which is near completion. There is also a 6.22km stretch of six-lane expressway from Nkume Y-Junction to Banana Junction; Timik’s biggest ongoing project.

FG sets up technical board to restructure FHA

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

D

ETERMINED to address the shortfall in the housing sector, the Federal Government has approved a new Technical Board to restructure the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, with a view to repositioning it for effective service delivery.

The 12-member board approved by President Goodluck Jonathan is headed by the Minister of Housing and Urban

Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, with Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority, Mr. Terver Gemade, as a member.

Inaugurating the board in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, explained that “the main purpose of restructuring the agency was to enhance the capacity of the FHA and to reposition it to serve Nigerians better.”

In carrying out its

assignment, the minister said the focus of the technical board would be to make the agency more efficient, effective and cost conscious.

She said the new panel was the outcome of the work of the special committee she set up last May, to examine the current structure, operation and challenges of the FHA. According to her, “it was also imperative to evolve a more resultoriented and accountable

management based on performance contracts as well as strengthen financial controls and ensure financial solvency through effective cost control and prudent financial management.

“The technical board would supervise the entire process of restructuring and commercialization of the FHA on the basis of the recommended terms of reference and performance agreement to be signed with the Federal Government."

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

Constitution, Federalism and Rule of Law •The judgment that set Peter Odili free YESTERDAY Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili, former Governor of Rivers State explains in his Autobiography, the plot that led to his withdrawal from the 2007 presidential race N the course of this proceed ing, the 1st -32nd Defendants were represented by counsel, so also the 37th Defendant. The 34th36th Defendants neither put up appearance in court, nor were they represented by counsel.

Records of this court, as gleaned from the affidavit of service deposed to by Mr. Livinus Akere, a bailiff in the office of the Deputy Sheriff, shows that on the 1st of February, 2007 they were all personally served with this originating summons, and all processes filed in support. They willfully elected, refused and or neglected to file any process in opposition to this application within the time allowed by the rules of this court, as commanded by an order of court made on the 31st of January 2007.

Constitutional interpretation The issue at stake in this case, is one of constitutional interpretation, of some provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially provisions of sections 120,125, 121, 128 and 129. The case for the claimant is that under these provisions, the duty of control of public funds of Rivers State is vested in the House of Assembly of Rivers State. That by virtue of the provisions of sections 120 and 121 of the Constitution of the Federation that appropriation of funds, has to be in accordance with an Appropriation Bill presented to the House of Assembly.

It is also the case of the claimant that under section 125 of the same constitution, the AuditorGeneral for Rivers State is the one vested with the power to audit the accounts relating to appropriation of Rivers State funds, made by the House of Assembly of Rivers State. He is also under a duty to submit his report to the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

The claimant is contending that under section 128 of the Consti-

tution, the House of Assembly is vested with the power to investigate the disbursing or administering money appropriated or to be appropriated by the Rivers State House of Assembly, for Rivers State. This power, claimant further contends, extends to the power to expose corruption and inefficiency or waste either in the process of disbursement, or administering of money duly appropriated.

In essence, the case of the claimant here, is that the constitution vests on the Rivers State House of Assembly power to investigate the financial affairs of Rivers State Government and that power is not vested in any other body, not even the Federal Government of Nigeria or any of its agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The grouse of the complainant is that in spite of these clear constitutional provisions, the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Auditor General for Rivers State as well as the 35th Defendant, the Accountant-General for Rivers State, have begun to show signs of surrendering these constitutional responsibilities, and abdicating same to other bodies foreign to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Shirking of responsibility The complainant contends that following this impetus evidenced by the shirking of responsibility

by Rivers State House of Assembly, the Auditor General and Accountant General for Rivers State, smooth governance of Rivers State in accordance with the constitution and the law, is becoming difficult. At paragraph 12 of the affidavit in support of this summons, the complainant deposed to the fact that the inaction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, will continue to destabilize good governance in the Rivers State unless put in check by this Ho-

nourable Court. It is this inaction, claimant contended, that led to delay of payment of December 2006 salaries of Rivers State workers, many of whom spent the Christmas festive season without money, a condition grave and sufficient enough to set the entire Rivers State ablaze.

The claimant is also complaining as deposed to by him at paragraphs 7 and 8 of the same affidavit in support of this originating summons, that it is this shirking of responsibility by the Rivers State House of Assembly, that is giving life to an unconstitution-

,

I

and foist a state of anarchy, with far reaching negative consequences, on this state. It is based on the foregoing facts, that the claimant submitted seven questions for determination in this judgment.

They are as follows: 1. whether upon a proper interpretation of the provisions of sections 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 and 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, any authority, person body or organization, other than the House of Assembly for Rivers State has the constitutional authority to exercise powers and control over the public funds of Rivers State.

2. whether upon a proper interpretation of section 128 of the Constitution of the Federation 1999, any other authority, person, body or organization, other than the House of Assembly for Hivers State, has the constitutional authority or power to conduct investigation into the disbursing or administering of money appropriated or to be appropriated by Rivers State House of Assembly whether the purpose for the in-

The case of the claimant here, is that the constitution vests on the Rivers State House of Assembly power to investigate the financial affairs of Rivers State Government and that power is not vested in any other body, not even the Federal Government of Nigeria or any of its agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC

al purpose, which has been confessed by an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria known as the EFCC to the effect that they have as part of their Agency’s agenda, the possibility of generating impeachment proceedings in the Rivers State House of Assembly, for the purpose or removing the Governor of Rivers State from office. A publication in the This Day Newspaper edition of Tuesday, December 19th 2006 was annexed as exhibit HAG 1, in support of this deposition.

It is the contention of the Honourable Attorney-General for Rivers State that except this Honourable Court intervenes now, this shirking of its responsibility by the Rivers State House of Assembly will lead to the complete paralysis of the constitutional Administration of Rivers State,

,

vestigation/inquiry is to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste of public funds or not.

3. whether upon a proper interpretation of section 128 of the Constitution of the Federation, the 36th and 37th Defendants or indeed any other bank or financial institution is entitled to submit, release, or in any manner whatsoever disclose any information, financial statement/records, statement of account, vouchers or cheque in respect of or relating to the Bank accounts of the Rivers State Government, to anybody, person, authority, organization or agency including the ICPC, EFCC, or any other such body or organization, other than the Rivers State House of Assembly.

4. whether upon a proper interpretation of the provisions of section 125 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, the pow-

er to receive financial statements and annual accounts of the Rivers State Government from Accountant-General is vested in any other authority, person, body or organization other than the Auditor-General for Rivers State.

5. whether upon a proper interpretation of the provisions of section 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the power to audit the public accounts of Rivers State, is vested in any authority, person, body or organization other than the Auditor-General for Rivers State.

6. whether upon a proper interpretation of section 125 of the Constitution, the Auditor General for Rivers State can be subjected to any direction, or control of any authority, person, body or organization.

7. whether upon a proper interpretation of section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the House of Assembly for Rivers State, can exercise its powers to remove the State Governor or his Deputy at the behest, prompting, or advise of any authority, person, body, or organization or otherwise, than in strict compliance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federation 1999.

1st to 33rd Defendants are not opposed to the grant to the claimant, of all the reliefs claimed by him in this application. In their written submission filed on 6th of February 2007, their counsel, S.R. Dappa-Addo Esq. submitted thus: “The 1st-33rd Defendants, therefore, humbly submit that inprinciple, they have no objection to the Honourable Court, granting all the reliefs claimed and we so urge the court.”

Principles of interpretation In the light of this submission by their learned defence counsel, it is safe for me to presume that the 1st -33rd Defendants fully adopt and associate themselves with the arguments of Mr. E. C. Ukala, SAN, leamed claimants counsel in support of this originating summons.

While arguing in support of this originating summons, learned counsel for the claimant lumped issues 1, 4, 5, and 6 as hereinabove stated, and argued them together. It is his submission that in order to resolve the questions posed under those heads, that it is important that the age old gen-

Continues on page 37

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—37

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

The judgment that set Peter Odili free Continues from page 36 eral purpose and principles- of interpretation be reiterated.

He referred the Court to the case of, 1. A. G. ABIA STATE v. A.G. FED. [2005] ALL FWLR (pt 275) 414 at 450.

2. A. G. Ondo State v. A.G. Ekiti State [2001] FWLR (pt 79) 1431 at 143) And submitted that it is the principle that the court must adopt a liberal approach to the interpretation of a constitutional provision. That it is the duty of a court, to construe a constitutional provision such as not to defeat the obvious ends which the constitution was designed to serve. He further referred the court to the case of TUKUR v Government of Gongola State [1989] 4 NWLR (pt1l7) 517 at 579.

Mr. Ukala, learned SAN, urged the court to interpret the provisions of the various sections of the constitution submitted to it by the claimant against this background of judicial interpretation, and to recognize that the system, which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, has put in place, is the Federal system of governance.

I wish to state that it is now a fact universally accepted and beyond argument, that Nigeria operates a Federal system of Government. Any attempt made

Rivers State House of Assembly stitution is an organic instrument which confers power and also creates rights, and limitations.........All agencies of government are organs of its initiative whose powers are derived either directly from the constitution or from law created there under. They, therefore, stand in relationship to the constitution as it permits of their existence and functions”.

Also in the case of AG. of Lagos State v A G of the Federation [2004] 18 NWLR (pt 904) 1 at 142, the Supreme Court had this to say, "Nigeria is a Federation, and operates a Federal Constitution.

An important attribute of a Federal Constitution is that there is a division of power between the centre or the Federal Government and the states. The power

,

I agree and accept this submission, and I wish to add that sections 120(3) and 120 (4) in addition, give effect to the principle of Federalism as they expressly provide that only a state House of Assembly to the exclusion of the National Assembly or Federal Government of Nigeria, can authorize the withdrawal of money from a state public fund or consolidated revenue fund

,

at interpreting any section of the constitution of Nigeria must be an attempt aimed at giving effect to the smooth operation of a Federal State.

The construction which a court will give a constitutional provision must be such that will best serve the interest of the constitution. Thus, the courts are enjoined to adopt such construction that will promote the purpose behind the constitution. The legislature in putting in place the Nigerian Constitution 1999, in my view, intended that this nation should operate as a Federation and that the principles of a Federal system of governance should prevail, in the running of the Nigerian state.

Thus in AG.Ondo State v A G. Fed. [2002J 9 NWLR (pt 772) 227 at 418- 419, Uwaifo JSC, said: “It must be recognized that our con-

and role given to each of the governments are defined and set out in the constitution. None of the Governments is allowed to set out of its assigned field”.

In interpreting the provisionsof the 1999 constitution of the Federation, now in issue, this court shall be guided by the general kernels of interpretation herein above mentioned. This court is duty bound to give such interpretations as shall enhance the running of a Federal system of governance, which characteristically assigns specific spheres of influence to the Federal authority and the Federating states, such that the boundaries in their areas or spheres of competence, shall be emphasized.

With particular reference to issues 1, 4, 5 and 6 hereinabove formulated for determination by learned claimant’s counsel, it will

be necessary for me to examine and interpret sections 120,121,122, 123 and 124 of the constitution. These sections are contained in chapter 5 of the 1999 Constitution, part 2, which is· captioned “Power and control over Public Funds”.

This chapter made adequate provisions for the policing of funds belonging to the state Governments. Section 120(1) esiablishes the consolidated revenue fund of a state, sections 120 (3) and 120 (4) provide as follows: “(3) No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the state, ... unless the issue of those moneys has been authorized by a law of the Houlse of Assembly of the state” “(4) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue of the state or any other public fund of the state except in the manner prescribed by the House of Assembly”.

Mr. Ukala SAN for the claimant submitted with regards to these sections of the constitution, that it is clear that section 120 of the constitution intends to place the power and control of public funds whether ordinary revenue of the state or revenue in the consolidated revenue fund, of a state in the House of Assembly for the state, and not in the National Assembly or the Federal Government of Nigeria.

I agree and accept this submission, and I wish to add that sections 120(3) and 120 (4) in addition, give effect to the principle of Federalism as they expressly provide that only a state House of Assembly to the exclusion of the National Assembly or Federal Government of Nigeria, can authorize the withdrawal of money from a state public fund or consolidated revenue fund. Section 121(1) of the 1999 constitution states.

Estimates of revenues “The Governor shall cause to be prepared, and laid before the House of Assembly at any time before the commencement of each financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the state for the next following financial year."

This section, in its true meaning confers on the House of Assembly of a state, power to control the expenditure profile of a state government on annual basis, that is for each financial year.

Sections 121, 122, 123 and 124 of the 1999 Constitution, submitted for interpretation by the claimant, in their ordinary meaning and going by the canons of judicial interpretation of statutes, in my view, simply provide for the method to be employed, by the state House of Assembly to authorize distribution of state funds, appropriated under the appropriation law of the state.

These sections learned SAN, Mr. Ukala submitted, underscore the powers of the House of Assembly in relation to all public funds of the state including contingency funds and other funds in the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

Control of state funds I cannot agree more with this view. These sections bring out completely the intention of the law makers with regards to management and control of state funds. Those sections, apply strictly to the powers of a state House of Assembly, in matters connected with appropriation of public funds of a state.

Equivalent powers with regards to public funds of the Federation, are vested in the National Assembly by virtue of sections 80-89 of the constitution. It follows, therefore, that going by these provisions neither the Federal Government nor the National Assembly can constitutionally be vested with powers to appropriate, or monitor how appropriated funds of a state are used and to what use or uses they have been put. To so do, will amount to an unconstitutional act, and a complete negation of the principles of Federalism.

Section 125 of the constitution vests the power to audit public funds of a state in the AuditorGeneral of the state. Section 125 (2) specially provides that, “(2) the Public Accounts of a state and all offices and courts of the state, shall be audited by the Auditor General for the state who shall submit his report to the House of Assembly of the state concerned and for that purpose the Auditor-General or any person authorized by him in that behalf shall have access to all the books, records, returns and other documents relating to these accounts”.

Section 125 (5) goes on to provide that; “(5) The Auditor-General for a state shall, within ninety days of receipt of the AccountantGeneral’s financial statement, and annual accounts of the state

submit his report to the House of Assembly of the state, and the House shall cause the report to be considered by a committee of the House responsible for public accounts."

Section 125(4) also confers on the Auditor-General, power to conduct periodic checks and inspections of accounts of all statutory corporations, commissions, authorities, agencies of the state et cetera.

An interpretation of section 125 (2) and (5), simply put is to the effect: 1. That the House of Assembly of a state has the final say in respect of all public funds of the state since it is the body to which all reports, relating to the accounts of a state, must ultimately be submitted to.

2. That the Auditor-General of the state has the constitutional responsibility to audit all public accounts of a state and thereafter to submit the report to the House of Assembly.

3. That the Auditor-General is empowered to have access to all books of accounts, records returns and other documents in respect of public funds for the purpose of carrying out his duties. This power does not extend to his power to surrender, submit, handover or pass same over to other bodies or agencies or investigating bodies.

4. This section also commands the Accountant-General to submit to the Auditor-General, financial statements and annual accounts of the state and the Auditor-General shall in turn submit same to the House of Assembly.

Power to audit accounts Under section 125 (6) all these functions are to be exercised independently and without direction, dictation, control, manipulation, or control of any other authority or person. The constitution does not vest any of these functions on an investigating body like the Police or the EFCC. The Federal Government of Nigeria does not have powers to perform, direct or control the performance of these functions by the Auditor-General and Accountant General of a state respectively.

From the foregoing, one cannot but conclude that the power to audit all accounts of the Rivers State Government, is vested solely in the State’s Auditor-General. Learned claimant’s counsel,

Continues on page 48

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

The judgment that set Peter Odili free in his concluding arguments in respect of question 1, 4, 5 and 6, as hereinabove formulated by him, urged this Honourable Court, to resolve questions, embodied in them in the negative.

On my part, I wish to state that in the light of the arguments adduced by learned SAN, Mr. Ukala, and my interpretation and understanding of sections 121, 122, 123 and 125 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that those questions be resolved in the negative.

In respect of questions 2 and 3 above, it is the submission of Mr. Ukala SA.N, that the provisions of section 128 of the constitution are clear and unambiguous. This section he further submitted vests in the House of Assembly the power of investigation in respect of the “disbursing or administering” of “moneys appropriated or to be appropriated” by the House of Assembly. Such moneys learned SAN contended, include moneys in the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and other funds, received by the state.

In order to appreciate and to interpret this section, (section 128) accuralely, it will be necessary for me to reproduce verbatim, section 128 (b) (2) of tile constitution. This section provides as follows; “128 (2) (b). The powers conferred on the House of Assembly under tbe provisions of this section, Are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling the House to. (b) expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution and administration of laws within its Legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it.” In order to grasp fully the real meaning of this provision, it will be necessary for me to also reproduce the provisions of section 129 of our constitution. That section reads as follows;

Purpose of any investigation “129 (1). For the purpose of any investigation under Section 128 of the constitution, and subject to the Provisions thereof, a House of Assembly or a Committee appointed in accordance with section 103 of this constitution shall have power to(a) procure all such evidence written or oral, direct or circumstantial, as it may think necessary or desirable, and examine all persons, as witnesses whose evidence may be material or relevant to the subject matter..“ The combined effect of sections 128 and 129 of the constitution is the power vested in State House of Assembly, to superintend or

police all funds appropriated by it, and to expose corruption and waste in the management of public and consolidated revenue funds of a state.

In his submission learned claimants counsel argued, that it is clear, that the framers of the constitution intended to leave the power of investigation relating to the public funds of a state, in the hands of the House of Assembly of a state. I agree with this interpretation of sections 128, by learned SAN, except to add that powers of the House of Assembly therein stated, are reserved exclusively for them. The Federal Government or any of its agencies does not share this power with the House of Assembly. Neither the Police, nor the EFCC is constitutionally empowered to share power with the House of Assembly.

Usurping of constitutional role It will amount to an unconstitutional Act for EFCC or the ICPC to usurp this power of the House of Assembly. The House of Assembly cannot opt out or enter into a contract with any person, agency or an investigating agency of the Federal Government to do otherwise. Nobody or agency is expected to usurp this constitutional role of the House of Assembly. The House for its part should not abandon this role under any guise.

I shall in the light of the foregoing, also answer question 2 and 3 as formulated by the learned SAN for the claimant, in the negative. The final question for determination is question number 7. This question is: “Whether upon a proper interpretation of section 188 of the constitution, the House of Assembly for Rivers State, can exercise its powers to remove the state Governor or his Deputy from office, at behest, prompting or advice of any authority, person, body, organization or otherwise than in strict compliance witll the provisions of section 188 of the CFRN. In his argument, leamed claimant’s counsel, urged the court to hold that framers of the 1999 constitution, did not contemplate any form of external force or coercion, to be directed at the House of Assembly before they can commence impeachment proceedings aimed at removing the Governor or his Deputy.

He concluded his arguments by submitting that upon a proper interpretation of section 188 of the Constitution, the House of Assembly is not entitled to exercise its power, to remove the state Govemor or his Deputy at the behest, prompting or advice of

any authority or person. Learned SAN concluded by urging the court, to also answer question No.7, in the Negative.

I have gone carefully through the provisions of section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federation. That section speaks for itself. It treats in very minute details and clear terms the vexed issue of impeachment and removal from office of a state Governor or his Deputy.

The process of such a removal begins and ends with the House of Assembly. The constitution did not provide that this duty is to be carried out at the instance of any body or agency. This section does not permit or contemplate the element of coercion, arm twisting, intimidation, harassment or cajoling by any body or agency directed at the House of Assembly for it to carry out this function. For the purpose of impeachment of a Governor or his Deputy the House of Assembly is strictly on its own. Any external influence on it, to so act, will be an unconstitutional Act. For this reason, therefore, I will also answer question Number 7 in the negative. I wish to make it abundantly clear, that from the facts deposed to by the claimant in his affidavit in support of his originating summons particularly paragraphs 3 - 6 thereof, that the following facts are very glearing.

(1) That the Rivers State House of Assembly is abdicating or sur-

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Continues from page 37

claimant in his affidavit in support of this originating summons.

See the case of Honda Place Ltd v Globe Motors Holdings (Nigeriia) Ltd. (2005) ALL FWLR (pt 283) 1 at 12-13.

Having answered all the seven (7) questions submitted for determination by the claimant, in the negative, I have no other choice, than to grant to him (claimant) all the reliefs sought by him, in hiis originating summons. This is the judgment of this Honourable Court, in this matter.

Appearances: Mr. J.T.O. Ugboduma for claimants, V. Chukwu Esq. with him, holding Mr. E. C.Ukala, SAN’s brief. Mr. R. Williams for 1st 33rd Defendant, Kalu Emmanuel Esq. with him for S. R. Dappa Addo. Mr. G. Akitoye for 37th Defendant, Deima Tamuno-Opubo with him. No appearance for 34th - 36th Defendants.

P.N.C. AGUMAGU, Judge 16/ 2/2007.

Next we sued the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt. Full trial went on with all parties represented and EFCC lost the case and we were grant-

The combined effect of sections 128 and 129 of the constitution is the power vested in State House of Assembly, to superintend or police all funds appropriated by it, and to expose corruption and waste in the management of public and consolidated revenue funds of a state

rendering its constitutional power and control over the public and Consolidated Revenue Funds of the Rivers State to the EFCC, a Federal agency, thereby endangering the Federal system of Governance which the supreme law of our land, the 1999 Constitution of the Federation specifically provides for.

(2) That the EFCC has no constitutional power and control, over public and consolidated Revenue Funds of Rivers State, and to that extend is not entitled to audit its accounts or tamper with it’s Bank statements and records.

(3) That the 34th - 37th Defendants did not file any affidavit, or written statement in opposition to or in support of this originating summons. They are, therefore, deemed to have admitted as true all the facts deposed to by the

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ed the reliefs sought on the 20th day of March, 2007. The most curious and instructive aspect of the judgment/trial was that on page 60/61 of the judgment, EFCC denied knowledge and ownership of that ‘so-called interim report’ of December, 2006.

The court restrained the EFCC from any further action against Rivers State Government/Governor. I made no publicity out of the judgment - I held it as a quiet shield. Following is part reproduction of the judgment and court orders.

SUIT NO. FHC/PH/CS/78/07 BETWEEN: 1 . ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR RIVERS STATE (Plaintiff) & 1. THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COM-

MISSION (EFCC) 2. THE SPEAKER, RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY 3. THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR RIVERS STATE 4. THE CLERK TO RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY The Plaintiff, Attorney General for Rivers State, took out an originating summons dated the 26th day of February 2007; against the four defendants, in the instant suit claiming the following reliefs to wit: i. A declaration that the 1st Defendant is not entitled to share in the powers, or to participate in the exercise of the powers or to prompt or instigate the 2nd and 3rd Defendants in the exercise of the powers of control of public funds vested in the House of Assembly for Rivers State by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 including the power to direct or cause to be directed any inquiry or investigation or to investigate into the disbursing or administering of moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the Rivers State House of Assembly for any purpose including for the purpose of exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste. ii . A declaration that the purported investigation or inquiry carried out by the 1st Defendant or being carried out by the 1st Defendant into the disbursing, administering, or management of funds appropriated or to be appropriated by the Rivers State House of Assembly is unconstitutional, ultra vires the powers of tile 1st Defendant and accordingly null and void.

TOMORROW The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, filed a 21 paragraph Affidavit claiming that it was only carrying out investigation into a criminal allegation reported to it

Vanguard , TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 —39

From Left: Kingsley Anuebunwa, Brand Manager, Chelsea Dry Gin; Innocent Oboh, Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Cross-section of Houses of Assembly Speakers in Nigeria during the 40th birth- IDL, Music Stars: Tuface Idibia and Nomoreloss, at a ball sponsored by day of Rt.Hon. Sam Ikon, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Speaker in Uyo. IDL in Lagos.

From Left: Dr. Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Secretary to the Local Government, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, Chairman and Hon. Babatunde Rajh Label, Vice Chairman (all of Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government), during the press briefing by the Chairman on the work and infrastructure and completion of a classrooms block, in Fred Williams Primary School, Ogba. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Mr. Mike Omeri, the Director General, National Orientation Agency,NOA, (left), chatting with HRM. Oba Rufus Adeyemo Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, during the two-day Zonal Forum on Security and Peace Building in Nigeria, organised by NOA, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Dame Lynette Ohiwerei,wife of late Hon. Justice Joel W. A. Ohiwerei, cutting her 85th birthday cake, in Lagos, surrounded by some members of the family and friends

From left: Prof. Wole Atoyebi, Electoral Committee Chairman, Ultimate Circle of Nigeria; Adelaja Adeleye, New President, Ultimate Circle of Nigeria and Hon. Seye Oladejo, New Vice President, at the AGM of ULtimate Circle of Nigeria, held in Iperu, Ogun State.

From left: Jurgen Rigterink, Chief Investment Officer, the Nederlandse FinancieringsMaatschappij voor Ontwikkelings Landen N.V, FMO; Andrew Alli, President & CEO and Oliver Andrews, Director & Chief Coverage Officer(both of Africa Finance Corporation, during the AFC/ FMO Launch Project Development Facility ceremony, at FMO headquarters, The Hague, Netherlands.

From Left: Mrs. Susan Omotosho, Mrs. Moji Osagie, Rot. Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, the district Governor and Mr. Richard Giwa Osagie, Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938, Alhaji Musa Mayaki (right), the Acting Director General of NTA and during the courtesy visit of the District Governor, Rotary International District 9110 Alex Okosi, the Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Af- Nigeria Rot. Dr.Omotosho and his team to Ikoyi Club 1938, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun rica, signing MOU for local content and capacity building in Abuja.

Ogunleye

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

NASS reporters urged to embrace modern reporting skills

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Commons, United Kingdom Parliament has warned that if the National Assembly, NASS, must meet with the latest information technology in the compilation of Hansards and day-to-day votes and proceedings of the parliament, there was the urgent need to embrace modern in-chamber reporting skills.

Disclosing this weekend at the training workshop for National Assembly official reporters, the head Trainer and Sub-Editor Harsard’s, House of Commons, in the United Kingdom, Joanna Lipkowska, stressed that the course would expose NASS reporters to the latest trends in official reporting.

The workshop was organised by National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS, in collaboration with Hansard Division of House of Commons(UK Parliament).

Edo LG polls: We must support Anenih — Asekhame

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY— FORMER Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Mr. Dan Asekhame, yesterday, urged members of the party in the state to complement the efforts of Chief Tony Anenih in rebuilding the party in the state by ensuring victory for the party in the forthcoming April 20, 2013 Local Government elections.

While describing Chief Anenih as the undisputable national leader of the party, Asekhame who was two-time chairman of the council, reasoned that the party will benefit from what he described as the brewing crisis in the state Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, as a result of the disagreement among some leaders of the party over choice of chairmanship candidates, to clinch party victory in some council areas.

C M Y K

PRESENTATION: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN (right) and first civilian Governor of Delta State, Chief Felix Ibru, during the presentation of staff of office to the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor, His Royal Majesty, Okorefe I, Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe.

DISTRIBUTION: Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo State Governor (left), handing over a bag of food to one of the women, during the distribution of food items by the Ajumose Food Bank to some indigent women, at Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State. Photo: Dare Fasube.

Kidnapped Bayelsa council chairman’s parents regain freedom zAs kidnappers of state Assembly Leader’s mother demand N80m ransom

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE kid napped parents of Mr. Richard Ebegu, Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have been released.

Meantime, the kidnappers of the 59-year-old mother of the Leader of state House of Assembly, Mrs. Esther Akpe, weekend, contacted the family of their victim, demanding N80 million ransom to effect her release.

It was gathered that the re-

lease of the kidnapped parents of the council chairman, Mr. Festus, 65, and his 53year-old wife, Ebiye, followed the intervention of operatives of the Joint Task Force.

The victims, who were reportedly released on Saturday, after six days in captivity, had been relocated to Yenagoa by their son.

The victims were seized and taken away last Monday from their residence at the riverside settlement of Oloibiri, in Ogbia coumcil by gunmen.

Though it could not be ascertained, if any ransom was paid, a security source told Vanguard that the couple was released by their captors as security operatives were closing in on them.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the development.

But a source told Vanguard that the victims were received by the chairman’s younger brother and a councilor in the council.

Meantime, the abductors of the 59-year-old mother of the Leader of the state House of Assembly, according to a source, contacted the family, weekend and assured them of her safety.

Delta NURTW wades into Ughelli leadership crisis

BY FESTUS AHON

Why we are constructing N4bn AFLPM U building —FCT Minister

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

A

BUJA—MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammad, has justified the reason his administration was constructing the N4 billion African First Ladies Peace Mission, AFLPM, building, as contained in the 2013 budget of the FCT Administration.

He said construction of public buildings in Abuja was the sole responsibility of Federal Capital Development Authority, FCTA. The minister, who spoke while clarifying issues concerning the project, said: “The Decree No.6

of 1976 that created Abuja also simultaneously created the FCTA with duty and responsibilities to plan, design, provide the infrastructure and construct public buildings as well as services to the entire 8,000 square kilometres of the FCT.” Mohammed, who responded through his Senior Special Assistant on Information Management Systems, Hajiya Jamilah Tangazah, recalled that the AFLPM was created in 1996 to promote peace and harmony in Africa after the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women and its subsequent declaration in Zimbabwe during which the Organi-

sation of African Unity (now African Union) keyed in.

He said: “Since its inception in 1996, the organisation has been debating issues of relevance to African women, children and youths as well as issues to do with social justice within the fields of population and development, the environment, and human rights especially gender equality.

“So as part of its remit to live up to its international obligation, the Federal Government accommodates certain international bodies- just like it is done across the globe; every year, the cost of rent or accommodation for such bodies tends to be above one billion naira.”

G H E L L I — D E LTA State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has waded into the leadership crisis rocking the Ughelli central motor park, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The park, which had been engulfed in leadership crisis was taken over by the council during a renewed clash between OtorIwhreko community and NURTW, recently, wtth men of Joint Military Taskforce, JTF, to bring the situation under control.

State Secretary of the union, Mr Anthony Igwebuike, who fielded questions from newsmen, maintained that Olokpa emerged as the Chairman of the Ughelli branch ‘A’ of the union in a free and fair election conducted at Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Secretariat, Asaba, on February 20, 2012.

Imo Customs impounds N384m contraband

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE Federal Operations Unit, FOU of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Zone C, has impounded contraband goods worth about N383,932,530.

Comptroller in charge of

Owerri, Mohammed Biu, who briefed newsmen, yesterday, said: “The zone recorded seven seizures of various contraband items last month, which include used tyres, printed wax made in Holland, used hand bags, elastic bands, second hand clothing, vegetable oil, assorted toilet

soap, unregistered drugs, among others, all amounting to duty paid value of N383,932,530.”

Biu said the goods were found in two separate containers, adding that the command had earlier seized contraband items worth about N614,896,307 in the area.

Giving a breakdown of the zone’s effort in 2012, Biu said: “Within last year, the unit recorded a total of 56 seizures of various kinds of products worth about N1,047,931,527. Since then, seizures kept nose-diving because smugglers are on the run and importers now do the right things.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—41

Jonathan not incompetent —Presidency Continues from page 5 and steer it away from the mono cultural dependence on oil to the detriment of other critical economic sectors.

Specifically, this administration has re invented the wheels of the Agricultural sector and it now accounts for 75 per cent of non oil exports.

“The cassava component of the Agricultural transformation programme has attracted

C M Y K

N600 billion (about 380 million dollars) into the Nigerian economy from the substitution of bread wheat flour with cassava flour. Nigeria will, before the end of this year, earn an additional 136 million dollars from export of cassava chips.

“Nigeria is today producing 3.5 million tons of rice locally and will by 2015 meet its total local demand of five million tons of the staple. This will save about 300 bil-

lion dollars in foreign exchange and create jobs for our local farmers and entrepreneurs.

“Similarly, Nigeria produced about 10 million tons of maize in 2012 while four high yielding hybrid of sorghum were provided for farmers free of charge to revolutionize sorghum production nation wide. The same method is being adopted to bring back the lost glory of cocoa production with a view to increasing

the current production volume from 250, 000 metric tons to 500, 000 metric tons in the next two years. High yielding, early maturing hybrid cocoa seedlings are being distributed free of charge across cocoa producing states.

“Cotton farmers, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria have been provided 1,500 tons of improved seedlings and are currently cultivating 17,319 hectares of

cotton.

“The value chain approach for intervention in Agriculture as an alternative revenue earner is being successfully implemented by the Federal Government. The ultimate goal is to turn Nigeria from being a major importer of food to a net exporter by 2015.”

On economic stability, Okupe said: “Economic stability is a necessary foundation for economic growth. This is why the

Jonathan administration through the implementation of sound monetary and fiscal policies has been able to provide macro economic stability for the country in the last two years.

“It is noteworthy that while other major economies including that of South Africa and the United States of America are being downgraded, Nigerian economy is being upgraded by global rating agencies including Fitch, S&P, JP MORGAN. While the overall global projection for economic growth in 2013 is 3.5 to 5. 5 per cent, projected growth for Nigeria has been put at 6.5 per cent and above.

“Nigerians rightly observe that in spite of this favourable macro-economic indicators such as increased GDP, reduced inflation, and increased foreign reserve, the population is yet to benefit by having food on their tables. It should however be realized that achieving macro-economic stability is the foundation upon which other economic reforms such as the investment in power sector, infrastructure and development of skilled manpower will be built.

“However, government, in realization of the need to make the transition period less stressful has initiated socio-economic programmes such as the various youth empowerment, wealth creation initiatives under the SURE-P, NAPEP and other agencies.”

On insecurity, he said: “No Nigerian expected the level of insurgency that the Jonathan Administration inherited on assumption of office. But this Government retooled its security apparatus, introduced modern technology to information gathering, retrained its Military and Police Officers in the art of combating terrorism, and in less than two years, obvious decline has become noticeable in the frequency of bombing attacks. From January to November 2012, going by the figures supplied by the Intelligence Reports and Independence Survey, the incidence of bombing has gone down by about 50 per cent."

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

autonomy for local governments and state Houses of Assembly, two platforms that have been used by nearly all of the country ’s governors to entrench themselves and project themselves in the power play in the federation.

Through lack of autonomy for the councils, governors are believed to get easy access to local government funds with which they execute projects and claim credits or simply enrich themselves.

Also because of lack of financial autonomy, the state Houses of Assembly are made to depend on the governors for funding making them to kowtow to the interests of the governors. It is as such not surprising that with the possible exception of the Lagos and Nasarawa States , that all other Houses of Assembly in the country are subject to the whims and caprices of the governors in their states.

Scheduled presentation

•House of Representatives chamber

HOUSE CONSTITUTION REVIEW:

The ghost of the past

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & OKEY NDIRIBE

A

S Chief Whip of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, Chief Emeka Ihedioha could have been in the know of the intrigues and plots that derailed the work of the ill-fated National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review in early 2008.

Against popular reason, the Minna retreat of the National Assembly joint committee involving both senators and members of the House of Representatives was aborted after the House members refused to participate on the excuse that the then deputy speaker, Usman Nafada was made deputy chairman and not cochairman of the joint committee.

Senators angered by the claim to equality stuck to their guns and refused to confer Nafada as co-chairman forcing Ihedioha and his followers to walk out and abort the Minna retreat.

Just five years on, Ihedioha is himself, now on the spot. As chairman of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on constitution review he had led a painstaking and well commended move to incorporate the views of ordinary Nigerian stakeholders into amendments of the constitution.

The House public sessions which took C M Y K

place in nearly all the 360 federal constituencies last year was the first time that the art of constitution making was taken to the grassroots and the views of ordinary men and women taken into consideration by the lawmakers.

The report of that process was what was supposed to have been presented last Thursday. But it turned out to be an anticlimax. After waiting for more than two hours, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal with a horde of lawmakers in tow sauntered into the hall scheduled for the presentation to announce the postponement of the presentation.

"I will begin by apologising to you collectively and severally for the delay in the commencement of the process. I would like to say that as leaders, we will continue to engage ourselves and in the process of that what ought to be done or needs to be done is done very well,” the speaker said.

"Here in the House of Representatives where this process has been acclaimed to be transparent thus far; we will not as such want a situation whereby at this stage there should be an issue that has to do with the total collated results of what needs to be presented to the public. This event has been postponed until a better report will be ready for presentation."

Speaker Tambuwal’s announcement was the culmination of several hours of pressure and consultations. Many

members of the house had on Wednesday night besieged the Speaker’s residence pressing him to cancel the scheduled event.

The grouse of many was that the report came to them late and that they had not had enough time to review the bulky document.

Others also complained that the document was shoddy alleging that there were typographical and other mistakes

,

IT was supposed to be the highpoint so far, in the move to amend the existing constitution, but intrigues and conspiracy theories surface as the elaborate presentation of the report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Constitution Review is aborted.

The Nigerian Governors Forum has not hidden its opposition to the work of the Ihedioha committee and it was not surprising that none of them were present at the scheduled presentation. While not openly campaigning against the amendments, many have surreptitiously worked against the work of the committee.

The issue is one that joins all governors, both from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. It could not be confirmed at press time if the governors discussed the issue at a secret meeting they held in Abuja last Tuesday but many would be surprised if the strategy to abort the presentation was not taken at that meeting.

The postponement of the event two days after the governor’s secret meeting was immediately flayed by representatives of students and civil society groups and other stakeholders who had waited for the commencement of the exercise last Tuesday. Among them were the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Alliance for Credible Elections ACE and other civil society groups.

Mr Emma Ezeazu, whose organisation Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE) was an active participant in the collation exercise, said: "I am still trying to find out why the event was called off.

But the issue that arises is why didn't the leadership of the House go through the document before fixing last Thursday as the date for the unveiling of the result? It reveals a lackadaisical attitude to leadership. It exposes a lack of diligence on the part of the leadership.”

Commenting on the possibility that the powerful Governors Forum had sabotaged the exercise from behind the scene, Ezeazu said: "We have been aware of the opposition of the Governors Forum to the review of the constitution. But we cannot say for sure whether it is a manifestation of that opposition that we saw today in the House.”

Governors are believed to get easy access to local government funds with which they execute projects and claim credit

that otherwise demeaned the report.

Ihedioha who has had very cordial relations with Tambuwal –Tambuwal was Ihedioha’s deputy as chief whip between 2007 and 2011 – pleaded seriously with the speaker that the event should not be cancelled at the last minute.

But with the pressures coming from far and wide, Tambuwal stuck to his guns and cancelled the presentation. But beneath the veneer of all such allegations of shoddiness on the part of the ad-hoc committee was the underlining fact that the work of the Ihedioha led committee may have touched on sensitive aspects of the constitution that would inevitably affect some otherwise privileged entities in the country.

It is believed that the report favoured

,

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012—43

BOKO HARAM: How

to make ceasefire

effective — Borno govt, others

BY NDAHI MARAMA & SUZAN EDEH

T

O make the cease-fire declared by the Jama’atul Ahalis Sunna Lida’awati Wal Jihad, or Boko Haram Islamic Sect effective, the Borno State Government has urged sustained dialogue with the group.

A faction of the group, which had terrorized many parts of the North since July 2009 during which about 3000 Nigerians were killed agreed to sheathe its sword last Monday after discussions with the Borno State Government.

Speaking on the issue, Borno State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Inuwa Bwala said, “the fact that a group, which admits being hostile to the state has offered an olive branch gives one hope that there is an end in sight,” adding that with the development, “the state and its good people owe it a duty to support further dialogue with others and push for the surrender of arms and possible amnesty, so that the economy and social coexistence which were destroyed during the insurgency will be improved for the sustainable development in not only the state, but also the country at large.”

Special Adviser to Governor on Communication, Alhaji Isa Umar Gusau, said the cease-fire was a welcome development, as the state Government under the leadership of Shettima since inception had opened its door for

dialogue to end the hostilities which had disrupted economic fortune and peaceful coexistence in the state.

“It is a good thing that has happened not only to the state, but also the country at large.

You can also confirm as journalists that have been following the activities of the governor is that from the day he became a governor-elect, even before he was sworn in, he was first to speak on the need for dialogue as the best way out.

Governor Shettima has been very firm and consistent on this believe as he has regularly advocated that unless we want to engage in an endless war, the best way out of the crisis is dialogue towards a peaceful resolution,” Isa stated.

Peaceful coexistence He added that Governor Shettima was ready and committed to ensuring peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. “I can confirm to you that Governor Shettima has consistently been exploring different ways to establish means of negotiation for a fruitful dialogue to end the challenges. Anytime someone is killed be it a civilian, a security personnel or any member of the sect, Governor Shettima is deeply pained, he hates to hear that someone has lost his or her life, no matter who that person is. It is the hope and prayers of Governor Shettima that not just peace but indeed sustainable

*Governor Shettima peace returns to Borno and the rest of Nigeria in the quickest time because he knows like he says, that no society can thrive without peace.”

Likewise, Spokesman of the Joint Task Force, ‘Operation Restore Order’ in Borno state, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa said, conflicts are resolved through dialogue, hence, the declaration of ceasefire by the sect’s leader is a welcome development.

He however said that, the JTF would still remain alert to continue maintain law and order and protect lives and property of citizens in its area of operational

The ghost of the past Continues from page 42 "As far as I know, nobody has indicted the Committee for anything. No categorical reason has been given for postponing the event."

National President of NANS Yinka Gbadebo and a representative of Persons with Disability Society of Nigeria, Augustine Onwuamaegbu at separate interviews with news men described the postponement as an attempt to truncate subvert the will of the people.

Gbadebo said: “this is another attempt by the House to subvert the wishes and aspirations of the people expressly captured at the 360 constituencies of this country at the peoples' public session just to satisfy the interest of a certain segment of the society”.

He stated that all issues relating to local government autonomy and autonomy of state houses of assemblies which were

canvassed at the peoples' public sessions and opposed by the Nigerian Governors Forum NGF were non negotiable adding that any attempt to alter them would be resisted by the students.

The student leader also threatened that NANS would not hesitate to mobilise students of the various institutions of higher learning in the country if the will of the people for a constitution that will reflect their views is hijacked by only a segment of society.

On his part, Onwuamaegbu representing Association of People with Disability said “the Nigerian people have a lot of confidence in both houses of the National Assembly; for them to cancel the result of the collation of the peoples public sessions shows that the House has an agenda on this issue”.

Before Tambuwal came down that Thursday to cancel the presentation, the leadership of

•Tambuwal: Cancelled the presentation the House had held a marathon meeting. At the meeting Tambuwal was said to have declared that there was no way the report he was shown by Ihedioha could be presented to the public. He had told his

responsibility.

Ceasefire 'll restore peace and hope in northern states – Bauchi CAN Also, Bauchi State Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joshua Ray Maina has commended leaders of Boko Haram for declaring ceasefire saying that the move would restore peace and hope in the North-East geopolitical zone of the country.

He said in view of the 2015 general elections, the declaration of ceasefire is a positive development because it will restore confidence in the hearts of the people to trust the colleagues that instead of presenting the report, the presentation ceremony should be postponed till further notice.

The source said, the Speaker had waved aside the argument that many had been invited for the occasion and declared he would personally announce the postponement.

A source close to the leadership also told Vanguard that "there was serious pressure from the north on Tambuwal to jettison the report as it did not favour us."

Throwing more light on the position of the House at a press briefing later that Thursday, Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Zakari Mohammed defended Tambuwal’s insistence on cancelling the presentation of the report saying: "After the public sessions on the constitution review that took us to all our constituencies, we agreed with the Nigerian people to produce a constitution that is all embracing.

government again.

According to him, “Boko Haram is a creation of northern elites and 2015 is just around the corner, so the northern elites now have no other option than to look for a way to maintain peace and national security. In the state of insecurity the nation is experiencing, there can never be a review of voter’s registration list, let alone people coming out to cast votes in 2015.So the northern elites have to face the reality by calling their boys back to order. Ceasefire is mandatory because if Boko Haram continues its activities, people cannot come out to vote and by implication, there cannot be an election”.

The CAN secretary noted that the activities of BokoHaram in the country had caused underdevelopment and depopulation in the North because most viable industries have moved out of the North as result of insecurity.

He said with the ceasefire, the tourism potentials of Bauchi State for instance would be restored.

“Bauchi State is endowed with a lot of tourist attractions and these have generated huge revenues for the state in the past, but with the spate of insecurity in northern parts of the country, many investors have refused to come to the state to invest. Places like the Yankari Games Reserve, which foreigners patronize is a shadow of itself. With ceasefire, tourism will be revived, thereby boosting development of state.”

Rev. Joshua hoped that the ceasefire would make people especially those in the southern and eastern parts of the country to change their negative perception about North and invest in the state.

"But because of the short time we had and the fact that a number of our colleagues have not been able to go through the reports from their various states, we had to postpone the presentation till today.

Responding to a reporter's question that some powerful groups such as the Governors Forum, Northern Elders and Nigeria Union of Teachers had mounted pressure on the House leadership to dump the report as it was not favourable to them, Mohammed simply said: "Different groups have their opinions. But outside what I have told you, other views about the House are based on imagination.

The official position of the House is what I have given you."

Mohammed’s arguments nonetheless, eyes would be watching whether the report when it finally comes out would be the same product and passion from the celebrated public sessions!

C M Y K

44— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 , 2013 —45

French jets hit Malian rebel bases near Kidal F

RENCH warplanes have bombed rebel bases and depots in remote parts of northern Mali to try to cut off supply routes, France’s foreign minister has said.

Laurent Fabius told France Inter radio that the rebels would not be able to stay long without fresh supplies.

Thirty jets struck on Sunday around Tessalit amid fears the rebels could re-group in the mountainous region.

In Paris, US VicePresident Joe Biden backed plans for an African-led force and eventual UN operation in Mali.

Speaking alongside French President Francois Hollande, who visited Mali at the

president’s appearance at the Elysee Palance, Mr Fabius said that Sunday’s

... extremists invade Timbuktu artifacts

W French troops have driven Islamist militants from Gao and other population centres weekend, Mr Biden said they had agreed that African troops should take over from French forces “as quickly as reasonably possible”, before the UN assumes overall command.

Efforts must then be made “as quickly as is prudent [to] transition that mission to the United Nations,” Mr Biden said.

Mr Hollande said the French-led mission

would continue, with the aim of restoring Mali’s “territorial integrity ” before peacekeeping operations began Speaking before his

S/Sudan fails to withdraw troops from border

S

OUTH Sudan is not withdrawing troops from the border with Sudan to set up a buffer zone as it pledged it was last month, South Sudan’s army said yesterday , in a setback to efforts to resume the oil exports vital to both

economies.

The two countries came close to war last April in the worst border clashes since South Sudan sece ded in 2011 under a peace deal that ended one of Africa’s longest civil wars.

A man waves the national flag of South Sudan during celebrations to mark the country’s first anniversary of its independence.

Spain’s PM

S

PANISH PM Mariano Rajoy has fiercely denied corruption allegations, pledging that Spain will see off its worst financial crisis in recent years.

He said his Popular Party (PP) was committed to reforms that would steer Spain away from the financial crisis.

Mr Rajoy rejected opposition calls for his resignation after a newspaper published images of documents allegedly showing secret payments to PP members.

He said the claims were

air strikes had been aimed at “destroying the bases and fuel depots” of the rebels.

The African Union managed to broker a deal in September to defuse hostilities. But the nations have failed set up a buffer border zone and

resume oil exports from the landlocked South Sudan through Sudanese pipelines as agreed in Addis Ababa.

HEN the moment of danger came, Ali Imam Ben Essayouti knew just what to do. The delicate, unbound parchment manuscripts in the 14th-century mosque he leads had already survived hundreds of years in the storied city of Timbuktu.

He was not about to allow its latest invaders, Tuareg nationalist rebels

Iran says Israel will regret Syria air strike

I

RAN told Israel yesterday that it would regret its air strike against Syria last week, without spelling out whether Iran or its ally planned any military response.

“They will regret this

India president approves rape laws

I

NDIA’s president has approved harsher punishment for rapists, includingthedeathpenalty, after the gang rape of a studentsparkeddemandsfor tougher laws.

President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent at the weekend to new rape laws recommended by the government.

Separately, five men have pleadednotguiltytotherape and murder of the student in a Delhi bus in December.

The brutal gang rape

caused outrage across the country.

“TheIndianpresidenthas given his assent to the ordinance on crime against women. It comes into effect immediately but it will also be tabled before the parliament,” a senior officer in the president’s office was quotedassayingbytheAFP news agency.

Althoughthelawsarenow in place as a result of this ordinance, a bill or bills with these amendments must be tabled in parliament within

and Islamic extremists from across the region, to destroy them now.

So he gingerly bundled the 8,000 volumes in sackcloth, carefully stacked them in crates, then quietly moved them to a bunker in an undisclosed location.

“These manuscripts, they are not just for us in Timbuktu,” Mr. Essayouti said.

six weeks of the next session beginning - this is on 21 February.

If this bill is not passed, the ordinance lapses and the new laws will no longer be valid. A governmentapproved panel which reviewedthecountry’slaws on sex crimes and the cabinet had recommend tougher laws after the gang rape incident.

recent aggression,” Saeed Jalili, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told a news conference in Damascus a day after holding talks there with President Bashar alAssad.

Jalili likened Israel’s attack on a military compound north-west of Damascus on Wednesday to previous conflicts including its 34-day war with Lebanon’s Shi’ite militant group Hezbollah in 2006, all battles that he said Israel had lived to regret.

“Today, too, both the people and the government of Syria are serious regarding the issue. And also the Islamic community is supporting Syria,” he said.

pledges to battle financial crisis “totally false” and denied receiving illegal money.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, Mr Rajoy said his government remained strong and would overcome theaccusations,whichhave sparked protests and an online petition for his resignation signed by 74,000 people.

“The government is stable. The PP has a majority,” Mr Rajoy said.

“It’s carrying out its agenda based on reforms.”

Mrs Merkel said Germany would support

the Spanish government’s efforts. What are the allegations?

That documents published by El Pais are a list of undeclared or secret cash payments to senior PP members.

Is Spain’s prime minister involved? Mariano Rajoy’s

name is written a number of times in the documents.

How damaging could this case be? The scandal has already damaged the image of Mr Rajoy and his party because it has received such widespread media coverage.

The gang rape of the 23-year-old woman shocked India and sparked a debate about the treatment of women

U.N. threatens North Korea nuke test

T

HE U.N. Security Council is united on North Korea’s nuclear arms program and will undoubtedly approve tough measures against Pyongyang if it carries out

a new atomic test as expected, South Korean U.N. Ambassador Kim Sook said yesterday.

“The North Korean nuclear test seems to be imminent,” Kim, who is

president of the Security Council this month, told reporters. “Obviously there are very busy activities going on at the (North Korean) nuclear test site, and everybody ’s watching.”

“Everybody is unified and they are firm and resolute,” he said. “I would expect very firm and strong measures to be taken ... once they go ahead with such provocation.”

46— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

FG defies court order, pulls down Airforce chiefs apartment

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

T

HE Federal Government at the weekend defied the order of the Appeal Court, Lagos, to ‘stay of execution’, of a lower courts judgment to recover the property, located on 39b, Ladoke Akintola, street, Ikeja, G.R.A in Lagos.

It will be recalled that Wing Commander E.E Udoma-Udofa (Rtd) (Appellant) had on February 28th, 2012 filled an appeal against the judgement delivered by Justice M.B. Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on December 1st, 2011 in favour of the Federal Government.

The appeal filed with reference no: CA/L/106/2012 suit No FHC/L/CS/113/2008, had the Minister for Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Secretary-Implementation Committee on Alienation of Federal Government landed property and the Attorney-General of the Federation, joined in the case.

The Task-force team attached to the Secretary-Implementation Committee on Alienation of Federal Government landed property, led by one lieutenant Colonel Fegg, stormed the premises and demanded the eviction of the occupants.

Explaining the incident, the wife of the Appellant, Mrs. Ini Udoma-Udofa said that the 15man armed task-force officer arrived at about 7:00 am and left the premises at 11:00 am on Saturday.

Notice placed at the gate According to Ini, “We were still sleeping when they arrived. First they removed the notice placed at the gate. And instead of waiting for the gate to be opened, they (Taskforce) immediately pulled down the gate to gain entrance into the compound.”

“Immediately I heard the loud sound, I rushed out to see what was happening. I discovered that the gate had already been pulled down by the taskforce officers.”

“I explained to him (Fegg) that the case was already in court but he refused and said he wasn’t aware of any court case. And that the notice placed at the entrance of the house didn’t hold water.”

“While in the building, they harassed me, beat our tenant,

The property at 39b, Ladoke Akintola, street, Ikeja, G.R.A in Lagos.

Femi and seized his digital camera for taking their picture.”

The counsel to Commandant E.E Udoma-Udofa (Rtd), Mr. Emmanuel Sukore argued that the taskforce had committed contempt on the proceeding of the court of appeal, saying “the case had already been filed in the appeal court and we expect that all parties should maintain status quo until the court delivers its judgement.”

Sukore also added that the act was against S44 (1) of the 1999 constitution, which restrict taking possession of property without court injunction.

The counsel said that “we will file a report to the Appeal court next week on the attempt by one of the parties to use selfhelp to evict the occupants of the building.

FG reluctant to react to development When Vanguard contacted the leader of the Task-force, Colonel Fegge on phone, he said “I cannot comment on it now. I am driving, please call me back after few minutes” but he failed

to pick susequent calls after that.

Also, the counsel for the government in the case, Mr. B.R.

Photo: Monsur Olowoopejo

Ashiru, said “I am not aware of the act committed by the taskforce officers. :”I am just hearing this for the

first time from you. Although I am a civil servant with the Federal Government and I am not permitted to speak to the public.”

502 yr-old Badagry Vlekete slave market

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

HE Vlekete Slave Market in Badagry, started in 1502, noted for Trans-Atlantic slave trade is being renovated The upgrade according to government sources, is part of the administration’s package for tourism as it represents one of such historical sites that Nigerians pay money to visit in other parts of the world.

The state is building the road networks around the historical site as part of the development of tourism projects in Badagry like the shoreline for the “Point of no return” area aimed at providing vital infrastructure .

The trans- Atlantic slave trade was the cruelest form of slavery; This was the purchase and transport of Africans into bond-

age and servitude in the new world. The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade was a lucrative international institution from which many nation-states benefited economically. Domestic slavery however was the most common form of enslavement around the worldhousemaids, servants, serfs among others before the transAtlantic slave trade.

In West Africa, chiefs and wealthy people had slaves usually working in homes and on their farms to increase their productivity and it was said that it was the number of slaves that a person had that was used to measure his social status.

Trans- Atlantic slave trade began as early as 15th century and lasted for over 400 years before it was abolished.

Though slavery had been a cul-

ture amongst the blacks before the obnoxious Trans- Atlantic slave trade.

Slaves were gotten through

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — 47

30 years after, this PHC remains abandoned

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

Y

EARS after the establishment of the Marina Primary Healthcare Centre, PHC, in Badagry Local Government; the centre still lacks basic medical facilities.

When Vanguard visited the PHC, it was gathered that the centre located at Awhajigbon, Marina road, beside Badagry Prison, was established over 30 years ago, to provide care for child delivery and management of other health complications and primarily paediatric related issues.

It was also learnt that the PHC was the first, established to provide free medical care to the entire residents of Badagry before the

The Marina Primary Healthcare Centre, PHC, in Badagry...abandoned Photo: Monsur Olowoopejo

establishment of General Hospital and three other PHCs in the area, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, a

resident, said “I can’t remember when the hospital was established but I could remember that when I was a

Lagos focuses on Okadas using unrestricted routes

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

HE state government is set to further ensure sanity on its road as it warned motorcycle operators popularly called ‘’Okada” operating in the state to obey the Road Traffic Law 2012 on all unrestricted routes or face the sanction.

The government has asked motorcycle operators to obey the traffic law in order for the state government to further ensure the safety and security of the people.

Lamenting the flagrant disobedience of traffic law by motorcycle operators, Transportation Commissioner, Comrade Kayode Opeifa said that in spite of the stakeholders engagements, public enlightenment and advocacy embarked upon by the state government to educate motorcycle associations on the provisions of the

law , some motorcycle operators still ply restricted and unrestricted routes not obeying the guiding laws.

According to him, Section 3 sub sections 3 and 4 stipulate that no person shall operate a motorcycle either as a rider or a passenger without wearing a standard protective crash helmet and that no motorcycle operator shall carry more than one (1) passenger at a time or a pregnant woman, a child below the age of twelve (12) years or an adult with a baby on her back.

He warned motorcycle operators who ply unrestricted routes without the proper registration of the motorcycles, to desist from such unlawful act as both rider and passenger would be made to face the law.

He appealed to Nigeria Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agents to carry out their duties diligently while enforcing the Road Traffic Law adding that residents rely on them for their safe-

undergoes renovation war, raids, parental consents and sometimes thieves and bandits in villages were sold into slavery, but slaves got-

ten through war and raids used to supply the highest percentage of human stock.

A slave is a person captured, sold in exchange for goods and made to work under the command of a fellow being that purchased his/her rights and freedom, a person subjected to servitude, forced into hard labor or lost his freedom to a fellow being without the hope of getting freed someday.

If a master choose to kill a slave he could easily do that without question, they were brutalized, maltreated and subjected to all sorts of torture.

Minimum amount of food, clothing and shelter are provided to those who survived the passage stage while maximum work is required of them.

kid, this was the hospital we visit or get admission whenever we need medical attention.”

Joseph added “You could imagine how old the centre is.

Now, I am married and my daughter is over 10 years-old.”

Some of the basic facilities lacking at the Centre include adequate bed spaces with those currently in use looking worn out.

The non-pneumatic antishock garment (NASG), a lowtechnology first-aid device used for heavy bleeding of a woman during or after delivery, is not available at the centre.

Vanguard further gathered that due to the poor state of the centre, patients pay for registration cards and some basic drugs like anagesics,

ty, security and enforcement of the Law. It would be recalled that Governor Babatunde Fasola, signed the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 on Tuesday, 2nd

expected to free..

Pained by the poor state of the PHC, the residents accosted the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, last week Thursday, during a tour of ongoing projects in Badagry and demanded for an immediate provision of essential facilities for the centre.

One of the residents, Mrs. Bola Talabi said that the centre lacks basic medical facilities that could aid effective healthcare delivery to the patients.

She also added that the centre lacked adequate power supply, pipe borne water even as the physical structure of the PHC required urgent upgrade

August, 2012 which restricted motorcycle operations on 475 roads including bridges and highways out of 9100 roads in the state.

•Gov. Fashola

Residents attack traffic officers removing abandoned vehicles

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

W

ORRIED by the number of vehicles abandoned along Lagosroads and streets, the state government last week commenced their removal aimed at clearing all impediments to free flow of traffic and abandoned vehicles that are security risk.

The state government through the Ministry of Transportation, two weeks ago issued a three day ultimatum to owners to remove their abandoned vehicles or risk impoundment.

However, as members of the Committee on Abandoned and Disused vehicles, commenced a state wide removal of the vehicles since Monday, 28th January. The enforcement had been met with great resistance from residents who had launched attacks against the enforcement agents.

Large amount of vehicles had already been impounded and taken to the government yard.

It was learnt that some of the impounded vehicles would either be crushed at crush plant or be released to their owners after payment of fines depending on level of offence committed.

Some of the traffic agents were said to have sustained varying degrees of injury during enforcement. One of the victims, whose name could not be confirmed at press time, is currently undergoing medical care at an undisclosed hospital, following severe injury he sustained.

Though, the state security apparatus had since launched a man-hunt after the attackers aimed at apprehending the culprits and bringing them to book.

The areas where enforcement had taken place include: Surulere Local Government, Itire –Ikate and Coker - Aguda Local Council Development Areas and environs. The enforcement is expected to continue this week with armed security personnel in the team.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

THE WEALTH AND POVERTY OF A NATION:

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria? (2) This is the second part of a paper presented by Dr. Ezekwesili at the convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka last week

W

ELL, economic evidence shows that the answer which we must all ponder deeply is that oil wealth entrenched corruption and mismanagement of resources in government and warped the incentive for value added work, creativity and innovation in our public, private sectors and wider society. This being the case, the larger population of our people is deprived of the opportunity to overcome poverty and this is what economists call the “resource curse”. The oil revenue induced choices made by our ruling elite over the five decades of political independence cursed several of our citizens to intergenerational poverty!

Endowment of oil resulted in an indulgent elite class – the generations of your great grandparents, grandparents and parents in leadership- who have made disastrous choices that have trapped the destiny of Nigeria in oil wells. It is the reason our economic structure has remained unchanged for more than fifty years. Fact is that our political elite suffers from delusion of greatness simply because we sell barrels of crude oil to finance 80 per cent of our national budget, cover 95 per cent of our foreign exchange and petroleum sectors represents a

DR. OBY EZEKWESILI larger portion of industry’s contribution to our GDP. Little wonder that manufacturing is a mere 18 per cent of our Gross Domestic Products compared to that of all those other nations with which we set off on the development race. Manufacturing which has its major driver as education enabled those nations develop a huge base of human capital with

skills and competencies to drive new ideas, creativity and innovation. They embraced their comparative advantage, mimicked nations that were ahead of them, perfected some aspects of manufacturing and became extremely competitive.

While these countries moved up the manufacturing and economic development latter in my fifty years of existence all I can say for Nigeria is that during the same period I have known at least five cycles of commodity booms that offered us rare opportunities to use revenues generated from oil to transform our economy.

Sadly, each cycle ended up sliding us farther down the productivity ladder. The present cycle

,

By OBI EZEKWESILI

One cannot but ask, what exactly does symbolize with this level of brazen misappropriation of public resources? Where did all that money go? Where is the accountability for the use of both Map of Nigeria these resources plus the additional several hundred dollars real- ings and investments ized from oil sale by the two ad- from its citizens. The ministrations that have governed rest of the increase – our nation in the last five years? more than 50 per How were these resources ap- cent has been due to plied or more appropriately mis- rising educational applied? Tragic choices! Yes. Our levels and to imnational dignity continues to be provements in techdegraded by cycles of stagnation nology that raise facbecause of the terrible choices my tor productivity generation and those before re- across the board”. I peatedly make as a result of free had known this as a

Our national dignity continues to be degraded by cycles of stagnation because of the terrible choices my generation and those before repeatedly make as a result of free oil money

of boom of the 2010s is however muchmore vexing than the other four that happened in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. This is because we are still caught up in it even as I speak today and it is more egregious than the other periods in revealing that we learned absolutely nothing from the previous massive failures. Furthermore, it is happening back to back with the squandering of the significant sum of $45 Billion in foreign reserve account and another $22Billion in the Excess Crude Account being direct savings from increased earnings from oil that the Obasanjo administration handed over to the successor government in 2007. Six years after the administration I served handed over such humongous national wealth to another one; most Nigerians but especially the poor continue to suffer the effects of failing public health and education systems as well as decrepit infrastructure and battered institutions.

,

oil money. The wealth and poverty of a nation never found a better Symbol!

There is no better example of the cost of the imprudent choices than what has happened to Education. The failures and limitations of the education you have received during your time here leading to your graduation today will become clearer to you should you ever seek to do what was very easy for me to do – that is, gain admission to one of the best schools in the world for my graduate studies simply on the strength of my University of Nigeria education.

Modern technology Countries invest in the human skills that can help their citizens use modern technology and eventually rise to the stage where those same citizens can develop their countries’ own technology.

A country’s educational system is the key to its long-run development. According to economic study of the role of education in economic development, “Less than half of the rise in living standards since 1960 in industrial countries has been due to sav-

Minister of Education in this country a few years ago. That knowledge inspired and fueled my zeal to bring education to the front burners of our national development at that time.

President Goodluck Jonathan The result of the diagnostics that we produced on the world to; so they search for the state of our education system an ideology or system of belief to and sector was so heart wrench- use as a foundation for the ing that I was filled with angst at change they seek. They are achow low we had sunk education- tually searching for something worth living for and dying for.” ally.

They are optimistic and idealiseciding to channel the tic with a deep desire to make angst positively, we built their mark in the world.

They dream of what can be, and a strong team that articulated some three hundred and sixty follow their dreams with passion eight ‘root and branch’reforms and perseverance. They are no measures across the six levels and longer prepared to be spectators aspects of education - early child- watching the world go by, but hood, basic, secondary, tertiary, want to be ‘players’, to get their special needs and adult/informal hands dirty, to make a difference.

They are knowledgeable about education.

The response of resistance by the affairs of the world and very some of the key political elite to mobile, travelling as much as the absolutely necessary reforms resources and opportunity allow.”

As globalization and modern when we laid them out before the nation to generate consensus and technology continue to shrink our implement is made clearer by world people are connecting what one today knows of the in- worldwide as never before – parcentives that drive the choices of ticularly young people – and extractive elite. I will return to this overcoming cultural, geographas I get closer to the conclusion ical, language and ethnic barriers with ease. For the first time of my speech.

I read an article by David in human history we are seeing Wraight in which he posits that the emergence of a global youth there is a globalized generation culture with common values, of youth – often referred to as the dreams and desires. You are acMillennial Generation. “They tually not different from your genbelieve that they can change the erational peers in Tunisia, Egypt, world for the better, but they are the United States and many othunsure what they should change Continues on Page 49

D

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 ---- 49

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria?

Continues from Page 48

Political and business elite These political and business elite have been comfortable with living on rent from oil revenue without seeing the desperate need to redirect the focus of this nation to sources of economic growth that are more lasting than the depleting riches of natural commodities. They fail to realize that a Rentier economy like Nigeria sows the seed of its implosion if it does not advance into a productive economy.

Had we been of a lesser population, we may perhaps have been able to all comfortably live off the income from oil as the revenue will make Nigeria sufficiently rich to be able to provide all of us high incomes on a sustainable basis like my friend Paul Collier so scholarly wrote drawing a parallel between individual bequeathed and inheritance and a nation blessed with natural resources.

Collier wrote “just as a billionaire can ensure that his descendants need never work. But, just as many billionaires realize that it is good to earn a living, so all societies sensibly aspire to be productive. Resource extraction shouldmake a society more productive”. My dear young friends, all Nigerians but especially our very prebendalist leadership class must realize that it is good for both individuals and nations to earn their living!

So I ask youas representatives of your generation, “Who will restore the Dignity of Nigeria?”

As my big brother, former President of South Africa -Thabo Mbeki- once asked along the same vein “When will the day come that our dignity will be fully restored, when the purpose of our lives will no longer be merely to survive until the sun rises tomorrow”!

To be continued

Enough is enough!

•Clark tells governors (3) This is the third part of the open letter to the Nigerian Governors Forum. The first part was published Friday.

By EDWIN CLARK

T

HE ugly truth is that today the PDP as a political party is no longer in control of its various organs and for some time now, proper elections at Congresses and Conventions have not been held democratically due to the imposition of unqualified members on the good members of the Party, contravening Section 87(4) of the Amended Electoral Act 2011 & Independent National Electoral Commission’s Law. Where as the Governors Forum is said to have a peer review mechanism, the Forum is not known to have ever prevailed upon any of its erring members to do what is right. The Governors made no comments about Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State all through his trial and conviction based on corruption both in Nigeria and in London. Neither did they condemn their Sokoto State colleague who was accused of beating up a fellow Nigerian worker in this civilized world. But conspicuously support their colleagues for no good reasons. For instance, they had no reason to hold Mr. President to ransom over the gubernatorial struggles in Bayelsa State between Chief Timipre Sylva and Bar. Seriake Dickson. Thus the gubernatorial contest in Bayelsa State assumed national dimension as a result of the Forum’s interference.

The recent action of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP in which 10 of the members met to take a decision even when the National Chairman was available and did not authorize his Deputy to act for him, clearly showed that there was problem in the Party. Instead of the Forum to join other Party leaders to resolve this problem, it arrogantly supported one side of the dispute.

CHIEF EDWIN CLARK

The controversy in Adamawa State is being fuelled by the Governors Forum by declaring its unholy support for the Governor of the State, Murtala Nyako. The Forum did not see anything wrong with Governor Nyako’s ambition of nominating his wife as the Chief Judge of the State. It must also be realized that the controversy in Adamawa State is as a result of the selfish interest of three leaders of the PDP in Adamawa State of wanting their sons to be the next Governor of

the State, that is, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the State Governor, Murtala Nyako and the former Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while the majority of Adamawa people look on helplessly.

Genesis of the quest for power by the governors: The Governors Forum chairman, National Chairman of the PDP Gov Amaechi with all intent and purpose also assumed the title of the leader of the Party. Article 13:1 of the Party’s little or no resistance from the Party Constitution bestows on him such leadership/hierarchy. We witnessed the bastardisation of the Party by the powers. That Article states that: There shall be a National Chairman former President, Chief Olusegun who shall be the Chief Executive of Obasanjo and the former National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Ahmadu the Party…

The same Article goes on to list the Ali, who for their own interest frusfunctions of the Chairman from trated all the founding fathers of the Party and Party faithful by de-regis13:1(a)-(h).

The 1999 Election was consequently tering most of the founding members before any political office was elect- of the Party. Chief Obasanjo installed ed, controlled, determined and ap- himself the Chairman of the Board of proved by him and his executive. Trustees, BOT, of the Party as a former During this period, the supremacy of President of the country. With all of the Party was intact when Dr. Alex these actions, the Party’s supremacy Ekwueme, former Vice President of was punctured and destroyed. Memthe Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief bers and all concerned reluctantly acSolomon Lar, former Governor of Pla- commodated this unilateral attitude teau State were on the driving seat of of the President in office at that time, the Party. However, somewhere along while he got himself consolidated for the line the incoming President Chief the period he served.

Olusegun Obasanjo used his military Concurrently, the Governors in the antecedents, indoctrination and per- various States also assumed the same posture and in all circumstancThe Motto of the Party which is es seized the soul, the heart Justice, Unity and Progress has and disciplinbeen grossly undermined by the ary features of the Party.

Forum, it is rendered irrelevant Article 2 of the PDP’s Constitution states ceptual conceptualization to obliterthat: Subject to the Provisions of the ate the known practice of the distincConstitution of the Federal Repubtion of the Party Chairmanship with lic of Nigeria, this Constitution shall the leadership, and office of the Presbe supreme and its Provisions shall ident. He prevented the late Chief have binding force on all members Sunday Awoniyi from becoming the and organs of the Party. UnfortuChairman of the great Party on the nately, the supremacy of the Party in reason that Chief Awoniyi was a Yoruaccordance with the Provisions of the ba man like himself. He preferred Constitution is no longer upheld.

Engr. Barnabas Gemade, who actuThe Motto of the Party which is ally became the National Chairman Justice, Unity and Progress has been of the Party. Much sooner and for no grossly undermined by the Forum, justifiable reason, he decided to reit is rendered irrelevant. There is no place Engr. Gemade with young Audu more justice in the party due to the Ogbeh, who used to be a Minister in greed and corrupt attitude of the the Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s governheavy weights of the Party who made ment. money using the Party. Today they The kidnap of Governor Chris are using the same money to destroy Ngige of Anambra State and the polthe Party. itics of Mr. Chris Uba, the younger There is no unity in the Party, it is brother of Sen. Andy Uba who was fragmented everywhere. For inthen the Special Assistant to the Presstance, in Ogun State where a ident on Domestic Matters, provoked former President of the nation unsome sort of disagreement between der the flagship of the Party and until the Chairman of the Party and the recently the BOT Chairman lost elecPresident of the country, who singution in the State due to factionalisalarly sacked the National Chairman tion of the Party. Currently, there are of the Party and at his own instance, three factions of the Party in the State. imposed Sen. Ahmadu Ali as the new National Chairman of the Party with To be concluded

,

er countries that have have questioned and overturned the status quo and established new norms in the governance of their nations. When it becomes an imperative for your generation to save Nigeria from its cycles of disastrous and destructive choices promoted by the older generations then you can rightly be called the Turning Point Generation. The turning point is whenthere begins to emerge a New Nigeria that is radically different from all that we have known of failure.

The turning point is the point of restoration of Dignity. Yes.That quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect; of being regarded as nobility and having worth!

One of America’s legendary leaders; President J. F. Kennedy called it the “source of national purpose” when he said “I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, human liberty as the source of national action, the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas”.

Like individuals, nations have or lack dignity depending on how well they practice these famous words of John D. Rockefeller – “I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living”. Dignity of honest toil and the sweet triumph that results from such strenuous effort is after all what confers deserving honor on people and societies. Booker T. Washington expressed this Truth powerfully when he wrote that “no race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem”. We must take way a lasting message from the profound thoughts of these historical figures that helped build the still greatest nation in the world- the United States of America.

The clear message is that Dignity is conferred on a life of effort and hard work and not on a life of ignoble ease for the latter can easily become dulled by contemptible wealth. To be born into inheritance like our nature endowed oil wealth does not of itself confer any deserving honor on us and our nation. Our oil rich nation merely makes us a Rentier state. Even worse, the oil wealth has created not the right kind of Elite class across the length and breadth of our nation but rather an Extractive Elite class.

,

50— Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—51

C M Y K

52—V anguard 52—Vanguard anguard,,

TUESD AY, JANU ARY 5, 2012 TUESDA JANUARY YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS; This is not the right time to rely on promises made by others. Continue to take matters-of-the-heart seriously. Reason with your reliable associates.

GEMINI; Tension within the domestic scene will start to ease off. Yet you will need to watch what you do within your base till after 10.15pm tonight.

CANCER; Both yourself and other important personalities to you are beginning to see things from same point of view making it easy for you to eliminate unnecessary rift LEO; Venus moves into a positive angle to your Star and encourages peaceful settlement. Exhibition of maturity on your part will favour you better.

VIRGO; Gradually you are dropping aggressive approach you have adopted in the last few days to the betterment of your cause. Remain practical till after 10.15pm

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Beware of false prophets (1)

T

HIS appears to be the era of false prophets. With the economic downturn, everyone is looking for something to eat. Unfortunately, some of us have deployed our

intellligence negatively. And many people have fallen victims.

My friend, where

TERROR MUDA

are you looking for solution to your problem? What do you believe concerning you life, is it the

in “Never say goodbye”

word of God you believe or the word of man? I guess you understand the point I am trying to make here? However, if you are still in doubt, let me narrate my experience to you...

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA; Better than yesterday; however that is not to say you should throw caution to the wind. Improvement on your love life indicated. Try to comport yourself.

SCORPIO; After a few days of fun you may need to settle down to serious business. Those of you working till very late evening will need to be more careful till after 10.15pm. Reason with your tried and trusted old hands(friends) SAGITTARIUS; Venus moves into a positive angle and boost your sparkling personality to the betterment of your cause. Could be a nice day for the-young-at-heart CAPRICORN; It is important you don’t allow your mind to wander unnecessarily so that minor but costly mistakes would be averted. Avoid late evening confusion.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; Recent tension generated by controversy over money will start to ease off. Be more vigilant if you are working late in the evening.

PISCES;. Other people will continue to have their says and if you try to indoctrinate them tensed atmosphere will be aggravated. Be patient ARIES; Entrance of romantic Venus into your Star Sign will enhance your prospects. Both financial and love related success are possible.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my financial standing?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I want to know about my future, especially what I should expect from my love life both in the immediate and far future. However that is not to say I am not interested in good financial standing.

Tony, Jos. Dear Tony, The challenge here is inability to hold on to your gains (profits) partially, by the contact made between your natal Saturn and Venus as stated under your career and some other times by your love of easy life. Although the Saturn influence can be mitigated as I said under your career, the love of luxury comes from your stallion Taurus which must not be totally discouraged but should not be allowed to go beyond your control. Yes envy and jealousy can creep in as indicated by the oppositions between your natal Venus/Saturn in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but that is not enough excuse for either failure or manipulation of occult powers against you. Whatever anybody says and/or does GREAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS is your portion.

The most influential planet during your birth hour is Venus-the planet of MONEY and LOVE. You are the romantic type whose magnetic personality and open handedness are sources of big trap to his members of opposite sex. As handsome as you are you truly crave stability in your love life/home. The happiness you desired will be yours.

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 — 53

Mali can be dangerous — Emenike

N

BATTLE — Ivory Coast's midfielder Cheick Tiote (L) vies with Nigeria's Sunday Mba during the quarter final match on February 3 in Rustenburg. Nigeria won 2-1. PHOTO AFP

IGERIA striker E m m a n u e l Emenike says they have to be cautious of Mali when they clash in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday.

“We will be making a big mistake if we take Mali for granted. They can be dangerous. We need to give them the

Win Nations Cup for us, Drogba begs Eagles E

VEN in defeat, Didier Tebily Yves Drogba was graceful.

Despite swallowing the bitter pill of defeat that has dented his beautiful career – without a Nations Cup trophy, the Ivorian has sent a passionate plea to the Super Eagles “Please, win the Nations Cup for us”, he pleaded as he hugged Stephen Keshi and his former teammate Mikel Obi after the 2-1 defeat in the quarter final match at Rustenberg.

Drogba’s army of super stars were tipped by all and sundry to win the match against a relatively young and inexperienced Super Eagles. The Eagles stepped up their game and were immaculate in their form, attack, defence and discipline.

They stung Cote d’Ivoire and have made their critics to swallow their words.

“Your team was beautiful”, Drogba told Keshi as he hugged him. “If you beat us and don’t win the trophy, it will be a slight to us.

C M Y K

But if you win the trophy, it will be a thing of joy and justification that you are the best in the tournament”, Drogba told Keshi who praised him for his maturity and high display of professionalism.

Ex-international, Peterside Idah who witnessed the emotional embrace and discussion said that he was touched by D r o g b a ’ s professionalism.

“It was an emotional meeting and I was very proud of the Super Eagles. We should learn to appreciate our own. Honestly, it is a shame that many Nigerians do not appreciate the Eagles.

Here in South Africa, we are proud of Eagles and the whole of South Africa love and appreciate the Eagles.

The South Africans lost but they still love their Bafana Bafana”, the former goalkeeperturned analyst and Pastor said as many people hugged him and congratulated him.

respect that they deserve, because they fought hard to reach the semi-finals,” he told Goal.

“We beat the team that everyone was talking about (Cote d’Ivoire) and I think we will make it to the final this year.

“I want to score as many goals as possible to help Nigeria win the trophy. Getting a topscorer award will be a bonus because I am representing Nigeria and not myself.”

Ndanusa charges Eagles to beat Mali

BY JOHN EGBOKHA

P

•Emenike

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa has charged the Super Eagles to go for victory in tomorrow’s AFCON semifinal match against Mali in Durban.

“The Super Eagles were truly super on Sunday. They simply left me dazzled. What they played against the starstudded Ivorians was out of this world. I felt very proud of their display and I strongly believe that if they continue this way that they would pick the title.

“It is one step at a time and my message for them is that they should keep cool, play with character and the positive result that they desire would come their way."

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

6 Governors to watch Eagles against Mali •High Commissioner tasks Nigerians to believe in themselves

N

CLOSE WATCH: Nigeria defender Elderson Echijile keeps watch on Drogba in Sunday's encounter

IGERIA’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Sonni Samuel Yusuf walked taller Sunday when the Super Eagles sent Ivory Coast’s Elephants crashing out of the Nations Cup. The High Commissioner who said that he was proud to be a Nigerian informed that about Six Governors in Nigeria called to congratulate him and to also inform him that they would be in South Africa to watch the semi final cracker against Mali on Wednesday in Durban.

“I’m particularly elated because nobody gave these boys any chance of survival against Cote d’Ivoire.

God loves Nigeria and we should learn to

believe in ourselves. I am proud to be a Nigerian. Nigerians back home are happy and six Governors have called to inform that they will be watching their semi final match in Durban. It could be more but unfortunately my phone has gone off because the battery is down”.

The High Commissioner advised Nigerians not to be cynical against themselves. “We got potentials. Nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves. With Cote d’Ivoire out of our way, we must beat Mali. Let the bookmakers tip them to win on paper while we win on the field of play”, the youthful High Commissioner said.

“Eagles were excellent”

•Bolaji Abdullahi

T

HE Honorable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam

NFF rejects statement on imminent sack of Keshi T

HE Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock at a statement in a national newspaper of Monday, 4th February, 2013 in which former NFF Vice President Amanze

Uchegbulam claimed the Federation and the Minister of Sports are planning to sack Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi after the Cup of Nations finals in South Africa.

return ticket Continues from BP measures that may have culminated in the sack of the Super Eagles technical crew, headed

by Coach Stephen Keshi.

The degree of doubt in the team and the technical crew by officials reached a crescendo soon after the team’s final group match against Ethiopia in Nelspruit, when it was openly suggested that a foreign coach would be sought to replace Keshi, once the team made its expected early exit from the tournament.

Although the spokesman for the NFF, Chief Emeka Inyamah made a public denial over the search for a foreign coach, he did not dismiss its possibility. Addressing the press after the Ethiopia match, Inyamah said, “that to me is a distraction.

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Rather, we will come together at the end of the tournament to review everything. If he is worthy to continue, he will continue and if we think that there is need to bring in a white or black man to assist, then we bring one.”

But events that transpired after that press conference pointed to the fact that the NFF did not believe the Coach Stephen Keshi team could beat Ivory Coast. NFF officials would not have been taken by surprise if the Super Eagles had crashed against the Elephants on Sunday.

Sports Vanguard gathered in Abuja that the football house had already booked for the team’s return flight to Nigeria soon after the match. A source told Sports Vanguard that all the money relating to the flight arrangements had been concluded.

“This statement is odious because at no time did the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi sit down with the NFF or sold idea to the NFF to sack Stephen Keshi as the Head Coach.

“We reject this statement in its entirety because it has no legs to stand on and is coming at a period that we are all focused on the very important project of supporting the Super Eagles to win the Africa Cup of Nations,” said

Chief Emeka Inyama, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee.

Inyama added that the statement was uncalledfor and a terrible distraction to a team that is looking forward to overwhelming Mali.

AFCON: Ekweremadu congratulates West African teams congratulated the West This is even as he noted

T

HE Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has

African nations of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana on their qualification for the Semi-final stage of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Drogba Continues from BP have been unable to live up to that billing after again failing to lay their hands on the continent’s biggest title.

And with the Galatasaray striker just one-month away from his 35th birthday, he admits his AFCON dream has sadly come to an end.

A clearly distraught Drogba simply stated: “It’s over.”

There was heartbreak all over the Royal Bafokeng Stadium for the Ivory Coast players,

most notably defender Souleman Bamba, who deflected Sunday Mba’s shot past his own goalkeeper to hand the Super Eagles a 2-1 win.

“It is heartbreaking,” Bamba said. “We were the strong favourite, but unfortunately we didn’t manage to do what we wanted to do, to win this competition.

“The start of the second-half was very good, we’ve scored an equaliser, but for some reason we didn’t manage to make more goals and that’s the big disappointment.”

that Mali’s progress to the Semi Final at a time of crisis in their land was particularly symbolic for the country and the subregion.

Bolaji Abdullahi has praised Nigeria’s Super Eagles for displaying unusual grit, determination and brilliance in the victory over the Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire in the quarter final of the ongoing Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa.

Abdullahi said the Super Eagles rose to the occasion and displayed the true Nigerian spirit of never giving up, adding that with the victory the team has shown that it is still a force to reckon with in football in Africa.

He urged the team to maintain the same standard and focus on their next match against the Eagles of Mali. “I have no doubt that with the level of play I saw today they have the capacity to get to the final of the tournament and even win the cup.

I urge the team to remain focused and disciplined.

I congratulate the players and technical team for the excellent performance,” Abdullahi said.

Guinness congratulates Eagles, charges team to win trophy

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UINNESS Nigeria Plc has congratulated the Super Eagles for their heroic performance after defeating the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in the quarterfinal of the African Nations Cup in South Africa on Sunday.

The Eagles rallied to beat title favourites in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown in Rustenburg to reach 2013 AFCON semi finals and end Elephant dreams. Nigeria ended a two-match AFCON winless run against their archfoes in Rustenburg.

According to Marketing and Innovations Director Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Austin Ufomba this feat is a reflection of the good wishes of Nigerians for the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2013.

Keshi Continues from BP a horde of Malian journalists who besieged him for comments on the match with his former team.

“It’s going to be a tough game. We’ll see when we meet”, the new bride at the African Cup of Nations said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013—55

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VANGUARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

90% of Mali players ‘re my players — Keshi

W

HEN the Super Eagles tackle Mali on Wednesday in the semi final of the African Cup of Nations, Stephen Keshi would be going back to a familiar terrain.

Keshi took Mali to the

2010 Nations Cup in Angola and made football headlines from coming back 4-0 with 11 minutes left to level 4-4 with host Angola. That record is still considered to be one of the best

INCREDIBLE! NFF booked Eagles return tickets before q/final match L

ONG before the first ball was kicked in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarter final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Ivory Coast, many had written off the Eagles and given the tie to the Ivorians.

At the sports ministry and even the Nigeria Football Federation, there were lots of undercurrents that pointed to drastic Continues on Page 54

I'M SAVED: Coach Stephen Keshi seems to be saying as Super Eagles jubilate after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 on Sunday to qualify for the s/final of Afcon 2013.

come-backs in recent memory and stands as Mali’s all time record.

Overwhelmed by the victory over loquacious Ivory Coast that boasted to make a meal(fried chicken) of the Eagles, Keshi said that 90% of the Malian team were his boys when he was in charge of the country’s national team.

“I know the team.

They are a good side and they have been together for long. 90% of the team were my team”, he told

Continues on Page 54

Drogba: AFCON dream is over

D

IDIER Drogba admitted his chance of ever lifting the Africa Cup of Nations crown is now gone following Cote d’Ivoire’s quarter-final defeat to

•Maigari

Nigeria on Sunday.

Drogba and his current Elephants team-mates have been dubbed “the Golden Generation” of Ivorian footballers, although the squad

Continues on Page 54

•Keita, Mali captain

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Oppose (6) 5 Span (6) 9 Dispute (5) 10 Trim (6) 11 Myth (6) 12 Hillock (5) 14 Region (4) 17 Arid (3) 18 Listen (4) 20 Lariat (5) 22 Emblem (5) 23 Hassock (7) 24 Concur (5) 26 Liability (5) 29 Act (4) 30 Importune (3) 32 Food-list (4) 33 Seam (5) 35 Speaker (6) 36 Sick (6) 37 Begin (5) 38 Nakedness (6) 39 Wanted (6)

DOWN 1 Rogue (6) 2 Succession (6) 3 Plunder (4) 4 Tendency (5) 5 Oppressor (5) 6 Stagger (4) 7 Considered (6) 8 Bear (6) 13 Neat (7) 15 Scope (5) 16 Enquired (5) 18 Seraglio (5) 19 Anew (5) 21 Individual (3) 22 Cot (3) 24 Abut (6) 25 Recompense (6) 27 Following (6) 28 Pulled (6) 30 Celebration (5) 31 Long (5) 33 Mislaid (4) 34 Ceremony (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 4, Evade 7, Excess 9, Era 10, Hod 12, Nudge 13, Toil 15, Level17, Become 19, Trap 20, Cheer 22, End 24, Rotated 27, Pen 28, Erode 31, Kiwi 33, Roamed 35, Demur 37, Wish 38, Rapid 39, Rip 41, Odd 42, Deluge 43, Petty.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Hectic 2, Scribe 3, Ass 4, Erne 5, Vault 6, Degraded 8, Solo 11, Demeunour 14, Leer 16, Vent 18, Crop 21, Hesitate 23, Deem 25, Term 26, Drew 29, Odious 30, Echoed 32, Idiot 34, Arid 36, Eddy 40, Pet.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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