Boko Haram-Jonathan sets upAmnesty committee

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61854

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

2012 VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:

Amaechi, Aig-Imoukhuede get award tomorrow •P.9

GTB records N100bn profit •P.10

BOKO HARAM:

Jonathan sets up Amnesty committee •Northern youths hail Jonathan; We're watching — CPC •ACF denies being in sympathy with Boko Haram •Tinubu, Gov Aliyu, Kukah, Ezekwesili blast Jonathan

BY SONI DANIEL, BEN AGANDE, SIMON EBEGBULEM, GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, DAPO AKINREFON & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

L

AGOS—AFTER several months of buck passing between the Presidency and stakeholders in the north on the emergence of Boko Haram Islamic sect and desirability of granting amnesty to its members, the Federal governContinues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

ADISA ADELEYE —P.48

DONU KOGBARA •P.17

Mr & Mrs

ADAMS @ 60—

From left: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group; Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State at the symposium to mark Governor Oshiomhole's 60th birthday in Benin City, yesterday. See more pix on Page 15.

Gunmen kill Deputy Controller of Prisons in Sokoto •P.6

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

SECURITY MEETING—From Left: Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ola Ibrahim; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Sani Audu, arriving for a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

FG sets up Amnesty committee for Boko Haram Continues from page 1 ment, yesterday, took a major step towards granting them amnesty as it

set up a committee to look at the feasibility or otherwise of the programme.

The terms of reference of the committee are:

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

I have learnt that it is often important that we look beyond ourselves and see what could have been and what God has saved us from. We must take time to focus on what is right in our lives rather than extrapolating on what is wrong.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

S

TOP trying to hold onto the past. You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one — Maria Robinson Maria Robinson’s words of wisdom are profound and uplifting to emulate in our lives. She says we should stop putting our own needs on the back burner. The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

Stop trying to be someone you’re not. One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else.

Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you.

Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

*To consider the feasibility or otherwise of granting pardon to the Boko Haram adherents, *Collate clamours arising from different interest groups who want the apex government to administer clemency on members of the religious sect; and *To recommend modalities for the granting of the pardon, should such step become the logical one to take under the prevailing circumstance.

A senior security official who was privy to the meeting of the National Security Council, yesterday, told Vanguard that at the end of the meeting the President set up an in-house committee with a two-week mandate to consider the clamour for amnesty for Boko Haram members and consider its feasibility or otherwise.

The source said: “If the committee, which will work hand in hand with the National Security Adviser (NSA) decides that amnesty would be workable, it will then outline modalities for implementing it’. He added that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the President never said there would be no amnesty at all but that he would do so if

people come forward to identify themselves for discussion and negotiations.

“It is a complex situation, but government has obligation to respect public opinion, especially with increasing clamour for the amnesty from various quarters”, he added.

President Jonathan was said to have reached a deal with northern leaders last Wednesday to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect, as a means of ending the spate of raging violence across the region.

As a prelude to granting pardon to the sect, Jonathan met for several hours on Wednesday night with members of the powerful Northern Elders’ Forum, NEF at the Presidential Villa to secure their support and cooperation towards ending the malevolent onslaught. Specifically, the President wanted an undertaking from the elders that they would impress upon the sect leaders and their followers to lay down their arms and embrace peace, as a condition for offering the olive branch.

Under the plan, the Federal Government is to set up an Amnesty Commission, which would

serve as a quasi-judicial body, to register and cater for repentant members of the sect and protect them from being harassed or intimidated by security agents.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan’s new resolve to grant amnesty to Boko Haram members has elicited mixed reactions across the country.

It's Jonathan’s bait for North’s support in 2015 Second Republic governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa in his reaction said: “If President Jonathan eventually grants amnesty to members of the dreaded Boko Haram, it is a bait to getting political concession from the North in 2015”.

Musa said: “Yes, he can do it. It is an attempt. He can use it. May be that was his reason for not doing anything about Boko Haram because he wants to use it to buy political concession from the north. I have always believed that Boko Haram is more likely to be an agent provocateur established by the federal government to divert attention.”

Musa asserted, however, that the calls for amnesty to Boko Haram members became necessary and justifiable in the light of similar gesture given to former Niger Delta militants in the South-South geo-political zone of the country by late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua.

According to him: “With the Amnesty given to the Niger Delta militants, once you create a thing like this, you create something that can always be used by others. It is very difficult for any reasonable person to understand why the president cannot give

amnesty to Boko Haram.

Secondly, Yar ’adua didn’t give amnesty to Niger Delta militants because he was convinced they had a case. He gave them amnesty because his government was too weak and was afraid of what would have happened if the amnesty had not been given to them.

So because of the consideration, he gave amnesty to buy time. Fortunately, it has worked. Now, the Jonathan administration is even weaker than the Yar ’adua government because Yar’adua’s government at least had the support of the Northern oligarchy,” Musa explained.

Jonathan has proved himself as Nigerian President —Northern Youths Reacting to the planned amnesty for Boko Haram, youths in the North said that President Jonathan had finally come out boldly as a Nigerian President and not an Ijaw leader by heeding strident calls to grant amnesty to the sect members.

This was the position of both the presidents of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, ACF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, and that of the Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, in separate interviews with Vanguard.

According to Gujungu, Jonathan has taken the right step to reposition Nigeria for peace, unity and development and would have written his name in gold by the time the commission is able to resolve the lingering security crisis in the north.

The AYF leader said: “Now we truly believe that Jonathan is commit-

Continues on page 41

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Intercepted explosives trigger security watch at Lagos ports

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—7

Two policemen killed in Lagos bank robbery

Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State (middle) addressing internally displaced people during his condolence visit to Atakar village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State over the killings by gunmen in the village, Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

BY EVELYN USMAN

Foreigners warned against visiting a popular plaza

L

AGOS — ROBBERS, numbering about 12, in the early hours of yesterday, stormed the Iju Ishaga branch of a new generation bank, killing two policemen during a shoot-out said to have lasted 15 minutes.

However, the Police said only one of their men was killed while a member of the gang was also gunned down.

The armed gang, as gathered, also carted away an undisclosed amount of money.

The bandits were said to have stormed the bank at about 3 a.m. in two vehicles. While some of them reportedly remained outside to ward off intruders, others scaled through the fence and tied the night guards. They were said to have, thereafter, fired some shots at the Automated

BY GODWIN ORITSE

L

AGOS — THE nation’s premier port, the Lagos Port Complex, has been put under security watch to ward off possible breaches to which an articulated truck loaded with explosives meant for the facility is a pointer.

To this end, those responsible for security at the complex came together to put in place measures that will ensure continuous business operations at the port where the nation realises over N100 billion annually.

The issue of security challenges dominated the monthly meeting of the Port Facility Security Officers, PFSO, forum where it was disclosed that six expatriates have been abducted in the last 10 days from a popular plaza on Victoria Island.

Speaking, yesterday, at the meeting, Chairman of the Port Facility Security Officers Forum, PFSO, Mr. Subaru Anataku, said the explosives laden petroleum tanker intercepted by the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, was actually targeted at the ports in Lagos.

Anataku said the tanker was said to be heading towards one of the tank farms in Apapa before it was intercepted by the Army.

The PFSO boss also urged facilities security officers to ensure that expatriates working at their facilities steer clear of a major plaza in the area for now.

He suggested that every tanker and truck should be thoroughly searched with bomb detectors before they are allowed into the ports, adding that such vehicles should not be allowed to park on the roads anymore.

It was said that sources from military intelligence had indicated that the Malian insurgents were actually targeting the Nigerian ports.

Two die, seven injured in Bauchi military check-point crash

B

BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI— NO fewer than two people lost their lives while seven others sustained severe injuries in an accident that occurred at a military check point in Narabi village, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State along Bauchi-Jos Federal Highway.

Confirming the incident, Bauchi State Sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Henry Sunday, said the accident occurred in the night and involved 13 occupants of trucks belonging to a conglomerate.

According to him,“the accident happened when drivers of two trucks belonging to the firm lost control at the military check point and fell."

Sunday said officers of the FRSC stationed at Toro evacuated the corpses and the injured victims to Toro General Hospital.

NAFDAC nabs fake wine manufacturers, others

Gunmen kill deputy controller of Prisons in Sokoto S

BY ABDALLAH ELKUREBE

OKOTO— GUNMEN, Wednesday, killed the Deputy Controller of Prisons in charge of the Sokoto Central Prison, Alhaji Usman Gwandu, at SARDA Quarters in Sokoto.

The gunmen, who fled the scene after the attack, were said to have rained bullets on Gwandu’s vehicle. They did not, however, take anything from the vehicle.

It was learnt that the gunmen trailed the controller to the scene, where they struck around 10:00 p.m. Residents of the area said they could not rescue Gwandu due to sporadic gunshots by the assailants.

Some of the residents, however, summoned courage to visit the scene of the attack after about an hour.

The controller was later rushed to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where

Anambra/Kogi border clash: Govs Wada, Obi call for peace closed door meeting at the

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA — GOVERNORS Idris Wada and Peter Obi of Kogi and Anambra states respectively have called on the warring communities of Odeke and Aguleri in the

states to maintain peace and good neighbourliness as the issues in contention between them were being handled by the National Boundaries Commission.

Addressing a joint press conference at the end of a

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

L

AGOS —THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has arrested two manufacturers of fake Red Label Whiskey and Carlo Rossi Wine in Lagos.

To this end, the agency has requested the deployment of more security officers to NAFDAC as part of strategies to step up enforcement activities and ensure that all counterfeiters were prosecuted accordingly.

Briefing journalists on activities of the agency, yesterday, in Lagos, Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the suspects, Mr. Kingsley Okoro and Mr. Fred Nwafor, were also found to be in possession of fake Johny Walker wishkey.

He further disclosed that the suspects had confessed to the crime and the products found witht them will be subjected to laboratory analysis.

Orhii also hinted that in the course of investigations, the supplier of the packaging materials, Mr. Ileazor Okoro, was also arrested and is currently being interrogated.

Similarly, the director-general also announced the seizure of four trucks carrying suspected fake regulated products along Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

he was confirmed dead by doctors .

His remains had been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary. The corpse, according to a hospital source, will be released to his family later today for burial at Gwandu in Kebbi State.

Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command , DSP Sani Salisu, confirmed the incident, saying the command had commenced investigations to unravel those behind the act.

From left: Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State; Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Gabriel Aduku during a joint press conference on the border skirmishes between people in both states at the Kogi State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, the governors promised to ensure a "peaceful and equitable resolution of the dispute that will benefit the people and further good neighbourliness.”

Governor Wada who read the communique after the parley denied media reports that about 400 houses were burnt during the crisis, noting that only about five houses were affected.

Wada said: “For emphasis, neither Kogi nor Anambra states reported any loss of life, contrary to media reports that 57 lives were lost. Only about four motorcycles were destroyed during the fracas.”

The governors further called on “those trying to cause disaffection between the two brotherly states, with a long affinity, to desist from such attempts as what Nigeria needs now is peace which will attract development.”

Teller Machine, ATM. The gunshots alerted some policemen on patrol around the area, who reportedly raced to the scene.

But on sighting the policemen, the gang members stationed outside reportedly opened fire, thereby leading to a gun duel at the end of which two of the policemen died.

One of the slain policemen's identity was given simply as Inspector Nafiu.

Two Amoured Personnel Carriers and combined teams of conventional and Mobile Policemen reportedly drafted from Area ‘G’ Command, Ogba, later arrived the scene, but the robbers had fled, leaving the dead policemen in the pool of their blood.

Following the incident, bank customers were directed to the Caterpillar, Ijaye Road branch of the bank for business transaction.

When Vanguard arrived the scene at about 10 a.m, some management staff from the bank’s headquarters were seen inspecting the building, part of which was riddled with bullets.

Shells of expended bullets were taken away by policemen from Area ‘G’ Command.

Effort to get the reaction of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, failed, as her phone rang without response.

Although a management staff from the affected bank’s headquarters confirmed the incident, he said the robbers were unable to break into the vault.

Court remands cop who killed pregnant woman

A

BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE — A Chief Magistrate in Ondo State, Mrs Charity Adeyanju, yesterday, ordered that the Police Constable, Alonge Abdul, who allegedly killed a pregnant woman, Mrs Segi Olajiga, in Akure, Ondo State be remanded in prison custody for murder.

This came as the Association of Women Lawyers, yesterday, petitioned the Ondo State Police Command, saying the dismissal of the killer cop will be grossly inadequate.

They called for his prosecution pleading with the police authorities not to sweep the case under the carpet.

The accused person was arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court and was accompanied by a detachment of policemen.

Police Prosecutor Ayodele Atandeyi in the charge preferred against the dismissed policeman said “that you, Alonge Abdul, 32 male, on April 2, 2013 at about 6.30pm at Plaza Hotel Akure in the Akure Magisterial did unlawfully kill one Madam Segi Olajiga with one A.K47 rifle issued to you and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 316 and punishable under section 319 of the criminal code cap 37 Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.”

The Prosecutor informed the court after the charge was read to the accused that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try murder case.

Abdul was represented by Mr Fele Aso and did not object to the prosecutor’s plea for a date.

The trial Magistrate Adeyanju therefore fixed hearing of the case

for June 18 this year.

Meanwhile, the women lawyers in the petition against the killer cop said that Abdul’s action had denied “Segi her right to life as enshrined in section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution and should be so punished."

A letter signed by the association's secretary, Mrs. Bunmi Niyi-Arajuwa said “the Police officer who points loaded gun at an innocent civilian on the street is assumed to intend the killing of such civilian."

An overloaded vehicle on Ilaro-Abeokuta road, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN.

Kano mass wedding: 20 HIV positive, 5 pregnant maids disqualified

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

K

ANO — THE Kano State Hisbah Board has disqualified no fewer than 20 prospective couples found to be HIV positive during the mandatory medical check ups ahead of 1,000 widows and divorcees third batch mass wedding coming up Saturday.

The Commander General of ProSharia Agency, Sheik Aminu Daurawa, further disclosed that five other pregnant maids were among the 1,000 widows and divorcees to be married in a public function due to kick start simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of the state.

The shocking discovery by the Pro-Sharia Agency has already set tongues wagging as public opinion favours the prosecution of all the five pregnant women for committing offences against the provision of Sharia.

Briefing reporters on the preparation for the public wedding, Sheik Aminu Daurawa disclosed that wedding prayer session for 21 couples would hold in each of

the 44 council headquarters, while the remaining 76 couples would be joined in matrimony at the state capital.

Enugu auto crash claims 5 lives

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU — A FATAL auto crash near the old toll gate, 9th Mile Corner, Enugu on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, yesterday, claimed five lives while six others were seriously wounded.

The accident which occurred at about 4.30 p.m involved a commuter bus and a MAN Diesel truck with number plate, XA 313 EBY. An eyewitness said the bus carrying passengers had a headon collision with the truck as the truck driver attempted to overtake another vehicle.

Officials of the Federal Road

Safety Commission, FRSC, at 9th Mile and some policemen were said to have evacuated corpses and the wounded after a rescue operation that lasted for about an hour and disrupted free flow of traffic on the busy highway.

The deplorable condition of the road had confined motorists plying the road to only one lane, a development that had claimed several lives through incessant accidents.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, said five passengers died on the spot and their corpses had been deposited at Our Saviour Hospital, 9th Mile Corner where the six wounded persons are also being treated.

NDLEA nabs man with N1.8bn worth of drugs I was paid N228,000 — Suspect

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS — A Customs clearing and forwarding agent has been arrested while attempting to export 72.320kg of methamphetamine worth about N1.8 billion in international market by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The seizure which is the single highest recorded since January was made at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

A total of 36 parcels of methamphetamine hidden inside filters were meant for export to Mozambique in a South African airline flight.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Hamza Umar, said the mode of concealment was faultless, noting: “If not for the training we had and the commitment of officers, it was difficult to detect the drugs because the mode of concealment was faultless. You need to go the extra mile to detect the drugs.”

The suspect, Mr Tony Mordi, said he was given only N228,000 by his client to send the consignment to Mozambique.

According to him, “I am a licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent. One of my customers called me from Mozambique requesting that I should handle the shipment of his consignment. I was given only N228,000 for the shipment. I want my wife to understand and help in taking good care of our kids.”

Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, said the agency would prosecute any agent caught clearing narcotics.

He said: “This is the single largest seizure of methamphetamine since the year began. We have in the past arrested licensed clearing agents in connection with narcotics. This is a huge seizure considering the monetary value and it is also a threat to security. The agency is working hard to incapacitate drug syndicates and will not hesitate to prosecute any agent found wanting in the discharge of their professional duties.”

The suspect who hails from Delta State is married with four children and will soon be charged to court, according to agency sources.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Merger: Crisis hits APC

Adamawa PDP crisis: Sule Lamido's committee submits report to Jonathan

As group asks ANPP to suspend talks

Says aggrieved factions 'll align with party's candidates

BY HENRY UMORU

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

B U JA — — S TA K E HOLDERS of All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, have given a three-week ultimatum to the national leadership of the party to suspend every merger talk with other opposition parties for the formation of All Progressive Congress, APC, alleging marginalisation of ANPP in the process.

In a letter dated April 2, 2013 and signed by Mallam Isah Bala, ANPP Ward Chairman, Usuma ward, Bwari Area Council FCT, Abuja and National Convener, ANPP Stakeholders Forum, addressed to the national chairman of the party, the group alleged that there was no transparency in the whole ongoing merger arrangement The letter stated, “We the members of ANPP concerned stakeholders, therefore, call on our national leadership to henceforth suspend involvement in the merger process until this and other questions are answered “It has become obvious that the merger partners are not treated as equal entities, rather it is being dominated by the Bola Tinubu led Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. The interest of our great party is evidently not adequately protected in the present merging arrangement.

“Therefore, our party cannot surrender the identity that our founding fathers have laboured for, to satisfy the interest of an individual.

“Consequently, we give our national leadership three weeks ultimatum to suspend their involvement in the merger if this anomaly is not corrected.

“We also urge our national leadership to start discussing the possibility of forming alliance with Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and other political parties on basis of mutual respect and equality for one another .

“On this note we encourage the CPC led by General Buhari to also review their stand and stake in the merger arrangement, as it is a hoax that can yield no political or democratic dividend".

A

BUJA—GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, yesterday, submitted report of the Adhoc Committee set up last year to nip in the bud the lingering crisis in Adamawa State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Part of the report may have contained a recommendation by the committee that the factional executive committees produced by the political gladiators be harmonised.

This came as indications also emerged that the committee may have recommended that as part of moves to bring peace to the party as well as achieve the present trouble-shooting mission of the PDP as a family, National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, stakeholders and other leaders involved in the political quagmire will not be humiliated.

It will be recalled that the committee was set up and inaugurated by President Jonathan on December 21, 2012, following the high wire politics in the state and irreconcilable differences among the main political actors.

Other members of the committee at yesterday’s meeting, which took place at PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Maitama, Abuja were Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; Secretary, Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Walid Jubrin, and former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who represented the BoT. Also present at the meeting were PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; National Women's Leader, Ambassador Kema Chikwe; National Legal Adviser; Mr Victor Kwon; Special Adviser to Vice President Namadi Sambo on Political Affairs, Mallam Abba Dabo, who is the Secretary, among others.

Answering questions from newsmen, Chairman of the Committee and Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, said: "Our report is wonderful. You see, we are talking about a family. When you are trying to build a family, I think there should be love, there should be respect, there should be care and trust. The PDP will not embarrass anybody.”

On the implication of the letter written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by the party on the committee’s report, he said all those who felt aggrieved in the crisis had been able to bury their per-

CONDOLENCE—Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, signing a condolence register in honour of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe at the Nigerian High Commission in London on Wednesday.

sonal interest and ambition for the sake of the party.

"Look, I have been saying we have been trying to work as a family to get the factions harmonized and what we are doing is in the interest of key players in the party, those who feel aggrieved, to come on board.

Report not meant to embarrass anybody “We have been able to bury our personal ambitions and interest for the sake of the party, because it is the only hope for Nigeria,” Governor Lamido said.

Asked to comment on claims by a faction of the party in the state that it was alienated and that his committee didn’t meet with its members, Lamido queried: "Do you know what they call human management? Naturally, in any human gathering, there are crises, there are problems, but you see, the PDP has the capacity and sagacity to solve and overcome its own problems. The way forward is for the national interest.”

Asked whether the committee recommended harmonization of factions of Alhaji Abdullahi Kugama and Joel Madaki, he said both factions would align with the party and its candidates.

He said: "You are saying what you are hearing. At the end of the day, they are all going to align with PDP and PDP candidates.

“Our party interest first, the party fortunes, what we are going to do is to restore confidence of Nigerians. ACN, ANPP don’t experience one percent of PDP headache. The

bigger the head, the bigger the headache but we have the capacity to overcome it. We don’t fear crises.”

It will be recalled that Adamawa State governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd) and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, have been having a running battle over the conduct of PDP primaries in the state.

PDP doesn't fear crises This fight for supremacy led to the sack of the state PDP executive committee and suspension of the National Vice Chairman, North East, Alhaji Girigiri Lawal, by the National Working Committee, NWC. The NWC also dissolved the state executive of the party, led

by Alhaji Umaru Mijinyawa Kugama, who was loyal to the governor and put in place a nine-member caretaker committee, led by Ambassador Umar Mijinyawa Kugama, to oversee the affairs of Adamawa PDP. Soon after Lamido’s committee was inaugurated, Chairman of the Committee, Governor Sule Lamido, swung into action and in a letter dated December 21, 2012, to Bamanga Tukur, urged the NWC to urgently stop all actions on Adamawa State PDP. The letter read: "Your Excellency is aware that an ad-hoc committee has been created for the resolution of Adamawa crisis.

"The inaugural committee meeting was held today and members resolved that further acts and/or actions by any organ of the party with respect to Adamawa PDP be suspended.

This is to enable the ad-hoc committee to conclude its work without any influence whatsoever.

"We do hope Mr. Chairman will formally direct the North East acting Zonal Chairman and the Caretaker Chairman accordingly.”

The NWC replied the Jigawa State governor same day, saying time table for the state congress was already out and aspirants had purchased forms.

The letter, dated December 21, 2012 and signed by PDP Deputy National Secretary, Mr Onwe Onwe, read: ‘I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter addressed to the National Chairman dated December 21, 2012.

“Whilst noting the contents of your letter and the resolution of your committee to suspend further acts and/or actions by any organ of the party with respect to Adamawa PDP, I am directed to draw your attention to the following.

"The national secretariat had via a letter signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary dated December 5, 2012 written to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, notifying it of the dates and time table of the congresses.

"The National Secretariat of our great party, the PDP had via a letter signed by the National Organising Secretary dated December 6, 2012 written to the Caretaker Committee approved time table of the congresses in the state starting from December 27, 2012 to January 10, 2013.

"The Caretaker Committee had obtained PDP nomination forms from the National Secretariat of the party and has been selling them to the aspirants from ward level to the local government level".

Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—9

2012 Vanguard Personality of the Year

Gov Amaechi, Aig-Imoukhuede get award tomorrow

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

G

OVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State is to be formally presented as Vanguard’s Personality of the Year, 2012, tomorrow, in an event showcasing some of the country’s most successful personalities in the professions. Tomorrow’s event would also give recognition to Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Managing Director of Access Bank who was runner up in the selection of the Personality of the Year as determined

by Vanguard.

The event holding in Lagos, is billed to be a recognition of Governor Amaechi’s achievements in the last one year.

His feat in Rivers State has been lauded by eminent personalities, including the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The event will be laced with glitz and glamour in refreshing Vanguard style. The mix of political and business elite is expected to grace the occasion. The event is to be chaired by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida with former Federal Commissioner for Information, Senator Edwin Clark being father of the day. The event which is strictly by invitation opens by 6.00 p.m.

Amaechi is being honoured for his widely acknowledged developmental strides which have seen noteworthy improvements in infrastructure and the impartation of governance on all sectors of the society in Rivers State.

Governor Amaechi’s development strides have been observed as going beyond infrastructure improvements in sectors such as roads, electricity, sports, new towns and such like, to life touching and human capacity development initiatives such as education, healthcare among other economic boosting endeavours.

Under four years as governor of Rivers State, Mr. Amaechi constructed more than 500 model primary schools of which 250 have been fully equipped and commissioned; established 24 state of the art model secondary schools, constructed and equipped 160 model primary healthcare centres among others.

Security which was a sore point before the advent of the Amaechi era in Rivers State has been dramatically enhanced as evidenced by the improved confidence of the business community in the state.

Amaechi has also in the last year given a positive face to the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, which he chairs putting developmental issues at the centre of the forum beyond the politics of self preservation that the forum had been noted for.

Born on May 27, 1965, Amaechi was born in Ubima, in Ikwere lo-

cal government area of Rivers State, and is an alumnus of the law faculty of the University of Port Harcourt, Port-Harcourt. A winner of several awards including the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede, the runner up for the Vanguard Personality of the Year award, is a man who has advanced beyond his age and successfully navigated the several encumbrances in the risky banking sector.

Self-effacing, his name and reputation have continuously gone ahead of him. But beyond the quiet mien of a purposeful banker is a fighting spirit developed as a teenager when he was left behind on the tarmac

of Kaduna airport at the age of 10 because he could not find his way into the plane.

As the pain of being stranded on the tarmac settled on him, the 10 year old Aig-Imoukhuede vowed never to be left behind again in anything he is involved in.

It was that spirit that drove him in his chosen career of banking. Through his stints at Prime Merchant Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and then Access Bank, he survived all the storms that bestirred the country’s banking industry, and in 2011 led his colleagues in Access Bank in the successful takeover of one of the country’s major banks, Intercontinental Bank.

Besides his strides in the banking industry, Aig-Imoukhuede in the last year also showed strong moral fibre with his chairmanship of the Federal Government Presidential Task Force on the Verification of Fuel Subsidy Payments.

A holder of the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, University of Benin and Nigeria Law School, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede was the 2011 winner of the “Ernest & Young West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year”.

He is the runner up of Vanguard Personality of the Year, 2012.

PROTEST—Niger Delta ex–militants protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Unpaid pension arrears: NLC mobilises workers for one-day strike

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—AHEAD of Wednesday April 10, nationwide planned protest in solidarity with pensioners over unpaid benefits and plight, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, directed workers in Lagos and Abuja, to observe a work-free-day to enable them participate fully in the protest.

Already, umbrella body for pro-labour civil society organisations, Joint Action Front, JAF, as well as Campaign for Workers Democratic Rights, CWDR, have given support to the planned protest and directed members nationwide to fully participate.

Briefing newsmen, Acting President of NLC, Promise Adewusi, said the NLC had directed its leaders in the two cities to ensure full compliance,

saying it was disturbed over the non-payment of pension to retirees.

The NLC directed that rallies be held in Lagos and Abuja simultaneously as part of the solidarity protest on the said date to draw attention of the nation and the world to the untold hardship

the pensioners were passing through.

According to Adewusi, the “workers are protesting the nonpayment of outstanding arrears to scores of pensioners, non-enrolment of thousands of pensioners on the pension payroll and non-payment of death benefits to the deserving next of kin.

Civil Service Commission slams perm secs Over non-adherence to govt's circulars

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—THE Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, yesterday, expressed displeasure over lackadaisical attitude of some Permanent Secretaries to comply with circulars for policy implementation.

Also, the Commission revealed that it would collaborate with the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, HCSF, to implement Performance Contract, PC, agreement recently signed in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure effective service delivery in the country.

The Chairman of FCSC, Deaconess Joan Ayo who stated this, when she received the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, said Civil Service was dynamic; therefore, Permanent Secretaries, must strictly implement any circular released either by the commission or HoS to ensure proper adjustment in the system.

She maintained that the Permanent Secretaries were the accounting officers of ministries, therefore, they must ensure that personnel were equipped with requisite knowledge of the civil service, to enable them function well, insisting that, for any act of violation of directive given to them, they would be sanctioned.

She said: “Experience has shown that many permanent secretaries are not accessible, you cannot see them. Some of them do not adhere to the circulars issued from the top".

Prof Enejere appointed Chair, UNN council

F

ORMER students union leader, and an alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Emeka Enejere, has been appointed as chairman of the Governing Board of the university. This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday

by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, which also named chairmen and members of the governing councils of 20 other Federal Government-owned universities.

Other members of the UNN governing council are: Salisu Buhari (former Speaker of House of Representatives), Chador Labar, Mr Harrison Onwu and Chief Akin Taiwo.

10—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

GTB records N100bn profit

NAT'L THEATRE: Don't wipe our history, Fashola tells FG

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

G

UARANTY Trust Bank has become the first Nigerian bank to achieve N100 billion profitability in the Nigerian banking industry, as the bank recorded profit before tax of N103 billion in its operating year ended 2012.

The audited financial statements of the bank, approved by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and released to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, show that the bank made a Profit Before Tax of N103 billion, the highest for any Nigerian Bank.

The record confirms GTBank as the first and only Nigerian bank to cross the N100 billion Profit Before Tax milestone from Continuing Operations at both bank and group levels.

The results also show improved Gross Earnings of N221.9 billion, 66 percent growth in Profit Before Tax to N103 billion from N66.08 billion made in the previous year and 69 percent improvement in Profit After Tax to N87.3 billion from N51.7 billion recorded in 2011.

Pa Obafemi's final burial

T

HE final burial rites of Okun, Kogi State, community leader, Pa Emmanuel Obafemi, who died on February 23, 2013, aged 94, has been scheduled for today and tomorrow.

According to one of his children, Prof. Olu Obafemi, Director of Research, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, a wake-keep will hold at Odo-Affin, Obaro Way, Kabba today from 5 pm.

He will be interred tomorrow in AkutupaBunu, near Kabba, after a commendation service at 9am. Reception follows.

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, condemned reported attempt by the Federal Government to convert the National Theatre into a five star hotel, saying “stop wiping away history.”

Fashola also stressed the need to allow private sector manage ports activities in the country.

He, however, warned all property owners whose structure had turned to hideout for criminals, to develop it or risk losing such buildings to the government.

Fashola, who spoke at the 2nd Lagos Corporate Assembly held at the Lekki Free Zone, LFZ, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area, LCDA, on BRF Meets Business, said the sale of the edifice would lead to erasing a heritage that had lasted for years.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government had earlier issued a circular to the occupants of the 36-year-old edifice, to vacate the place within two weeks.

Fashola said: “I heard that the National Theatre is up for sale. And I wondered which kind of people offer to buy the edifice and how they make the money.

“If someone, who had visited the country in 1977 for FESTAC ’77, come back and wanted to see the National Theatre, we would then say that it has been turned to a hotel.”

On trade fair site

evening.”

Ports, airport construction, mgt

The governor said: “Port management is something that should be left for the private sector. But the government has an enabling role to play.

“Some people spend a large part of their life in this sector. This is a special skill that they have acquired for

years. That is why the ports in the Lekki Free Zone, LFZ, would have private intervention.

“We are building an airport in the zone that would operate a 24 hours service. It would be a major airport on its own.

“We are also fast-tracking the construction of sea ports in the zone to aid the access to and evacuation of cargoes from the zone to other coun-

tries.

“And the reason the state government is committing itself to the construction of an airport and sea ports in the zone was because of our advantages as a country. And they are our location and population.

“We are six hours from South Africa and Brazil and Europe.

People who don’t have the market size and the advantage have beaten us to it."

Lekki port to earn N31.15trn

BY FRANKLIN ALLI & NKIRUKA NNOROM

M

ANAGING Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise, Mr. Haresh Aswani, yesterday, said the Lekki port project is expected to contribute not less than N31.15 trillion ($20 billion) to the nation’s economy.

Aswani gave the assurance during the visit of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State to the site to assess the level of work done so far.

The port, sitting on 90 hectares of land, is to become operational in third quarter of 2016, and it has Lagos State Government and Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, as shareholders in the project.

Fielding questions on the economic benefits of the port to the state and the country, Aswani said: “In addition to bridging the capacity deficit, Lekki Port will have significant positive macroeconomic impact estimated at USD 361 billion over the entire concession period.

“It is expected to contribute more than USD200 billion to the government purse, while also creating close to 163,000 new jobs in the economy.

“Furthermore, Lekki Port will spur the economic development around the Lekki sub-region and on a wider perspective, the whole of Lagos State through rapid industrialisation.”

Aswani explained that the Lekki Port, conceptualised as a multi-product industrial and logistics hub, would spread across 90 hectre of land and would be built at an estimated cost of $1.55 billion.

He further said the deep-sea port, which would be located 65 km east of Lagos

Fashola said: “There is a land already provided by the state government to build its own trade fair complex. And the construction of the place would be a Public Private Partnership, PPP, initiative.

“This will give the private sector the opportunity to control the activities in the zone.

It will not be a PUBLIC NOTICE public structure that would be built in the morning and aucUdu, Delta State, Nigeria tioned in the The general public is hereby notified that the above

Association of Sand Suppliers

named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Hon. H. Asakpra 2. Hon. Godwin Onosigho Wowo 3. Elvis Kporoh 4. Alex Eshegbe Aims And Objectives: 1. To regulate sand and effective supply of sand in Udu and Delta State at large 2. To make sand available to customers anytime necessary Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: AKODI BLESSING Chairman

Mainland would become the gateway to West African region and would be one of the most efficient and modern maritime facilities that would cater to liquid and dry bulk cargo par international standards.

Ogun CNPP gets new BoT Chair

C

ONFERENCE of Ni geria Political Parties, CNPP, Ogun State Chapter, has elected Chief Patrick Oyatayo as its new Board of Trustees, BOT, Chairman, replacing Chief Augustine Coker.

Ogun CNPP, consisting of opposition political parties in the state, took this decision at its extra ordinary meeting held in

Abeokuta Ogun State, yesterday, where other strategies were put in place to position the group for the 2015 general elections.

A statement by Ogun CNPP Chairman, Otunba Owolabi Odebudo, and Secretary, Mr. Biola Lawal, said the other nine executive members retained their positions.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—11

I 've won 95 cases against govt — Alaafin

PHCN cuts power to Air Force formations

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

I

NDICATIONS have emerged that workers of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, have stopped services to Nigerian Air Force formations nationwide over alleged brutality and torture of workers of PHCN, Ibadan Zone by men of the force.

Organised labour in the power sector had issued an April 2 deadline to the Air Force to accept responsibility and apologise for the assault on workers by its men (names withheld) or power supply to all Air Force installations nationwide would be cut.

It would be recalled that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, petitioned the Commandant of Nigeria Air force, Ipetu-Ijesa and copied the Director of Department of State Securities, DSS and Secretary to Osun State Government, over the alleged brutalisation of PHCN workers on March 9.

Under the umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, labour had threatened to stop power supply to South-West zone as well, but Vanguard gathered that some traditional rulers in Osun State pleaded that civilians should be spared.

It was gathered that at the expiration of the ultimatum, some men suspected to be from Air Force, Ipetu-Ijesa, allegedly prevented PHCN workers from gaining access to their stations.

BY OLA AJAYI

I BOOK LAUNCH: From left— Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo; Jumoke Akinjide, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory; Prof. Muhammed Yaya, representative of Niger State Governor, and Oba Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of Ugboland, and Chairman of the occassion, at the launch of Alaafin's book, entittled Chieftancy Law in Nigeria: Principles and Practice, in Ibadan, yesterday.

Ekiti Police Commissioner must go— PDP Minister, PDP using federal might— ACN

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO-EKITI—EKITI State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to transfer the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama out of the state, for alleged compromise.

This came as Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, through the Publicity Secretary, Prince Tunde Adeleke, accused the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade and PDP of using federal might to harass and persecute its members in the state.

This may not be unconnected with the current political crisis between PDP and ACN in the state, which is blamed for last week's alleged killing of a PDP member at Erinjiyan Ekiti.

PDP’s statement

PDP, in a statement by the Director-General, Information and Media Communica-

tion, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, said people’s confidence in Wakama had waned and what was left for the commissioner was for him to be transferred out of the state.

The PDP statement said: “The spate of robbery and politically-motivated crises in Ekiti State are becoming worrisome. It has become obvious that the Commissioner of Police in the state appears compromised and helpless.

“His relationship with the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria at the expense of his duties and as the man in charge of the state Police Command can no longer be tolerated by the teeming people of Ekiti State.”

ACN’s position

According to the statement

by ACN, “police investigation has been manipulated and skewed against ACN Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, and other ACN members by the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt.

Caleb Olubolade, who is an interested party, a gubernatorial aspirant and a factional leader of PDP in the state.

“We view the latest development as an abuse of office

by Capt. Olubolade, who has taken over the job of the Nigerian police. It is a reminder of the dark days of dictatorship and impunity and we shall resist any attempt to intimidate ACN leaders and members under any guise.”

Omisore assures on dam project

BY UJU MBANUSI

S

ENATOR Iyiola Omisore has promised to fasttrack the completion of a dam he conceived for Osun East Senatorial District as part of

his efforts in ameliorating the water shortages reportedly facing the people.

Speaking during a tour of projects he facilitated to the constituency and some which he is executing, Omisore said he conceived the projects as his own contribution towards improving the living standard of the populace, a statement from his media office said.

The projects include a modern library located at Ajebandele area of Ile-Ife, a technology incubation centre and the Navy Communications Centre located along Ifewara Road, the statement said.

BADAN—ALAAFIN of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, said yesterday that since he assumed the throne 42 years ago, he had filed no fewer than 100 cases against governments in courts, saying he won 95 of them.

The monarch said: “As these young men have observed, I have spent the last 42 years on the throne as the Alaafin, to contribute my quota to the development of traditional institution in Nigeria.

“In doing these, I have approached the courts with over 100 cases and in all the decided cases, with due respect to members of the Bench, the Inner Silk and the lawyers, the Alaafin has never lost a case on traditional institution matters."

Though, he admitted that whoever had rivalry with government would feel the heat, he stressed that he did this as his contribution to the traditional institution.

He said these at the launch of a 389-page book entitled Chieftaincy Law in Nigeria: Principles and Practice, in Ibadan.

Burial

T

HE remains of Chief Frederick Egbikuadje, 96, Okpako Orere of Onude Okurekpo community in Ethiope East council, Delta State, will be buried Friday, April 12 at his residence in Onude.

He died on December 10, 2012. The burial will take place after a requiem mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, Okpara-Inland.

The burial ceremony would be preceded by a service of songs and prayers at his residence after which there will be a thanksgiving mass at St Charles Catholic Church in Okurekpo-Okpara.

Late Pa Egbikuadje.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Uduaghan’s aide bags chieftaincy title

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—POLIT ICAL Adviser to Delta State Governor (Central), Chief Fred Majemite and his wife, Edesiri, have bagged the chieftaincy titles of the ‘Okiemute re’Ovie and ‘Edesiri re’Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom respectively.

Conferring the chieftaincy titles on Majemite and his wife, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Oharisi III, described the duo as worthy subjects of the kingdom, who have contributed to the development of the area.

“Fred Majemite is one of our prominent sons and he has done so much to bring developmental projects to the kingdom. He is giving us good representation within and outside government.”

In a chat with newsmen after the event, Chief Fred Majemite, said; “I did not know my people were watching our activities and our modest contribution to the development of our kingdom and our people."

Experts advocate regional economic integration of S-South states U

YO—THE need for a pragmatic effort aimed at integrating the economies of the six SouthSouth states, was the focus of yesterday’s retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, put together by BRACED Commission.

BRACED is an acronym for the six South-South states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo and Delta.

Speakers at the event observed that governments and people of the BRACED states needed to back their blue prints on the economic integration and development of the region with concrete measures.

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN; Director-General of the Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi; Prof. Ejeviome Otobo of the United Nations, among others, noted that regional integration in the South-South was not optional but imperative.

Utuama noted that the world was moving towards economic integration, leaving the South-South region with no alternative.

He admitted that the South-South states were en-

dowed with abundant natural and human resources, observing that as individual states, they would not achieve their full potentials, hence they must pool resources together.

He said it was this understanding that informed the decision of the governors in the region to come up with the BRACED Commission.

Keshi, Director-General of the

Commission, explained that the retreat was to “deepen awareness of the imperatives and demands of regional development and identify drivers areas of zonal development.

“Assist to put in place structures and mechanisms that will drive regional cooperation and development; acquaint participants with the

MICRO-PROJECTS PROGRAMME: From left: Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru; E U Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. David Macrae, and Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Planning,Mr. Gogo Levi Charles, at the launching of Micro-Projects Programme, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

‘NBM building no meeting place for Black Axe Confraternity'

FMC doctors in Delta on strike over alleged assault by patient

T

A

HE Neo-Black Movement, NBM, of Africa has denied report Vanguard epublication, that the organisation’s building (Arena) in Lagos was the “headquarters and meeting point for suspected members of Black Axe Confraternity.”

The movement also denied the claim that a party took place at the place and that one of those who attended the alleged party, who was a Nigerian student of the North American University in Benin Republic, was among at least five persons killed in a renewed cult war in Mushin area of Lagos.

In a statement, yesterday, by its National Head, Mr. Bemigho Eyeoyibo, and Lagos Zonal Head, Dr. Enahoro Aikpokpo, the group said: “NBM is a pan-Africanist non-governmental organisation dedicated to the decolonization, development and unification of the continent and the Black race."

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA SABA—MEDICAL doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba, Delta State, have commenced an indefinite strike following a fracas between an aggrieved female patient, who reportedly slapped a doctor on duty for not attending to her child early enough.

As a result of the strike which began on Wednesday, relatives of patients at the hos-

pital were making frantic efforts to relocate them to other hospitals for proper attention.

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Leo Erhunmwunsee, reacting, said: “There is need for medical doctors, other health workers and patients to relate in an atmosphere of peace and harmony for all concerned to get the best from the centre. When issues arise, it is advisable for parties involved to toe the line of peace.”

Vanguard gathered that trouble started, when two doctors attached to the Children’s Emer-

gency Ward allegedly engaged some mothers, who brought their children for medical attention, in a free for all, as the mothers bitterly complained of alleged nonchalant attitude exhibited by the doctors in the face of the deteriorating health of their kids in the hospital.

At press time, there was tension at the hospital as the residents doctors were insisting that they would not return to work until the woman concerned was arrested.

Akpabio urges Oil, Gas Free Zone Authority to maximise hydro-carbon potentials

B

OARD of Directors of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne, Rivers State, has been charged to maximize the potentials of hydro-carbon economy in the country, through infrastructural renaissance that would lend itself to diversification.

Akwa Ibom State gvernor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, when the Chairman, Board of Directors and management of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne, Dr.

concepts, roles and dimensions of participatory approach in development process.”

Otobo, Director and Deputy Head, Peace Building Support Office of the UN, urged the BRACED states to organise their efforts towards infrastructural development, industrialisation and institutional building.

Chris Asoluka, accompanied by the authority’s Managing Director, Mr. Victor Alabo, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor ’s Office, Uyo, argued that there was need to diversify the country's monolithic economy.

He said: “Akwa Ibom is successful today because I was determined to transform the state.

So, you must do like wise by getting angry in order to turn a hydro-carbon economy to a successful economy by setting a standard and be committed in the oil and gas sector.

“I believe development must be sited everywhere in the country and not based on ethnic/tribal or political considerations but rather let us site industries where the economic scales are favourable and do things right to fix the country.”

The governor, who emphasised that President Goodluck Jonathan had good intention in setting up the authority, hoped that the authority would be realised, congratulating the new chairman on his appointment.

C-River doles out N400m to small scale enterprises

C

ROSS River State Gov ernment, through its development agency, Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency, MEDA, in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture, has set aside N400 million for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME’s.

Presenting cheques to beneficiaries of the scheme in Calabar, the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who underscored the importance of MSME’s in the economic development of any nation, said that it provides the largest means of livelihood for selfemployment in the state.

Imoke, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, contended that the sector also has the highest potential for employment creation and socio-economic development, which was why government had identified the sector as the engine through which its objectives of wealth creation could be achieve.

He said: “Let me reiterate that one of the objectives of this administration has always been wealth creation through socio-economic development."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Health workers threaten to go on strike

Boko Haram are too illiterate for their sophisticated attacks — Kalu

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — ABIA State Council of Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, has threatened to go on a strike to protest alleged misappropriation of their check-off dues to the tune of N12 million.

The union is accusing the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Dr. Uwa Iweha, and his management of misappropriating the money.

But the Chief Medical Director was said to have claimed he used the money to pay workers’ salary, a claim which the union is disputing.

Speaking to reporters in Umuahia, the state chairman of MHWUN, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, said they had exhausted all avenues available to them to recover the money but to no avail, hence the option of strike.

I

MMEDIATE PAST governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has made further clarifications on his assertion of a linkage between security agencies and the spate of bombings in the country.

In a statement he made before a group of London based Nigerian businessmen and politicians at the Legal Institute, London, Kalu said

he was concerned that his assertion about the complicity of security agencies in the spate of bombings that have particularly targeted Igbo people in the Northern part of Nigeria has been misinterpreted and taken entirely out of context.

A statement by his assistant, Mr. Oyekunle Oyewumi clarifying Kalu’s position, said that it was illogical to believe that the

Boko Haram operatives given their degree of illetracy could have the intellectual fibre to plan such sophisticated attacks as have been launched against Ndigbo.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Kalu’s position is that the security agencies should take a hard look at themselves and their modus operandi.

"They should be vigilant

in order to ensure that the purported bad eggs that have infiltrated the ranks of various branches of national security agencies are not the ones responsible for the unending atrocities.

"It is quite right that the searchlight must be beamed in every single direction, including the security outfit, without fear or favour, as we grapple with the nightmare of terrorism and bloody carnage in this country.”

721 policemen rendered homeless in Onitsha

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA —NO fewer than 721 policemen and their families, residing in the barracks at the Central Police Station, CPS, and Police Area Command, Onitsha, have been rendered homeless, following the demolition of their buildings and shops by the Anambra State Police Command.

While the affected policemen accused the state Police Command of being insensi-

tive, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Balla Nasarawa, who confirmed the development, described them as illegal occupants.

At the barracks, yesterday, there was confusion as many stranded policemen were seen discussing in clusters, while some of them were removing their belongings to safety.

Speaking with reporters in Onitsha, one of the victims who is an Inspector (names withheld), said he had been living in the barracks for the past 21 years, adding that he had consistently been paying rent to the police authorities and described the statement credited to the CP as untrue.

He said: “It was

yesterday morning (Wednesday) that we saw to our greatest surprise, a quit notice pasted on our doors signed by the Officer in Charge of Provost, ordering us to vacate our houses and that our wives should vacate their shops within 48 hours, without prior notice to that effect.

Traditional rulers hold thanksgiving service for Gov. Chime's successful treatment

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

N

SUKKA — TRADITIONAL rul ers in Enugu State, Wednesday,

held a special thanksgiving service and prayers for the state governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, over his successful treatment for cancer abroad.

The special mass service held at Immaculate Heart Parish, Aji, Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North Local Governmaent Area of the state, was attended by the monarchs across the state, politicians and top civil servants.

Chime was, however, represented at the service by his Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Pastor Emeka Abugu.

Dignitaries in attendance included the state PDP Chairman, Chief Vitta Abbah, Senator Ayogu Eze as well as traditional rulers from Kogi and Benue states, local government chairmen and members of Enugu State House of Assembly.

In his sermon at the church service, Reverend Father Uchenna Anthony Eze, who led 13 other priests, noted that the thanks-giving was exceptional as it was held while Christians were still celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

C M Y K

Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 —15

Gov. Oshiomhole marks 60th birthday

From left: Bishop Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Host, Gov.Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ACN National Leader ; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and Comrade Issa Aremu, NLC Vice President. Photos: Barnabas Uzosike & Biodun Ogunleye

Gov. Oshiomhole and children

From left: Chief John Oyegun (former governor of Edo State), Oby Ezekwesili and Chief Tom Ikimi, a national ACN chieftain.

From left: Bishop Matthew Kukah, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Asiwaju Bola Tinubuf and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

From left; Governors Amechi of Rivers State; Fayemi of Ekiti , Oshiomhole of Edo State, and Alhaji Dangote

From left: Crown Prince HRH, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, Ediaken N'uselu; Peter Isibor, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Edo and Cromwell Idahosa, Chief Judge of Edo State

From left: Chief Joe Adolo Okotie-Eboh (Delta State Chairman, ACN), Alhaji Muhammad Yakubu, member, NEC (ACF) and Aliko A cross section of ACN members Misau Mohammed, Chairman, Arewa Consecutive Forum

16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Ex-militants threaten FG over amnesty •Say: Include us now, or we return to the creeks

By EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—EX-MILITANTS, yester day, besieged the National Assembly demanding that the Federal Government include them in the amnesty programme or they would resume hostilities in the Niger Delta.

The ex-militants in their hundreds, had arrived the fourth entry point of NASS as early as 6.30am chanting war songs, displaying placards depicting various messages.

This action was, however, in the full glare of Police backed by men of NSCDC and plain clothed officers of Department of State Security, DSS. The aggrieved ex-militants, under the aegis of Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, also barricaded the main gate to NASS. Apparently unaware that the Federal Lawmakers are currently on Easter recess, the placard carrying ex-militants, led by 'General' Para Ekiyes, threatened to return to the creeks to resume hostilities, if the Federal Government failed to accede to their demand. Ekiyes, also known as 'General Gun Boat', said the group wanted the Federal Government to facilitate the immediate actualization of the third phase of the amnesty programme currently on going in the Niger Delta and which also accommodated them.

Lamenting their ordeal and what he called cavalier activities of members of the Task Force since the commencement of the phased programme under the supervision of Kingsley Kuku, Ekiyes said the group disarmed in 2011, and had since been waiting to no avail.

He said: “the Task Force on third phase amnesty has commenced work in Delta

State since February 3, 2013 but none of us has been invited,” adding that the officials have refused to invite the group to participate and partake in the presidential amnesty programme.

Ekiyes noted that the third phase of the programme had made provisions to accommodate only 3,642 of the about 5,600strong ex militants belonging to the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, yet none of them had been invited.

He said: "If the Federal Government fails to accede to our demand I and my men will go back to the creeks. The Nigerian government knows what the Niger Delta youths can do. The government knows what was happening before we disarmed, and since we disarmed they know what has been going on in the Niger Delta region.

Even the number of crude oil per day is very stable, the menace of sea piracy has ceased and there is stability in the area. But if the government feels that we should continue, then we will go back.”

It would be recalled that the Itsekiri youths were recently included in the Amnesty Programme after Itsekiri leaders presented a very conclusive evidence that the youths surrendered their arms before the Public Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives last year.

The youths, led then by a patron of the council, Dr. Lucky Akuaruese were armed with a copy of their earlier petition, as well as a video showing clearly the affected youths surrendering their arms which included rocket launchers, AK 47s, Sub-Machine Guns, SMGs and several other automatic weapons, to buttress their claims.

PHCN obeys court order, releases contract details

A

BUJA—POWER Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, has revealed the documents containing details of a World Bank-assisted contract for the supply and installation of High Voltage Distribution systems in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan, in compliance with last month’s order of an Abuja Federal High Court.

By a letter dated April 2, 2013, and signed by its General Manager, Project Monitoring Unit, PMU, Mr A.J. Ciroma, the PHCN forwarded a copy of the “Bid Evaluation Report containing all annexes” and a copy of the signed contract document to the Nigerian Contract Monitoring Coalition.

The coalition had made a request for them under the Freedom of Information Act and instituted the suit, following PHCN’s earlier refusal to disclose them.

PHCN explained in the covering letter that “the

contact sum, the conditions of contract, payment terms and number of required sectionalizers in each of the HVDS Networks are all contained in the signed contract document.”

It also requested the Public and Private Development Centre, PPDC, which instituted the suit on behalf of the Nigerian Contract Monitoring Coalition, to forward its bank account details to PHCN to enable the company pay the N20,000 costs awarded against PHCN by the court.

In the suit instituted on its behalf by the PPDC on September 21, 2012, the coalition sought an order to compel PHCN and the Attorney General of the Federation to provide it with procurement information relating to Bid No. NGP-D2 for the supply of 300 units of 11 KV, 500A On-Load Sectionalizers for installation at the High

Voltage Distribution System, HVDS, networks at Karu in Abuja; at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, in Lagos; in two other locations in Lagos, Ogba and Agege; as well as Challenge in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Besides the PPDC, which is the National Convener of the Coalition, other members include the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Media Rights Agenda, MRA, the Centre for Organizational and Professional Ethics, COPE-AFRICA, and the Initiative for Environmental and Health Society, IFEHS. PHCN had initially refused to provide any of the records and documents requested by the coalition under the Freedom of Information Act but later released some of them after Justice A.F.A.Ademolaof the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the coalition leave to institute the suit.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 17

believe what had happened to him. And that his compatriots immediately felt very close to him because of his loveable simplicity and ordinariness.

When a newspaper wrote a sychopantic article that glamorised the new First Lady, Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, her husband contacted the Editor to complain.

“I am,” Egypt’s new Head of State declared, “from the countryside; and I don’t want my wife or family to be in the limelight or to be the talk of the people.”

D

I

A pleasant surprise of the world that are neglected by other channels.

Al Jazeera’s stated objective is “to give voice to untold stories…and challenge established perceptions”. And it is certainly achieving this objective.

If you want to know more about developing nations and can afford a satellite TV subscription, please do yourself a BIG favour and

,

have just read a book called An Illustrated History Of The Jewish People.

It was written by my dear friend, Lawrence Joffe; and it moved me to tears.

I have always sympathised with Jews – who have, in my opinion, suffered even more than Black folks. Though we have endured colonialism, slavery, racism, theft and violence at the hands of White Christians, there has not, to the best of my knowledge, been any serious attempt to wipe us off the face of the earth. We have mostly been subjugated and cheated rather than exterminated.

Jews, on the other hand, have been the victims of widespread hatred and homicide that I will never understand. Six million Jews were murdered in Germany and its fiefdoms between l939 and l945, thanks to Adolf Hitler ’s Nazi regime; and there had been many previous attempts in many previous centuries and many other countries – Russia, for example - to destroy the Jewish People.

Anyway, despite the unfortunate mistakes that Israel has undoubtedly made since it was founded as a homeland for Jews in l948, I feel that Jews – who had until then been scattered across the globe in largely hostile terrains - deserved a safe haven in the land of their ancestors; and I am doggedly pro-Israel.

It is common knowledge that most Arabs and Muslims loathe Israel and regard Jews as The Enemy, so when Al Jazeera, the international TV station, was launched in Qatar in 2006, I was initially suspicious, assuming that it would churn out crude, heavily biased anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist propaganda.

But I have gradually fallen in love with Al Jazeera because it is a brilliant provider of news about parts

Egyptian President who was ejected from his glittering throne in 2011, during the famous Arab Spring protests that swept across North Africa and also toppled Presidents Ghadafi of Libya and Ben Ali of Tunisia.

One of the topics the documentary dwelled upon at some length was how Mubarak, who quietly rose through the ranks of the

I have gradually fallen in love with Al Jazeera because it is a brilliant provider of news about parts of the world that are neglected by other channels; even though I am unapologetically Western in orientation, I am totally hooked

tune into Al Jazeera.

Al Jazeera does not promote the standard Euro-American worldview. But, even though I am unapologetically Western in orientation, I am totally hooked.

INTERESTING PARALLELS

I recently watched a wonderful Al Jazeera documentary about Hosni Mubarak, the former

Mubarak

,

Egyptian Air Force until he became its Commander, wound up becoming the Number One citizen.

His origins were humble – he grew up in an impoverished peasant community; and he had been a very modest man who had led a very quiet suburban existence. And he was just doing his job to the best of his ability and doing whatever his superiors wanted when he

received the phone call that would change his life.

Mubarak didn’t expect or seek the sudden elevation that was thrust upon him in l975,

by Anwar Sadat, the then President. And when Sadat was assassinated in 1981, Mubarak was catapulted into the hottest seat in the land of the Pharoahs.

“He became,” said the documentary narrator, “VicePresident and President by coincidence in a regime that cherished loyalty.”

We were then told that Mubarak was utterly bewildered and couldn’t quite

oes this fascinating tale not remind you of someone on our doorsteps?

Sure, President Goodluck Jonathan’s biography is different from Mubarak’s in various ways. But the basic script and dramatic essentials are the same.

A regular, decent, noiseavoiding kinda guy who was doing well careerwise - but didn’t attract much attention and wasn’t an ambitious, powerhungry schemer wakes up one morning and finds that Circumstances and God have placed him at the pinnacle of a complex society he never imagined he could lead.

Mubarak, sadly, changed pretty drastically.

He succumbed to greed and corruption. He became increasingly isolated from reality.

He started to listen to fawning praisesingers who offered him lousy advice about governance and encouraged him to regard himself as a demi-deity.

He allowed the wife he had once gently controlled to carry on like an arrogant Queen.

Let’s pray that President Jonathan does not fall into the same terrible trap!

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,APRIL 5, 2013 THE furores in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over its governors’ conducts and the possibilities of no primaries for the 2015 elections are part of the politics of convenience that the party has been playing exceptionally well since 1999.

Only three years ago, PDP at a forum promised to assist women vying for political offices in the 2011 elections. Between official promises of giving them automatic tickets (even for seats with incumbent) and the moderated version that they would be provided funds to contest against others, nothing was done. PDP kept vacillating on an official position on primaries that hardly anyone understood how they were conducted.

Matters are a bit more complicated for 2015.

Only seven of the PDP’s 23 governors are eligible for re-election. Of the number only three of the elections are due in 2015, the other five would be in 2016. Governors who have served out their terms are seeking opportunities in the Senate. The party’s automatic ticket for incumbents therefore has no meaning for 20 of PDP’s governors.

PDP’s importance in the conduct of its affairs

Always Politics Of Convenience lies in the fact that it has overwhelmingly dominated Nigeria’s politics since 1999. Its main interest is in stabilising its hold on power.

PDP is impulsive, undecided, with a high inclination to play above the law, in what it calls “family affair.”

Primaries are dictated by the Electoral Act. Every party should hold them. Primaries entrench firm democratic behaviours in parties.

The poor examples of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the selection of its candidates have found followership in most of the political parties.

Why would candidates not be interested in contesting primaries? Why would they rather

frighten others out of the process?

Many party members have invested their lives waiting for opportunities to vie for elective offices. If the parties do not make these positions open, they constrict opportunities and leave their members with few options than the crises across the parties.

It is time the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stepped into the organisation of the parties, and effect its constitutional obligations in ensuring that the parties are run democratically.

Hopes are lean that there would be primaries.

If they hold, they would be in constituencies the parties want to punish the office holders, or where there is nobody strong enough to hijack the office. Without primaries, Nigeria’s few gains in democracy would soon be gone. We can still have democratic governments, but they will be worse than dictatorships.

The culture of most parties imposing candidates on their members is the type of politics that would not be helpful in 2015. The parties should conduct primaries at all levels, for all offices. The democracies they claim to imitate do so.

OPINION

BY CHUKWUDI ENEKWECHI

H

ISTORICALLY, the United States and Nigeria have shared cozy diplomatic relations, except during the late General Sani Abacha’s military interregnum, when the relations turned sour on account of annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election by the military and Abacha’s subsequent usurpation of power. During the period, both countries severed diplomatic relations. The reason for the upset could obviously be traced to the annulment of that presidential election won by the late Moshood Abiola. Once it happened, America, as the custodian and bastion of liberal democracy across the globe, saw it as an affront, not only against democracy loving Nigerians, but also a truncation of the avowed goals of its foreign policy which cornerstone is the spread of democracy globally. Till this day, this policy has continued to dominate American world view and foreign policy from Iraq to Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and much of the Middle East, as well as Asia and Africa.

America has never been under any pretence or illusion that they want democracy and rule of law to thrive, and blossom across the world, therefore, it could easily be seen why they detested the abrupt cancellation of the June 12 election by the IBB Military junta.

Since the death of General Abacha, and subsequent restoration of democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria’s relations with America have continued to grow from strength to strength. Regrettably, there seemed to have

US meddlesomenes in Nigeria's affairs been a set back in the relations, when recently the Jonathan administration granted pardon to some high profile ex-convicts among them the former governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Diepreiye Alamieyeseigha who was once tried and jailed under the Obasanjo administration for corruption.

Expectedly, some people were taken aback that despite the tragedy which corruption has become in our clime, with its attendant debilitating effects, that Nigeria’s government will muster sufficient courage to grant pardon to some persons who were once convicted for the same malady. At least not at this time when the cankerworm has become the greatest obstacle to the overall development of the country, they reasoned.

Yet the government stood its ground, and took in all the criticisms, especially as it affects Alamieyeseigha. In the cacophony of voices also were those who supported the pardon granted the VIPs by Mr. President.

The matter, however, took another dimension when the United States government through its embassy in Nigeria joined the fray and condemned the pardon granted the former Bayelsa State helmsman. In their view, the pardon portended a wrong signal that the fight against corruption was a fluke, and this they

told the Federal Government pointblank.

Of course, as should be expected, the Federal Government did not take the US intervention lightly, as it considered it as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and obviously it was. As a sovereign nation, Nigeria has a set of laws that guide all her actions, including punishment and pardon for crimes against the state. At every stage, it remains the prerogative of government to mete out punishment or pardon to offenders, hence we have in our statute books opportunities for clemency, pardon, prerogative of mercy or what have you. So long as the government exercises the authority according to the laws of the land, then there should be no uproar from other quarters, least of which is a foreign country.

T

herefore, when the Nigerian government accused the United States of undue interference and meddlesomeness in her internal affairs, it struck the right chord for it is not within the legal or diplomatic power of America to determine who is deserving of clemency or pardon under our laws. For them to outrightly condemn the pardon granted to Alamieyeseigha without weighing the implications or the pros and cons which informed government's decision

is to say the least an unwarranted provocation and obviously an undue interference in our internal affairs.

Granted that there are some humanitarian aids we receive from the United States from time to time, but that doesn’t presuppose that we have surrendered our sovereignty to America. Aids to countries are voluntary and they come with aims and objectives, of which the donor most times know the underpinning benefits that ultimately accrue to them.

It is indeed sufficient that the Federal Government has listed the reasons why the pardon to the ex- Bayelsa State helmsman became necessary, and prominent among these is his capacity in helping to stem the restiveness in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Obviously, this is a plausible reason unless Nigeria is ready to manage with the sharp drop in oil production with the consequent drop in revenue, thereby crippling development activities as was the case during the upheaval.

As peace is the desire of all nations, all hands must be on deck to seek and achieve it wherever and whenever we can find it, and if by pardoning AlamieyeseIgha Nigeria will witness accelerated growth and progress, so be it, and America please let us be.

*Mr. Enekwechi, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 19

W

AY back in 1979, I was privileged to get close to our idol and hero, Professor Chinua Achebe. I had just gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I was 17 years old. Though I had applied to study Mass Communication or Political Science in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, examination, I found myself in the Department of English. Getting to the university, I sought to change to the course of my first choice but later decided to settle for English after one of the most respected lecturers, the Deputy ViceChancellor, and my clansman, the late Prof. Donatus Nwoga, to whom I had taken my complaint, had talked sense into me.

On settling down and doing all the necessary clearance, I filled the course form to start my studies in earnest. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka of those days was not a place you could waste any time in your studies. Not when you had ‘high voltage’ courses –courses that carried 12 and nine credit loads. A slip or low grade in those courses and you were already heading for third class or pass degree.

After filling my course form, I went to the department notice board to know who was my academic adviser and whom I should take the form to for his signature. I stared in disbelief as I saw against my name: Professor Chinua Achebe. What? Achebe! I did not even know that the literary icon was there as one of our lecturers. At that time, I could not claim to be a very bold young man.

Though I could not describe myself as timid, but the trappings of a village boy who was leaving his village for the first time was quite evident in me. I was, therefore, filled with trepidation though a little excited.

But how would I approach him?

A Professor whose name rings bell all over the world. A person, known for his mastery of English Language, who was said to teach Engish people their own language.

How would I talk to him? What if I made mistakes? Would he chide me or refuse to sign my form or…what? Useless thoughts filled my fear-stricken heart.

Mustering enough courage, I approached the door with the wooden sticker on which was written: Prof. Chinua Achebe. I met the Secretary, a woman, as I opened the door. She asked me what I wanted and I told her I wanted my course form signed.

She quickly collected it from me and added it to others on her table and asked me to come the next day to collect it after ‘Prof ’ must have signed it. I thanked her and quickly left the office, grateful that I did not have to confront Professor Achebe. But somehow, even as I was grateful to leave, I still felt a little disappointed that I could not see Prof. Achebe face to face. To see and probably touch the author of Things Fall Apart and A Man of the People, his books I had read before then, would be the beginning of greatness, I thought.

The next day, I was back to the department and to the office. A car, a Jaguar, which I learnt belonged to Prof. Achebe announced his presence. As I entered the general office, and told the secretary that I had come for the form, she quickly told me that my form was not out and that Prof. had signed all the forms she sent in except mine and that other students had already collected theirs. I could not understand as I stood there speechless. “You have to go and meet him for yours. I don’t know why he didn’t sign it.” I stood staring at nothing in particular as I contemplated how I would meet him. Why didn’t he sign my form?

How would I present my case?

What would I say?

Achebe's farewell to Nigeria and Biafra

BY WILLY BOZIMO

O

NE was not too sure if the foremost literary stylist from Nigeria and Africa foresaw his passing on so soon? With his most recent slightly vituperative literary outing titled, There Was A Country, a literary-cum-historical bombshell on the Nigerian civil war in which he lampooned the persons of certain key figures of the fratricidal bloodbath such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the vice chairman of the Gowon regime who propounded the theory that starvation was a legitimate weapon of war and General Yakubu Gowon, whom he accused of spearheading a genocide against the Igbos.

The author of the celebrated novel, Things Fall Apart and the number one in the African Writers Series. That novel which was written in the late fifties became an instant classic.

It was based essentially on Igbo culture and the predictable conflicts they had with the coming of the White Colonial Masters. It was a book that turned out to be a world beater and enshrined his name in letters of gold. As a writer with a very sensitive use of the English Language, he largely popularised the use of Igbo proverbs in every chapter of his breath-taking and enthralling novel, especially the unforgettable: ‘’Proverbs are the palm oil with which words

Prof. Achebe was indeed a great man; a great writer and a heroic figure; his death, to me, is like the death of a god; of course, he was the god of African fiction

,

Remembering that I was now in the university and that I must be bold and courageous instead of being the village boy, I summed up courage and knocked on the door and opened, my hand a little shaky.

“Good morning, Sir”. I could detect timidity in my voice and I thought he did too.

“Good morning,” he replied, barely looking up as he looked at me above his reading glasses. He was very busy writing and appeared to have little time to talk.

“I have come to collect my course form, Sir,” I started… He looked up and with his head motioned to the ‘out’ tray on his left. There on top of the papers was my form. I picked it. But it was not signed. I stared at it for some seconds.

“Sir, it… i..s… not signed…” I began. He looked up, regarded me for a moment and bent down again on his work. I stood there for nearly a minute not knowing what to do or what next to say. Something must be wrong with the form, I thought. I quickly turned and left the office. Once out and on the corridor, I went through the form, searching for any mistake. Then, my eyes went to the word, ‘Professor’. “Ah! Is this word spelt with double ‘f’ and double ‘s’ or is it double ‘f’ and one ‘s’. I rushed to the department library just opposite me and quickly grabbed a copy of Oxford Advanced

Learner’s English Dictionary. I went searching for ‘Professor’ and promptly found it. My God! One ‘f’ and double ‘s’ and I had spelt it with double ‘f’ and one ‘s’. This could be the problem.

I rushed back to the general office, collected correction fluid from the secretary and neatly cleaned the word and wrote the correct spelling. I knocked on the Prof’s door some minutes later and opened. As I entered with the form, his eyes quickly went to the correction. He stretched out his hand without saying a thing and collected the form from me. He signed it immediately and handed it back to me, grinning and nodding his approval.

I smiled and thanked him. He smiled back at me, his smile so kind and fatherly. I left the office so happy that I had met Professor Chinua Achebe and could describe him to anyone who cared to know.

Besides, I was very happy that I had learnt the spelling of ‘professor’ once and for all. This is the department of English indeed and I had to be very careful with my spellings and use of words, I thought. The lesson had actually begun and I had been taught the first lesson by no other than the legendry Chinua Achebe.

The next time I got very close to Prof. Achebe was in my second year. I had been elected Secretary of The English Association. The various executive positions of the association were usually distributed among the first, second and third year students since the final year students were considered too busy to engage in association matters.

We had organised the usual welcome party for the fresh students and new lecturers that had just joined the department. It was late evening around 7pm. I cannot recall what took me to the department that evening before going to the party that was to start by 8 pm.

A

s I walked down the corridor of the ground floor of Ansa Building housing the English Department, I met Professor Achebe coming out from his office.

If Achebe had called many more Nigerians names for the misfortune of the Igbos in Nigeria, we should forgive him because writers are generally idealistic and illusionists

,

BY ENYERIBE ANYANWU

,

Remembering Professor Achebe

are eaten" After that he came out with several other novels like No longer at Ease in 1960, The Arrow of God in 1964; A Man of the People in 1966 and his later day novel Anthhills in the Savanah’ and his not too successful book of poetry titled Beware Soul Brother capturing the civil war years during which the Biafran girls were deliberately put on the war front to lure sex-starved federal troops to their sudden death through amorous relationships with the soldiers.

After relocating to the United States during the war, he committed his enormous talents and skills to propaganda purposes on behalf of the Republic of Biafra, using the Radio Biafra and other channels.

One was old enough to listen to the golden voice of the ace broadcaster from Cross Rivers State, the late Okokon Ndem, who read powerful and emotion-laden news talks against Nigeria.

If you listened then to the Radio Biafra, a kind of roving radio, the Republic of Biafra won the war in the airwaves while the federal troop gained the upper hand on the killing fields of Abagana and Ulli Ihiala. Chinua Achebe’s attempt to join the political stage was a disaster as he pitched tent with the late Mallam Aminu Kano’s Peoples Redemption Party, PRP. It was during those trips to Kano that he had the accident that disabled him and consigned him to a wheel

,

chair for the better part of 42 years.

W

hen he came out with his There Was A Country, many Nigerians from the Yoruba ethnic nationality reacted in anger to the bombshell against their demi- god, Papa Awolowo.

They accused Achebe of suffering from senility and argued vociferously that if ever there was a friend of the Igbos, it was the Yorubas as Pa Awo reportedly went to the East to persuade Ojukwu to abandon his secessionist ambition, and declaring that if the East was allowed to go, the West would follow suit.

For 42 odd years, Chinua Achebe had carried the burden on his soul. And perhaps, foreseeing the end was near, he decided to ruffle the political waters of his former country Nigeria by refusing National Honours of CFR twice and decided to stay put in America, his adopted father- land.

For most of us who had missed his creative

“Good evening, Prof”, I greeted.

“Good evening, Oh! Good, secretary, where is your party taking place?

Somewhat stunned, I replied, “Princess Alexandria, Sir.” “Ok. Are you ready? Let’s go together."

He entered his car, the imposing Jaguar, the only such car on campus, and opened the front seat door for me. I went in with my heart thumping. “Me…ride with Professor Chinua Achebe in his Jaguar. In the car he enquired about my health, my academics and the association. I answered his questions carefully, modestly until we got to the venue of the party.

Reminiscing on this, I could not but imagine what a father Achebe was. So simple as his use of words in writing, so loving and kind. I marvelled at his wonderful memory. Even though, he did not teach me in class, did not see me very often, he could still recognise me anywhere.

But by far, what continued to beat my imagination was how he knew that I was the Secretary of the English Association as I never had any encounter with him in that capacity. Could it be that the Prof was taking silent interest in all us and was monitoring our progress?

Prof. Achebe was indeed a great man. A great writer and a heroic figure. His death, to me, and no doubt, to all his students at Nsukka, is like the death of a god.

Of course, he was the god of African fiction.

Prof, could it be that you knew you were going to die that you hastened to bring out There Was A Country whose first few pages read like an autobigraphy or better, a valecdictory speech? Could it be that you knew what was going to happen that you rounded off your career so smoothly, providing us with the missing link of your life, the brief country you belonged to and the disappointing country you died in?

Rest in peace, our hero and our pride!

*Mr. Anyanwu, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

prowess for these many years, the motor accident he was involved in symbolically truncated his creative Muse and those of other budding writers who had made their marks in the African Writers Series which he founded.

There Was A Country was sufficiently emotive for him as he lamented not only the loss of Biafra during the war, but also the loss of Nigeria in which he was perhaps, No longer at Ease with. Before he died recently, he eventually came to terms with the failed Biafra and Nigeria. If Achebe had called many more Nigerians names for the misfortune of the Igbos in Nigeria, we should forgive him because writers are generally idealistic and illusionists, writing from the realms of fantasy and some bit of propaganda.

That last testimony to the Biafran war, to me, was a belated application to return to fatherland. On the flip side of the book, he must have regretted the fact that the country he fought for deploying his literary talents ended up in smoke, even if it lasted just 30 months before the walls of Biafra started cracking and falling. There Was A Country was the epitome of his literary cup of bitterness against his country. It is safe to assume that the ghastly accident he suffered cut short his prolific writing skills and subsequently fuelled his bitterness before he bowed out gracefully. And with the avalanche of testimonies and obituaries on this icon of the literary world, Achebe did not die, he merely but gloriously transited to the great beyond. *Mr. Bozimo wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

20—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, APRIL 5 , 2013

Debate of the masses

Boko Haram insurgency, a conspiracy? (1)

BY EBELE ORAKPO HERE’S more to “Tthis Boko Haram

•Fleeing residents of the affected community

When messengers of death came calling:

Bloodbath in Benue community

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

T

HE hinterlands in Benue State have gradually become theatres of war where the rules of engagement and sanctity of human life are brazenly disregarded. From Gwer West to Guma and from Gwer to Oturkpo and Makurdi, it is the same sad story of killings and bloodbath occasioned by conflicts between the natives of these communities and invading Fulani herdsmen.

A few days ago, two persons were slaughtered by herdsmen at Uvir community during a fishing festival at Ake Lake in Guma Local Government Area.

The outcry that trailed that killing had hardly died down when

dren of the bee farmer was watching him as he stole the honey from the pot and he alerted his father who confronted the Fulani man. Because of the prolonged bottled animosity between Tiv farmers and the herdsmen, the situation escalated leading to killings and destruction of property and farmland,” the source said.

Contacted on telephone, the Gwer West Local Government Council Chairman, Mrs. Eunice Mbajwa, confirmed that the issue was initially resolved amicably but noted that the Fulani herdsman later mobilized his kinsmen who attacked the village around 6pm same Friday.

Mrs Mbajwa who said she informed the Benue State Police

,

One of the security officers in my Council and three mobile policemen who were on their way to keep surveillance in the area were ambushed and killed

another five persons were slaughtered in Gwer West Local Government Area.

Specifically, three police officers and two others were among those who were reportedly killed in the fresh conflict between Fulani herdsmen and native Tiv farmers at Anguwah village of Gwer West Local Government Area.

Vanguard Metro gathered from sources that the crisis erupted in the community on a Friday afternoon after a Fulani herdsman allegedly stole the honey of a bee farmer in the village. “Unknown to the herdsman, one of the chil-

,

Command about the incident, however regretted that while the mobile policemen were on their way to the village in an Hillux vehicle in company of the security officer attached to the council, they were ambushed by the herdsmen who killed all the occupants of the vehicle, including the three policemen.

Continuing, the chairman said: “I was informed of the little skirmish between the Fulani man and the Tiv bee farmer, and I immediately alerted the police. But around 6pm that Friday, somebody phoned and informed me that some Fulani men had

crossed the river in three boats and were armed to the teeth.

When I heard this, I immediately called the police and they swiftly swung into action. I later gathered that one of the security officers in my council and three mobile policemen who were on their way in an Hillux vehicle to keep surveillance in the area were ambushed and killed.”

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Daniel Ezealo, confirmed the death of two police officers, adding that the third might have been abducted. ”I can confirm that two policemen were killed but we strongly believe that the third was abducted. We are yet to trace him or know his whereabouts but our men are still searching for him,” he said.

Vanguard Metro recalls that only recently, the paramount ruler of Nagi Kingdom of Gwer West Local Government, HRH Chief Daniel Abomste had called on the Federal Government to create grazing routes for herdsmen across the country in order to avert skirmishes and further loss of innocent lives in many Benue communities.

Abomste had warned that the continued destruction of the farmlands of Benue farmers by the invading herdsmen and their cattle would continue to be a major reason for conflict in Benue communities.

menace than meets the eye,” said Sani, a commuter in the Abujabound bus. “I suspect the West. These people sit down and plan for the next 20 years, what they will want to see happen around the world and then go and plot how to achieve the projections.”

“I see! So this is like the hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob!” exclaimed Biola.

“Exactly! Unfortunately, we have very willing tools in the North due to poverty and illiteracy,” noted Sani.

“The Oyibos have never meant well for the Black man. They feel they are superior to us in every way so when they see us rising, they do everything to suppress us,” said Ibrahim.

Stealing the nation blind “No, I don’t agree with you. Just look at governance in Nigeria since independence?

What have we achieved?

We are busy killing ourselves, stealing the nation blind and yet comfortably playing the blame game. Whatever anybody says, the buck stops here. After all, God gave us the same brain and same 24 hours in a day, so what are we talking about? How did China become great? The West never liked them too. What about Japan and South Korea? Japan had to halt their production of Toyota to enable Kia penetrate the market. China is among the great because they looked inwards. So what stops Nigeria from using her abundant resources to become great?” asked Joshua.

“It’s like God’s apprentices made us,” replied Biola. This elicited laughter.

Said Ibrahim: “Ajaoku-

ta Steel Company is an example. It was meant to be the largest in Africa.“ “Then corruption happened!” interjected Joshua.

“Well, it was a conspiracy by the West.

ASL was to enable us become makers and exporters of steel. The Russians were awarded the contract because the West did not like the idea.

They started the project and suddenly, the West became interested and was awarded the civil engineering work and then the cold war started.

The West used their civil engineering companies to frustrate the project.

Africa is the largest market for Western automobiles, so if Nigeria begins to produce steel, they will lose the market and that was why they conspired to retard the growth of the project,” said Ibrahim.

“Ah, your school fees were not in vain. You’re making sense,” joked Biola. “So you now see why the Boko Haram thing can as well be a conspiracy? Nigeria is blessed in every sense of the word and if it is allowed to develop, will become a big threat to the West and so the best thing is to destabilize her, not from outside but from within; set them up against themselves and fragment the nation.

“Kano, Jos and Kaduna would have been a strong business corridor but look at what has happened!

An average Nigerian will prefer to get N1million even if the nation will lose N10million in the process. It is that bad. I know of a Lebanese businessman owing PHCN N50,000 but was willing to bribe them with N40,000 instead of paying the N50,000 and getting a receipt. This is aiding a foreigner to defraud us. Will a White guy allow a Black man to defraud his government?” asked Sani.

“Impossible!” replied Joshua.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 21

BOJ to pump $1.4trn into economy in unprecedented stimulus

T

From right: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Mr. Goodie Ibru; Vice President/Chairman, Membership Committee, Dr. Wole Ogunpehin and Vice President, Mrs Nike Akande, at the presentation of certificates to new members of the chamber, Wednesday.

ECB ready to act on rates as economy languishes T

HE European Central Bank expects a gradual economic recovery later this year but will monitor incoming data very closely and is ready to cut interest rates if necessary, its president said on Thursday.

Addressing a news conference after the ECB held rates at a record low 0.75 percent, the highest level among the world’s major central banks, Mario Draghi said discussion at the monthly meeting had been extensive and the consensus was to hold fire.

139.1

2.95

2,138.00

-33.00

17.64

0.05

108.68

-2.01

95.68

-1.51

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.74 234.0907 198.5933 163.1418 1.655 0.2839 231.5726 24.9523 41.2607 26.6371 232.0172

155.24 234.8471 199.235 163.669 1.6603 0.2939 232.3208 25.0334 41.394 26.7231 232.7669

SELLING 155.74 235.6035 199.8767 164.1961 1.6657 0.3039 233.0691 25.1145 41.5273 26.8092 233.5166

CBN Exchange rate as at 04/04/2013

But he added that the ECB stood “ready to act” because there was no certainty that the euro zone economy would pick up.

“In the coming weeks, we will monitor very closely all the incoming information on economic and monetary developments, and assess the impact on the outlook for price stability,” he said.

Draghi’s predecessor, Jean-Claude Trichet, used a stock of coded phrases to signal future policy actions something his successor has not previously indulged in. One of those phrases was “monitor very closely” although in the Frenchman’s era it more often presaged an interest rate rise two months’ hence.

German government bond and euro zone interest rate futures extended gains with market participants saying Draghi’s comments laid the ground for a rate cut in coming months.

“In a nutshell, a rate cut or additional non-standard measures cannot be ruled out in May,” said Annalisa Piazza at Newedge Strategy.

The ECB is mandated to deliver inflation just below 2 percent. In March, it fell to 1.7 percent.

A survey released earlier on Thursday showed the euro zone’s economic decline dragged on unabated in March, marked by a huge drop in French business activity that outstripped even the downturns in Spain and Italy.

“Weak economic activity has extended into the early part of the year

and a gradual recovery is projected for the second half of the year subject to downside risks,” Draghi said.

As the world recovers from the financial crisis, the ECB has lent less support to the economy than its peers in Japan, the United States and Britain, which have launched massive asset purchase programs with new money and cut rates closer to zero.

HE Bank of Japan unleashed the world’s most intense burst of monetary stimulus, yesterday, promising to inject about $1.4 trillion into the economy in less than two years, a radical gamble that sent the yen reeling and bond yields to record lows.

New Governor Haruhiko Kuroda committed the BOJ to open-ended asset buying and said the monetary base would nearly double to 270 trillion yen ($2.9 trillion) by the end of 2014 in a shock therapy to end two decades of stagnation.

The U.S. Federal Reserve may buy more debt under its quantitative easing, but with the Japanese economy about one-third of the size of the United States, the scope of Kuroda’s “Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing” is unmatched.

“This is an unprecedented degree of monetary easing,” a smiling Kuroda told a news conference after his first policy meeting at the helm of the central bank.

“We took all available steps we can think of. I’m confident that all necessary measures to achieve 2 percent inflation in two years were taken today,” he said.

One of those steps was to abandon interest rates as a target and become the only major central bank to primarily target the monetary base — the amount of cash it pumps out to the economy. It adopted a similar policy in 2001-2006, but not on this scale.

Jobless claims in US rise more than forecast

M

ORE Americans than projected filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, reflecting the difficulty the government has adjusting the figures around the Easter holiday and spring break at schools.

Jobless claims rose by 28,000 to 385,000 in the week ended March 30, the highest since Nov. 24, Labor Department figures showed yesterday in Washington. The median forecast of 47 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a drop to 353,000. Before adjusting for seasonal variations, claims fell by almost 1,600.

The Easter holiday falls on different weeks from year to year, making it a challenge to smooth out swings in the data, a Labor Department spokesman said as the numbers were released.

Further progress in the labor market that includes a pickup in the pace of hiring depends on faster economic

growth.

“We have seasonal adjustment quirks” that have boosted the figures, said Brian Jones, a senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale in New York, who correctly projected the number of claims. “Next week, we expect claims to come right back down.

The labor market is OK, it’s fine.”

The claims week included Good Friday on March 29 before the Easter holiday, which was earlier than the last four years. Claims for the Virgin Islands and California were estimated, the Labor Department spokesman said as the figures were being released.

The four-week average of claims rose to 354,250 from 343,000.

A report tomorrow from the Labor Department may show employers added 195,000 workers to payrolls in March after 236,000 the month before, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg survey.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

World Bank unveils agenda to end extreme poverty Stories by BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE World Bank has un veiled an agenda to end extreme poverty by 2016 and to boost incomes of the poorest 40 per cent of the world’s population.

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim outlined the new agenda in a speech at Georgetown University, calling for ambitious new goals to help the most vulnerable.

“We are at an auspicious moment in history when the successes of past decades and an increasingly favourable economic outlook combine to give developing countries a chance - for the first time ever - to end extreme poverty within a generation,” Kim said in a speech at Georgetown University. “Our duty now must be to ensure that these favorable circumstances are matched with deliberate decisions to realize this historic opportunity.”

Speaking in advance of the upcoming World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, Kim observed that developing economies rebounded quickly from the crisis and are now in a fundamentally sound position, thanks to greater macroeconomic stability, a stronger rule of law, and increased investments in human capital and infrastructure. Productivity growth in the private sector, the source of 90 percent of all jobs, is high.

Kim noted that the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG), to halve extreme poverty, was achieved in 2010, five years ahead of time, after developing countries spent years investing in social safety nets and working hard to build the fiscal space and cre-

ate the macroeconomic buffers to respond effectively if a crisis hit.

To achieve the more difficult goal of virtually eliminating extreme poverty, Kim described three factors necessary: First, to reach the goal by 2030 will require an acceleration of the growth rate observed over the past 15 years, and in particular sustained high growth in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Second, it will require efforts to enhance inclusiveness and curb inequality, and ensure that growth translates into poverty reduction, most importantly through job creation. And third, it will require that potential shocks – such as new

food, fuel, or financial crises and climatic disasters – be averted or mitigated.

Noting that many global leaders, over many decades, have spoken about ending poverty, Kim recognized that to realize this vision will take a commitment from the entire global development community that matches the scope of the challenge, and he hailed recent calls from global leaders to take action.

“Recently a number of courageous politicians have committed to ending poverty in their countries, including Dilma Rousseff in Brazil and Joyce Banda in Malawi. Similarly, US President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron

endorsed the vision of ending extreme poverty globally. These bold calls demand action,” said Kim. Kim pointed out that the date of 2030 is highly ambitious: “To reach the 2030 goal, we must halve poverty once, then halve it again, and then nearly halve it a third time—all in less than one generation.”

Kim asserted that to meet global challenges, fighting extreme poverty alone is not enough: “We must collectively work to help all vulnerable people everywhere lift themselves well above the poverty line. At the World Bank Group we call this boosting shared prosperity.”

Director General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG,Frank Nweke Jr (left); Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, Group Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Tanoh (right) and Jibril Aku during the World Economic Forum, CEOs Brainstorming session, in Lagos.

Tax institutes should champion cause of good tax system — Ibru As WAUTI counsels CITN, ICAN P

RESIDENT, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Goodie Ibru has called on tax institutes in the West African region to champion the cause of good tax system.

He made this call at the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) conference held in Lagos recently.

According to Ibru, a good tax system is the one that is targeted at consumption and not at investment. He said that by focusing on consumption, government would be able to generate enough IGRs for the development of the key sectors of the economy. He said that when citizens pay their taxes promptly, they will be able to

make demands on government on what social amenities they need.

Meanwhile the African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) has counselled the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to amicably resolve their disagreement over the practice of taxation in Nigeria. Speaking during the WAUTI conference, President, Prince ‘Kunle Quadri said both institutes will benefit nothing by being t loggerheads with each other.

“The recent court judgment which affirmed CITN as the only professional body saddled with the responsibility of

regulating and controlling the taxation profession in Nigeria. While commending the judiciary for this ruling, I urge the CITN Council to extend hand of fellowship to all stakeholders in the process of professionalizing the system,” he said.

Quadri said the importance of an efficient tax system can be seen in developed regions of the world where taxation is the pivot of their economies. He wants governments across the West African region to introduce tax reforms that will provide the right resources to be used in developing their economies.

“A reformed tax system with good taxation policies, up-to-

date and regularly reviewed laws will go a long way to make the region investor friendly,” he said.

He said that trade within the West African sub-region, has been hampered by diverse tax policies being implemented within the region. He said that harmonization of tax systems in the region is seen as not only plausible, but reasonable in order to ensure better business environment within the region.

He regretted that corruption, continuous fall in standard of living, inadequate social amenities, have made the burden of taxes unbearable for taxpayers.

BRIEF More winners emerge in GTBank ‘GTCrea8’ e-Savers promo S

IX more winners have emerged in the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc GTCrea8 eSavers Promo for undergraduates.

The winners emerged from six regions of Lagos, Abuja, South-East, South-West, Port Harcourt and Northern region, at a draw held at the bank’s head office in Lagos.

The winners were individually rewarded with items included a bedside fridge, an iPod touch, a galaxy Samsung tab 2, Samsung notebook, blackberry curve phone and a LED television.

Speaking on the reason for the promo, an official from the bank’s Communications and External Affairs Department, Oyinade Adegite, noted that the promo was designed to encourage students to save.

According to her, all that is required to participate and benefit from the promo is for students in tertiary institutions to open a GTCrea8 e-savers account.

“In addition, they are required to conduct a minimum of three transactions per month on alternate banking channels such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (PoS) and internet banking to qualify for the monthly draws and maintain a minimum account balance of N5,000 for six consecutive months to qualify for the grand finale,” she explained.

According to Adegite, Items to be won at the monthly zonal draws include Blackberry phones, iPods, Laptops, Samsung Galaxy Tab, LED TV and bedside fridges. The Bank is also organizing several ongoing events on campuses across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria where students will have the opportunity of instantly winning Nokia phones over a six month period while the star prize of a brand new mini cooper convertible car will be won by one of the e-savers at the grand finale of the raffle draw in September 2013”, she added.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 23

Cassava: Kwara surpasses national production capacity

By DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

Cattle grazing: Livestock makes up 75% of source of livelihood of Nigerians.

Nigeria needs livestock breeding policy —Gefu

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

T

HE Executive Director, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Prof Jerome Gefu, has called for a national Livestock Breeding Policy to regulate and develop the livestock sector in Nigeria.

Gefu made the call in Ibadan during the meeting on the resuscitation of the National Technical Sub - Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Livestock Breeds organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB).

The NAPRI boss who was inaugurated as the chairman of the sub - committee by NACGRAB’s Director, Mr Wasiu Odofin at the occasion said such policy would create an enabling environment for the sector to excel.

Gefu said the policy would also bring sanity to the Nigerian livestock sector by regulating the operations of stakeholders and practitioners, adding that the policy in place, indiscriminate importation of all types of foreign livestock would be checked. “Without putting such policy solidly on ground, we will still be scratching the surface in livestock development in Nigeria” he said.

Gefu also called for appropriate fiscal policy to be woven into the livestock policy to facilitate easy financial access for operators of the sector to oil their business. He recommended that the policy should be such that would

transcend successive administrations in the country and last for decades in order to give room for efficiency through sustainability.

Gefu noted that for long the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds Registration and Release Committee had focused on crops while neglecting livestock.

“Livestock makes up 75 per cent of sources of livelihood of Nigerians especially those in the rural areas.

“Because of this involvement of a large number of the country ’s population in livestock breeding, our technical sub - committee has a big task ahead which highlights its importance to national development” Gefu said.

Speaking while inaugurating the sub - committee, NACGRAB’s chief executive, Odofin observed that while the National Varieties Release Committee (NVRC) had been meeting twice a year, its deliberations had been mainly on crop varieties it registered and approved for release to Nigerian farmers.

Odofin said he therefore considered the resuscitation of the livestock sub - committee as he was bowing out of service, a great achievement of his tenure as head of NACGRAB. In his speech, Chief Oladosu Awoyemi, the chairman of NVRC urged the newly inaugurated sub - committee members to encourage researchers and animal scientists to generate materials that would lead to constant

release and approval of livestock varieties to Nigerian farmers.

Other members of the Technical Sub - Committee include, Prof Christian Ikeobi and Prof O. Adebambo both from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof O. O. Shekoni from NAPRI, Prof O. Omitogun from Obafemi Awolowo University and Prof Olusola Oni from Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.

From left: Mr Wasiu Odofin, Director NACRAB, Chief Oladosu Awoyemi, Chairman NVRC, and Prof Olusola Oni at NACRAB meeting in Ibadan.

Japan joins hands with IITA, ABUAD to help farmers

T

HE Japanese Embassy in Nigeria has joined efforts with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) to help farmers. To demonstrate their commitment, the three institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve cassava production and processing for Agbekoya farmers in Ekiti state.

Specifically, IITA will provide the Ekiti State Chapter of Agbekoya Farmers Association, 600 bundles of improved cassava cuttings.

In addition, IITA will provide 30 Agbekoya farmers with trainings in the operation/use

of cassava processing machines and 10 Agbekoya farmers with training in the maintenance of cassava processing machines.

The Japanese Embassy on the other hand will provide two cassava processing centers for the farmers while ABUAD would provide monitoring/ training services. At the signing of the MoU in Ibadan on Monday, Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General (Partnerships & Capacity Development) for IITA, expressed optimism that the collaboration would contribute to improving the livelihoods of cassava farmers, especially women and youth who play a pivotal role in cassava processing.

HE Kwara State govern ment said it now produces 45 metric tons of cassava which is 20 tons above the national production capacity.

Speaking to Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mr. Abdulwahab Oba, said that the value chain management in agriculture in Kwara has started yielding results that others need to emulate. Oba noted that agriculture is the only means that can assist the state’s IGR and cater for the people of the state which gets less than N2.457 billion monthly.

The adoption of commercial farming through a partnership with a group of Zimbabwe farmers, now known as New Nigerian farmers brought about improvement in mechanised farming and the expansion of Shonga farm. Shonga farms, in which Kwara has a 25 per cent stake, also coordinates the sourcing of additional cassava from other people in the state.

According to Oba: “Of recent, Kwara is exporting cassava, for the first time. I also know that the average output of the farmers in Shonga by far outweighs the national average output. The national is about 10-15 metric tons.

Kwara is about 45 metric tons.

You can see the difference.

“Unfortunately, people expect that you must get all the Shonga rice, Shonga vegetables on their table, but they get the products but rearly know.

He added “For instance milk. WAMCO takes the raw milk from Shonga then processes it. Agric business is not a business that you can start today and get instant benefits tomorrow. The value chain concept is involved. It is a continuous process which will take about 5 to 10 years before you see the results. In June last year, the State government said that it will export the first batch of 6,000 tonnes of cassava chips to China.

Governor Abdul Fatah Ahmed had said that the exportation of cassava chips to China was possible because the state government had kept faith with best practices in agriculture through the sharing of best values with experts across the world.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

•The National Theatre, Iganmu, Llagos...to become an hotel?

NATIONAL ARTS THEATRE:

Going back to masterplan •It is not an hotel —Ministry

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE & JAPHET ALAKAM

C

OVERING an area of about 23,000 square metres and standing on a height of well over 31 metres, the National Arts Theatre, during the week, was caught in another web of controversy.

The national monument established for the preservation, presentation and promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria by the General Yakubu Gowon administration and for hosting of the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977 (FESTAC ’77) was rumoured to have been converted to an hotel.

The purported plan to develop the five-star hotel in place of the monument is generating rancour in the culture sector as a letter from the Presidency stated that “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has approved the development of the National Theatre Land in accordance with the original Master plan.”

And working in that directive,

the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has handed a two-week quit notice to Federal Government agencies at the facility although some stakeholders are earnestly fighting against it. The agencies include the National Council for Arts and Culture; Nigeria Gallery of Arts; National Troupe of Nigeria, National Institute for Culture Orientation and News Agency of Nigeria.

Transaction advisor While some stakeholders are claiming that the action was not approved by the Federal Executive Council and that a transaction advisor was appointed without due process, the Minister of Culture and Tourism said there is no iota of truth in the news that the national monument was going to give way for a five-star hotel. But an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said when the idea for a National Theatre was initiated, the plan was to have a five-star hotel, shopping mall, multi-level car park, land and water restaurant and offices among others.

Dr Taiwo Oladokun, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, explained that “what was given to the organisations concerned was not a quit notice but a simple directive to embark on temporary relocation…”

According to Oladokun, the plan to develop the National Theatre pre-dates the present administration. “Convinced by the merits of the plans and the benefits to be derived by all Nigerians, the Federal Government set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ministry of Works, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission, Surveyor-General of the Federation and the Lagos State Government.

“This committee met for several months and developed for the President, a proposal, based on the original master plan of the National Theatre, which the President approved. Approval was also obtained from the President for work to commence on the site through a Public- Private-Part-

nership arrangement. For the avoidance of doubt, therefore, what was given to the organisations concerned was not a quit notice but a simple directive to embark on temporary relocation consequent upon previous communication, pending the completion of the project as they will all be accommodated eventually in line with the master plan which government is determined to

,

NEWS ANALYSIS

plan as an attempt to shortchange the South-West. The theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1976 by the then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

An unconfirmed source alleged that an investor from Niger-Delta has been linked to the project which may be executed with the Marriot Hotel Group.

The source further alleged: “They are talking of expansion under PPP arrangement, but we are suspecting that they want to convert the National Theatre Complex into an hotel. If their plan is to expand infrastructure in the complex, why will they ask vital agencies to relocate from the place within two weeks?”

The source added: “Nigerians should ask the Minister to tell

What was given to the organisations concerned was not a quit notice but a simple directive to embark on temporary relocation consequent upon previous communication

implement.”

Like in previous occasions when similar steps were taken, many people have been reacting to the development. Some stakeholders have rejected the plan, especially the sudden quit notice given to the agencies. They are saying the Federal Executive Council did not approve the proposal and that a transaction advisor was appointed without due process.

Other stakeholders also see the

,

them when the PPP arrangement was mooted, the recommendations of Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and how a transaction advisor was appointed. As we are talking now, there are no records to show that the matter was tabled for approval by the Federal Executive Council.

Some people are just trying to create a crisis for the administration of Jonathan.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 25

Generator sales in Nigeria to hit N151bn by 2020

BY CYNTHIA MGBEOKWERE, With Agency Report

I

MPORTATION of generator sets in Nigeria is expected to grow to about N151.16 billion ($950.7 million) by the year 2020 according to data published by a global research firm, GBI Research.

According to the research firm, Nigeria which is the largest market for diesel and gas generator sets in Africa, is forecast to see growth rates of 8.7 per cent driving up market volume from N71.55 bil-

lion ($450 million) in 2011, to reach N151.16 billion ($950.7 million) by 2020.

The research firm expects the growth in the Nigerian generator sets market to be driven by the epileptic power situation in the country going by the current state of power generation, power transmission and distribution networks, along with the economic growth in the country.

Aman Madhok, Energy Analyst, GBI Research, said, “Sustained growth is driven by increasing elec-

tricity consumption, which has been growing at eight per cent per annum over recent years, and the inability of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to supply adequate power to meet demand.”

He stated that Nigeria is seen as providing a profitable market for manufacturers of generator sets, especially with imports of the products increasingly coming from China and the United Kingdom.

He said, “The Nigerian market provides consid-

erable opportunities for generator set manufacturers, with good growth recorded between 2006 and 2011, although it experi-

enced a slight decline in 2009 after reaching a peak of N65.476 billion ($411.8 million) in 2008.

“The extent of market

growth for gas generator sets in Nigeria depends upon the timely implementation of a gas infrastructure in the country.”

NYSC empowers fresh graduates through entrepreneurial programme

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

HE State Coordina tor, NYSC, Lagos State, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, has said that the introduction of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development

Programme into the NYSC scheme has helped many fresh graduates to be self-reliant, creating employment opportunities instead of searching for non-existent jobs.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ‘Batch A

Orientation Course’ in Lagos recently, she said the programme has resulted in many fresh graduates looking for alternative means of engagement after graduation.

She maintained that the skill acquisition programme now equips corps members to explore other areas of opportunities instead of relying on white collar jobs.

“I want to say that gradually through the NYSC’s skill acquisitions and entrepreneurship development programme introduced into the scheme, the corps members now have a paradigm shift. Most of them no longer think only the way of white collar jobs.

Most of them know that it is possible to live and fire their passions,” she said.

PHCN spots cable faults at PTC injection sub-station

BY KUNLE KALEJAIYE

M

ANAGEMENT of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company said it has spotted a major cable faults at the Police Training College (PTC) injection substation.

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, Assistant General Manager, Public Affair of the company, Mr. PekunAdeyanju, said that most areas within Ikeja have been affected due to the cable faults.

The areas affected according Mr. Adeyanju include GRA, General Hospital, Computer village among others. He noted that its engineers were seriously working at the location to ensure that the fault is adequately addressed.

“We apologise to our numerous customers in parts of Ikeja GRA, Computer Village, Olowu and environs for the sudden cable faults that is being experienced in the areas."

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

RAIL SPECIAL REPORT:

Sights and sounds of rail travel

• Passengers milling around when the train stopped at Ibadan

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

I

NEVER thought or imagined that I would ever travel by rail until some weeks ago when I boarded a Lagos to Kano bound train. Before now, I had crisscrossed the country by air and by land transport but never by rail. Thanks to the rehabilitation of our rail system by the Federal Government that saw the intercity trains return to the tracks on December 21, 2012.

As a maxim says, travelling is part of education. Curiousity, nothing but curiousity made me to embark on that journey. Do you want to know how long the journey from Lagos to Kano by rail was, the thrills and frills as well as the fun and the frustrations, and what it is like to travel on a Nigerian train? Well, come on board with me.

Our take off point was the Iddo terminus in Lagos. The Kano bound train was to depart from the terminus at 12:00 pm on Friday. It was the tenth trip since the intercity train service was launched on December 21, 2012 by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, in Lagos. I had gone to the terminus as early as 10:00 am to obtain a ticket for the Kano bound train. The terminus was filled with passengers. The passengers flocked around the ticketing office but

there was no one to issue tickets to them. The passengers were struggling, jostling in front of the ticketing booth but no one was issuing any tickets.

After a while, a tall black fellow, apparently an NRC officer, came and began to dish out instructions to passengers. He said that passengers should sit down and that ticket sales would commence by 10:00 am, but at the promised time, no one was issued any ticket. People struggled to be on queue but no officer was in sight to issue tickets until 11:00 am.

sive speed that saw us racing past Lagos within fifty-five minutes. But suddenly after Agbado, the train began to slow down and gradually grinded to a halt. For more than two hours, the train remained grounded there and passengers became worried that the journey might not continue.

Opportunity to have lunch

Sale of tickets

•A congested coach in a Lagos to Kano bound train

Passengers were left milling around, more passengers flocked into the terminus and filled the ticketing office. This created a kind of commotion that no one was able to check. The sale of tickets eventually started about quarter past eleven and then a full commotion ensued.

To direct the passengers to queue according to their destinations became an issue. Getting them to queue according to the classes didn’t work either.

Meanwhile, racketeers were busy making brisk business out of the situation. They successfully got into the ticketing office

and purchased the tickets that they resold to passengers. The racketeers’ ticket just added fifty naira to the original price. I was headed to Kano and getting into the Kano queue was a tedious job as people jostled and pushed one another. The Kaduna queue was less so I joined that and procured a Kaduna ticket instead of the Kano ticket where I was headed.

By 12:00 noon on the dot, the train let out its loud hoot that blast through the air and rumbled away, snaking into Lagos mainland rail tracks that led us out of Lagos. The journey had begun. I was ready for a

memorable train ride to Kano city as it was my first experience. I was enthralled by the massive nature of the train and how it rocked from side to side trying to regain balance as it moved.

The couplers shook violently and then made the sound of a burning bamboo. The horn was on continuous blare and made the sound that could tear one’s tympanic membrane. The entire noise combined with the rumbling engine made hearing a very difficult effort.

As we crisscrossed through the rail line leading to Agege in Lagos, it gathered momentum and picked up with an aggres-

There was no official who offered any information as to why the train got stuck. Passengers speculated and were quite apprehensive, burdened specifically with the uncertainty of proceeding with the journey. At that moment, passengers continued to mill around in the coaches.

Some used the opportunity to have their lunch, while some Muslims held their Friday jumat service near the bush there.

When I got out from the train to see if I could find any member of the technical crew to talk to me, I met another passenger, Yau, whom I had supposed to be an engineer. When I asked him why we were stuck, he got angry and began to tell me how he blamed himself for entering the train.

He said: “I don’t know but it’s obvious the engine has broken down. I just wanted to have an Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—27

Continues from page 26 experience but I blame myself now. Look at these people: you load people in 13 coaches and moved without conducting the necessary checks on your engine, and here we are. That’s my country for you but our saviour is that this happened in Lagos where people are still living. If this had happened in the desert, God knows what would have happened.”

I moved forward to the front of the Oni of Ife locomotive where some youngsters were standing.

The driver had gotten off from the engine and there was no technical staff around. When I asked those young people what was happening, one of them who said his name was Sadiq told me that the engineers had gone back to Iddo terminus to bring another engine.

Shunting process A Bello Mohammed, finally came by 2:40 pm and moved the train with a sluggish push that took us to Ijoko, a Lagos boundary suburb with Ogun State, by 2:55 pm. At Ijoko, the newly brought locomotive was shunted to the front. The shunting process took thirty minutes as the train took off by 3:25 pm, officially beginning the journey. As the train rumbled away putting the hustle and bustle of Lagos city behind, the true beauty of the Nigeria’s landscape played out, with lush overgrown grasses brushing sharply against the train’s sides.

The train made a stop at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital by 4:44 pm and immediately a flurry of passengers came around the train, struggling and jostling to get in. Most were elderly women traders with several bags and baggage. Already, the ninety-five passenger capacity coaches were filled before then.

So by this time all the available spaces just had to be taken up.

Sights and sounds of rail travel way we were rushed inside. I think that what they should do is to increase the number of classes like first, second, and third class and then let people queue according to where their class falls. Look at the way we were rushed inside, it was very embarrassing,” she said.

Ayola noted that the manner of entry had serious security implications given the security situation in the country at the moment, adding: “This rushing in is particularly bad because of the current state of insecurity in the country now. If people rush in like that, how would you know if someone who would jeopardize the security of the train enters too?”

The train made its next stop at

,

This rushing in is particularly bad because of the current state of insecurity in the country now. If people rush in like that, how would you know if someone who would jeopardize the security of the train would enter too?

The aisles were filled with luggage with some passengers sitting on them. The toilets were yet to be taken up by this time but the couplers were already filled with standing passengers. One of the passengers who came in at Abeokuta was Ayola who was travelling to Zaria. She is a graduate of Business Administration, Ahmadu Bello University. She was going for her NYSC call up letter and was having her first train ride experience. Ayola was particularly unhappy with the commotion that characterized the boarding process.

“The most annoying thing is the

,

Ibadan by 7:00 pm. This time, more awaiting passengers flooded into the train with the usual commotion. By the time the train departed from there, there was no more leg space for those sitting let alone for those standing. The toilets were immediately taken up here and the couplers managed to accommodate at least over twenty passengers. The coaches had no adequate ventilation. My coach had just about three tiny fans hanging far away at the roof, so there was little impact. So with the attendant congestion, the coaches became sweltering despite the windows be-

ing thrown open.

Meanwhile, after about one hour, the train didn’t leave the Ibadan station. Everywhere was pitched with darkness. Not all the coaches were well illuminated.

The coach I was in for instance had just one incandescent bulb.

No one knew why we couldn’t proceed with our journey.

Gossips and complaints To get any information, I had to walk the length and breadth of the coach listening to gossips and complaints. Yet I could not lay hands on any good reason why we were stuck again. Everyone speculated. Some said the engine had spoilt again, others said they were refuelling, while some others said the braking system had become non-responsive and they needed to set it up properly. In all no one understood why and there was no NRC official to say anything in that regard and most passengers were enraged with the situation.

Mr. Kolawale Olubodun is a local manufacturer of polythene products. He travels by rail every fortnight to effect supplies at Mokwa in Niger State. He spoke to me at Ibadan when the train grounded. According to him, the technical hitches in the train had become a regular occurrence.

“This is what we have been seeing in train journeys. Last two weeks, a train returning to Lagos derailed at Mokwa causing us to sleep at Jebba because we couldn’t pass while the derailed train was blocking the tracks. Now we are stuck here. And don’t forget, this is supposed to be a twenty four hour journey but due

these delays, sometimes for more than two days we are still on the road, subjecting people to unnecessary hardship.”

He, however, blamed government for lack of proper monitoring of the railway operations after it made effort to rehabilitate it.

“In this country, the poor man is suffering too much, and the problem is that government tries to provide amenities without following it up with proper monitoring to ensure its effectiveness. Look at this railway, government has brought the trains back on tracks but they don’t care how it is managed. From when you buy your ticket it is commotion, they lack organisation in every form,” he said.

Stream of passengers The time was eleven minutes past nine o’clock by the time whatever the problem was rectified and the train growled out of Ibadan. But the snail pace it moved became quite obvious. We got to Osogbo by 1:25 am on Saturday. Another stream of passengers flooded into the train, pushing and kicking as usual. The expression ‘packed like sardine’ became most suitable to describe the situation after the Osogbo passengers had settled.

One of the passengers who came in was Kemi, another graduate of ABU, who was also going for her NYSC call up letter. She told me that the passengers had been waiting since 5:00 pm on Friday when they were told that the train would arrive.

She expressed disappointment with the entire process and shock at the congestion she met

onboard.

“I have no choice. I am already in and there is nothing I can do about it. I used to enter the train before it finally packed up but I had never seen this kind of disorganisation and congestion.

I don’t think I will consider entering the train again. This is not a good experience. Look at the way it is packed full, one would think there is a war situation.

Where there is no sitting space, there would be loads. Congestion is an understatement,” she said.

We moved into Offa around 2:00 am and the engine grounded again. I overheard one of the Man O’ War security personnel telling another that the engine had broken down again. The technical crew went to work again, and after about an hour, they got it fixed and then the train rumbled away by 3:05 am. An hour later, we got to Illorin. However in each of the stations, few passengers alighted and many more poured in. The luggage on the aisles provided most of the attachments that people sat on.

At Illorin, the train waited about fifteen minutes and then moved on. We got to Jebba by 6:33 am.

While some passengers jumped down to observe their morning details, other passengers who had waited for the train overnight clambered on board. However, something worth mentioning happened at Jebba. The train didn’t wait at least ten minutes and it blared horns and steamed away despite more than eightyfive percent of the passengers being on the ground. This created an unrivaled turmoil.

To be concluded

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 29

Why I rejected Zenith Bank job for Miss West Africa Nigeria pageant

— Sophie Ann Diete-0Spiff When twenty-four years old Sophie Ann Diete Spiff decided to stick her neck out for the Miss West Africa Nigeria crown, little did she realise she would come tops. The journey to stardom was rough, so also was securing a job as a graduate of English and Literary Studies from Niger Delta University, a job which eventually came next day after she was crowned Miss West Africa Nigeria, 2013.

Here are loads of Sophie’s experience. Excerpt:

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was okay. It wasn’t difficult. I was born in Sokoto and grew up in Zaria.

Later, my family relocated to the South when I was 17.

So, what kind of upbringing did you have?

My parents are God fearing people and they are disciplinarians. So, I had set rules I had to follow. There was no messing around at home.

While growing up, what were those things that prepared you for the ‘run away’ profession ?

Actually, there was none. It was something I had inside of me and I didn’t tell anyone about it While growing up, what were those things that prepared you for the runway profession ?

Actually, there was none. It was something I had inside of me and I didn’t tell anyone about it Why did you keep it a secret?

Although I had passion for the beauty world, I was scared because my parents wouldn’t allow me pursue my dream.

This is one aspect of my life I nurtured inside of me. I didn’t tell anybody about it until I was

really grown. And even when I made my first attempt at beauty pageant, I kept it away from my parents.

That was when and for which competition?

That was in 2008, Miss Intercontinental. I didn’t tell anyone I was going to camp till the D- day. That was when I opened up to my mum and she didn’t have a problem with it, neither did she blame me for keeping it to myself. She only wished I had told her earlier since it was my dream What happened at the Miss Intercontinental pageant?

It was okay. In fact, that was myfirst attempt and I made the top five. I was very happy because I contested alongside girls who were really good and there were plenty of us. So, making the top 5 was a big deal for me then.

Did you have any training before going in for the competition?

No, it was my first attempt.

But when we got to the camp, we had trainers so I was able to pick up one or two things.

How did you get into the Miss West Africa competition?

A friend of mine told me about it and I decided to apply.Then I went online and saw that the competition was a huge one, and decided to give it a try. I applied and was invited for the

I N S I D E:

British actor, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, others storm Yenagoa for AMAA

,

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

I have this belief that the moment you think you will lose then, you have lost

audition.Thereafter, I was selected for the one week camp.

It was a beautiful experience, and what made it more beautiful was that I won the pageant at the end of the day.

What was the mindset you had when leaving for the camp?

Channels, My Oga at the top and satellite runs

,

I didn’t know I would win but I was optimistic. I have this belief that the moment you think you will lose then, you have lost. So, whenever I’m doing things with other people, I always place myself on top. I feel like I’m the best person there. So, I worked with such

mindset.

What were those challenges you faced in the house?

Like I said, it’s something I do with a positive mind. Although, I met a lot of beautiful girls at the camp, I didn’t let that bring me down because I’ve been there a couple of times. Usually, when in camp, they look at a lot of things. You don’t just have to be beautiful. You have to be of a good moral standing too. Some girls just go to camp to have fun.

Some go there for different reasons but I didn’t go there for that. I went there to win. So, I believe I was following the rules

Continues next page 30

Sony Xperia Z : Now we can ttalk alk in the bath?

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

BOX OFFICE HITS Synopsis G.I.Joe|: Retaliation An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer. The movie, is hitting the cinemas today.

Becoming a beauty queen was a dream I kept from my parents— Sophie Continues frompage 29 At the point when they were about to announce the winner, what were you thinking?

They called the 2nd runner up and it wasn’t me. I just told myself that was a really good spot and it won’t be that bad if I came the 1st runner up. Although I wanted the crown, I still would be happy to be the 1st runnerup. I had a lot of thoughts running through my mind and the MC was wasting time announcing the winner. But when they eventually called the winner, it was me. I was so happy that I just stood there and started laughing. It was so beautiful.

Were your parents at the finals?

Nobody was there. I was there alone.

So, who was the first person you called?

Actually, they stayed up at home to watch the show but they couldn’t because I didn’t tell them which station aired it. And back stage, I gave my phone to someone to hold didn’t have time to reach them. They had stayed up for so long, and when they didn’t hear from me, they’d started dozing-off. Then, I called my father’s line with the phone belonging to one of the officials.

He was so happy. He woke my mother up and everyone was all over the house.

What were you given as the winner?

I was given a brand new car, a Kia Rio 2012 model, an annual salary, a wrist watch by Watch Locker, shoes, Macson Hair gave me a hair, then NK Klassic in Asaba make me beautiful outfits every months.

And the race for the Miss West Africa International started Yes. The Miss West Africa Nigeria team had lots of people who had their hands on deck and I didn’t really have time to go home and rest for a long while because the international pageant was just a month away.

And since Dissy Lateral Entertainment is the company I work under now, they had to groom me.

And the D-day when you were to leave the country came Yes, we left the country on the 17th of March, to Cape Verde Island.

So you saw other African beauties Actually, before I left Nigeria, all I thought about was how beautiful other queens would look like. But when I got there and saw other girls, I felt better because I was sure my beauty could compete well alongside theirs.

As a graduate, are you looking forward to working after you might have dropped the crown?

I’m a graduate of English and Literary Studies from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. I don’t intend to look for any job after I drop my crown. Since I graduated in 2009 and went for my NYSC in 2010/

2011, I’d searched for a job to no avail. I wrote several aptitude tests even in banks, but I was not lucky to secure a job.

Ironically, a day after I was crowned as Miss West Africa Nigeria, I got a call from Zenith Bank to resume work the next day.

It was so funny because I’d applied a long time ago and had waited for the job to come but it never did.

When I received the call, I just told the caller,’Thank You’ and put a call across to my mum and we just laughed it off. I have a better job now because it’s something I love doing and I know I’m going to enjoy it So, now that you are back, what are you plans?

Not winning the international crown is not the end of the world. I still have lots of plan. I want to start working on a charity project called We Do Care Nigeria. It’s going to be a subsidiary of the main organization called We Do Care. It’s there in Cape Verde, headed by the former Miss West Africa International. So I volunteered to be in charge of it here. It’s a package where we reach out to people who are less privileged, hungry, those who don’t have clothes to wear, and those who need help from the government. I intend to start soon but I still need to get funds from the governments in Nigeria.

I also intend to work with the old people’s homes and the physically challenged because I have passion for them too.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK

*Identity thief *Weekend getaway *Hansel&gretel:witch hunters *Flower girl *Zero dark thirty MOVIE SCHEDULE

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND G.I.JOE: Retaliation: 11:30am, 1:35pm, 3;45pm, 6:00pm, 8:20pm Identity Thief: 1:25pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm Weekend Getaway: 4:20pm, 6:20pm Hansel& Gretel: The Withchhunters; 11: 40am, 3:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Identity Thief: 12:00pm, 2:05pm, 4;15pm, 6:20pm, 8:35pm Weekend Getaway: 2;45pm, 5:00pm.

Zero Dark Thirty: 5:05pm Flight: 12:20pm, 8:05pm Rise of the Guardian: 11;30am, 5:15pm Flower Girl: 12:45pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 12:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 7:20pm, 9;30pm.

Identity Thief: 12:30pm, 2:40pm, 4:50pm, 7:00pm, 9;00pm Weekend Getaway: 12;00pm, 2;10pm, 4:20pm, 6:10pm, 8;20pm Hansel&Gretel: The Witch Hunters: 11:50am, 1:40pm, 3:30pm, 7:10pm, 9:00pm Zero Dark Thirty: 1:30pm, 6:40pm Silver linings Playbook: 5:40pm Flower Girl: 6:30pm Flight: 8:30pm.

Django Unchained: 8:00pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Weekend Getaway: 11:10am, 3:20pm, 7:10pm.

Oluranlowo mi(My Benefactor): 5:20pm, 9:10pm.

Looper: 3:30pm,3:50pm, 6:10pm.

Django Unchained: 8:30pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 12:00pm, 2;00pm, 4:10pm, 6:20pm, 8:30pm Looper: 1:00pm, 6:10pm,8:30pm Identify Thief: 11:20am, 1:25pm, 3:30pm.

Weekend Getaway: 11:40am, 6: 35pm, 8:40pm Hansel&Gretel: 1:35pm, 6:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Looper: 11:55am, 2:20pm, 4;35pm, 6;35pm.

Weekend Getaway: 12:30pm, 2:40pm, 4:50pm, 7:00pm Silverling Playbook: 11:45am, 2:10pm, 4:30pm, 6;50pm Flower Girl : 12:20pm, 2:35pm.

Django Unchained: 6:05pm.

Hotel Transylvania: 12:25pm, 2;15pm, 4:05pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS G.I.Joe: Retaliation: 11;35am, 1;50pm, 4;10pm, 6;25pm, 8:40pm Identity Thief: 3;15pm, 5:35pm, 7:50pm Weekend Getaway: 2:35pm, 6:55pm Hansel&Gretel: The Witch Hunters: 3:30pm, 7:20pm

pix saved moviepix ¾/2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 31

M

ore good things are happening fast to Lara George, the multiple awards winning ‘Ijoba Orun’ crooner, any step she takes moves her to higher grounds in her career in gospel music.

The reigning African gospel music queen, courtesy of African Gospel Music Awards, who just had a new baby in the United States, has released a new album prophetically entitled “Higher ” on her Sorfte Entertainment label ‘Higher’ is her third album and it has hit tracks such as “Dansaki”, “ Higher ” , and “Rise”, which Lara had earlier released as singles. According to the Ex–Kush singer, these top songs are already becoming crowd favourites from the album.

Lara revealed that what makes this album special was her contact with a new wonderful producer she worked with in the album. “I worked mostly with an amazing new producer, Mr. Jay. He is simply phenomenal in helping to mold the beautiful sounds you will hear in that album. Other

Lara George moves ‘higher’ with new album

E

impressive tracks in the album according to her are “Ayino” and “A new day”.

The mother of two also stated that she has shot and released the video of title track “Higher ”. “The video is enjoying massive airplay everyday,” Lara disclosed.

British actor, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, others storm Yenagoa for AMAA B ritish actor and model, Dudley O’Shaughnessy popular for his role in Rihanna’s “We Found Love video” and Nigerian-British actor, Chris Obi, the voice from Snow White and the Huntsman, are set to storm Nigeria for the Bayelsa Book and Craft Fair as well as the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) holding from April 18 through 20, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Director of the fair, Onyeka Nwelue said, “Both the 23year old British actor and Nigeria’s Obi will tour a number of schools in the state where they will give out books and writing materials to several children during their stay in the state. ” The Bayelsa Book and Craft Fair, an initiative of the Africa Film Academy, curators of the AMAAs, is being organized by Blues and Hills Consultancy with support from Bayelsa Tourism Development Board and Century Energy Services Limited (CESL) and will bring several personalities including Indian writer and supermodel, Shobhaa De and her business tycoon husband, Dilip De, former FCT minister, Nasir El-Rufai,

Ayo Animashun announces 24-hr online radio and TV Channel

entertainment personalities, Denrele Edun, Uti Nwachukwu, Bryan Okwara, O.C. Ukeje, Jeremiah Gyang, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Asa Asika, Akin Alabi, Beverly Naya. Gabriel Okara, Professors Chukwuemeka Ike, Olu Obafemi, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo; Wale Okediran, Eghosa Imasuen, Nze Sylva Ifedigbo, Toni Kan and Teresa Oyibo -Ameh, among others will represent writers at the event.

•Dudley & Rihanna

Angelina Jolie opens school in Afghanistan ... plans to fund more with jewelry line

H

ollywood staractress, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR Goodwill ambassador has extended her generosity to a small village outside Kabul, Afghanistan, where she has opened an all-girls elementary school She plans to fund more from the proceeds of a jewelry line, “Style of Jolie’ which she helped to design and is going on sale this week. 100 per cent of the profits, according to reports, will be to her new foundation, The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

The doors of the school are already open as there are 200 to 300 students enrolled and the location was targeted not only because there is a highrefugee population, but

it’s also a place where the education of boys is valued higher than that of girls.

“Beyond enjoying the artistic satisfaction of designing these jewels, we are inspired by knowing our work is also serving the mutual goal of providing for children in need,” Jolie said.

The United Nations Goodwill Ambassador is known for her charity work and last year was left in tears after visiting a Syrian refugee camp where she delivered a speech portraying her ‘concern’ at the situation there. ”I am very concerned, the world is very concerned. What is very heartbreaking is when Syrian people ask you why you think no one is able to find a solution for them.

xecutive producer of Nigeria’s most prestigious annual music Awards, The Headies, Ayo Animashaun, has announced the launch of a new property, a 24-hour online radio channel called, ‘Street Hop’ According to Animashaun, “This is a 3-year idea that we’ve always had. It’s going to follow the steps of ‘Hip On TV’and‘Hip Hop World Magazine’, but this time, it’ll be more daring…radio and online.’

Animashaun’s company Smooth Promotions delivers media content on multiple platforms: TV, online and print. Now, he says they’re ready to play the game on radio with the completion of a fully-equipped studio located in Lagos.

“It’s going to be a breath of fresh air. Now listeners can listen to good music for extended periods. We have redefined television and print content production, and want to extend the creativity into radio. Lovers of Nigerian music and entertainment should watch out’, he added.

Work is currently on-going at the Smooth Promotion Secretariat, where finishing touches are being put in place and internal test transmission is in progress.

Streethop, Animashaun explained will also be available as a mobile application for Blackberry, Android, iPhones and iPads.

The Online TV Channel however, is already in operation and has begun streaming live. TV’s 24hour station features quality and first rate exclusive entertainment and music content.

•Ayo Animashaun

d: x,

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

INNOVATION: Now you can make call under water

I

f you buy an N110k phone and mistakenly had it fall into a bucket of water – at least we all take our phones to the bathroom these days what will you do?

Probably got it ripped open and spread under the sun? If eventually it refuses to work? Money gone down the drain, huh!

Such are misfortunes that mobile phone users face on daily basis that change their financial budgets. It is even more worrisome in the developing economies where taste is high but resources to satisfy the taste, not easy to come by.

Besides, mobile phones have become part of our lives and losing one in that circumstance could bring much pain.

This could perhaps be why many tech analysts and mobile device enthusiasts that gathered at the Oriental Hotels Lekki Lagos, Wednesday, when Sony Mobile unveiled its flagship Android phone tagged Xperia Z, seemed to all agree with the innovations it contained.

The device is generally a water-proof phone with all the modern touches and techniques that put smartphones in the driving seat of the mobile market.

In fact, representatives of Sony Mobile at the show, Izzat Kittaneh, Director, Business Management & pricing, Customer Unit MEA and Younes Cherkaoui, Marketing Manager Africa, pulled a stunt by deepening the device into a container of water for over twenty minutes.

While inside the water, a call was put through to the phone and the Xperia Z was alive and ringing perfectly.

The device according to them, had actually worked in water for over an hour while camera shots and video recording were being taken with it, in there.

•Sony Xperia Z

They claimed the device was a product of advanced technology from Sony’s entire range of multimedia products that has put them on the lead in their Audio, TV, Camera and other digital products.

The new Xperia Z has a range of unparalleled and outstanding features like the 5" full

•Sony Xperia Z

HD 1080p Reality Display screen which makes pictures, videos and the phone experience very sharp, crisp and clear, a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, the mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 and a 13 Megapixel.

This helps for fast camera capture with great experience in a

social world.

Its razor sharp Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, brings Sony’s longstanding TV expertise to the smartphone and delivers an immersive viewing experience with super brightness and clarity. The smartphone shares capabilities with Sony digital cameras and features Exmor RS for mobile, the world’s first image sensor with HDR(High Dynanic Range)video recording for smartphones.

Xperia Z also includes battery STAMINA Mode that can improve standby duration by four times or more by automatically shutting down batterydraining apps whenever the screen is off and restoring them when the screen is on.

Pre -loaded on Xperia Z, the WALKMAN, Album and Movies apps provide access to downloaded music, Facebook social integration, movies and TV series.

The Xperia Z also features the revolutionary One-touch function which enable users easily share music, photos and videos from their smartphone to array of NFC-enabled Sony devices including the stereo Bluetooth H e a d s e t SBH20,Wireless Headset DRBTN200M,and even connect to the remote control of a BRAVIA TV. Despite its slim 7.9mm body, Sony claims that Xperia Z is highly durable with tempered glass and Anti Shatter film on the front and back. The importance of this technology is that if the phone drops on the ground, the highest damage is screen crack.

The screen would not get blurred and the phone would still be working.

The phone also offers the highest level of dust and water resistance (IP55 and IP57) found in a premium smartphone, so you need not worry about your phone breaking or even water getting on your phone.

Infact Kitteaneh even boasted that with Xperia Z, “ you can actually wash your phone if you want”.

Mobile phone @ 40 Is the innovation at zenith?

U

nknown to many, the first hand held mobile phone debuted some forty years ago by Motorola. That’s to say, four decades of mobile innovation.

Wao! Sounds incredible, really!

Although designed in 1972, but on 3 April 1973 Martin Cooper, a Motorola engineer and executive, made the first mobile telephone call from the handheld equipment. The device, tagged Motorola DynaTAC became the world’s first commercial handheld mobile phone. It weighed almost 800g – as heavy as a brick. It offered 30 minutes’ talk time and 8 hours’ standby but used 10 hours to recharge. At the time, it was sold for just $3,995.

But since that time, the mobile phone has taken a whole lot of transformation of both self and people’s lives.

The United Nations at the eve of the world water day recently, released a report that claimed that of the world’s estimated 7 billion people, 6 billion have access to mobile phones, while only 4.5 billion have access to toilets.

That means that more people in the world today have mobile phones than toilets. This is how important the mobile phone has become.

However, comparing that ‘brick’DynaTAC to what is obtainable today where mobile phone has transformed to smart, light and sleeky shape, one begins to wonder if we are getting to the zenith of that technology.

What’s more, major mobile phone manufacturers are now beginning to attach the Z tag to their series, as if signalling the end of that technological innovation.

Even if the dynamic nature of technology could put a doubt to this suggestion, it is still to be imagined what the next decade of this innovation would bring.

The first decade was a research phase, followed by a second phase of analogue networks deploying carphones used for business in the developed world from the early 1980s. This soon led to the digital decade mainly between 1993 and 2003 when consumerisation and globalisation of mobiles took off.

The fourth is the data adoption phase, 2003 to 2013 which signals the arrival of 3G, access to the internet and the wider use of smartphones.

We try to bring to your memory some of the wonderful products that have graced these four decades of mobile innovation.

Enjoy it!

Continues on page 33

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 —33

With

Prince Osuagwu

princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Mobile phone @ 40 Is the innovation at zenith?

Nokia N95: I

Continues from pg 32

Motorola DynaTAC 8000X : T

t was talk of the town in 2006; sported Symbian OS, regarded as a market leader in its era, offering 3G. It featured a 2.6-inch TFT display, a 5MP camera, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth. It sold 7m units and was arguably Nokia’s last great hit of the pre-touchscreen era.

his device is the world’s first commercial handheld mobile phone. It weighed almost 800g. It offered 30 minutes’ talk time and 8 hours’ standby, a LED display for dialling and a 30number recall. Sold at just $3,995

Palm Pre:

Apple iPhone : R

eleased in 2007 after months of hype, this handset indeed proved revolutionary. The 3G version, released a year later, sold over 35m units, while its successor, the 3GS, sold the same volume.

HTC Touch:

Motorola StarTAC. T

his phone reigned in 1996, the first clamshell/flip mobile phone. sold 60m units at the time, was the smallest mobile phone on the market at release and named one of the 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years in 2005. It weighed 88g and sold for $1,000 then.

R

eleased the same year as Apple’s iPhone, this Windows Mobile 6powered handset had a user interface called TouchFLO that could detect a sweeping motion and could distinguish between a finger and a stylus.

Apple iPhone 4 : his Apple innovation which debuted in 2010, sold a whopping 80m units despite early bad publicity about the handset’s mobile reception. Its follow-up, the 4S, has fared even better.

lso reigned in1996, known as the ‘banana phone’ because of the shape, featured in 1999 movie smash- The Matrix

Motorola RAZR : T

his device was rave of the moment in 2003, featured a radical design and solid features. It sold about 130 million units, making a hit for Motorola.

his long a w a i t e d handset debuted in 2009. Aimed to revive Palm and its WebOS, but it gave users little reason not to buy a i P h o n e , BlackBerry or Android phone instead. Despite being popular with reviewers, the phone was a commercial flop, and Palm was soon taken over by HP which wrote off around $4bn on phones and tablets using WebOS.

T

Samsung Galaxy SIII fierce competitor and rival to iPhone, this device which debuted in 2012, along with its predecessors in the S s e r i e s cemented Samsung as one of the leading challengers for the smartphone crown. It also showed Samsung evolving its own style for phone design, and moving towards larger screens with its own apps and skin on Android.

from the device maker.

A

Nokia 8110: A

T

Blackberry Z10: The Z10 can be

Sony Xperia Z: 2013 Sony innovation that tends to answer the global smart phone market. The first Sony Mobile device, after paying off Ericsson last year, in SonyEricsson joint venture.

Prides itself with the capability to work in water for hours; front and back glass surface that hardly breaks even if it drops. It sports a striking resemblance with the BBZ10.

A

described as a 2013 radical reinvention of the BlackBerry.

The hardware is decent and the user interface is logical and generally easy to use. Reviewers say it is impressive enough to at least compete with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Analysts have predicted it could bring Blackberry back on its track. For sure, at least since 2007, this is an accomplishment

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013— 35

M

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Amnesty is golden though it is a religious battle much more when some of the perpetrators will go on YouTube even speaking Arabic denoting they are Muslim. Yes! there are bad elements in every religion, but they do have the mandate of every Muslim? Does the Qur’an and Hadiths support this carnage? Obviously not. Muslim scholars here and abroad have continued to condemn all these acts of terrorism. I must say that all those who do mischief in the name of Allah will be punished.

Qur’an Chapter 5, verses 33-34 says: ‘The punishment of those who run around and spread mischief about Allah and His Messenger is this: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite

sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.” The

... Again, the destruction of state property is antithetical to the teachings of Islam as the Qur’an teaches obedience to constituted authorities. So, why should anyone who is informed link Islam to it? It is nothing but grand ignorance of grandeur

Quaran does not condone these acts of killing and maiming in the name of Allah. In fact no

Saudi-Arabia cuts 2013 hajj allocation to Nigeria ...as Lagos decentralises hajj registration centres

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

S

AUDI Arabian authorities have cut down the number of slots allocation to Nigeria for the 2013 pilgrimage to the holy land by Muslim faithful.

Meanwhile, in preparation towards the commencement of Unified Pilgrims Electronic Registration System APERS, Lagos state government has opened five registration centres across the state as part of measures to ease this year hajj operations.

It would be recalled that in 2012, over 1000 Nigerian female pilgrims without their mahramwere detained in Saudi Arabia but the authorities later deported 510 pilgrims.

The issue sparked off a slight diplomatic row between the two countries. About 95,000 Nigerians that performed 2012 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

According to Lagos state Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Oyinlomo Danmole, through the Principal Information Officer, of the Ministry, Ganiu Lawal, the state pilgrims Board had been directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to inform all intending pilgrims that all females pilgrims must be accompanied by a Maharam (Male relation) to forestall the repatriation of pilgrims experienced during the year 2012 hajj airlift.

He stated: “Due to the on-going expansion of the holy mosque

Wallimotul-Qur'an: L-r: Yusuf Amao, Wahaab Itanola, Alhaji Wahaab Elesh, Instructor of the centre; Ameerat Ayoola and Farook Ayoola during the 7th Wallimotul-Qur'an Ceremony of Darul-Himoni Wal-Falahi Arabic and Islamic Training Centre held in Surulere Lagos recently. Px Biodun Ogunleye

religion does.

The rejection of modern education is not a creed in Islam as the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered

,

ANY are coming to terms with the fact that the activities of the Boko Haram is un-Islamic. With the way the terrorist group go about their heinous crime, except for the stalwarts of jahiliyah (ignorance) and those whose vested interest in the society is to fan the embers of discord, religious and sectional acrimony, and those who want to make people believe their religion is superior and who are blinded to the development that these insurgents kill without regard to the faith you belong; they know the fact.

Reports indicated that more Muslims died in the Kano park blast. We gathered from reliable sources that many of the health workers who were killed for administering polio vaccines were Muslims, the Emir of Kano Ado Bayero narrowly escaped death but his driver and three of his guards who were Muslims also died. The northerners who are predominantly Muslims are constantly living in fear as bombs do no discriminate.

Every reasonable Nigerian who has blood running through his vein will also empathize with hundreds of other nonMuslims who have been killed gruesomely by Boko Haram.

Their decoy was to make it as

in Makkah the slot allocated to nations including Nigeria has been affected with subsequent impact on allocations to states.

“Consequently all intending pilgrims above 65 years of age must be accompanied by a younger relation while anyone with health challenges will not be allowed to perform this year’s hajj.”

The commissioner was however, silent on the total number allocated for Nigeria for this year pilgrimage.

On the new electronic registration process, introduced by the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, the commissioner said is a pre-condition for the issuance of hajj visa to intending Year 2013 hajj pilgrims and would be conducted in centres spread within the five divisions of the state. ”NAHCON also directed that 80 percent of state allocation should be reserved for first time intending pilgrims. This will be implemented in Lagos state to ensure the spread of opportunity to those who are visiting the holy land for the first time, “ he stated.

According to Danmole, the centres and the council areas of coverage are: Ojo Local Government Secretariat, Kosofe Local Government Secretariat Muslim Pilgrims Board Office, Ikeja, Surulere Local Government Secretariat and Eti-Osa Local Government Secretariat”All intending pilgrims who were screened and adjudged fit for the Year 2013 hajj are required to visit the centres assigned to their Local Government areas for the Unified Pilgrims Electronic Registration capturing.”Danmole stated.

,

that seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

The imposition of Sharia law in a multi-religious society is also not acceptable.

It is a contradiction of the verse: La ikraa-fi-deen; which means: No compulsion in religion; with other verses clearly stated.

The killing of people is a great sin before Allah (SWT). The Quran teaches that whoever kills a soul has killed a nation and whoever saves a soul has saved a nation. Again, the destruction of state property is antithetical to the teachings of Islam as the Qur’an teaches obedience to constituted authorities. So, why should anyone who is informed link Islam to it? It is nothing but

grand ignorance of grandeur.

Today, we thank God government is taking positive steps in dealing with the situation. In fact, information less than 24hour ago indicated that government has decided to offer amnesty to the group and engage in discussion with the group in order to bring lasting peace. Recall that it was first the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar who advised the government to offer the group amnesty.

Although there were divergent views on the issue of amnesty but suffice to say it cut across religious feelings. In fact, some Muslims were even opposed to the call for amnesty for the group. Sheikh Gumi said “the call for amnesty is hypocritical adding that the sect has disrespect for the Qur ’an or Hadith or even Scholarly fatwa. They have their own interpretation,” he stated. Again, Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, joined the list of those calling for amnesty to members of Boko Haram. The cleric, in his Easter message, said though the offer would not solve all the nation’s problems, “it will bring us closer to a new dawn”.

Since Allah is the Most Forgiving and Merciful, those who call for clemence for the group are in order and that is the way to go. The Qur ’an further states: “Except for those who repent (referring to those who cause mischief in the land in the name of Allah as stated in the above verse) before you apprehend them. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

The perpetrators should come forward and seek forgiveness.

Over politicisation of the matter will not help the situation. There should be a sincere approach to end this carnage from both sides. Allah is the Most Forgiving.

Our leaders lack political will to fight crime — Onibon

D

R Nosiru Onibon of the Department of Language Studies, Lagos State University said lack of political will on the part of the leadership of this country in tackling corruption was the major reason for the endemic corruption in the system.

He made this assertion at the 97th annual conference of Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria held recently in Lagos.

Dr. Onibon who delivered lecture on the topic: ‘Challenges of violence, Crime, Corruption and Insecurity in Nigeria – Issues and solution from Islamic perspective’ said leaders should practice what they preach and show enough sacrifices to be able to fight crime in the society. “Our leaders should lead by example and forgo certain privileges so that they can have the morality and the will to fight crime in our society.

If they see that you are making enough sacrifice, the

followers will do the same.”

“Crime is a vicious circle of causes and consequences. It is multidimensional and prohibited in Islam because if affects the fabric of the society.” He added that the prevailing institutional inefficiency, bureaucratic bottleneck, bad leadership, and weak legislative and judicial systems are some of the things that could trigger crime in the society.

The Vice President of the Movement, Barrister M. Ojelade said the topic was chosen because it constituted the major problem of the country. While speaking with newsmen during the event, Alhaji Ojelade stated that people should be severely punished for their misdemeanour as a way of deterring others from committing offences.

On the call for amnesty for the Boko Haram group, he stated that if that will bring peace and unity to the country, the president should go ahead and declare amnesty to them.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Amaechi plans N9bn electrification, model schools, health centres for Ahoada-West

EGCDF assures on partnership with govt, Chevron

G

OVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has said his administration will soon commence a N9 billion rural electrification project in communities across the state, immediately steady power supply was provided later this year.

Amaechi, during a town hall meeting with the people of Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state, said: “Government will commence the rural electrification project in communities across the state.

“What we are doing now is to ensure we provide steady power supply in Port Harcourt first. We urge you to be pa-

C

HAIRMAN of Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, Chief Michael Johnny, has pledged to partner Chevron Nigeria Limited and government agencies to sustain the existing peace and security in Egbema and Gbaramtu kingdoms.

Johnny, who gave the assurance at the inauguration of the new executive of the foundation, in Warri, maintained that the sustenance of peace and security in the two kingdoms was the responsibility of everyone.

General Manager, PGPA, Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Deji Haastrup, in his remark, expressed confidence that the new leadership of the foundation, led by Johnny, would deliver more on socioeconomic dividends to its member-communities.

tient with us. We have you in mind, and we are ready to serve you better.”

Amaechi assured the people of Ahoada-West that as soon as the survey plan covering 21 hectares of land was provided, the contractor will mobilise to commence the building of the Model Secondary School in the area.

He restated his administration’s commitment to complete all ongoing Model Primary Schools, including the furnishing, equipping, installation of ICT facilities, fencing of the premises and landscaping, urging contractors to show more commitment to their work to en-

able government deliver democracy dividends to the people.

He said: “The people, whom we award these contracts to, are from AhoadaWest council. They are your brothers, please help government to police this people, so that they can complete the projects on time and we can deliver them to you.

“I can assure you that at least 70 percent of the contractors are from Ahoada-West. So if the work is slow, your sons are responsible.”

On health, Governor Amaechi ordered the Ministry of Health to sack the Medical Doctor attached to the

Ikodi-Engene Primary Health Centre in the council for absenteeism and abandonment of duty.

He promised to build a Primary Health Centre and a Model Primary School for Mbiama community to tackle the health and educational challenges in the area.

The governor also reminded the people of Ahoada-West of his administration’s commitment to tackle crime.

He said: “When I assumed office in 2007, there was rampant kidnapping and shooting.

Engene communities were not peaceful, so we had to invite the Joint Task Force, to tackle the situation and I will make sure that the peace is sustained.”

Air Force supplies medics, relief materials to Bayelsa flood victims

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—MOBILITY Command of the Nigerian Air Force, yesterday, flagged off its civil-military exercise

Prayers

codenamed Ex Ebiye Rin in Bayelsa State with the deployment of over 50 medical personnel to offer free medical services in communities ravaged by last year’s flood in the state.

Patani PDP passes vote of confidence on Mutu

A

PPLY Praise Ministry International, APMI, will tomorrow, launch Prayer for Your Husband, an interdenominational gathering of women in Oshogbo, Osun State.

According to the General Overseer, Pastor Segun Olatunde, the twoday programme, with the theme Impartation of New Heart, will hold at Joint Heir Hall, opposite Capital Hotel, Oshogbo, and in three states of the United State of America.

M

EMBERS of Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Patani Local Government Area, Delta State, have passed a confidence vote on the member representing Patani/ Bomadi Federal Constituency at the House of Reps, Mr. Nicholas Mutu, for quality representation, saying Mutu should continue beyond 2015.

Moving the confidence vote motion during the monthly meeting of the party at the residence of Chief Brave Enodeh, Mr. Kenneth Otogie

of Ward I, said Mutu had impacted on the electorate, adding that the enormous empowerment given to his constituents endeared them to move the confidence vote.

Enodeh listed the empowerment programmes initiated

by Mutu to include car gifts, solar street light, road construction, water project, infrastructural development, human development, social development, youths empowerment, women empowerment, among others.

Also, relief materials were airlifted to the communities, where most of the victims are still struggling to start life afresh, to ameliorate their sufferings.

The team of medical personnel, according to the Command, include doctors, nurses, dentists, laboratory scientists and eye specialists, deployed to provide free medical services to the people.

No fewer than 1000kg of medical supplies and 2000kg of relief materials are to be airlifted to each of the local government areas in the state.

Commander of the CivilMilitary Operations Task Force, Air Vice Mike Ileonyosi in Yenagoa, said the exercise was part of efforts aimed at bringing succour to the traumatised people.

He said persons with serious health challenges in the communities would be airlifted to Yenagoa and Lagos.

A

socio-cultural group, Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, has identified culture as a veritable means of unifying people, especially various tribes living and doing businesses in Warri, Delta State.

According to chairman of the group, Mr. Kess Agbosa, “members will continue in their efforts to return Warri to its lost glory, as a centre of civilisation.

“We will organise a Waffi fiesta this year, where the different ethnic groups in Warri will display their cultured, most importantly dancing and singing, which foster unity and brings happiness.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

WRI advocates culture, unity

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On amnesty for Boko Haram (2)

A

MNESTY has to be granted to identifiable and specified individuals. It is not granted to faceless people and it is not a blanket thing. Till they come out to identify themselves for an interface, there can be no amnesty.— Mr. Norrison Quakers, Lawyer.

I

think amnesty can still be tried and let us see if it will work like the Niger Delta one.

Nigerians want peaceful existence. If amnesty will stop Boko Haram’s anger, let the Federal Government look for a way to dialogue with them.— Mr. Damien Anyama, Lawyer.

R

ECOMMENDING amnesty for Boko Haram is not the way out. If granted, other militant groups will rise up. It will be better if the stakeholders in troubled parts of North nip the issue of Boko Haram in the bud.— Mr. Lukman Agboola, Lawyer.

T

HE fact is that even as we speak, the Boko Haram sect is busy planning where and how to launch the next attack on innocent persons. So the question is not amnesty in itself.

Would it solve their inconceivable demand?— Miss Kubura Aremu, Model.

A

MNESTY or no amnesty, what I want is the stoppage of unlawful killings and kidnappings in various parts of the North. I see no justification for any armed group to kill children, civilians and health workers.— Miss Gladys Mokaiye, Student.

W

HO are we granting pardon?

When MEND was doing its own, I heard of one Asari Dokubo and I saw him on TV. But in this case, I do not know who they really are. So who will come to dialogue.— Mrs. Adeola Olanrewaju, Educationist.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—37

Macaulay donates 170 bags of rice to Delta community

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—OVUOZORIE Macaulay Humanitarian Foundation has donated 170 bags of rice to the people of Owhe Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Co-coordinator of the foundation, Mr. Nathaniel Oba, while presenting the items on behalf of the founder, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay, Secretary to Delta State Government, said the foundation was put in place to reach out to the people at the grassroots and to alleviate the sufferings of the needy.

Advising the people to maintain their peaceful disposition, Oba said the foundation was out to create a road map for the economic development of the people, adding that the foundation will reach out to the entire Isoko nation and the Niger Delta region as it progresses.

Receiving the items on behalf of the kingdom, immediate past President of Owhe-Ologbo community, Mr Jacob Ologbode, thanked Macaulay for the gesture, which he said was the first of its kind in Isoko land.

Sergeant Agua passes on

S

ERGEANT Agua Kalabari is dead, aged 47.

A statement by the family said Christain wake keep will hold tomorrow at CBQ Block 9, Flat 10, PTF Ojo Cantonment, Camp I Ojo Lagos.

On April 12, body leaves Lagos for the family compound at Agoro Bayelsa in Sagbama L.G.A., Bayelsa State for burial.

He is survived by widow, children and other relatives.

Late Sgt. Agua

Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Delta

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

A

RAINSTORM has de stroyed private and public buildings, including Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, facilities, in Alisimie community, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

In addition to private and public utility infrastructure, the rainstorm, which blew off the roof of several buildings in Ahima and Idumuenor villages, also, destroyed many economic trees and cash crops in the area.

No fewer than 17 PHCN high tension electricity poles were brought down by the ravaging rainstorm, which also threw parts of the community into darkness.

Reacting to the disaster, which took place on Monday, the Agbasogun of Agbor Kingdom, Chief Augustine Apaokwueze and Chairman of Alisimie Idumu-Itenei Central Executive Community, Mr. Augustine Uwagwu, described the rainstorm as very unfortunate.

The duo, who spoke separately in Alisimie, while inspecting the destruction caused by the rainstorm, said they were shocked to see the magnitude of dam-

age.

They, however, thanked God that no life was lost to the disaster and appealed to Delta State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, the authorities of Ika council, corporate bodies, philan-

thropic organisations and public spirited individuals in the society to assist victims of the rainstorm disaster in rehabilitating their damaged houses as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Chief Apaok-

VISIT: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right) presenting a plaque to Dr. Chris Asoluka, Chairman, Governing Board of Directors and Management, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, during a courtesy call at Governor's Office, Uyo.

Ogoni youths blame alleged govt seizure of farmlands on elders' betrayal

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— YOUTHS of Tai in Ogoni, Rivers State, have accused their elders and leaders of mortgaging their communal interests following alleged government seizure of farmlands in their communities.

The state government had been at loggerheads with landowners in the area since earmarking several hectares of land in Uekem and other neighbouring Ogoni commu-

nities to a Mexican firm for the development of a banana plantation.

At a special prayer session in Uekem, yesterday, to seek God’s intervention in the communities’ face-off with the government over the land seizure, the aggrieved youths accused the community leaders of secretly collecting gratifications on the land.

Pastor Nwikeigi Nbugere, who led the special prayer session, alleged: “They went to government, collected N7

billion and came to the community to say that the money government gave to them was not enough. Till date, they have not declared how much they received.

“The challenges we are facing today are because the chiefs and elders betrayed us. The community and youths of Ueken have decided to turn to God for divine intervention. We can no longer trust our chiefs and elders, who have sold our destinies without considering our future.” he added.

Oshiomhole assures on free, fair LG polls

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—AS campaigns for the April 20, local government elections commence in earnest in Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised to conduct free, fair and credible polls in the state.

Addressing Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, supporters in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas during the flagoff of the council election campaigns, Oshiomhole said

wueze and Mr. Uwagwu have called on the authorities of the Agbor Business District of PHCN to take immediate steps to restore power supply to parts of the community that had been thrown into darkness as a result of the rainstorm.

the election was a litmus test for one man, one vote mantra.

He said: “It is, to me, a thing of joy that we will conduct a clean and transparent council election on the basis of one man, man vote. This is a commitment, that is our power.

“That is why we are mobilising, organising and reminding the people that politics is not a game without purpose.”

Appealing to the electorate to vote ACN chairmanship

candidates: Mr Victor Enobakhare, Osare Obazee and Itohan Osahon, in Egor, Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas respectively, Oshiomhole denied insinuations by the opposition party that the ACN was planning to use the Neighbourhood Watch to rig the elections.

He quarried: “Who established the Neighbourhood Watch? Who made the law?

The People Democratic Party, PDP, made that law. All we have done is to implement the law."

We're Okpe indigenes, not Uvwie, Delta community declares

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—FOLLOWING alleged claims that Okoijorogu land belongs to Uvwie Kingdom, the leadership of the community has said that they are Okpe-Urhobo people.

In a petition addressed to Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, by Okoijorogu Community Chairman, Mr. Rapheal Idjerhe, the community said: “For the avoidance of doubt,we categorically state that Amua Ijorogu (Okoijorogu) was founded by Ijorogu, a descendant of Okpe lineage, of the Evwreke 1 home of Okpe Kingdom.”

He said that "descendants of Ijorogu, who comprise Ijorogu and Aghwoghworiste families had inhabited the land from time as owners, occupiers, residents and the ones in exclusive possession of all the land therein.”

Supporting the position of the Udogun Okpe in respect of the case, they urged Governor Uduaghan to take a critical look at the issues raised by Udogun Okpe and the claim that Ijorogu land is in Uvwie Kingdom.

38—Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Controversy trails conduct of ACN congress in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

A

Prince Arthur Eze, signing the membership register, in the presence of ward and state executive members, led by Chief Ken Emeakayi, Anambra State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Anambra govt to distribute 400 buses to schools

I

CHIDA (ANAMBRA)— GOV. Peter Obi of Anambra State has promised to provide 400 buses to schools in the state this year.

Obi made the promise during an interactive session with stakeholders of Ichida Community in Anaocha Local Council Area.

Obi said the idea was in line with his administration’s effort to provide necessary logistics to enhance teaching and learning according to global best practices.

Responding, the President-General of the town, Chief Kenneth Okafor, said they embarked on the renovation of Community Secondary School, Ichida, to compliment the efforts of the governor in repositioning education sector.

APGA: Disregard Okwu’s National Convention plan, Umeh tells party members

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—EMBATTLED National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, has warned all members of

the party against the national convention purportedly being planned by the self-acclaimed interim national chairman of the party, Chief Maxi Okwu.

Briefing reporters, yesterday, in Enugu, Chief Umeh

Don't grant Boko Haram amnesty — Prophet Onaolapo

BY ETOP EKANEM

L

AGOS — THE General Overseer of Christ the King Rescue Global Ministry, Prophet Gabriel Onaolapo, has kicked against calls for amnesty for members of Boko Haram sect, saying that all other windows of opportunity for engagement should be explored in the search for peace.

The cleric who spoke during the 12th Freedom Day Festival with the theme: 'Freedom that guarantees great revival' at the church’s headquarters, Yewande Junction, Giwa Oke-Aro, Lagos, said: “With the continued

Chief Akorunu passes on @ 112

C

BAKALIKI — CONTROVERSIES seem to be trailing the conduct of the last congress of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Ebonyi State as the factions allegedly headed by the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, Princess Tonia Adol-Awam and Senator Julius Ali Ucha, are still at logger-heads as to who controls the machinery of the party in the state.

Princess Adol-Awam, described the congress as a kangaroo arrangement put in place by the enemies of ACN in the state.

But in a swift reaction, the

HIEF ORIVRI James Akorunu (a.k.a Yoyoyo), the Odio Logbo of Okpe-Isoko Kingdom, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State is dead, aged 112.

There will be a service of songs on Friday, April 12, while he will be buried on Saturday, April 13, at his residence, Okpe-Orie Road, Okpe-Isoko.

He is survived by a widow, Mrs. Hannah Orivri, children, grand-children and many relations, including Late Chief Akorunu Orivri Matthew.

violence unleashed on the nation, one thing is certain: the ghost of Boko Haram is real and haunts Nigeria with devastating effect.

“Against the background of these mindless killings, all windows of opportunity for engagement should be explored in the search for peace.

Amnesty, however, is not such window.”

Onaolapo noted that in Nigeria “there is virtually no economy. We are still not one of the societies with world class electricity supply. Even in the best of time, the country itself is totally unplanned, chaotic, lawless, agrarian and an unproductive economy. The quality of governance that determines peace, security and development has eluded us.”

He called on statesmen such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Emeka Anyaoku General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) to intervene.

“There is no reason these few cannot come together for Nigeria at this point when it is very clear that the state itself is distressed and authority has broken down.

reminded all the party members that the fact that Okwu, alongside the founding National Chairman of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, were expelled from the party in 2005, and that the expulsion was confirmed by the Supreme Court, was enough reason every bona fide member of the party should steer clear of Okwu.

He emphasised that Okwu was yet to be re-admitted legitimately into the party, stating that whatever transaction he was doing on behalf of the party was outright illegality.

Umeh said the national convention Okwu was purportedly planning to organise at Abuja in the name of APGA was a “mere political comedy meant to “hoodwink the gullible” Nigerian public.

He said Okwu’s alleged appointment as the interim national chairman of APGA by an illegal caucus made the entire political comedy even more entertaining.

“I want to tell Nigerians that there is no National Convention of APGA taking place any time soon. It is not going to happen. We appeal against the judgment of Enugu State High Court, we are already in progress at the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division and there is no way anybody can take any action that will outreach the outcome of that appeal.

It is pure law,” said Umeh.

He declared that he remained the authentic National Chairman of APGA pending the outcome of the appeal.

purported chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Sylvester Nwambe, noted that the congress was well conducted and supervised by members of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other national officers of the party.

He said, therefore, nobody had the right to play down the result of the congress.

Adol-Awam, however, said: “It is terrible for me to hear that congress was held in Ebonyi State; at least as a national officer, the purported chairman of the congress committee ought to have called me immediately he arrived Ebonyi. I didn’t get any call from him either when he came for introduction or during the congress.

“They are political harlots; they have been dumped by PDP and sacked by ANPP and they think they can destabilise ACN. We are an organized party with internal democracy. I’m employing the National to do an independent investigation into this calibre of politicians.

Obi flags off N2bn road project at Ihiala

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — GOVER NOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has flagged off the reconstruction of 16 kilometre UzoakwaUbahuekwem-Oseakwa road at Ihiala.

The governor said at the flag-off ceremony that the project had a completion period of one year.

According to him, the road will give agricultural communities in Ihiala Local Government Area easy access to the outside world.

He added that the decision to construct the strategic road was in line with his administration’s desire to open up and connect all parts of the state with quality road network.

He explained that the second phase of the project would link Ihiala with Ogbaru Local Government Area with the primary aim of providing a functional alternative route to the commercial city of Onitsha and urged the contractor to complete the work on schedule.

Commissioner for Works, Mr. Callistus Ilozumba, who accompanied the governor to the flag-off, said the project was properly designed with concrete drains, adding that the contractor had been duly mobilised.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 —39

INTRODUCTION—From left: Mr. Seyi Adebayo; Mr. Hakeem Adebayo; Ms Tosin Adebayo and Dr. Mojisola Adewunmi, (nee Adebayo), at the introduction of Mr & Mrs. Fakoya at Ikeja, Lagos.

EXCURSION— From right: Mr Charles Gerald, Corporate Affairs Dept, Vanguard Newspaper, addressing students of Amuwo Odofin Junior Secondary School, Mile 2 during an excursion to Vanguard Newspaper Corporate Headquarters in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

ADDRESS—From left: New President of Federation of African Journalist, FAJ, and National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mallam Garba Mohammad; NUJ, Lagos State Council Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye and former National Vice President, Mr. Gbenga Onayiga addressing Aviation corresspondents at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

LAFFMATAZZ—From left: Veteran Actor, Olumide Bakare; Gbenga Adeyinka, Ace Producer and Comedian; Muyiwa Ademola and Brand Manager, Squadron Dark Rum, Zekeri Dokpesi at the LaffMatazz with Gbenga Adeyinka, Sponsored by Squadron Dark Rum in Ibadan.

BOOK LAUNCH—From left: Chairman of the Occasion, Odia Ofeimun; Author of the Book, Catherine Uhomoibhi; Representative of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Sa'adatu Sulaim; Dame Osunde and Book Reviewer, Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu at the public presentation of a book in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

VISIT—From left: Registrar/Chief Executive, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof. 'Dibu Ojerinde; President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Chairman, NIM North-Central Zone, Dr. Raymond Ihenacho and Director, Membership Services, NIM, Engr. Mohammed Kudu Sulaiman when the Institute paid a visit to JAMB.

BRIEFING— From left: Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Chief Babatunde Eleshin; National President, African Church Youth Association, Venerable Oluwasegun Oladosu; Acting Diocesan Chairman, Mr. Segun Adebayo and National Secretary, African Church Youth Association, Evangelist Segun Olukunle during a briefing on the association’s 26th annual youth conference at Saviour African Church Cathedral in Lagos.

LAUNCH— From left: Mrs E. Akiga-Gusah, Deputy Director, Planning NIMASA; Mrs Ify Akerele, Director General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping; Mrs Jean Chiazor Anisere, President WISTA Nigeria; Mr Oliver Omajuwa, Head, Corporate Affairs Marketing, Sifax Group; Mrs Funke Agbor, Legal Practitioner and Dr Lanre Talabi, Guest Speaker during Wista Nigeria book launch in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Gombe to invest N2.1bn in agriculture, trade

Sokoto gov gives recipe for unity in PDP

G

OMBE— GOMBE State Government is to invest N2.1 billion on the development of agriculture and trade, the Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Hassan Muhammadu, has said.

Muhammadu, who briefed newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday, also said that the state government would also establish a geographic information system for the state.

The commissioner said the projects were part of government’s intervention in the sectors with the aim of stimulating economic growth in the state.

According to Muhammadu, out of the amount, N1 billion will be set aside as an agricultural intervention fund; N500 million as trade intervention fund, while N600 million will be for the establishment of the geographic information system.

Daura residents seek end to power outage

K

ATSINA—RESI DENTS of the ancient city of Daura on Wednesday called on the Katsina State Government to urgently intervene to end the persistent power outage affecting the town and its environs.

The residents made the call a week after the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar, summoned the PHCN Area Manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Dayyabu, over the situation.

A cross section of the residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Daura lamented that the area had remained in darkness for more than three weeks.

The situation, they said, had adversely affected socio-economic activities of the people.

BY ABDALLAH ELKUREBE

S

VISIT—From left: President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Leader of delegation, Alhaji Maitama Sule and Mr Paul Unongo, during a meeting of The Northen Elders Forum with President Jonathan in Abuja, Wednesday.

Kwara Speaker slams provision of constituency projects

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN—SPEAKER, Kwara State House of Assembly, Abdulrazak Atunwa has said that the provision for "constituency projects" in both the national and states’ annual budgets was not only uncostitutional but an aberration.

Atunwa spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Ilorin, yesterday. According to him, it was the duty of the Executive arm of governments to provide social amenities to the electorate and not the Legislature whose duty it was to make laws for good governance.

His words: “Any community that needs water, light, roads or anything whatsoever under a democratic government should forward their requests to the ministries concerned.

It is when such requests are not met and they are brought to our attention that we could act.

"We can act by encouraging the executive to execute such project. The lawmakers have more obligations and responsibilities than getting themselves involved in constituency projects. ”Apart from this, there is nothing in the constitution that talks about constituency projects but rather legislators are supposed to make laws; make adequate representations on the needs of the people and carry out oversight functions.

"The fact that circumstances once made it happen some-

time ago should not make it constitutional. Anywhere that such happens is an aberration and unconstitutional.

"By 1999 when we returned to democracy, due to various promises the legislators had made to the electorate dur-

ing elections, they were under pressure to deliver on those promises directly.

Therefore that practice evolved wherein they had to put such projects in the budget for the executives to get money to deliver on those projects, in good faith.

Textile workers lament non-payment of N937m judgement debt

BY EMEKA MAMAH

L

AGOS—TEXTILE workers in the country have expressed concern over the non-payment of a judgement debt of about N937,073, 346, to some of their members by the Northern Governors’ Forum, NGF, since 2005.

The workers said that the debt arose from the inability of the governors to settle the entitlements of their members in three textile companies who were unilaterally sacked following the closure of Kaduna Textiles Limited, KTL, Arewa Textiles Plc, and Finetex/Nortex Limited between 2003 and 2008.

They pointed out that although the Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, and the National Industrial Court, NIC, gave judgements in favour of the workers, the governors had refused to settle the debt.

In a statement signed by the Deputy General Secretary of the workers’ union, Mr Sylvester Chimezie, they siad that KTL owed them about N687, 073,346, since 2003, while Finex/Nortex owed them about N250 million.

According to Chimezie, the debt excluded the workers’ terminal benefits. ’’With respect to KTL, the entitlements of the workers have since been computed and agreed to by both the union and management arising from the judgment of the IAP in September, 2005, following a trade dispute declared by the union against KTL management in January 2003.The union had also obtained judgment in favour of the workers compelling the management to settle the unpaid terminal benefits. Unfortunately, the 19 Northern States are yet to settle the terminal benefits.

OKOTO—GOVER NOR Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, has said that fairness and equity were the only catalysts that could bring unity to the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The governor spoke Wednesday in Sokoto when the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, headed by Chief Tony Anenih, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House.

"We have sent some messages that are important for the party’s future. The message we gave is that as a party, PDP has to take all the necessary measures to ensure fairness and justice in all its dealings.

When it comes to dealing with state chapters; when it comes to fielding candidates and so on, there must be fairness and equity; and I think that has been well taken by the BoT,” he said.

On whether Anenih delegation was on reconciliatory visit to Sokoto, Wamakko said that, listening to the people amounted to reconciling members of the party.

The Governor, however, stressed that reports that some governors planned to leave the ruling PDP to the opposition APC were media imagination since no one would leave a party he had built.

"That was media imagination. We cannot abandon what we have built.

We had to build PDP from the scratch in the state, so you cannot imagine somebody like me leaving the PDP." Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting Chief Anenih said that the party leaders including the Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, discussed many issues that would move the party forward. ”We are happy in the way the governor is handling security issues in the state. We have discussed other issues that are of importance to the corporate existence of the country".

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — A1

C M Y K

A2 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — A3

A4 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — A5

A6 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — A7

A8 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—41

Amnesty should be granted with conditions— Afenifere

CORPORATE ASSEMBLY—From left: Mrs. Olusola Oworu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Chief Host; Chief Nike Akande, former Minister of Industry and member of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Engr. Olusegun Jawando, Chairman Lekki free trade zone, during the 2nd Lagos Corporate Assembly held, yesterday, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

FG sets up Amnesty committee for Boko Haram Continues from page 5 ted to uniting this country and taking it to the next level for all Nigerians to be proud of.

On his part, Shettima said: “Mr. President’s action tallies with what we have always been crying for and he has proved that he is a true leader, who listens to the yearning and aspirations of the people. We commend the President for this epoch approach to resolve the intractable security challenge in the North as we cannot afford to live in a country where strife and killings prevail.”

We are watching—CPC In its reaction to the development, the Congress for Progessive Change, CPC, said it would wait and see how the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government would honestly and dispassionately implement the amnesty programme for the sect members.

The position of the party, which was made known by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr.

Rotimi Fashakin, said that the PDP was playing politics with the Boko Haram matter.

“This PDP-infested Presidency is reticent at offering Amnesty because it is in cahoots with the political Boko Haram, which is the most virulent variant of the menace.

“There will be no need to declare a state of emergency in Northern Nigeria if the region is peaceful. Why is it that with increased sectoral allocation to Security, the nation reaps more insecurity? Should we not begin to think outside the box? Understandably, the Northern Elders ought to show so much concern because at the end of the day, it is their homeland that is extirpated. Is the Federal Government sincere about pulling this through? Will the need for hollow political gains not overshadow a national imperative? We are watching,” the party stated.

ACF denies being in sympathy with Boko Haram The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yes-

terday, in Kaduna denied allegations that the ACF was sympathising with the insurgents, saying its call for amnesty was to save innocent lives being lost daily in the militants' attacks. The Forum, however, argued that granting amnesty to the group would be a bait to bring them out for dialogue in the interest of the country.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Anthony Sani in his remarks when the Acting American Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeffery Hawkins paid a visit to the Forum's Secretariat in Kaduna said: “Actually, it is not that the northern leaders are sympathizing with them, certainly we do not approve what they are doing. Our preference for dialogue is informed by the fact that we have not been able to see anywhere, where force had succeeded. It is because we believe force has failed. When the president says he cannot dialogue with ghosts, he cannot dialogue with faceless people, then there has to be a mechanism to attract the people to come out. At the moment, there isn’t any.”

He reiterated the commitment of the ACF to

promote the interest of the North.

Responding, the ambassador said the U.S would continue to support the Nigerian government in fighting terrorism, and improving human rights.

"We are very interested in encouraging Nigeria as it deals with law enforcement problems to make sure that the law enforcement and security agencies are not only enforcing the laws, but are also respecting the rights of the Nigerian citizens."

Hawkins reiterated the commitment of the United States in assisting Nigeria particularly in the area of health, education and agriculture.

"We have a wide robust engagement with the government of Nigeria across the board, whether in health, where we spent over half a billion dollars a year in health assistance.

"Whether it is in democracy and governance, whether its working with security forces, whether is in promoting agriculture, whether it is in working with INEC, EFCC or any Nigerian institutions. We are very much interested in helping our Nigerian partners.”

In its own reaction, Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere through its National Publicity Secretar y, Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “It is a development that portrays our capacity to think through issues before we made public remarks. The president would have underscored a better mileage if he had acceded to that gesture when he visited Maiduguri and offered it conditionally for Boko Haram to come forward and lay down their arms.

We should have moved forward than what we have done now but it is better late than never.”

Speaking further, he said the challenge is to make a “conditional offer to those who are ready to step forward to renounce terrorism and embrace peace. If they have a reasonable number of persons to come forward, they can use that to reach out to other persons who are engaged in this act of terrorism that threatens our corporate existence as a nation. I think it is belated but I also think it is a good development because we are trying to find solution to these problems and to stop the daily loss of lives going on in the country.”

It’s a welcome development —OPC On its part, defunct militant Yoruba nationalist organization, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, welcomed the decision of government to grant Boko Haram amnesty.

Speaking with Vanguard on telephone, National Coordinator of OPC, Otunba Gani Adams said: “I think it is a welcome development.

If it is an option for us to have peace in the country, I will support the amnesty granted them because amnesty was granted the Niger Delta militants.”

He added that “there is nothing wrong with amnesty granted Boko Haram. Though it may not stop the bloodshed, but it will reduce it because some of them will prefer amnesty rather than them confronting government forces. Amnesty is a process be-

cause some of them may not trust government’s sincerity; but when they realise at the end of the day that it is real, they will join the package.

With this, I believe we will have peace in the north just as we are witnessing peace in the Niger Delta.”

Tinubu, Gov Aliyu, Kukah, Ezekwesili others blast Jonathan NO fewer than fifteen State Governors led by the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday attended the 60th birthday celebration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

At the event, Governor Aliu Babangida of Niger state, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and other speakers blasting President Goodluck Jonathan over his persistent call on Northern leaders to unmask those behind the Boko Haram insurgency.

They regretted that the President has not done anything at those arrested in connection with Boko Haram insurgency.

This was disclosed yesterday in Benin City at the 60th Birthday lecture of Edo state Governor Adams Oshiomhole titled : “Deepening Democracy and Enhancing Welfare of the people”.

Those at the events are: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Ben Obi who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Godswill Akwabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Abdulazeez Abubakar (Zamfara), Aminu Dankwabo (Gombe), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Kasseem Shetima (Borno).

Others are Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Issa Yuguda (Bauchi), Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo), Rauf Arigbesola(Osun) and ex governors of Ekiti, Anambra, Ogun , Edo states, Niyi Adebayo, Chris Ngige Segun Osoba and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Also at the well attended ceremony were the National Chairman of the

Continues on page 44

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—43

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

deepen democracy”.

VISIT—

From Left: Agwam Takar, Chief Tobias Nkom-wada; Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State and Chief of Kagoro, Mr Ufuwai Bonet during the Governor's condolence visit to Atakar village, Kaura LGA on Wednesday. Photo: NAN.

FG sets up Amnesty committee for Boko Haram Continues from page 41 ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, Aliko Dangote, Nuhu Ribadu, Alhaji Aliko Muhammed , Chief Tom Ikimi and Alhaji Kaseem Iman member PDP Board of Trustees among others.

Governor Babangida Aliu of Niger State, former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Education minister, Oby Ezekwesili and the Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Father Matthew Hassan Kukah who also commented on the amnesty had harsh words for the president.

Governor Babangida, in veiled reference to President Jonathan’s remarks that Northern leaders should proffer solution to the Boko Haram’s problem, said that the Federal Government should through a proper interrogation of those arrested know who their sponsors were.

Former Governor of Lagos state and leader of the Action Congress of

Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, observed that rather than tackling the Boko Haram insurgency, “my shame was when our President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated PDP, Governor’s Forum in his bid to polarize the Nigeria Governor’s Forum. If we had a state police or even community police they would have been able to unmask either the militants in our environment or members of the Boko Haram”.

Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. (Dr) Mathew Kukah, who faulted the refusal to discuss amnesty with the Boko Haram sect by the Federal Government, asserted that Nigeria was not practicing democracy, asserting: “this is not the democracy we all fought for. Since Tafawa Belawe till now none of our Presidents planned for leadership. The insurgency in the North is a critical issue in our country.

“I am talking about amnesty as a Christian not as politicians see it.

As a Christian I know that Jesus Christ never foreclosed the doctrine of confession and forgiveness. It is not by offering amnesty but who are you offering amnesty to?

Amnesty is a very serious thing. If our politicians are Christians they should imbibe the principles of Christianity in leadership”.

“As a Christian you don’t let the members foreclose the door of reconciliation of the prodigal son. So I want to say that this country is ours and we must all find a way to save the situation”.

Gov Aliyu on Amnesty According to Governor Babangida, “ recently I read a paper where an INEC officer was saying it will be difficult to conduct election in the North. On Boko Haram I believe that you cannot

know a ghost unless you are a ghost. But the Governor of Borno said it is our responsibility to unmask the ghosts and I asked, what of the people that you have been arresting? Are we not investigating to find out?

Who is actually the ghost?

“JTF has been arresting Boko Haram members and each time they say their commanders have been arrested, so how did they know that they are commanders when they said they cannot negotiate with ghosts.

Why can’t you unmask the ghost” he queried.

Tinubu who described Oshiomhole as an exemplary leader of the party, regretted that the Federal Government had consistently addressed the Boko Haram members as ghost, insisting that he does not believe in ghost.

“No religion should be pre-eminent over the other. Let’s stop the lamentation. Let’s put the fault where it is. Some of these governors have clamoured for state po-

lice. If we have state police people will know where the criminals or the militants or saboteurs are. I disagree with the question of a ghost. In history, from creation, ghosts never throw bombs, they remain quiet in the cemetery. You cannot arrest a ghost, those people in detention, we need solution. And for Nigerians we have lamented for too long.

“Muslims, Christians should be united to build this nation so that our tomorrow will not be destroyed. We the people are first preamble of the constitution not religion.

Not we the Christians not we the Muslims” he stated.

On his part Tambuwal stressed that lives and security of the people is the primary responsibility of the government as enshrined in section 14 of the 1999 constitution as amended. “ In deepening democracy we must talk about political parties that process candidates for election and independent responsible umpire. We must ensure independence of the legislature and the judiciary.

“Therefore, for us to have a deepened democracy in Nigeria, we must respect the culture in independence of the different arms of government, checks and balances as an integral part of democracy. If we continue to build institutions, that is the way to fight corruption and promote good governance” he stated.

Ezekwesili reacts On her part, Ezekwesili said that government is about result, saying “ if governance cannot lead to result it is not worth being called governance. Democracy is in recession to the extent that the electorate treats democracy with cynism because they are disconnected from participating in the process of democracy.

“Nigeria democracy exist for those in government and the business class excluding the vast majority of Nigerians who see themselves in pernicious inter generation poverty. Because Nigerians have been pauperized and devalued by the political class and system, they cannot therefore be agents to

CAN lambasts Northern leaders The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), yesterday, lambasted Northern leaders for asking the Federal Government to offer amnesty to members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, saying they were selfish and insensitive to the plights of the victims.

It will be recalled that no fewer than 28 people were reportedly killed, when suspected Fulani Herdsmen invaded some villages in Takad District of Kaura Local Government Council, Kaduna State last week.

The leadership of CAN, led by its Secretary General Rev. Dr. Musa Asake, who was speaking during a visit to the affected communities in Kaduna, noted that those who drew similarities between the sect and the Niger Delta militants were not educated.

He added that while the sect members remain faceless and with no identifiable demands and ideology, the demands of the Niger militants were clearly stated and their leaders made known.

“Comparing this is unfair and unintelligent. We know what the Niger Delta militants were fighting for. We know their leaders and when government wanted to see them, they went to the caves. They, the militants came out, talked with government and on the strength of that dropped their guns.

“The Boko Haram insurgency started in Maiduguri. If they annoyed them there, let them talk with the government of Maiduguri.

Why will a Maiduguri problem come to Southern Kaduna”.

Addressing the victims at Model Primary School in Fadan Attakar camp, Asake said that it was unfortunate that Northern elders could be calling for amnesty for perpetrators of heinous crimes rather than demanding their prosecution.

Apart from outright illogicality of the proposition, he described the call as an outright insensitivity to the thousands of victims, who had either died, been maimed or displaced as a result of the ungodly activities of a group of dissidents.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—45

Atiku and El-Rufai: A discipleship gone wrong It was one of the most fascinating relationships in the Abuja political landscape that survived even a celebrated bribery scam. As close as they were, former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and erstwhile associate, Nassir El-Rufai, are doing everything to damage one another.

*El-Rufai

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

T

HERE are indeed very few men who may have prepared themselves to rule Nigeria as former vicepresident Atiku Abubakar.

In his preparation for the country ’s highest political office, Atiku was known to have established a rich base of human resources to prepare himself for the exalted office.

He established the National Development Project, NDP, a privately funded research organisation with Dr. Usman Bugaje as head.

His media office headed by an erstwhile president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mallam Garba Shehu was and is still known to be among the most savvy media offices in the country even as at today.

While in office as vicepresident, Atiku was also known to have drawn to himself and the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, a wide circle of some of the country’s most endowed personalities many of whom eventually took leading positions in that administration.

As chairman of the National

Council on Privatisation, NCP, Atiku drew such eggheads as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Kekere Ekun, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Bode Augusto, Ms Ifueko Omoigui among others who served in the Bureau of Public Enterprises or other government agencies in one capacity or the other.

All these were besides a private economic think tank that was preparing the politically adventurous and skilled Atiku for his own political goal.

Indeed, by the time the Olusegun Obasanjo administration was getting to its third year, the gist that Atiku was using the NDP as a private campaign organisation had gained traction in the political landscape to the extent that a reputable leader of the PDP, still fixing problems of the party today, reportedly took Obasanjo to the Asokoro, Abuja office of the NDP late in the night to show the former president Atiku’s campaign office!

But there was no doubt that before then, Atiku’s grip on the Obasanjo government was

overwhelming. Alongside the then National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, the two men were known to have virtually run the administration.

However, of the lot that Atiku

,

*Atiku

according to sources in the Obasanjo administration as such impressed it on Obasanjo that he had seen the man to handle the administration’s privatisation programme and so

Even while Atiku has since the end of the administration mended fences with several of his political foes including Obasanjo, the relationship with El-Rufai remained prickly

steered into the administration, his relationship with Mallam El-Rufai remains the most touchy. The relationship that was once chummy, if not paternal, has descended to one of acrimony with mutual allegations between the two.

Atiku according to sources, reportedly first encountered ElRufai during a World Bank seminar in London in the early days of the administration where he was said to have been deeply impressed by the intellectual content and competence of the latter. Atiku

,

El-Rufai was duly appointed as director-general.

Their relationship progressed until the beginning of the second term when again, Obasanjo was said to have made his desire for a “mad man” to reform Abuja. Atiku was again said to have said that they already had one and El-Rufai was proposed as the minister of the federal capital territory.

The nomination of El-Rufai to the cabinet again brought attention to what some

considered the paternal relationship between the two.

Two principal officers of the senate it later emerged, allegedly requested N54 million from him for the purpose of clearing what was described as a mountain of objections against his ministerial nomination. No one of course expected El-Rufai to pay, though it was was later alleged that his "godfather," at that time, Atiku who was believably more schooled in politics negotiated or paid on his behalf.

The relationship between the two men, however, later deteriorated as the two elephants in the administration, Obasanjo and Atiku, fought over the third term agenda of that administration.

Though he was not openly known to have voiced support for the third term, El-Rufai, however, sided with Obasanjo in the battle of wits that overwhelmed the political space in the later years of the Obasanjo era.

Even while Atiku has since the end of the administration mended fences with several of his political foes including Obasanjo, the relationship with El-Rufai remained prickly.

It remained so until the launch of The Accidental Public Servant, the chronicle of ElRufai’s service in government damaged the relationship even further.

El-Rufai had noted in the book that he virtually took over the duties of the vice-president in the tail end of the administration. He further alleged in the narrative that Atiku sought in some instances to bend the privatisation rules to favour some particular concerns.

The allegation of bending the rules was, however, something that brought out a sharp reaction from Atiku.

Reacting to the allegation, Atiku referred to the submission made by El-Rufai in his appearance before the senate in 2007 where the former BPE helmsman maintained that he accomplished his work in the privatisation agency without interference and according to the rules.

Atiku quoted El-Rufai to have said: “Mr. Chairman, if you go through my tenure in BPE, you will see that we try to do everything by the rules, by the

Continues from page 45

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

LGAs: Caretakers on the plateau

BY TAYE OBATERU

I

N SPITE of the resolution of the National Assembly that states should conduct elections for the administration of local governments, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) is yet to announce a time-table for the conduct of election for the 17 local councils of the state.

Government handpicked caretaker committees still hold sway in the councils, thus making them extensions of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from where they take instructions.

Elections were due over a year ago, but opposition parties allege that the state government rather than encourage PLASIEC to organize elections, appointed caretaker committees into the councils.

Signs that the state government was bent on taking absolute control of the councils were evident in the decision to dissolve elected administrations in Bokkos and Wase local councils, which were under the control of opposition parties.

The chairmen who initially lost election to the ruling PDP got their mandates back through the election tribunal and had therefore not concluded their tenures when government dissolved the councils.

,

Local Governments will be subvented on the basis of equality of states and Local Government will cease to be a basis for sharing Revenue

,

Subsisting court orders Subsisting court orders stopping the state government from terminating their tenures were ignored. Instead, government allegedly struck a deal with one of them and appointed him as head of the caretaker committee for the local government.

The desire of the state government to put the councils at its beck and call remained a mere allegation until the state government recently came up with a position to confirm her desire to make councils an extension of the state governments.

In a submission on the proposed amendment to the constitution, the state government clearly indicated that it was opposed to the independence of the local government as an independent tier of government.

The administration's position was contained in a document entitled “The Position of the Executive Council of Plateau State on the Amendment of Some Sections of the Constitution” signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Edward Pwajok.

Not a few including members of the opposition parties saw this as a vindication of their position that the state government prefers to run local governments as an

*Jang extension of its ministries. Some have even accused the PDP administration of failing to allow elections for fear of defeat.

The State Chairman of All Peoples Grand Alliance, APGA Alhaji Ali Yahaya Ali said the party is disturbed with the situation on ground. “This

election was supposed to have taken place since, but we don’t know why the government is delaying the whole thing.

From what we are seeing, the government is afraid of the opposition especially our own party which is APGA. That is why they are delaying the election.

But whatever they want to do provided it is within the law, we are waiting for them, and we are sure that we will beat the PDP in

all the 17 local government elections in the state because we are well prepared for them.”

On his part the Publicity Secretary of Labour Party Mr. Sylvanus Namang described the delay in conducting the local government elections in the state as anti-democracy and not in the interest of democracy.

According to him “All local government officials from the chairman to, councillors are supposed to be elected representatives of their people in a true democracy but the reverse has been the case in Plateau State. The 17 local governments are now controlled by the government.

Similarly, spokesman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the state, Mr. ambo Nbilamut accused the ruling party of being afraid to conduct elections.

“I want to assure you that they will lose the local government elections, and because of that they are more comfortable with the appointment of caretaker committees. The whole funds of the local governments are being managed by those not elected by the people and that is fraudulent”, he said.

However, a staunch member of Democratic People’s Party, DPP who was a candidate in the last senatorial bye election, Col. John Dung, rtd, said permanently resolving the impasse which paralyzed activities at the local governments for most of last year should be the priority for now.

Speaking at the end of last year, he said, “primary schools are closed, health centers are shut and people are suffering from all angles. To me, resolving this problem should be the priority now before we begin to talk about elections.”

PLASIEC Chairman, Mr. Peter Dalyop has, meanwhile given assurance that arrangements were on to conduct elections into the councils but did not give any date.

Atiku and El-Rufai: A discipleship gone wrong Continues from page 45 book. And we resisted every attempt at political interference.

There is a process; step by step.

Privatization is a mechanical process. Once you have the process published, every step should not be missed. And there was never a time that we deviated from that process.”

Last weekend the relationship degenerated further after Atiku in a published interview poohpoohed assertions cast by ElRufai in his book.

El-Rufai in a statement issued on Sunday alleged that Atiku put

pressure on the BPE to award contracts to a multinational agency.

He said: “It is untrue that the NITEL GSM contract in question was split. Rather it was awarded to Ericsson, but at the lower price submitted by Motorola, because of Atiku’s intense lobby and smears deployed to advance Ericsson’s bid.”

Atiku in response alleged that El-Rufai was bitter that a particular company, Motorola lost out, telling a national newspaper: “The fact of the contract are like this: Obasanjo agreed with the NCP that the former BPE DG was

wrong not to have disclosed his interest and that he had failed the test of transparency by not disclosing that his brother was on the board of Motorola.”

Continuing, Atiku said: “I would like Nigerians to be smart enough to read between the lines.

Why does the former FCT minister treat the Motorola issue with such persistent personal bitterness?

Why is he making it a heavy matter,” he asked.

However, for the majority of the stakeholders of NITEL for which their company is now dead, the question for them is when will their fortunes be revived?

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 47

How democracy is flowing in Rivers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

G

OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has always ensured existence of elected local government system is in place since he came on board as governor.

He met a caretaker committee structure when he assumed office.

He quickly set machinery in motion to conduct local council elections with the constitution of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSEIC, which has been conducting elections that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has always won.

Some observers of the politics of the state like Philip Azubuike believe that opposition parties did not show any convincing interest in the local government elections even though some later went to court challenging the outcome of the elections. This probably was why the ruling PDP won the entire chairmanship seat in the elections.

However, Ibiso Douglas alleged that the PDP did not create a level playing ground for opposition parties interested in the elections.

He accused the PDP of deliberately manipulating the electoral process to favour its candidates in the race.

The dissolved electoral commission that was headed by Professor Nimi Briggs maintained that it was fair to all parties during the democratic exercise.

Unlike some of his peers across the country, Governor Amaechi has avoided the temptation to run a local government caretaker

Bauchi:

*Amaechi

committee system since he assumed office but there was an instance his action according to critics violated the tenet of popular democracy.

The governor had in a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitary on January 10, 2013 suspended 11 local government chairmen indefinitely.

“The Government of Rivers State has announced the indefinite suspension of 11 local Government Chairmen in the state with immediate effect. The affected councils are: Port Harcourt, Emuoha, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba Egbema Ndoni, Asaritoru, Akukutoru, Andoni,

Okrika, Opobo/Nkoro and Ikwerre.

The deputies of the suspended chairmen were immediately sworn as acting chairmen.

Reacting to the development, the state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, said the action of the governor amounted to usurpation of the function of the State House of Assembly and thus was unlawful, null and void.

Publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Jerry Needam in his statement said the governor violated sections 13 and 64 of the Local Government Law, which he swore to defend.

“It’s also laughable that the reason being given for such extreme action of the governor is lateness and or

abstention to a governmental meeting, a proof that Governor Amaechi is more of a sole administrator than a democrat.”

The suspended Chairmen were later recalled. Meantime, Governor Amaechi took over payment of primary school teachers salaries from the local government.

According to him, it was part of the effort by his government to provide the state with quality education.

He has built model primary schools and health centres in all the local governments in the state.

Ho w stat e go vt run local councils How state govt

BY SUZAN EDEH

S

INCE the creation of Bauchi State in 1976, local government administration has been governed by duly elected local government chairmen except during the military era.

However, since 2007, there has been no autonomy for local governments in the state. It could be recalled that council polls were last held in 2008, since then the state government have instituted caretakers committee to man the affairs at the grassroots level.

Instead of holding elections Governor Isa Yuguda has been dissolving and appointing sole administrators for all the local councils. Those appointed to oversee the affairs of the councils were mainly civil servants.

Thus, Bauchi State remains one of the states still operating councils with either caretaker or transition committees despite

*Yuguda

the very serious objections raised by the House of Representatives on the development in Bauhci and other states.

Currently, there is nothing on ground that indicates of immediate plan to conduct fresh local government elections due to what Bauchi State’s chapter of

the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and state lawmakers considered as ‘lingering litigation filed by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) over the matter.”

The Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, who announced the dissolution of the caretaker committees had said, “The dissolution of the caretaker

committees was informed by the need for effective service delivery and political neutrality in local government administration. Consequently, sole administrators who consist largely of civil servants have been appointed to run the affairs of the local governments pending the conduct of local government council elections.”

Reacting to the issue, Bauchi State Chairman of the CPC, Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu, and a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo, flayed the development, lamenting that the government had no intention of conducting council polls.

Sa’idu said that government’s refusal to conduct council polls stemmed from its fear of losing out to opposition parties because of its failure to provide the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

I

T is a pity that after about 100 years of forced marriage, Nigeria still remains a big country of many nations (tribes) devoid of a national identity.

Everyday brings a sad reminder of a disunited nation, but naturally blessed with human and material resources.

The year 1914 began with the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Provinces to form what is now euphemistically called Nigeria, but being constantly ridiculed as a ‘failing state’.

The British imperialists(as represented by Lord Lugard) devised an administrative way to ease the financial burden of managing its Northern territory on British Treasury.

The comparatively richer Southern Province (#1.5million from annual Import taxes) could easily offer aid to its neighbor (with #.03 million from import taxes) to balance its budget. The presumption was that, amalgamation of 1914 was purely an economic proposition.

If the amalgamation was conceived by economic interest, it also gave birth to economic dividends by opening the vast inter-land to economic exploitation. The extension of rail transportation to the North after 1914 encouraged heavy movements of goods and people for trade and commerce.

The Southerners became workers, traders and settlers in many growing commercial towns of the North.

Southerners became receivers of economic rewards of the commercially expanding North.

However, the intervening decades witnessed the growth of enlightenment in the North and the emergence of the elite class, educated and outspoken.

The assault on the amalgamation of 1914 was echoed by many voices in many different places and heard by all.

Systematic attacks of the earlier period were based not on logic, but on fear or mistrust or on both.

2014:

The reluctant ally in a confused nation The onslaught on the Southerners was fuelled by the fiery editorials in the Northern leading Newspaper of the time, GASKIYA TA FI KWABO. The editor noted; “we, on reflection, consider that a mistake was made in 1914 when the North and South were joined together. The sweetly coated editorial was perhaps reflecting the mood of the Northern Nation. Some popular quotations by respected Northern Leaders in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s were,…… ‘The mistake of 1914 has come to light and I should like to go no further ’. (Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Region). Sir Ahmadu Bello was also reported to have said in his book that, “Lord Lugard and his Amalgamation were far from popular amongst us at that time”.

However, it was the reported speech of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (who later became Nigeria’s Prime Minister) that could be described as frightening at the period in 1947. He said, “…….I should like to make it clear to you that if the British quitted Nigeria now at this stage the Northern people would

continue their interrupted conquest to the sea.” Perhaps, the former Prime Minister of Nigeria had a poor sense of history because the invasion of Yorubaland by Fulani Soldiers in their ‘conquest’ march to the sea was terminated by Ibadan all conquering forces (with Ogbomoso as ally) in 1840 at Oshogbo. The Fulani forces were completely routed and the event marked the end of the “ conquest” attempt to reach the sea. Hopefully, during peacetime, AHMADU BELLO WAY in Lagos leads straight to the sea.

It is to the glory of Nigeria that Southern Nigerians lived peacefully, mixed freely and traded profitably in the North before the coup of 1966, carried out foolishlly by some misguided military officers. Even after the civil war (1967-70), Southerners enjoyed relative peace and prosperity in the North until the renewal of ethnic and religious disturbances of the recent past.

On reflection, the pre-independence mood of the North (taken together as a whole inspite of political division) is that of confrontation and mistrust, the mood of the war years and after had been that

Why I want to govern Anambra State — Nwike

BY DAPO AKINREFON

W

07059197616

of co-operation with others to rule Nigeria.

The present mood of the North seems uncertain because the Nigerian state itself is believed to be in a confused situation. Politically, there is Boko Haram insurgency; economically, there is widespread poverty (borne out of large –scale unemployment); socially, there is the scourge of criminal activities – armed robbery, kidnapping and ritual killings.

It is true that some men from the North (civilians and in military uniforms) have ruled the country, like some from other ethnic stock without any outstanding success. The critical voice of the North in anti-Jonathan camp is becoming more strident of recent.

The respected voice of the respectable columnist, Hakeem Baba –Ahmed on, “ North. The goals of power”, seems to have been lost in the foul stream of antiNorth trades, thus preventing the real impact. Some Southerners still believe that because of mistrust and fear, the North as a reluctant ally would either rule or make ruling impossible by others. I do not share this crude opinion, considering the parts played by the North in the fortunes of Chief Obasanjo as a military Commander and as a former President.

Without any doubt in my mind, the reported statement of a prominent Northern Delegate to the Ibadan Conference of 1950 rings clearly. “There is a very strong misunderstanding existing amongst us all, which hinders our unity. I do not know what is really the cause …… but I think it is not tribal, linguistic or religious differences.

Although these things may have something to do with it, but I think they are not the real causes, it must be something else.”

But what is it that is preventing much needed Nigerian unity as a nation?

HY are you in the race?

The best way to turn a negative into a positive is to do something about it! There are many things that the people of Anambra State deserve that we are being deprived of.

In order to place our demands and needs, we need to put Anambra State back to the map of progress through a proper welfare package that would propel every Anambrarian to an optimum quality level.

Anambra State always seems to lack something; an altruistic individual that actually cares rather than one that wishes to grab a little bit of power.

Anambra State deserves someone that believes in ‘YOU’ and someone that is not scared to stand up and point out a wrong. So, the challenges facing Anambra State today require a new approach and drastic change process.

The new Anambra State that we dream of has a vision for a change: a change for a good cause and a change that will bring about visible and enduring prosperity for our people. The Government we shall put in place will stand up

Dr. Patrick Nwabufo Nwike, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Anambra State.

Nwike has declared his aspiration to govern the state in 2014. In this interview, the medical doctor cum politician says he has what it takes to take the state to the next level. Excerpts: to these challenges with all honesty and deep sense of commitment. I guess, for the first time, I present myself before you as a candidate who strongly believes in ‘YOU’ and in myself and this belief in ‘YOU’ can only make me a very strong representative for you.

Let us all join hands together to chart a new course to meet these challenges. Indeed, the time is now.

What is your vision for Anambra?

Our mission and vision for the state is to build a visible social, political and economic environment in which a middle class thrives. We also want to impact on the people, the true dividends of democratic governance through consultative and interactive forum for communal participation and thus leave a legacy that will remain the benchmark for assessing the performance of any future government.

In addition to that, our hallmark would be honesty and purposefulness and we shall work in the fear of God without fear or favour.

Our administration shall be highly people oriented such that the people of Anambra will have a collective say on how they want to be led and governed.

We shall work to do things that the people of Anambra will like. Our stand point shall be people’s preferences and we shall work for it to happen.

What about your manifesto I have just a 5-point agenda for the state. They are, superb healthcare delivery, sound education policy, agriculture/ road development, social/youth development and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME).

Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SME) play very important roles in triggering and sustaining the economic growth and development of many economies. SMEs have

*Nwike also proved to be the most viable economic groups with tremendous potentials.

Anambra State shall support the development of SMEs and make them the vehicle of development in the State.

Development strategies The thrust of our State development objective would be to reduce the indices of poverty in the State and alleviate the sufferings of the people. Therefore, our administration shall not embark

on any project that it shall not complete or venture into any project that will not impact on the lives of the people directly and alleviate their poverty. Our administration shall not impose any project on any LGA. Anambra State is the most cosmopolitan of the States of South Eastern States and boasts of having one of the most resourceful man power levels in the country. Yet, our State ranks as one with the lowest level of poverty indices in the South East.

Indeed, given these endowments, Anambra State has absolutely no reason to be ranked as one with the lowest level of poverty indices. We can make the change and that will be possible if only we join hands together to make that change.

What are you chances at party primary?

My chance is very bright.

Mark my words: there would be a big surprise at the primary.

I am confident I will pick the party’s ticket and become the next governor of Anambra State. I can also assure you that PDP will win the coming governorship election in the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—49

FG plans uniform tax regime

By NOEL ONOJA

T

HE Federal Govern ment is considering a more harmonized tax regime for all sectors of the economy, including the informal sector.

Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and Chairman Joint Tax Board, Mr. Kabir Mashi, informed the public during a sensitization workshop on Presumptive Tax Regime in Nigeria held in Abuja yesterday.

Mashi said taxation in the informal sector, especially for persons and businesses not structured properly in terms of record keeping, had remained a major challenge not only in Nigeria but also in most developing nations of the world.

He said: “Different countries have fashioned out different strategies to effectively tax individuals in this category of informal sector. Some countries in dealing with this issue, have leveraged on the experiences of others, while others decided to fashion out their own specific strategy.

The apex tax authority has decided to adopt a hybrid in developing a workable presumptive tax regime, having looked at experiences of other countries in order to tailor it to Nigeria’s local circumstances. The regime would help drag a lot of people in the informal sector that had been evading the payment of tax into the tax net.”

Mashi emphasized that the the country had a large pool of taxpayers and potential tax payers in the informal sector, which could contribute a significant amount to tax collection if they were properly assisted to comply with tax laws.

“Such a large pool of taxpayers cannot be ignored by any tax system which seeks to make taxation the pivot of national development.”

According to him, one of the major reasons for the amendment of the Personal Income Tax (PITA) was to bring it to date with existing realities of the Nigerian economy, especially in relation to how the Act impacts on low and middle income earners.

He urged the stakeholders to brainstorm on the most suitable approach or approaches to taxing the informal sector, which will serve as input and materials needed to draft relevant legislation or amendment to existing legislation.

Vanguard CLASSIFIED EMMANUEL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emmanuel Udo Promise, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyanju Olaitan Promise. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mami Regina Iyalagha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rejoice Iyalagha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EFAGENE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E f a g e n e Av w e r o s u o g h e n e Hope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ahwehwe Av w e r o s u o g h e n e Peculiar. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UKUEJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ukueje Eunice Caroline Onome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Avwaruroro Eunice Caroline Onome. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BADARE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Margaret Ekarayoma Badare, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kayoma Abule Okomudo. All former documents remained valid. General public take note.

O N Y I B E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Augusta Onyibe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augusta Onyibe Oduah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGHENERUKEVWE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Regha Oghenerukevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as M r s .

Oghenerukevwe Owhofasa Atuduhor.

All former documents remain valid. Delta State University, Abraka, NYSC and general public please take note.

ADELEYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olubunmi Anna Adeleye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olubunmi Anna Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADUFORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Confidence Maduforo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinyere Confidence Ekeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Hope N., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukaoha Hope N. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGBONEKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Igbonekwu Obinna Francis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Chukwuemeka Obinna Francis. All former documents remain valid.

NETCO and general public please take note.

OLADELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oladele Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Adeyemi Emmanuel Olaniyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IYERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gift Ese Iyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gift Ese Iwhiwhu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMORIWHRE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O m o r i w h r e Okeoghene Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omafuaire Moses Okeoghene Helen. All former documents remained valid. General public take note.

JIMOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Sarah Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibrahim Sarah Abimbola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODUA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odua Gloria Nkeonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. John-Okoh Gloria Nkeonye. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public please take note.

ONANUGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onanuga Adedoyin Busayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello Adedoyin Busayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIOKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwuma Ogbonnia Dunstan Chioke, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuma Ogbonnia Dunstan Saul-Anozie.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu Campus and general public please take note.

CHIOKE—I, formerly known and and addressed as Paul Kenechukwu Chijioke Chioke, now wish to be known and addressed as Paul Kenechukwu Chijioke Saul-Anozie.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu Campus and general public please take note.

IBENEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibeneme Nnedi Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Madueke Nnedi Christiana.

All former documents remain valid.

Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, School of Nursing (LUTH) and general public please take note.

ESUJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Valletta Esuji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Valletta Denis-Ujoh.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOTE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omote Felicia Emuoghenerue, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oseni Felicia Emuoghenerue. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLOWOGABA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tolani Risqot Olowogaba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tolani Risqot Bamishile. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBINNAKWELU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obinnakwelu Uloma Nkechinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oko Uloma Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O T AV E R H O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Efe Ikwesiri Otaverho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikoyo Ikwesiri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I, Edith Sunday Alege, wish to notify the public that I am the same person know as Nengi Alege. All former documents remain valid.

General Public, please take note.

ONONOGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Marvellous Amarachi Ononogbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Marvellous Amarachi Stephen. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, ABSU, NYSC and general public please take note.

IROROBEJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Licia Kparobor Irorobeje, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Licla Kparobor Ubiebor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINSOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolake Ajoke Akinsola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolake Ajoke Adetunji. All former documents remain valid.

Obafemi Awolowo University, The Supreme Court of Nigeria, NBA and general public please take note.

CHUKWUJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwuji Chioma Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mbanugo Chioma Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OHWOFA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Cynthia Elohor Ohwofa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Cynthia Elohor E s s a u Okhemuokho. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E R T S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T PAV I L I O N T B S , L A G O S .

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

North Korea moves mid-range missile N

ORTH Korea has shifted a missile with “considerable range” to its east coast, South Korea’s foreign minister has said.

Kim Kwan-jin played down concerns that the missile could target the US mainland, and said the North’s intentions were not yet clear.

Pyongyang earlier renewed threats of a nuclear strike against the US, though its missiles are not believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The US is responding to North Korea by moving missile defence shields to Guam.

Meanwhile, Russia said Pyongyang’s attempts to “violate decisions of the UN Security Council are c a t e g o r i c a l l y

unacceptable”.

“This radically complicates, if it doesn’t in practice shut off, the prospects for resuming six-party talks,” foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said in a statement on Thursday.

The talks involving North and South Korea, the US, Russia, China and Japan were last held in

late 2008.

Japan said it was cooperating closely with the US and South Korea to monitor the North’s next move.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that although the rhetoric was “increasingly provocative”, Tokyo would “calmly” watch the situation.

G o v e r n m e n t

spokesman Yoshihide Suga earlier told reporters that Japan was braced for a “worst-case scenario”.

The Pentagon said the shield on its Pacific island territory would be ready within weeks, adding to warships already sent to the area.

The North has previously named Guam

Syria’s humanitarian crisis worsening — Red Cross of “devastation and conflict.

T

HE humanitarian situation in Syria is worsening rapidly with some areas a landscape

destruction”, the Red Cross said yesterday after a month which activists said was the bloodiest yet in the

CAR leader accepts regional transition road map

T

HE rebel leader who seized power in Central African Republic and proclaimed himself president yesterday accepted a call by regional leaders to speed up a transition to democracy, but could stay in office, his information minister

said.

Michel Djotodia led thousands of rebel fighters of the Seleka coalition into the riverside capital of the mineral-rich country on March 24, toppling President Francois Bozize.

African heads of state

among a list of possible targets for attack that included Hawaii and the US mainland.

It is unbearable to think that the lives of my loved ones could be irreversibly changed”.

refused to recognize Djotodia as the country’s legitimate leader at a summit in Chad on Wednesday and called for the creation of a transitional council to lead the nation to elections within 18 months. “(Djotodia) accepted

all of the recommendations made in N’Djamena ... He accepted all the schemes outlined by the heads of state,” Christophe Gazam Betty told reporters following a meeting between Djotodia and regional foreign ministers.

About 70,000 people have been killed and millions displaced during the two-year-old uprising, the United Nations says. Civilians have been cut off from water, electricity and lifesaving medical supplies, especially in rebel-held areas targeted by air strikes and ballistic missiles.

The Syrian government’s restrictions on aid convoys have meant most supplies are distributed in government-held areas.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013—51

Timeline of Boko Haram clashes with the state

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T

HE Jama’atu Allus Sunnah Lilda wati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, (Western education is sin), came into existence in the 1960s but survived through the decades under various names. However, it started drawing attention to itself in 2002, when Mohammed Yusuf became its leader. In 2004, it moved to Kanamma, Yobe State, where it set up a base called ‘Afghanistan’ from where it attacked nearby police stations, killing police officers.

In July 2009, the Nigeria Police started investigating Boko Haram, following reports that the group was arming itself.

Yusuf, the leader and others, were arrested and on July 30, 2009 allegations were made that Yusuf was extra-judicially killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody. The development invigorated deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces and attacks on churches, public institutions and military facilities, among others, which have led to the death of about 3,500 people.

Litany of attacks Before the clashes, many Muslim leaders, and at least one military official, had warned the authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored. According to Human Rights Watch, between July and December 2010, at least 85 people were killed in some 35 separate attacks in four states in northern and central Nigeria, as well as in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Attacks attributed to Boko Haram in 2011 left at least 550 people dead in 115 separate incidents.

Between January and December 2012, Boko Haram-related attacks occurred in 14 of the country‘s 36 states, including all the 12 states that have already adopted Sharia Islamic law, Plateau State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Violence blamed on Boko Haram, which said it wants to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has killed more than 900 people in 2012, in about 290 separate attacks in 12 north-eastern and central states, and Abuja, making 2012 the deadliest year since the group began its attacks in 2009. And in 2013, about 250

people have been killed in Boko Haram-related attacks and incidents.

The litany of attacks include those of the United Nations Office, Abuja, Police Headquarters, Abuja, the building housing ThisDay Newspapers, Sun Newspapers and Daily Trust in Abuja, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, Deeper Life Church, Okene; Military Cantonment Jaji, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SAS) office and other numerous security facilities especially police stations.

The security agencies also went on counter-offensive arresting, detaining and in many instances, killing Boko Haram members and leaders.

Disturbed by the escalating violence many northern leaders and groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, urged government to dialogue with the group to end the killings.

Last November, the group gave the government conditions for ending the hostilities Acclaimed spokesman of the group, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, in a tele-conference with journalists in Maiduguri, stated that if the state and the Federal Government wanted the group to cease-fire completely, then former Borno state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, must be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

He also said that the government should compensate the group and rebuild their places of worship which were destroyed during the 2009 uprising.

He pointed out that for a dialogue to take place, it must be through the following elders: Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Yobe State governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari and Barr Aisha Alkali Wakil and her husband, Barr, Alkali Wakil, insisting that the dialogue must not take place in Saudi Arabia.

Abu Abdulazeez also said that the group had mandated five members who are to mediate on their behalf; they include himself (Abu Mohammed Abdulazeez), Abu Abbas, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheikh Sani Kontogora and Mamman Nur. Buhari later distanced himself from the group and the Federal Government said it could not negotiate with preconditions, thus the crisis was

BOOK LAUNCH: From left: Mr. Tunde Ibare Akinsanya, authur of the book and Mr. Amos Adeye, Chairman of the occasion, during the public presentation of the book, Blissful Ritirement, at the National Institute of International Affairs, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

allowed to fester.

With the latest decision of the group to sheathe its sword, it is hoped that all stakeholders will play their required roles for normalcy to return to the country.

Porous ceasefire However, a peace deal was brokered on January 28, 2013 after a marathon meeting between some leaders of the group, which has been terrorizing some states in the North, particularly Borno State, since July 2009, and the Borno State Government, led by Governor Kashim Shettima with other top government officials and religious leaders from the state in attendance.

The cease-fire came after a 42-month multi-prong attack unleashed on the polity by the sect.

Briefing newsmen after the marathon meeting in Maiduguri, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, a commander of Boko Haram incharge of North and Central Borno, said after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, as well as intervention and pleadings from respected individuals and groups in the state, we ‘’have all come to terms and agreed to lay down our arms.’’

The Boko Haram Commander, however, insisted that government should immediately release all their members from custody unconditionally, rebuild their places of worship and compensate them, among other demands.

Sheikh Abdulazeez said that, the sect observed that during the lingering insurgency, many Muslim women and children had suffered untold hardship, adding that, they also decided to lay down their

arms for peace to reign in Borno State and the country at large.

“I am appealing and calling on all our members through this medium to lay down their arms henceforth, till further notice,” Abdulazeez stated.

However, a few hours after the cease-fire, a faction of the sect distanced itself from the peace-deal and accelerated its deadly attacks, which have claimed about 250 lives since then.

The search for peace took President Goodluck Jonathan to Borno and Yobe states last month. The series of parleys during the two-day visit did not yield amnesty as President Jonathan insisted that the Federal Government could not grant amnesty to ghosts. He urged leaders of Boko Haram to come out of their hiding and dialogue with government as was done in the Niger Delta before amnesty could be granted.

The matter was on the front burner this week following the exchange of brick-bat between Buhari and the presidency.

While Buhari accused the Presidency of being responsible for ‘political Boko Haram’ and should take responsibility for the escalating mayhem, the Presidency countered that Buhari was responsible because he threatened to make the country ungovernable if he lost the 2011 polls. The government asked Buhari to act like a patriot and get Boko Haram leaders to embrace dialogue. Buhari refused and advised the government to carry its cross.

Timeline of Boko Haram attacks in 2012 The Islamic group, between January 1 and November 30, 2012, unleashed a flurry of

bomb, gun and suicide attacks on security facilities, churches and public institutions, which claimed about 3,000 lives and destroyed property worth trillions of Naira January 5, 2012: Gun men opened fire at a church service in Nasarawa, Gombe State, killing six people and wounding 10.

January 6: Militants armed with automatic weapons stormed a town hall in Mubi, Adamawa State, where people had gathered to mourn three Christians, who were shot the previous evening and killed 18 people. Eight people were also killed in a separate ambush of Christians leaving a church service in Yola, the state capital.

Later in the day, a spokesman for Boko Haram, calling himself Abu Qaqa, claimed responsibility for two incidents and the shooting during a church service in Gombe that killed six people the previous Thursday.

January 20: After Friday prayers, a group of gunmen in police uniforms entered five police buildings and freed all the inmates. They proceeded to bomb the buildings, as well as two immigration offices and the local office of the Department of State Security, DSS, in Kano. They later drove around the city in cars and motorcycles, shooting pedestrians and battling with police. Among the dead was a Channels Television reporter, Eneche Akogwu, who was shot while covering the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Now called “Black Friday” by residents of Kano, the sect on that day executed massive simultaneous attacks on churches and security agencies.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 53

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

I

Warri 2013: Kudos to Delta, caution to Nigeria!

,

We lack good coaches ... It’s partly why we are not doing well at the Olympics

,

N the early hours of Wednesday the just concluded Africa Youth Athletics Championship, otherwise known as AYAC Warri 2013, was reviewed on Sky News.

Kenya, a country that has made global impact in track and field got good mention for presenting only 10 athletes and winning up to five gold medals which placed them behind Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

Nigeria had 59 athletes while Egypt and Ethiopia had 19 and 38 respectively.

The championship in Warri, South South Nigeria, was a huge success. Veteran sports journalist and a member of the CAF and FIFA families, Paul Bassey, described it as ‘’a success by all standards.’’

For a person who travels to all countries on CAF and FIFA duties to say so should delight those behind it, starting from Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to the Local Organising Committee, LOC and to AFN and all the technical officials. But Bassey did not make his commendation on the basis of his football experience. He has organised the Mobil Track and Field in Eket for more than ten years now and he appreciated the magnitude of work that must have taken place in organising a show with up to 34 countries in attendance.

I have seen athletics from the reporter’s point of view and felt I had written a lot on the sport. But AYAC Warri 2013 brought me very close to the organisation of track and field. Paul Bassey can bear me witness. Organising football is a piece of cake when compared to track and field. The technicalities in track and field make football so easy and cheap to organise and develop. It was probably the success of AYAC Warri 2013 that attracted the time Sky News gave to it. It was the second time Nigeria was in the international media for positive reasons for a long time, the other being in February when the Eagles lifted the Nations Cup to become African champions.

AYAC Warri 2013 made me proud. In the words of Aminata Gueye, head of marketing in Confederation of Africa Athletics, ‘’this is amazing, it’s crazy what you guys have put up here. We don’t get this in senior championships. I cannot get tired of saying congratulations everyday until I leave here.’’

CAA President, Kalkaba of Cameroun showered encomiums on the organisation of the championships and personally thanked Governor Uduaghan for his contributions to track and field. He said that the people of Delta and indeed the continent of Africa will benefit from the seed Delta has sown in track and field. His vice, Bantsi from Botswana had described ‘’Nigeria as our country, delta our state and Warri our city.’’ He commended the organisation and said the CAA family

was at home in Warri.

Kim Peters led a team of four Belgians and a Dutch to install the EDM equipment from Timetronics and was proud to tell all that ‘’athletics is still the mother of all sports.’’

He referred to the ancient times and how sports evolved and could not be faulted on his remarks on what Delta was doing for sports. ‘’I hope your people learn fast so that I can go on schedule. This is good for your country,’’ he said of the expensive equipment Delta acquired, the first of its kind in Nigeria. One of the Timetronics men was at the London Olympics. It speaks volumes of the standard Delta set in Warri 2013. ‘’When an event is on, many things come to play and that’s why, aside the gadgets and equipment, you still need the manpower. Football is simple. 22 players after a ball,’’ Kim tried to rub in what Delta had achieved and how huge track and field is.

I saw it all in Warri. Technical officials were up to 200.

What delighted me most were the talents I saw in the Nigerian team. I saw Divine Oduduru win the 100 and 200m and I knew a star was in the making if only the right things are done. He had run 10.51 seconds at the Olukoya Meet in Lagos and we expected him to better that time. He did not. But his 10.56 seconds time was good enough to win him the

Eagles plan high altitude training for Kenya N IGERIA Football Federation Secretary General, Musa Amadu has said that a 24hour plan for the game in Nairobi will be able to mitigate the effect of high altitude since same plan worked for the Nigerian team which led to defeating the Kenyans 32 about four years.

Amodu said, “The Kenya match you need to understand that there’s high altitude in East Africa and if we can’t stay there for two weeks prior to the game which is not possible, it’s better to move in and move out, so that within the space of 24 hours we would not have any effects of altitude to be able to prosecute the game successfully.

According to the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Amadu, a 24-hour plan is being explored rather than a two-week option.

He also revealed the

choice of a camping ground in Germany and explained that it is basically for the international friendly

against Mexico and the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Amadu added that the camp in Germany “is

more central” to the Super Eagles, who have most of their players based in Europe.

Heartland hit Gabon today C AF Confederation Cup campaigners, Heartland FC of Owerri will now depart Lagos today (Friday), for Libravilles, Gabon for the second leg of their African Cup competition against Union Sportif Bitam after a failed attempt to embark on the journey yesterday (Thursday).

The ‘Naze Millionaires’ were at Muritala M u h a m m e d International Airport in Lagos yesterday morning for the trip but were disappointed as there were not enough seats to accommodate members of the contingent.

The Gabonese registered airline, Askia issued only 10 tickets to 10 players which would

have made the team to travel in batches but after it was discovered that there would be no accompanying official to lead the players on the trip, the team was deboarded.

Heartland FC now hope to get their 31-man contingent into Gabon through the same airline on Friday after the club and Askia officials in Lagos got in touch with the airline’s headquarters in Libravilles.

The Media Officer of Heartland FC, Cajetan Nkwopara who confirmed the development, said the team’s spirit is not dampened by what happened rather, Heartland see it as an act of God.

event in Warri. In his first heat, I saw him win it but I wasn’t impressed with the way he struggled. He was struggling and not sprinting. Beside me was Brown Ebewele, a veteran in track and field. Brown agreed with me and after that race he went to him to have some words with him. Brown was at the finish line throughout the Warri show, coaching our athletes and encouraging them. Brown showed the coach in him.

He showed the passion in him and I strongly suggest he returns to full time coaching. He showed his hand in Warri and he won my heart. I say this because I know that we have a lot of problems with coaching.

We lack good coaches in football, track and field, boxing, swimming, handball, tennis etc. It’s partly why we are not doing well at the Olympics. Divine Oduduru can be made a star with good coaching, good nutrition and management. So is Ofonnime Edidiong Odiong, the young girl who won 400m with a time of 54.46. Her victory was good but what impressed me most was her performance. Her strides were superb and the way she ran the curves made me see a world champion in that girl if only she can be trained and fed well. To me, that’s the star in the Nigerian team aside Divine.

However, while we commend Nigeria’s victory it is important that we analyse AYAC Warri 2013 well and see it as a wake-up call. Other countries are doing well in the events we dominated for long. An athlete from Egypt, Esraa Samir, with a jump of 5.63m won the Long Jump for girls. Gaber Liner from Egypt ran 14.04 seconds to win the 100m Hurdles. It did not end there. Another Egyptian, Kamal Hamdy Riham won the Heptathlon with 4604 points, far ahead of the 44.63 points made by the Nigerian silver medallist Temiden Oshibanjo. When this happened, I asked myself, where are the Patience Itanyis and Oluchi Elechis? When will the glory days return to Nigeria?

I’m not done yet. A Gambian, Keita Tijani ran 47.39 to win the 400m for boys. On this basis, I warn that it will be unwise to celebrate Nigeria’s victory at AYAC Warri 2013 without caution. We still have a lot of work to do. The Federal Government, through the National sports Commission, should stop playing lip service to sports development. Good programmes for the Rio Olympics games ought to have started long before now. But we all know that nothing is happening. The NSC should should get cracking. Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi appears enthusiastic to do something.

Let the Federal Government empower him so that he can practice what he has been preaching. Delta has taken the lead. Let FG follow the right way otherwise Rio will be like London 2012.

Odemwingie ‘dealt with’ by West Brom

W

EST Brom boss Steve Clarke wants to focus on football after confirming Peter Odemwingie has been disciplined for his latest Twitter rant. Clarke hopes

CELEBRATION . . . Heartland FC players celebrating one of their goals during a CAF Champions league match against Ismaily FC of Egypt at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

the focus will now be on Albion’s success this season in sustaining a tophalf-of-the-table finish in the Premier League rather than the Nigeria international.

Odemwingie has attracted plenty of headlines for a series of attacks against the club via the social networking site and his latest outbursts have been dealt with internally.

Clarke said: “The matter (Odemwingie) has been dealt with internally by the club. I would like to move on from it and with seven games remaining.

“Hopefully we can start talking about West Brom and the good season we’ve had up to now and hopefully more good things to talk about between now and the end of the season.”

But Clarke said: “Everyone has to be openminded about Twitter, although it’s not a concept I’m comfortable with."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 — 55

Total Promotions gives LMC April 11 to redeem agreement

T

OTAL Promotions Limited, Nigeria premier league broadcast rights owners, has written a strong worded letter to the chairman of League Management company limited over its failure to honour its own part of an agreement on the title rights sponsorship of the League.

In a letter signed by Mrs Funke Akerele on behalf of the company, and made available to newsmen in Lagos yesterday, Total Promotions stated that it had givem the LMC until April 11 to honour the agreement they signed or they might seek redress. “ On March 22, 2013 this company wrote to you demanding that you honour your public statements to the effect

Continues from BP qualifying fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.

Usual suspects Vincent Enyeama, Mikel Obi, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses are called, as well as dark horses John Ogu, Michael Babatunde and Anthony Ujah, while midfield ace Kalu Uche returns after 16 months in the international wilderness.

Top scorer of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations, Emmanuel Emenike, back from injury, returns to the fold.

There are four goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and 11 strikers.

The delegation of 12 home-based players and technical/backroom staff will depart Abuja for the training camp in Nuremberg, Germany on May 15 while the overseas-based professionals are expected to join the team in Germany as their various Leagues come to an end.

Players in Russia, Ukraine and Norway may only join the team for the matches against Kenya and Namibia, and for the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament.

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC, Nigeria) Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den C M Y K

that you have received and released to us N100m cheque being payment for relinquishing Title Rights we duly won from an open bidding conducted by NFL bid committee.

In the accompanying MOU signed by all the three parties, including your LMC, you committed to releasing the cheque on or before March12 and to sign Title Rights agreement seven days after Total Promotions shall have received the payment.

Your company without regard to the MOU chose to immediately sign the agreement with GLO as announced to the media while not releasing the money to us till date.” “ In further expression

Keshi Haag, The Netherlands); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Ebenezer Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria); Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves,

NFF Continues from BP Maigari.

“The recent exchange of words between coach Keshi and captain Yobo is worrisome, at a time that we have so many important matches and a major competition (FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013) ahead of us.

“I have therefore ordered the chairman of the technical committee and his members to immediately intervene and restore sanity.”

The NFF president also cautioned the nation’s vibrant media against over-sensationalism with regards to the Keshi, Yobo issue.

“Journalists remain important stakeholders in the game and we charge them to avoid overplaying such negative tendencies. Such issues attack the fabric of the

•Irabor of our good faith, we shall extend the period for payment which was due on March 21 to April 11.

We might be forced to seek redress at this expiration as the action of LMC and Glo might joepardise the signed agreement Nigeria); Emeka Ezeh (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv,Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih,Ukraine); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne, Germany); Kalu Uche (Kasimpasa, Turkey); Gomo Onduku (Sharks FC, Nigeria); Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars, Nigeria) team and tend to destroy team spirit, which is key to achieving set goals and objectives,” he urged.

Nigeria, champions of Africa, have a hectic schedule that could see them play as many as 10 matches in six weeks between the end of May and mid-July.

The Super Eagles take on CONCACAF champions Mexico (rated 15th in the world) in a prestigious friendly in Texas, USA, on May 31, travel to Kenya and Namibia for 2014 World Cup qualifiers within a fortnight, before they take part at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, where they could play five matches if they progress beyond group stage.

There is also a 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) two-legged fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013

Keshi calls up 30 for Kenya C

APTAIN Joseph Yobo is again missing in Stephen Keshi’s squad for a packed schedule in June while Emmanuel Emenike returns to the side after his injury as well as Kalu Uche Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has invited 30 players to prosecute the team’s jumbo schedule between the end of May and mid-July, in which about 10 matches loom.

The African champions have a high-profile friendly against CONCACAF champions Mexico in Houston, Texas, USA on the last day of May, before two World Cup qualifying matches in Nairobi and Windhoek that come before the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil.

Nigeria play Tahiti, Uruguay and Spain in Brazil but will play two more games if they advance to the knock-out stage, before returning to Africa for a 2014 African Nations Championship

Continues on Page 55

Toure commits future to City

M

ANCHESTER City midfielder Yaya Toure has signed a new four-year contact to end speculation linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Toure, who turns 30 in May, pledged his future to the Premier League side until 2017 in a deal which was confirmed on

•Enyeama

•Keshi

Thursday afternoon.

“This is where I want to be,” Toure told the club’s official website.

“When I first arrived at City, every time I went to sleep I would dream about us winning something.

“Now it is about us being the best team in whatever competition we take part in.”

NFF wades into Keshi-Yobo face-off

N

IGERIA football boss Aminu Maigari has ordered an end to a face-off between the country’s coach Stephen Keshi and his captain Joseph Yobo.

An unhealthy exchange of words between the two principal characters in the Nigeria squad has dominated the media in the past few days, as Yobo has expressed unhappiness with Keshi over his

•Oboabona

PUZZLE

exclusion from last month’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.

“This is a highly untoward development and the NFF and entire Nigeria football family are disturbed. Less than two months ago, we lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in a blaze of glory, and this was made possible by hard-work and team-work in an atmosphere of peace, unity and tranquillity,” said

Continues on Page 55

•Maigari

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

•Toure

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across: 1 Tart (4) 4 Abrade (3) 6 Pit (4) 8 Cloth (6) 9 Signify (6) 10 Snoop (3) 12 Exult (5) 14 Traded (5) 15 Cog (5) 18 Astute (6) 20 Assent (6) 24 Object (5) 26 Swell (5) 28 Wireless (5) 30 Network (3) 32 Threefold (6) 33 Linger (6) 34 Sort (4) 35 Decay (3) 36 Legend (4)

Down: 2 Creep (5) 3 Veer (7) 4 File (4) 5 Corpse (4) 6 Char (5) 7 Blotched (7) 11 Furrow (3) 12 Fuel (3) 13 Pull (3) 16 Uneven (3) 17 Overact (3) 19 Arrogant (7) 21 Dog (3) 22 Skull (7) 23 Self (3) 25 Watch (3) 27 Semblance (5) 29 Sluggish (5) 30 River-day (4) 31 Blemish (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 2, Shack 7, Route 8, Visit 10, Acrid 12, Sex 13, Trick 15, Boasted 17, Rankle 19, Rye 20, Element 23, Dour 25, Trio 26, Rescind 30, Fit 31, Tirade 34, Shelter 37, Rated 38, Awe 39, Dowel 40, Erect 41, Cloth 42, Unity

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 1, Cobra 2, Stack 3, Heckle 4, Crib 5, Dissent 6, Mixed 9, Set 11, Dormant 13, Trade 14, Incur 16, Aye 18, Elected 21, Treat 22, Vowed 24, Reflect 27, Sit 28, Direct 29, Share 32, Rally 33, Deity 35, Ewe 36, Roan

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.