Vanguard June 5th 2013 Edition

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61897

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

NGF ELECTION CRISIS: Nigeria's debts'll rise to N8.8trn by I'll stick to my •Pg.8 g.9 P • 2015 — DMO mandate — Amaechi

Jonathan bans Boko Haram, Ansaru •Supporters to be tried under Terror Act •Arrest Buhari now for incitement, CAN tells FG —P.9

•NASS backs President's action •Shekau may be tried in US — Official

BY SONI DANIEL, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, BEN AGANDE, DAPO AKINREFON, HENRY UMORU, GBENGA OKE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — D E T E R MINED to wage war against terrorism headlong, the Federal Government, yesterday proscribed two terrorist groups unleashing mayhem on the polity, describing their activities as illegal and acts of terrorism.

The outlawed groups are the Jamaatu AhlisSunna Liddaawati Wal Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS: ROTIMI FASAN

A crude game of power •P.19 DEAR BUNMI •P. 37

Mr & Mrs

PROTEST—Medical students of the University of Abuja protesting non-accreditation of their Course and the inability of management to find another university to complete their programme in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: NAN.

Certificate forgery suit against Tinubu dismissed —PG.10 C M Y K

Man stabs 78-yr-old father to death •Pg.6

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—President Goodluck Jonathan (L) welcoming President Nhamajo Serifo of Guinea Bissau to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. State House photo.

Jonathan bans Boko Haram, Ansaru Continues from Page 1 Jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram and the Jama’atu Ansarul

Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan also known as Ansaru.

In proscribing the sects, President

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

The sun is still there... even if clouds drift over it. Once you have experienced the reality of sunshine you may weep, but you will never feel ice about your heart again— Elizabeth Goudge. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted —Ruth E. Renkl

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HEN you are content with your life, you are always in a beautiful place that comes with an indescribable feeling of unlimited joy, a knowing that keeps the heart warm with affection and tenderness for everything around you....that feeling is nurtured through divine grace but when the heart opens like a lotus flower, it fills the ethers with fragrance of love, patience, understanding, acceptance of you and others; for all is ever in its rightful place.

The ability to focus on what is relevant in the moment is a divine gift to be grateful for, we can choose to see goodness all around us, this life is too precious and every learning moment is a blessing to dwell in this consciousness of beauty and divine love.

Thus, be content in just being you, be content in friendship and in love, for there is an inner glow that comes from within when one’s attention is focused on being better in the moment. This feeling is love and I know if there is one thing in this universe of ours that exists beyond infinity is the transcendence of love...always choose to keep the heart, through divine grace, a beautiful nurturing, pure place, of kindness and tender love.

Goodluck Jonathan authorized the gazetting of "an order declaring their activities illegal and acts of terrorism."

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

The statement was entitled, "President Jonathan approves order proscribing Boko Haram and ANSARU; members, supporters, collaborators now face prosecution under terrorism prevention Act." Abati said that the order which had already been gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention, Proscription Order) Notice 2013 was approved by President Jonathan pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (as amended).

According to him, the notice, "officially brings the activities of both groups within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with the two groups can now be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act. "The proscription order warns the general public that any person participating in any form of

activities involving or concerning the collective intentions of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act. "Section 5 (1) of the act prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.

"For the purposes of subsection (1) of the section, “support” include: (a) incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information; (b) receipt or provision of material assistance, weapons including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation, false documentation or identification to terrorists or terrorist groups; (c) receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including in-

vitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group; (d) entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or (e) the provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services prohibited under this Act or as may be prescribed by regulations made pursuant to this Act." The order, yesterday, elicited mixed reactions in the polity with the Senate backing the decision but lamented that it was coming late.

Reactions trail Jonathan's order Among those who spoke on the move, which came a day after the United States of America offered $23 million (about N3.6bn) reward for information on the location of five leaders of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Boko Haram including Shekau include former governors of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Alhaji Lawal Kaita; and Arewa Youths.

This came as former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar urged members of the sect to embrace the channel of dialogue offered by the government to address their grievances and an official of the United States of America said Boko Haram leader, Shekau might be tried in the U.S.

Senate, Reps back Jonathan The Senate threw its weight behind President Jonathan’s decision to

proscribe Boko Haram, whose members have engaged in massive killings and wanton destruction of property.

Reacting to the development, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP Abia who noted that the decision was coming rather late, said that it was a welcome development, adding, “the senate supports the proscription of Boko Haram. It should have been done long ago. But it’s a welcome development.”

Members of the House of Representatives, who reacted to the decision, yesterday, said it was a welcome development though proscribing an illegal body does not really make sense.

Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Hon Garba Ahmed Datti said: “Though a welcome development, we do not need to proscribe an illegal body like Boko Haram. What is the essence of proscribing a body that is illegal when in the first place it was not registered in Nigeria as a legal body? This development does not really make any sense to me.”

In his contribution, Chairman House Committee on Anti-corruption and Ethics, Hon Abiodun Faleke simply said: ”I agree with the proscription. We are already in war with the group. I only hope that the same will apply to Niger Delta militants and all amnesty will be stopped.

Jonathan not sincere – Arewa Youths Arewa Youths said that the proscription of Boko Haram by President Continues on Page 14

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Man, 34, docked over alleged possession of firearms

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 34-year-old man, Taofeek Adegbola, who was allegedly caught with a locally made pistol and two expended AK-47 ammunition, was arraigned yesterday, in a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting at Ikeja.

Adegbola, who was docked before Mrs A.O. Demi-Ajayi, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful possession of arms.

The police prosecutor, ASP Barth Nwaokoye, told the court that the suspect, and others at large, conspired together to commit the alleged offence at about 10.30 p.m. on May 14, 2013, at 21, Ladipo Street, in Mushin area of Lagos.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the police.

The magistrate, however granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter to July 24,2013.

Court remands man in prison over alleged ritual act

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN — A Magistrate Court in Ilorin, yesterday, ordered a suspected kidnapper to be remanded in prison custody.

Magistrate Moses Adeniyi who ordered the remand of the accused in Mondala Prison Yard, Ilorin, adjourned the case to June 18 for mention.

The suspect, Jacob Olaniyan, was alleged to have stabbed Mrs. Popoola Bola, a teacher with Dolapo Group of Schools all over the body with a knife on May 31, along Tanke Area, Ilorin for ritual purposes.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecutor, Police Inspector Baliqees Adu, told the court that the accused stabbed the victim when she was going to buy food during breakfast.

He added that the victim was rescued unconscious by some roadside mechanics while shouting for help.

The prosecutor, further told the court that investigation revealed that the accused was a habitual criminal that had killed a mother and daughter at Tanke area some five years ago.

The suspects

Navy, Police uncover illegal tailoring workshop for naval uniforms zMilitary men patronise us —Suspect

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — MEN of the Nigerian Navy and a team of Policemen attached to Victoria Island division have uncovered a tailoring workshop in Victoria Island area of Lagos, where Navy uniforms, ranks and insignia are sown. Fifty four suspects were arrested in the process.

The joint raid which was carried out at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, was as a result of the reported lingering crisis between some students of the college and Naval personnel.

A recent clash which left one person dead and several others injured, reportedly occurred on May 28, 2013.

Following the civil unrest, the Commander Beecroft, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, while briefing newsmen on the arrest, explained that a committee was set up to look into the remote cause of the crisis, in the course of which the joint raid was carried out last Saturday.

He said: “We rounded up about 54 illegal occupants living in the school. We also ran into some students that were kitted in uniform leaving the premises at about 4.30 a.m.

“The truth is that most of these individuals operate on a platform known as Merchant Navy and in the past have impersonated the Nigerian Navy. This is becoming a little too much to handle. So, we thought it wise to raid these miscreants because they have Navy ID cards and also put on the paraphernalia of the Nigerian Navy, thereby misrepresenting us across the nation.

“These young men you see, pay themselves N8000 to register and get themselves an ID card.”

54 arrested

However, Divisional Police Officer , Victoria Island, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, a Chief Superintendent of Police, explained that of the 54 persons arrested, 31 of them were released.

The released persons, he said, were identified by the management of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology as students.

He said: “Some of them are students who came in for carry-over courses, some have extra years, while others were identified as genuine students of the institutions.”

Five of the suspects identified as Adom Godwin, Tijani

Hassan, Edward Ite, James Agoju and Omorupa Rose, who were arrested in a bus with number plate KSF 757 XD at about 4.30 a.m, claimed they were going for a relative’s wedding ceremony in Akwa Ibom when they were arrested. However, when the vehicle was searched, five swords and navy uniforms were reportedly found.

Recovered at the tailoring workshop were Navy stickers, identity cards, badges, uniforms, naval shoes, army and navy ranks, sewing machines and identity cards bearing professional body of seafarers.

Military men patronise

us —Suspect

One of the suspects, Hassan Taiwo, 21, who was arrested in the tailoring workshop, said those who usually came to pick the uniform from his boss were military men.

According to him, “I have nothing to do with the production of the uniforms. I am only an apprentice. I came in on April 4, 2013 to learn tailoring, specifically native attires.

“I have never sewn any of these uniforms. My boss did. After sewing, some uniformed men come to pick them. I don’t know who they are and I also don’t know how much they pay for them. I was only arrested because I slept in the shop on the day of the raid.”

Man stabs 78-yr-old father to death ...for not defending him over stealing of neighbour’s goat

BY EMMA UNA

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ALABAR — A 21-year-old man, Samuel Eyo Nsa, has stabbed his 78-year-old father, Chief Eyo Nsa, to death at Eseko village, Creek Town in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.

His reason: the late father allegedly refused to defend him after he was caught stealing a neighbour’s goat.

The incident happened on Children’s Day when Samuel decided to celebrate the day with a goat stolen from a neighbour, Otobong Matthew, with which he prepared pepper soup to entertain his friends.

“When Otobong discovered that evening that one of his goats was missing, he searched everywhere for it and someone told him that he saw Samuel with a goat earlier in the day and had slaughtered it to prepare pepper soup for his friends to celebrate the Children’s Day,” Alex Edet, a Creek Town youth told Van-

guard.

The revelation, our source said, made Otobong to report the matter to Samuel’s father that his goats were always missing and that someone had told him that Samuel stole his goat to celebrate the Children’s Day. He demanded payment for his goat.

“Chief Nsa was tired of appearing in the village square to defend his son and to pay fines for things he kept stealing and, therefore, told the owner of the goat to report the matter to the police,” our source said.

According to Edet, after Otobong left the old man’s premises and was on his way to the police station, Samuel who was hiding behind the window listening to the discussion, suddenly appeared, accusing his parents of not defending him and threatened to deal with them.

Afraid that the boy would carry out his threat, his mother

escaped, while Samuel allegedly gave her a hot chase brandishing a machete but when he got to a point where he met some youths decided to return to the house to attack his aged father who was said to be old and almost blind.

“He inflicted several machete cuts on the old man who died on the spot and swore not to spare his mother,” Vanguard was told.

Samuel later attempted to escape as he fled into the bush but was apprehended by some youths in the area.

“We gave him a hot chase and got hold of him in the Creek Town forest and handed him over to the police at the Odukpani Police division,” said one of the youths.

He was after his arrest transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Calabar.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Mr. John Umoh, said the suspect would be charged to court.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—7

Gunmen kill Sokoto Assembly member

BY ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE

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OKOTO — UNKNOWN gunmen in Sokoto, Monday night, killed a member of Sokoto State House of Assembly and took away his official vehicle.

The member, Alhaji Murtala Attahiru Wauru, represented Gada West constituency and was Chairman, Finance and Appropriation Committee of the Sokoto

State House of Assembly.

Confirming the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP, Shuaibu Lawal Gambo, said the member was trailed by hoodlums who were riding on a motorcycle.

He said: “Hoodlums riding a motorcycle trailed the member to a dark corner at Mabera Area of Sokoto metropolis at about 8.45 p,m, shot him and made away with his official Honda Anaconda car.

“From our examination of the

scene, the member’s clothes looked ruffled, which signifies that he struggled with the assailants. We recovered four empty shells believed to be that of AK47 rifle.”

He said the command had alerted Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna Commands with a view to apprehending the suspects.

On the recent assassination of the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Gambo said the Command had

arrested four suspects who have been charged to court.

Similarly, the CP disclosed that the Konni Division of the Police in Sokoto had arrested some persons with a Mitsubishi pick-up van believed to have been stolen from Kaduna.

He said:“The vehicle’s number has been changed to HRH 05 BKN and on examining the engine and chassis number, we discovered that it was stolen from Kaduna on May 26 2013.”

Fake NSCDC official nabbed for defrauding 54 job seekers of N8.5m

BY ODINIYA RUTH

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BUJA — THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Monday, paraded one Mr. Wasiu Adewale Azees, who has allegedly been impersonating the Chief Superintendent Officer of the Corps in Offa, Kwara State and has successfully defrauded 54 job seekers to the tune of N8.5 million.

The suspect, who claimed to be a former volunteer in the corps, did not deny the allegation but confessed to newsmen that he has been working with some NSCDC senior officers at the national headquarters and Lagos command to defraud job seekers.

Parading the suspect in Abuja, the Corps Public Relations Officer, Mr. Okeh Emmanuel, said the suspect was caught following a report and various complaints received by the management of NSCDC over the personnel of the corps that have been collecting money from people in the name of recruitment.

According to him, “unfortunately, one Mr. Wasiu Adewale Azees from Offa, Kwara State whom in his own capacity decided to brand himself a Chief Superintendent, a senior officer of the Corps, has decided to open his own parallel organisation thereby recruiting job seekers illegally and giving them fake appointment letters upon payment of the amount demanded.”

He said the suspect was not only parading himself as a senior officers of the corps in Kwara State, but “going about to impersonate in the name of Civil Defence, attending different functions in the uniform of Civil Defence, taking photograph with senior officers of different services such as Nigerian Army, Immigration, Police and Navy.

So, it was these photographs he showed to his victims as a senior officer of NSCDC.”

Illegal miners at the Bukuru Dam, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

11 injured, 5 arrested as Police, MASSOB clash in Anambra

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NEWI — NO fewer than 11 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, were yesterday at Nnobi and Awka-Etiti communities, Idemili South Local Government Areas of Anambra State, allegedly shot and injured by the police in a bid to disrupt their June 8 sit-at-home rally. Five others were arrested.

According to sources, the MASSOB members were in a rally at the said communities to create awareness on the need to observe June 8 sit-at-home in commemoration of six Igbo killed by the Police at Apo village, Abuja, Ezu River, Amansea, Anambra State and others killed

by Boko Haram.

Reacting to the development in a telephone chat, MASSOB’s Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, accused the security operatives, especially the police, of killing MASSOB members fighting for the actualization of a sovereign state of Biafra.

According to Mocha, “the police also took away MASSOB laptop system, N8,000 and arrested Jude Ochi, Nnamdi Ezeaka, Nelson Ugboh, Ifeanyi Eboh and others”.

Also reacting, Prince Ohaegbulem Jude of the Lagos

state branch of MASSOB regretted that Igbos have been marginalized, intimidated and made to be second class citizens in a country where they are part and parcel of.

According to him, “this sit-athome billed for June 8, 2013 is unstoppable despite the intimidations, arrests, shootings and

harassments from the security operatives, Yoruba and the Hausa.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident and hinted that two DPOs led the operation but denied the allegation that some members were shot by the police.

Four kidnappers plead for forgiveness

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI — FOUR suspected kidnappers nabbed by men of the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta State have confessed to have been involved in various abduction escapades and pleaded with the military authorities to forgive them.

The confessed kidnappers belonging to the notorious Kelvin group terrorizing Delta State are Messrs Joel Agbu, Best Mene, Jonathan Umukoro and Julius Erere.

Parading the suspects among 26 others at the 3 Battalion Barracks, Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Ifeanyi Otu, disclosed that Joel Agbu was arrested at Aka

Avenue along Jakpa Road, in Effurun, Uvwie council area of the state while attempting to sell a Nissan Primera saloon car with number plate Lagos PJ 339 AAA. He said Joel Agbu's confession led to the arrest of Mene and Umukoro in Benin City, Edo State where they are based by men of the 4 Brigade Headquarters while Julius Erere was arrested in Warri.

Jonathan who spoke to newsmen at the parade ground said they were actually kidnappers and had been in the nefarious business for quite a long time before nemesis caught up with them. He pleaded with the soldiers to forgive them with a promise never to engage in the act anymore.

Kano evacuates Almajiri from streets

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ANO — THE KANO State government has concluded plans to evacuate Almajiri from the state to their states and countries of origin, in its bid to discourage street begging that has constituted serious menace in the state.

“All necessary arrangements are on top gear to ban street begging in the state and as such, we have commenced the evacuation of Almajiri from the streets in our effort to send them back to their respective states of origin,” said Hisbah Commander-General, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa.

Investigations indicated that over 65 per cent of the Almajiri roaming the streets of Kano may not be indigenes of the state.

Speaking to reporters, yesterday, in Kano, Malam Daurawa confirmed that the government was ready to send an Executive Bill to the state House of Assembly to enact a law that would ban all forms of street begging in the state.

Policeman arraigned over alleged killing of three

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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AGOS— A 34-year-old po lice officer, Corporal Abu Bolaji, was, yesterday, arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, over alleged murder of three persons, Ibrahim Olojede, Rotimi Phillips and Friday Uti. Trial of the defendant, which was to commence immediately after his arraignment, was stalled as the prosecutor, Mr Olayintan Soetan, told the court that he was not prepared for the trial since he was not aware of it.

Soetan further told the court that the defendant was avoiding trial by refusing to answer his name whenever his name was called in the prison, adding that the trial was to commence earlier but the defendant’s hiding stalled it.

Responding to the prosecution’s claim, the defence counsel, Mr Victor Okpara, argued that his client never avoided trial by not answering his name in prison, noting that his client had been using the same name at the lower court where he was first arraigned and remanded in prison, and at the High Court where he is standing trial.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

BY HENRY UMORU

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B U J A— G O V E R N O R Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, yesterday, described as sacred the mandate given to him penultimate Friday as elected chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum which he was ready to defend and vowed not to step down for any body.

Governor Amaechi who spoke with newsmen after he met with staff of the Forum at the NGF’s Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja, insisted that he won the election and God was in the hall where the election took place.

He urged his colleagues who are pitching tent with Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State as a factional Chairman to stop these distractions and concentrate on good governance and development of their respective states.

When asked if he was ready to step down at the end of the day, Amaechi said, "stepping down, no, no, that is the mandate that was freely given and I will stick to that mandate.”

The governor noted that overheating the polity now because of a forum was uncalled for when Nigerians are dying of hunger, polio, poverty among others.

He said the governors should think of good governance and building legacies through what must have been provided for the people and not an office which does not attract any extra benefit except to preside at meetings.

Amaechi said, "We are busy here in Abuja and different state headquarters talking about NGF election when indeed Nigerians are dying of poverty and hunger".

Amaechi to colleagues: Let us stop these distractions The Rivers State governor who was accompanied to the Secretariat by Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said the NGF which already has a Secretariat at Asokoro cannot have two secretariats, adding that the governors decided to go for an election when they could not arrive at consensus because no aspirant was prepared to step down for the other.

He, however, assured staff of the Secretariat of continued support and payment of salaries, even as he urged them to continue with the Peer Review with Rivers, Kano; Niger states, among others waiting to be reviewed as it was done by the forum in Anambra and Ekiti states.

Said he: "I think that as a secretariat you should focus on those issues, forget the internal dynamics of the politics of NGF. We are colleagues, when we talk among ourselves, you will understand that there are underlying factors that are making them to behave the way they are behaving, that you cannot take away. Sometimes it is beyond the control of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, but either way be

NGF crisis: I 'll stick to my mandate — Amaechi

ROAD SHOW—From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Engr. Taofiq Tijani, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola; Governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswam; Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dikki Benjamine; and Managing Director/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, James Olotu, at the NDPHC Road Show in Lagos.

rest assured of your salaries.

"I believe that my brothers and colleagues will see reason why we should stop distracting the country and get the country united to focus on development because at the end of the day it is about legacy, it is about what we will leave behind for the people.

Get the Peer Review committee to please visit these states so that we don’t get distracted. Let us leave the politics of NGF to the politicians, while you focus on the issues of development."

Insists that Mimiko voted When asked if governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State actually voted, Governor Amaechi who said Mimiko voted, however, vowed to accompany him to the Redeemed Christian Church of God where he (Amaechi) was prepared to kneel in front of the altar and call on God’s name as Christians.

He said, "Mimiko and I are Christians and I think he is a good Christian and one of the sins against God is the sin of lying. I am not saying he is lying, but I am saying Mimiko voted.

During the elections, I was scared because at a stage seven governors refused to vote and Mimiko was one of those who refused to vote, but when they whispered among themselves and they thought they will win they all decided to cast their votes.

“When they were counting if you watch you will see that the governors who were pro-Amaechi voted first and those against

him voted last. When they counted Governor Jang eight times I was scared, if you watch the video you will hear I was saying count the ballot first and I say to myself we are 35, I want to see the 35 ballots. When the first counting was done and there were 35 ballots, I said okay, I am satisfied, then you can then count who had what in the number of ballots.

Jang must remember there is heaven — Gov Fayemi "Everybody including Mimiko voted and on the issue of video you will hear me shouting ‘stop it, don’t record it’ because some governors rushed to me and said Chairman protect us, so, so governor is recording and the governor said why won’t I record, it was not a hidden thing.

"It was not that somebody put camera somewhere which was hidden, it was an open thing. I said we cannot record governors' election, we are responsible citizens and there is no disagreement here.

"But then I was making a mistake because that video has turned out to be historical. I was protecting my colleagues who did not want it recorded and the governor who was recording said he will not stop and thank God he did not stop because if he had listened to me and stopped, maybe it would have been more controversial than it is now.

"Again tell my brother Mim-

iko that he voted, but if he still says he did not vote, I am willing to go with him to his Church, the Redeemed Church, we will kneel down on the altar and say it before God.”

We must apologise to Nigerians — Fayemi Meanwhile, governor Kayode Fayemi who pleaded with Nigerians to stop castigating them as they were also human beings and owed Nigerians apology over the crisis. He said what took place after the election was unfortunate which calls for sober reflection and healing of wounds.

Governor Fayemi who said he was apologising on behalf of the 35 governors who participated in the election, said there were moves from both sides for peace to reign, adding, "no peace without justice.”

Speaking further on the crisis, Governor Amaechi said "it was a meeting of 36 governors and I think that whatever the issues are, they will be resolved.

I think that we should focus more on those issues that unite us, those issues that fight against poverty, polio and malaria. These are things that are killing the poor. I think that it is up to Nigerians to know that nothing pays more than democracy, the right to choose who you want to chose and the governors having made their choice, we can only do one thing, and that is to stand by the choice the governors have made. We should ensure that we don’t allow what

is happening now to affect Nigerians in the course of the 2015 elections. We are mature enough to manage our own democracy and our own election process.

"It is important we make peace, it is important we come together.

I don’t see what Chairman of Governors Forum can do for anybody, he is just a person who presides over meetings of equals.

"I want to urge Governor Jang, because he is a Christian, to know that God watches over everybody and whatever you say, say it according to God because beyond NGF, you and I know that there is heaven and you can’t go to heaven if you don’t tell the truth and stand by the truth. I am not saying he is not saying the truth, I am not saying he is not standing by the truth, I am just saying that nobody can go to heaven when he is not saying the truth.

"I usually tell people that don’t win the battle and lose the war. I agree that all of us will come together and work for the interest of Nigerians. We should not allow our personal interest to override the interest of the nation.”

Group calls for scrapping of Governors' Forum Meanwhile, a Coalition of Civil Society groups, yesterday, called for the scrapping of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, which it said has outlived its usefulness.

Protesting to the National Assembly, yesterday, with a message tagged “Save our Democracy now,” the group, decried the intractable feud within the NGF, which they claimed had what they termed the “presidency’s imprimatur”.

The spokesperson of the group, Columba Ogah accused politicians of “over heating the polity through the Federal Government’s meddlesomeness in the NGF by fighting the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, through a proxy”.

The activists decried what it termed “creeping dictatorship” in the land, stating that our democracy is being endangered by our politicians.

According to Mr Ogah, many of the activists suffered, risked their lives to bring about democracy and would not stay aloof and allow the institution to be destroyed by politicians’ personal ambition which have nothing to do with the Nigerian people.

They, therefore, submitted their demands to the National Assembly through Senator Sola Adeyeye who met the demonstrating activists at the gate of the National Assembly. Senator Adeyeye praised them for their orderly conduct, promising to pass on their letter to the leadership of the Assembly.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 9

BY CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA—THE Christian Asso ciation of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, called for the arrest of the former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, General (rtd) Muhammadu Buhari, following his frequent provocative statements.

The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kenny Ashaka, said “Buhari, having on various occasions justified the action of the sect, strongly suggests that he is their leader, therefore, he stands a big security threat to the country’s corporate existence".

Oritsejafor maintained that it was unfortunate that when every Nigerian was praying for successful military onslaught on the insurgence, Buhari rather than sharing the same feeling with wellmeaning Nigerians was busy indulging in careless statements, without regards for victims of the sect’s violence who were mostly Christians.

The statement read, “The retired General was widely reported by several National Dailies, who monitored the Liberty Radio programme “Guest of the week”, to have questioned the “special treatment” given to the Niger-Delta militants by the Federal Government while the Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses destroyed by government.

“They (the Niger-Delta militants) were trained in some skills and were given employment, but the ones in the north were being killed and their houses were being demolished. They are different issues. What brought this? It is injustice”, the former Head of State was quoted to have said.

“I cannot wish away the outburst of harshly critical statements, especially as some of them are directly related to the defence of the Boko Haram sect whose members have continued to kill, maim Christians and burn Churches. I feel the pain inflicted on Christians living in the north is too deep for us in CAN to ignore any unsavoury statement that tends to portray innocent Christians who have been killed by the sect members as the aggressors.

“It is shocking that at a time wellmeaning Nigerians are praying for the success of our soldiers, Buhari, rather than reflect the mood of the nation in his statements and conducts is indulging in careless statements without regards for victims of the sect’s violence who are mostly Christians.

“I have, several times been vindicated that Boko Haram is not inspired by pecuniary motives, the latest of which is the statement by Robert Fowler, the released former United Nations' envoy to Niger Republic who said in a BBC programme, “Hard Talk”, aired on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, that his captors never talked of poverty, but islamisation of Africa.

“Spent and defeated politicians with outburst of temper and elders like Buhari who take delight in inflaming religious and ethnic pas-

Alleged inciting statement: CAN calls for Buhari's arrest sions should, therefore, be arrested and made to explain some of the issues raised by them. This is why I call for the arrest of Buhari now. Buhari is a big security risk to Nigeria’s corporate existence.

“It is laughable that Buhari, an ex-Head of State, a General in the Nigerian Army who has served this country in different capacities would support Islamists who are confronting those in his constituency who are fighting to keep the nation from dismemberment. For Buhari who has led a brigade of troops in 1982 to repel invading Chadian

troops from the same north-eastern borders of Nigeria, the first major foreign invasion, to oppose a state of emergency when some parts of Borno and Yobe states had been occupied and the Nigerian flag replaced with theirs, burnt churches, schools, government institutions, killed innocent Christians, attacked traditional rulers and others not sympathetic to their cause, speaks volume.

“The retired General’s sad commentary has not portrayed him as a national leader. As a retired General, he should have known that fights against terrorists are not mere child’s play. They are

much more difficult than conventional war which he fought in 1982. If Buhari is a national leader, he should have been more concerned about the killings of innocent ones by the sect members and the success of the troops and not that of terrorists as he has been doing.

“Therefore, Buhari’s comments, coming at a time Nigerians have been quite appreciative of the bold steps taken by President Goodluck Jonathan to rid the north of Nigeria’s enemies can only mean that the retired General is a fanatic.

INTERACTIVE SESSION—Minister of Education, Ruqayyat Rufai (right) and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Procurement, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, during an interactive session on Public Procurement with stakeholders in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Nigeria's debts 'll rise to N8.8trn by 2015 — DMO

BY MICHAEL EBOH, WITH AGENCY REPORT

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HE Debt Management Of fice, DMO, yesterday, said Nigeria’s outstanding debt will rise to N8.809 trillion ($55.4 billion) by 2015.

According to a report by the DMO, this was contained in the country’s debt strategy for the next three years.

The DMO said the adoption of the debt plan would sustain development of the domestic debt market and provide external funding at preferred cost for capital projects.

The DMO had told the National Assembly that it plans to borrow N3.975 trillion ($25 billion) by 2015.

Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, Director-General, DMO, disclosed this in his presentation on Nigeria’s overall debt profile and expected borrowing for 2013-2015 at a meeting with the House Joint Committee on Finance, Legislative Budget and Research, National

Planning and Aid, Loans and Debt Management.

The committee is also scrutinising the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy, MTEFF, paper submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the projected figure represents Nigeria’s foreign and domestic borrowings flowing from 2013-2015 under review.

He projected Nigeria’s external debt for 2013 at $12.165.10 billion), rising to $14.585 billion in 2014 and $16,765 billion in 2015.

He gave the breakdown of Nigeria’s domestic debt to be $7.125 billion for 2013; $7.792 billion for 2014 and $8.4441 billion for 2015.

Also, the DMO had a couple of days ago said Nigeria’s total debt to Gross Domestic Products, GDP, ratio now stands at 20.77 per cent against the 21.50 per cent in December 2011.

Nwankwo said the debt to GDP ratio should not exceed the 2025 per cent threshold, adding

that government was committed to ensuring that it did not rise beyond 30 per cent. He said the threshold set for countries in the rank of Nigeria was 40 per cent.

Nwankwo said in spite of the 40 per cent threshold, the nation had decided to remain conservative by ensuring that it would not exceed 25 per cent by 2015.

He, however, said there was the possibility that the country’s debt to GDP could reach 30 per cent in the future, adding that borrowing was part of modern economy.

He said the nation’s domestic and external debt stood at N6.49 trillion and $6.67 billion, respectively as at March.

Nwankwo said government had not relented in its effort to introduce the inflation-linked bond whose coupon rate would increase as inflation increased.

He said part of the N577 trillion to be raised by government from the domestic bond market to finance the nation’s deficit for the year would be inflation-linked bond.

Buhari, a security risk to Nigeria — CAN “He is, therefore, the prime leader of this religious and blood thirsty sect called Boko Haram, a movement that is based on a warped interpretation of a strict adherence to force people of other religions into Islam. This kind of fundamentalism is the driving force behind his failure of each election in the country.

“I intensely dislike to believe that Buhari is making these distasteful and unacceptable comments only as a way of escaping from the wrath of the sect members after their attack on his native Daura town. It is not enough to oppose positions that have been applauded by majority of Nigerians. Constructive criticism dictates that alternative solutions are given.

“Having explored all the windows of opportunity and commitments in its search for peace in the north-east, what I expect from Buhari is a suggestion as to the way forward and not comments that are divisive. Buhari should know that no injustice can justify the wanton destruction of churches and the widespread massacre of innocent Christians. Why are Christians more of the victims of this orgy of terror unleashed by the Boko Haram sect?

“Buhari and others of that ilk should rather than exacerbating the problem at hand aim to convince the sect members of the wrongfulness of their islamisation plot. If the retired General is now crying out that the Boko Haram members are being killed, it can only mean that the boys he intended to use to spill the blood of monkeys and baboons on the land are being decimated by the gallant Special Forces. “For now, Buhari should be told that the time to grandstand for 2015 is not now. I, therefore, call on him and his fellow travelers to remember that we are all Nigerians, our religion and regional leanings notwithstanding”.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the original deed of Assignment belonging to Chief Christopher G. E. Igwe, registered as Plot 3 Ekulu West Layout Enugu, 8/8/381 at Lands Enugu is lost. I hereby notify the public to take note.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Lagos woos Scottish firm on energy, minerals

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

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AGOS State Government is seeking the assistance of the Scottish Development International to develop and attract investors into its energy and solid mineral sectors.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral resources, Engr. Taofiq Tijani, disclosed this while hosting the Scottish Development International team, led by the International Senior Executive on Trade and Investment, Scotland, Mr. Andrew Monaghan.

While showcasing the activities of the ministry to the delegation, the commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Iyabo Obasa, said Lagos was ready to collaborate with reputable Scottish firms with needed expertise on solid minerals, renewable power, oil and gas development.

Seminar

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OBILE telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria’s Executive Leadership Seminar, featuring Dr. Ram Charan, is scheduled to hold Friday, June 7, at the New Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

A statement by Brett Goschen, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, said the seminar, which is designed to provide leaders with innovative tools to win in business, will commence by 9am and will have in attendance Nigeria’s top business and industry leaders.

Charan, a boardroom guru, advisor to governments/world’s top chief executives, renowned author and Harvard professor, will be speaking on Private Sector as the Engine Room for Economic Growth.

POWER PANEL: From right— Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma, Managing Director, ARM Infrastructure Fund; Prof. Pat Utomi of Lagos Business School; Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman/CEO, Geometric Power and former Minister of Power, and Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, President/CEO,GE Nigeria, during a power panel session on Africa's energy challenge at the Africa Business Conference held at the Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos, yesterday.

Certificate forgery suit against Tinubu dismissed

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, dismissed the suit seeking to compel the Inspector-General of Police to commence investigation into the alleged certificate forgery case, started in 1999 by late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, against former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.

Ruling on an application by Dr. Adegbola Dominic, a medical doctor and Lagos resident, Justice Saliu Saidu held that

by Order 34 Rule 4 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule, the applicant failed to satisfy the mandatory requirement that such an application must be filed within three months of the detection of the alleged fraudulent action.

The judge said since the application was not brought within the stipulated time, as mandated by the rules of the court, it was bound to fail.

Citing series of authorities in support of his ruling, Justice Saidu held that the applicant went to sleep since 2007 when the toga of immunity could no longer shield Tinubu, and sud-

denly came up to exercise his right, now that the matter was statue barred.

He said: “There is need to comply with stipulated rules of the court. This matter is grossly out of time and prayer sought cannot be granted.”

His complaint was in respect of the contents contained in the Independent National Electoral Commission Form F001 and affidavit concerning lost certificate, allegedly sworn to by Tinubu during

Report on Dana crash ready soon— AIB

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

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AGOS—ACCIDENT Investigation Bureau, AIB, yesterday, said investigation into the Dana plane crash at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, a year ago was nearing completion, adding that the final report would soon be released.

The agency also said four interim safety recommendations it earlier released had been implemented by the op-

Festac residents raise alarm over looming disaster

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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ESIDENTS of Festac Town, yesterday, raised alarm over looming danger of environmental hazards facing the community from alleged illegal land takeover by an unnamed financial institution.

In a statement by Chairperson, Community 111D Residents As-

sociation, Mrs. Carol Olowole, the said parcel of land is situated along 11 Road.

She said they have facilities such as large water pipes, storm-water drainage pipes, water valves, manholes, inspection chambers, large sewage pipes, heavy duty armoured electrical cables and telecommunications lines, on

the governorship elections.

In a 15-paragraph affidavit of verifying facts, the applicant deposed that Tinubu claimed to have attended St. Paul’s School, Aroloya, Lagos, and that he also allegedly claimed to have attended Government College, Ibadan, between 1965 and 1968, a claim which the authorities and Old Boys Association of Government College, Ibadan, were said to have described as untrue.

the said land.

Olowole said: “A financial institution has allegedly acquired, in very questionable circumstance, a parcel of land in Festac Town, Lagos, which acquisition may result in major dislocation of key infrastructural facilities that serve thousands of residents of this section of the town.”

erator, Dana and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the aviation regulatory agency.

In a statement by AIB’s Head of Public Affairs, Tunny Oketunbi, yesterday, the investigation had progressed as scheduled with the objective of preventing similar accidents in accordance with the accident investigation protocols of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO. Oketunbi said: “Outstanding investigative activities are near completion to be followed by the production of the final report. The report will be in compliance with applicable ICAO standards to include factual information, analysis, findings and recommendations.

“Accordingly, AIB, as the representative of the State of Occurrence, has been developing the facts, conditions, and circumstances surrounding the accident.”

3 oil dealers docked over N25m fraud charge

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS—ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned three oil dealers, Roland Enang, Theo Ohiagu and Sam Onuoha, before an Ikeja High Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

The alleged fraud reportedly amounted to about N25 million.

EFCC had alleged that the accused persons fraudulently obtained the N25 million from Africoat Ltd. under false pretense.

They had reportedly claimed the money but represented the claims to Delta Omega Ltd for the procurement of Bank Guarantee from HSBC Bank, Hong Kong.

The duo of Ohiagu and Enang are directors of Claysworth Oil Limited.

However, although they all pleaded not guilty to the charge, EFCC alleged that the offences contravened Sections 1(2) and (3) and 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 14, 2004.

Presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, granted them bail in the sum of N1 million each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the matter till December16 for trial.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—11

Rape suit: Osun monarch seeks more time for defence

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO—HUNDREDS of people, who besieged the premises of an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, yesterday, went home disappointed.

The court had failed to deliver judgment in the case of alleged rape of an ex National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, Miss Helen Okpara, against the Alowa of Ilowa in Obokun Local Government Area of the state, Oba Adebukola Alli, following the monarch’s application for extension of time on the judgment.

Justice Oyejide Falola, who presided over the court had earlier fixed yesterday for final judgment on the case, but counsel to the monarch, Mr. Taofeeq Tewogbade, introduced a new twist into the over three-yearold case when he applied for extension of time for judgment to allow further defence on the case.

The court has, however, fixed Tuesday, July 2, for ruling on the application brought by the counsel to the monarch.

Tewogbade said Section 36 (CB) of the 1999 Constitution allows for proper defence in any case and provides for extension of time for judgment.

He said: “There is the need

Ondo inaugurates c'ttee on LGs' mgt

for us to seek for extension of time on the case to allow us defend the case better.

"There are questions the plaintiff needs to answer. Was the lady in question a virgin before she claimed that she was raped?

"We also need to know if any

A

KURE—TO improve service delivery in the 18 local government councils of Ondo State, the Governor Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday, set up a committee on local government management.

The committee was inaugurated at the Government House in Akure.

Former Budget and Planning Commissioner, Mr. Akin Adaramola, is the chairman of the committee; Mr. Clement Faboyede, Mr. Ade Adeniyi, Mr. Busuyi Lawani, Dr. Gbenga Osunmakinwa are members, while Mr. Olugbega Akingbesote is Secretary.

Mimiko said the committee would undertake a historic review of financial and personnel management in the local governments with a view to making them more functional and productive.

Prosecution, insisted that the court should deliver its judgment on the matter.

She stressed that the case had gone through series of adjournment, hence the need for the court to discountenance the application for extension of time.

RECONCILIATION: Former governors of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja of Accord Party (left) and Adebayo Alao-Akala of Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, at the inauguration of a 14-man reconciliation committee in Ibadan. PHOTO: Dare Fasube.

Ogun debt profile is N200bn— LP zThey 're confused, says Finance Commissioner

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BY DAYO JOHNSON

exhibit has so far been presented by medical practitioners. These and other questions need to be answered.”

However, Mr. M. Adedokun, a Senior State Counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, who represented the Director of Public

A

B E O K U TA — C O N TRARY to the declaration by the Ogun State government that it's debt profile stands at N89 billion, Labour Party, LP, has said it had increased to N200 billion.

LP also alleged that Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, government had been deceiving the people of the state with its urban renewal programme and ongoing road expansion projects.

The state government, which had publicly declared that the state debt profile stood at N89 billion, denied that its administration had obtained N100 billion loan.

However, the opposition party, Monday, alleged that the road construction projects embarked upon by the Amosun-led administration were mere conduit pipes for siphoning state funds.

Leader of LP in the state, Mr. Ladi Adebutu, made the allegation in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, during a

sensitisation and unity meeting of former members of Peoples’ Party of Nigeria, PPN; ACN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the area, who had defected to LP. Adebutu, son of multi-billionaire businessman, Chief Kessington Adebutu, said: “We all know the present state of Ogun State. The bane of this state is good governance.”

Reacting to the allegation, the state government has de-

scribed LP as a band of “confused” people who it said was blind to several developmental projects.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said she would not dignify the opposition party with a reply.

Adeosun said: “I was telling you that I have my press briefing on Friday, which will address this matter. I would rather do that than react to their confusion.”

No leadership crisis in Ondo ACN, says Boroffice

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—THE Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District under Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Ondo State, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, yesterday, said the party in the state is strong, united and solidly on ground without leadership crisis.

Boroffice statement is coming on the heels of his inauguration of All Progressives Congress, APC, merger committee in the state, which was kicked against by the state executive of the party.

Boroffice said: “I was given the mandate to midwife the process of bringing all the parties involved in the merger process together, being the highest political office holder in the Ondo ACN." However, the party's state executive, through its Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Agbede, who felt slighted for not been carried along in merger talks, disowned the Senator.

Boroffice also denied that there was rancour between him and Rotimi Akeredolu before the state's last governorship election.

Old boys meet

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EETING of the 1981 set of Iseyin District Grammar School Old Students Association holds Saturday, June 8.

A statement said the agenda of the meeting, to be held at Glory View Hotel, Kongi, Old Bodija, Ibadan, include the school’s golden jubilee in January 2014.

UI to begin herbal medicine programme

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—VICE-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, hinted, yesterday, that the institution would soon start a postgraduate course in herbal medicine.

He said this at a briefing on the mid-term stewardship of the VC held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution.

According to him, the de-

cision was taken considering the important role that herbs play in drug discovery.

He said: “One cannot rule out the potency of herbal medicine, but there is need for an institution to help in developing the practice. Our plan is to have herbal medicine as part of the courses to be offered by UI.” He added that the move would be the institution’s contribution to the development of herbal medicine in

the country.

He explained further that the aim was not to encourage fetish things, but to contribute to herbal medicine development.

The Principal Investigator/ Programme Director, Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production, Prof.

Chinedum Babalola, said: “Faculty of Pharmacy has just established a new programme called postgraduate diploma in Herbal Medicine."

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Obasanjo now problem to Nigeria —N-Delta monarch

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—FORMER National President of Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, and Pere of Seimbiri Kingdom, in Delta State, HRM Charles AyemiBotu, yesterday, examined the activities of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, since he left power in 2007, and concluded that he was now a problem to Nigeria.

Speaking to Vanguard on the recent suggestion by the former President that Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State was the kind of person needed to rule the country in 2015, he said that Obasanjo wanted to control and dictate to President Goodluck Jonathan, but having failed to achieve that desire, he opted to pull the house down.

Ayemi-Botu, who was livid over Obasanjo’s activities, said: “This is not the first time he is talking about Sule Lamido.

Some months ago, he had called on Lamido to take a shot at the Presidency in 2015.

“Obasanjo does not want to let go of governance in Nigeria. He wants to be calling the shots even though he is no longer the President.

He is a problem to Nigeria. Let Nigerians know that he now has to fraternise with Sule Lamido because, if by chance, Sule Lamido makes it to Aso Villa in 2015, he will be remotely controlling the governance of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, what is his intellectual capacity that makes him feel that if he is not in government or in governance of Nigeria, things will not work well? His eight years was an abysmal failure that did not bring any positive result. Take power for instance, works, the roads were not mended, he spent over N160 billion between him and Anenih and nothing came out of it. During the days of late Bola Ige, nothing happened in the power sector."

Amaechi asks court to stop impeachment moves against him

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— JUSTICE George Omereji of a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has adjourned till June 18, to hear the suit by Governor Chibuike Amaechi, seeking to restrain the 32 members of the state House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him.

Meantime, the five antiGovernor Amaechi lawmakers also made an oral application before the court, seeking to have their private counsel in the issue.

Their counsel, Mr. Chinwe Aguma, told the court that his clients did not share the same interest with the leadership of the House, led by the Speaker, Mr. Telemeba Amachree. The five antiAmaechi lawmakers are Evans Bipi, Kelechi Nwogu, Michael Chinda, Martin Amaewhule and Victor Ihunwo.

Also, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, of a Rivers State

High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has refused an application by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Amachree, seeking to restrain the Inspector General of Police and the Assistant Inspector General of Po-

lice, zone 6 Calabar, from ordering his arrest over allegations he made that there were plans to assassinate him and Governor Amaechi.

Counsel to the IG and the

FOUNDATION STONE: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (middle) and former Director -General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof.

Dora Akunyili, during the laying of the foundation stone for a drug distribution complex in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yestersday.

Delta PDP suspends Orubebe, 9 others ...It's not true —Korokorosei

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—THE political fortunes of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsdey Orubebe, yesterday, suffed a set back, following his alleged suspension by a faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Burutu Local Government Area chapter, Delta State.

He was said to have been suspended alongside nine others over alleged “gross misconducts likely to bring about disrepute, hatred, contempt and anti-party activities.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Sagbegha Korokorosei, who said he remains the authentic Chairman of PDP Burutu council, asked the people to disregard the purported suspension of Orubebe.

Factional PDP chairman in the

council, Pastor Kenneth Ogeibiri and four others, in a statement, said: “At our meeting held in Burutu town, headquarters of Burutu LGA, on June 1, members of the party received petitions from concerned PDP faithful against Elder Orubebe and nine others.

“After a preliminary hearing, pursuant to section 21.4 of the PDP constitution 2009, as amended, and by the virtue of the powers conferred on us, the Working Committee of the party, via section 21.4 of the same constitution, we, hereby, place Elder Orubebe on suspension.”

Also suspended, according to the statement, were: “Owotorufa Ayiba-Ebe, Arebebe Ongulu, Sagbegha Korokorosei, Timidi Agbabi, Elmina Eselemo, Roland Akemfa, Asheta Oyabebefa, Augustine Gomoromo and Ekenwa Okwagbe.”

The faction added that “in the

light of the above, the affected persons are hereby, referred to PDP Disciplinary Committee, Burutu council chapter, for further investigation.”

Urging the people to disregard the said suspension, Korokorosei said: “I wish to inform you that I, Mr. Korokorosei, remain the authentic Chairman of PDP Burutu council. Whosoever is impersonating and or purporting to suspend Elder Orubebe, the Minister of Niger Affairs, such an action amounts to illegality. Nobody has the power to do so, because the people purporting to be doing so are a frustrated group being used by people opposed to me. Please, ignore whatever they might have said because the man in question committed no offence.”

Uduaghan gives conditions to IPP investors road show organised by the Nipany. in N-Delta ger Delta Power Holding ComHe said: “Until a few years

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

I

NVESTORS in the power plants located in the Niger Delta region will have to key into the security and community development programmes of the region in order to guarantee the safety of the power plants. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State stated this yesterday at the kick off of the

AIG, Mr. Donald Demwigwe, SAN, who was represented

by Mr. S. Agwu, had told the court that the IG and the AIG were law abiding citizens, who would not act outside the confines of the law.

pany Limited in collaboration with Bureau for Public Enterprises and other stakeholders.

The road show was embarked upon to begin the much awaited privatisation of the 10 power plants located in different parts of the country.

Uduaghan said most of the plants are located in the Niger Delta region, which is why the holding company is called Niger Delta Power Holding Com-

back, when you talked of Niger Delta, two issues came to mind; oil and insecurity.

Niger Delta is now safer.

Your safety in these areas is guaranteed. But as you buy these plants, ensure that you get in touch with the governors of these states as early as possible. This is because there is a security master plan that they will set down for you to work with."

Why I took over construction of federal roads in Delta —Uduaghan

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, said that he deliberately took over the construction of some federal roads that run through the state due their economic viability to the state, but would not rule out seeking refund from the Federal Government.

He, however, lamented the incessant vandalisation of some of the projects, such as schools, in some communities.

Several primary and secondary schools, according to the governor, had been constructed under the special infrastructure put in place to fast track development in the state at a cost of N7 billion.

The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Special Duties (Special Infrastructure), Mrs. Orezi Esievo, at a media parley in Asaba, said: “The 149km road, that I like calling 300 kilometre, is one of the best decisions that this governor has taken. It stretches from Ughelli to Asaba, and opens up over 70 communities."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 13

C M Y K

C M Y K

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Thisday office was Jonathan bans Boko bombed to appease Allah, Haram, Ansaru witness tells court Lay down your Continues from Page 5

As Police plays confessional video of suspect

By IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI & ODINIYA RUTH

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BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, heard how alleged kingpin of the Boko Haram sect, Mustapher Umar, bombed office of Thisday Newspaper in Kaduna State with 12 camp gas cylinders in a bid to appease Allah.

Justice Ademola Adeniyi, who admitted a burnt Honda Car, with numberplate AL-306-MKA, allegedly used to perpetrate the terrorist act on April 26, 2012, further heard how the accused person cried bitterly when he was rescued from the burning car, saying they denied him the opportunity of inheriting 72 virgins in heaven.

In a bid to prove the complicity of the accused person, the Federal Government brought a senior police officer that is charged with the responsibility of keeping exhibits recovered from terror suspects to testify before the high court.

The masked witness, PW8, who told the court that

the accused person had intended to carry out a suicide attack, produced the burnt Honda car, the discharged cylinders, halfcharred 25 litter jerry-can that allegedly contained fuel, and persuaded Justice Adeniyi to move the court outside to inspect the terror items.

Besides, he showed the trial judges who was accompanied on the inspection tour by lawyers and journalists, the foot wear the accused person discarded in his attempt to escape after he was caught by angry mob within the premises of SOJ Plaza in Kaduna State where the attack occurred.

Aside Thisday, two other media houses affected by the explosion which reportedly led to the death of about 10 persons, were the Moment and Sun Newspapers, which offices were equally situated at the said SOJ plaza.

Convinced that the items brought to court were worth taking into cognisance in determining the culpability of the accused to the one-count terrorism

charge preferred against him by the government, Justice Ademola admitted them into evidence.

While he entered the cylinders as exhibits MU 718, Justice Adeniyi marked the charred can as exhibit MU-19; the burnt Honda car was admitted as exhibit MU-20.

Besides, the federal government, through the police, persuaded the court to watch a video clip where the accused person confessed that he was sent to bomb Thisday Newspaper, owing to a report he said did not only put Islam in false light, but greatly insulted Prophet Mohammed.

The accused person in the video, said his action was to avenge the insult meted out on “Allah” by the media outlet which he said did not deserve to exist.

The accused, who spoke in Hausa language, said he knew those that also bombed the Abuja office of Thisday Newspaper, saying the attack was equally as a result of the “sins” the media house committed against Islam.

PDP slams Edo govt over teachers’ strike ers, instead of the 27 and ernment, in a bid to cut fiBY GBENGA OKE

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DO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has flayed what it said was the indifference of the state government to the ongoing teachers' strike, saying that the government was toying with the future of the younger generation.

The party, in a statement, said it was regrettable that the state government had not been able to meet its responsibilities and has rather been playing the ostrich.

Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, reacting to the teachers’ strike in Edo and eight other states, following the failure of the states to meet their commitment to the teachers, said: “It is shameful that Edo State Government cannot meet its basic financial obligations, such as payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances. For the records, Edo State Government was paying 17 per cent to teach-

a half per cent approved by the TSA. “Even the paltry 17 per cent is now proving to be too much financial burden for an apparently broke state government. What is more, the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN-led gov-

nancial corners, has in the last five years halted the promotion of teachers and other civil servants.”

He said it is an irony that Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a product of labour, is now waging war with the unions.

Igbo youths protest MASSOB sit-at-home order

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—HUN DREDS of Igbo youths under the aegis of Association of Igbo Youths Organisation, AIYO, yesterday, stormed Anambra State House of Assembly to protest the directive by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, that everybody should stay at home on June 8, 2013.

According to the youths, the directive would further cripple the economy of the South Eastern states, adding that Igbos had suffered so much that they did not

want MASSOB to continue to make life more difficult for them.

They carried placards, some of which read “No gang up against government,” “Igbo youths want peace,” “Closure of markets is against Igbo interest,” and “MASSOB you are on your own.”

Their leader, Mr. Annie Onyeagba, said many youths were often caught in the web of the frequent MASSOB nefarious activities, especially in Onitsha and would, therefore, not want such a thing to continue.

Goodluck Jonathan indicated that he was not sincere in setting up the Boko Haram Dialogue Amnesty Committee.

The youths, who spoke under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Forum, noted that it was wrong and confusing for the President to set up a committee to seek dialogue with Boko Haram members only to turn round to disband the group that it claims to be discussing with.

There’ll be consequences – Balarabe Musa

On his part, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said though he welcomed the decision, Nigerians should be ready to face the consequences.

His words: “The proscription is expected because since security has been linked with the American and Israeli military, one can expect this. Just some few days ago, America announced a payment for any information leading to the capture of the socalled leader of Boko Haram.

One thing Nigerians should not make any mistake about is that Nigeria would now be subject to the same treatment by America that Pakistan is now subjected to. This means that American forces would be free to operate in Nigeria. We must know the consequences from the beginning so that we won’t deceive ourselves.”

It’s waste of time—Afenifere

The Pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere described the decision by government as a waste of time.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, Afenifere’s spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “Was it a registered organisation before?

Were they registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, before? It is a waste of time. You have agreed that the group is faceless, you now say you want to outlaw it, they are outlaws already.

Which law in Nigeria says you can bomb and kill people? I think the government should just do what needs to be done by flushing out the insurgents and ensuring

that it addresses the question that led to insurgency in the first place. Outlawing Boko Haram is just waste of time.”

It’s commendable —Arewa Youth group

Commending the Federal Government for taking such steps, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum faulted the idea of negotiating with the group.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard, its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shetimma, said: “Sometimes, we need to tell ourselves the simple truth. We have never subscribed to the idea of negotiating with any terrorist group. The Federal Government has the muscle to address the issues but because they lack the political will, we have found ourselves in this mess.

It’s a belated decision – Kaita

Also throwing his weight behind the decision, former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita said: “It ought to have been outlawed long ago. They cannot just go on killing people”.

It won’t change anything – Junaid

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed in his reaction said the proscription order on Boko Haram members would not change anything or add value to the campaign of genocide that is taking place in the North-East presently.

He said: “Relatively, Mr President has been giving selective treatment vendetta against the North or what could be called subterfuge to disenfranchise the North politically. I expect President Jonathan to also give a proscription order on Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and people like Asari Dokubo that has been giving various threats.

“We are looking for explanations because this proscription order on Boko Haram coincides with the announcement of the United States government putting a ransom on Shekau”.

arms, Abdulsalami charges sect

Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged members of Boko Haram to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving their grievances with the Nigerian state. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who spoke yesterday while receiving the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North during a courtesy call at his residence in Minna, pleaded with the group in the name of Allah and their conscience to take the opportunity of dialogue offered by government to end the suffering of people caught up in the conflict in the North.

He expressed hope that with the committee peace would return to the North as its members comprised people of impeccable character.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the Presidential Committee, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said the visit was to tap from Abubakar ’s wealth of experience considering his position as ambassador of peace in Africa.

Shekau could be tried in U.S, says official The US government said that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, accused of terrorism activities in Nigeria, could be tried in the US when caught.

Kurt Rice, the US Acting Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate, said this at a joint tele-news conference with David Gilmour, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tele-conference was aired to audiences in Abuja, Accra, Dakar, Lagos and Niamey.

Rice’s comments came a day after the US offered $23 million (about N3.6bn) reward for information on the location of Shekau and leaders of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 —15

Ezekwesili to Jonathan: Stop presiding over contract award meetings

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—FORMER Minis ter of Education and first Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday, advised President Goodluck to stop presiding over meetings that involved award of contracts.

She also urged members of the National Assembly to kick against the proposed amendment to the Public Procurement Act, 2007, to make the President chairman of the National Council on Procurement, NCP. Ezekwesili, who advised President Goodluck Jonathan to steer clear of the proposed amendment as it was against global best practices in procurement, gave the advice at a two-day interactive session organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement on the procurement processes with stakeholders.

She said the world over, Presidents and ministers had no business awarding contracts to its citizens, stressing that there was a plan to amend the Public Procurement Act to make way for the President as chairman of the NCP. Dr. Ezekwesili advised President Jonathan not to allow himself to be misled.

She said: “I learnt that there is a move for an amendment of the legislation, PP Act, in order to give the chairmanship of the council to the President. Why would any-

body do that? He should not allow anybody to do that to him. ”The man who is carrying the elephant cannot be using his feet to look for a cricket. To make the President chairman of the National Council on Procurement is totally not the most effective and most efficient thing to do in the arena of public policy. If you understand what I’m saying,

understand it; if you don’t understand it, oho.”

She argued that it was not late for Nigeria to start moving in the direction of other prosperous nations, noting that President Obama needed not to call cabinet meetings to discuss contracts.

Ezekwesili added: “The prime minister of Singapore does not call cabinet meetings to discuss con-

tracts. ”What business does a President or minister has sitting with a contractor in a meeting? That is not what their contemporaries do in other nations.

“Whereas the leaders of other nations spend their times thinking about vision, strategy and policy, the others spend their time haggling over contracts. It is time for FEC to let go of spending its time on mundane things.”

MEETING: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Madam Osas Momodu, mother of Ibrahim Momodu, a 22-year-old final year student of the University of Benin, shot by the police in Benin City on May 27, during a meeting with the Governor, at Government House, Benin, yesterday.

NUT: Teachers in 9 states vow to continue strike

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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BUJA—THE Nigerian Un ion of Teachers, NUT, said yesterday, that nine states were yet to comply with payment

of 27.5 per cent Teachers Enhanced Allowance, TEA, and minimum wage of N18,000, vowing that strike would continue in those states.

NUT National President, Mr.

Michael Olukoya, who disclosed this in Abuja against the backdrop of ongoing strike in the affected states, listed the states to include Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Borno, Benue, Zamfara and Soko-

Reps seek sole power to impeach President

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—A Bill seeking ab solute powers to solely initiate and execute impeachment proceedings against a sitting President to rest with the National Assembly yesterday, scaled second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The Bill is intended to amend section 143 of the 1999 Constitution.

Debate on the general principles of the Bill appeared as several members were of the opinion that it was not necessary.

Surprisingly, however, the Bill passed second reading when Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over plenary, put the question to voice votes.

Sponsors of the bill were of the opinion that it would remove “ambiguities in the process of removC M Y K

al of the President and Vice President from office on allegations of gross misconduct and provide for more transparent and democratic procedure for impeachment and other matters.”

Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provided for the procedure of impeaching the President and, or the Vice President.

But promoters of the amendment Bill, Mr. Yakubu Dogara and Chairman of the House Committee on the FCT, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, argued that there were a lot of defects and ambiguities in section 143 of the 1999 Constitution.

They also separately denied the assertion that the move was targeted at impeaching President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dogara, who quoted several

foreign authorities to buttress the justification of vesting the powers to impeach a sitting President exclusively on the parliament, especially in America, argued that one of the defects in the provision was the only basis to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, as enshrined in the constitution, was for “gross misconduct” which he said was not clearly defined.

to.

He said the decision to embark on an indefinite strike was taken on April 17 at the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting which held in Asaba, Delta State.

He said: “While some state governments, after much struggle, have come to terms with the provisions of the agreement, it is regrettable that 5 years after, nine states are still in their season of prevarications.”

He said the decision by the NEC for NUT state wings to commence strike was painful in view of the children and parents who would bear the brunt, but noted that NUT had no other choice when dialogue and negotiations had failed.

Nasarawa plans Geographic Information System ed to provide Digital Aerial Map-

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BY CHARLES KUMOLU

AFIA—NASARAWA State Government has concluded plans to build a Geographic Information System, GIS, in order to meet up with the challenges of information technology.

The project which would be handled by Siraj Holding, is expect-

ping, DAM. A statement by the project Supervisor, Mr. Sonny Agassi, said: ‘’It is an initiation of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.“ The N2.7 billion muliti-faceted contract which will clock one year by the end of this month, has three components.

RMAFC seeks adjustment of nation’s budget

BY NOEL ONOJA

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BUJA—THE Reve nue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has sought an adjustment of national budget cycle to give room for seasonal variation and adequate time for the implementation of projects in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Mr. Elias Mbam, Chairman of the commission, who made the call in a memorandum on the Review of the National Planning and Budgeting submitted to the Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Finance, yesterday, observed that currently, the budget cycle did not support maximum utilisation of the dry season period which should have been used for construction work.

According to him, this accounts for low budget performance.

PSC: Senate rejects Igbuzor, confirms Okiro, 6 others

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE Senate yesterday, rejected the re-nomination of a rights activist, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, for appointment into the Police Service Commission, PSC, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

But the Senate, which did not give reason for its action, approved the nomination of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, Publisher of the Source Magazine, Comfort Obi, and five others as chairman and members of the Federal Government’s establishment.

Igbuzor, who was nominated by the President to represent South South in the commission, was rejected three times by majority of the senators in a voice vote called by the Senate President, David Mark, to determine his acceptability or otherwise.

Attempts by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, ACN, Ekiti Central to save the nominee who hails from Delta State under a Point-of- Order, failed as it was considered to have come rather late.

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16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Lawyer tenders evidence of toll collection on Lekki-Ikoyi bridge

BY INNOCENT ANABA

From left: Major-Gen. Haladu Hananiya (rtd); Mr. Nebou Ndonya, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, House Leader; Hon. Mulikat Adeola and Chief Whip, Hon. Ishaka Bawa, during a courtesy visit on the Deputy Speaker by the people of Hong Local Government Area, in Adamawa State, to National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday.

Katsina gov restates commitment to agriculture

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ATSINA — GOVERNOR Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the agriculture, to ensure maximum food security for the people.

Shema made the pledge while launching the Gross Enhancement Support, GES, scheme in Musawa Local Government Area.

He pledged that the government would provide counterpart funds to ensure the success of the programme and enjoined beneficiaries to adhere to modern farming techniques.

Shema, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa AdamuFuntua, said that about 90,000 small-scale farmers had been registered for the programme.

He said his administration would encourage increased agricultural production through best practices and the provision of input for all categories of farmers.

He said that the government had sold 340 tractors to farmers at subsidised rates, disbursed interest-free loans to all categories of farmers and provided chemicals and working tools.

LAGOS — A Lagos lawyer, Mr. Ebunoluwa Adegboruwa, yesterday, filed a further affidavit before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, evidencing the collection of toll on the newly constructed

Police 'll curtail security challenges, IGP pledges

BY UJU MBANUSI

T

HE INSPECTOR General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, in Lagos, pledged that men and officers of the force would continue to give their best towards ensuring that the security chal-

lenges in the country were curtailed.

This is just as he lamented the concern of the United States of America over state of insecurity in the country as a welcome development.

He spoke while commissioning newly renovated ultra

Labaran Maku lied on roads in Edo — Afegbua

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DO STATE Government, yesterday, said that the Federal Government lied about roads in the state, noting that many federal roads in the area had not been attended to.

Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomohle on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua in a statement, said “Rather than apologise to Nigerians over Federal Government’s failure to fulfil its promise to the good people of Nigeria and Edo State in particular, Labaran Maku, is busy embarking on sheer salesmanship with no products to sell.

"Apart from the re-surfacing of the Ugbowo-Lagos Road currently being undertaken by the Federal Government and the newly awarded dualisation of Okene-Benin Road, what again can Labaran Maku lay claim to?

“Unknown to him that the Benin-Warri dualised road had long been executed by the

Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Labaran Maku is crediting same to the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

"What a pity? Let him go and visit the abandoned BeninAbraka Road and see for himself the dubiety of that project execution and the decay.

“Having toured Edo State without any tangible Federal Government infrastructure, Labaran Maku and Mike Onolemhemen, tried to showcase Edo State projects at FiveJunction as one being undertaken by the Federal Government.

"The Amedokhian-Ukoni Road in Edo Central, which was flagged off last year by the Works Minister, Mike Onolemhemen, is still lying prostrate. I will implore the Information Minister to visit Aduwawa Road in Benin City and see for himself the rot on that federal road, bearing in mind that it is the entry route into Benin City from Abuja.

modern hospital at the Police College, Ikeja.

“What is being witnessed today is part of our efforts to ensure that the welfare and well-being of officers and men of the Nigeria police force are paramount. You cannot police any country without physically, mentally sound and fit police officers to discharge the responsibility of protection of lives and property.

"Despite the security challenges we are facing today in the country, by God’s Grace we shall not fail this country in discharging our duties. We have given the best we can as human beings to our country with our lives; we shall continue to do our best”.

A minute of silence was observed for security personnel who lost their lives in the course of carrying out their constitutional responsibility, an action the IGP described as a mark of respect.

Noting that the well-being of men and officers of the Nigeria Police was very essential, he stated that measures were on ground to ensure the improvement of their welfare as well as promotion of personnel which he said was one of the ways to motivate them.

While commending efforts of medical personnel involved in the project, Abubakar promised that necessary assistance would be given to Improve medical care of personnel.

Lekki-Ikoyi suspension bridge in Lagos.

Adegboruwa, had filed the suit against the Lagos State Government, on November 26, 2012, before the court, seeking an injunction restraining it from collecting any toll from motorists on the bridge, arguing that the bridge was erected on a Federal navigable waterway, hence, the Lagos State Government, had no authority to toll same.

Respondents in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Inland Water Ways Authority, NIWA. Parties had argued their motions before the court, on April 29.

The Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, had told the court that the state government, had not decided whether or not to collect toll on the bridge, describing the suit as premature, since there was no evidence of tolling on the bridge.

Trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu had reserved judgment in the suit till July 9.

Meanwhile, Adegboruwa in his further affidavit, averred that after the court had reserved judgment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, commissioned the bridge on May 29.

He averred that “the governor openly declared the bridge as a toll bridge, whereby saloon cars will pay N250.00 per trip and Sports Utility Vehicles will pay N350.00 per trip.

Motorists have since June 1, been subjected to compulsory payment of the said toll on the said bridge.

“As evidence, I attach a copy of a receipt issued to me for the said toll on the bridge, which is marked exhibit A,” he averred.

Adegboruwa also filed a motion on notice informing the Lagos government of its further affidavit, and putting them on notice for its hearing, while the court is yet to fix a date for hearing of the pending motion.

Ex-Minister, Ogunlewe warns ethnic groups over political pride, inaction

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

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AGOS — FORMER Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, yesterday, warned the major ethic groups including the Hausa/ Fulani, Yoruba and the Igbo

not to behave as if they own Nigeria,’’by giving the minorities the right to vote and be voted for.’’

Ogunlewe also asked the minority ethnic groups in the country to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration or else they would not

be able to rule the country in the next 50 years, if they allowed themselves to be used against the President.

He spoke at a meeting of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, (South-South forum) hosted by its Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ekanem in Lagos

against the backdrop of complaints in some quarters that Jonathan had no moral right to ask Nigerians for their mandate in 2015, having promised in 2011 to rule for only one term.

Ogunlewe further asked the people of the South- South to

stand up against the injustice being perpetrated against the minorities by the major ethnic groups in the country, adding, ‘’Let’s see in another 50 years whether any minority will ever be the president of this country after Jonathan.’’

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 17

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18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

MORE discerning Nigerians would not be surprised at the suggestions that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should not conduct primaries for its presidential and governorship candidates. With Chief TonyAnenih, Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees adding his voice to “no primaries”, the matter is already settled.

A slight modification that the provisions should be for those doing well indicates PDP cherishes performance. Of the 23 States with PDP governors – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba - a count back reveals only three governors, those of Gombe, Kaduna, and Kwara would benefit from the policy by 2015.

“I do not see anything wrong if the PDP considers automatic tickets for the President and its Governors who have performed well and are seeking for a second term. Over the years, our primaries have been the most serious sources of rancour and disunity in our ranks, and, that we usually invest so much resources and energy

PDP Never Changes fighting ourselves in the primaries that should have gone into the larger battle against our political rivals,” Anenih said.

Anenih has pedigree in these matters. When he speaks under the guise of personal positions, he often says what the party would do. For the first eight years of civil rule, during which his relevance soared in the Obasanjo administration, he was the apostle of automatic tickets. Party members who sought electoral positions worshipped him, he was the oracle whose dictation was law.

Should PDP not be moving away from such undemocratic practices? What becomes of the ambitions of other party members if Anenih’s

policy includes the legislature, which he also proposed? Why would a democratic party shun internal democracy in its operations?

If the idea of stopping primaries is to avoid internal wrangling, how would this be possible in the 20 States where the governors are not eligible for re-election? How would the party manage election of its candidates for more than 1,000 legislative seats at the national and state levels?

Anenih has identified a challenge. His solution falls below democratic standards and hits hard at the democratic culture of choices that Nigeria has been building since 1999.

After 14 years of civil rule, it is stunning that the suggestion is being made as solution to basic issues parties face.

Imposition of candidates under whatever guise is undemocratic. PDP is not the only party involved in this practice, but with its stature as the leading party its examples are important. Now that it faces challenges with primaries, it should find democratic solutions that still gives party members choice of candidates.

OPINION

BY MAX AMUCHIE

I

T HAS been a challenge for me to write this. Several times I tried to write this piece but each time my emotional strength failed me. The reality, however, is that I cannot continue to delay it even if I have to do this misty-eyed as is the case now.

But there is a background to the void this sad event has caused in my life. One evening around 2001 or thereabout, when I was features editor in Thisday, Paul Odili, currently media aide to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, walked into the Thisday newsroom in Apapa, Lagos and came straight to me.

"Max, Pini Jason wants you to see him", he said. Paul Odili was then assistant political editor at Vanguard, where Pini Jason was a columnist. Pini Jason wants to see me? What for? Our paths had never crossed though I had known him by reputation right from my days in secondary school. He was writing for the London-based New African magazine and being an avid reader right from my formative years, I had come to appreciate the beautiful prose of the man called Pini Jason. But I never knew he was my kinsman. The name Pini Jason sounded Jamaican to me then.

But as I finished youth service and became a journalist I encountered Pini Jason more often through his column in Vanguard but during the June 12, 1993 crisis, I disliked the position he took though I had no opportunity to let him know my feelings at the time.

"Why does Pini Jason want to see me?", I C M Y K

Pini Jason: A generation has been robbed of a beacon of hope asked and Paul said I should go and find out. I told him that I did not like the role his man played during the June 12 crisis. Paul then said I should honour the invitation and use the opportunity to let Pini Jason know my mind about the issue.

An appointment was fixed and Paul and I met Pini Jason in his house in Surulere, Lagos. Till today, I thank God for that first encounter with Dee Pini Jason. He gave me a lecture on June 12 and explained to me what informed the role he played in the struggle. I felt intellectually enriched because he brought a fresh perspective to what I knew about the June 12 issue. More importantly, I felt proud to be associated with him and felt honoured that he singled me out for a meeting in his house just by reading my write-ups in Thisday.

The reason why Pini sent Paul to fetch me was to seek media support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which had just been formed. I guess he also reached out to other journalists especially those of Igbo extraction though I never asked him. He was in the team that did the intellectual work for the formation of APGA. I later learnt that he worked on the project with the iconic Professor Ben Obumselu.

Today, only very people know the role played by Pini Jason in the formation of APGA because unlike the politicians, he was

given to neither noise making nor selfadulation. He told me the initial name for the party was to be United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA) but that INEC refused to accept that name because there was UPGA in the first republic and the electoral body didn't want any controversy the choice of nomenclature would generate.

He gave me graphic detail of the work that had gone into the formation of the party that was meant to give voice to the Igbo man in Nigerian politics.

In the years that followed after this first meeting in his house, my relationship with Dee Pini blossomed. He became a father figure and on one occasion, I needed money to complete the purchase of a piece of land in Ogun State. I mentioned it to him and he asked me to come to his house. Dee Pini gave me the N50,000 that was left for me to complete payment for the land.

H

e was a complete gentleman, a detribalised Nigerian but yet someone who loved roots. In the struggle for the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by the late MKO Abiola, Dee Pini stood up to be counted. When the lid on party politics was lifted and democracy returned in 1999, the southeast wanted a platform with which to be relevant in the scheme of things in Nigeria, Dee Pini put

forward his talent, time and treasure at the disposal of APGA. In all these he took no personal credit, made no political capital and reaped no political dividend.

He once told me that with the world increasingly becoming a global village, where one could operate from anywhere with the touch of a button, he might relocate to his hometown in Mbaise, Imo State and work from there. He had become disenchanted with his Surulere environment which had become noisy and chaotic and also because his children had grown up.

He always talked about his family.

However, not long after this discussion, he was invited by former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim to serve in the state government. I didn't see him much after he took up the state government though we spoke on phone a number of times. I therefore didn't know that after Ohakim's tenure ended, Dee Pini was staying in Abuja.

When I learnt about his regular visit to or stay in Abuja, I planned to pay him a visit but before that could happen the unforeseen took place.

It was with deep sadness and for me a great personal loss when I read on Facebook one evening that Dee Pini had died earlier on that day.

Nnanyiukwu Pini Jason was a great man, a writer of no mean proportion, a brilliant essayist, who had great command of English language. He was a mentor to not a few younger journalists like me and many more drank immensely from his measureless fountain of knowledge. *Mr. Amuchie, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013— —19

, I

T’S no longer news that all hasn’t been well between Chibuike R. Amaechi, Rivers State governor, and President Goodluck Jonathan. The outcome of the contest for the leadership of the Governors Forum which Amaechi won in spite of efforts to thwart his ambition by forces in the PDP believed to be working for President Jonathan has only accentuated what had lain hidden for so long. In spite of denials by the Presidency, the latest being the one by Reuben Abati in the immediate aftermath of the Governors Forum's election, many Nigerians know better than to believe that President Jonathan is uninterested in the outcome of the election. Or put differently, many believe Abuja would rather not have Amaechi returned as Chairman of the Forum which has in the last few years assumed far more significance than one would ordinarily expect of an informal gathering that it is supposed to be.

Yet this informal association has

widened the breach in the relationship between two SouthSouth politicians that probably started for reasons traceable not to any personal animosity between them but the bad blood generated by the outburst of Mrs. Patience Jonathan who embarrassingly chided Governor Amaechi for actions she considered targeted against the good of her people. It is not impossible that in the many months since this open attack on Governor Amaechi, Mrs Jonathan has succeeded in turning her personal antagonism for the Governor into her husband’s. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched then to believe that the unfolding drama between Jonathan and Amaechi is traceable to Patience.

Now things have fallen apart and one of the two parties involved in this bruising fight is claiming his life is in danger. We may be having a glimpse of just how messy things could get before they’ll get better, if ever things could get better between these men again. But then

,

these are politicians and nothing changes ever so often among them as the friends they keep. This may be timely warning to those presently queuing up behind both men in anticipation of the battle ahead. When this hurly-burly is over and done with, the collateral damage would belong to the unfortunate bystanders who chose to turn mere politicians’ battles into their own private war.

Y

et the truth must be outJonathan, no matter how he tries, has shown himself to be behind the war drum that seeks to drown out Amaechi’s victory song and, if possible, his political career.

Even if Patience may be indirectly responsible for the animosity between Jonathan and Amaechi, the ambition of both men has done much to worsen that relationship.

Not many outside the South-South are enthusiastic about another

My Pikin: A case for review of NAFDAC law

BY JOHN AINOFENOKHAI

N

ATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, under the leadership of Dr Paul Orhii, in what is regarded as a historic feat, secured on Friday, May 17, this year, a court judgement against the producers of My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture that killed scores of children in 2008. This is the first time the agency would strike the bull’s eye in litigations that border on medicine issue.

A Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Okechukwu Okeke, ordered that the firm, Barewa Pharmaceutical Company, be compulsorily wound up in line with the provisions of the law and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Okeke sentenced the firm's Production Manager, Adeyemo Abiodun and the Quality Assurance Manager, Egbele Eromosele, to seven years each for conspiracy to sell dangerous drug; and also handed them another seven years for selling dangerous drugs. Both sentences were to run concurrently.

The judge discharged and acquitted them of the remaining four counts relating to adulteration, manufacturing and distribution.

Perhaps, they would have got more years behind bars had NAFDAC, in the opinion of the court, succeeded in proving the allegation of drug adulteration. Read Justice Okeke: “My understanding of the word ‘adulterated’ is that somebody has tampered with the original product and changed the quality and efficacy of the drug.

There must be evidence that the manufacturer of the adulterated drug changed or tampered with the ingredients reducing the standard of the original drug.

The prosecution failed to prove its case.”

The law on which the accused were tried was the Miscellaneous Offences Act M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The offences were contrary to Section C M Y K

1(18)(a)(ii) and punishable under Sections 1(8)(a)(ii); 1(18)(b)(ii) and 3 of the same Act. The purpose of this write-up is not to interrogate the aspect of the court’s decision on the “inability” of NAFDAC to prove that the drug was adulterated, despite a witness’ testimony that My Pikin was discovered through laboratory analysis by the agency to have been contaminated with diaethylene glycol, which is a deadly toxic substance that is unacceptable in food or drug preparation; but to reinforce the call for a review of the relevant laws (including NAFDAC Establishment Law) with a view to taking out the incentives in the manufacturing of counterfeit or adulterated drugs and distribution of the same.

I must commend NAFDAC for its commitment to prosecuting the case and securing this judgment. It is a credit to the sharp leadership focus of Orhii and his management team. They must not relent on their oars. Nigeria and her people will remain eternally grateful for their dedication to the fight against fake drugs.

This judgement is, no doubt, a boost to the fight. The court must also be commended for hearing the matter judicially and judiciously. Certain quarters may consider the about-five-years that the matter lasted in court too long, the good thing is that justice has not been denied. The judiciary, through Justice Okeke, has brought a breath of fresh air into the fight against sale of adulterated drugs with this judgement.

Hitherto, the matter would have lingered in court; all manner of technicalities would have been employed to stall prosecution; and, in many instances, the administration of justice would have been compromised with the deployment of filthy lucre.

The executive and the legislative arm of government must rise to the occasion by doing the needful to strengthen the war against manufacturing and distribution/sale of fake drugs in the country through a review

,

A crude game of power

When this hurlyburly is over and done with, the collateral damage would belong to the unfortunate bystanders who chose to turn mere politicians’ battles into their own private war

term for President Jonathan but finding a suitable replacement for him has been a touchy issue. The assumption has been that challenge to his continued stay in office could only come from among politicians of Northern extraction, a product that might be very difficult to sell. But a politician from within the NigerDelta even if only paired as Vice President with another from the North changes the game for Jonathan and he knows it. For quite a long time now, the news has been around town that Amaechi, a two-time governor, might be nursing presidential ambitions. In recent times, the story has taken on a life of its own and this must have unsettled Jonathan in no small way.

There is no doubt that many Nigerian politicians at some level believe themselves superior to Jonathan, especially those who were already governors before fortune smiled on him to make him their boss. They also couldn’t see what this President has done to make him more qualified for the office of president than they.

Jonathan probably not only senses this in the action and utterances of some of these politicians but also feels it viscerally. He senses the lack of respect if not disdain, a point a woman as ambitious as his wife would drum into him until he begins to act in the crude manner that expresses itself in the kind of unconscionable display of power that led, first, to the grounding of Amaechi’s plane and later the attempt to prevent his return to the seat of chair of the Governors Forum.

This is not saying that Amaechi

Many Nigerians believe that a law that prescribes stringent punishments and completely takes away the incentives from drug counterfeiting business is imperative at this point

,

of relevant laws that will prescribe stringent punishments that will serve as deterrents.

Light sentences must give way to heavy ones.

I am excited about media reports that Orhii’s NAFDAC has initiated the process of the review at the level of the executive with a draft copy of the reviewed law waiting to be sent to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.

O

rhii had confirmed this process in a recent interview. He was quoted to have said: “Yes, we have done that. We have reviewed (the law); we have the draft that is ready. In fact, the Minister of Health has passed it to the Minister of Justice and the Federal Executive Council is looking at it.

As soon as it is approved we will move it to the National Assembly for consideration.

The law is there. Just like in India, we are asking for lifetime jail. Personally, I had wanted death penalty because, as far as I am concerned, a drug counterfeiter is worst than an armed robber. An armed robber, when he points his gun at you, gives an option most of the times, either your life or your money; and if you give him your money, he lets you go.

But the counterfeiter doesn’t give you that option.”

Perhaps to show how irritated he is with the situation, he had, according to him, mooted the idea of death penalty, but explained that a committee that was emplaced subsequently decided to recommend life jail. According to him: “I wanted death penalty, but

is entirely blameless in the matter or that he was right to be flying an aircraft without proper licence if one could justify his flying an aircraft at all in a state whose public transport system is the same nightmare it is in every other state.

But the point is that it took the disagreement between him and Jonathan to alert the aviation authorities to this apparent violation of air safety regulations.

The build-up to the election that produced Amaechi as chair of the Governors Forum was fraught with expectations and many could have mistaken it for a contest into some elective office recognised by the Constitution. It was clear the Presidency had an interest in the outcome and was in fact sponsoring candidates. Thus, when the result came and Amaechi was announced winner or was reported to have won, it all seemed like a defeat for the President. It’s, therefore, not surprising that the PDP would crudely join the fight by suspending Amaechi from their party for so-called anti-party activities that couldn’t in their reckoning be resolved without further violations of laid down procedures. Nobody should be trusted with power and by the manner Jonathan has played his hand in the entire saga, he has shown himself to be no better than his predecessors in office.

Especially President Obasanjo who many believe could very often appropriate state power for purely private battles. Jonathan, the barefooted boy from Otuoke, could prove a poor but more deadly student of the Obasanjo School of Power Profiteers.

unfortunately I had to come down when we formed a committee made up of very Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, to come up with something that will be acceptable; Institute of Advanced Legal Studies was involved; Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation was involved; Ministry of Health and civil rights activists were involved.

“So, in the new draft, we arrived at a compromise that it would be life jail just like India has done and then confiscation of assets because we know that the act of counterfeiting lies in the incentive to make huge profit. If they know that if they are caught, their assets would be confiscated, they will be discouraged. So, we are saying that we confiscate their assets, and then in situations where we can prove that the fake products caused death or severe bodily injury, some of the assets confiscated could be used to compensate the victim of the crime.

“We are also asking for whistle blowers in that new law. This is to give us the right to give reward to those who blow the whistle that helps us to intercept fake medicines. We are also asking for a special court to speedily try these people because sometimes, cases can drag up for several years in conventional courts. There are cases that have been dragging for the past four years since I came and even beyond that; and in terms of resources, it takes a lot of money from us. So, we want speedy trial for the crime or alternatively make it a non-bailable offence to put incentive on speedy trial of the accused.

The law is ongoing and we hope that very soon it will be passed. Once the Federal Executive Council approves it, we will send it to National Assembly for consideration.”

This is a beautiful picture that has been painted above. If there is a battle, apart from the bigger battle against corruption, that Nigerians eagerly want the Federal Government and the entire nation to win, it is the battle against fake drugs. Many Nigerians, including this writer, believe that a law that prescribes stringent punishments and completely takes away the incentives from drug counterfeiting business is imperative at this point.

•Mr. Ainofenokhai, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, JUNE 5 , 2013

Debate of the masses

Evil in the land!

BY EBELE ORAKPO

‘W

*Keke Marwa: Their restriction on major roads taking toll on operators and commuters

Restriction order: Keke Marwa operators, commuters count losses in Lagos B

ARELY a year after the Lagos State Government prohibited the operation of commercial motorcycles on 475 roads and bridges in the state, it has also outlawed the operation of commercial tricycles popularly called Keke Marwa on major roads across the state.

For the past three weeks, commuters in Victoria Island, government reserved areas, Ikeja business district area, Ikoyi, Awolowo Road, Awolowo Way, Alausa and all major roads in Surulere where the restriction order is taking its toll are already counting their losses.

According to the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the move was meant ‘’to protect the lives and property of the residents of the state’’ many of whom now experience difficulties moving from one place to another.

Opeifa also said the state government had held several meetings with the unions on the development, and “they have agreed to stay away from these roads”. He also stated that the state has enough Bus Rapid Transport, BRT, and LAGBUS buses as well as taxis on these roads and the tricycle won’t be needed anymore.

Vanguard Metro’s visits to some of the affected areas revealed that the order has reduced the commercial vehicular fleet in the affected areas. VM also found that the provision of BRT and LAGBUS buses, and taxis by the state government is insufficient and the available ones are ineffective due to bad planning and management of the transportation system.

A tour of Lagos Island revealed C M Y K

long queues of passengers waiting for buses which were nowhere to be found. The few that eventually came after a long wait were visibly in bad shape, spewing thick dark fume into the air. It was also found out that many of them have broken down on the way.

Some commuters who could afford the journey by taxi cabs gladly did so, not minding the exorbitant fares. Thus, the cab operators have been making while the situation persists. However, unlike the Keke Marwa, the BRT buses and taxis cannot get into the remote areas. Some commuters who spoke with VM said this has created a lot of hardship for the average Lagosian operating businesses in

,

BY BOSE ADELAJA

to procure the tricycle which is now a big problem for me as I can no longer meet up with payment,’’ he complained bitterly.

Chukwuma Ibe, a Lagos-based commercial tricyclist has since moved to Mowe-Ibafo, a community in Ogun State for his tricycle business though his family lives in Lagos. He said that at the end of each business day, he takes shelter in his tricycle as he could not afford to pay rent in two places. ‘’I live separately from my family as I cannot cope with the restriction; I have so many bills to offset and I might relocate to my village in Awka if the situation continues,’’ he said.

In a telephone conversation

,

I cannot cope with the restriction; I might relocate to my village if the situation continues

those areas.

A printer, Mr Tunji Odedina, complained bitterly about the pain the restriction order has inflicted on him, saying after Okada was banned, he resorted to using Keke Marwa for his business runs on the Island. But the recent restriction on this mode of transportation has seriously undermined his business prospects.

A tricycle operator, Mr Sunday Ilesanmi, said he used to be a commercial motorcyclist on the Lagos Island but opted to join the Keke Marwa operators when Okada was banned. ‘’But now that they have placed a restriction order on Keke Marwa, I have no other means of livelihood. The unfortunate thing is that I just went into the hire purchase deal

with VM, State Secretary to commercial tricycle operators Alhaji Hakeem Abdulahi lamented the after-effect of the restriction order on his members who, he said, were not informed before the government took its decision.

According to him: ‘’About 20 units are presently counting their losses and most of those affected are married men and women’’.

He, however, called on government to review the restriction order, saying: ‘’We cannot fight government, we can only plead with them to temper justice with mercy. We were not given prior notice by the government but we are planning to meet the Commissioner for Transport on the matter and we want him to review the law”.

ALLAHI, if God does not punish Nigeria severely, then He will have to apologise to Sodom and Gomorrah afterall, their own was just sodomy There’s so much evil in the land; it’s unbelievable,” said Gani this Monday morning in the CMS-bound commuter vehicle.

“Oh boy, at a point, I thought the press guys were making it all up. It was like they were reporting a movie. How can so much evil be going on in one nation?” asked Joe. “It’s the end-time. The Bible clearly predicted that evil will increase in the last days as people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, and not lovers of God. It’s not just Nigeria, but the world over. Love for money has driven people into committing all sorts of atrocities,” said Yaya.

Ordinary robbery “From ordinary robbery, to kidnapping, to human trafficking, to ritualists, to human parts selling and now baby factories - all in the name of money? That is the height of callousness,” said Tonia.

Said Pat; “I hear they no longer kidnap living people but corpses so that the owners will pay the ransom quickly before the corpse begins to rot.”

“Ah, I will leave the corpse for them. That is their own headache,” declared Joy to which Pat replied thus: “No one will like to dishonour his loved one that way.”

“Hmm, wahala dey oo!” exclaimed Joe. “But why would a woman decide to patronise a baby factory instead of going through the normal adoption process?

Even the so-called educated ones are not left out,” noted Gani.

“I know the trauma most childless African women go through; so they are ready to do anything to get a baby in order to secure their place in their matri-

monial homes. Mind you, many still see adopted children as strangers.

They will tell you they don’t know their background nor the genes they are carrying so they even see the perpetrators as saviours,” stated Joy. “A doctor friend said a lady came to his clinic with her new born baby and said she could not breastfeed him. The doctor examined her and told her she could not because she was never pregnant in the first place. She insisted the baby was hers. Asked where she went for antenatal, she said she was told not go for antenatal or for scan because the machine will not detect anything as the baby is a miracle baby,” narrated Pat. “And she believed the crap? How could she be so dumb? ” asked Tonia.

“I don’t even know which is the worse – illiteracy or gullibility because even the educated ones fall for the nonsense,” said Joe. Exactly! Once these conmen come in religious garbs with high-sounding words, people fall prey,” said Tonia.

“Because they are simply religious, following sheepishly without asking questions or thinking for themselves so they do whatever they are told by those willing to use their brains.

No wonder Jesus saw the religious people of his day as evil people,” said Joy. “Today, people become pastors, imams, native doctors, etc, to dupe people and unfortunately, we are so gullible, we easily fall prey to their antics,” stated Yaya.

Narrated Mercy: “A guy went to a priest for the weekly confession. After reeling out a long list of sins he had committed, the priest who was obviously flabbergasted, instead of telling him to go in peace that his sins were forgiven, gave him a hard knock on the head saying: ‘All these just in one week?’ So you can imagine how God feels with all that he is seeing on the surface of the earth.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 21

FG to save N431bn from ban on wheat importation ...Nigeria to meet 68% wheat needs by 2015

By CHRIS OCHAY I

T

HE Federal Government has concluded plans to stop the importation of wheat into the country to create markets for farmers involved in the production of the grain.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina made this known during the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, NAG, weekend in Abuja said Nigeria would meet 68% wheat needs by 2015.

He said the efforts of government towards encouraging the substitution of wheat with high quality cassava flour is already yielding positive results as the wheat imports to Nigeria declined from an all-time high of 4,051,000 MT in 2010 to 3,700,000 MT in 2012.

“As we implement accelerated cassava flour production, with the installation of the industrial scale cassava flour plants, expand cassava production and deploy hundreds of compact modular milling systems, Nigeria’s dependency on imported wheat will decline even further” Dr. Adesina said the government is looking into the local production of wheat in the Northern part of Nigeria as he informed members of the group that the Lake Chad Research Institute of Nigeria has released new high yielding tropical and heat tolerant wheat varieties that can yield up to 6

+1.70

2,254.00

+63.00

16.43

-0.12

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL 154.74 155.24 236.1178 236.8807 201.2239 201.8741 161.4903 162.0121 1.5417 1.5467 0.2863 0.2963 230.8666 231.6126 25.2331 25.3151 41.2607 41.394 26.9883 27.0755 232.1719 232.9221

in the country and at the high yields being obtained, he held that it is profitable and economically-viable to produce wheat in Nigeria.

The Minister explained that “21,000 MT was harvested in 2012, from the new varieties, which according to him, would

be used as seeds. The target, he said, is to plant 212,000 ha of wheat by 2014, with expected production of over 1 million MT and a projection to expand the cultivated area to 215,000 hectares by 2015, with an anticipated production of 1.2 million MT.

From left: Senior Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Education, Dr. Mariam Masha; Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, Francois Boussuagol; Unit Commander, Lagos Island, representing Sector Commander, Lagos State Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Sadiq Abdulrahman and members, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, during the Total Road Safety Cube Inauguration at St Georges Primary School, Falomo, Lagos.

128.75

102.14 93.42

DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

tons per hectare. This, according to him, is about four times the yield of temperate wheat varieties used in Nigeria during the effort to produce wheat in the 1980s.

He further explained that with the tropical wheat varieties that are presently available

+1.75 +1.45 SELLING 155.74 237.6437 202.5243 162.5339 1.5517 0.3063 232.3586 25.3971 41.5273 27.1627 233.6723

CBN Exchange rate as at 04/06/2013

HSE: Addax seeks reduction in workplace accident A DDAX Petroleum has emphasised the need for companies in the oil and gas sector as well as other sectors of the economy to embrace measures that will help reduce accidents significantly in their operations.

Speaking at the flag-off of the 2013 Health, Safety, Security and Environment, HSSE, week, Mr. Cornelius Zegelaar, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Addax Petroleum, lamented the high incidences of fatalities in the workplace, saying it is affecting production negatively.

“While we can attest that a lot has been done to improve safety, I wish to also state that more needs to be accomplished. In essence, we really need to ‘think, act and live’ safety at all times,” he said.

He noted that Addax has adopted a proactive posture towards reducing the number of accidents in its operations with the introduction of a number of measures to ensure safety in its operations.

He also stated that the company has set a

performance target of 0.45 Lost-Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) Rate for 2013.

He said the company has resolved to be more proactive to prevent fatality of any type, stating that some of the proactive safety measures introduced since the 2012 HSSE week include the Stop Work Policy; Contractors’ HSE Assessments; Technical Safety Audits; Process Safety; Regulatory Compliance; Unsafe Acts and Conditions monitoring and the 14 Must-Do-Rules.

Zegelaar said the Stop Work Policy empowers all employees and contractors to stop all jobs that are considered unsafe for further review prior to recommencement or total stoppage of the task. On the Contractors’ HSE Assessment, he said, “As you are all aware, most of our major projects are executed by contractors. These projects constitute highest risk exposure hence, HSE in conjunction with other departments conduct contractors’ HSE capability assessment from pre-contract award to execution.”

FG tells farmers to test seeds before planting

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU & ALICE FESTUS

I

N a bid to improve produc tivity in the agricultural sector, the Federal Government has urged farmers in the FCT to always conduct seeds germination tests before planting.

A one day follow-up practical on soil management and seed production was organised recently for farmer in the FCT by the society for community development, SCD, with support from Action Aid, kilankwa community.

Mrs Iheonu Mary head micro finance, FCT Agric Development Project demonstrated to the farmers on the farm how the test can be carried out and advised them to incorporate cow dunks to help them grow their crops.

According to her, “We need to know the type of soil before we will go further and of cause ones we know the type of soil we are farming, it will guide us on the type of crops we will plant. “Coming to food production, if we must progress we have to start with good seed, if we do not start with good seeds just like the computer language garbage in garbage out. So whatever seeds we are going to use will determine what the outcome will be.

Although some of the farmers lamented of the challenge they face this year from birds picking out their seeds from their farm and Mrs Mary subscribed they try and patronise reputable seeds sources such as the agro dealers who have been empowered to assist the farmers.

"I am advising the farmers to go to reputable sources of seeds to get their seeds for planting, not using their seeds that have stayed up to 5 years and they are still planting and planting and they continue to plant, it will not give them quality output.

"The agro deals have been empowered very well to be able to assist all the farmers’ base on the seed they want they treat the seeds and give them appropriate seed dressing chemical to be able to use so that the birds and other ridient will not attack their seeds before germination." Mary stated.

The CEO of SCD Mr Abdul Atsegbua in an interview session with the press made it known that the farmers had earlier complained of a disconnect between them and the Agric department, and their aim is to make them connect with the various ministries and department on Agriculture.

22 — Vanguard,WEDNESDAY,JUNE 5, 2013

The 2012 Company Results A

Lafarge increases dividend payout by 60%

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

S

HAREHOLDERS of Lafarge WAPCO Nigeria Plc have enjoyed bountiful returns on their investment as the company’s increased its dividend pay-out by 60 percent for 2012.

Addressing members of the coma pay at the 54th annual general meeting in Lagos, the chairman, Olusegun Osunkeye, said that, “Based on the profitability improvements in the company, the Board of Directors is able to propose for approval by shareholders, a gross dividend of 120 kobo on each ordinary share in issue.”

“In absolute terms, this represents an increase of 60 percent on the gross dividend approved by shareholders on the 2011 financial results,” he added.

He further explained that, “Given the cash flow requirements to repay the bank loans and to pay down the

corporate bond at maturity, it is important to maintain dividend pay-out to shareholders at a level which ensures repayment can be achieved with no risks of default and impairments of the operations of the company.

He however advised the shareholders to key into the company’s e-dividend and electronic delivery mandate in order to address the challenges of unclaimed dividends.

According to him, “in order to eliminate issues of unclaimed dividend, I will once again like to encourage shareholders, who have not taken the e-dividend option to do so.” Oshunkeye further noted that despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment, the company would continue to look for opportunities for market expansion and operations. He added that the company would continue to exploit the opportunities provided by infrastructural deficits in the country to grow.

Fidelity Banks rewards 2 customers with cars

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IDELITY Bank has once again given out two brand new Hyundai Accent cars to two of its customers that emerged winners along other three in the last lap of the Cars and Cash Splash Savings promo.

Cash prize of N950,000 was also given out to four customers in the Lagos zone to bring the cash gift so far to N25 million, while the two cars given out also brought the car gift to 25.

The gesture is in line with the bank’s commitment to reward its loyal customers with N25million and 25 cars, as part of series of events to mark its 25 years anniversary.

Jubilant Ogoo Edeh, one of the lucky winners said, “I lack word to express my gratitude to the bank. In fact, Fidelity bank is the best. From now on; I will be the bank’s ambassador.”

Speaking on behalf of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, at the event, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Executive Director, South C M Y K

Directorate, said the bank has not only kept its word, but has achieved the set objective of driving savings culture among Nigerians.

He noted that in a country where over 50 percent of the adult population was unbanked, there was no better way of encouraging savings culture than initiating programmes that that promote savings.

According to him, Fidelity bank would soon come up with other exciting packages/products to delight its numerous customers.

He said, “It is a pleasure that the journey has finally come to an end. When we started, there was skepticism in the air, but with what we have done, we have cleared doubts on the promo. There were pleasant surprises of people who never set out to participate, who won many wonderful prizes.

“This is one bank that has gone through all the phases in the banking sector and has remained strong. We assure you that even more exciting things will be coming up from Fidelity Bank.”

earlier. The reasons given for nondelivery of annual reports include wrong postal addresses provided by shareholders and inadequate response from the postal system. In the case of my family interests, I know that the Registrars have the correct addresses as dividend warrants have been posted to and received at these addresses in the past before arrangements were concluded for edividend payments.

What the companies should do to resolve the problem is to spend part of their budgets for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, on reaching their shareholders. In the first place, rather than dumping sacks of mail at Bulkpost, the companies should sort the letters town by town and post office by post office and the companies should carry the sorted letters to the respective towns and post offices where the letters will be posted. If the companies say that this is too expensive or there may be

,

FROM LEFT: Acting Company Secretary, Food Concepts Plc, Mrs. Bukola Olateru; Chairman, Chief Dele Fajemirokun and Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Deji Akinyanju at the 12th Annual General Meeting of the company, in Lagos.

NUMBER of companies have announced their results for the year ending 31 December 2012 and some of the companies have held their Annual General Meetings, AGMs, within the last two months. I notice that a lot of the dividends due to shareholders would have been paid by the end of June 2013.

The reports from the AGMs of the companies were generally that shareholders were satisfied with the performance of their respective companies and that they would want the companies to declare bonus shares in addition to dividends. I have not heard of any reports in which shareholders were asking for a dividend payout from all the profit and no bonus shares.

There is an event that comes to mind whenever one considers the merits of dividend payout from all the profit against an issue of bonus shares.

Several years ago, a bank which was not on the trading lists of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, declared bonus shares at its AGM. One possibly prescient shareholder who was not happy with the bonus shares indicated that the directors and staff of the bank were earning salaries and those shareholders should earn something like a salary too. As the company was not listed on the NSE, the bonus shares could not be readily sold. This shareholder might have had a glimpse into the future because that particular bank went out of business after this AGM. The story just above would make one ask just how much an investor knows about the company he has invested in. The annual report and accounts of a company is perhaps the only opportunity a shareholder has to learn something about the company in which he is an investor. A number of companies have passed resolutions allowing the companies to send their annual reports and accounts in CDformat. The reasons the companies have given for the change from the paper-format include the advancement of environmental sustainability and the creation of long term value for the shareholders.

However, since this change started, I have not received a single CD from either of the two major banks in which my family interests have invested.

The companies appear to believe that their annual reports and accounts are for the purposes of their AGMs only.

A large number of shareholders do not attend AGMs but some of these shareholders would want to know what the companies are up to. We are constantly advised that shareholding assets should be considered as longterm and not short-term investments.

Long-term investors should be given the chance to have a full assessment of a company from one year to the next year.

The real problem, whether the paper-format or the CD-format is used, is how to ensure delivery to the shareholder. I should receive three CDs from each of the banks I indicated

A large number of shareholders do not attend AGMs but some of these shareholders would want to know what the companies are up to

,

regulatory issues, I will want to say that a Nigerian company, Nestle, delivered annual reports to street addresses in Lagos this year by courier.

In the second place, if the companies follow the suggestion made above, the companies should indicate to the post office that they would come back to collect undelivered letters after an appropriate period, possibly 3 months.

With the collection of undelivered letters, the companies would begin to have a better idea of the shareholders that they have difficulty in reaching.

I realise that some of the companies now have more than 1 million shareholders. However, the effort they put into reaching their shareholders would be a first and useful step in resolving the issue of unclaimed dividends. Some of the companies advertise to the whole world that part of their strength is in the diversity and numbers of their shareholders. If these companies truly believe what they are telling the world, they should spend part of their CSR budget in reaching their shareholders. I will want to use this medium to inform FBN Holdings Plc that I did submit at Samuel Asabia House on May 21 2013 a request for a paper copy of the 2012 Annual Report.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 23

FDI crucial to Nigerian economy — Ajayi

By NAOMI UZOR

F

OREIGN Direct In vestments, FDI, is crucial for the Nigerian economy, as it permits the transfer of technology and facilitates improvement in productivity, said Dr. Ademola Ajayi, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Speaking during the just ended 53rd annual conference of the association, tagged “Good Governance: Essential Ingredient for Attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Nigeria”, Ajayi said: “FDI can help alleviate Nigeria’s widespread poverty by increasing per capita income and elevating overall standards of living towards the realization of

the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government .

“To do so, Nigeria must address all impediments to growth through extensive political and economic reform. For instance, there must be a dramatic and comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s economy through a greater diversification of the economy and also diversification of the FDI it receives.

“Up until now, Nigeria’s FDI inflows have been almost exclusively in the natural resources sector, specifically in the oil and natural gas industries.

“Obviously, such a concentration of FDI limits technology transfer and inhibits job creation, due to the capital-intensive nature of the extractive industry process. Nigeria should therefore endeavor to attract FDI in other

sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, consumer products, and construction projects which would generate greater employment and create more balanced economic growth, provided of course that good governance practice, is seriously embraced,” he said.

He said the empirical results from studies confirm that complexity and the dynamic nature of a globalizing economy and economic prosperity is not a simple task because gradual progress is required for good governance, coordination and cooperation.

He stressed that Nigeria has emerged as a capable candidate for attracting FDI and has made great strides in the right direction thus far; the process is by no means adequate.

NSE appoints Aig-Imoukhuede, First Vice President

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the appointment of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CON as the first Vice President of the Council of The Nigerian Stock Exchange. The appointment was made after the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Stock Exchange held in May 2013.

The Council of the Nigerian bourse is made up of 14 members, consisting of the President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar Onyema and other members including representatives of dealing member firms, who are highly qualified in their respective professions with a wealth of diverse experience.

Speaking on this appointment, the CEO of The Nigerian Stock Exchange Mr. Oscar Onyema said that “The Council recognizes his sterling qualities and wealth of experience, and is delighted with the appointment. We believe that he will not relent in his efforts as an ambassador to move The Exchange forward”.

Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the first Vice President, is the current Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc. He resigned as an Executive Director of

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) to lead a team as the MD/CEO of Access Bank with the mandate to transform the Bank into a world-class financial services provider. His visionary leadership has seen the Bank’s rapid rise to rank among Nigeria’s Tier 1 banks. In 2012, he won the 2011 Ernst & Young West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was recently conferred with the prestigious African Banker Award by the African Banker Magazine.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede is

an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Programme. He holds LLB and BL degrees from the University of Benin and the Nigeria Law School respectively. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

He is Chairman of ; The Access Bank (UK) Ltd, Wapic Insurance Plc , Associated Discount House Ltd and FMDQ Plc. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Markets Dealers Association.

Pepperoni Foods expands operation in Bayelsa

P

EPPERONI Foods Limited, has opened another mega service outlet in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where it started operations about eight years ago.

The new branch located at Mbiama, Yenagoa Road in the state capital is the biggest of six outlets operated by Pepperoni in Rivers, Akwa, Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States.

The infrastructure houses a fast service point, a full-fledged in-house secluded restaurant, upscale bar and ultra modern photo studio. It is designed to accommo-

date warehousing facilities and catering training centre, part of the integration process being undertaken by Pepperoni.

Speaking at the preopening ceremony, which coincided with the c o m p a n y ’ s yearly children’s Day party, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Eric Idogun, was optimistic at prospects, especially in Bayelsa.

Looking back to its humble beginning in a market previously dominated by others, it seemed an uphill task to create a niche for itself.

24 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

The President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Mr. Wole Adetimehin (second left front row),visits the Nigerian Insurers Association recently.

Why you should associate with INSCAN

BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

A

S an insurance consumer, have there been times when you feel that you need to associate with other insurance consumers to address issues or challenges of mutual interest? Then INSCAN can be of help.

The Insurance Consumers’ Association of Nigeria, INSCAN, was formed to protect the interests of insurance consumers in Nigeria and to expose the immense benefits of insurance to the Nigerian populace.

The roles which INSCAN play include speaking for the aggrieved on insurance; educating the public on insurance; safeguarding the insurance premium; as well as to secure value for the premium paid. Others are to support the insurance industry to grow; to provide insurance information & statistics; to create job opportunities in insurance; as well as to manage volunteer insurance crusaders.

Who is an INSCAN Member?

An INSCAN Member is that individual, family or corporate body who is insured, may later be insured, whose loved ones have or may become victims of accidents or who has or may have any matter to resolve or clarify on insurance now or in the future.

INSCAN also provides the opportunity for the non-insurance professionals and those who are able to see some linkages between their businesses/ jobs/profession and insurance to make inputs to the conduct of insurance business in Nigeria.

It is worthy of note that a member cannot be a serving insurance practitioner, engaged in insurance agency, broking, underwriting, loss adjusting, reinsurance, insurance regulation or insurance market associations.

Hence, the membership of INSCAN is drawn from two sources and they are: a) Volunteer members – These are members who join INSCAN without having any claim, complaint or grievance against any insurance C M Y K

practitioner or institution. At this level, you are a Volunteer Insurance Crusader (VIC) to serve under any of the following six platforms: i. Volunteer Insurance Promoter (VIP) ii. Insurance Crusade Lawyer (ICL) iii. Insurance Crusade Press (ICP) iv. Volunteer Fire Fighter (VFF) v. Insurance Crusade Technician (ICT) vi. Related Support Service Provider (RSSP) You may as well decide to be a nonservice providing member. b) Contractual Members – These are members who join INSCAN because they have grievances with insurance institutions or individuals and

organisations who failed to comply with the obligations to provide insurance.

Benefits of being an INSCAN member The benefits of being an INSCAN member include free advisory services on insurance matters; complaints handling in the event of denial, delay or inadequacy of claim payment, breach of insurance contract, delay in documentation, non-remittance of premium, denial of refund, or poor customer service; as well as legal assistance in court for unresolved claims cases.

Others are an opportunity to take part in any of INSCAN insurance volunteer services e.g. fire-fighting, insurance clinics, insurance promotion, and

insurance assembly; an opportunity to further your technical and professional success, especially if you are engaged in law, journalism or construction; as well as training on insurance laws, products and practices that will enable you enlighten yourself, friends and neighbours on insurance contracts.

Conditions for INSCAN membership To be a member of INSCAN, you must be a permanent Resident in Nigeria; gainfully employed or inbetween jobs; possess the ability to purchase income protection insurance worth at least N5, 000.00/annum; as well as have sufficient educational background to appreciate on-going learning in financial services operations.

Purpose of third party auto insurance

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

I

n Nigeria, third party auto insurance policy is compulsory because it protects car owners from losses caused by their cars on other people.

Third party auto insurance is designed to make an injured party “ whole” as a result of a covered accident. Damage to vehicles and other property can be expensive to repair or replace, as well as the cost of medical needs resulting from an accident. If the responsible party does not carry adequate coverage, the injured party would have little choice but to pursue a lawsuit.

The Nigerian Insurance Act 2003 prescribed for compulsory Third-Party Motor Insurance in Section 68 of the Insurance Act, 2003.

Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third Party) Insurance Act requires that no person shall use, or cause or permit any other person to use, a motor vehicle unless such a motor vehicle is insured against damage to the property of third parties.

According to the insurance law, for a motorist to drive on Nigeria roads, it is a legal requirement to have at least third party only (TPO) car insurance in order to ensure that third parties involved in an incident are protected.

For example, if an incident occurs and you are at fault and have to admit blame, then your insurance cover will pay out any sums of money that are granted to the people who are the ‘third party’ that may have died or been hurt or their property has been written off and damaged.

What it covers Third party auto insurance covers damages, especially injuries that drivers and passengers in other cars may have suffered as a result of an accident. This insurance kicks in when a policy holder is held responsible for the damage. It is referred to as third party insurance because it deals with third parties, drivers and passengers not at fault for the accident, but injured because of it. Apart from covering injuries, it will also help you pay for legal fees if any legal actions result from the accident.

Benefits Third party auto insurance is compulsory, it is particularly good for your car and will enable you to shed burden of repairing the car or taking care of other party’s bills should there be accident It pays for damages your car cause on others and ignores any loss you personally incurred in the process. If you have a third party insurance and your car ran into another car and deformed the door and your bonnet as well, the insurance company will only pick the bill of the loss your car caused on the other car leaving you to your fate.

What you should know Go for third party auto insurance from a registered insurance company, with this, you will be able to save yourself the cost associated with causing damage on others. Assuming your car injured someone, the insurance company will pick up the medical bills saving you from being torn apart by the relatives of the injured.

Also, the claim you can make on an auto insurance policy is limited, so find out the limit to the loss the insurance policy covers before you subscribe.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 25

Travel insurance: Don’t leave home without it

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

Y

OU’RE on vacation with your family in a famous tourist destination, you’ve been basking in the sun, lazing on the beaches, reading a book and chilling-out for a couple of days.

On day three, however, your wife announces that she is feeling sick; you dismiss it as a result of overexertion.

But a few hours later, she is worse and seems to be throwing up frequently. She is finally diagnosed as having a bad case of gastritis and the doctors advise that she should be hospitalised immediately.

Help is actually a phone call away, provided you are covered under a travel insurance policy. In this case, the insurer simply needs to give the details to the insurance company, which gets in touch with the hospital and makes it possible for you to access cashless treatment in the case of sudden hospitalisation and unforeseen medical expenses Travel insurance coverage reduces the considerable financial risks of traveling, accidents, illness, missed flights, and canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travelcompany bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die. Each traveler ’s potential loss varies, depending on how much of your trip is prepaid, the refund ability of the air ticket you purchased, your state of health, the value of your luggage, where you’re traveling, the financial health of your tour company and airline, and what coverage you already have.

Why travel insurance?

The cost of healthcare and hospitalisation could be very high, especially in the West. In case a traveler meets with an accident or requires urgent medical attention, he may not have that kind of money with him for treatment.

Experts say that travel insurance is

best not bought through a tour operator because most of them offer a lower amount of coverage, have hidden costs and conditions or even duplicate the coverage you already have. Buy travel insurance from an insurance company instead, and while doing so, If you feel that some points in the package being presented to you are not of any use to you, ask if you can customise the package to suit your needs better.

Reasons why you need it Travel insurance is important for so many reasons. For instance, if your flight has been cancelled, your bags are lost and your medication is in it, you need to have an emergency prescription filled, in this case, travel insurance is the only option.

Again, if your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport, or you’re involved in an accident and adequate

medical treatment is not available and you need medical evacuation, then travel insurance is it. Also, if you need to cancel your trip due to illness; your airline or tour operator goes bankrupt; you need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination; you have a medical emergency in a foreign country, or a situation where a terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip, all these reasons make travel insurance worth buying.

Finally for some travelers, insurance is a good deal; for others, it’s not. What are the chances you’ll need it? How willing are you to take risks? How much is peace of mind worth to you? Take these considerations into account, understand your options, and make an informed decision for your trip

With travel insurance, you are assured of a peaceful vacation.

CIIN canvasses need for efficacy of insurance

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

P

RESIDENT of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Wole Adetimehin, has said that the institute have continuously canvassed the need for a genuine national consciousness on the efficacy of insurance especially with the spate of insecurity and the destruction of lives and properties.

Adetimehin said that the CIIN has initiated suitable and relevant training programmes aimed at equipping practitioners with the necessary tools for underwriting the emerging risk exposures such as kidnapping and terrorism.

‘We are also gearing up at promoting the development of pool formations which can contain these catastrophic risks and guarantee greater confidence from the insuring public’

he said The CIIN Boss noted that as an industry, the institute have an undisputed stake in the growth and development of the national economy and the socio-political landscape, and its various engagements with governments at the state and federal levels provided opportunities for asserting the relevance of insurance policy packages for indemnifying businesses against losses while also providing the necessary peace of mind for both local and foreign investors.

On enhancing the quality of insurance education in Nigeria, Adetimehin said the governing council of the institute has taken a pursuit and actualisation of construction work at the site of the College of Insurance and Financial Management preparatory for launching of the first phase and takeoff of activities of the College.

He added that the progress at the College site is significant, especially with the completion of key structures for the College take off.

He disclosed that there is an accreditation exercise of additional institutions of tertiary education offering insurance, this he said, includes the Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Lagos State Polytechnic; the Polytechnic, Ibadan; University of Uyo; and Joseph Ayo Babalola University.

He said the accreditation exercise is a marked effort in guaranteeing the sustenance of approved standards in the delivery of programmes leading to award of qualifications in insurance.

He however said that the Governing Council decided to institute an annual Nigeria insurance awards to honour those who have excelled in the profession and those who have contributed most significantly to the

insurance world-view over the years.

He said, “It is pleasing to report that the maiden awards will take place as part of the 2013 Annual Dinner and Investiture Ceremony slated for Friday 14th June,2013” Continuing he said, “The Governing Council, in establishing the modalities for the annual awards, has put in place an enduring legacy for recognition of icons of our profession and the beacons of hope for the up and coming generation.”

He commended the leadership of the insurance regulator, NAICOM, which is continually geared towards the growth and development of the Institute and the insurance industry as a whole.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

DIARY

Select ICT events SatCom Africa 2013. Holds 27-30 May 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

AnDevCon Spring Host Developers Conference. Holds May 28 -31, 2013 in Boston, USA.

Senate committee tasks Presidency on Biosafety bill

Mobile Network Performance Management 2013. Holds June 03 - 05, 2013 in London, UK.

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

MVNO 2013.

Holds 4-5 June 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

T

ment, application for building infrastructure has now been streamlined that it takes only 30 days to process and approve applications. She also in the document claimed that the GEJ government has reduced cost of right of way from five million naira to one hundred and forty five thousand naira only (?5 million to ?145,000).

Listing other achievements and developments in the ICT sector, Okonjo-Iweala said that the administration has also reduced multiple taxation on operators and created a strong government support to and licensing of mobile companies.

She said: “Mobile phone subscriptions have

HE Senate Commit tee Chairman on Science and Technology, Sen. Ajayi Borofice has warned the presidency of the dangers of further delaying the signing of Biosafety bill into law.

In fact, Borofice declared that further delay on the bill would affect the Nigerian economy negatively.

He gave the warning when the committee visited the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA in Abuja.

Borofice expressed disappointment that the bill had not been signed even after it had long been ratified and submitted to the Presidency by the sixth National Assembly based on merit and its capacity to wealth creation and boosting of Nigeria’s economic growth.

The law maker, who expressed satisfaction with the effort of the agency emphasized the need for quick passage of the bill into law and urged the minister of science and technology, Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa to take up the challenge of educating the Presidency on the importance of the bill to Nigeria.

“There is great stride this agency has taken in the area of molecular genetics and also in the area of pharmaceutical. Also in area of agric biotechnology. These are very important either in medicine or in agriculture.

“I think they have done very well in a very shot time. I am also impressed in the area of collaboration and the kind of partnership they have been able to attract from abroad, despite the fact that their major constraint is that Biosafety bill, which has not been signed

Continues on Page 28

Continues on Page 29

 Mobile Video 2013. Holds 4-5 June 2013 in Berlin, Germany. M2M Forum Europe 2013. Holds June 10-12, 2013 in London, UK.

Preview

Artificial trees remove CO2 from air

FG scores self high on ICT

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

A new breed of artificial trees able to scrub carbon dioxide from the air could help to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

Developed by Klaus Lackner of Columbia University, the air filtering device features strands of a resin-based material that attracts the CO2 and binds to it—capturing the carbon dioxide directly from the air and creating bicarbonate salt. Lackner estimates it could take as many as 10 million ‘artificial trees’ to lower the atmospheric CO2 concentrations by 0.5ppm per year. The CO2 can also be released at will by adding water to the material, which could make it useful as a way to supply CO2 to greenhouse plants in order to help ensure healthy plant growth.

I N S I D E C M Y K

TRANSFORMATION AGENDA: P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and his cabinet last week rose stoutly to claim that his Government has raised the bars in ICT development within the short span it has already spent directing the affairs of the country.

However, government admitted failure in Quality of Service, QoS, saying it remains a major problem.

Contained in his Mid term presentation of the transformation agenda, during the Democracy

,

,

New inventions shaping life and living

From left: Google Policy Manager, Titi Akinsanmi; Google Nigeria Country Manager, Juliet Ehimuan; Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; Google Sub Saharan Africa Director, Sean Lefleur during the launch of the Google-commissioned ‘Impact of Internet’ study in Abuja.

CPN inducts 33 computer science graduates of KWASU

•Lists new ministry, subscriber base, internet growth as mid term achievements •Admits QoS still problematic •Stakeholders point way to more developments Day celebration, was a summary of federal government’s account of achievements in ICT since the administration took charge in 2011.

According to the document, “the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan came into being in May 2011. At the second year the administration considers it appropriate to render an ac-

Online shopping habit in Nigeria is gradually gaining momentum.

Online vendors, like Konga.com, and Jumia.com report about 100,000 unique visitors each day and this has grown the value of online shopping by 25 per cent amounting to N62.4 billion in 2011 from N49.9 billion in 2010

USPF distributes 120,000 PCs to schools

count of its activities to the nation. This report therefore highlights the achievements of this government in advancing the rule of law, democracy and development in Nigeria”.

The document titled “presidential mid-term report: Summary of policies and strategies for delivering the transformation agenda” by Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that President Jonathan’s administration, created, for the first time, a new Ministry of Communication Technology to champion reforms, arguing that this has increased the ease of doing business for Telecom Services Providers.

According to the docu-

Infinitiser delivers Glo’s 26m subscribers free to postpaid customers

Intermarc kicks off 13th international cards confab in Lagos

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—27

USPF distributes 120,000 PCs to schools

BY EMEKA AGINAM

•Gets NAS nod to wire all Nigerian schools

CPN inducts 33 computer science graduates of KWASU T

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

BY EMEKA AGINAM

N

O fewer than 33 graduate students of the Computer Science graduates of the Computer, Library and Information Science Department, Kwara State University, ( K WASU) Malete, Ilorin were on Monday inducted by the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria, (CPN).

By this induction, the students being the first set to be inducted by the CPN among the Nigerian Universities become graduate members of the Nigerian IT profession and will be exempted from some levels of the Computer professional examinations conducted by the Council The CPN Registrar, Mr. Shehu S.A in his address during the induction ceremony told the new entrants that their journey into professionalism in IT has just begun. “You still have lots of hurdles to scale in order to attain global competitiveness in IT. Therefore, I will advise you to work hard in order to measure up to the required standards.

“In order to develop and nuture your potentials, the Council puts in place a professional examination which I believe that most of you are familiar with. Please, note that

From left: Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo; Counsellor, Unit Division of Student Affairs, Obafemi Awolowo University, Olanisebe Yetunde and Head of Counselling Unit Division of Student Affairs, Obafemi Awolowo University, Obisakin Busayo, at the Etisalat Cliqfest Seminar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

high standard of good and ethical conduct are what is expected from IT professionals and that they should be good ambassadors of the profession always.

“Therefore, I will want all of you here today to see yourself as ambassadors of the profession and thread the path of honor and integrity al all times. As graduate members being inducted and having being following the content and quality of the programme of the de-

partment, you are going to be exempted from some levels of the CPE professional examination” he explained.

He also told the gathering that the best most outstanding three students of the department will be given scholarship qualification examination free of charge.

He added that the Council hopes to induct about 50 Universities across the nation in the current financial year.

“We have just started. You

are the first set ever. Go out to the world and use the knowledge gained in the school to make in part in the society. Your destiny lies in hands” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Abdulrashewed Naallah who was represented by the academic Cordinator to the VC, Dr. Saka Mamud, told the students to make a difference in their lives with knowledge gained in the school.

HE Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF has distributed about 120,000 personal computers to 1200 public secondary schools across the country.

The Executive Secretary of USPF, Abdullahi Maikanu disclosed this yesterday when the House Committee on Communication visited one of the USPF School Access projects in Jabi Junior Secondary school, Abuja.

He said that Jabi Government Secondary school is one of the 1200 schools that have benefited from the scheme with 100 PCs and internet facilities to aid the students in their learning processes and also place them at a vantage position to compete with peers globally.

According to him, USPF had since inception in 2007 covered about 1200 schools scattered all over the country with a plan to reach out to all secondary school in Nigeria.

“We intend to do more until every secondary school in the country benefits from this School Access programme. It started way back in 2007 and over a thousand secondary schools have benefitted and we intend to do a lot more. The one in Jabi started six months ago but the implementer has one year maintenance.

“It is our hope that ev-

ery child in Nigeria will have access to computer and internet service to simplify leaning and also preparing them for future challenges,” .

On his part, the Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji expressed satisfaction with USPF, saying that the project has rubbed off on the lives of the students to become better leaders of tomorrow.

“My impression on this tour has been very lovely. The communication centre at Minna and the School Access programme at Dikko and Jabi show that Nigeria is moving forward. You could see the children very happy and the Principal said the Parents Teachers Association, PTA contributed money for the renovation of the computer centre. They did not wait for government.

“With these 100 computers given to them, by the time they are in SS3 the knowledge is already in their head and will use it to help the country.

“I urge USPF to do more of this. This is why we have always ask for previous budget performance before we can approve new one. This kind of performance will encourage us to put in more fund. I will not deny these children of ICT knowledge because they are the future leaders."

CSR: MTN devotes 21 days to educational development

BY JOY OBOMASE

M

TN Nigeria, Monday announced that it would devote the next 21 days to promoting campaigns that would assist the nation in developing its educational sector.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of its 21 Days Yellow care campaign in Lagos, the chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie said that the 21days of yellow care translates to various community building activities which MTN engages itself in to reciprocate the support of various communities in which it operates.

Explaining why this year’s theme is Investing in education for all, Dozie said that, “each year's activity is guided by an overarching theme i am pleased that this year's theme touches on investment on education.

“As with MTN well-esC M Y K

tablished corporate Social Investment initiatives in the area of education, our efforts through out this year's yellow care programme are aimed at shaping Nigeria’s future through education. This is because we recognise the pivotal role that education plays in the development of our nation.

“Given the current state of affairs, I believe that the private sector, civil society, parents and indeed everyone have a collective role to play in ensuring that our children receive quality education.

A look at some of the statistics might help us better understand the enormity of our current educational challenges and the need for urgent action.

According to the United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization {UNESCO}10.5 Million Nigerian children of school-age are out of school, making Nige-

ria home to the largest number of out-school in Africa. 40% Of Nigeria children aged 6-11 do not attend primary school.

“30% of Nigerian children drop out of primary

school Only 54% of Nigerian students transit to junior secondary school The proportion of girls to boys in school in Nigeria is approximately 1 girl to 3 boys.

"There also continues to be insufficient funding to cover the education of our growing population, particularly in science and technology.

"The reality, is that the

future of our children, the future of this great nation rests on our willingness to make a commitment to contribute in any way we can to the growth of education in Nigeria" he added.

Nigeria grabs excellence award at US Science, Engineering show

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

N

IGERIA’S repre sentatives at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held in Phoenix, US last week clinched the United Technology Company (UTC) Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering. The duo of Duro-Aina Adebola and Zainab Bello from Doregos Private Academy Iyana Ipaja, Lagos invented a urine-powered generator to win the award

and prize money of US$3000 in scholarship.

The award-winning invention seeks to provide affordable and sustainable energy sources as a solution to the epileptic power supply in developing countries without the attendant consequences caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the students’ teacher who supervised the invention and accompanied them on the trip, Mr Oluseyi Lawal, “the project

works on the principle of electrolysis and energy conversion. It works like the conventional generator; the direct current output of the generator is connected to the urine electrolytic cell to ensure continuous production of the hydrogen-oxygen which ensures the continuous running of the engine”.

Lawal added that, “the generator is environmental friendly. The exhaust gas produced from the generator is water vapour, which is non-tox-

ic, compared to carbon monoxide of conventional carbon based fuels. I commend the students for their ingenuity, innovation and creativity.”

Speaking on the need to drive and encourage innovation among youth, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor stressed that Intel was committed to encouraging interests in Science and Technology especially among the youths.

28— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

FG scores self high on ICT Continues from Page 26

Infinitiser delivers Glo’s 26m subscribers free to postpaid customers

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

I

F benefits including few minutes free calls to selected numbers and a couple of free credits after reaching some loyalty threshold, which some operators in recent times allow their subscribers, have so much become part of their telephone lives, Second National Operator, Globacom, may be recreating the per second billing feat with its recent Infinitiser postpaid customers service To many subscribers who witnessed the launch of the service in Lagos, last week, it was so amazing to see the network hand its 26 million subscribers over, for free, to a section of its customers to interact with.

More so, when the Postpaid telecom landscape in Nigeria shows lots of confusion and complications, leading the customers to pay costly tariff and only enjoy additional features with additional charge.

It was not surprising to see smiles in the faces of some post-paid subscribers who were at the venue of the launch, immediately details of the service were unveiled.

Called Glo Infinitiser, Globacom said this product is conceived to offer subscribers the full range of Glo voice, data and business offerings with the convenience of a single monthly bill. It said the product will eliminate the inconvenience of recharging different voice and data accounts within the month.

In fact, Globacom’s Head of Corporate Sales, Kamaldeen Shonibare, explained that the product was the first of its kind, developed to enable postpaid subscribers to make absolutely free calls to 26 million subscribers on the Glo network once the beneficiary pays the monthly subscription fee of N5,000. This is also in addition to a monthly 1GB data bundle.

For him, it was the biggest post-paid product offering ever in Nigeria. “Infinitiser gives a golden opportunity to achieve more, enables you to talk endlessly with loved ones and business associates.

It helps you to close your deal and get fulfillment.

It mitigates the difference between day and night because you can make free calls on it twenty four hour a day and seven days a week”.

According to him, the

The House Committee Chairman on Communications, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji (middle), members of his committee and Executive Secretary of Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, Abdullahi Maikanu when the committee visited one of the USPF School Access projects in Jabi Junior Secondary School, Abuja. Photo by Emmanuel Elebeke. product is targeted at existing and potential pre and post paid customers.

He explained that the new product also offers free 1GB of data monthly along with the free calls.

Calls to other networks will be at the low rate of 25k per second, on-net SMS at N4 per message and international calls at the rate of N9 per minute to 7 destinations namely, US, UK landline, Canada, India, China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Shonibare however added that the product is of super Closed User Group (CUG) which will appeal

to business customers, high net-worth individuals, business owners and senior managers within the corporate, SME and Public sectors, From his explanation, subscribers currently on the post paid tariff are eligible to migrate to the new Infinitiser, while individuals who currently spend more than N5,000 to recharge their prepaid lines monthly also stand to benefit by moving to the Infinitiser post paid platform.

To join Infinitiser on the post-paid platform, new subscribers and those already on pre-paid

will need to formally apply and fill subscriber agreement forms, make monthly N5,000 deposit, before their lines are activated.

High point of the product, according to Mr. Sheriff Kolapo of Glo’s Marketing Department is that even though Glo Infinitiser targets High valued customers with substantial value for their money, it has no complications or hidden charges. It gives the biggest value for postpaid customers in the history of postpaid business in Nigeria.

increased. In 2004, only 8.5% of the population had access to mobile phones, but this was to increase to 92.75% in 2013.

Access to internet is rising. 38% of Nigerians now have access, compared to 34% at the end of 2012”.

She noted that as a result, more of government services like passports are being delivered online to the convenience of Nigerians Iweala claimed that “government is now delivering around 50 services online, compared with 30 at the end of 2012. Yet about 1800 individuals registered in micro work/ e-lance initiative equating to $121,000 new revenues.

Online shopping habit in Nigeria is gradually gaining momentum. Online vendors, like Konga.com, and Jumia.com report about 100,000 unique visitors each day and this has grown the value of online shopping by 25% amounting to ?62.4 billion in 2011 from ?49.9 billion in 2010” She however admitted that Quality of service remains a problem, adding that government was working hard to encouraging more investments to tackle this problem.

From its inception, President Jonathan’s administration has created the impression that ICT would play a pivotal role in the success of its transformation agenda, meant to deepen the turn around of the Nigerian economy and position the country among the twenty strong economies of the world in the year 2020.

NCS confers Jim Ovia with honorary fellowship

BY EMEKA AGINAM

I

N recognition of his outstanding contribution to Information and Communications Technology in the country, the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS, has awarded the Chairman of Visafone communications Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia, with the Honorary Fellowship of the Society.

Fellow is the highest grade of the NCS professional cadre. To attend the status of a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer, a candidate must have contributed to the advancement or application of Information Technology for significant value to the Society.

With the award, Ovia became the 10th individual to be honoured with the revered title in the over 30 years of existence of the NCS. Speaking at the award ceremony held in Lagos

last week, the President, NCS, Sir Demola Aladekomo, said the award came the way of Ovia for his contribution and the advancement or application of IICT for sig He said that the award ceremony for Ovia had been necessitated following his inability to physically present, due to some exigencies, at the NCS at the 2012 National Information Technology Merit and Fellowship Awards held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos nificant value to the society.

Mr. Jim Ovia, he said introduced a great deal of technology driven innovations into the Nigerian banking industry.

According to him, being the first President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Ovia is not only an avid IT promoter, but has also invested massively in Nigeria’s technology sector.

From left: Former Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc and Founder, Visafone Communications Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia; President,Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, Sir Demola Aladekomo and Provost, College of Fellows, NCS, Alhaji Ladi Ogunneye during the conferment of Award of Honorary Fellowship of the NCS on Ovia in Lagos.

The NCS President noted that Ovia has led several national IT-related initiatives such as the Nigerian Software Development Initiative (NSDI), the National Information Technology Advisory Council (NITAC) and the National Broadband Committee.

While receiving the award, Ovia appreciated

the NCS for the honour, promising to abide by all the rules and regulations of the NCS. “I will continue to empower the youths in ICT. That is my passion. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. We must continue to support them in ICT capacity building” he said.

However, before now, notable practitioners in the Information and Communications Technology ICT, sector who took a cursory look at the agenda, declared that President Goodluck Jonathan may not need much pressure to get it right, if only it could fix certain areas in the sub sectors of the ICT industry.

The ICT experts including the president of Institute of software practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, Dr Chris Uwaje, Chairman of Zinox technologies, Dr Leo-Stan Ekeh, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, Engr Gbenga Adebayo and the Chairman Teledom Group, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem among others, said that, world over, ICT has been discovered to be major economic enabler .

They expressed belief in the principle of transformation and said it could achieve aim if backed with known vehicles of change. They, therefore, proffered solutions they believed would help the government use ICT means to achieve vision 202020.

Ekuwem: We need identity recognition (IR) software that matches video output of CCTV cameras, IP cameras, mobile phone cameras to video clips of “persons of interest” stored in a backend criminal database. Criminals/ terrorists are going around unidentified and unapprehended. Vehicles carry bombs,explosives, arms, ammunition, weapons, etc undetected by scanning using VACIS with broadband interconnection for remote surveillance.

Uwaje: to ensure National security and prosperity of 21st century, we need to establish a Software Commission and Nigeria must execute herNational Software Policy, Strategy and Legislation and also ensure that proactive government and e-learning Framework/Solutions are put in place. This is because new knowledge society and economy (Information Society) cannot be separated from the education process. Indeed, conventional wisdom dictates that education is a socio-continuum and our cumulative life experiences as human beings translate into education – lifelong-learning, where mother nature and the total environment is and remains the inevitable classroom and research laboratory for all!

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—29

Intermarc kicks off 13th international cards confab in Lagos

BY WINIFRED IMOULAMEN

I

NTERMARC Consulting Limited has expressed readiness to kick off this year’s edition of its annual international conference on cards and epayments in Lagos.

The three day event which commences at the Eko Hotels, June 11 has the

theme” Shared services: Optimising payment systems in Africa”. Intermarc said that as and epayment systems have now taken centre stage in the economies of most African countries, banks and other financial institutions are consistently looking for solutions and value added services for the benefits of the market, which is also ma-

turing and coming to terms with the reality of modernization with the benefit of security, speed and convenience.

The consulting firm, announced that the objective of this edition is to create the much needed awareness for the Central Bank of Nigeria Cashless Policy especially as it relates to the creation of a Central Switch

and the prohibited gentiles for mobile money and agent banking in Nigeria.

“We will also have sessions on how successful shared services implementations across the world can share their learning points with Africa”.

It also added that in order to maximize the potential benefits of epayment, the concept of shared ser-

vices has been adopted in most implementations in the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe. We also see similar trends in South Africa. This concept is becoming more popular in the rest of Africa. The question however is “how do stakeholders cooperate to compete”.

The event is the biggest Card Exhibition in Africa

and will therefore include a high calibre of personnel; Deputy Governor of Central Bank, The Managing Director of NIBSS, Managing Directors of Banks as well as other and leading epayment service providers from Nigeria and overseas.

The conference will feature Six Technical forums each focusing on specific payment systems.

Meanwhile, the main attraction of the event is the three day exhibition in the Orchid and Lantana halls of the new expo centre of the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

Over 50 exhibitors from countries like Portugal, China, Egypt, France, UK, Dubai, Morocco has been tipped to have indicated interests to exhibit the latest technologies in electronic payment. Some of the companies are; SIBS International, Master Card Worldwide, JCB, Samsung, Airtel, HPS, among others.

The central bank of Nigeria, CBN alongside major Nigerian banks like Diamond, Zenith, Skye, Access are also expected to attend the event.

Senate committee tasks Presidency on Biosafety bill Continues from Page 26 into law. And this is a major constraint in the kind of things they can do and the kind of partnership they can attract from abroad. In all they have done well in what they have been assigned to undertake,” he said.

He also charged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the research work of the agency to create more wealth necessary products for the country.

For him, “many research institutions like this must have laws and procedures that will guide them in what they do, because some of the chemical elements they use are hazardous and must be known, so that they do not endanger the health of Nigerians. With this law, they are going to have meaningful collaboration with partners and be able to expand towards wealth creation” Responding, the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Bamidele Solomon lamented the delay in the signing of the bill, saying that coupled with poor funding, it had remained a major constraint to his agency’s performance. He cried out that “the funding, particularly in the science and technology segment has been low. If we can use the little funding to achieve all we have done, then government should be able to compliment our effort by increasing our funding,” he said.

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L - R: Mr. Rotimi Famuagun, WEMA Bank Business Development Manager, Orereowu Branch; Mr. Dele Olaolu, Regional Executive, South West, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu and Mr. Nurudeen Fagbenro, Executive Director, WEMA Bank during a courtesy visit of the WEMA Bank Management team to the Office of the Deputy Governor in Ado-Ekiti..

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L-r: High Networth Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Ms. Aisha Ahmad and Independence Trophy winners, Linetrale Delaney’s Team Captain, Mr. Mustapha Fasinro at the Stanbic IBTC Bank co-sponsored Lagos International Polo Tournament in Ikoyi, Lagos.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 37

She doesn’t want full lovemaking

Should I have this tryst with my ex?

Dear Bunmi, A few years back, I made a pact with my boyfriend that, no matter what, every five years, we’d meet at a certain restaurant we often frequented in the area where we lived. The romance was really hot and he was my first love, so we put the date in our diaries, vowing we’d be there.

We split up about a year later because he went abroad for his masters, but we parted on good terms. He’s since been back in the country and that date comes around in a few months. But I’m now married and have a child.

I’m happy with my husband but I would still like to honour the promise I made all those years ago. I know my loyalties should lie with my family, but I also feel an obligation to a man who was once very important to me.

My question is, should I go or not? I have had no contact with my ex since he came back simply because he doesn’t know my contact address. I have no way of finding out if he even remembers our pact.

What if he doesn’t turn up? I’m driving myself mad trying to decide. Can you help?

Yemisi, by e-mail.

Dear Yemisi, Have you thought of selling the film rights to this deliciously complex moral dilemma to any of these Nollywood producers?!

I can see you’re dying to honour this pact out of curiosity.

But before you dorn your glad rags and sit in that restaurant (if it still exists!) you need to have a brutally honest look at your motives for going.

You say you’re happy with your husband and child, but it’s tough being a wife and mother and there’s a bit of fan-

tasy wrapped around this secret meeting. Think of what is likely to happen when you meet up, and be honest with yourself.

Will the goodbye at the end involve a handshake and “Iovely to see you” or a Iingering kiss with promises, emails and, next thing you know, you’re meeting up in five days rather than five years?

If you honestly don’t have any ulterior motives of rekindling the romance or having a stolen night of ex lovemaking, why haven’t you told your hus-

band about this? You never know, he might just be happy to watch over the baby and be sitting at home curious and excited to find out what happened when you get home.

Your best bet here is not to go anywhere near the restaurant.

Instead, send a friend (with his photo) in your place to tell him you couldn’t turn up but wish him well. You could also leave a message with the owner of the place saying same thing.

Do let me know what happened. I’m desperate to find out if he turns up or not!

‘

I’m nervous about trying because I know it won’t work and I don’t want to be ridiculed by my women

She complains I leave her sore Dear Bunmi, I don’t ejaculate easily and can make love with nothing happening for a long time.

My current girlfriend is now getting frustrated and sore. I don’t know what the trouble is as I have no problem masturbating. Can you help?

Patrick, by e-mail.

Dear Patrick, Some few men have difficulty reaching orgasm. For most of these men, it will be only temporary. But for some, it can be due to an underly-

’

ing health problem like diabetes. Prescription drugs can also delay ejaculation as can too much alcohol.

When you masturbate, you know how to touch yourself to get the best feel. Teaching a girlfriend to stimulate you the same way may also help your performance. For some men, it is more in the mind with worries about the relationship.

Let your girlfriend know how you feel and tell her you need her co-operation for both of you to have a fulfilled love life.

Is this toyboy trying to dump me?

Dear Bunmi, I am in my early 40s, divorced, with two children. I have a thriving business I enjoy running and recently met a young handsome chap who supplied a few items to my shop.

One thing led to another and we started a relationship. He lives alone with his daughter but spends most of his free time with me.

He seemed really shocked a few months ago when he flicked through my passport and saw how old I was. He said I was over 10 years older than he was. He looked older to me and people have always said I looked lots younger for

my age.

He told me he was not bothered by the age gap, that we should take each day as it comes. Not long after, he stopped coming to my house altogether.

He assured me it had nothing to do with my age, that after the relationship with the mother of his son, he didn’t want to rush into anything he would regret.

Will he come back? I love him in spite of his age.

Helen, by e-mail.

Dear Helen, Underlying every relationship between a man and a woman, whether they ac-

knowledge it or not, is their powerful desire to have children. Because you feared it might spoil the romance, you must have instinctively hid your age from your man.

When he knew the truth, his underlying concern was that you were nearing the end of your child-bearing years.

Men search for women who are younger than them because they’re more likely to be fertile.

The chemistry of attraction is also simple and as basic as that— and this must have been why your brief and heady romance ended so abruptly. You need to move on as it’s not likely he’ll come back.

Dear Bunmi, About a month ago, I met this lovely girl at an informal gettogether and couldn’t believe my luck when she agreed to come home with me.

We’re both single and all she wanted was to have oral love.

We’ve met a couple of times after that and she still hasn’t changed her mind.

Although she satisfies me whenever we have oral love, I can’t help wondering if she would let me have full intercourse.

Have you any tips on getting her to let us make full love?

Amaka, by e-mail.

Dear Amaka, You’ve only met and I am sure full intercourse will come as soon as she gets to know you better.

She might have just started on the pill when she met you and you need to abstain from lovemaking for a full month for the pill to work.

Have a word with her and that might put your mind at rest. Let her know that as much as you love oral love with her, penetrative lovemaking would be wonderful once in a while.

Help! My libido is failing!

Dear Bunmi, I am in my mid 30s and have a good job and a healthy social life. However, there is an embarrassing problem that is bringing me a lot of shame.

Whenever I go to bed with a partner, the chemistry is right and I have no problems performing. Lately, however, I just don’t seem to be able to get it up. Most of the time, my manhood doesn’t rise to the occasion.

I’m nervous about trying because I know it won’t work and I don’t want to be ridiculed by my women. Is there anything I can do?

Funsho, by e-mail.

Dear Funsho, Your problem could be caused

by what is referred to as ‘performance anxiety.’ You’ve had a couple of bad experiences and now, your nerves make sure it happens nearly every time.

There are some questions you need to answer: Could your present predicament have a physical cause? If it does, you need to see a doctor who may be able to help with this problem.

Are you leading an unhealthy lifestyle? Drinking too much booze can cause erectile problems, so cut down now.

Lastly, if your confidence is at its lowest ebb and you think of failing all the time, you will concentrate on what you’re good at in bed and take things slowly until you get your confidence back.

Why couldn’t he trust me?

Dear Bunmi, At the time I met my current partner four years ago, he was in a marriage that was heading for the rocks. He was having affairs and so was his wife.

In the end, the wife left with the two children of the marriage to be a second wife to one of her lovers.

It was after she left him we became attached to each other and we now have a daughter.

The problem is that in spite of my constantly showing and telling my partner how much I love him, he just doesn’t trust me.

He’s over 10 years older than I am and this could be reason for his insecurity. Every day, I get drilled about where I’ve been and who I’ve spoken to.

He accused me of arranging dates with men in my office and even clients. He rummages through my hand-bags any time he has the opportunity.

I have never been unfaithful to him and wouldn’t dream of betraying his trust. I just don’t

know how to deal with this insane jealousy of his.

Dolapo, by e-mail.

Dear Dolapo, A relationship founded on the ruins of a marriage is often difficult to sustain. Your partner thinks of you as the woman with whom he deserted his wife and children.

Because both of them were constantly unfaithful, he has lost confidence in the integrity of men and women. He feels no one could be faithful to him after the experience he went through with his ex, so he expects you to go the route his ex went.

Both of you need to discuss the need for absolute honesty in your relationship and agree to live only in ways that allow both of you to feel proud and secured.

But you also need to be patient with him. In time I hope that his faith in human nature and the belief that he is worthy of love— will be restored.

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

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Transfer Talk....T all the latest ins and outs o

Bale’s the Real deal

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EAL MADRID have warned Tottenham: We’re coming to get Gareth Bale.

President Florentino Perez publicly admitted for the first time the Spanish giants are interested in Bale and hinted they will make a bid in the next few weeks.

He told Spanish TV programme Punto Pelota: “Bale is one of Europe’s great players and Real Madrid always likes great players.

“We have to improve our squad but we have to do it with tranquillity — and we’ll do that in the next weeks.”

Perez revealed he met with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy last year to discuss Bale’s availability.

He added: “Bale’s one of the big players out there in Europe and Real Madrid always likes big players.

“I met Tottenham chairman Levy last year and he has an obligation to defend their interests.

“Regarding the figures spoken about Bale, players are neither cheap nor expensive, but an investment.

“Most expensive players are those that can be classified as an investment because, if they are very good, they produce a return.”

Perez’s words carry an extra weight as he has pulled off the most amazing

Everton swoop for Martinez

R

•Bale

Jesus raring to go for City

•JESUS

JESUS NAVAS has revealed he started talking to Manchester City about a move FOUR months ago.

The Spanish flyer will become incoming boss Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing when he completes his £25million switch to the Etihad.

Navas, who is set to undergo a medical, was linked to Real Madrid — but he insists he made up his mind on a switch to City long ago.

He said: “We’ve been talking with Manchester City for four months. The decision is taken.

“There had been rumours (about Real Madrid), but Manchester City were in from the start and I had decided some time ago.

“It’s a good project and it was the moment to make the step. I can’t wait to get started”, he added.

Villa cools Spurs talk DAVID VILL A insists he is happy at Barcelona amid speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham.

Villa, 31, said: “I have a contract with Barca and I’ve always said that I’m very happy here.

“I always try to think of the present. I will go to the Confederations Cup and try to play a good role there.

“We’ll need to analyse many things during the summer and then we’ll see.

“Right now I’m not thinking about anything else than playing football.”

OBERTO MARTINEZ is to become the new manager of Everton.

Goodison chairman Bill Kenwright plumped for the Spaniard yesterday and a compensation package was expected to be tied up last night with Wigan owner Dave Whelan.

The Latics chief had said he wanted a £2million pay-off when Martinez •Martinez told him he wanted to leave the FA Cup winners last week.

But after lengthy talks, a deal has been struck which is believed to be around £1.5m.

Allthat remains is for Martinez to sort out the fine details of his own contract.

But barring a late hitch, he will be announced as the new Goodison gaffer today.

Whelan told Radio 5 Live last night: “I agreed terms with the chairman at Everton, Bill, about six o’clock this evening.

“Bill and myself have sorted out the compensation and Roberto is free to do a deal with Everton now if he wants.

Sneijder to link up with Mourinho

W

esley Sneijder has been linked

•Mourinho

with a shock summer reunion with Jose Mourinho.

The Galatasaray playmaker is set to move to Chelsea according to reports in Turkey.

It is just five months since the Dutchman, 28, arrived from Inter Milan for £7million on a 3½-year deal.

But Sneijder has struggled under boss Fatih Terim and the Turkish club will listen to a ‘reasonable’ offer.

Sneijder certainly sees the chance to team up again with the Special One as an ideal escape route.

Man U on alert as Ronaldo puts •5.4m home for sale

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ristiano Ronaldo is putting his luxury home in Spain up for sale sparking talk of a move away from Real Madrid this summer.

AS says Ronaldo is asking €5.4 million for his spacious villa in Pozuelo de Alarcón. The charming cottage is 800 square metres with seven bedrooms, two swimming pools and 3,000 square metres of grounds.

Ronaldo remains unimpressed by Real president Florentino Perez’s tactics over new contract talks, with the Portuguese seeing his latest attempt to extend terms as more about his relationship with fans than how much he values the player.

•Villa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—39

Transfer Talk.... of the summer market •Muller

•Nani

Monaco chase £20m Nani

A

S Monaco are closing in on Manchester United winger Nani.

The People says Nani is

I’ll Check out if I’m not wanted

….Tiote tells Newcastle

C

HEICK TIOTE insists he is happy at

•Tiote

Newcastle and will only leave if he is no longer wanted.

The Ivory Coast star has endured a difficult season as the Magpies struggled to a 16thplaced finish in the Premier League.

He has been linked with a switch to Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.

Tiote, 26, said: “I have a contract with Newcastle. Unless they want to do business with another club, I will be a Newcastle player.

“I do enjoy the Premier League and want to play there for many years,

EPL ins and outs ARSENAL Ins: Outs: Craig Eastmond (Colchester, free), Jordan Wynter (Bristol City, free), Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Sanchez Watt, James Shea, Reice Charles-Cook, Sead Hajrovic, Philip Roberts, Nigel Neita, Samir Bihmoutine, Josh Rees (all released).

ASTON VILLA Ins: Outs: Eric Lichaj (released)

•Ronaldo

CARDIFF CITY Ins: Outs: Heidar Helguson, Stephen McPhail, Elliott Parish, Nat Jarvis, Jesse Darko (all released) CHELSEA

poised to quit Manchester United and join bigspending Monaco in a £20million deal.

Nani, 26, was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007 from Sporting Lisbon and has scored 39 goals in 215 appearances for United, but last season he made just seven starts and scored once in the Premier League.

Ins: Outs: CRYSTAL PALACE Ins: Outs: EVERTON Ins: Outs: FULHAM Ins: Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, free), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, free) Outs: HULL CITY Ins: George Boyd (Peterborough, free) Outs: Jay Simpson, Paul McKenna, Seyi Olofinjana, Lewis Clarkson, Mark Cullen, Jamie Devitt, Kealan Dillon, Daniel Emerton, Francis McCaffrey (all released), Andy Dawson (Scunthorpe United, free), Sonny Bradley (Portsmouth, free), Danny East (Portsmouth, free) LIVERPOOL Ins: Kolo Toure (Man City, free) Outs:

MAN CITY Ins: Outs: Kolo Toure (Liverpool, free), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian, free) MAN UTD Ins: Outs: NEWCASTLE Ins: Outs:

Man U approach Bayern for Muller price

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anchester United have sounded out Bayern Munich about Thomas Muller’s availability.

Kicker says United made a tentative approach to Bayern about a price for the Germany international, but there’s little interest over a sale.

“There are always such questions after the end of a season,” said Muller. “But there are no issues.”

NORWICH CITY Ins: Javier Garrido (Lazio, undisclosed) Outs: Lee Camp, Simeon Jackson, Korey Smith, Elliott Ward (all released), Marc Tierney (Bolton, free), Chris Martin (Derby, free) SOUTHAMPTON Ins: Outs: STOKE CITY Ins: Outs: SUNDERLAND Ins: Outs: Titus Bramble, Matthew Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson (all released) SWANSEA Ins: Outs: 19:00 Wed, 5 June 2013. To confirm your booking, you must complete payment using one of the following options: TOTTENHAM

Ins: Outs: Nathan (Swindon, free)

Byrne

WEST BROM Ins: Outs: Jerome Thomas, Gonzalo Jara (both released) WEST HAM Ins: Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk, free) Outs:

40—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Ogun: Unusual Standard SENATOR Ibikunle Amosun has made efforts in redefining the pace of governance in the gateway state with its articulation of what has been termed as the Ogun Standard. However, the legion of critics are still unbelieving

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

G

,

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun had early in his administration tasked the citizenry to measure his administration on five cardinal areas, viz: affordable qualitative education, efficient health care delivery, increased agricultural production / industrialization, affordable housing and urban renewal and rural and infrastructure development /employment generation.

At mid term recently he claimed to have achieved in all five areas, though the jury out there, especially the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is deeply critical.

The PDP believes that the only area where Amosun has performed is in security which, ironically, is outside the mainstream of his five cardinal agenda.

The governor who acknowledged the support of the people to his government in the last two years said the successes recorded so far are attributed to God’s mercy and favour.

Giving an example of how God helped him to achieve his agenda on qualitative education, Senator Amosun disclosed recently: “towards the fulfillment of our Affordable Qualitative Education Programme, we adopted the following approaches: Free education to all Public Primary and Secondary Schools with abolition of tuition fees and all forms of levies. N3.2 billion was expended on the purchase of free textbooks, exercise books and other instructional material distributed to all Public Primary and Secondary School Students.

Speaking on construction of roads since his assumption, Amosun said “as I speak, there are construction projects going on in every senatorial district of our state. We are either building schools or health facilities. If we are not rehabilitating old roads, we are constructing new ones. Indeed, Ogun State is being correctly described as a huge construction site.

In this sector, over 400km of rural roads have been opened up in the 20 Local Government areas of our State”.

Remarkably, the State House of Assembly has in the last two years passed 22 bills into law while 42 motions have also been adopted as part of efforts to complement the efforts of the administration.

Speaker of the Assembly Suraj Adekunbi said: “The bills and resolutions are meant to complement the efforts of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led-administration in fast tracking socio-economic development of the State.

Irrespective of the words of support from the legislature the political opposition in the state especially the Labour Party and the PDP accuse the administration of deceit.

•Amosun The PDP while approving the security measures taken by the Amosun administration, nevertheless scores the government of doing woefully in all other sectors.

State Chairman of the PDP, Engineer Bayo Dayo in his assessment of Amosun’s two year government faulted the administration for lacking a blueprint for the development of the state.

He said “whether we like it or not, he will finish his first term, but PDP will take over from him in 2015. “All professionals, market women and students are fed up with Amosun’s government and by the grace of God there will be change of government. You see for Senator Gbenga Kaka who is a member of CAN to have criticized Amosun government speaks volume of the bad governance.

“Their own people are not happy, the governor is not a listening person. Many schools in the state are without chairs, pupils sit under trees and he still goes ahead to build model schools while the existing ones are neglected”.

Corroborating the view of the PDP, LP accused the administration of having misplaced priorities on account of its focus on white elephant projects.

The LP State Secretary, Sunday Ogini berated the government for concentrating its efforts in the urban areas adding: “This is a government that has no blue print. Construction of roads are done at the expense of people, market women have been displaced without adequate compensation. Most of the state hospitals are glorified mortuaries.

The governor who acknowledged the support of the people to his government in the last two years said the successes recorded so far are attributed to God’s mercy and favour

,

Ebonyi: Slow and steady T

BY PETER OKUTU

HE administration of Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has over the years recorded success in different sectors of the state’s economy and also incurred diverse criticisms for empowering only very few individuals, and mostly politicians.

As a policy the administration has decided not to embark on further intensive capital projects but rather focus on the completion of all ongoing ones in order to limit the number of uncompleted projects in the state.

The development inclinations of the administration have also rubbed off on governance at the rural level as chairmen and Development Centre coordinators of LGAs have followed his steps.

Speaking during the last Democracy Day celebrations Governor Elechi extolled Chairmen and Coordinators within the LGAs for following his footsteps in the area of infrastructural development.

The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Chike Onwe lists the achievements of the Elechi administration in several sectors including infrastructure, water, health and agriculture.

One particular achievement he notes is the administration’s recent success in combating the plague of guinea worm in the state.

“Water which could be termed as life was a big issue before the creation of the state and we had a Continues on page 41

,

THE administration in Ebonyi may have been flayed for being slow in improving the infrastructure network in the state, but there is no denial that it is steady and focused in that direction.

One particular achievement he notes is the administration’s recent success in combating the plague of guinea worm in the state

,

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 —41

Kaduna:

Safe baton transfer

GOVERNOR Mukthar Yero had promised to sustain the pursuit of peace and security inherited from his predecessor, the late Ibrahim Yakowa. So far he has remained on that course.

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

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Sustaining the peace It was as such not surprising that the state’s treasury was heavily affected as resources otherwise meant for development were channeled towards sustaining the peace. Yakowa was dogged in his quest for the phantom unity he sought, holding elaborate meetings with stakeholders, making appeals to youths, setting up all kinds of reconciliatory confabs and even endorsed a White Paper on the Post Election Violence that provided compensation for victims.

Remarkably, despite the distractions, the Yakowa government still made some efforts in infrastructure development. He was able to resurrect the multi-billion Naira Zaria Water Works project which he met at about 15% stage of completion, after about 10 years and left it at about 75% completion.

Yakowa initiated and constructed the N6.9 billion Yakowa Road and the 3rd Kaduna bridge under a record period of 16 months. He also awarded contracts worth N25 billion for 32 roads within urban and rural areas.

The administration also invested heavily in the health

Ebonyi:

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Y some irony of fate Kaduna State has had three governors in as many years through the accident of death. The incumbent, Mukthar Yero took over last December upon the death of the then governor, Sir Ibrahim Yakowa who himself took over after the death of President Umaru Yar`adua elevated the then governor, Arc. Namadi Sambo to the position of vice-president.

Governor Yero has pledged to sustain what many saw as the veritable legacy of his predecessor, which was essentially peace and security in one of the country’s most volatile states. Beyond peace and security, the governor has also promised to sustain the development projects inherited from Yakowa.

While many agree that he is talking that, it is nevertheless the belief of nearly all that he is also looking way back to the time of then Governor Sambo for an anchor.

It is as such not surprising that at mid term that an assessment of Yero’s legacy would be set under the shadow of his predecessors.

From May 29th, 2011 to December 10th, 2012 when he died, Yakowa’s major pre-occupation was peace and security, after series of bombings allegedly instigated by the Boko Haram terrorist group and the spate of killings in the Southern section of the state arising from alleged killings by Fulani herdsmen which led to reprisals.

Governor Yero who succeeded him last December is obviously determined to sustain the Yakowa legacy

•Yero and educational sectors, albeit with little success arising from the security challenges. The late governor’s simplicity, humility and magnanimity of spirit gave him a father-figure, as his charisma cast a benign hue over the state. His presence as an unbiased governor was a moderating influence to the extreme differences shared in the state.

Governor Yero who succeeded him last December is obviously determined to sustain the Yakowa legacy.

“His Excellency has promised to carry on the legacy of the late Sir Ibrahim Yakowa”, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor explained. “He has gone round the three Senatorial districts and held meetings with stakeholders for peace and unity” he said.

He has continued with the elaborate empowerment schemes of Yakowa, distributing buses and tricylces to the unemployed under the SURE- P scheme.

The most vocal opposition party in the state, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), however, flays the Yero administration as betraying its Yakowa roots saying that the governor has rather gone further to draw inspiration from Sambo. The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the ACN, Bar. Mohammed Musa Soba said: “In the last 100 days, the Yero administration has not done enough to convince the populace that it is indeed a continuation of the Yakowa administration.

Slow and steady Continues from page 40

reputation of being labelled guinea worm headquarters of the world.”

“His Excellency felt that need and decided to construct two giant water treatment plants, one at Oferekpe in Ikwo LGA and Ukawu in Onicha LGA to gulp N7.6 billion and N3.9 billion respectively and upon completion would serve the entire need of the people of the state to the capacity of 200 million litres of water per day.

“His intervention in the area of education and health are unprecedented; encouraging rural hospitals to deliver healthcare to the people; construction of international market with over 5000 stores which would when completed be the hub of economic activities for the state; construction of Ochudo city which is being built on the portion of land that was exchanged with the Nigerian Army; one section of the city has been developed with the erection of 11 standard model administrative blocks each of them specific to the need of the Ministry for which it was designed.

“The government has also designed and constructed a digitalized Radio and Television corporation, EBBC and working assiduously to build power plants in the state. These projects are tied to the needs of the people.

•Elechi: “However, the two projects that may not get 100 percent status by the time this administration winds up because of the outlay of funds and time required for their completion are the reticulation of water to all the LGAs and communities in the state and the Ebonyi State University project.

Onwe’s approval of Elechi is nonetheless faulted by the chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state, Mr. Jerry Obasi who rated the performance of the present administration low. He uses as his index the poverty level of those at the rural level which he says does not reflect the more than N144 billion statutory allocation and other intervention funds received under Elechi.

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42—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Bauchi: Pursuing lasting legacy SIX years down the line and 24 months to go, Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda is faced with the challenge of leaving a lasting legacy in the state. He is bent on realizing this quest via completion of all his projects before the expiration of his tenure in 2015.

BY SUZAN EDEH

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HE respect many had for Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, a two time military governor, two time civilian governor and a Gentleman Officer may have reduced after he claimed victory in the Nigerian Governors Forum chairmanship election of penultimate Friday.

With the result of the election showing that he polled 16 votes to the 19 scored by his rival, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, many were at loss as to Jang’s permutation of victory.

What Jang and his ‘leader’, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, used to claim victory was the endorsement purportedly given by some 19 governors prior to the election.

The signatures were later proved to have been collated in April, when Jang was not a candidate for the NGF chairmanship.

Waving the endorsement paper, Jang and Akpabio sought to convince a sceptical audience of their ‘endorsement victory.’

“How come I lost in an election I was endorsed by 19

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HEN he began his second term in May 2011, Governor Yuguda told Bauchi citizenry that he would focus attention on completing all on-going projects, saying that only new projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people would be executed.

Most of the projects during his first tenure were not executed because contractors abandoned them. Thus, the governor’s posture on returning for second term was not surprising.

“This time it will not be business as usual because I want to correct all the mistakes I made during my first tenure in office. My administration will place high premium on the execution of projects that have impact on security of lives and property, while a lot of investment opportunities would be explored to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state,” he said.

Indeed, the governor appears to be matching his words with action. So far, he has executed many laudable projects that cut across health, education, youth and women empowerment, transportation, water supply, agriculture and security.

Among his laudable projects in the state is the longawaited Bauchi State International Airport. Known as the Pearl of Tourism, Bauchi State since its creation 1976 until now was the only state without an airport among its contemporaries across the country.

The project was conceived in the 70’s when the Murtala/ Obasanjo military administration attempted to build the airport in honour of the first and only Prime Minister of the country, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, but the plan did not materialize. Another attempt by the Shehu Shagari’s administration in the 1980’s also failed. Yuguda, as Aviation minister during the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, made efforts to construct the airport but could not despite being a kitchen cabinet member.

However, the airport dream was realized when the Isa Yuguda-led administration on October 25, 2011 signed a N7.9 billion contract with Triacta Nigeria Limited for the construction of an Ultra-modern International Airport to be completed within 18 months. Currently, the project which is witnessing finishing touches preparatory to its commissioning. Work has been completed in areas such as the car park, terminal building for local and international passengers, Fire Brigade Unit, control tower, tarmac and 3.5 kilometre runway. The Airport has the capacity to accommodate 5-7 Aircrafts at the same time.

For some time, the people of the state have been yearning for a state university, which previous administrations could

•Yuguda not provide. The need has been met by Yuguda and today Bauchi owns a state university located at Gauda in Itas – Gauda. Academic activities have taken-off at the university.

In health, the Yuguda Administration is constructing a two billion Naira New Specialist Hospital to replace the old one that was given to the newly established Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital and the project is almost completed contrary to the jeers of critics. When the state government declared that it would convert the old Bauchi Specialist Hospital to a teaching hospital, opposition parties in the state faulted the move, saying that it was one of his empty promises.

Apart from the specialist hospital, the government has also completed the N375.6 million Bogoro and Bayara New General Hospital; renovated and equipped Shira Hospital while Kafin Madaki, Misau and Zaki new General Hospital will soon be commissioned.

The Governor has also approved the upgrading of the school of Nursing and Midwifery and that of Ningi Health Technology to the status of colleges. In addition, the state government has established a new VVF centre at the Ningi General Hospital to treat patients suffering from Virgina Vesico Fistula. In the past, victims of VVF often traveled far distances like Jos in Plateau state to seek for such services.

POLITICAL METABOLISM with

EMMANUEL AZIKEN

detritetradetoxifiedpolitics@gmail.com SMS 08052201189

Our diminished go vernor governor vernorss governors,” the Plateau governor looked on in askance.

Last weekend after Jang and three of the governors that endorsed him, Segun Mimiko (Ondo) Peter Obi (Anambra), and Liyel Imoke (Akwa Ibom) explained themselves to newsmen in Abuja and editors in Lagos, the weight of what hit them began to further unfold.

As some of them explained they took some things for granted in the run up to the election.

Crucial to the point marshalled by the Jang group is the claim that chairmen of the NGF had in the past emerged by consensus and not by election as Amaechi did this time around.

The Jang gang are also claiming that Amaechi ought not to have conducted the election, an argument that is easily vitiated with the overwhelming recognition of the role of the Director General of the NGF in that election.

Dr. Mimiko, himself, an expert in overwhelming the odds and hitting incumbents as he has so much done in Ondo, admitted that they should not have participated in the election. He has gone so far as to say that he didn’t vote but that his vote was counted!

Even more, the four governors are questioning the underlying reason for Amaechi’s insistence on rocking the boat with an

unprecedented second term.

Remarkably, Amaechi has largely kept quiet in the midst of the steadfast efforts of the Jang group to claim recognition. Jang has opened a new office of the NGF in Abuja, hired an administrator and sought to keep the flag of the NGF flying. But no one is deceived.

The NGF can not in the immediate future ever be the same again and it is no thanks to the governors themselves and the presidency.

The governors have greatly devalued the prestige of the office by their lack of coherence in an election that involved just 35 of them. If they could so much manipulate the facts on such a local election, one is definitely not surprised by the ease with which the governors rig local government elections to favour their parties.

Of course there is no doubt that the presidency may have won the war even if Amaechi is seen to have been declared winner of the election by the secretariat of the NGF.

So far, he has executed many laudable projects that cut across health, education, youth and women empowerment, transportation, water supply, agriculture and security

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Governor Amaechi’s ability to mobilse all 36 governors to stand up to the presidency on political and economic issues that concern them has been completely neutralised.

Amaechi is now a captain with half of his troops on AWOL and the majority of the remaining forces demoralised.

President Jonathan according to his aides did not take sides in the election and that fact is upheld by the fact that he was heavily engaged representing the country at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa at the time of the NGF election.

That, however, does not remove the damage the NGF crisis has put on his presidency. After all, the same president was quick to receive Jang as the chairman of the NGF just days after disowning both factions.

No one side has really come out of the crisis better. The office of the governor has been greatly diminished and even so the unseen presidential forces that led to such diminution.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 43

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CAPRICORN; Financial success is closer to you but if you misplace your priority then, that’s another thing entirely. Heated argument can not help your cause today.

AQUARIUS. If good advice comes your way don’t be too arrogant to take it. Travelling for love or business will bring you the desired results. Be cautious before 2.17pm PISCES; Success is boldly printed on your cards today and much will depend on what your priorities are. But your star desires mostly today is financial success .

ARIES;. The moon continues it’s operation from your Star and enhances your prospects for success further. The more friendly you are the better for your cause.

TAURUS;. Don’t rely too heavily on friends today, especially before 2.17pm when Moon fluctuates. Learn how to consolidate on your recent progress.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

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GREAT thinker, Senera once said: “it is not because things are difficult that we do not try, it is because we do not try that thing are difficult” Did you get that?

Let me illustrate: A

Why are things difficult? child said he is late home, rather than go home straight, he still stays halfway because he is afraid his father will punish him, is he not aggravating the

issue? That is the case with those who do not try? They worsen an already bad situation.

If you do not sow can you reap? If you don’t plant can you

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

harvest? If you do not knock will you be opened for?

Do something today. No matter how difficult your situation seems now, the solution to it, is doing something no matter how small.

By Lanre Kehinde

GEMINI; If you must take advantage of your magnetic personality before too long this is the right time to do just that as Venus’ll soon leave positive angle to you Star.

Think of your image in all you do now. Watch carefully before 2.17pm CANCER; Tomorrow’ll bring more challenges through friends. Try your best to accomplish more along your career line today. Be very practical before 2.17pm LEO; Better than yesterday. And there are people willing to give you the needed co-operation. Don’t allow your love life to degenerate to laughing stuff with friends.

VIRGO;. As the saying goes “hard work pays” you will see evidence of the popular saying today as you’re rewarded according to your efforts at work.

LIBRA; Good luck’ll knock at your door today. Those with burning desire for romantic pleasure are in for an exciting day with lots of satisfaction. Be loving.

SCORPIO; Many of you’ll find it relatively difficult to ignore romantic feelings within and attractive invitation from outside. Some’ll travel for love actually.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

SAGITTARIUS; Happenings within your base of operation must not be allowed to weigh you down to the point of missing good opportunity at work before 2.17pm

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Scorpio Scorpio - the eighth of twelve zodiac signs, stands for secret, sex, sin, death, jealousy and regeneration. You can see that sex and death have powers to compel any earth’s inhabitant to surrender. Thus, Scorpio is the most powerful of all the 12 zodiac signs. That is why you are endowed with strong will powers that can be used to regenerate either yourself or those close to you.

Scorpio is a water sign. It’s natives are emotional types with powerful intuition. They are of inclination to protect their loved ones and/or the people with weaker personality, however, if they have any cause to doubt the loyalty or sincerity of such person/persons, they tend to become jealous and the strong love they have for the person can turn to hatred. And as they are the type capable of intensive love and bitter hatred, it is not good to incur their wrath.

Scorpio-being a member of fixed signs, it’s natives are not keen lovers of change. That is why you always love to make success of any important project of yours before consideration can be given to another one. And by so doing, you make yourself a reliable person.

The water element of Scorpio makes them highly mysterious personalities who intuition (and emotion) can be regarded as extra-ordinary.

Although, other influence in your natal horoscope can tempt some people to think that you are very open; the truth is, you can be highly secretive person who knows what he wants and how to get it.

Your being secretive has many advantages, thus, you are encouraged not to be tempted to open up unnecessarily whenever it comes to manipulation of unseen forces or psychic energies. Let it be known that African Scorpio born person that refuses to acknowledge the reality of occult forces heads for failure.

Whoever tries to jeopardise your interest and/or anything that is important to you and yours will be met with resistance. Equally, Scorpio tends to nurse grudge; that is why some people will say natives of this powerful zodiac sign are truly good friends but dangerous enemies.

Pluto’s ruling influence over Scorpio makes Scorpio’s desire for unknown to be strong. That is why many Astrologers call Scorpios the deadly detectives. And a well-developed Scorpio is as bold as aggressive soldiers and fears no death.

VIRGINIA

HOME & AWAY

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

World Enviromental Day: Experts bemoan global hunger in midst of plenty

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT — STAKEHOLDERS in Rivers State have called for global collaboration towards

DESOPADEC donates to Ndokwa

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ELTA State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has donated a Hilux van to Ndokwa West Local Government Area Vigilante Service and a Hiace bus to host communities association of Ndokwa.

Chief Ominimini Obieuvwbi represented Chairman of the board of DESOPADEC at the donation. Sir Ken Okolugbo, representing Ndokwa, lauded the efforts of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State in creating the right environment, urging the people to key into the governor ’s three-point agenda.

equitable distribution of food to check widespread hunger in a world that produces enough to feed itself.

This was the consensus of opinions by experts and participants at a two day stakeholders' gathering, kickstarted yesterday, in Port Harcourt by the African Centre For Environmental Protection, ACEP, to mark the 2013 World Environment Day, WED. Establishing the value of the occasion in relation to the 2013 WED on the theme, THINK, EAT, SAVE, Chairperson/Director of ACEP, Mrs. Kaine China, noted as a disturbing paradox that the hundreds of millions of tons of food produced globally are adequate to feed the people yet one billion of the world eight billion population suffer and die of starvation.

Other resource persons including R.M. Ossai, National President, Waste Management Society of Nigeria and Engr. Emeka Nnachukwu, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, said unhealthy wastefulness among high producing nations and ineptitude and re-

fusal to take action among less producing ones was at the heart of the uneven food distribution.

The gathering advocated prudence in food consumption and relaxation of trade restrictions for even access to adequate food by the disadvantaged societies as strong steps towards eradicating mass hunger, a step they say will also drastically reduce environmental consequences of food waste in the society.

Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu laying the report of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution before the Senate in plenary, yesterday

Oshiomhole commended for judicious use of 13% derivation B ENIN — HOST Communities Network of Nigeria, HoCoN, an amalgam of communities impacted by oil, gas and solid minerals extraction in the country, has commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Chairman of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOPADEC, Mr. Vincent Uwadiae for putting the 13 per cent oil and gas derivation fund to good use in the state.

The group, which made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor, weekend, in Benin, said that unlike some other states in the Niger Delta region and

previous administration in Edo State, “the current administration in Edo State under Oshiomhole has made judicious use of the 13 per cent derivation fund. Virtually all oil and gas host communities in Edo State have been reached by the fund.”

Investment promoter urges massive infrastructure development

THE MANAGING Director of Legacy Investment Management Company, Dr. Enitan Obasanjo-Adeleye, has stressed the need for massive investment on infrastructure to attract more foreign investments to NiBuba, who sat on the matter for geria.

Dr. Obasanjo-Adeleye, the first time on March 22, 2013 when AIB, which has always who spoke to newsmen in been absent from proceedings Lagos, on the 3rd West Afsuddenly appeared in court to rican Investment Forum, move the application to regu- said that the nation’s ecolarise its counter affidavit, nomic potentials cannot be which was already out of time, meaningfully exploited unwhich application was granted. less the nation’s infrastruc"The petitioner’s counsel was ture deficit was aggresnot served with the said coun- sively addressed.

According to her, the inter affidavit after it was granted and the learned trial Judge vestment forum will hold at then proceeded to enter judg- Oriental Hotel, Victoria Isment infavour of AIB based on land, Lagos from June 6, the averment in its counter af- 2013 to June 8, 2013 with fidavit without any hearing no- more than 500 foreign intice to the petitioner,” he vestors participating. added.

AIB ex-boss petitions NJC over judgment copy needed for appeal

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ORMER CHIEF Execu tive Officer of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Engr. Sam Oduselu, has appealed to the National Judicial Commission, NJC, to prevail on a Federal High Court judge, to release to him, a copy of the court judgment in the enforcement rights suit he (Oduselu) brought against the police authorities and the Bureau.

He said that the trial judge, Justice I. Adah, on April 26, 2013 gave judgment in the matter and efforts to get a copy of the judgment to pursue his appeal against the said judg-

ment had been frustrated, prompting the petition.

Odusule in the petition, by his lawyer, said the matter, when instituted was assigned to Justice I. Adah, then sitting at the Ikeja Division of the Federal High Court, when AIB was terrorising and harassing him with the police in respect of the two service cars in his possession which he is statutorily entitled on exiting from service He stated that upon exiting from service in December 2011, there was an exchange of letters between him and the respondents geared towards re-

solving the value to be paid but AIB refused to ascribe any value to the cars but rather insisted on recovering the cars by force “This extra-judicial method of resolving a simple civil matter prompted the petitioner to institute an action at the Federal High Court, Lagos for the enforcement of his fundamental human right. The case was later transferred to the Lagos Division at Ikoyi. The matter was not assigned to any court for a very long time.

“Our findings later showed that the matter was subsequently assigned to Justice

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

What is your view on ASUP strike?

I

cannot comment much, but I know it will soon be over. Consultations are going on. We are hoping that their meeting with the Minister must have yielded some positive results. We are hoping for the best.

—Professor Godwin Onu,Rector

G

OD should help Nigerian education.

The discrimination between university and polytechnics is too much. Government should look into this matter and amend things because we are better trained than the so called university students. —Miss Bisola Olumegbon, Student

A

SUP President, well done. You are doing a good job because I know and believe you are not fighting for yourself, but for the poor in Nigeria whose children still attend polytechnic.

So well done once more.

—Miss Remilekun Onifade, Student

G

OVERNMENT should please answer ASUP and let polytechnic students go back to school.I know they are just silent because their children are not involved.

But I know my God is not sleeping. — Miss Jennifer Ukachukwu, Businessperson

I

N my own view, what ASUP is demanding is not something that is difficult for the Federal Government to do. But I do not know why they have not done anything till now. I hope something can be done quickly. — Mr. Amusan Lawrence, Student

T

HOSE in the polytechnic and those in the university are of the same quality, the only difference is that one is highly rated and the other is lowly rated. I think this issue has been on for long, so let the government do something now. — Miss Konyinsola Garuba, Student

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—45

Delta Speaker assures on friendly legislations for children

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PEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, has assured children in the state of friendly laws aimed at assisting them realise their full potentials.

Ochei gave the assurance when the Delta State Children’s Parliament, led by its Speaker, Miss Onoberhie Eloho, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, as part of activities to mark the 2013 Children’s Day celebration in the state.

Ochei urged the budding legislators to always pay serious attention to their educational aspirations as it was the only way they could realise their ambition in any chosen field.

Earlier, the Speaker of the children’s Parliament, Miss Onoberhie expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the progressive legislations ascribed to the Delta State legislature, especially the Child’s Right Law.

Delta LG boss bags award

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HAIRMAN of Ughelli South Local Government Transition Committee, Delta State, Chief Ovis Uto, has bagged the prestigious Excellence Award of the Nigeria Print Journalism Development Organsation as the Best Transition Committee Chairman in the state.

Presenting the award, News Editor of the organisation, Mr Austin Oshiomah, said: “We need a new era of responsibility on the part of Nigerians that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world.

These are duties we did not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit than giving our all to a difficult task.

“Your service demonstrates commitment to the institution that moves Nigeria a step closer to its great promise at a time our country faces the most challenging economic crisis in its lifetime."

C M Y K

Nigeria loses $1.6bn to crude oil theft annually —Shell

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—SHELL Petroleum Development Company, has expressed concern over the activities of crude oil thieves and illegal refineries operators in the Niger Delta, saying that the country was losing $1.6bn annually to oil theft.

The company cited its forced shut down of the Nembe Creek Trunklines, NCTL, in Bayelsa State, a facility which produces about 150,000 barrels of crude oil per day and its declaration of force majeure on Bonny Light export.

This, according to the company, was to enable it remove crude oil theft connections, investigate suspected oil theft leaks and effect repairs.

Speaking at a workshop organised for media practitioners in Yenagoa, Shell Manager, Government/Community Relations, Evans Krukrubo, said over 90 per cent of its pipelines in the region had been ruptured by suspected oil thieves.

He noted that the shut down of NCTL production would impact negatively on

Bayelsa's share from the Federation Account.

Represented by Funkakpo Fufyin, the company said the recent upsurge in illegal refining business in the Niger Delta should be a major concern to all stakeholders.

He said: “We are not wor-

ried by the money lost by Shell, but the harm and destruction unleashed on the environment.” He blamed most of the spills in the region on crude oil thieves and illegal refinery operators, when compared to operational failures.

He cited Bodo, in Rivers

From left: Mr. Cornelis Zegelaar, MD, Mr Xinmin Wu,Chairmanm and Mr James Clark, Manager, Organisation and Development, all of ADDAX Petroleum at the company's 2013 Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Week, in Lagos.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Jonathan’s midterm self-appraisal flayed

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—COORDINATOR of Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, has rejected the scorecard, which President Gooluck Jonathan gave his administration at midterm, describing the verdict as ridiculous.

Reacting to the President’s rating of himself, Ikimi said: “The recent self-appraisal verdict delivered by President Jonathan in his midterm report to bewildered Ni-

gerians is laughable and I disagree with him since our developmental growth as a nation is not just stagnant, but retrogressive, to say the least.

“I make bold to say that two years after the inauguration of the Jonathan administration, the foundation of his administration’s transformation agenda and policy thrust is yet to be laid, hence the chaotic state of affairs in our polity.

“Under the Jonathan administration, public funds are still being mismanaged,

wasted and looted by public office holders, thus the above has helped in no small way to fuel official corruption, unemployment, infrastructural decay, insecurity, poverty and hunger in the land.

“It is on record that over 40 million youths are unemployed nationwide. The above, no doubt, is a sad commentary about a nation aspiring to be among the 20 top economically advanced countries in the world, come 2020 and a non-UN permanent security council member."

Ihonvbere faults Anenih on automatic tickets for President, govs

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—SECRETARY to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has described the call for automatic tickets for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors and President Goodluck Jonathan, by the Chairman of Board of Trustees of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, as undemocratic.

Ihonvbere, former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said: “The credibility I have to make my comment, is that I

State, Imo River, NCTL and offshore of the Niger Delta as areas identified as major hotspots for oil bunkering and sabotage.

Krukrubo called on security agencies and state government to assist the firm in curbing the activities of oil thieves and illegal refinery operators.

was in the frontline of those who fought for this democracy. Whether at the level of the UDFF or the level of JACON, with people like the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Akinade, Bolaji Akinyemi, Fayemi, Bola Tinubu, Bola Ige and others. This is not the democracy we all fought for.

“That is his (Anenih's) usual style, contaminating the political process. When they are afraid of competition, they look for short cuts.

It is one way of telling people, not to even bother. But

that is not in the PDP constitution or in the constitution of Nigeria. It does not help democratic development, it does not help democratic contestation, it does not help the strengthening of political institutions. If they have performed well, their records will stand for them and they will win.

“In Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole performed to the point that across the three senatorial zones, religious divide, ethnic divide, the support was overwhelming."

Delta DPP chieftain decamps to PDP with 2,000 followers

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—A CHIEFTAIN of Democratic People’s Party, DPP, in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Gideon Johnny, has returned to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with over 2,000 of his followers.

Speaking during the reception ceremony at Ekiugbo-Iyede, Johnny explained that they had earlier left the PDP as a result of the failure of an indigene of the community to secure the House of Assembly ticket of the party in the 2011 general elections.

Noting that he was a founding member of the party in the council, Johnny maintained that their decision to return to PDP was borne out of their desire to return to where they rightly belonged and follow the pathway of their departed political leader and patriarch, the late Chief J.J Johnny.

Chief Clement Utuedhe, who also returned to PDP alongside Gideon Johnny, said that the PDP was the only political party in Isoko North council and reiterated their resolve to work relentlessly towards consolidating on the growth of the PDP in the area.

46— Vanguard,

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Lagos moves to eradicate 'blood merchants'

Strike: Ebonyi teachers flout NUT directives

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

BY PETER OKUTU

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AGOS State Blood Trans fusion Committee, LSBTC, Dr. Modupe Olaiya, has said the introduction of blood collection centres and donor mobile clinic in various parts of the state would stamp out blood merchants and promote voluntary donation.

Executive Secretary of the committee, Dr. Modupe Olaiya, who spoke during a blood donor drive organised in collaboration with New Insight Baptists Church, Ogudu, to mark 2013 Annual Youths Day, said absent of such facilities had slowed down efforts at increasing voluntary blood donors and meeting the blood needs of the people.

Olaiya noted that with the establishment of blood collection centres and a blood mobile, (mobile blood clinic) people could easily walk in to donate blood voluntarily.

Her words: “The advantage of having centres is that you don’t have to be in a group before you donate blood. People can wake up on their own and book an appointment".

The Resident Pastor, New Insight Baptist Church, Pastor Deji Bashorun said the integration of blood donation in the youth programme was to enlighten members of the church on the need to donate blood voluntarily. Blood is life and Jesus Christ gave His own life for all. He encouraged Lagosians to save life through donation of their blood free of charge."

Eke emerges CPP acting chairman

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

F

OLLOWING the defection of Chief Maxi Okwu to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, with his deputy, death of Dr Hassan Bello and resignation of Yakubu Musa Niara, the Citizens Popular Party, CPP, has elected Chief Sam Eke as its acting national chairman.

Eke, a two-time governorship candidate of the party in Abia State, will steer the ship of the CPP for one year.

His leadership is expected to organize a national convention on or before May 31, 2014.

The decision was taken at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party summoned by Niara in accordance with Section 12 (2A) of the CPP Constitution on Saturday.

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PRESENTATION—From left: Ms Ebele Oputa, Head of Unit, Adolescent, Children Development Centre; Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare PLC; Dr Yinka Akindayomi, Service Director, Children's Developmental Centre and Dr Martins Duru, Head of Physiotherapy unit, CDC, during presentation of cheque to CDC,

by Mr Oduyebo, who represented Fidson Healthcare Plc in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

NAFDAC law outdated — Health Minister

BY VICTORIA OJEME

A

BUJA—MINISTER of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said the law setting up the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was outdated and obsolete.

He also stated that nine hospitals in the country, including seven government-owned and two privately-owned, had the capacity to successfully carry out kidney transplant.

The minister stressed the urgent need to review the laws governing health care delivery in the country. He said: “the law setting up NAFDAC is outdated.”

Chukwu, who said the law

must be reviewed to be in line with modern reality., explained that the ministry had sent the document to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for approval.

Giving some of the achievements of the present administration in the health sector, Prof.

Chukwu pointed out that at present, nine hospitals in the country had the capacity to conduct kidney transplant, but noted that the problem was the cost.

Besides, he said open heart surgery had resumed in Nigeria this year at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Nsukka.

He dismissed insinuations that majority of Nigerians go

abroad for treatment of minor diseases, stressing that only about five percent of the population who had the money do so.

Chukwu stated further that the Federal Government had continued to upgrade the teaching hospitals, noting that the second phase of the upgrading had been completed.

On immunization, the minister pointed out that within the last two years, the level of coverage had gone up to 78 per cent from the 45 percent achieved in 2010.

He said: "We are going to get it to 100 per cent, we are working very hard. Guinnea worm has been eradicated, and we have introduced vaccines”.

2015: Igbo 'll deliver S-East to PDP — Orji

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OVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has said the Igbos would never waiver in their support for President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that they were poised to deliver the South East to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. According to him, supporting President Jonathan remains the only way the bread of the Igbos will be buttered.

The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Mr. Ben Onyechere, said anybody insinuating the contrary was merely telling lies as “we have learnt our lessons.”

He said: “It is true that it is high time an Igbo man became President of this country, but from all indications, we are not far from that promised land, and the PDP is the only platform to actualize that dream.

“If you take a census of the PDP

governors in the South-East, you will discover that they are working very hard to assuage the sufferings and needs of the common man without playing to the gallery.

“This fact is verifiable in the

public domain. The prioritization of projects and welfare of the people is a common denomination characteristic of PDP governments which is clearly an indication that we are not leaving anything to chance.

Salvation Army condemns prosperity preaching by clergymen

T

HE Salvation Army has spo ken against prosperity preaching in churches at the expense of seeking salvation.

Chief Executive Secretary of Salvation Army, Nigerian territory, Lt. Col. Godfrey Payne, gave the admonition in Lagos to honour 41 members and friends of the church for their selfless service to the church and the society.

He advised the awardees to justify the confidence reposed

on them by doing more for the Lord and humanity.

At the ceremony which also featured the annual thanksgiving service, the territorial commander, Mfon Akpan who decorated the awardees, in a chat with newsmen said: “Even God wants people to be recognized, we did this because it is a way of showing appreciation to members who have excellently proven themselves in the church and their community.”

ABAKALIKI—EBONYI State chapter of Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, yesterday flouted the directive by the national leadership of the union for a strike as schools visited by Vanguard were seen discharging their normal activities to students.

National executive of NUT had directed 11 state chapters of the union to commence an indefinite strike over non-payment of 27.5 per cent teachers’ peculiar allowance, known as TSS, by the affected states’ government.

The affected states, according to the NUT National President, Comrade Michael Olukoya, are: Benue, Cross River, Bornu, Ekiti, Ogun, Ebonyi, Edo, Kogi, Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto.

A member of the state NUT executive who did not want his name mentioned, told Vanguard that a committee made up of stakeholders in the educational sector in the state had been set up to look into the matter.

Emergency rule: Igbo forum seeks understanding of rights groups

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

A

group, Ohanaeze Media Forum, OMF, yesterday, appealed to human rights' world, to reason with the Federal Government over the declaration of a state of emergency in Bornu, Yobe and Adamawa states.

The forum, in a statement in Lagos, said as soon as there was a state of emergency anywhere in the world, human rights might be violated.

The forum said against this backdrop, human right groups should not begin to make mountains out of a mole hill as though a state of emergency was peculiar to Nigeria.

According to the group, all the military needs to bring the situation under control is the cooperation of everybody .

Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013—47

COMMISSIONING: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, assisted by his Deputy, Lady Valeria Ebeh (2nd left); Speaker, State House of Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon (right); Elder Friday Iwok (middle) and Mr. Aniekan Umana, Information Commissioner (left), during the commissioning of Ukpom Bridge in Abak LGA of the state.

MEMORIAL: From left: Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Olu of Iju-Ishaga, Oba Abass Ajibode; Chairman, Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area, Mr. Oloruntoba Oke; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, representing the Aviation Minister, Mr. George Ossi and others, during the memorial and unveiling of cenotaph in honour of the victims, at the Dana Air crash site, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left: Executive Director, Infrastructure Bank Plc, Mr. Taiwo Dauda; MD, Legacy Investment/Management Company, Mrs. Enitan Obasanjo-Adeleye; Executive Secretary, Association of Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States, IPAWAS, Mr. Stephen Amase and President/CEO, Executive Move Ltd/President, Nigeria-USA Export and Investment Group, NUEG, Chief Funsho Abiri, at a briefing on the forthcoming 3rd ECOWAS investment forum in Lagos.

Ms. Ichekube Egebara of Gloworld (left), welcoming Glo Ambassador, Chidinma Okebalama (Chee the Voice) into the Glo mobile network, after the artiste completed the porting process, at Gloworld, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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CAMPAIGN: From left: Director, Public Health, Dr. Quudus Yusuff; Chief Medical Director, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Haroun Ajibode; Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka and Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Ltd, Ashok Bhasin, during an anti-malaria campaign in Ogun State.

DRAW: From left: Oyo State coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, Mr. Fasunhanmi Omotayo; Vice President, Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers' Association; Mr. Lukman Adeniyi; Product Manager, Savings Extra, Diamond Bank, Mr. David Otukpe; President, Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers' Association, Chief Gbolagade Orowale and HOD, Regulation and Monitoring, NLRC, Mr. Quadri Bayo, during the Diamond Savings Xtra Season 5 draw in Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube.

VISIT: From left: Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker, Amaechi Okobi; Cool FM Presenter, Ms. Kaylah and Diageo Africa Brands Ambassador, Tim Etherington-Judge, during the Brand Ambassador's visit to Nigeria.

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Adebayo Oladipo, Director of Administration, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency; Ms. Yinka Fashola, General Manager and Prince Babatunde Adele, Head, Public Relations, during a briefing by LASSRA on its activities in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Sister Ade Edun; Archbishop of Lagos, Dr. Sunday Ajayi and newly installed grand patron of the Light Bearers, Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos, Senator Anthony Adefuye, at the society's 2013 anniversary celebration in Lagos.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

ASUP STRIKE:

IPMAN urges stiffer sanctions against pipeline vandals

Poly students slam media over blackout

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

L

I

LORIN—THE Inde pendent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has called for stiffer sanctions against oil pipeline vandals in the country, saying that anybody convicted for offence should either be executed or jailed for life.

IPMAN Chairman in the Western Zone, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade made this known at the fidau prayers for the late IPMAN Chairman for Ilorin depot, Alhaji Jamiu Bolaji Agboolade.

Ogunmade was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Mr. Ogbonneno Tosin Adekoya.

The Western zone comprises, Ibadan, Mosimi, Ore, Satellite and Ilorin depots.

Ogunmade also accused the Federal Government of allegedly aiding and abetting the illegal activities which were sabotaging the economy.

According to Ogunmade, this was because, whenever suspects were arrested, they would be released few days later, to continue with their illegal activities. ’’The Federal Government is paying lip service to the problems of pipeline vandalism."

NACCIMA—From left: National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar; Kano State Governor, Dr.Rabiu Kwankwaso; Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje; immediate Past President,NACCIMA, Dr. Ademola Ajayi, and Second Deputy National President, NACCIMA, Chief Alaba Lawson, during the inauguration of Abubakar at the association's 53rd annual conference in Kano.

North's economy has crumbled — Niger Gov

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—NIGER State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu has lamented that the economy of the North has crumbled due to insecurity unleashed on the region by Boko Haram insurgents.

Aliyu also regretted the huge army of unemployed youths in the North pointing out that there was urgent need for the revival of the Northern economy and job creation.

He spoke when the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North led by the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki visited him at Government House, Minna, the capital of Niger State.

Aliyu said that creation of jobs for the unemployed youths in the region would stop them from being used as thugs by mischief makers.

Governor Aliyu described Boko Haram problem as a

Lamido challenges Islamic clerics to guide political leaders

BY TINA AKANNAM

D

UTSE—JIGAWA State Governor Sule Lamido has challenged Islamic clerics in the country to guide political leaders on ways of restoring moral and ethical values in the society.

The governor made the call while declaring a week-long celebrations in commemoration of the birth of the leader of Tijjniyya Movement in West Africa, Sheik Ibrahim Inyass in Dutse, the state capital, yesterday.

He stressed that Islamic leaders had the knowledge to guide the leaders on how to C M Y K

provide good leadership to the people with the fear of God and fairness without stealing public funds.

Lamido then asked all Islamic sects in the country to eschew their difference and unite in the interest of unity of Muslims.

Said he: “At this time when our religion is facing a lot infiltration by different sects who claim to be fighting the cause of Islam, all Muslim leaders must bury their differences and protect and promote the religion at all levels. ”Everybody is looking at you as men of God who are supposed to lead and guide other

political leaders. We as political leaders, are expected to protect the lives and property of those who gave us their mandate; therefore we need moral guidance to do it well.”

The governor said that when the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello was the premier of the then Northern region, and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the leader of the defunct Western region, they had differences on many issues, but united politically when national issues arose.

manifestation of a problem adding that if the problem is to be solved, the sponsors of the group would be identified and punished accordingly.

He noted the need for all the economic issues in the North to be looked into properly with lasting solutions proffered.

“The Boko Haram is a manifestation of a problem and if solved on permanent basis, their sponsors should be identified and punished because although they have not taken arms against the country, they are more dangerous than those fighting the nation whom we know,” he said.

He, however, called for true federalism in the country saying, “where the federal government is too strong and intolerant of other people’s views, we will be creating another problem.

"We must pay attention to what is happening in all the political parties because party leadership should not be allowed to manipulate the parties for their selfish interests and this is how to democratize the activities of political parties where members and not a select group of members’ views will be the guiding principles" Aliyu further explained that the state had been enjoying peace because the government had been proactive on security issues by abolishing the indigene and non indigene syndrome.

A G O S — P O LY TECHNIC students across the country are not happy particularly, with the media over what they described as the ‘’total blackout’’ of the on-going industrial action embarked upon by polytechnic lecturers.

The strike followed government’s refusal to implement agreements it signed with the union in 2009, aimed at rejuvenating the polytechnic system.

The strike which has lasted for some time now has left students puzzled on what to do.

The students, however, expressed disappointment that the media has failed to give adequate publicity to the strike and its effects on students, parents and the society at large unlike in the case of universities.

Shema extols virtues of Kontagora

K

ATSINA—GOV ERNOR Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, has described the death of the former Works Minister and Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Major General Mamman Kontagora as a monumental loss to Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.

Shema spoke through his Seniour Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Malam Lawal Ahmad Matazu, saying that Kontagora would forever be remembered for his selfless service to Nigeria both as a soldier and as a retired army general.

One of such contributions, he said was his transformation of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

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52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 53

US military chiefs under fire over sexual assaults U S military chiefs clashed with lawmakers Tuesday over how to stem an epidemic of sexual assaults in the ranks, with the top brass arguing against an overhaul of the force’s justice system.

While vowing to stamp out the problem, the generals cautioned senators against proposals that would strip

commanders of authority to refer sexual assault cases for trial, alter sentences or overturn verdicts.

“I understand the credibility of the armed forces, the credibility of the army are at stake,” General Ray Odierno, the US Army’s chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“But we cannot simply legislate our way out of this

chiefs of all the armed services and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey,

US court grants insanity plea for Colarado killer •Obama problem,” he said.

His comments came at a packed hearing in which

Turkey returns fire on Syria’s attack

T

HE Turkish army returned fire after shots were fired at military targets from across the border with Syria, the military said in a statement Tuesday.

“A group on the Syrian side of the border fired 60 shots at an armoured personnel carrier and tactical vehicles... which was reciprocated in kind” late on Monday, it said, adding that there was no damage or casualties.

The Syrian shots targeted a military post in the Narlica region of Hatay province near the Syrian border, it added. The Turkish army fired 50 shots in return, according to the army statement published online.

Turkey, a former ally of

Damascus, has become one of the fiercest critics of President Bashar alAssad’s regime after his deadly crackdown on a popular uprising erupted

in March 2011.

It backs the rebels fighting against him and some 400,000 Syrian refugees have fled to Turkish soil.

A

US judge on Tuesday accepted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity by James Holmes, the alleged gunman accused of killing 12 people in last year’s Colorado theater massacre.

Judge Carlos Samour accepted the plea after reading out a list of conditions, including that the 25-year-old

S

YRIA’s war has reached “new levels of brutality”, the UN says, with evidence of fresh suspected massacres, sieges and violations of children’s rights.

Children have been taken hostage, forced to watch torture and even participate in beheadings, it says; others have been killed while fighting.

It says it suspects there are “reasonable grounds” to believe chemical weapons have been

deployed. It urges foreign powers not to increase the availability of arms in Syria.

The issue of arms has

been high on the international agenda of late, with the EU lifting an embargo on the sale of arms to Syria while Russia

ITH a prize tag of $7million on his head Abubakar Shekau is now a walking dollar and that is a serious matter.

Shekau is now worth N1.1billion dead or alive deploys a strategy that can only be resisted by Shakau’s lieutenant.

Facing the fate are Belmoktar, the one eyed Algerian terrorist who broke away from the Salafis and became a scourge in the Southern part of Algeria.

Mokhtar Belmokhtar led the gas plant hostage crisis in February 2013 in response to the French military intervention in Mali.

Others are the leaders of Movement for justice in West Africa.

The leader of Ansar Dine.

These are terrorist groups link with Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb and in the Sahle regions Shekau is the arrowhead of Boko Haran, the Nigerian arm of the international terrorist conglomerate that seeks to prosecute a jihad to attain political power and impose a system of governance based on the Sharia jurisprudence.

The seed for leadership squabbles, back stabbing has been sown by Washington, while we sit back and watch how the insurgents will manage their greed. L There is an economic fatwa on the head of the Boko Haram leader who is regarded as part intellectual, part gangster and now, the most wanted terrorist in West Africa. He

has insisted it is going ahead with the sale of an advanced S-300 surfaceto-air missile defence system to Syria.

Deposed CAR president set for South Africa

T

HE deposed president of the Central African Republic Francois Bozize was due to travel to South Africa “shortly”, an aide said yesterday, days after his country issued an international warrant for his arrest.

“He’s expected shortly in South Africa,” an advisor to Bozize told AFP. “He is still in Nairobi, having left Cameroon where he has sheltered since being driven out by the coup in March,” the South

•Abubakar Shekau

,

W

agree to undergo a courtordered “sanity examination.”

Holmes is accused of wounding another 70 people when he allegedly opened fire last July in a packed midnight screening of the Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” in the Colorado town of Aurora, outside Denver.

Syria’s war reaches new brutal levels — UN

Shekau: The walking Dollar

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affairs Editor

made an unusual joint appearance the committee, where they faced tough questioning from impatient lawmakers.

,

Shekau has not been seen in public since security operatives reported that he was injured in Mali

is fondly called Imam or leader by his followers and regarded as a loner..

Shekau was once thought to have been killed by security forces in 2009 - only for him to reappear in videos posted on the internet less than a year later as Boko Haram’s new leader. His age is not certain as some claim that he is between 35 to 43, but hails from Shekau village in Yobe. State.

Shekau’s leadership

Shekau who does not speak English is fluent in his native Kanuri, Hausa and Arabic languages. He does not communicate directly with the filed operatives but maintains minimal contact.

Reports said when the group’s founder, Muhammad Yusuf died in police custody, Shekau married one of his four

African advisor said, asking not to be named.

Bozize, 66, fled the Central African Republic after a rebel coalition seized power on March 24 in the latest coup in the chronically unstable country. wives and adopted their children, to preserve Boko Haram’s cohesion or “purity”. He has survived several close calls and was reported to have been seriously wounded in Mali.

Shekau has not been seen in public since security operatives reported that he was injured in Mali but his group has continued to post video clips of him and still images which are released from time to time, mostly online, by the group’s faceless “public enlightenment department”.Shekau claims that he escaped being killed in Maiduguri along side through the connivance of an intelligence officer intervened.

Under Shekau, Boko Haram has become more radical and carried out more killings. and hundreds of others were killed during that massive crackdown on the group.

Shekau met Yusuf in Maiduguri, capital of

Egypt jails corrupt NGO workers

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Cairo court on Tuesday sentenced 43 Egyptian and foreign NGO workers to jail terms ranging from one to five years for working illegally, causing outrage abroad and raising fears for the future of civil society work.

The sentences follow trials which came in the wake of raids in 2011 on the offices of foreign NGOs, many which had operated without licences under ousted president Hosni Mubarak but which the new authorities deemed were receiving funds illicitly.

Sweden jails DRC couple

A

Swedish district court yesterday jailed a couple from the Democratic Republic of Congo for performing exorcisms on the woman’s daughter, whom they considered to be a witch, by threatening and beating her.

It was the second Congolese couple in less than a month to be sentenced to prison for exorcism-related abuse in the western town of Boraas.

Borno State through a mutual friend, Mamman Nur. The latter is believed to be mastermind of the August 2011 bombing of the UN office complex in Abuja.

The US has been hesitant to declare Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, (FTO), the prize put on the head of Shakau means tha Boko Haram has become a source of worry to Washington.

The whooping sum of $7million to whoever provides information that leads to the arrest or the elimination of the terrorist group leader is irresistible.

The fate that befell OalQaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, Iraqi Leader, Saddam Hussein and late Libyan Leader Col. Muamar Gaddafi now awaits Shekau.

Unfortunately, the US seems to have taken the sail of Aso Rock which has been tentative in its approach to tackling the insurgency in the country.

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Insurgency is underdeveloping In this concluding part of the Vanguard conference hall, discussants insist that now is the time to tackle the radicalisation process that is festering in the country.

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ODERATOR: Some people have argued that the proposed amnesty for the insurgents is a double edged sword, yet the likes of Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad, a former military man and intelligence officer, believes that the best option to the Boko Haram crisis, a group that does not believe in dialogue or diplomacy outside its own world view. So where does this leave us?

Rev Thompson: What I am saying is that for the sake of your children and my children, we must tackle this radicalisation of the Islamic faith, because if you think that the radicalisation process has not started in the South, then you are joking. It has started. As usual, when these things started, everybody pretends not to see it, until it has reached the climax.

He has told you the truth, that training is already going on in the South too.

Sheik Sulaiman: The training that I said is on going here is not to train people to be radicals, but for them to be educated and know the right things for them. We only ask for right, we don’t tell people to give duties and responsibility.

From Left: William Jimoh, Mrs. Nkiruka Nnorom, Rev. Ladi Thompson, Hugo Odiogor, Godfrey Ndibisi and Sheik Adangba

then know what they are to do and what not to do. Like I told you I lived in the north and when talking about the Almajiris, there could be up to about 50,000 or even 100,000 numbers of them waiting for just only one order. So this is what has been used by some politicians to go and serve

,

It is clearly stated in the Quran, chapter 2 verse 234. that you don’t force anybody to become a Muslim

The truth is that from his own part of the country, there is no compulsion on anybody to accept Islamic faith. But there is an ideology that has entered the other side that has found expression in the use of voilence to propagate the faith.

The use of violence is not based on food, poverty, corruption, bad leadership can be catalyst to what is happening but the truth is that until the core problem is properly diagnosed, we will never be out of this problem.

Sheik Adangba: I was in a meeting with the Sultan of Sokoto which is the meeting of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and there the Sultan emphatically stated that the more the Almajiri school are coming, the more these people are enlightened, and became literate,

,

their purpose and the moment you see people coming enmass what do you do? if not to run away..., they will attack you.

Even the Muslims are affected and that is to tell you that when you talk about the Islamic radicals, I don’t call them Muslim rather they are human radicals, because they are not professing the faith.

This means that anybody be it a Muslim or a Christian who cannot create life, should not take it.

Rev Thompson: Let me quickly correct this notion because the Sheik is here and he understands that the division you have in democracy, does not exist in his faith. You are the intellectuals, what we are trying to do here is to give insigt into those areas that can help preserve our nation, and help to keep our peace. The

culture that binds us will rise up and defend itself, when the time comes.

Islam has been in Nigeria century before Dan-Fodio came, Islam was not killing anybody, nobody was taking anything by force. When the Sokoto Jihad started in 1804, the people in Kanem -Borno axis also became victims of the expansion but they were able to checkmate the expansion of the Sokoto Jihad. Unfortunately, when the British came, with their indirect rule

system, they empowered Sokoto above Borno, without knowing the implications of their actions. In 1958 when Nigeria was going to come together as a nation, everybody knew that if the issue of Islam and religion was not resolved, there was to be a problem.

After all the White Hall meetings, Northern Nigeria conveyed a meeting in Kaduna, this was in 1958, we had people from Pakistan, people from Sudan attending the meeting.

And what was the point of the meeting? They knew that if they bring the total Sharia, they knew that the rest of the country (South South, South East, South West) would not agree in an accord to move forward as a nation.

Criminal aspect of the sharia

Sheik Adangba

Islam is a religion that absorbs everything. If you are a Christian, we can live together, there are even verses in the holy Quran that make it lawful for us to eat from what Christians prepared

So under the auspices of Northern leaders as at that time, which is documented, 33 compromises were suggested.

Out of the 33, 31 were adopted and when they adopted the 31, they were able to bring forward what we call the “Penal Code” and the agreement then was that they will not go for the total application of the Criminal aspect of the Sharia which has Stoning to Death for adultery etc.

This was the accord that was brought to the table on which

we all form Nigeria in 1960. now between that time and now, what has now happened is that while Muslims and Christians were happy to live together base on that constitution, base on that simplicity which is “Let me practice my faith and if there is a grey area, let Democracy help us." There was a minority muslim extremists who said “NO” and who have been working since then, to make Nigeria become a Muslim state.

Global insurgence Finally in 1999, they succeeded when Zamfara state began the movement of adopting Sharia in their state. The basic problem of this country is religion. (Argument…)

Moderator: What started as Boko Haram was a push from north East in Nigeria, using Islam as a faith to achieve political, economic and social aims.

Rev. Thompson: The in telligence behind this are those who have mixed with global insurgence and they are former military generals.

They are using their own interpretation of Islam as a faith to achieve political, economic and social aims. Those days are gone. Whether we are in the military or Civilian, the obContinues on page 55

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

the North jectives and ideology is clear. The people who are behind it know what they want and they are unrelenting. They want more than political and economic power. The ideal they have is totalitarian.

And in that totalitarian ideology, if it is to be put in place, if you and I are to go to court, my witness and your witness, it will have to be four of us to come and testify of an issue to one person who is a Muslim. These people are totalitarian. It is you and I that have a price.

The core people behind the ideology don’t have a price. Those behind this ideology don’t have a price, they believe in what they are doing and their faith is strong enough to influPhoto: Bunmi Azeez ence someone to blow up himself with a bomb and kill others with him, not minding what the world will say. The radical process is towards an end. The end is not just political power. A totalitarian regime in the whole of Nigeria which is based on what Afghanistan stand for today.

Sheik Adangba: If we are to get it right, it is either Christianity or Islam. The act of

crimes. It is a mistake.

So it is not accepted to grant amnesty but we should go down. When there is a problem, there must be a special solution. The government has tried all means to get Boko-Haram but could not. To the best of our knowledge they have tried. But we know that they have not tried.

But the Sultan now said that his people are being killed. Christians and Muslims are those they govern over in the north. The north is not made for the Muslim alone, the Christians are there making their economic living and they live peacefully before the time of this saga. Now he now said they should introduce a way so that they can come out but they refuse to say what they want, they just don’t want any price. They are looking for something only them know what the end isTotalitarianism. But what we are saying is: let us grant amnesty for the insurgents. We are unable to know those who we are to talk to. We had talked to Kabir Sokoto and he was not fortcoming, we believe that if there is amnesty, that will bring them out to talk.

Articulate person

Humans are the ones doing this killing.

They are not ghosts, they are not angels.

Therefore we must bring in the amnesty so that we can bring out Boko-Haram.

Rev. Thompson: If you look at the history of the present Sultan of Sokoto, he was a military intelligence officer and he has proceeds all over the world, Pakistan, Indonesia. Go and take a look at his resume, you will discover that he is a highly intelligent and articulate person who has served in a lot of areas in the world.

So he has this extremist problem already.

And while he served there, his eyes could not have been closed. So potentially, he is one of the greatest assets that Nigeria has and potentially is one of the greatest enemy Nigeria has. Now this is the truth, when he first became the Sultan of Sokoto, you should listen to his initial utterances, they were a bit costly and very instigative then he softens them down. But I could recall many of his interviews when they will ask him questions and he will tell them that exactly what Usman Dan-Fodio will do is what he will do Those behind this ideology don’t have a and he defends a legacy.

But while I listened, my price, they believe in what they are doing ear could pick the and their faith is strong enough to infludifference. What people were hearing was from ence someone to blow up himself with a him was different. When bomb and kill others with him the man said that he is here to defend a legacy Totalitarian ideology is a bad ideology that of his forbearers what we are talking about ? will make them take control of everybody while, later on Wikileaks revealed that quietly that live in that territory and everything. and unknown to Nigerians , every time Islamist If you are talking about amnesty, the radicals were caught for breach of security, Nigerian government is telling you that they handed over to the Security forces who the Boko-Haram are faceless. They have are then prevailed on to hand them over to the Kabiru Sokoto in their custody, they know Sultan for rehabilitation. Thereafter, nobody where he is because they talk to him and he hears of them again. talks to them and other Boko-Haram members in their custody, VANGUARD CONFERENCE In 2010, our security vote was N432 HALL PARTICIPANTS million, In 2011, it ballooned to N1.2billion.

Rev. Ladi Thompson, Who is accessing the money, who is retiring Special Adviser to the CAN the money? To which office are they returnPresident on Terrorism, ing the money? Sophisticated weapons are Sheik Sulaiman Adangba, been used, at will yet we have security President of Al-Faith-Ul-Qureeb agencies.

Soceity of Nigeria Rev Thompson: When the people who Mr. Godfrey C. Ndubisi, taught how to make these bomb came in, Lagos- based Lawyer, initially, Nigerians were blowing themselves Mr.Hugo Odiogor, up, radicals were blowing themselves up until Foreign Affairs Editor/Cothey master it. The other day, the Iranians Ordinator, brought in 13 containers loads in Lagos, still Mrs. Nkiru Nnorom, today did the matter see any light.

Business Desk and Moderator: Where do we go from here?

Kunle Kalejaiye, Giving Amnesty is a misnomer. Somebody Business Desk is committing crime and you are now trying to provide funds for him to commits these

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— 55

Study and work in Canada... what you need

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

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have no health challenges.

Procedures for non-work permit: Those who do not need a work permit are promptly advised to follow the procedures below in order to obtain the medical examination form and instruction, and should not make use of the work permit application kit and document checklist as these are not designed for them and may delay processing. Prior to your intended trip, you must have determined whether you need a temporary resident (visitor) visa and if your country is among countries or territories whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.

Having affirmed that you require a temporary resident visa, you may go ahead to find out how to apply at Visiting Canada section, and in addition to the requirements listed there, you can then send in an approval letter from the relevant professional regulatory body in Canada. The letter must come on headed notepaper from the Canadian medical institution you intend to visit, confirming its acceptance for the period the training will last, and there would be no acceptance of e-mails.

Those who do not require temporary resident visa are

IGERIAN students wishing to work while studying in Canada without a work permit are advised to ensure that they possess a valid study permit. It is also necessary that they do not get employed beyond the campus where they are registered as full-time students in a degree-granting course of study. It is permissible, however, to become either an employee of your educational institution or a private business employee, but mandatory that your work place must be located on the campus premise.

In pursuant of your work permit on campus, ensure that an officer at your port of entry to Canada indicates on your study permit thus: "May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which the holder is registered in full-time studies.” The above indication is imperative to enable the regulating authority recognize your intention as a migrant, and one who is eligible for ‘on campus employment.’ In other words, if you are not interested in work and study routine, you may not need such statement indicated on your study permit.

Graduate or teaching assistants: Only in accordance with the terms and conditions applicable for ‘working on campus’, would graduates who are interested in being employed as graduate assistants or Teaching assistants be allowed to take up an employment without a work permit. Same classified applicants could also be permitted to work at an off campus facility without a work permit if they have a valid study Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper permit for Canada, and if work nature is in relation to their advised to submit application grant. Applicants also have an form with the title “Application for edge if the off campus facility, a Temporary Resident Visa Made whether a research institute, Outside of Canada.” In this case, teaching hospital, or library has even if you do not require a a formal association or affiliation temporary resident visa, it is with the university or college mandatory for you to fill in the where they are studying, and the form so as to enable the embassy/ offered work is directed by a medical institution issue you department head or a faculty medical instructions to avoid member. unnecessary misconception. In a Foreign healthcare students: situation where all the required Foreign healthcare students that information has been submitted, are not enrolled in a university or the medical examination form other educational establishment would be sent to you to enable in Canada may do a clinical you book your medical clerkship or medical elective at a examination with a panel Canadian medical teaching physician. Applicants should be institution, and do not require a aware that the processing times work permit or a study permit if are the same as for work permit their main purpose of the work is applications where medical to acquire training. But you examinations are required. require a work permit, which in Co-op and internship students: the case herein, a must for foreign For some Canadian academic students in residency, extern or programs, work experience is part fellowship positions in Canadian of the curriculum, in other words, clinical settings. As a rule, all foreign students enrolled in a healthcare students who intend school in Canada who wish to to study or work temporarily in participate in a co-op or Canada must undergo a medical internship program need both a examination to ascertain that they study permit and a work permit.

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56 — Vanguard,

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

! d e s Expo

BY EVELYN USMAN

T

HERE are indications that trouble is currently brewing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force Micro Finance Bank, Obalende, Lagos, following the discovery of alleged irregularities in the administrative running of the bank by some directors. Information made available to Crime Alert revealed that there were alleged gross violations of the Central Bank of Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance by some of the directors.

To this end, former InspectorGeneral of Police, Alhaji Alliu Atta, who founded the bank in 1993 as a commercial bank, is said to be unhappy with the state of affairs. Atta, as gathered, is currently making moves to meet with all retired Inspectors-General of Police with a view to investigating the alleged irregularities, threatening to sanction any staff, be he a member of the board of directors or at the managerial level, found culpable.

Investigation by Crime Alert revealed that some of the irregularities included alleged moves to post deputy general managers and assistant general managers out of the headquarters to head their respective branches across the country, as against the Securities and Exchange Commission Code of Corporate Governance

Alleged irregularities in Police Micro Finance bank

...whoever is found culpable will be thrown out— former IGP dulged in overdrawing their personal account without securing it with collateral as against the CBN Code of Corporate Governance.

Crime Alert reliably gathered also that any staff who attempts to kick against the decision of the senior director, would be victimized. It was learnt that three persons who attempted to stand their grounds against the irregularities were allegedly shown the way out.

Grumbling in silence

Mrs Florence Adebanjo, Chairman board of Directors, NPF MFB

for training and other financial exigencies in the bank, one of the senior directors was alleged to have contracted the induction course to the woman he intended smuggling into the Board of Directors, despite suggestions by some of the management staff against such move. A total of N5.2 million was said to have been We will ensure we do the spent for the incorrect thing according to duction course, CBN’s code of Corporate Gov- an amount deas outraernance and whoever is wrong scribed geous, comwill be asked to step down pared to what ordinarily and CBN’s, which state that any- should be charged. one beyond managerial level Another cause for the seeming should remain at the headquar- trouble, as gathered, is the alleged ters. imposition of a succession plan Although the decision which by the same senior director over was allegedly single-handedly the management staff, without taken by a senior director with- their consent. A succession plan out the consent of the manage- is a decision usually taken by the ment staff did not go down well management staff on who sucwith those affected, as they saw it ceeds a management staff at his as below their designations. Also, exit. Such plan, it was learnt, there were alleged moves to ought to have been discussed at ‘smuggle’ in a woman as an in- the managerial level before bedependent member of the Board ing taken to the Board of Direcof Directors, which was also said tors for approval. But some of the to have countered CBN’s code of directors were reportedly taken Corporate Governance. The wom- aback after the plan was discovan (names withheld), as gath- ered to have been approved by ered, also doubles as a consult- the board of directors before it was ant to the bank and owns a train- brought to their notice. ing outfit which carries out inducAlso, some of the directors altion courses for new staff of the legedly have no shares in the bank. bank. They were alleged to have Although, it was gathered that been given shares in form of loans induction courses for new staff on arrival. They were also alwere initially done in-house, ap- leged to be having insiders dealparently with a view to be pru- ings, such as taking money from dent with the N21million budget the NPF Micro Finance bank as

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placements to banks where their spouses work, apparently to boost their spouses performance for possible promotion. This, reportedly runs foul of the CBN’s Code of Corporate Governance which states that an independent director should not be partner or an executive of the company’s statutory audit firm , legal or other consulting firm that have a material association with the company.

Also, it was alleged that some of the management staff in-

Since their exit, it was gathered that most of the staff have been grumbling in silence for fear of being the next to be shown the exit door. One of management staff who reportedly decided to act otherwise by standing his ground on the path of justice is on the verge of suffering same fate with others that have been sent out except interventions from the powers that be prevailed.

The management staff whom Crime Alert gathered had been allegedly victimized by his boss for challenging his decisions, was reportedly asked to resign his appointment or be dismissed. The letter of dismissal dated May 2, 2013, and signed by the the company’s Secretary on behalf of the Chairman, Board of Directors, Mrs Florence Adebanjo, with the title ‘Resolution of the Board at its meeting held April 30, 2013, reads: “I am directed by the Board of Directors to inform you of its

decision reached at the meeting held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, to wit: that you be advised to forward to the Board your letter of resignation as a staff of the bank with immediate effect”.

In what was described as the height of gross violation of the Securities and Exchange Commission Code of Governance, a senior director in the bank was alleged to have spent more than the stipulated five years appointment without renewing the appointment. The senior director who is alleged to be the bone of contention in the bank, according to information at Crime Alert’s disposal, had been at the helm of affairs at the bank for 18 years.

When Crime Alert visited the NPF Micro Finance bank, Obalende, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Mrs Florence Adebanjo, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, simply stated that she could not speak on the matter, informing that the case of victimization was already in court.

Appreciating Crime Alert for coming to get the bank’s side of the story, she said, “I have no comment on any of the issues raised.

It would be prejudicial since it is already in court and I don’t want to offend the court of law”.

Also contacted, the founder of the NPF Micro Finance Bank, Alhaji Alliu Atta, a retired IG, who was visibly shocked at the alleged irregularities, told Crime Alert that “we will call for a meeting of all retired IGs and investigate the case. We will ensure we do the correct thing according to CBN’s code of Corporate Governance and whoever is wrong will be asked to step down.”

C-R-I-M-E... Enugu Police boss talks tough

BY CYRIL OZOR, NSUKKA

E

NUGU State Police boss, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed, has vowed to cleanse the state of all criminal elements with a clarion call to the people of the state to be law- abiding and give information without let or hindrance. Adamu Abubakar who spoke when a group called the National Institute for Cultural Orientation paid a courtesy call in his office stated that he was in the state with specific directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Muhamed Abubakar to rid the state of all sorts of crime and ensure that the good people of the state sleep with both eyes closed. He thanked the group for the visit and assured them that the command is ready to associate itself with their mission and vision adding that they should be law abiding and endeavour to strenghten their partnership with the police by giving vital information so that the society can be sanitized.

Speaking earlier during the visit, the Chairman of the group, Nwajagu Nnaemeka said there was need for huge emphasis to be laid on cultural reorientation since culture involves the total way of life of the people. He further pointed out that some of the vices in our society today like kidnapping,

assassination, child stealing and armed robbery amongst others, are not part of our culture but culture acquired from another people through motion pictures and films and suggested that through cultural re- orientation, Abubakar Adamu we shall be able to go back to our culture which will discourage the practice of those cultures that Nigerians are not known for. He also stressed that the group was at the command to solicit for partnership with the command in order to re orientate our people for the right values,norms and culture which Nigerians are known for. The group was received by the Commissioner of Police, his Deputy , Abdullahi I. Chafe and the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

— 57

Police in Lagos hunt for man, 27, that murdered lover

By UJU MBANUSI

H

•The deceased... Bianca Ndidi Okoye

OMICIDE detectives at the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos have spread their dragnet in search of one Victor Chukwuemeka Jewel Udenze, 27 from Urunebo village, Enugu- Ukwu, Anambra State in connection with the murder of a 35 -year-old woman, Bianca Ndidi Okoye at the deceased residence at Lakwe phase 2, Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State. The suspect was alleged to have murdered his lover after a hot argument inside her apartment on the 10th of May, 2013.

Elder brother to the deceased, Emeka Okoye, told Crime Alert that in a desperate move to cover his act, the suspect went away with the deceased phones, laptop, documents and disconnected every link between him and the deceased on facebook.

Narrating the circumstances that surrounded the death of their sister on behalf of members of the deceased family, her brother said, “that fateful night on the 10th of May, 2013, our sister, a mother of two from Ogidi, Anambra state, returned to her apartment in the company of Victor, a male friend whom she had been seeing for some time before the incident.

Both of them went into the deceased bedroom.

Before she slept off that night, the deceased teenage daughter identified as Onyinye said she heard noise and exchange of threats be-

tween her mother and Victor but did not enter the bedroom, as she thought it was some private matter that would be resolved amicably, after which she slept off. Their neighbours also reported that they heard Bianca’s shouts at night but did not enter her apartment as they equally did not envisage it would lead to her death.

“It was in the morning of the next day 11th of May, 2013, that one of the neighbours asked the deceased children after their mother, to which the children said she was still asleep. The fact of Bianca’s death however dawned on them, when her children were begging their neighbours for money to enable them eat.

Begging for money Their neighbour’s suspicion was compounded when the children further told them that they were begging for money because their mother had been sleeping since morning. This prompted them to go over to the deceased apartment, and opened her door, only to see Bianca lying on the bed, stone dead.

The neighbours said they tried contacting us but apart from her children living with her, they did not know any of us. However, one of them identified as Philiper saved the day because she has the GSM number of one of Bianca’s friends identified as Chioma.

She contacted her and she in turn was asked to contact any of us to come and carry her body. That was how we were able to know what happened and when we came, we discovered that her killer was on the run.”

Speaking with Crime Alert, Chioma said she could not believe what she heard, because it sounded like a rude joke.

This made her to place a call across to the suspect, as she has his phone number. According to her, immediately the suspect picked her call, he asked if any of her friends had called her. She reportedly asked him why he was asking such question and he said it had to do with the deceased, whom he had problems with.

In shock, Chioma shouted, “so it is true you have killed Bianca, you will pay for it”, and at that, the suspect switched off his phone.

Crime Alert learnt that the case was reported at Elemero Police Station, and policemen came from the station and took the remains of the deceased away. Autopsy carried out on Bianca’s remains revealed that she died as a result of strangulation. The family of the deceased, however, told the police that a few days after the incident, the deceased documents were seen littered on a street in Enugu. It was also gathered that Bianca Ndidi Okoye was married, but separated from her husband as at the time she was killed.

•On the run...Victor Chukwuemeka Jewel Udenze

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

N Ojo Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, has sentenced a 20-year- old unemployed youth, Eze Chukwudi, to 12 months imprisonment at the Ikoyi Prison, over burglary and N43, 400 theft. The Magistrate, Mr Taslimi Shomade, sentenced the convict, who pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of burglary and theft, with an option of N43, 000 fine.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, the convict committed the offences on May 21, at Alhaji Gafaru Community, Imude town in Ojo, Lagos. “The convict broke and entered into the house of one Mr Samuel Ikechukwu to steal his Nokia and Blackberry phone alongside his cash all totaling N43, 400”. Eze said.

He told the court that the convict was caught in the act and was taken to the police station.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 285 and 306 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Meanwhile, in another development, Justice Christopher Balogun of a Lagos High Court,

Man, 20, to serve 12 mont hs in prison for burglary, theft

...couple involved in N17 8.9m fraud granted bail

Igbosere has granted bail to an ex customer service manager, Mrs Tosin Lawal and her husband, Mr Michael Lawal charged with alleged N178.9million fraud. The couple is facing eleven-count charges bordering on conspiracy and theft on which they pleaded not guilty. It will be recalled that they were formerly arraigned before Justice Candide Johnson of Igbosere High Court on Jan 24, 2012 who granted the second defendant (Michael Lawal) bail in the sum of N5million before the case was transferred.

According to the charge sheet, the accused persons allegedly conspired to defraud Ecobank Nig. Plc of N179.8million being sales from fraudulent sales of foreign currency. According to the prosecuting counsel, Mr O.A Owodunni,

the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

Owodunni had told the court that the bail application of the second defendant will be left unopposed but urged the court not to grant the first defendant bail on the condition that she is flight risk. “Another fact I want the court to take into consideration is that they were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9.00 p.m while trying to escape from the country,” he said.

However, the defending counsel, Mr O. Oyedipo argued that the case is a mere stealing offence which he is sure the defendants would not run from if granted bail and that they should not be seen as flight risk by the court.

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Unending ripples over unbundling of PHCH L

IKE other sectors of Nigeria’s socio-economic existence, the story of the country’s energy sector since the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria ,ECN, ordinance No. 15 of 1950, has been punctuated by operational failures. Although, those in charge of the nation’s power sector can claim otherwise owing to some distant and recent reforms in the sector.

But the sad state of the power sector, is a common knowledge to both the learned and unlearned man on the streets of Lagos and Lafia, as almost all Nigerians are victims of the near absence of electricity in a country of about 160 million people.

It is for this reason, that a lot of people are not often bothered about developments in the sector, even when such developments could make darkness give way to light. This situation is already playing out, following the liquidation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria,PHCN. Expectedly, this move would have triggered diverse reactions from consumers following the planned exit of government in its management, but reverse is the case. This, to a large extent, underscored the apathy of the populace to happenings in the sector. In fact, but for the dispute between, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE and the Federal Government,FG, not a few would have been aware, that PHCN had been

buried, leaving in its trail a lot of contentious issues.

Liquidation of the PHCN: These issues, Vanguard Features,VF, findings revealed, bordered on labour matters, job security of affected staff, how the reforms would enhance power generation and distribution, the role of PHCN in the new set up, among others. For instance, it was recently reported that the government had concluded plans to sack no fewer than 20,000 workers of the PHCN ahead of takeover by successful bidders of its assets.

Though the government had come out to dismiss the report, fear is the word among PHCN staff across the country.

Terminal benefits While the FG recently announced that N384 billion will be used to settle the terminal benefits of workers ahead of the privatization of PHCN’s assets, the workers led by the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, do not feel comfortable with the decision. The association has not only rejected it, but it has like its NUEE counterpart, gone further to petition the Minister of Power, reminding government that labour only gave conditional support to the planned privatization of the sector.

SSAEAC in the petition through its President-General and General Secretary, Mr. Bede

Opara and Biodun Ogunsegha, warned government that if it went ahead with privatization without carrying labour along, it would definitely be counterproductive.

The petition reads: “In furtherance of the agreement that the unions in the power sector signed with government on December 11, 2013, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Bureau for Public Enterprises,

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BY CHARLES KUMOLU

computing gratuity is not PHCN salary scale as at June 2012, as agreed with negotiation team under the leadership of SGF. “Souvenir entitlement was omitted in computation of total entitlements as agreed with Comrade Hassan Sumonu Committee, in compliance with our 2010 Conditions of Service.

The variables used in the formula for annuity by the consultant are not realistic: (a) interest rate, (b)

But for the dispute between, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Federal Government,FG, not a few would have been aware, that PHCN had been buried, leaving in its trail a lot of contentious issues

BPE, engaged the services of an international consultant, Alexander Forbes, to compute, using the necessary variables to arrive at the total terminal benefits due to staff of PHCN and also determine the individual benefits. The unions were invited to work with the consultant and BPE, to diligently carryout this assignment.”

Terminal benefits ontroversy: “At the meeting with the consultant that was held on 14th and 15th January, 2013 in Lagos, our representatives (of the two inhouse unions) on the computation of terminal/ severance benefits, reported fundamental observations/errors in the computation as follows: The salary scale used in

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inflation rate (c) discount rate, and (d) life expectancy of each staff. Alexander Forbes used: *5% as inflation rate (pension increase), instead of current rate of 12.5%; *14% as discount rate, while the current rate is 11%. The data used for all staff are not correct in addition to unclear assumed life expectancy of each worker.” According to SSAEAC: “We are left with no option than to bring this to your notice, for immediate redress by directing the Consultants through the BPE to correct these abnormalities to enable the reform to go on as planned. While our Union and staff re-affirm our conditional acceptance of Government reform despite our preferred position, we will not allow our members

to be cheated.

“Any attempt to the contrary of the agreement reached will be resisted by the workers. It is in the light of the above that we were surprised at the announcement of a N384 billion approval by the Federal Executive Council as representing total terminal benefits to PHCN Employees.

“This announcement was grossly misplaced because the Alexander Forbes Consultant engaged by BPE had not concluded his assignment and no figure had emanated from his work. We do not understand the rationale for announcing such a figure. It should be noted also that only the unions as representatives of the workers can confirm the basis of computations while individual staff will verify their data.

“The proposed issuance of statements of workers’ terminal benefits at the exclusion of our association headquarters by BPE will be counter-productive. The earlier this verification of staff data is done the better for progress of the reforms.

We remind the government that our support for the reform is conditional upon the final settlement of all labour liabilities, hence the long period of negotiations and the resultant agreement which upheld our Condition of Service 2010.

It would be recalled that barely 24 hours after the government said it had approved N384 billion for the payment of all entitlements of workers of PHCN, and process of the payment expected to begin a day after (21-02-13), NUEE rejected government position, threatening to shut down the industry, should government fail to reverse its position and perceived provocative utterances.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 59

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 61

62— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

Tsonga takes out Federer

•Federer

Serena survives scare

F •Tsonga

B

y Roger Federer’s standards, defeat came early in the French Open. And it came quickly.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion lost Tuesday in the quarterfinals to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3.

Federer was eliminated before the semifinals for the second time in past three major events, but only the fifth time in the past nine years at a Grand Slam tournament. Tsonga was responsible for two of the losses — he also beat Federer in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2011.

He’s the first Frenchman to reach the semifinals since Gael Monfils in 2008. His opponent Friday will be No. 4-seeded David Ferrer, who beat fellow

Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.

Federer took a 4-2 lead but played like a mere mortal after that. He blew three overheads, missed easy volleys, hit no aces, dropped serve six times and took a shot to the body on the point that put Tsonga ahead to stay in the final set.

Facing a break point at 3-all, Federer sliced a drop shot, and Tsonga raced forward to scoop it up. He whacked a backhand that clipped the net cord and then drilled Federer under his right arm.

Tsonga waved in apology, then quickly won the final two games. When he closed out the victory, Federer greeted him with a gracious smile and two congratulatory pats on the stomach.

or a very brief instant on Tuesday, Serena Williams thought she would exit the French Open in the quarter-finals yet again but she quickly banished the notion to go past Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1 3-6 6-3.

The world number one, the first American woman in the last four on the Paris clay since Jennifer Capriati in 2004, came back from the brink and extended her winning streak to 29 matches to continue her run towards a second French Open title.

The last four times 2002 champion Williams had reached the last eight at Roland Garros, she had been sent packing, in 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Williams, who will face Italian Sara Errani in the semi-finals, would have been lying if she had said she had not thought about her recent record on the Paris clay when she was 2-0 down in the third set against Kuznetsova.

Jankovic ready for Sharapova

•Jankovic elena Jankovic was a woman in a hurry on Monday evening. After waiting around for the best part of five hours while Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet’s fourth round encounter metamorphosed from routine straight-setter to five-set epic, Jankovic stepped out into the evening gloom to deliver a clay court masterclass against Jamie Hampton.

The 60 62 victory, completed before the oncourt clock had struck the hour mark, sees Jankovic return to the

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C M Y K

quarterfinals of a major for the first time in exactly three years, where she will meet defending champion Maria Sharapova.

“I knew there wasn’t a lot of time to play, an hour and a half, before it gets dark.I was focused from the first point on and really played my tennis, played my game."

Sharapova

Staruf Academy wins P&G kids tourney

P

rocter & Gamble Nigeria (P&G) and STARUF Sports Development Limited (SSD) have sponsored an U-13 and 17 football tournament to celebrate children’s day at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Former Eagles stars, Mutiu Adepoju, Peter Rufai and Tajudeen Disu were some of the dignitaries who attended the event The Staruf Academy players won in all categories. Speaking at the event, Communications Manager for Procter and Gamble, Olatomiwa Akande said that P&G

sponsored the event in line with the company’s commitment to touch and improve lives in Nigeria.

“P&G entered into a 10 year partnership with the International Olympic Committee the IOC - to support the Olympics Games and to develop youth sports globally. We choose to contribute towards developing children through sports,as our company purpose of ‘touching and improving lives tallies with the Olympic Games purpose of building a better world through sports”.

•Serena

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 — 63

No retreat, no surrender •Our mission is to pick maximum points — Keshi

N

IGERIA Coach Stephen Keshi has stated clearly that the African champions will not settle for anything less than the three maximum points when they take on Kenya in Nairobi in a crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Wednesday.

A confident Keshi added at the team’s only training session in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday that the Harambee Stars’ 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles in the first match in Calabar in March was in the past, and that his boys retain their focus of earning a ticket to Brazil next year summer.

“We respect the Kenyans for what they achieved when we played in Nigeria, but I like to state that is in the past.

We have forgotten about that, just as we are not going to be thinking about the fact that we have beaten Kenya in nine of 11 previous meetings.

“The important thing is that we have a mission here and that is to pick the maximum points and then go to Namibia to do same. That way, we would have enhanced our chances of

K

•Ambrose qualification for the World Cup before going to the Confederations Cup.” The former Nigeria captain admitted that the team would have loved to have midfielders Victor Moses and Kalu Uche and striker Emmanuel Emenike with them in Nairobi, but that his gameplan is not significantly affected.

“Our focus is unaffected and our determination

their must win African 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles today.

Nairobi Water

•Ochieng, Kenya goalkeeper.

C M Y K

A

UTHORITIES are leaving nothing to chance when Nigeria’s Super Eagles meet Kenya’s Harambee Stars today in a World Cup qualifier.

Government sources say Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta or Vice President William Ruto would be a special guest of honour at the big match.

As a result, sources close to the Football Kenya Federation stated that tight security is being put in place for the match, with more than 1 500 policemen to be on duty at the Moi

International Sports Centre.

Nigeria will also have some heavyweight representation of their own. On Sunday evening, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Akin Oyateru flew into Nairobi from official assignment abroad.

He quickly welcomed the advance party of the Nigeria Football Federation and instructed mission staff to provide the team with full support.

NFF President, Aminu Maigari is leader of delegation from Nigeria

Japan 1st team to reach 2014 World Cup •Enyeama not in anyway weakened.

We were forced to a 2-2 draw by Mexico in a

friendly match in America last week, even without a good number of our regulars.

J

APAN became the first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday after a stoppage-time penalty

by Keisuke Honda

We ‘ll suffocate Namibia, says Malawi coach

M

ALAWI coach E d i n g t o n Ng’onamo has admitted he would rather be playing on Saturday, when the game was originally scheduled for before the Group F

Stars get N6.5 million boost to beat Eagles firms yesterday ahead of Company, through their head of corporate affairs,

ENYAN national team, Harambee Stars received Sh2.5m boost from three corporate

1,500 policemen for Kenya/Nigeria clash

Mbaruku Vyakweli donated Sh500,000, UAP Insurance have Sh2m through James Wambugu while Credit Bank handed in Sh1m.

While handing the sponsorship to Stars at the Moi, Kasarani yesterday, the sponsors observed that Stars are the biggest ambassadors the country has and need all the support they can get financially and otherwise.

“We need to appreciate what Stars do for this country. Our donation is an appreciation of this fact and we promise more should they beat Nigeria on Wednesday,” said Vyakweli.

matches were switched because of Nigeria’s participation in the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“I am not happy that the games have been moved because it mean most of the supporters will not come to support the national team,” Ng’onamo told BBC Sport.

But he issued a rallying cry to his side to get maximum points and

turn the screw on Nigeria.

“We will play attacking football against Nambia from the first whistle to the last whistle. The boys will be flat out and they are going to sweat blood,” he added.

“I don’t know what will happen with Nigeria. in their matches but our aim is to beat Namibia, and then Kenya next week, to move on to 11 points.”

secured a 1-1 draw with Australia.

Tommy Oar had given Australia a 1-0 lead in the 82nd minute but a handball by Matthew McKay in extra time set up the penalty for Honda, who beat Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with left-footed shot to the top corner. Japan needed at least a point to clinch a spot in next year ’s World Cup in Brazil from Group B in Asian qualifying.

Both teams had great scoring chances in the first half, but Schwarzer got his right hand up to block Shinji Kagawa’s shot from close range.

'We ‘ll gun down Eagles'

Continues from B/P

says the outcome of the first leg fixture in Calabar, where Nigeria needed a late goal to deny Kenya, will be a key motivator when the two sides clash again.

Cafonline.com spoke to Wanyama ahead of the match.

In a pre-match chat with Cafonline, the Celtic of Scotland said, “we started well against Nigeria in Calabar and we therefore, expect to continue with the same performance at home.

Overall we dominated proceedings in Calabar and scored a wonder goal through Francis Kahata. We were let down by lack on concentration that allowed Nigeria to level matters. We want to keep on with that spirit and looking at the players’ in camp, they have strong belief that a win is possible.”

Wanyama admitted that being the captain of the team has put some pressure on him but sounded optimistic

“It is a difficult position to take because it comes with a lot of responsibility but I am ready to rise up to the occasion. I was handed the armband during the match in Calabar after Oliech had been substituted though it was for few minutes. We will only play as a team and try to avoid the issue of who is the leader on the pitch because every player is a leader in such big assignments.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

'We ‘ll gun down Eagles' K

ENYA captain Victor Wanyama is confident that Harambee Stars will floor Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup qualifier at Moi Kasarani Stadium today.

The Celtic midfielder •Continued on page 63

Eagles Vs Harambee Stars

No retreat, no surrender!

•Our mission is to pick maximum points — Keshi Kick-off: 2 p.m.

•Details Inside

•Wanyama

PREVIOUS MATCHES IN GROUP F Nigeria 1 Namibia 0 Kenya 0 Malawi 0 Malawi 1 Nigeria 1 Namibia 1 Kenya 0 Nigeria 1 Kenya 1 Namibia 0 Malawi 1

1, 500 policemen for Kenya/ Nigeria clash •Amrouche

•Keshi

PUZZLE

Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami, Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Fegor Ogude, John Ogu, Sunday Mba, Emeka Eze, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Joseph Akpala, Michael Babatunde, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Anthony Ujah, Obinna Nwachukwu, Gambo Muhammed.

HARAMBEE STARS Duncan Ochieng, Wilson Oburu, Jerim Onyango, Andrew Murunga, Benedict Owuor, John Njoroge, David Ochieng, Jockins Atudo, Abdulatif Omar, Francis Kahata, Peter Opiyo, Edwin Wafula, Mulinge Ndeto, Ali Bhari, Kepha Aswani, Martins Musalia, Abdallah Juma, Patrick Osiako, Victor Wanyama, Stephen Warur u, Johanna Omollo, Jamal Mohammed

Japan 1st team to reach 2014 World Cup

Stars get N6.5 million boost to beat Eagles We ‘ll suffocate Namibia, says Malawi coach

Transfer Talk P.38 & 39

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

SUPER EAGLES

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Absolute (5) 5 Voucher (6) 8 Frill (5) 10 Even (6) 11 Declare (4) 14 Amorous (6) 15 Invented (7) 18 Marry (3) 19 Decay (3) 21 Peruse (4) 23 Material (5) 24 Pip (4) 27 Fellow (3) 29 Fix (3) 31 Rebelling (7) 32 Rifleman (6) 34 Quote (4) 35 Arachnid (6) 38 Performed (5) 39 Conquer (6) 40 Cogs (5)

DOWN 2 Border (3) 3 Amatory (6) 4 Groove (3) 5 Duck (4) 6 Talented (6) 7 Pulled (6) 9 Applauded (7) 12 Promise (3) 13 Travel (4) 16 Relax (4) 17 Giver (5) 20 Smallest (7) 22 Soon (4) 24 Method (6) 25 Heroic (4) 26 Show (6) 28 Pace (6) 30 Obtain (3) 33 Breed (4) 36 Favourite (3) 37 Newt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

How to Play Sudoku

ACROSS: 1, Scaled 5, Dirt 8, Dozen 9, Run 10, Atom 11, Scan 12, Epoch 13, Border 16, Deft 18, Note 20, Ram 22, Vie 23, Try 24, Solo 25, Erne 28, Truant 30, Villa 32, Goat 33, Idea 34, Ear 35, Sound 36, Ever 37, Stated.

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Scribe 2, Abnormal 3, Elated 4, Competent 5, Descent 6, Inch 7, Tang 8, Doe 14, Revealing 15, Sty 17, Fir 19, Ornament 20, Row 21, Monitor 26, Errant 27, Stored 29, Argue 30, Vase 31, Add.

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.

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