Amaechi asks court to stop PDP probe

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61919

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FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Mandela in Warri North crisis: Gunmen vegetative state, doctors tell court •P.8 kill couple, daughter •P.49

Amaechi asks court to stop PDP probe •Odili, Pepple, Wike ask him to apologise to President •Don't fan embers of discord, says Amaechi •Warns Obuah, factional party chairman against foul comments

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH; BEN AGANDE, JIMITOTA ONOYUME AND BRIGHT OGUNKILEDE

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ORTHARCOURT— GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has asked a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, to restrain the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state from probing his six years in office.

Governor Amaechi made the request on a day Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu Troubling issues from the security •P.17 crises in Northern Nigeria

Mr & Mrs WORLD CHALLENGE — Students from Lagos State secondary schools at the World Record Toothbrushing Challenge at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Akeem Salau

Mansour sworn in as Egypt's •P.51 new President

Appeal Court dethrones Obong of Calabar •P.8 C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—President Goodluck Jonathan hand shakes Acting Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chibudom Nwuche (Right) while Chairman of PDP in Rivers State, Chief Felix Obuah (middle) looks on during a meeting between the president and Rivers State chapter of the PDP Exco and elders, yesterday, in Abuja. State House photo.

Amaechi asks court to stop PDP probe Continues from page 1 Felix Obuah,factional chairman of the state PDP, led a delegation to President Goodluck Jonathan to apologise over Amaechi’s conduct.

The move is seen as re-

kindling of the fading feud between President Jonathan and the governor.

Following Governor Amaechi’s application, trial judge, Justice Godspower Aguma ruled

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Do you know why God created gaps between fingers? So that someone who is special to you comes and fills those gaps by holding your hand forever.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change —Wayne W. Dyer

A

VERY rich young man went to see a Wise man in order to ask his advice about what he should do with his life. The wise man led him over to the window and asked him: ‘What can you see through the glass?’ ’I can see men coming and going and a blind man begging for alms in the street.’

Then the wise man showed him a large mirror and said to him: ‘Look in this mirror and tell me what you see.’ ‘I can see myself. The wise man said.

‘Notice that the window and the mirror are both made of the same basic material, glass; but in the mirror, because the glass is coated with a fine layer of silver, all you can see is yourself. You should compare yourself to these two kinds of glass.

“Through the glass, you saw other people and felt compassion for them. Through the mirror - covered in silver - you see yourself. You will only be worth anything when you have the courage to tear away the coating of silver covering your eyes in order to be able to see again and love your fellow man.”

One of life’s purpose is to be there for others when they need us.

that parties in the suit should maintain the status quo pending determination of the preliminary objection by counsel to the defendants.

Adjourning the matter to July 30 to rule on the issue of jurisdiction, the judge said no party in the suit has any right to carry out any action against the other, adding that the court would first decide on the issue of jurisdiction.

Vanguard gathered that the Obuah-led PDP in the state had set up a committee to probe some officials of the state government.

Rivers PDP fuels Jonathan, Amaechi rift Meanwhile, members of the Rivers State faction of the Peoples Democratic Party opposed to the state gover nor, Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday rekindled the fading feud between President Goodluck Jonathan and the governor.

The delegation, which was led by Obuah, also included the former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili; the Minister of Lands and Housing, Amma Pepple and the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike.

The group, which appeared to be opposed to the reconciliation of Jonathan with Amaechi, told the President that they were in the State House to apologise to him and his wife on behalf of Rivers State and its people over what they described as “the many sins of Governor Amaechi” against the President and his administration.

Obuah, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, accused Amaechi of acting at variance with Rivers people’s wishes towards the President and his administration and warned that they would continue to keep him at bay until he repented.

Obuah on Amaechi Obuah also described the governor as the main opposition figure in the country against Jonathan, showing hostility towards the First Family, thereby giving erroneous impression that they were against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“To demonstrate that Rivers people are not with Governor Amaechi in this hostile attitude against Mr. President and our great party, we

shall continue to support his suspension from the PDP by the National Working Committee until he retraces his steps from engaging in antiparty activities,” he said.

Obuah pointed out that apart from showing disrespect to the office of the President; Amaechi was also attacking the state Police Commissioner for allegedly not doing his bidding as his predecessors did by using the Police to witch-hunt the governor ’s perceived political opponents.

He said: “Your Excellency, Mr. Mbu is a Godsent commissioner of Police who has refused to be used to arrest and harass political opponents of the governor and charging them to court on trumped-up charges. We are very proud of his impartiality and we join well-meaning Nigerians in Rivers State to celebrate him as a core professional."

Amaechi reacts But Amaechi, in a reaction to the visit of the faction to the Villa, described the delegation as people who did not wish the state and its people well, by desperately trying to create problems where none existed for selfish reasons.

The governor, who spoke through his Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, also described the factional chairman, Felix Obuah, as a busy-body, who has no business whatsoever parading himself as the Rivers PDP chairman, since a court had already recognised Chief Godspower Ake as chairman of the party in the state.

The governor noted that while there was nothing wrong for Rivers people to visit the President and discuss with him, it was shameful and ungodly for the so-called

party elders to set sail on a mission to destroy and blackmail another person in order for them to be seen as angels.

Amaechi asked Obuah and his team to stop fanning the embers of disaffection since the President had said that there was no rift between them.

He pointed out that as a factional chairman, Obuah has no idea about the workings of the state and the challenges it was grappling with and warned him to stop making uninformed and inflammatory statements about the state.

“Amaechi, as chief security officer of the state, is well placed to comment on the security situation in Rivers State.

Obuah and his agents of destabilization, who do not wish the state well, should keep quiet and wait for the verdict of history, which in all respects, will be very harsh on them,” the commissioner said.

Last Sunday, the President and Amaechi met at the Port Harcourt International Airport and embraced each other in a convivial atmosphere, prompting his aides to say that there was no rift between the two men.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Mr Obuah said that Amaechi would only be re-admitted to the party if he shows remorse and apologises to the leaders, whom he had offended.

He ruled out the possibility of begging Amaechi to drop his threat of leaving the PDP for another party, saying that it was his right to do so under a democracy.

But former Rivers Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, in a reconciliatory tone, gave the inkling that the crisis rocking the party in the state would soon be resolved.

Odili said “There is no

Continues on page 16

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Agbor/Asaba bank raid gang recruited from Lagos —CP

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA —DELTA State Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, has said the robbery gang that stormed a first generation bank in Asaba last Sunday but was repelled was recruited from Lagos State, based on the outcome of investigation so far.

He is also of the view that it was the same gang that raided a bank at Agbor a forth-night ago that attempted the Asaba raid.

Speaking in Asaba, the CP said the kingpin (sponsor) that brought the gang from Lagos had been discovered and vowed that his residence would be demolished in the next few days to serve as deterrent to people with similar intention.

He was, however, silent over the location of the building.

The CP called on the public to come up with information to the police, noting that during the foiled Asaba bank robbery the robbers were injured, saying: “Some of these robbers escaped with bullet wounds, where are they hiding? There is no state that is crime-free but we foiled the robberies and these guys came from Lagos.”

Subsidy protest: Court grants bail to killer DPO zAccused suffering from renal failure —LASUTH report zCourt rejects DPP’s advice to deny bail

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & IJEOMA NATHANIEL

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AGOS — JUSTICE Olabisi Akinlade of an Ikeja High Court, yesterday, granted bail to former Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Pen Cinema, Agege, Mr. Segun Fabunmi, accused of shooting a youth to death during protests against fuel subsidy removal on January 9, last year.

Fabunmi was accused of killing a middle aged man, Adedamola Daramola, during the protests. He was arraigned for murder on May 5, 2013.

While granting him bail due to his poor health, Justice Akinlade imposed a N250m bail condition with two sureties in like sum.

She said the two sureties must be resident in Lagos and have three years tax clearance.

Akinlade added that one of

them must have landed property worth N100 million while the other must be a director in either the state or federal civil service.

The trial judge held that based on medical evidence before the court, it was incumbent on her to grant the accused bail, for him to have access to special medical attention which he would not likely get in prison if denied bail.

In the charge, Fabunmi was also accused of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm on Alimi Abubakar, Egbujor Samuel and Chizorba Odoh.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail ruling In her ruling, the judge said that a medical report by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH which revealed that the accused was suf-

fering from renal (kidney) failure, was enough ground to grant him bail.

She said: “What is important in granting bail is for a defendant to place sufficient material before the court for it to exercise its discretion in his favour.

“It is when a defendant has done this that the burden of proof will shift to the prosecution, who will have to show cause why the defendant should not be granted bail. I am satisfied that the defendant has provided sufficient materials before me.”

The court added that the accused must deposit his travelling passport with the chief registrar of the court, who will also appoint a police officer to verify the documents to be tendered by the accused.

She also ordered that the police officer appointed by the chief registrar must swear to an affi-

davit of verification after completing the exercise.

She barred Fabunmi from travelling abroad until the final determination of his trial.

Arguing against the bail, the Director, Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan urged the court to deny bail.

She argued that due to the nature of the alleged offences and severity of the punishment (death penalty) if convicted, the accused was likely to escape from trial if granted bail.

She also argued that, as a former police officer, Fabunmiwas in a position to influence witnesses if granted bail.

His counsel, Mr. George Oguntade, SAN, however insisted that his client was ready to face trial.

The court has fixed July 16, 2013 for the commencement of trial .

A cross section of Nigerians who fled Ashigashiya town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State to Cameroon following Boko Haram crisis. Photo: Ndahi Marama. (BELOW) Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mustapha Zannah (right) appealing to them to return to Borno, Wednesday. Photo: NAN.

NURTW wants total ban on road blocks

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ADUNA — THE Na tional Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has called for a total ban on road blocks mounted by local councils tax collectors nationwide.

The NURTW president, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, made the call, yesterday, in Kaduna at the opening of the joint meeting of the union’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council.

According to him, most of the taxes and levies collected at the road blocks are illegal as they contravene the provisions of the Taxes and Levies Act, 2004.

He appealed to the Inspector General of Police to stop policemen from giving security cover to such tax collectors and order the arrest of the culprits.

Yasin noted that people were forced to pay the “illegal taxes” and those that were unable to, were subjected to inhuman treatment.

Hotel staff docked over N640,000 theft

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 47-year-old man, Joseph Balogun, who is an employee of Excellence Hotel and Conference Centre, Ogba, was, yesterday, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate's Court, for allegedly stealing N640,000, from the hotel.

Balogun, who was docked before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing preferred against him by the police.

The Police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, said the defendant committed the alleged offence on September, 2, 2012, at the hotel in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. He said the defendant with intent to defraud the hotel, obtained the alleged sum.

According to him, the offence committed is contrary to section 378 and punishable under section 285 of the criminal laws of

Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the twocount charge when it was read to him.

Magistrate Komolafe granted him bail in the sum of N100,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to August 8,2013.

Two policemen dismissed for arming criminals

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OS – THE Plateau State Po lice Command has dismissed two of its officers over alleged criminal conspiracy, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Olakpe, said.

Olapke said in Jos, yesterday, that the duo were arrested and found guilty after investigation.

He said: “The two officers were found to be accomplices of some people involved in the production of arms in the state.”

He said the officers were also found guilty of supplying illegal arms and ammunition to criminals.

He said: “It was revealed during investigation that the two policemen are members of the arms production syndicates and suppliers of ammunition and were apprehended immediately.

“In the spirit of the times, ably presented by the Inspector-General of Police, that there will not

be any space for irresponsible and criminal elements in the force, the two policemen have been dismissed from the force.

“This is to send a note of warning to all policemen. Once they live in glass house, they must not throw stones, and anybody fingered in any criminal activities will not be spared.”

According to reports the two sacked policemen were Corporal Joseph Dakup and Constable Dakol Emmanuel.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—7

Manhunt launched for fleeing prisoners in Akure jailbreak

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — THE Comptroller General of Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr Zakari Ibrahim, said the service had commenced a 24hour manhunt to ensure that all the fleeing prisoners that escaped from the Olokuta Medium Security Prison are re-arrested.

This came as the police in Akure said, yesterday, that five additional fleeing prisoners have been re-arrested and returned to custody.

With the additional five, this has brought the figure to 59 so far rearrested since last Sunday's jailbreak.

Ibrahim who visited Olokuta for an on-the-spot assessment of the prison condemned the level of damage by the gunmen which led to the escape of the inmates.

Reacting to congestion in the prisons across the country, Ibrahim attributed the problem to awaiting trial cases in courts which makes the prisons to overflow its capacity.

Meantime, the Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said in Akure that there was no increase in crime rate despite the escape of the prisoners.

According to Ogodo, “the attack on the prisons was carried out by some robbers mainly aimed at liberating some members of their gang who were in prisons cus-

tody. They had since escaped outside the state.”

He assured the public that his officers would do everything possible to re arrest the remaining fleeing inmates as those already nabbed and had been returned to custody.

As at Tuesday this week, 54 were apprehended from villages and towns across the state by the detectives deployed to all the council areas by the police authorities in the state.

No fewer than 30 armed ban-

dits invaded the prison to set free 175 inmates of the prison especially hardened criminals that reportedly arrested in connection with the robbery of a new generation bank last year in the state.

Of the prisoners so far re arrested, Ogodo said that none of the robbery suspects that took part in the bank robbery that escaped last Sunday have been re arrested.

Those arrested so far, according to police sources, are not those connected to the bank robbery but

other suspects who are standing trial for other offences.

Ogodo said the additional five prisoners were arrested in Okitipupa and its environs.

Speaking with newsmen, the Comptroller of the Prisons, Mr Tunde Olayiwola, assured that more of the fleeing prisoners would be re arrested.

Olayiwola said that the re-arrested inmates were caught from bushes, through information and their data which are in the custody of the prison.

Army Medical Corps personnel sensitising Prison officials during their medical outreach at Dukpa, a community in Gwagwalada (FCT) as part of 2013 Army Day celebration, in Abuja, Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Court orders arrest of Lagos prince for contempt

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS — AN Igbosere chief magistrate's court in Lagos, has ordered the arrest of Prince Ibikunle Fafunwa for contempt of court. Also ordered to be arrested is one Jimoh Anjoso.

Chief Magistrate O. O. Oshin, who gave the order, directed “all police officers(s) within the Lagos State jurisdiction to arrest and bring before her,”the two contempnors, for flouting the order issued by her court on March 21, 2013. Ibikunle Fafunwa is a prince in the Onikoyi Ruling House, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The applicants, Alhaji Samsideen Ope and Alhaji Muhammed had dragged Ibikunle Fafunwa and Jimoh Anjoso before Chief Magistrate Oshin, seeking an order of the court, binding over the two respondents, either by themselves, their servants, agents or privies from harassing, vandalizing, intimidating, disturbing the peace of the applicant’s community and to be of good behaviour for at least 12 months.

Counsel to respondents, Bimbo Kasumu, in a preliminary objection to the suit, argued that the “binding over application relates to the title of Onikoyi Chieftaincy family land at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, which is outside the jurisdiction of the court and that

Chief Patrick Onikoyi is the Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land of Lagos State.”

The respondents also argued that they were not personally served with the motion on notice

for binding over as the applicants dropped the processes at the Onikoyi Palace gate at Block 5, Plot 6, Onikoyi Lane, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

However, in her ruling, Mag-

istrate Oshin dismissed the objection as lacking in merit and held that the suit before her was that of binding over and not chieftaincy or land matter.

Masquerade, residents clash again in Ibadan

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — BARELY a year after an attack on the dreaded masquerade in Ibadan, Oloolu at Popoyemoja area, supporters of the masquerade and residents of the area again clashed, Wednesday.

Last year, the masquerade was attacked with machete and had his head bandaged but, Wednesday, no fewer than 16 vehicles were vandalised.

Already, three persons have been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in connection with the fracas.

The incident, according to a source, happened in the evening when the masquerade visited two chiefs in the area.

The supporters who wore vests with inscription Odun Esan, meaning "year of revenge," unleashed terror on their perceived enemies. Dangerous weapons were said to have been freely used.

One of the attackers was quoted as saying it was to revenge what happened to the masquerade during last year’s festival.

It would be recalled that it took the intervention of some chiefs to settle the crisis, last year.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said some hoodlums attempted to attack the masquerade with dangerous weapons.

Pastor, wife talk dirty as court dissolves marriage of 20 years

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AGOS — AN Orile-Agege Customary Court in Lagos, yesterday, dissolved the 20-yearold marriage of a pastor, who had accused his wife of infidelity and threat to his life.

Pastor Sunday Owonikoko,51, had filed a petition at the court on May 27, saying he could no longer continue with his wife, Bolajoko, 47.

Ruling in the case, court president, Mr Joseph Adewusi, said the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

His words: “Starting from today, you cease to be addressed as husband and wife; you shall go your separate ways and maintain the peace.

“The custody of the under-aged among the children is referred to Ikeja Family Court for final decision, but in the interim, the children should remain with the petitioner.

“The petitioner, Pastor Sunday Owonikoko, should pay a compensation fee of N25,000 to the

defendant and also secure accommodation for her.”

My wife still sees her ex

Bolajoko, an evangelist, had, however, denied the allegations in her response.

My husband is According to reports the pastor, adulterous

who lives at 1, Alowole St., Papa Ashafa, Orile-Agege, had told the court that his wife was still seeing her ex-lovers.

“My wife once travelled to Ghana to meet one of her concubines. She did family planning without my consent and she goes out at will.

“She was suspended from the church for six months because she fought all ministers in the church.

She then established her church, she fought all the members of the church, and they all left.”

The father of four children, aged between 19 years and 11 years, had also told the court that his wife threatened to destroy him and the church.

“I want the court to dissolve the union and grant me custody of my children,” he had said.

She said: “My husband is adulterous. He has slept with almost all the sisters in the church. A mother of seven is presently living with himand he has made the woman an evangelist.“ Bolajoko told the court that her husband had “lost his mind” since he ate vegetable soup in the house of one of the sisters in the church. I don’t love him anymore, I want a divorce.”

Husband, wife trade blame on infidelity

Also yesterday, a couple, Muyideen and Simbiat Saula, urged an Ikorodu Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve their marriage, accusing each other of infidelity.

Simbiat, 27, a trader who resides at Fajemisi St., Kokoro Abu,

Ikorodu, had earlier told the court that Muyideen beats her regularly, adding that she was tired of his infidelity.

She said: “My husband beats me whenever I make mistakes; he had battered me to the extent that I had two miscarriages.

“He usually beats me to the extent that he would tear my clothes to pieces. I have also heard him receive calls from different women. I am no more interested in the marriage.“ Muyideen, 40, a businessman, in turn accused his wife of receiving strange calls from different men in the midnight.

He said: “My wife receives calls from concubines which her mother knows about. She opened a Facebook account to chat with her concubines; she has also installed a security code on her phone, so that I would not have access to it.

“I am also no more interested in the marriage because her mother came to pack her belongings,“ he said.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Appeal Court dethrones Obong of Calabar

BY EMMA UNA

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ALABAR—APPEAL Court sitting in Calabar, yesterday, confirmed a Calabar High Court ruling which, in October 2012, nullified the processes for the selection of Obong of Calabar through which Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu emerged as Obong.

The court ordered for another selection process to elect an Obong for the Efik.

In a unanimous decision, Justice Mohanmmed Lawal, Justice Uzor Ndukwe and Justice Onyekachi Okisi, the Appeal Court judges agreed that the selection processes through which Etubom Abasi Otu emerged to become the Obong of Calabar was not all inclusive and thus new processes should be instituted for all eligible persons to undergo the selection of Obong.

The judgment also disqualified Chief Anthony Ani, who is the first respondent from contesting since he was not a capped chief, which is a prerequisite for the qualification to contest for the post of Obong.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Chief Anthony Ani, Mr. Bassey Offiong said: “The court delivered judgment in part.

"So many issues were in contention including first, whether Etubom Anthony Ani was qualified to contest for the stool.

"The court ruled that since he was not capped, he was not qualified to contest for the Obongship stool based on the constitution of Obong council.”

He said secondly, the court considered the issue of natural justice and said Etubom Ani was not given fair hearing during the selection process because his complaints were not listened to and therefore another selection exercise should be conducted which is all inclusive.

Reacting, Etubom Anthony Ani said he would study the judgment before taking a decision whether to appeal.

ECOBANK BREAKFAST: From left— Mr. Albert Essien, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank; Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Mrs Foluke Aboderin, ED, Corporate Banking, and Mr. Jibril Aku, MD, both of Ecobank, at the bank's corporate banking breakfast meeting in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

Mandela in permanent vegetative state, doctors tell court D

OCTORS, who are treating anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, who is entering his fourth week of hospital treatment for a recurring lung infection, have advised Mandela’s family to consider letting him go rather than “prolonging his suffering,” according to a news agency which cited a court

document it had seen.

“He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine,” read the document, dated June 26, which was submitted by lawyers acting for Mr. Mandela’s oldest daughter Makaziwe and others in a court battle with another family faction over burial rights.

According to the report, “the Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.

“Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability.”

The claim came as Mr. Mandela’s wife, Graca spoke publicly for the first time about her 94-year-old husband, saying he was “fine” and not in too much pain.

Referring to Mr. Mandela by his clan name, she said: “Madiba is sometimes uncomfortable. Sometimes he is in pain. But he is fine.”

PDP TO TINUBU: Allow Ekiti people decide for themselves

BY HENRY UMORU

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B U J A — N AT I O N A L leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, urged the national leader of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to leave the people of Ekiti State to decide for themselves, accusing him of trying to bar some persons from contesting in Ekiti governorship election in 2014.

In a statement, yesterday,

by PDP Acting Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Okeke argued that it was extremely “ wicked and undemocratic” for Tinubu to ask House of Representatives member from Ekiti State, Opeyemi Bamidele, to forget his governorship ambition.

The PDP Acting Publicity Secretary said: “By ordering a House of Representatives member from Ekiti State, Opeyemi Bamidele, to forget his governorship ambition in the 2014 governorship election, Tinubu has once again displayed his despotic tendencies and utter disdain for democratic process.

“This is extremely wicked

and indeed the height of tyranny and outright disparagement for the people and their right to choose their leaders as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.”

Reminding Tinubu that he was not from Ekiti State and as such should not decide for the people, PDP urged the people of the state “to rise up to the occasion and defend their rights by rejecting the usual practice of allowing godfathers to select their leaders for them.

He said: “In openly endorsing Ekiti State governor,

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for a second term and ordering Opeyemi to forget his ambition, Tinubu has clearly shown his resolve to truncate laid down electoral processes.

"This will retain the system through which the resources of the state are being diverted to private purses."

Noting that ACN had shown that it was not ready to respect the rights of the people, PDP urged all lovers of democracy to come over to the “national party where no individual sits in his room and decides who will be can-

didate for an election.”

Meanwhile, indications emerged, yesterday, that the Special National Convention of PDP, which had been postponed indefinitely, may suffer a major set back.

As part of moves against the Professor Jerry Gana-led Committee, some members of the party have gone to a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to set aside the pronouncement of PDP's last National Executive Committee, NEC, where the appointment of about 18 acting national officers of the party were endorsed.

NLNG, NIMASA resolve feud

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

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HE feud between Nigerian LNG Limited, NLNG, and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, appears to be settled as NLNG has opted to settle its indebtedness to NIMASA, in compliance with NIMASA Act. This emerged after yesterday’s court session, where

the counsel to NLNG, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN) informed the court that NLNG was in the process of finalising the terms of a proposed consent order on its agreement with NIMASA and other parties for the vacation of an earlier order made against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Global West Vessel Specialist Limited and NIMASA in the suit.

Akoni, yesterday, asked the court for an adjournment to come back today for the matter, to enable NLNG shareholders come to terms on the consent order to be proposed to the court on the basis of the terms of the consent order agreed by the parties.

The court had earlier, yesterday, adjourned the matter briefly at NLNG’s request for it to be able to tidy up its side.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—9

Rights Commission asks FG to revoke directive on death row inmates A

FRICAN Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Banjul, The Gambia, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind his directive to the 36 states of Nigeria, asking them to begin execution of prisoners on death row across the country.

The Commission’s order was confirmed Wednesday to Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, by the Commissioner Zainabo Kayitesi and Chairperson of the Working Group on Death Penalty, and Secretary of the African Commission, Dr. Mary Maboreke.

SERAP also confirmed that the order had been sent to President Jonathan through the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Commission is the body charged with overseeing states parties’ compliance with their legal obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party.

The Commission’s order fol-

lowed a petition filed by SERAP through its Solicitor, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).

Reacting to the African Commission’s decision Falana said: “This is a landmark decision and one which shows the willingness of the Commission to assert its authority in critical situations such as the present one.

“It will ensure full protection of the human rights of the African people, and to hold African governments responsible for their legal obligations under the African Charter.

“It is absolutely important that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke, moves swiftly to ensure full and effective compliance with the Provisional Order that has been issued by the Commission.

Precedents

“It will be recalled that

the Commission, in 1993, issued a Provisional Order restraining former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida from executing General Zamani Lekwot and others sentenced to death under the Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Act no 2 of 1987.

“General Babangida obeyed the order. It will also be recalled that the Commission, in 2009, issued a similar order asking former Libyan leader, late Muammar al-Gaddafi, not to execute over 200 Nigerians on death row in that country.

“He obeyed the order, and many of the Nigerians were sent back home. Therefore, there is no reason whatsoever why President Jonathan should not obey the Commission’s order in this case.”

SERAP’s appeal

Earlier, in its request for provisional measures dated June 25, 2013, SERAP asked the African Commission to “urgently exercise its authority to request Nigeria to immediately withdraw the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan to 36 states of the Federation of Nigeria to execute all death row prisoners, and fully accord the pris-

oners their fair trial and other human rights.”

The request for provisional measures was submitted in conjunction with SERAP’s communication to the African Commission.

According to the organisation, “unless the African Commission urgently intervenes in this case, there is a risk of irreversible denial of several death row prisoners in Nigeria.

“This will render nugatory the resolutions on moratorium on executions by the African Commission and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.”

Constitution review c'ttee submits report

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Representatives, yesterday, received the report of its ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, which proposed that the lawmakers should consider granting autonomy to local

governments and allow for independent candidature in future elections, among other recommendations.

The committee also seeks to bar unelected local government chairmen from getting funding from government purse.

Chairman of the committee and Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, submitted the report at yesterday’s plenary session.

Ihedioha, who briefed the House, said the report comprised attached Constitution Alteration Bills which he said was a reflection of Members’ Bills referred to the Committee after second reading in addition to the results of the peoples’ public sessions on the review of the Constitution.

Recommendations

In section seven, the Committee relied on the recommendation of the people’s public sessions, which clearly underscored the need to grant independence and autonomy for local government councils and give the councils their deserved role as catalysts for development at the grassroots level.

Accordingly, the committee created a fixed uniform term of four years for local government councils and prescribed denial of appropriation to council’s chairmen that are not democratically elected.

The reforms proposed by the committee prescribed the mode of election of local government officials, their functions, tenure, qualifications for elections, and other related matters.

Under the amendment proposed, elections into local government councils will be managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In section eight the committee reviewed the provisions of Section 8 to emphasise the importance of elected local government councils, by inserting al-

terations that will ensure that only elected local government officials can participate in the process for creation of new states.

It also clarified that only registered voters in a local government area can participate in a referendum for the creation of a new state.

In section nine, the committee sought to clarify and remove ambiguities in language with respect to the alteration of the Constitution and further dispense with the requirement for assent of the president to be obtained for the amendment of the Constitution.

The committee came to the conclusion that the rigorous provisions for the alteration of the constitution by members of the National Assembly and the participation of the 36 state Houses of Assembly represented such adequate participation of Nigerians and that assent of the President negated the principle contained therein.

In section 12, the committee altered the provisions relating to Nigeria’s international treaty obligations, to provide for National Assembly’s ratification and enactment.

On indigeneship

In section 25, the committee report stated that to address the various conflicts and crises surrounding the question of who is an indigene or settler in the community, the Committee has redefined citizenship to take away this divide meaning that a person who has lived in a community for a specified period is entitled to the same rights and privileges as citizens of that community.

The amendment under this chapter fully defines indigeneship in a way to eliminate the conflict that this had posed in the past.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Lagos ACN condemns extortion by area boys

LASUTH denies alleged rejection of accident victim

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE LAGOS State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has condemned alleged harassment and extortion of government and contractors working in various parts of Lagos by communities and area boys, saying, it is inimical to the growth and progress of the state.

The party warned communities and area boys involved in the act to desist as government is prepared to deal with any impediment on its way to deliver a functional state, “which is the vision driving the present government’s commitment to the state.”

The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe, expressed concern over persistent reports and complaints of increasing harassment and extortion of contractors handling government projects like roads, drainage and bridges.

LAMATA coming with 250 more BRT buses

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

HE LAGOS Metro politan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, regulator of the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, in collaboration with operators is set to introduce 50 new buses, 100 refurbished 100 serviceable vehicles to the present fleet of BRT buses by the end of the third quarter of this year.

This came as it announced a re-structuring of its operations management team aimed at further ensuring effectiveness and efficiency Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Managing Director, LAMATA, said the measure was part of a holistic plan at returning the BRT operations and experience to its once efficient and effective state at launch in 2008.

Mobereola said the Lagos State Government was no unaware of the challenges that commuters using the current BRT system were experiencing, noting that serious steps were currently being taken to ensure the restoration of efficient and effective services.

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

M

AGM: Mallam Falalu Bello, Chairman (left), and Faith Tuedor-Matthews, Group Managing Director/CEO, both of Mainstreet Bank, during the bank’s first Annual General Meeting, in Lagos.

Senate moves to end 67-day-old ASUP strike Senate Committee on Education has intervened to end the protracted industrial action.

According to him:”The Senate HE SENATE has waded into Committee has pledged to intervene the 67-day-old strike by the and meet with the Secretary to the Academic Staff Union of Polytech- Government of the Federation (SGF) nics ASUP, raising hope of immi- and the Office of Accountant-Gennent resolution. eral of the Federation with a view President of ASUP, Dr. Chibuzor to sorting out issues around the comAsomugha, said yesterday that the pletion of appointment of members of governing councils of six polytechnics and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) imbroglio.”

Asomugha, who deBY OLASUNKANMI AKONI scribed the ASUP meetAGOS — GOVER- ing with Senate CommitNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State tee as fruitful, said “spehas officially switched on 166 light fittings on cific assignments were the century old Carter Bridge, aimed at imgiven to different proving security and encouraging human ac- stakeholders with Tuestivities at night. day next week as deadThe bridge, first constructed by the colonial line for results.” government in 1901 and later reconstructed Present at the interin 1973, had for many years been devoid of vention meeting were trafficat night because it was always dark and members of the Senate considered unsafe by motorists.

Committee on EducaThe bridge, is a major arterial road connect- tion, Education Minising Lagos Island with the Mainland and oth- ter, Professor Ruqayyatu ers like Ijora Olopa, Iddo Terminus, Offin and Rufa’i and Minister of Ebute Ero. Labour and Productivity, Fashola In his remarks before switching on Chief Emeka Wogu. the light, explained that, “the significant imAlso present were Expact of these street lightings is that it has im- ecutive Secretary of the proved security in the state, making Lagos National Board for Techsafer at night.” nical Education, NBTE, On the Carter Dr. Mas’udu A. Bridge particularly, Kazaure; National Pubthis is a transport licity Secretary, ASUP, solution as well as a Mr. Clement Chairman; security solution.

Permanent Secretary “It will increase (Education) and Director their choices of peo- of Establishment (Head ple getting in and Of Service) out from the Island It would be recalled and onto the Main- that ASUP embarked on land. The lighting of nationwide indefinite the bridge also has strike on April 29 over significant economic what they termed Fedimpact. eral Government’s inBy DAYO ADESULU, LAJU ARENYEKA & EKEMINI EYOH

T

sensitivity to its demands.

ASUP is asking government to adequately fund polytechnics, appoint qualified rectors in Nigerian Polytechnics, and resolve the issue of integrated polytechnic pay-roll system, among others.

ANAGEMENT OF the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, yesterday, refuted alleged refusal of the hospital to attend to a road traffic accident victim, late Elizabeth Toby- Lade, describing the report as unfounded.

Reacting to the media report which quoted the husband’s of the victim to have claimed that the nurses on duty at the Emergency Unit of the hospital refused to place the patient on oxygen, due to shortage of oxygen, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Oke wale, said the patient upon arrival with a head injury received immediate resuscitative measures.

According to him: “LASUTH has never been in lack of oxygen for the use of patients as we generate oxygen in our plant for medical use and we could not have been short of oxygen or ask patients in dire need of it to pay before administration.”

Fashola lights up Carter Bridge

L

PUBLIC NOTICE

TEENAGERS AND YOUTH TALENTS INITIATIVE (TEY~ti)

The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part 'C' of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990The Trustees are: 1) Arch. Emeka Duru 2) Rev. Fr. Innocent Ekeagwu 3) Dr. Gloria M. T. Emezue 4) Engr. Afam Nliam AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1}To create a talented society by motivating and developing the innumerable hidden talents and skills in everybody and to transform the teenagers and the youths.

2) To transform the teenagers and youths in various areas of moral, intellectual, psychological and social realities of change.

3} To encourage self-reliance, self-empowerment and idea creation among the teenagers and youths.

4) To create a healthier and wealthier society through talents and skills.

Any objection(s) to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama,Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed by: Paschal Chima Ibeoma Founder/President

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—11

Oyo Assembly wants compensation for families of slain traders

BY OLA AJAYI

I

MEETING: From left, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdullahi Adedeji, Akirun of Ikirun; Oba Frederick Obateru, Akiruntan Olugbo of Ugboland (host); Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and Oba Adebayo Adewole, Ajero of Ijero, at the meeting of Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee, in Ibadan, yesterday.

Alaafin, Ooni move to resolve differences

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi were, yesterday, said to

have given their consent to efforts by top Yoruba monarchs to work out ways of settling the rift between them.

This was disclosed by the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba

Frederick Obateru Akinruntan who is the Leader, Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee in Ibadan.

The two prominent monarchs have had frosty relationship for

Osun ACN, PDP in blame game over attack on ACN members

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — BOTH the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and the main opposition party in Osun State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are accusing each other over Wednesday evening’s clash by members of the two political parties at Yekemi Abati Egba in Ife East Local Government area of the state.

The ACN claimed that it was holding a ward rally in the area when supporters of one of the gubernatorial aspirants of PDP in the state allegedly attacked their members, inflicting injuries on them.

During the clash which lasted for about two hours no fewer than seven people suspected to be supporters of the ACN including the ward chairman, Mr. Sunday Omowaye, received machete cuts and were rushed to Obafemi

Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife where they were treated.

It was, however, gathered that four people have been arrested by the state police command in connection with the violent clash and have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Osogbo where they are helping the police in their investigation.

The ACN accused the PDP of masterminding the attack on its members, saying that the people of the state should be prepared to defend their rights within the law, and not allow a few criminals who are desperate for power to intimidate them in any form.

The party in a statement signed by its Director of Publicity and Research, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi advised the state police command to tighten secu-

rity in the state.

He stressed: “Otherwise the bloody ambition of one of the PDP aspirants from Ile Ife may create mayhem if firm action is not taken to deal with the terrorism that is breeding in Ife and is being leashed on law-abiding citizens of the state.”

But the PDP has dismissed the claim of ACN, describing the alleged clamp-down on its members by the ACN as an evil wind that will blow no good.

Chairman of the party in Osun Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa while reacting to the claim that PDP members in Yekemi Abata Egba attacked the ACN, alleged that, “it was the ACN that started the fight as they attacked one of the members of the PDP, Eluwande Idowu, during their rally and he was beaten to stupor before he was rescued by owners of cocoa shops in the area.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

many years over who is more prominent in the South West.

Both of them are laying claims to their ancestry as the authentic.

At the meeting at the Alakia residence of Oba Akinruntan in Ibadan, he said they had the consent of Alaafin of Oyo, Ooni of Ife, Alake of Egbaland, Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and Olubadan of Ibadan to settle the differences between the traditional rulers.

Oba Akinruntan admitted that there is massive ego among the Obas in the region and the best thing was to resolve it, so that the zone would not be marginalised in the scheme of things.

He lamented that the differences among the Obas had denied sons and daughters of Yorubaland many opportunities.

According to him, the resolution of the rivalry was in steady progress.

Present at the meeting were the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; Alara of Aramoko -Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi; Owa of Ajero Kingdom, Oba Adebayo Adewole; Odede of Igbo Egurin, Oba Ola Kalejaye, among others.

LIVING TRUTH GOSPEL MISSION INTERNATIONAL

Signed:Secretary

BADAN — Oyo State House of Assembly has asked the Federal Government to pay adequate compensation to families of slain Bodija traders.

Besides, the 32-member legislative arm also told Governor Abiola Ajimobi and members of the executive to write a protest letter to Federal Government on the murder of the traders.

The traders were killed last Friday by suspected Boko Haram Islamic sect.

This was adopted after a motion that was unanimously passed by the House.

Ekiti deputy gov tasks teachers to cover lost gr ounds grounds

T

EACHERS IN Ekiti State have been urged to resume academic work immediately for students to cover the grounds already lost to the industrial action towards preparing the students adequately for their promotion and Junior School Certificate Examination ahead.

The State Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu made this call, yesterday, when she paid an unscheduled visit to the Federal Housing Nursery and Primary School, Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti.

Mrs. Adelabu, who expressed satisfaction that the pupils and teachers of the school were already in school and ready for work, advised the teachers to give priority to class work in the morning when pupils are still fresh, and the weather clement for learning while cutting of grasses could be deferred to later in the day.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Faction declares Edo IPMAN election illegal

BY SIMON EBEG-

BULEM ENIN CITY—THE crisis rocking the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN in Edo State deepened, yesterday, as some members loyal to the Chairman of Midwestern zone of the association, Chief Solomon Ogbewe, have described as illegal, a purported election organised by a group known as Elders Forum.

The group under the aegis of the Concerned Members of the Edo State chapter of IPMAN, in a statement by Douglas Iyike and Adesuwa Emuze, argued that the constitution has no provision for Elder’s Forum, therefore, it would amount to illegality for such body to conduct election into the state chapter of IPMAN. It will be recalled that a group within the IPMAN, under the aegis of Elder’s Forum had last Wednesday organised an election into the state chapter of the association, allegedly in disregard to the directive of the national body that appointed Chief Ogbewe as the IPMAN Midwestern zone chairman.

Urging their members to disregard the purported election, the statement noted that only the chairman and other members of the executive have the constitutional right to call a meeting or conduct election in the state chapter of IPMAN.

B

Uduaghan sacks Finance commissioner, Okumagba zAssures youth corps members of safety

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday effected a minor reshuffle in his cabinet.

In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ovuozorie Macaulay, Mr Bernard Okumagba, hitherto Finance Commissioner was replaced by Mr Ken Okpara, who was Commissioner for Economic Planning.

Macaulay’s statement reads: “It is hereby, announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans, that the governor has effected a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.

“Accordingly, Mr. Ken Okpara, Commissioner for Economic Planning, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Finance to replace Mr. Bernard Okumagba, who has been dropped from the State Executive Council.

“Also, the Commissioner for Special Duties in charge of the State Liaison Office, Abuja, Gloria Okolugbo, has been directed to return to Asaba for reassignment while the State Head of Service is to post a Director to head the office forthwith.”

Meanwhile, Dr Uduaghan pledged his administration’s

A

BUJA—OIL communities in Rivers state have added their voices to the clamour for 13 per cent from oil exploration by writing a letter to Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAF, asking for the setting up of a National Derivation Committee.

In a statement issued by the 14 leaders of the communities, they also proposed the setting up of state management committee for the funds, so that the fund is received by the National Derivation Committee and disbursed to the states.

They said: "The National Deri-

served that it was regrettable that security and religious challenges, had in the recent past affected the posting of youth corps members to some parts of the country.

Continuing on the safety of corpers in the state, the governor said: “Delta State is a safe place for corps members and the Police Commissioner

has taken special measures to ensure their safety. The corps members too, should be security conscious and avoid criminal flash points. Delta State is very safe for members of NYSC as security operatives are on the alert in areas where we have corpers lodge.”

PRESENTATION: From left: Manager, Mass Market Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Nnamdi Ezeani; winner of (N500,000), in the ongoing Etisalat FC Barcelona Promo, Obinwaanne Ikedinnu and Manager, Etisalat Experience Centre, Ikeja City Mall, Firdausi Okezie, at the Etisalat FC Barcelona Promo first prize presentation in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Flooding: Bayelsa ACN asks Dickson not to go on leave

BY SAMUELOYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Bayelsa State chapter, yesterday, urged Governor Seriake Dickson to reconsider his request to the state House of Assembly for permission to go

Rivers oil communities want National Derivation C’ttee

BY EMMANUELELEBEKE

commitment to ensure the safety of lives of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members posted to the state.

The governor who stated this, yesterday, while playing host to the Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board, Chief Gordon Bozimo, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba, however, ob-

vation Committee will not award contracts but will supervise and monitor the use of the 13 per cent derivation fund on constant basis in all the state management committees. The state management committees will execute the projects and services for the oil and gas producing committees.

"The chairman and members of the National Derivation Committee shall be appointed by Mr. President on the advise of the leaders of the oil and gas producing immunities, including a member of RMAFC. While each state will select the chairman and members of the state management committee."

on annual leave.

It insisted that if such permission was granted, it would make mockery of the seriousness of the state’s preparation to tackle the predicted flood in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Dickson has signed into law, four out of the five bills presented to him by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson.

The bills are, the Bayelsa State Sports Academy, Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority Amendment, Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency and the Bayelsa State Welfare and Social Security Scheme Laws all of 2013.

Assenting to the bills, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson explained that Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme Bill would be signed into law at a later date when the appointment of members of the board for the scheme is made to enable it become fully operational.

Describing the laws as significant, he said that they would help to usher in a new dawn in the an-

nals of the history of the state. He called on the people of the state to support the government to enable it succeed in the task of

transforming Bayelsa in line with the dreams of its founding fathers.

Solomon, Edojah mourn Ewherido

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN

A

BUJA—SENATE Minority Whip and Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, has described the death of Senator Pius Ewherido as a personal loss for him given that he witnessed the onset of the crisis that claimed the life of the deceased lawmaker.

Senator Solomon spoke as erstwhile member of the House of Representatives and coordinator of the G25 in Delta State, Chief Solomon Edojah mourned the late Ewherido as a political phenomenon, who died just when he was about to be crowned as the new champion of the Delta people.

Senator Solomon, who said that he was still in shock, noted that he was with Ewherido at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he had his first operation before the plan to fly him abroad but he eventually gave up the ghost.

He said: “He gave no inkling he would not survive it. It didn’t seem to me that it was the end; that I possibly won’t see him again. I am, however, struggling to come to terms with my religious doctrine, that God only gives and takes and I pray the Almighty God grants him eternal rest.”

Edojah on his part, said that the people of Delta State had lost a champion, who many from far and near had been looking up to in the nearest future to give political guide to the citizenry.

Public Notice

SMAGOGA (GRORETTI OLD GIRLS) CALLING ON ALL OLD GIRLS OF ST. MARIA GORETTI SCHOOL, BENIN-CITY TO OUR NATIONAL A N N U A L G E N E R A L MEETING/LUNCHEON PARTY ON SATURDAY, 6TH OF JULY 2013, AT 12 NOON (FREE MEDICAL E X A M I N A T I O N ) .

VENUE : LAGOS RESOURCE CENTRE,9,ANIFOWOSHE STREET,OFF ADEOLA ODEKU AND KOFO ABAYOMI STREETS, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS. DEAR OLD GIRLS, DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ACTION PACKED EVENT.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Unegbu, ex-editor, West African Pilot dies at 89

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

F

IRST generation journalist and former Editor, West African Pilot, Chief Herbert Unegbu, is dead.

He died at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday, June 3, 2013.

Details of circumstances surrounding his death were not available at press time but family friends said his death might have resulted from old age-related sickness.

His close friend and former Press Secretary to the Head of State during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Igwe Ezeoba Alex Nwokedi, disclosed the news of his death to Vanguard yesterday.

Born November 9, 1924, Herbert Unegbu had his education in Onitsha and started writing in the same place. He was a renowned columnist and anchor of the popular Unu Habib which became his alias. He made his marks in journalism having served as news editor, Daily Times; editor, West African Pilot, one of the chain of newspapers of late former Governor-General of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Also, Unegbu was eastern regional editor, Radio Nigeria and, at the declaration of Biafra, became head of news, Biafran Broadcasting Corporation when it had Voice of Biafra and Radio Biafra for foreign and local contents respectively.

Unegbu, a notably detribalised Nigerian of eastern extraction, had good relationship with late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which led to the opportunity he had to meet with the former Premier of Western Region in his prison abode; the story of which he told Vanguard in an interview in 2010 entitled, “What Awolowo told me in prison.”

His media contemporaries in that era included Peter Osugo, Alex Nwokedi, Peter Enahoro, Peter Obe, Emmanuel Jaja who emerged later as managing director of Daily Times, Olu Fadairo, Sonny P. Chu Okongwu and many others He was survived by two wives and children.

z Late Unegbu

Chief

Herbert

Court acquits ex-Works Minister, Lawal in N43m fraud case

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—-ABUJA Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, dismissed the eightcount criminal charge entered against former Minister of Works, Mr Hassan Lawal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Lawal, who was hitherto facing trial alongside one Mr Adewale Adesanya, who was an official of United Bank for Africa, UBA, was alleged to have defrauded the Federal Government to the tune of N43 million while in office.

The duo were said to have allegedly diverted contract funds to a fake account they opened with the UBA. According to the EFCC, part of the looted funds were earmarked for the completion of Buto-Bagana Bridge across River Benue as well as erection of street lights from Abuja to Nasarawa State.

Lawal was said to have awarded the contracts while he was in government, only to allegedly divert funds approved for its completion to a private interest yielding account, with the help of the 2nd accused person.

However, Justice Adamu Bello discharged and acquitted the accused persons on the premise that the anti-graft agency failed to establish their complicity in the alleged crime.

Blaming the commission for what he termed “shoddy investigations”, Justice Bello, while upholding a no-casesubmission entered before him by the accused persons, said he was convinced that the EFCC did not prove the ingredients of money laundering and fraud contained in the charge.

The judge maintained that the EFCC could neither establish that the account was not genuinely opened nor prove that the funds traced to the ex-minister accrued from illegal transactions.

Besides, the judge held that the 2nd accused was an official of the bank as at when the alleged crime was said to have been committed, adding that he merely did his work as a banker and could not be said to have conspired to launder fund meant for the execution of a contract.

The judge said: “Prosecution failed to prove that the money in question was derived from illegal source, even when the accused gave the prosecution a lead that he got the money from other transactions, such as the sales of his assets, the prosecution did not bother to ask whether the transaction is real or not.

“Since the charge was in respect of the contract awarded by the Ministry of Works and

Housing and deposits being alleged were made before the 1st accused became the Minister of Works, it could not be said that such deposits were from illegal proceeds.

“What now remains, having failed to prove money

laundering and conspiracy as preferred in the charge, the accused persons are discharged of the charge and acquitted”.

Lawal had through his counsel, Mr Ibrahim Ishaku, SAN, insisted that funds found in his account emanated from genuine

transactions made by his client as payment for a housing loan procured from the bank.

He urged the court to hold that he had no case to answer, even as he contended that the charge did not link him directly or indirectly with the allegation.

VISIT— From left: Executive Director, Treasury/South East, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Managing Director/CEO, JP Morgan (Sub Saharan Africa), Mr. John Coulter; Group Managing Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; and Managing Director, JP Morgan (Nigeria), Mr. Tosin Adewuyi, during a visit to Skye Bank by the management of JP Morgan in Lagos, yesterday.

House of Reps denies knowledge of EFCC, ICPC merger

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, dispelled media report on the recently approved merger of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by the Federal Government.

The House said such a merger could not have been sealed without the National Assembly being duly carried along.

The merging of the EFCC and the ICPC was part of recommendations made by the Steve Orosanye-led Presidential Committee on Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

The merger of the two agencies was reported to have received the approval of the Federal Executive Council, and was part of the restructuring in the public service.

House Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption, James

Abiodun Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Lagos State, who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen, stated that since the two agencies were creation of laws passed by the National Assembly, the Federal Government would not effect any merger between them without the consent of the National Assembly.

Faleke said the two anti-graft agencies performed different functions as specified by the laws which gave lives to them, dismissing as mere speculations report of their merger.

The ICPC and the EFCC were

established in 2000 and 2003 respectively by the Acts of National Assembly.

Whereas the ICPC was saddled with the task of investigating cases of corruption within the public sector while making recommendations for prosecution of offenders, the EFCC on the other hand, was charged with the task of investigating financial crimes, such as Advance Fee Fraud (419) and money laundering, although there had been reports that one of the agencies had been interloping in the functions of the other.

PUBLIC NOTICE EKWEBELEM, PRINCE OF HOPE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part "C" of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Hon. Prince Robertson Ekwebelem ( Chairman ) 2.Chief Chukwuebuka Ajaelu (Secretary) 3.Ms Adaeze Ekwebelem (Member) 4.Cosmos Ekwebelem (Member) 5.Eze-Elect Sampson Ekwebelem (Member) 6.Mr. Ifeanyi Nwanguma (Member) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To render community development service and programmes 2. Empowerment of youths and widows 3. To run motherless and orphanage homes 4. Empowerment of the less privilege 5. To engage in other societal developmental programmes Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. , Signed: Justice A. David Esq.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—15

Carnival, as politicians storm bishop's ordination

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

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SUKKA—THE ordi nation of a new Catholic Bishop for Nsukka Diocese, Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah in Enugu State was yesterday turned to a carnival as politicians tried to position themselves ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Onah succeeded Bishop Emeritus Francis Okobo, who retired from the position due to old age.

Among those who graced the occasion included Pres-

Appeal Court reserves ruling in APGA crisis

BY BEN AGANDE

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NUGU—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, yesterday, concluded hearing and reserved ruling on the appeal filed by Chief Victor Umeh, challenging his removal as the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, by an Enugu State High Court.

The appeal panel reserved its ruling after the parties in the suit adopted their written addresses and made oral submissions at the sitting witnessed by both parties and their supporters.

Addressing the threeman panel, comprising Justice Paul Galinje (Chairman), Kwasami F.A. and Tom Yakubu, lead counsel to the appellant, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who led Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, and others, urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court, arguing that the respondent, Jude Okuli, who filed the suit, had no locus to do so.

He explained that the respondent was expelled from APGA before he filed the suit in the lower court, adding that he did not go to the lower court to ask for reinstatement before the trial judge reinstated him.

Contending that the lower court delivered a contradictory judgment, Olanipekun said the fact that APGA was not joined as a party could be fatal to the case and had rendered the matter incompetent.

ident Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark as well as three South East governors, Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Peter Obi (Anambra), and members of the national and state assemblies.

Jonathan was represented by his Political Adviser, Senator Ben Obi, while 35 other Catholic Bishops with over 1,000 reverend fathers and other Christian faithful participated in the ordination service.

Jonathan who was the special guest of honour expressed gratitude over the peaceful ordination/installation of the second Bishop of the diocese, and wished the new Bishop God’s protection and strength to lead his flock in God’s vineyard.

Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, who was represented by his deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, said the ordination would strengthen good relationship between the state government and the Catholic

Church in the state and asked the new bishop to use his wealth of experience to ensure peace in the diocese.

He noted that Bishop Emeritus, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Francis Okobo led Nsukka Catholic diocese to an enviable height and urged Bishop Onah to improve on what he met on the ground, saying “his selection and ordination was not by accident but rather the fulfilment of what was destined by God.”.

BY OKEY NDIRIBE member of the House of Representatives, Daniel Reyenieju, yesterday, condemned the mayhem that was unleashed on some communities in Warri on Monday.

Reyenieju urged the National Assembly to compel the security agencies to do their jobs in the area.

Said he: “I know very well that those areas are pretentiously secured. The creeks are supposed to be secured by men of Operation Pulo Shield.

“It is so painful because some of us who experienced the past Warri crisis don’t want to see a

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Reyenieju condemns Warri violence throwback to the dark days of the past.

"Unfortunately, we seem to be backsliding to that era. I don’t want to see it as a Warri conflict, but activities of some miscreants.”

Reyenieju maintained that the act of impunity by the invaders would not be allowed to continue, saying “we would never let it go unpunished because the lives that have been lost are lost forever".

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Aka Ikenga faults FG’s admission policy on FGCs

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

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AGOS—IGBO think tank, Aka Ikenga has condemned the admission policy by the Federal Ministry of Education for students in the Federal Government Colleges and other tertiary Institutions in the country.

The ministry recommended that students from the north who score two per cent marks in common entrance examinations be admitted into federal schools while their southern counterparts who score up 100 from same tests would not be admitted.

However, Aka Ikenga in a statement signed by its President, Chief Goddy Uwazurike said: ”The National Council of Education, NCE, ended its 59th meeting last week and kept mute on the wildly circulated directive on the pass mark of pupils into the various unity schools (Federal Government Colleges).

“This silence confirms the information that a person who scores 100 from certain states will be denied admission while pupils from other states who score between 2 and 20 are given admission “It is shocking that the Minister (of Education), a highly rated professor, will be the chairperson of this council and yet treat our education with ignominy.

“To add salt to injury, tertiary institutions are now ordered to admit candidates with senior Arabic and Islamic certificates as equivalent of Senior Secondary School Certificates, SSSC. “These will be the graduates, professors and judges of the next decade. We demand that the FME reverses these backward movement policies of the NCE. It is astonishing that brainy students are rejected while those who are not ready to study are pampered with nebulous admission guidelines.”

Stop playing politics with Gov Suntai’s health, Suswam warns

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI—GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State yesterday warned those he said were playing politics with the health condition of Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State to desist forthwith. Suswam also said Suntai ‘’has recuperated and would soon resume duties.’’

The Benue governor who has just returned from the US, where he travelled to see the Taraba State governor spoke to newsmen in Makurdi.

He however, regretted that the health of his colleague was being politicized.

Governor Suntai had been in the US hospital for some months, following injuries he sustained in a plane crash.

When asked if the Governor actually lost his memory, Suswam said, “just forget about that, those are just politics. ”It is not true, I was with him and he spoke with the Vice President on telephone for about three minutes. Even if

that was the case, he has regained it and he is doing very well and recuperating in America. ”That was apparently the position he was in when peo-

ple saw him initially at the German hospital when he was in a critical condition after the air crash, and that is what they are spreading around. The truth is that he has substan-

tially recovered and there is nothing; If you look at him, you would not know that he was involved in a plane crash, because he spoke and did things by him self contrary to the stories we were told.”

COMMISSIONING: From left: Director of Highways Southwest zone; Mr. Kabir Abdullahi; Minister of State for FCT; Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Minister of Works; Mr. Mike Onolememen,representaive of Oyo State Governor and SSG to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide and Minister of State for Works; Amb Bashir Yuguda, during the commissioning of Ibadan-Ilorin dual carriageway (section 1) by Works Minister, yesterday.

Amaechi asks court to stop PDP probe Continues from page 5 human problem without a human solution.

What is important is for us to recognise that at any point in time respect for authority, respect for the rule of law, discipline are the guiding principles that will make us run whatever system or societies we are running in an orderly, disciplined fashion; in a way that will be inclusive for all stakeholders to contribute maximally to the well being and purpose of the organisation.”

On his part, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, who pointed out that he had no personal disagreement with Amaechi, regretted that the governor had, however, failed to understand that the party structure was no longer under his control.

“That the governor does not have the party structure does not make him comfortable. So, all that you are seeing is a reaction to that and we believe that you cannot build a party around a personality.

It was not clear what the President’s reaction to the ‘apology’ offered by the faction was but a source said the entire discussion centred on how to return Jonathan for a second term.

Those at the meeting were the former governor the state, Peter Odili, two former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche and Austin Opara; Senator Lee Maeba, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Seargent Awuse, Amma Pepple, Uche Secondus, Walter Opuene, Fred Kpakol, Kenneth Kobani and deposed Obio Akpor council chairman, Timothy Nsirim.

Others on the delegation were Doris Fisher, Toru Ofili, Boma Iyaye. Evans Bipi, Hope Ikiriko, Vincent Nemieboka, and Elemchukwu Ogbowu.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013— 17

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FEW weeks ago, I sent a text to General SarkinYaki Bello, the Coordinator of Counter-Terrorism in the office of the National Security Adviser. I received a response that he was away on an official assignment. I have been unable to speak with him. I made the effort to get clarifications on some of the issues arising from the insurgency/counter-insurgency in the North and the general patterns of insecurity nationwide.

I acknowledge that security forces operate in a very difficult setting, trying to contain the insurgency in the North. Significantly, there was generalized support when President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency.

The media took a very patriotic attitude in support of the heavy deployment of troops despite the inconveniences facing people in the theatres operations. A cursory content analysis of reportage of military activities from Borno and Yobe, saw an underlining jingoism by the Nigerian media. Newspapers report almost word-for-word, from the JTF’s standpoint; this is “embedded journalism”,

Troubling issues from the security crises in northern Nigeria This might very well be true; and it was actually the main issue I wanted to clarify with General SarkinYaki Bello. It, however, appeared suspiciously like an uncritical acceptance of the US/Israeli standpoint about Hezbollah. They describe Hezbollah a “terrorist” organization; while for the Lebanese, it is a legitimate resistance movement which fought Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon; furthermore, it is a political party in the Lebanese parliament and is part of the gov-

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Nigeria will still come to terms with the social origins of the insurgency. The nationwide outpouring of jingoism might befit the occasion and task at hand, but when the guns fall silent, we must address the issues of social injustice which led to the religious/ideologically-induced insurgency in the first place

without critical pause being given to fighting at theSambisa forest reserve. Propaganda was uncritically lapped up by the media and we completely forgot that a few weeks before the state of emergency, there was worldwide revulsion at the sacking of the fishing town of Baga on the Lake Chad! In the euphoric atmosphere of reportage and analysis, we set aside our constitutional obligations as set forth in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution.

Again, let me state that I understand government could never allow insurgents to overthrow symbols of national sovereignty, including the lowering of the national flag; the killing of local officials of state and substitution of same with alien symbols as reported to have happened in a huge swathe of Borno. It was also clear that truth became the first casualty of the Nigerian war against terror; the truth is being accompanied by a bodyguard of lies, as Churchill famously advocated during the Second World War. This came to fore, when a cache of arms was discovered in Kano on May 30. The military commander, Brig-Gen Ilyasu Abba, and the Kano State Director of State Service, DSS, Bassey Etteng, promptly told the media, that the arms“were brought in by a Hezbollah cell for use to target Western and Israeli interests”.

Within just 24 hours, their “investigation had confirmed the existence of the group’s cell in Nigeria.”

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ernment of Lebanon. As Africans, it is important to remember that the USA had labeled the ANC a terrorist organization while Nelson Mandela’s name was only removed from Washington’s terrorist list just a few years ago. The USA and Israel opposed Africa’s struggle against apartheid; the US supported the racist regime, while Israel was developing nuclear weapons with the apartheid regime! These historical facts should have made security tarry from hasty proclamations.

An equally disturbing phenomenon is the emergence of

the “Civilian JTF” in Borno. Groups of young men in various neighbourhoods of Maiduguri use local knowledge to point out and arrest alleged members of Boko Haram. Their action seemed to have pleased a couple of people from Borno and Yobe that I spoke with on the issue; they laud the Ci- General Onyeabo Ihejirika, COAS vilian JTF’s contributions to the anti-terror war. ture, if we do not think through And they have the endorsement the issues. Counter-insurgenof the JTF, who allow them man cy comes with a traumatic afcheckpoints tohelp smoke out al- termath that we must begin to leged Boko Haram members. deal with from now. Nigeria But Weekly Trust also carried a will still come to terms with the recent report on acts of harass- social origins of the insurgenment and extortion that these cy. The nationwide outpouring ‘gallant’ bands perpetrate. Any of jingoism might befit the ocone familiar with the history of casion and task at hand, but insurgency/counterinsurgency, when the guns fall silent, we especially in Latin America, will must address the issues of sorecall that death squads often cial injustice which led to the had these “heroic” origins at the religious/ideologically-induced behest of military authorities and insurgency in the first place. before long, they develop a life I write these lines against the of their own, leading to atroci- background of three very poities that society regrets into the gnant developments. Firstly, future. early this week, nearly every In Nigeria, we have seen how newspaper led with the story the arming of “militants”; that JTF killed 40/50 Boko “Bakassi boys”, etc. led to un- Haram members in Borno. The controllable acts of violence and Nation newspaper of Monday, brigandage in Southern Nige- July 1, 2013, quoted an anonyria where they took root. Borno mous source that said: “we refaces the danger of an officially ceived intelligence report that sanctioned regime of violence Boko Haram terrorists reand reprisals with an unregu- grouped and were residing/ lated “civilian JTF” into the fu- hiding in Zabarmari ward. We

mobilized to the area. On getting there, the suspected terrorists noticed our presence and started shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ (…)as they fired sporadic gunshots at the JTF troops. We had no options than to repel the attacks as we succeeded in killing about 10 suspects. We did not take their bodies away, leaving them in the area. The following day when we mobilized our men to the area, we found that hundreds (emphasis mine!) of the terrorists were at the graveyard burying their dead and as we approached, they started shooting at our troops which led to the exchange of gunfire, where we succeeded in killing over 40 of them”! The same alleged terrorists that security propaganda said had fled or had been killed, especially in the embedded reportage of a few weeks ago, were suddenly converging in hundreds inside a ward of Maiduguri! This is beginning to resemble a tragic, blood-soaked, fairy tale!

Secondly, this week, a statutory body, the National Human Rights Commission, released an interim report on the Baga killing. It had received “several credibly attested allegations of gross violations by officials of the JTF, including allegations of summary executions, torture, arbitrary detention amounting to internment and outrages against the dignity of civilians as well as rape” in their fight against the insurgency. Five wards of Maiduguri: Bulabulin; Bayan Tasha; PanpanGajagaja; Adam Kolo and Bagadaza have been “completely razed down”.

And as if to show some progress, Tuesday newspapers reported that 18 soldiers were court-martialed for offences arising from the counter-insurgency operations. Social phenomena are often more complicated than they appear. We must, therefore, be worried about the security situation, yes; but we must not abandon the basic responsibilities of Nigerian journalism as stated in the Constitution’s Section 22: hold government accountable to the Nigerian people; at peace or at war!

Professor Umaru Pate: The intellectual as kingmaker

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AST Saturday, in Yola the Adamawa State capital, Northern Nigeria’s first professor of mass communications, Umaru Pate, was turbaned as Kaigama of Adamawa. It automatically makes our friend and brother, one of the kingmakers of the Adamawa emirate. The title is akin to chief of defence staff of the emirate and has been a major title from the foundation of the Adamawa emirate by one of the flagbearers of the Jihad of ShehuUsmanu Dan Fodiyo, Modibbo Adama, in 1809. Significantly, the title has been in the Pate family from the 19th Century. Professor Umaru Pate’s father took the title in 1978 after serving as judge following the passing of his own elder brother, Kaigama Bashiru.

Professor Umaru Pate has been my friend for over a decade. He joined the Editorial Board of Daily Trust, when I was the paper’s editor as well as chairman of the Board.

He came across as a modest and unassuming intellectual, with a very assured sense

of duty. He gets assignments done on time and in the years that I have known Pate, I cannot recall ever seeing him frown his face; on the contrary, he always wears a charming smile. His academic record is as impressive as they come.

When he wrote his WASC examination in 1981, he emerged with the best result that year and would graduate in mass communication in 1987 and was retained by the UNIMAID mass communication department as a youth corps member and was eventually employed a lecturer by the department. He went on to study for a doctorate, subsequently becoming the first professor of mass communication in Northern Nigeria.

We have worked very closely over the years with this outstanding intellectual and gentleman on a couple of assignments. These include the initiative for community broadcasting in Nigeria and

he went on to work on the Federal Government Committee that formulated Nigeria’s community broadcasting policy.

Presently, we are also working together in the Technical Committee helping to establish a state television for Jigawa State. He has continued to bring to bear on these assignments an admirable dedication and intellect; he is always willing to bear the cross of the most difficult aspects of any job.

His appointment as Kaigama is hereditary, but it is also in appreciation of his level-headedness and ability to serve the community away from the halowed walls of the university. I have no doubts in my mind that Professor Umaru Pate will give his all in his traditional responsibilities as he has always done in academia and other assignments he has been invited to give his considerable intellectual resources. Allah yajazamaninKaigama Adamawa, Professor Umaru Pate.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 WE cannot remember the Senate breaking into a fight over anything, not even when there were threats to their juicy allowances.

The House of Representatives is more famous for fights, including the 2007 one that claimed the life of Dr. Aminu Safana from Katsina State who died as opponents and proponents of Mrs Patricia Etteh, former Speaker of the House of Representatives battled over her tenuous tenure.

Two senators almost engaged in blows during a debate on the proposed State of the Nation Address. The bill is for the President to make an annual presentation on the state of the country to the National Assembly.

Whatever the motives for the law, it holds high hopes that it could afford Nigerians and the President opportunities to focus on certain actions in the cause of a year. During the next address, the President would be expected to review performances from the previous year.

The State of the Nation Address, borrowed from the practice in the United States of America, could be another platform for

Fighting F or Nigeria For accountability. The President has refused to assent to it. Some senators support him.

Others think he should sign. Where does a fight come into it?

President Jonathan in a letter to the Senate stated, “I am inclined to accede to the Bill subject to the incorporation of some fundamental amendments proposed to bring the bill in conformity with the dictates of the Constitution”.

Senator Ita Solomon Enang’s observation that considering amendments the President proposed amounted to breaching its own rules, hardly finished when the rowdy session that resulted in suspension of proceedings began.

“The question before us is the question of

jurisdiction,” Enang said. “It is whether we have power to determine what the President asked; it is when we answer this that we can proceed. He cannot make amendment or propose amendment to any bill. The procedure for making law is this- our Standing Order requires that when a law is to be made, first, you publish that bill in the gazette. From 2003 (when the bill was proposed), there was Secretary to the Government of the Federation, there have always been Attorneys-General, there have always been Special Advisers to the President on National Assembly Affairs. Did any of them when this bill was being considered either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate, come to the public hearing or the committee handling the bill for the amendment they have proposed?”

Valid questions he might have asked.

Options open to the Senate include a veto or a trip to the Supreme Court. Either way, senators should raise their passions for more important issues, yet without aiming punches at each other.

OPINION

BY NASAMU JACOBSON

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HE issue of on-going teachers strike in Edo State has become an embarrassment not only to the government but also to the teachers, pupils and entire citizens of the state. It was hardly expected that the strike called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers to press for the payment of 27.5 per cent special teachers allowance would drag on for this long. This is because unlike other states, the implementation of the allowance had commenced in Edo State.

The 17 per cent being paid in Edo was negotiated between the NUT and the state government based on the resources available to the government. The balance 10 per cent was to be implemented when improvement was recorded in state finances.

It must be conceded that the teachers have a right to press for the implementation of the balance of the allowance. However, agitation for a right does not necessarily have to end in a strike action. Dialogue, engagement and negotiation can, and indeed do, achieve better results than a strike action. Secondary school teachers in Edo State refused to join in the current action by the NUT, preferring, instead, to negotiate with the state government. The result of that negotiation is the approval given by the Comrade-Governor for the implementation of the 27.5 per cent special teachers allowance with effect from July 1, 2013.

In approving the allowance for secondary school teachers, Comrade Oshiomhole said: ‘’ I want to thank you for trusting me and accepting the students under your care as your own children and refusing to do

Why NUT must end strike anything that would adversely affect their academic calendar. By your conduct you have shown that you recognise and are committed to upholding the noble values that shape the attitude of the average teacher.

You have demonstrated that you see yourselves not just working for salary but because you believe in teaching”.

As pupils roam the streets and their teachers are tired of idling away at home, parents are worried that the future of their children and wards is being jeopardized by a needless strike action. The NUT should follow the lead of the secondary school teachers by calling off their strike today and return to the negotiating table in the interest of our children. This will also show their commitment to the revitalisation of the education sector already begun by the Comrade-Governor.

Soon after he won re-election for a second term on July 14, Governor Adams Oshiomhole had said on a Radio Nigeria Bronze FM interview programme that one of the areas which would receive his government’s attention in his second term is human capital development. And he ‘’hit the ground running” by the way he started to tackle the many vices which have tended to hold the public school system down. These vices include lateness and deliberate absenteism, indolence and unwillingness to work which have become almost legendary.

If school teachers, primary and secondary, were in their duty posts at all they were there

not to teach but to trade or make enquiries about the next pay.

While inspecting on-going construction work at New Era College, Benin City, Comrade Oshiomhole was confronted by a student who commended him for the new status of the school as a model school with modern facilities and also requested him to ask their teachers to do their job. This courageous student may be all the impetus the state needed to begin the cleansing required to position Edo State for increased development and efficient utilisation of its human capital resources. Since then, Comrade-Oshiomhole has paid unscheduled visits to several public primary and secondary schools across the state to check the teachers level of attendance as well as punctuality.

The development of human capital as a cardinal policy objective of the Oshiomhole administration must commence from the grassroots level of the education system, the primary school level. The ComradeGovernor’s inspection visits have revealed the rot in the school system requiring that drastic measures must be taken to redeem education in the state.

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side the provision of modern buildings, furniture and other learning and teaching aid, all schools must be adequately staffed with trained and dedicated staff willing and ready to work. While many of the primary and secondary schools in the

state have been renovated and some reconstructed and furnished, about 300 NCE teachers have been recruited and deployed to teach Edo language in the primary schools Also, more technical colleges are to be established, while existing ones are resuscitated and strengthened to provide skill acquisition facilities to the large number of youths presently roaming the streets.

These efforts are geared towards building a strong, well-trained middle-level manpower not only for the state but also for the nation as only a well-trained and motivated workforce can drive economic progress. But these laudable efforts will not be fully appreciated unless our discerning population takes a close look at the past juxtaposed on our present situation and situate it against the Oshiomhole administration’s goals.

It was indeed common place for primary schools in the Midwest Region, later Bendel State and then Edo and Delta states, to score 100 percentage performance in the First School Leaving Certificate examination.

Most of our secondary schools also scored 100 per cent in WASC and GCE examinations with just a few of such schools recording an average of 80 per cent. Even though enrolment was was not as high as it is now, teachers and pupils were dedicated and hardworking. Parents too, took interest not only in the educational progress of their children and wards but also in the affairs of the schools. *Mr. Jacobson, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013— —19

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SAT down, after church last Sunday, to think about 2015 and beyond for Nigeria and the South East. Unfolding events have made it clear that all the parties still play regional politics, be it the PDP, CPC, ACN, Labour, and APGA. I could not help but to admit to myself the shame of what is happening in APGA today.

Shame because while the ACF is lamenting and accusing GEJ of dividing the North, NEF does not see any good in the state of emergency declared by GEJ in three Northern violent states, which means that the killings should have continued until the insurgence reached Abuja. The South-South is celebrating that the Presidency was thrusted on them by divine arrangement, and they therefore must not fight each other, according to the President’s wife. The South West is working very hard to bring ACN to a level they can take power, come 2015; the Middle Belt and others are positioning for any eventuality in 2015 and beyond. But the South East? They seem to be in disarray, confused and without any focus at all, preoccupied with scattered individual pitiable efforts!

Their case seems to me like that of the religious Christians

who want to go to heaven but are not prepared to count or number their days, neither do they want to die for any reason whatsoever, not even for Jesus.

These are the Christians who jump from programme to programme, church to church, seeking miracles, breakthroughs, prophecies and won't settle down to organise anything to make a living, by rendering some service.

With the opportunities that abound for South Eastern politicians today in Nigeria, they are busy pulling each other and themselves down, making themselves non-marketable to any party at the national level, running from party to party begging for admission, claiming they have something to contribute. How can that be, without a power base from their zone, the South East? Except they are praying for another "Jonathan Miracle" by God, there is nothing the Igbo politicians have on ground to show that they will ever smell power at the centre.

One remembers the strength of the NPP with the late Zik as the moving force. They even worked out an alliance with the ruling party, NPN. But since Zik died, something hit the South East that has made Igbos their own enemy in Nigerian politics.

APGA is dying while Obi and Okorocha seem to be looking the other way; they owe it to Ndigbo to resolve all the differences in APGA, resuscitate that party and restore dignity to Ndigbo once again

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ust consider first, the PPA. Chief Orji Uzor Kalu made Ndigbo proud when he formed the PPA, fought and prevailed despite the hot pursuits and political arrows from OBJ as President at that time. Like Asiwaju Tinubu of Lagos, Kalu not only survived, but had two states, Abia and Imo, with people in both chambers of the National Assembly in Abuja. But unlike Asiwaju, he could not sustain the victory! He committed a fatal political blunder when he took one of his aides straight from prison to government house in Umuahia. He ensured that his crony was put in power. The result, is that today, Kalu, the founder of PPA, is running around

Challenged, Diezani holds course

BY LEWIS CHUKWUMA

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HE Ministry of Petroleum Resources oversees the most strategic but maligned sector of the nation’s economic domain. But even under very challenging environment, the ministry’s arrowhead and Nigeria’s first female Petroleum Minister deploys uncommon strength, focus and vision to transform the nation’s foremost revenue earner.

Over 50 years experience in the oil and gas industry continues to reveal the complex dynamics of balancing global energy security, domestic economic growth, climate, and environmental considerations.

This riveting insight was shared recently by the Minister, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, with journalists. With little question the petroleum sector is the primary driver of Nigeria’s socio-economic development - being the chief foreign exchange earner.

Currently, all alternative revenue generation efforts and options for the country pale in comparison with the sheer size of petroleum revenue in Nigeria. It’s then little wonder why the sector has drawn and continues to attract the lion share of focus, wrangling and debate in the national space. In effect, being the key driver and supervisor of this all-important ministry then poses the most policy-making, operational and structural challenges - more than that experienced by any other Nigerian ministry or minister. This has been the lot of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, the nation’s first lady petroleum minister. But significantly the Bayelsa-born technocrat has shown surprising strength, focus and vision.

One of her most important achievements is putting together the Petroleum Industry

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Bill, PIB, now before the National Assembly.

Despite the current wrangling in NASS, delaying its expeditious passage, the Bill essentially targets a fundamental restructuring of the petroleum industry to maximize returns on the country ’s investment in the oil and gas sector.

Stemming from the Oil and Gas Reform Implementation Committee, OGIC, empanelled to review the subsisting 16 laws that govern the nation’s hydro-carbon resources arena, the PIB represents a onestop-shop legislation that would guide the sector and effect a pro-Nigeria restructuring of the country’s lop-sided relationship with international oil companies, IOCs. The initial efforts to push the PIB were scuttled in the sixth National Assembly. No thanks to intense intrigues, thereby provoking business divestment from Nigeria as well as prospective investors heading to nearby countries such as Angola, Ghana and Burkina Faso which boasted more stable policies. Today, for Nigeria, the story appears different.

The PIB cobbled under the watch of Diezani essentially incorporates the legal outline that will delineate and shape the oil sector. The creation of a conducive business environment for petroleum operations, optimisation of domestic gas supplies, especially for power generation and industrial development; establishment of a progressive fiscal framework that encourages further investment in the petroleum industry while optimising revenues accruing to the government; the establishment of commercially oriented and profit-driven oil and gas entities; as well as the deregulation and liberalisation of the downstream petroleum sector form central pegs of the PIB. Between vision and specific executive action, what remains to give teeth to the

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BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

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The Igbo political dilemma

begging the PDP to accept him. I hear he has been blocked from being accepted, at least in Abia!

Iam not sure.

Had he learnt from his colleague and friend, Asiwaju Tinubu, and more importantly, had he enquired of God, the story would have been different. God never fails. Instead of Okija shrine, it should have been to a good Bible-believing church. As for the PPA, it became a matter of strike the shepherd and the flock will scatter. The party died!

Meantime Asiwaju's ACN is today controlling five states and pushing up with APC. Second, look at Chief Umeh and APGA, another hopeful of Ndigbo. After series of avoidable legal battles, Umeh reigned as APGA Chair. It took the influence of the late Ikemba for APGA and Governor Peter Obi to secure Anambra State. APGA got Imo when the people rejected Ohakim, and by so doing the PDP. Rather than consolidate APGA's hold, they have started fighting themselves. They pretend they loved and respected Dim Ojukwu, but the Ojukwu Centre under construction in Owerri was attacked recently by who? If the problem was that some wanted the Centre somewhere else, does Ojukwu not deserve centres in every state capital of the South East? Why must that of Imo be destroyed? The answer is that any people living in delusion never focus on the message; they focus on the messenger, and miss the mark, or point!

The Igbo people will continue to miss their mark in national politics, and may never produce

Despite the current wrangling in NASS, the Bill essentially targets a fundamental restructuring of the petroleum industry to maximize returns on the country’s investment in the oil and gas sector

,

painstaking efforts to produce a transformative blue-print to guide operation of the nation’s petroleum sector is consideration and endorsement by the national parliament. As Nigerians wait with bated breath, it will be worthwhile remembering the soft-spoken Amazon who gave life to the script.

A

s the PIB currently enjoys the limelight, the international oil firms are expressing reservations at the impending passage of the bill. But it could be recalled that the IOCs were also very wary about the passage of the local content law. Today, it is in operation and progressing swiftly to achieve its vision targets.

The Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (the “Local Content Act” or “NCA”) received presidential assent on Thursday April 22, 2010. Now in operation, the Act seeks to increase indigenous participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry (the “Industry ”) by prescribing, inter alia, minimum thresholds in relation to the utilization of local services and goods.

The Local Content Act which derives from the Nigerian Content Policy focuses on the promotion of value addition to the Nigeria economy through the utilization of local raw materials, products, and services in order to

a President, as long they continue to look at the messenger first, before the message!

Okorocha was just demonstrating his respect and love for an Igbo leadership identity in the person of Dim Ojukwu, but in the mind and view of some Igbo sons, he should not be the one to build the first Ojukwu Centre. Okorocha should not be deterred, if he can afford it, he should go and build the Ojukwu Centre in Orlu, where it will be protected by the collective will of the people. The message is clear and sounds good to Ndigbo. Any angry leader should build one in his state.

Ojukwu deserves it, and more.

APGA is dying while Obi and Okorocha, two persons who rode on APGA to government houses, seem to be looking the other way.

They would have betrayed their words to Dim Ojukwu if they allowed APGA to die for whatever reasons. These two men, Obi and Okorocha, owe it to Ndigbo to resolve all the differences in APGA, resuscitate that party and restore dignity to Ndigbo once again.

Agbaso and Okorocha must settle their differences now before it becomes an ego thing and too late. Okwu and Umeh should remember that it is simple wisdom to own a small portion of a thing than to own all of nothing. They should learn from Kalu and the PPA.

*Mr. Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

stimulate growth of indigenous capacity.

The NCA accords certain privileges and preferential treatment to companies that qualify as “Nigerian Companies” pursuant to the Act, including preferential treatment in the award of contracts for projects in the industry. To qualify as a Nigerian company under the NCA, a minimum of 51 per cent of the issued shares must be held by Nigerian shareholder(s), whilst the remaining 49 per cent of its issued shares can be held by foreigners.

According to the Managing Director of the NNPC, the NNPC had achieved over 40 per cent in the area of encouraging local participation in the oil and gas industry.

“The participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas business, especially the upstream segment has substantially increased from a meager 10 per cent before the enactment of the law to more than 30 per cent even in the deep offshore as recently demonstrated in the just commissioned Usan Deep Offshore Field development.”

Mrs. Alison-Madueke described the signing of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act by President Goodluck Jonathan as arguably the most heralded development for the industry in the past few years. “We are at the implementation stage of the local content law. As you know, implementation is key and all is being done to ensure that those whom the law is meant to benefit are carried along.

I will ensure that a major sensitisation drive begins in the next few weeks,” she told the leaders of the pan-Ijaw socio-cultural group, Ijaw National Congress, INC, in her office during a recent courtesy visit.

Although some stakeholders want far more speed in meeting vision targets of the local content policy, like Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, it cannot be denied that significant grounds are being covered.

According to Gov. Seriake: “The top players in the sourcing and lifting of crude from these devastated communities don’t have offices here in the Niger Delta". *Mr. Chukwuma, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 —

Investment in free zones hits N1.6trn — NEPZA ...targets N2.4trn in five years

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

M

ANAGING Director, Ni geria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Mr.Oluwagbemiga Kuye has put the total investment generated in the nation’s free zone at N1.6 trillion ($10billion).

Kuye also stated that with the new drive and the various reforms being undertaken in the sector, the investment is expected to be upped to $15 billon, (about N2.4trillion).

So far, out of the 25 free zones in the country, nine are fully operational, six under construction, four in design states and six zones which are largely owned by the states. Kuye who gave the projection while briefing Journalists on his plans and programme for the agency in Abuja, noted that his dream is to transform the agency from its regulatory role to an industrilisation agency.

Giving an update on investment in the zones, he said, “To date, we have $9 billion investment in all the free zones in Nigeria. This is without the $1billion we just successfully gotten through DE. I believe we should be looking at investment in the

sector to the tune of $15 billon in the next five years.”

In line with the planned industrilisation status, the MD added that unlike before when the free zone scheme only favour manufacturing, the

agency had mapped out four key sectors which would form its major focus.

According to him, the four key sectors include agriculture and agricultural related sector, solid mineral, manufacturing

Petroleum and petroleum products and other sectors that have to do with population, like housing. For instance, in the agriculture sector, he stated that the agency is in talks with investors in Netherland to come and set up an agricultural park in Nigeria.

From left: Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, wife of the Governor of Cross River State; Ini Onuk, CEO/Lead Consultant, ThistlePraxis Consulting; Ashish Thakkar, president and founder, Mara Group and Mara Foundation; Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, co-founder and Executive Director, Falcon Petroleum Ltd and Mr. Victor Ezenwoko, Executive Director, Regional Businesses South, Diamond Bank at AR-CSR conference in Tinapa, Calabar.

Reps coming with law to enforce early budget submission

BY MICHAEL EBOH

S

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal has emphasised the need for a budget law that will address the anomalies currently recorded in the budgeting process and also prevent a recurrence of the rancour between the legislature and the executive.

Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Management’s, NIM, 2013 Distinguished Management Lecture in Lagos, Tambuwal, who was represented by Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, Legislative Budget and Research Committee, House of Representatives, said the Legislative arm of government is becoming increasingly concerned about the over celebration of input ori-

ented budget that does not incorporate a feed back mechanism for output and outcomes and believe that now is the time to redress this error.

He noted that only two sections of the constitution deal with the budget, adding that one of the sections, which states that the Presidency can spend from the Excess Account for six months while the budget is awaiting passage, makes the President one of the most powerful presidents in the world.

He said, “The National Assembly is in the process of amending the provisions concerning the budget that will make it mandatory for the president to have up till September ending to submit the budget for the coming year to the National

Assembly. This is to allow the National Assembly three months to deliberate and pass the budget.

“It is perhaps important to emphasise that if our economy is to be turned around, our annual budgets must prioritise programs and projects that deliberately address issues of poverty alleviation, job creation and security of lives and property. ”A consistently good annual appropriation, coupled with other legislations that create conducive business environment will result in a revolutionary turn around of our economy and infrastructure.

“Now I refer to both physical infrastructures like roads, aviation facilities, hospitals, housing among others as well as human infrastructure which include

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Nigeria spends N50bn on fish importation — RMRDC

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE, Abuja

D

IRECTOR-GENERAL, Raw Materials Research Council of Nigeria, RMRDC, Prof. Peter Onwualu has stated Nigeria spends about N50 billiion annually on importation of frozen fish. He made this known at an entrepreneurial development workshop on fish smoking organised by the council in Abuja Prof Onwualu said the Nigerian fish sector has the capacity to earn over N200billion revenue per annum, if the right policies and intervention were put in place.

With this statistics, he said that Nigeria could boost its revenue earning from other alternative sources of income rather than depending on crude oil. According to him, entrepreneurship is a vital tool for stimulating economic growth and employment opportunities, and small businesses are the primary engines of job creation and poverty reduction, he said, adding that fish farming as a thriving business in Nigeria could create thousands of jobs. The RMRDC boss regretted that many fish farmers and those who trade in it have refused to modernize the business.

To create the enabling environment for the small and medium scale enterprises, SMEs in the country, he said, that the agency has embarked on enlightening Nigerians on how to package business plans.

qualitative, relevant and continuing education of the citizenry in-2.8 121.3 cluding moral education. Our cherished 2,170.00 -24.00 values must be incorporated into our edu16.41 -0.12 cational and social upbringing.”

Also speaking, Mr. Michael Olawale105.77 +1.77 Cole, President, NIM, 101.15 +1.55 said, “More than ever before, Nigeria needs an urgent intellectual CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING revolution to the many 154.76 155.26 155.76 leadership challenges DOLLAR POUNDS 236.303 237.0665 237.8299 besetting it which are EURO 200.6154 201.2635 201.9117 threatening the FRANC 163.0082 163.5349 164.0615 1.5562 1.5612 1.5662 nation’s economic, YEN 0.2881 0.2981 0.3081 infrastructural and CFA WAUA 231.5465 232.2946 233.0427 ethical initiatives and RENMINBI 25.2413 25.3233 25.4053 the role of the RIYA 41.266 41.3994 41.5327 legislature in making KRONA 26.8858 26.9727 27.0595 231.9698 232.7192 233.4687 these lofty ideals SDR realisable cannot be CBN Exchange rate as at 04/07/2013 over emphasized.”

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 201 3

SEC okays Conoil, NB shares, 15 others for margin lending

By PETER EGWUATU

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has approved the shares of Conoil Plc, Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc and that of 15 other quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange , NSE, to be used by investors for margin lending activities.

Vanguard gathered that the margin lending list, as released by SEC, was based on the Commission’s rules and guidelines which it instituted with a view to curbing excessive speculative activities of investors. The list is composed of securities which shares have been adjudged by the Commission to have enough liquidity and fundamental strengths to serve as margin securities.

Conoil is one of Nigeria’s foremost petroleum products marketing company, famous for its high performance and sustained impressive profitability over the years and with record of robust returns on investment.

The company, with an expansive storage capacity and retail network, is a service provider in the areas of aviation fuel, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

SEC recently released the list of quoted companies which shares could be used in margin lending and transactions, with a caution that only investors and persons with adequate

knowledge of margin lending should engage in it.

Apart from Conoil and NB, the list also included: Cadbury Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria, UACN Property Development Company, Okomu Oil Palm, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria, Flour Mills of Nigeria and Ashaka Cement.

Also included in the list are International Breweries, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, National Salt Company of Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria, Nigerian Aviation

Handling Company, Honeywell Flour Mills and Dangote Cement among others.

According to the Commission, the margin list was part of its efforts to forestall the untoward events that contributed to the previous market decline. It noted that the regulation of margin lending will ensure that the market is founded on the principles of risk-based supervision.

The apex regulator which prides itself as being commit-

ted to building a world class market that is perceived as fair, transparent and built on integrity, however urged investors to check the margin list on its website before entering into margin lending arrangement with a broker or a bank.

It will be recalled that the unprecedented stock market decline in 2008 was fueled by excessive speculative activities and unsupervised use of margin lending activities, amongst others.

FROM LEFT: Group Managing Director, BGL, Mr. Albert Okumagba; President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Muritala Olushekun and Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo during the second Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers National Workshop, in Abuja.

UACN targets top-line growth with holding company structure

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

U

AC of Nigeria Plc will in the next three years concentrate on building its Holding Company structure through strategic acquisition of companies in key sectors of the economy, said the chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.

Speaking in a forum in Lagos, Udoma said the consolidation will empower UACN to deliver more formidable subsidiaries that will enhance shareholders’ value, as well as achieve its vision of outstripping Nigeria’s annual GDP growth rate in

terms of revenue performance.

He said, “Our company will continue to sustain growth in all our existing and acquired businesses despite the constraints and in line with our mission to grow our top-line significantly above Nigeria’s annual GDP growth rate.”

According to him, the company would seek to increase the capacity in two of its subsidiaries – UAC Foods Limited and Grand Cereals Limited - to meet increasing demand, adding that it would conclude other strategic partnerships in the course of the year.

He added, “We have made

significant progress in our growth drive into adjacent categories with the conclusion of our acquisition of Livestock Feeds and Portland Paints and Products Plc. These acquisitions are in line with our strategy of building a portfolio of brands and businesses with strong growth potentials in the Nigerian economy.”

Udoma further stated that it has completed restructuring of two of its divisions – MDS Logistics and UAC Restaurants – into limited liability companies, adding that the company recently entered into another partnership with Imperial Mobility BV under

which it bought 49 percent of UAC’s 100 percent equity in MDS Logistics.

Investors at the meeting commended the board and management over the acquisitions, saying that there is an array of hope for the shareholders.

“There is something that shows that there is array of hope for UACN. The rate of growth in the business shows that it is in good hands. The management has structurally done so many things to position UAC where it is today,” said Mr. Adebayo Adeleke of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria.

Oando shareholders to get N5.1bn dividend

By PETER EGWUATU

O

ANDO Plc, listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, has concluded arrangement to pay a dividend of N5.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Information available to Vanguard revealed that the dividend, which translates to 75 kobo per share, reflects a yield of 5.7 per cent and would be paid out of the N10.9 billion profit after tax the company recorded in 2012.

The company recorded an increase of 526 per cent in profit after tax in 2012, standing at N10.9 billion, up from N1.8 billion in 2011.

The company ended the year with a turnover of N675.5 billion, up by 18 per cent from N573.2 billion in 2011. Profit before tax rose by 35 per cent from N13 billion to N17.5 billion, while profit after tax soared from N1.8 billion in 2011 to N10l9 billion in 2012.

Explaining the performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, said “We are pleased to report our twelve months performance for 2012 in which we have taken positive steps in the implementation of our strategic focus to build our diversified higher margin business segment.”

Explaining the performance of the divisions, he said, “In the upstream division, we listed Oando Energy Resources (OER) on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in Canada; increased our production capacity through successful drilling campaigns on OML 125, the Ebendo Field (OML 56) and the Qua Iboe Field (OML13); we also paid a 25 per cent deposit of $435 million for the acquisition of ConocoPhilips Nigerian business, which will add 43kboe to our daily production and substantially increase our 2P reserves and best estimate contingent resources to 235mmboe and 237mmboe respectively.

“OES completed a number of successful drilling campaigns on our various drilling rigs, whilst our 4th rig, is currently undergoing refurbishment and expected to be deployed in the 2nd half of 2013.”

He said the Midstream division witnessed a 35 per cent growth in gas supply, mainly from the newly commissioned 128Km EHGC pipeline in the South East of the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 — 23

BY DANIEL GUMM

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HEN one follows the existing contracts on the supply and exportation of value-added dried cassava chips, Adefemi Adeshina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has said that Nigeria will this year, earn between $802 million to $1.37 billion as exports to China and Europe, adding that Nigeria’s earnings increased

by N759 billion in 2012 through effective and aggressive Federal Government-led agricultural drive.

Adeshina said that proposed huge international earnings from the exportation of valueadded dried cassava chips would be realisable through

FG to earn $1.37bn from cassava chips export an effectively secured financing of over $200 million for 18 private sector-owned large scale cassava plants with 1.3 million metric tons capacity per year and the provision of agricultural inputs through Federal Government-backed Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) for small-holder farmers.

The minister, who delivered a keynote address at the 40th National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development held in Abeokuta lat week, explained that 100 million farmers had so far been registered by the Federal Government-led Growth Enhance-

....Ups revenue by N759bn ment Scheme (GES), adding that Nigeria produced 1.79 million metric tons of cassava in both main and dry seasons last year.

He said that Federal Government, having observed the increasing Nigeria unfavourable balance of payment receipts, had intensified move on a strategic shift from oildependent economic status to agricultucure-based economy that would provide adequate leverage on where the country has a comparative advantage, which is agriculture, to

diversify economy to create jobs and ensure food security.

He decried Nigeria’s status of being a net importer of goods, just as he said that Nigeria spends 60 cents on importation of goods and services in return for every one dollar she earns from foreign countries of the world, but he, however, assured the populace that President Goodluck Jonathan-led agriculture initiatives will address all the perceived anomalies in the agricultural sec-

tor of Nigerian economy.

The minister added that, as part of Federal Government’s efforts to intensify moves on large-scale and exports-based cassava farming and processing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development would soon set up a largescale cassava processing plant with a production of 70,000 metric tons at a location in Ogun State, adding that Ogun State Government had been a partner in progress as regards Federal Government’s agriculture drive, especially on cassava production

Mahmud resumes as new Controller FOU Zone ‘A’

*Nuhu Isa Mahmud

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ONSEQUENT upon routine posting recently by the Customs Management, a new Controller Nuhu Isa Mahmud has been appointed for Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja. He replaces DC Inuwa Abubakar, who until then was the AG Comptroller FOU ‘A’.

DC Inuwa was posted to the Customs Headquarters as the Ag. Controller, Enforcement. Comptroller Nuhu I.M, recorded his achievement with a remarkable seizure of a tanker loaded with assorted poultry products barely 24 hours after he took over as the Controller FOU ‘A’.

Conducting the members of the Poultry Farmers Association, Cold Room Operators, Processors, and media round the seizure, Compt. Nuhu noted that the significant thing about the seizure is the mode of concealment which he described as unimaginable. He stated that the FOU ‘A’ never recorded such seizure in such mode of concealment in the history of its existence.

The Controller eulogised the present management of Customs for their strides in staff motivation, remuneration, training and re-training as well as provision of enabling environment which triggered the zeal in officers for excellence, even as he solicited the support of the members of Poultry Farmers Association in this campaign of zero tolerance for importation of frozen poultry products through information sharing for the attainment of the desired result.

He acknowledged the synergy and collaboration between the association and the FOU ‘A’ which led to some of the massive seizures of poultry before his resumption, reiterating his determinations to work towards eradicating smuggling of poultry and other prohibited goods into the country, in line with the marching order of the CGC and his management.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

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26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Jordanian’s airline begins Nigeria flights

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Power still a challenge to hoteliers—MD, Airport Hotel

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports Managing Director, Lagos Airport Hotel, Mr Kayode Adenigba, has said the hospitality industry in the country is faced by multifarious infrastructural challenges of which that of power is a major one.

He explained that the problem has continued to erode the profit margin of hotels in the country and contributing to the high cost of hotel rooms in the country.

“We have some operational challenges, as managers running a hotel, providing electricity is not counted as something special, in this part of the world, having an alternative power supply is very important to our business. We have been able to improve that. Last year, I bought about 1000 KVA generator.”

Speaking on the renovation that has taken place in the hotel in last two years, Adenigba said customers want to meet quality and efficient facilities which call to question the issue of local content.

“You must always renew your facilities otherwise you wake up one day and find that your property is aground, from plumbing to electrical and even the operatives. But all these can be surmounted with quality management.”

Explaining what they have done, he said they have not expanded the hotel, “but we have been able to improve on its facilities. The hotel was started about 73 years ago and it is one of the oldest hotel around.

It takes extra effort to maintain it to its present state.

“To maintain an old hotel is difficult.

It is even higher in cost than when you want to build a new hotel. So, we have put in lot of efforts to ensure that we maintain the standard and the structure.”

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The MD explained that over 170 rooms in the hotel have been renovated and upgraded and that in the coming weeks that they will embark on the renovation of about 100 rooms.

“Initially, what the owners of the hotel wanted to do was to do a total overhaul, they were looking for a

credible partners to come in with funds and raise the standard of the place at a go, but while that one is on going, we decided that what we have on ground, we should be able to upgrade it with our internally generated resources. This is yielding very good result.”

Centenary celebration’ll enhance nation’s unity, peace – Minister

T

he Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, on Tuesday said the country ’s centenary celebration is another means of promoting unity and peace in the country.

Duke stated this in Minna after visiting the amalgamation site in Zungeru, Niger.

The minister said that the celebration would be handy to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage and unification in 100 years

to visitors.

The Minister was represented by Dr Munzali Dantata, the DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism.

Duke commended the Gov. Babangida Aliyu-led PDP administration for demonstrating great commitment and support to the tourism sub-sector.

He said that the institute, which was a human resource agency in the tourism sector, had a veritable role to play in making the celebration a big market for the country.

From left: Makinde Olarotimi, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, DG, NTDC and Sekonte Davies during a visit of House of Representatives Committee on Tourism to NTDC.

he first flight of Royal Jordanian Airways landed in Lagos Wednesday morning marking the commencement of a regular service between Amman and Lagos thereby raising the number of the RJ destinations to 61 spanning over four continents.

According to a Royal Jordanian statement, opening of the Lagos route comes in line with the RJ strategy to find new tourism and travel markets in different countries around the world in order to boost inbound tourism to the kingdom and to generate more revenues for the airline, given the decline in tourism movement from the traditional markets of Europe and North America.

Connecting Amman with Lagos is bound to attract large numbers of passengers, particularly Muslim pilgrims who wish to continue their flights to Saudi Arabia to conduct Hajj and Umrah, and those who like to visit the shrines and tombs of Prophet Mohammad’s companions before they proceed on their religious journey.

The service will also transport Christian pilgrims who come to Jordan to visit the Baptism site and other Christian holy sites in Jordan and the Middle East.

This new route will serve several types of tourism, such as medical, as Jordan is renowned for its high-standard medical treatment, and help business travelers and investors wishing to do business with Jordan and thus help develop economic and trade relations, and support the movement of goods among countries.

The company will operate the route twice weekly with its wide-bodied, 280seat Airbus A330s, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Expert urges FG to revive neglected tourism sites

A

tourism expert, Prof. Oladele Falade, has urged the Federal Government to provide more funds to revive activities in some tourism sites across the country.

Falade, who lectures in the Department of Tourism and Events Management, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, said this recently in an interview with journalists.

According to him, such sites will attract huge number of foreign tourists and earn foreign exchange for the country.

“Nigeria has a lot of historic monuments that can attract a huge number of foreign tourists which will in turn earn foreign exchange for the country.

“It is important that government gets more involved by providing more funds to revive activities at such neglected sites,’’ Falade said. He urged the government to also focus on infrastructure development like maintenance of roads, supply of constant electricity to enhance tourism development.

Falade said that the issue of insecurity in the country should be solved for the safety of both local and foreign tourists. “Tourism will not thrive well in an environment without good roads, constant electricity or with insecurity problem.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 — 27

Iyanya replies Yvonne Nelson F

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

OLLOWING a recent interview she granted to Bella Naija, in which she opened up on how her sizzling romance with Nigeria’s music star, Iyanya started and crashed after eight months of dating, the Kukere crooner has replied Sexy Ghanaian actress,Yvonne Nelson, declaring, “She can say whatever she wants to say.”

WG caught up with Iyanya during the week, but rather than refuting Yvonne’s claims, Iyanya simply said: “I don’t want to talk about it please. She can say whatever she wants to say. It’s her business not mine.”

The “Kukere” and “Ur waist” singer once denied neither dating Yvonne Nelson nor any known female celebrity, insisting “the thing about dating celebs is that it would most likely not last.”

Meanwhile, pouring her mind in the interview, Yvonne accused Iyanya of laying the bed of their relationship with lies, adding that while they were dating, he was also dating several other girls.

According to heart broken Yvonne, “We dated for between seven to eight months. We had something and I thought it was special, like he was a wonderful guy but it was all lies. He had other girls and other things he was doing. Aside the actress that was in the picture, there were a lot more. That is how bad it is.

“We were in a relationship and he lied throughout and he was able to do all those things because I wasn’t living in Nigeria. But aside from the distance, I feel if you’re a genuine person and you’re loyal, you would still not do that. I feel it’s disrespectful to start mentioning other people’s names. I am talking about Iyanya because we had a thing, I don’t want to bring in a third person. There were a lot of names that people know. There was a girl from South Africa, I’m not going to mention names but she was part of Big Brother Africa last year. ” When asked why she decided to keep the relationship away from public eye until their breakup, she replied, “I also don’t believe in putting my relationships in the faces of people. We both had our careers and were trying to protect our fan base and that’s cool. But if you go through my Instagram page, you’d see a couple of pictures of us together. I wasn’t shy about anything but he could not say he was dating Yvonne Nelson because he had different people he was seeing so it was very hard for him to bring it out. ”

I N S I D E: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West turned down $3m Baby North West photo deal C M Y K

•“ wha You ca wan tever n say t to you say”

• Iyanya and Yvonne

Ice Prince wins Best African Act @ BET 20 13 201

Be careful!

That device can kill…!

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Gulder Ultimate Search returns •Viewers to choose Gatekeepers

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

A

S the 10th edition of Nigeria’s leading reality TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search gathers momentum, viewers have been saddled with the very first task of choosing this year ’s Gatekeepers.

Toeing the path of last year’s edition, the Gatekeepers for Gulder Ultimate Search 10 will be chosen by viewers from the past winners of the reality TV show. Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu and Christopher Okagbue, winners of Seasons 4,5 and 8 respectively, emerged the viewers’ choice last year.

Any of them is eligible to

return as a Gatekeeper this year, if the viewers so desire.

The list of past winners which the voting public can also vote from includes: Ezeugo Egwuagu (GUS 1 winner), Lucan Chambliss (GUS 2 winner), Hector Jobarteh (GUS 3 winner), Uche Nwaezeapu (GUS 6 winner), Oyekunle Oluwaremi (GUS 7 winner) and the reigning champion, Paschal Eronmose (GUS 9 winner).

While two Gatekeepers will return for this year’s edition, it remains unsure what roles they will be playing.

Last year, the Gatekeepers sudden appearance at tasks meant the eviction of a contestant; and they also played the role of leading the

contestants to advanced stages as the show progressed.

Mr. Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, Nigerian Breweries Plc. said, “This year will mark the 10th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search, Nigeria’s longest running reality TV show.

Each edition of Gulder Ultimate Search adopts a unique theme and storyline, which serves as the roadmap for the contestants?

Challenges. Just like last year, we are asking the audience to choose two past winners who will play the role of Gatekeepers. One of the hallmarks of Gulder Ultimate Search is suspense. All I can say for now is that the 10th edition will be iconic.”

Kim K West ardashia North turn down n, Kanye West $ photo 3m Baby deal K

IM Kardashian and K anye West’s first daughter won’t be making her big debut in the spotlight anytime soon, not for any price.

The media-savvy couple have yet to share any photos of their tiny bundle of joy since welcoming her into the world on June 15, though they ’ve been offered a whopping $3 million from an Australian magazine to do so.

“Kanye’s been adamant about not having the baby on the show,”reports said. “He was serious when he said North isn’t America’s baby, so

he may not do anything.”

The rapper ’s protective, paternal instincts move beyond just maintaining North’s image, however.

West, 36, has been a doting father to his daughter, becoming a “super worrywart” over her and trying to stay by her side as much as possible.

His new family-centric attitude is even starting to affect Kardashian, 32, who has toned down her usual social media frenzy in the past few weeks, only breaking her silence to wish sister Khloe a happy 29th birthday on Thursday, June 27.

Dubai New destination for celebrity lovebirds!

EME artiste, Skales graduates from school

BY IYABO AINA

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IGERIA’s fast rising EME artiste, Skales who has been making waves in the music entertainment scene should be proud of himself as he has now graduated from the university.

The music artiste made this known via a short note posted online along with his picture with some graduating pals. He graduated from Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Skales announced online recently that, “this is me and ma goons,” referring to the posted picture, we just graduated from Uni.” The record label mate of Wizkid studied Office Management at the institution. He has been combining studies with music though he is not presently in the mainstream like Wizkid.

C M Y K

BY GRACE EKPENBOR

DUBAI, commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates, seems to be the next destination for Nigerian lovebirds. Only recently, ace-comedian, Julius Akinlami popularly known as Elenu and his beautiful wife, Jane Anyanwu joined the trend when they travelled to Dubai to observe their honeymoon.

Music star, Tuface and his wife few months ago had their

white wedding in Dubai after their traditional marriage rites which was observed in AkwaIbom State.

Also, it was gathered that Tosin Omokore, son of billionaire oil magnate, Chief Jide Omokore wowed their guests recently as he got hooked to the love of his life, Faizer Fari in Dubai.

It’s quite surprising that Nigerian celebrities have suddenly fallen in love with this city that is located in the

southeast coast of the Persian Gulf.

As funny and thrilling as it may seem, it’s however indisputable. These days, it has become a common knowledge where our lovebirds are frequently travelling overseas either to observe their honeymoon or to walk down the aisle. Who knows, there might be some special honey reserved in Dubai specifically for Nigerian lovebirds.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 —31

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MOTIONS ran high on Saturday as headliners for the 4th leg of the Star Music Trek which held at NnamdiAzikiwe Stadium Enugu, stormed the concert venue and delivered a superlative performance that surpassed many music lovers expectations.

Fans who started trooping into the venue as early as 3pm on the day of the event confirmed that they came with very high expectations based on the previous concert, which held in Owerri last Saturday.

At the end of the 9-hour sell out concert it’s safe to say the crowd that thronged the venue was not disappointed.

2012 winners Crystals were a breath of fresh air as they blew the audience away with their hits “Ring Tone and Love Me Tender ”. The crew was adjudged winners of Star Quest 2012 with their creative stage craft, great voices and mesmerizing dance steps. All of which they brought to the fore when they delivered their scintillating 15 minutes performance.

The crowd was chanting his name long before he arrived at the venue. And as Phyno confidently strode unto the

Star Trek: M.I crowns new Mrs Abaga

…as Tony One Week makes surprise appearance

Crystals

Phyno andRuffcoin stage there was no doubt that the man of the moment,had captured the hearts of thousands of new fans almost effortlessly.

As expected,the hip hop star’s 40 minutes performance held Enugu fans spell bound and surpassed even that of his

Ice Prince wins Best African Act @ BET 2013

offering in Owerri. The artiste churned out Man of the Year, Anamachikwena, Ghost Mode and many more hits to the admiration of the crowd.

At one point he was joined on stage by popular Enugu artiste, Ruffcoin,which only set the crowd agog.

Between Jennifer Lopez and $1.5m pay cheque for singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Turkmenistan President

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BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI RAPPER, Ice Prince last weekend emerged the Best African Music act at the just concluded BET 2013.

Ice Prince who sat on the second row during the event, which held in Los Angeles, last weekend, beat heavy weights including 2face Idibia, Toya Delazy and Donald both from South Africa,R2Bees(Ghana) and Weasel(Uganda) to clinch the coveted award.

The rapper who got a “make me proud”-best-of-luck message from his alleged Ghanaian girlfriend, Yvonne Nelson, spotted a black jeans along a printed T-shirt, sneakers, a ‘LA Kings’inscribed fiz cap and a dark sun glass to match.

It would be recalled that he ‘abandoned’ all other already booked shows back home, including his performance at the Star Trek held in Enugu last weekend to be at the BET Awards.

And being one of the nominees for the categories in which he eventually was adjudged the winner, his attendance at the awards night was much publicised.

Ice Prince had been nominated to this category in 2012 but lost it to Wizkid and Sarkodie.

C M Y K

It’s always unpredictable with JMartins on stage. And always enjoyable. Throughout his 40 minutes performance the artiste chose to keep it cool in Enugu and ensured that he and his live band left the crowd yearning for more as he performed their favourite songs, “Good or Bad”, “Oyoyo”, “Touching Body” among others.

Having long established a warm relationship with the Coal City, Mr Raw and his exciting live band had no difficulties getting the crowd dancing along with excitement to Obodo, Spiritual Conji, Strong and

Mighty and others.

Apparently, music metamorphosis goes beyond Mr Raw’s change of name. In 40 minutes,he and his 6-man live band left no one in doubt that after 13 years as an entertainer he is still a defining factor in the Nigerian music industry.

Remember ‘Gyration’? Apparently so did the crowd as the artiste, Tony One Week who is presently minority leader of the Anambra House of Assembly mounted the stage to the surprise of music fans.

Gyration,which went platinum in 2003 remains evergreen and has been the toast of many music lovers over the years.

Will the real Mrs Abaga please stand up? Mr Incredible keeps on stunning fans not just with his electrifying performances but with new twists at every concert venue.

Flash back to Owerri where Mrs Abaga was first crowned.

This weeks ‘queen’, Blessing, who performed his hit ‘One Naira’ with him was proudly crowned by multi-faceted compere Gbenga Adeyinka. Evidently ‘King M.I’ will crown a new queen at every venue.

ENNIFER Lopez will no doubt be facing yet more backlash after it has emerged that the singer was reportedly paid $1.5 million to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Turkmenistan president last weekend.

The ‘Live It Up’ singer has sparked outrage with Human Rights organisations for agreeing to play a special concert for the country ’s leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who has been accused of oppressing the nation, in celebration of his recent birthday.

While Jennifer’s rep initially refused to disclose how much she was paid to perform. But a source close to the singer revealed that she received a whopping $1.5 million pay cheque.

The 43-year-old’s spokesperson then released another statement clarifying the situation, again insisting that she would not have agreed to perform had she known about the human rights violation allegations against the president.

“Jennifer Lopez and several other artistes were invited and performed at a private corporate event for the China National Petroleum Corporation that was presented to their local executives in Turkmenistan,” read the statement.

“This was not a government sponsored event or political in nature.

The event was vetted by her representatives, had there been knowledge of human right issues of

any kind, Jennifer would not have attended.”

Lopez isn’t the first singer to face backlash after performing for a controversial political figure. Usher, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent and other artists all performed for former Libyan dictator, Muammar Gadhafi prior to his assassination in 2011.

All claimed not to know Gadhafi was connected to terrorism and human rights violations and subsequently said, they would donate their performance fees to charity.

32 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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ON’T cross the road with music buds on your ears! If that has never sounded like a life- saving warning before and still does not, after reading this, it could actually become a death threat!

Just last weekend in Lagos, a moving train nearly crushed a young man to death, because he couldn’t hear onlookers who tried to warn him of the fiercely menacing train. He was oblivious to the sound of the train. Ironically, he wasn’t deaf, but simply enjoying music through his ear phones when the unfortunate incident happened.

Though the young man is said to be recuperating in a Lagos metropolis hospital, it is still uncertain what his condition will be after discharge from the hospital.

Whether it’s by some form of mentally disorientation that could lead to wrong decisions, or loss of sleep because of addiction to gaming, incessant headaches from staring too long at the computer screen or petrol explosions from using your phone as a torch, the truth remains that some of the devices that give us joy today, can also kill if we abuse their uses.

The ear phones syndrome According to a recent report, nearly 70 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 72 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in their ears. The report also found that 60 per cent of people who regularly listen to music through headphones pump the volume beyond safe levels. Listening to loud music could not

Be careful!

*Wrong use of device

That device can kill…! only lead to distract, but experts say that it could cause hearing loss.

To save your hearing, and probably your life, switch the volume to a level that still allows you to hear someone who is at arm’s length without them having to shout. Also, limit the amount of time you are exposed to very loud noise.

The Hunch-back of ‘computer-dame’ Compared to working in heavy duty factories or law enforcement, having a white collar job is probably one of the safest things to do. Or is it? According to the Chiropractors Association of Australia (CAA), spending six to eight hours a day in front of a computer can cause one to become “hunched and immobile.” This can cause shoulder, arm, hand and neck problems, as well as issues with balance and coordination. The more hunched you are after the age of 60, the more your

risk of death increases because the heart and lungs are compressed, reducing oxygen and blood flow.

To avoid this, maintain good posture at the desk and invest in a comfortable, supportive chair. Also, after about two hours sitting at the desk, get up and move around a little. If you have your own private office, get up, touch your toes and stretch out some more.

Are Laptops for the laps?

According to recent studies, your lap is the worst place you can put your laptop. Laptops emit heat as they run, and this heat can affect parts of your body in many different ways. For instance, a WebMD news article cited a study in which it was determined that

male fertility may be affected by laptop use. Experts advise young boys and men of child rearing age to abstain from or closely monitor the amount of time they spend with a laptop sitting on the lap. Women are not exempt from the negative effects of putting a computer on the lap.

Other articles talk about a condition known as toasted leg syndrome.

Toasted legs syndrome is an unusual looking skin condition where the skin in the affected area looks molted and discolored. The skin turns an unattractive brown color.

What out for more tips next week, until then be sure that that device is not killing you!

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LACKBERRY’S magical appearance became popular in Nigeria in 2006.

It was introduced by the Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM).

Ever since, there have been various productions of different Black berry phones which have been introduced in the Nigerian market.

The Black Berry phone has brought friends and families together, it keeps people posted, people tend to share their views and opinion with their personal messages and display pictures and so on.

But generally, a major complaint in all smartphones where the Blackberry device belongs is the battery. Yes, the device has been accepted as one of the communication gadgets that keeps love going among friends and well wishers, but does the battery last long to keep the gist going?

Speaking with different individuals about Blackberry phones and its batteries, we discovered a divided opinion on which of the Blackberry models is the battery king.

For Mr Ifeoluwa Famuyiwa, the Blackberry bold 2 is unbeatable in terms of stronger battery life. His reason is that the original Bold 9000 set the bar in terms of delivering a reliable high performing, best features but the Bold 2 gives you enough talking time without always running back to your charging point.

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Another user, Mr Adams Aminu, also agreed with Famuyiwa, but added that Bold4 is another strong Blackberry bold that could be relied upon in terms of battery strength. For him, besides strong, long lasting batteries on these models, they don’t also easily get faulty even when they fall from the user.

Other people who also share in the same bold 2 sentiment, included Miss Lawson Oluwaseun , Miss Silvia Njoku, Mr Valentine Eiterebhe among others.

However Mr Omoke Lucky explained that he prefers black berry Bold 3 and Curve 2 because they offered him a better user interface among all other BB models he had used.

*Bold 2

By WINIFRED IMONLUAMEN

*Bold 4

Varied experience of users

*Curve

BB BATTERY LIFE:

But Mr Yemi Osofisan did not see any need for all the noise about Bold models since the Z10 debuted. He argued that the model uses the most recent of Blackberry OS which places control of the device’s network in the palms of the users. “ what are we talking about, the number of minutes it will take other

MTN in par tner ship with partner tnership neXv a on Ne xtApps S neXva NextApps Sttore

By ADEBADE ADEJIMI

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TN is in partnership with neXva to launch NextApps Store to its customers.

The MTN NextApps Store powered by neXva, consists of free and premium applications and is initially available for smartphones running on Android operating system. In addition, the store features “one-click” billing that enables MTN’s customers to purchase applications and have the purchase

price taken from their pre-paid account or added to their phone bill.

On behalf of the partners, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Larry Annetts, said: “We are very pleased to partner with neXva on this app store initiative. Our choice of neXva to deploy the MTN Nigeria NextApps Store was informed by neXva’s robust technology platform and their internal team that is able to customize and localize the offering of the applications to suit our customers in Nigeria. This, for us is a key success factor for the NextApps Store.”

models to search for network, tells on the device but have you used the Z10? The network is in your control. So it surely will save battery more than others” he added.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

—33

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER; Many of you’ll find it relatively difficult to ignore romantic feelings within and attractive invitation from outside. Some’ll travel for love actually.

LEO; 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 VIRGO; 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.

LIBRA. 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 SCORPIO; 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 .

SAGITTARIUS;. 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.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Do you need everything...?

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HE truth is that as human beings our wants are very many but our needs limited.

We want food, we want shelter and we want clothing. After these three basic needs our other needs are just met to satisfy our ego.

Some of our needs are essentials, for example, water. And to some extent, a car is a necessity, but several cars is just part of satisfying our ego. The issue is can we get our

needs satisfied? The holy writ admonished us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and all other things shall be for us. In other words, once we have accepted

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

Him into our life and live a righteous life, our needs will be met.

Mind you, He did not say He will meet our greed.

You do not need everything. But that which you need to live a contented life shall be supplied you provided you live righteously.

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN;. Don’t rely too heavily on friends today, especially before 2.17pm when Moon fluctuates. Learn how to consolidate on your recent progress.

AQUARIUS; 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 PISCES; Tomorrow’ll bring more challenges through friends. Try your best to accomplish more along your career line today. Be very practical before 2.17pm ARIES; 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.

TAURUS;. 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.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; 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..

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As 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

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

34—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Watch out for Ramadan Talk!

As we prepare to welcome the glorious month of Ramadan, your regular Ramadan Talk is back to shed more light on issues relating to the month's activities such as: How do you approach it? What are you expected to do in the month? What are the things a Muslim should do to maximise rewards in the glorious month? These and many more will be discussed on Ramadan Talk to be published daily in Vanguard newspaper throughout the 29 or 30 day period. For sponsorship, advertorials, contact Balogun on 08036688535

Ramadan: Are you ready?

HENEVER the orbit turns and another month of Ramadan approaches, happiness and joy filled the Muslim community. The reason being that it comes with two great gifts which are holiness and witnessing the night better than a thousand nights in which the Qur’an was revealed.

Alhamdulillah, we are thankful to Almighty Allah for another opportunity to invigorate our spirits, strengthen our faith and cleanse ourselves during this month of mercy and forgiveness. This is the month of Allah (SWT), the month of repentance, the month of fasting, the month of charity, the month of supplications and above all the month of Qur’an. The month that flings the gates of Paradise opened and forces the gates of hell closed, chained the devil and offer mercy to mankind.

No doubt, Ramadan is divinely designed to be a month of personal and communal change. It helps a serious Muslim to remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical disposition and behaviour.

The preparations hitherto have brought a new breath into the atmosphere. Good deeds will be on the increase, bad deed will be on the de-

cline. Givers will give, the poor will smile and economy will boom. Believers will get closer to Allah and He will in turn change the destinies of mankind. It is the best of all months; the best among the days; the best among the

,

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given us something to look forward to; a period of time to be spiritually revived after a long year of spiritual instability. We can only but show gratitude for seeing another holy month. May Allah make it easy for us and

...the month of fasting, the month of charity, the month of supplications and above all the month of Qur’an. The month that flings the gates of paradise open and closes the gates of hell, chains the devil and offers mercy to mankind

,

nights; the best among the hours. Almighty Allah made it different among all other, not for anything but for our salvation; for our redemption, to lead the Ummah to the gates of His mercy, to unlock the mysteries of His closeness and attainment of janah.

It is one of Allah’s greatest gifts to mankind that He created a month that is equal to a thousand in blessings. It is out of His kindness that He has

give us the grace and guidance to do the all the acts of ibaadah therein. Amin.

Dear believers, many people ended the last Ramadan with the belief that they could have done better with their time, better with their worships. Another Ramadan is here again, after the grace of Almighty Allah to witness it since no human being is guaranteed to live to the next Ramadan or even the next

From left: Dr A. G. Enahoro, Naib Amir Deputy National Head Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Eastern Region; Maulana Ayyub, Naib Amir, South West Region; Dr YA Habib, Naib Amir, Northern Region during the association's annual 3-day Shoora conference at the Lagos headquarters; Ojokoro.

day; another opportunity is here to make it better than last year’s. Like what said last week, the problem is ineffective planning. In order to make this year’s fasting outstanding, we need to have concluded our arrangements towards achieving that.

Insha Allah, in a few days from now, the activities of fasting, intensive prayer, sacrifice and worship will begin. It is not only about abstinence from food and drink, it is also a strict control over our tongues, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds in order to seek the pleasure of Allah.

Let your hunger and thirst during the period remind you of the hunger and thirst of the Day of Resurrection. Give alms to the poor and indigent; be generous to the elderly, and be kind to your youngsters. Repent, seek forgiveness of your and beseech Him in supplication during the night. Allah looks with

mercy to His servants and answers their pleas especially at this auspicious time.

Look out for the new moon or watch out for the announcement. Immediately the moon is sighted, say your intention (niyyat). It is not necessary that it is said loudly; it could be a silent declaration of intention to fast for 29 0r 30 days in the month.

After the declaration of intention, it is also not necessary to repeat that on each day of the month. A declaration of intent at the beginning covers the whole exercise.

Prayer: O’ Allah! The month of Ramadan has arrived, and You have required us to fast in it and revealed the Qur’an as guidance to mankind and a clear distinction of the guidance and the right criteria. O’ Allah! Give us the strength and wherewithal to observe the fast; accept same from us; surely You can do all things.

Etiquette of starting Ramadan

BY HARUN RAZAQ

A

LMIGHTY Allah ordered Muslims to follow Him and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). One of the areas this divine compliance is how to start fasting in the month of Ramadan. Save for those that are permitted to leave fasting like the sick, traveller, nursing mother etc. according to Shariah, every Muslim is expected to commence the month of Ramadan either by: (i) Sighting the crescent of the month of Ramadan after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban; and (ii) if the crescent is not seen, then complete the 30 days of Sha’ban. So, this means the beginning of the month of Ramadan, as well as the end is determined by sighting the crescent. This is in line with the Hadith of the Prophet related by al-Bukhari and Muslim: “…Start the month when you see the crescent and end the month when you see the crescent. If you did not see the crescent, complete 30 days of Sha’ban.”

The ruling therefore is to look out for the moon on the 29th day of Sha’ban after sunset.

Muslims should look towards the western horizon, and if the crescent is seen, the following day will be the first day of Ramadan. If not, then the next day will complete 30 days of Sha’ban.

Again, the 30th day of

Sha’ban is regarded as Yaumushakku in which a Muslim is expected refrain from eating, drinking from fajr till around noon. And after confirming that the moon was not sighted, he must immediately stop the imsaq and continue eating, drinking and all that are permitted for non fasting Muslim. This is because fasting is not permitted on 30th of Sha’ban since they have not sighted the crescent of the month of Ramadan. The Prophet prohibit us from fasting on the day of shakku, while the following day becomes first day of Ramadan.

Also the prophet (s.aw) was never hell-bent on sighting the moon himself, because some people may not have the opportunity to see it as a result of visual impairment or otherwise.

Muslims in Nigeria should endeavour to commence fast as recommended by the Prophet (s.a.w), without any tribal, political and ethnocentric sentiment. We should take the confirmation of a just and trustworthy Muslim that has seen the moon and has been endorsed by the Muslim leaders. This can be done by listening to announcement on the night of 29th day of Sha’ban usually sponsored by Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaj Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III the Sultan of Sokoto.

May Allah let us witness the fast in sound Iman, good health and prosperity.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 —35

20 1 3 Hajj: Zamfara dr ops 366 201 drops intending pilgrims

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BY AMINAT AHMAD

Wife's duties in Ramadan sleeping habit, start readjusting now so that you can wake up to prepare sahur for your family. For women who are fasting, that can mean long hours preparing meals. Some also have to feed children who are not fasting while avoiding food themselves. All these can be very challenging for women if not adequately planned for.

will also have more time for cooking since you will not be engaged in some acts of worship. Be sure to invite Muslim family and friends including neighbours.

There are clear exemptions in Islam from fasting in Ramadan for those that are rattled by illness, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Although some nursing mothers, sick and

,

Preparing the family for the new spirit of Ramadan is more of the wife’s duty. Muslim women therefore need to be adequately prepared for the spiritual exercise. As a woman at home, you have to buy all the necessary things for the month before the first of Ramadan. This will enable you to spend less time during the holy month rushing around.

It will also help you to be focused on your religious activities and spiritual development.

Remember that everyone in the family, even the kids, can participate; so, preparing them psychologically and physically for the period of fasting is your duty as a woman. You need to plan ahead in order not to lose the balance between your responsibility as a woman at home and your religious duties such as reading Quran, salat, qiyamu-lail and others. You may have to also prepare some meals ready to be stored in the freezer. You can chop onions, vegetables and store them in the freezer to have them ready when cooking during Ramadan. You may also soak maize or millet for pap and store them in the freezer, this way, you will save yourself a lot of efforts in getting them done during the month If you have bad

Ramadan is a great opportunity to share specifically, its values of spirituality, generosity and kindness with others, especially your neighbours

Ramadan is a great opportunity to share specifically, its values of spirituality, generosity and kindness with others, especially your neighbours. It’s a great time to invite people for iftar. If you are planning to invite guests for Iftar, the best time to do that is during your monthly period (menstruation).

This is because you will not only be ready to taste the food that is going to be served, you

,

A nursing mother who finds fasting in Ramadan difficult for her is fully within her rights to abstain from fasting.

A pregnant woman and a nursing mother, if they break their fasts on account of their condition, take the same ruling as those who break their fasts because

they are ill or on a journey. This means that they must make up the missed fasts at a later date, when doing so becomes easy for them.

There have been a few scholars who held the opinion that pregnant women and nursing mothers can simply opt to expiate for the missed days by feeding a poor person for each day missed. However, this opinion is not a strong one.

The correct ruling is that these women have to make up the fasts that they miss. Allah says: “Whoever among you who is ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days.” [Sûrah alBaqarah: 184] The application of this

sult of the 20 per cent cut in the number of pilgrims performing this year's Hajj by the Saudi Authorities.

Wakkala said the situation would bring down the number of Zamfara pilgrims from 4,088 to 3, 712.

He disclosed that over 5000 intending pilgrims had registered with the committee and that a total of 4,441 had paid their fares for the trip to

Saudi Arabia.

The deputy governor assured that those performing the Hajj for the first time would be given priority, while those that missed the chance to travel would be given high consideration in 2014.

Wakkala said that the state government had made adequate arrangements for the success of this year's pilgrimage.

Sultan remains permanent Amirul Hajj — NAHCON

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HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said recently that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, remained the permanent National Amirul Hajj.

Mr Uba Mana, the Head, Media Affairs, NAHCON, clarified this in a statement made available to newsmen.

The statement dismissed speculations that the Federal Government has

appointed the Shehu of Borno as this year’s Amirul Hajj.

“For the purpose of 2013 Hajj exercise, however, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto has delegated the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Umar Garbai El-kanemi, who is the Deputy National President of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), to lead the Federal Government delegation and supervise the conduct of Hajj in Saudi

Arabia.

“The Sultan will continue to be involved in all preparations of Hajj exercise prior to the airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“As President of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence is at liberty to nominate or delegate any person(s) suitable to lead the Federal Government delegation to Saudi Arabia for Hajj purposes.”

pregnant women, still observe their fasts because of confluence of social, religious, and cultural factors. It is in order to the extent that there is no harm done by fasting. Otherwise it can be suspended and paid back at a later date.

A question was sent in by a Muslim on this issue, the response which is found below will also help other Muslim nursing mothers or heavily pregnant women.

Ask Your Imam My wife has just put to bed and she is presently nursing our newborn baby.

She is unable to fast and breastfeed at the same time. Does she really have to make up all those days later on? Can’t she just expiate for the missed days by feeding a poor person for each missed day?

HE Zamfara Gov ernment Wednesday announced that it would drop 366 intending pilgrims to the 2013 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state Task Force Committee on Hajj, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala stated this in Gusau after the committee's meeting.

He told newsmen that the reduction was a re-

ruling to pregnant women and nursing mothers is made clear in the following hadîth.

Anas b. Mâlik relates that the Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Allah has excused the traveler from the obligation to fast and from half the units of his prayer. He has excused the pregnant woman and the nursing mother from fasting.” [Sunan alTirmidhî (715), Sunan Abî Dâwûd (2408), and Sunan Ibn Mâjah (1667)] This indicates to us that the ruling for the traveler being excused from fasting is the same as that of a nursing mother. Since the traveler must make up his fast later on, so must the nursing mother.

And Allah knows best.

From left: Alhaja Busurat Balogun, Women Leader NASFAT Igbogbo; Alhaja S. Shokeye, Alhaja Allinson and Alhaja Y. Yusuf during the pre-Ramadan Lecture at Igbogbo Central Mosque.

From left: Alhaji Andu representing the Chief Imam of Igbogbo Sheik Zikirullah Andu, Ismala Wasiu; Imam Tirimisiy Olawale Hamed, Missioner, Igbogbo NASFAT and the guest lecturer, Sheik AbdulRasaq Lukman (AlMubarak) during the Pre-Ramadan lecture held at Igbogbo.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Orubebe reiterates commitment to Jonathan's policies

Delta police investigate Rep

BY FESTUS AHON

U

M

INISTER of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has reiterated his resolve to work for President Goodluck Jonathan to enable him deliver on his transformation agenda as promised while assuming office two years ago.

Addressing newsmen while inspecting ongoing projects in Niger Delta region, Orubebe affirmed that his immediate concern was to stand by President Jonathan.

He said: “I stand as one of the key supporters and loyalists of Mr. President to do what he wants so as to move Nigeria forward.”

Orubebe, who said he believes in the principle of teaching a man how to fish instead of giving him fish, said in line with Jonathan transformational agenda, he had engaged thousands of youths from the Niger Delta region by giving them a means of fulfilling their dreams through training and gainful employment.

He disclosed that his ministry had trained no fewer than 1,000 nonmilitant youths from the nine states in Niger Delta region.

SECURITY: From left— Mr. Emmanuel Abou, Mr. Bitrus Gokwat and Prince Ibrahim Odofin, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Eleshin Security Services Limited, ESSL, at the presentation of security equipment to ESSL operatives, who are providing security for Friends Colony Estate, Milverton Estate, Bourdillion Court Estate and NAPRER Estate, in Lekki axis of Lagos, yesterday.

2015: A'Ibom South rejects Dep Gov slot A

S the race for the 2015 governorship seat in Akwa Ibom State gathers momentum, youths, women and opinion leaders in Eket Senatorial District have condemned an alleged clandestine move by some politicians to stop them from producing the next governor for the state.

They vow not to settle for a deputy governorship slot and

have advised their sons and daughters, who are believed to have deputy governorship ambition, to bury such aspirations.

They made the declaration at an interactive session at the Eket Civic Centre, convened by Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Assembly.

The people maintained that their aspiration for the Government House was not a do-or-

Why Lekki is safe from kidnappers, hoodlums— Security expert

BY INNOCENT ANABA

A

security expert, Alhaji Ibrahim Odofin, yesterday, said that effective policing has reduced incidences of kidnapping around the Lekki axis of Lagos State, attributing the decline to the combined efforts of private security operators and the police in the area.

Odofin, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Eleshin Security Services Limited, ESSL, which secures estates in Lekki axis managed by AIRCOM Estate Managers, spoke while handing over new high-tech security gadgets to men and officers of the firm.

He said: “We have not had many incidences of kidnapping, and this is because the security agencies and the police are on top of the situation.”

The estates include Friends Colony Estate, Milverton Estate, Bourdillion Court Estate and NAPRER Estate. ESSL also provides security for Balcary Estate, among others.

The gadgets include bomb detectors, bullet-proof vests, Clarret metal scanners, walkies-talkies, handcuffs, tear-gasses and boots, among others.

He said: “Our responsibility as security professionals is to protect those who engage our services. No security officer can perform efficiently if he is not well-equipped and welltrained.

“That is why we place premium on training and retraining of our officers on the use of these gadgets, as well provide the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.”

Addressing the security officers after an early morning drill and hand-over of the gadgets, Odofin said they must be alert to suspicious activities in their surroundings, and be quick to alert the firm’s head office through their walkies-talkies, or the police.

“You are not to confront armed robbers by yourself, but be smart enough to alert the

police without endangering your lives,” he cautioned.

A security supervisor at AIRCOM, Mr. Moses Isaiah, said the police always respond swiftly when alerted of any security threat in the estates.

He said: “This is not the first time these kinds of gadgets are being supplied ESSL."

die affair, but an intellectual struggle and solicited the support of the people of Uyo and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts.

The Assembly noted that youth and women leaders as well as socio-political groups and other stakeholders in the senatorial district had begun mobilisation at the village, ward and local government levels and mandated stakeholders to intimate other parts of the state on the resolution of the district.

Earlier, Chairman of the Assembly and former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, explained that the Assembly was a melting point where issues bothering on the growth and development of the district were decided.

He re-echoed the resolve of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District to leave nothing to chance.

Delta guber: Monarchs urged to back Manager

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JAW traditional rulers in Delta State have been urged to present a common candidate for the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Coordinator, Delta of youths based in Port Harcourt, Mr. Fullpower Bussa, said: "I appeal to His Royal Majesties and Royal Highnesses, Pere Kabowei, Pere of Eseimbiri Charles Butu, Amaokosowei of Ogbejoh, Pere of Ediwin and Pere of Kalanama to throw their weight behind Senator James

Manager for the position.

“Senator Manager was born to unlock the aboriginal tribe of Niger Delta. We all remember that Samuel Ogbemudia only graded Ojobo Gbekebor Road in 1975.

"And it took Senator Manager as Commissioner for Works to do the road and also construct the Bomadi Bridge that was not in the proposal.”

Bussa said he would lead youths to appeal to Manager, on behalf of Deltans, to run.

GHELLI—AS the jostle for who represents the Bomadi/Patani Federal constituency in the House of Representatives in 2015 heats up, the current occupant of the position, Mr. Nicholas Mutu and others are being investigated by the police for alleged terrorism, attempted murder and kidnap of Mr. Moses Amatu, Kenneth Mezeh and others in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.

A petition before the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba by Mr. Kelechi Nnadi, counsel to the petitioners, alleged that Mutu on June 26, brought in ex-militants numbering over 200, who allegedly attempted to kidnap and kill Amatu, Mezeh and other members of Bomadi Federated Youth Movement.

According to the petition, they were attacked for allegedly planning to protest against Mutu's perceived failed representation and his intention to perpetuate himself in office beyond 2015.

The petitioners They further alleged that it took the efforts of the men of Department of the State Security and the Joint Task Force in the area to rescue them.

Reacting through his Special Assistant, Mr. Philip Gilor, Mutu described the allegations as cheap blackmail, adding that as a law abiding citizen, he would not indulge in unlawful acts.

Igarra in US meet

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GARRA Progressive Union, IPU, United States of America, USA, branch, will today and tomorrow hold its inaugural convention in Los Angeles, California.

President of IPU/USA, Dr. Charles Jagun, said the event would be chaired by Engr. Kadiri Nasiru, a philanthropist, while the keynote speech would be delivered by Deborah Campbell, elected official from Contra Costa County in California.

Expected at the convention are sons, daughters, friends, and well-wishers of Igarra from every part of the world.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 — 37

Delta DPP declares 3-day mourning for Ewherido U

BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—EMBATTLED Delta State Chairman of Democratic Peoples’ Party, DPP, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, has declared a three-day mourning in honor of the late Senator Pius Ewherido, representing Delta Central in the National Assembly.

Until his death last Sunday after a brief illness, Ewherido was the only senator elected on the platform of DPP. Ezeagwu in a statement yesterday, said: “The entire DPP executive at the state and local government levels will pay a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

“The decision was reached at a meeting attended by officials of the party across the 25 local government areas of the state as well as state lawmakers elected on the party’s platform.”

It will be recalled that the Chief Tony Ezeagwu led executive of the party was dissolved few months ago after it dared to suspend the late Senator Ewherido, the acting National Chairman of

DPP, Sir Olisaemeka Akamukali from the party.

Meanwhile, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, has condoled with the people of the state, especially the people of Delta Central Senatorial District over the sudden death of Senator

Ewherido.

Ogeah in a statement on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, said: “Before he was elected into the National Assembly in 2011, Senator Ewherido was a Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and also acted as Speaker.

“A man of calm mien, Senator Ewherido distinguished himself as a lawmaker in Delta State, a record that won the admiration of his constituents, who proceeded to elect him into the National Assembly. Even at the federal level, his youthful vigour and passion for the upliftment of the Niger Delta region defined his contributions to the National Assembly.”

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ORT HARCOURT—THE Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr George Uriesi has appealed to air travellers using the Port Harcourt International airport to see the ongoing reconstruction work at the airport as part of measures to serve them better.

Uriesi, while commissioning the protocol car park, recreation garden and conference hall at the airport, said FAAN was determined to provide quality service for air travellers at the airport.

He said that the Port Harcourt International airport was a write off about a year ago, adding that “when the ongoing construction work is completed, the airport would rate among the best in the country.” He said that he was happy with the attitude of workers at the Port Harcourt airport, as they have become more proactive.

5-Junction Road in Benin

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—THE controversy over the construction of Five Junction in Benin metropolis between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government has again been rekindled, following the visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Works to Edo State on inspection of federal roads in the state.

It will be recalled that the disagreement was stoked during the Good Governance Tour of the

state early this year when the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenmen claimed that the project was executed by the Federal Government, but same was countered by the Edo State Government, which claimed that the road was executed by it.

Briefing the Committee members led by its Chairman, Ogbuefi Ozombachi, Edo State Federal Director of Works, Mr. Dennis Orji, explained that the project belonged to the Federal Government.

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ARRI—DELTA State gov ernor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged oil companies operating in the state to engage the services of graduates of the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, as products of the institution have firmed grasp of the manpower needs of the oil

But a member of the Committee, Mr. Isaac Osahon disagreed, pointing out that the project was executed by the Edo State Government.

“Where I have my disagreement is with the Five-Junction in Benin City. The job was well done but the question is who did the job?

If the Ministry Works is claiming to have done the job, I agree that they touched part of it, but if you want to measure what the Edo State Government did, it was about 80 per cent of the job.”

Alleged N40m debt: Court to commence hearing on Sept 26 and his company, Flamin Ni-

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AGOS—JUSTICE Ebenezer Adebajo of Lagos State High court sitting Igbosere has adjourned till September 26, for the hearing of preliminary objection

by Asset Resource Management Company Limited to the suit against the company by a businessman, Femi Ogunniya.

The claimants, Ogunniya

Employ PTI graduates, Uduaghan charges oil firms

BY EMMA ARUBI

U

GHELLI—A Peo ples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain in Delta State, Mr. Sunny Onuesoke has said that Delta Central Senatorial District would vote for the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei as governor come 2015.

Onuesoke, a former governorship aspirant in the state, during the visit of a political pressure group, Delta Focus Group, DFG, to his Effurun residence over the 2015 perceived ambition of Ochei, said that he (Ochei) was the right man for the number one seat of the state because of his age and vision.

Onuesoke, described Ochei as a vibrant lawmaker, who will take Delta State to the next level if voted into office.

Trebet bottled water debuts in Warri

VISIT: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (middle); Chairman, Governing Board, FAAN assures of NYSC, Mr. Gordon Bozimo (right) Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr, Ovuozorie Macaulay, during Mr. Bozimo’s visit to the governor in Asaba, yesterday. quality service at PH airport Controversy trails construction of

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

Urhobo to back Ochei for 2015

sector.

Governor Uduaghan, who commended PTI for training local manpower needed for the critical sector of the economy, said that the graduates of the institute were comparable with their counterparts anywhere in the world.

Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Educa-

tion, Prof. Hope Eghagha, Uduaghan commended the council and management of PTI for making it live up to the vision of its founding father, observing that it was reassuring that the school has continued to train and develop the needed manpower for the petroleum industry.

geria Limited are in court to recover an alleged N40million debt from the company.

The claimants also demanding an additional N10million as damages for alleged breach of contract between Flamin Nigeria Limited and the defendant company.

But, the defendant in its statement of defence argued that it had not done any business with the claimants, hence they have no reasonable reasons to a file a suit against it.

The defendant in its seven paragraphs statement of defence, by its lawyer Emmanuel Okorie urged the court to dismiss the suit.

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A R R I —First Beltino Nigeria Limited will tomorrow in Warri, Delta State, launch its latest water brand, Trebet bottled water, into the market.

Managing Director of the firm, Justina Ikpea, in a statement, said that the bottled water was ushered into the market with a public lecture by Prof. I. A. Oniwawo, immediate past President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN, entitled:“Clean and Safe Water as an Important Part of Good Family Nutrition.”

Passage

E

LDER SAMUEL Imoke Edeki, retired Army WO2, aged 76, of Ano Edogi-we Agbara, IgboEkureku, Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State, is dead.

The late Pa Edoki will be buried on the July 13, in his hometown, Igbo-Ekureku.

He is survived by his widow, children and other relations, including Richard Edoki of Silverbird’s Rhythm 93.7 FM.

Late Imoke Edoki

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Osinbajo makes case for the poor, vulnerable

Cleric wants govt to tackle corruption among elite

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HE General Overseer of God Pentecostal Mission, Rev. Isaac Simon, has urged the federal and state governments to fight corruption and other vices in high places rather than concentrating efforts in fighting the vice only among the middle class people.

Rev. Simon, who made the call at a crusade against corruption, said the fight against graft should start from the leaders who had embezzled public funds in the country.

According to him, Nigeria law is made for the rich and poor but only poor people bear the brunt and punishment.

He said corruption could be reduced, if guilty leaders were fished out and punished accordingly without bias.

On President Goodluck Jonathan’s charge that state governors should sign death warrants for condemned convicts, the cleric said same penalty should be meted out on those leaders who had stolen public money.

The cleric said government must explain to Nigerians the whereabout of the loots recovered to repose good confidence in the government, charging the authorities to take the case of vandalism seriously.

Group hails Gov Orji on performance

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

O

CHENDO Democratic Movement, ODM, the political platform of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, has said it would take several years for future administrations in the state to surpass what the governor had achieved in the last six years.

The patron of ODM, Elder Okechukwu Egeonu said apart from performance, Governor Orji had united members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, pointing out that there were no more factions in the party.

Egeonu said: ’’Before we used to have factions like Abuja or home based politicians. Today, the likes of Chiefs Ojo Maduekwe and Onyema Ugochukwu among others always visit the Government House to re-affirm their support for Chief Orji in a bid to move the state forward. ’’The governor has reconciled the people of the state by extending hands of fellowship to political opponents and other aggrieved individuals or groups".

C M Y K

BY UJU MBANUSI

F

LAUNCH—From left: Engr. Friday Ukwela, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC; Shumani Gereda, GM Regulatory and Legal Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mr. Mgqibelo Gasela, Head, Regulatory Affairs, MultiChoice Africa; Mr. Nico Meyer, CEO, MultiChoice Africa; Mr. John Ugbe, MD, MultiChoice Nigeria and Robyn Smith, Content Manager, MultiChoice Africa at the launch of Ebony Life TV at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.

Nsukka people insist on creation of Adada state

BY CHINENYEH OZOR SUKKA—THE people of Nsukka in Enugu State have said they would not be deterred in their quest for the creation of Adada State out of the present Enugu State, despite obstacles placed on their path.

This was contained in a statement by Chief Nnanwike Nwodo for Adada State Movement.

Nwodo’s statement, which was entitled “Nsukka people put the records straight,’’ read: "It has become obvious that some enemies of the struggle have resorted to the below-the-belt tactics to scuttle the agitation.

"These detractors, perhaps have interest in another state

N

agitation in South East which unfortunately could not meet constitutional requirements unlike the request for Adada State.

"It has been established that the impression being created in the minds of the public that no agitation for new state met the constitutional requirement is not factual; at least not in respect of the proposed Adada State.

"The request for the creation of Adada not only met the constitutional provisions but remained the most consistent and the oldest agitation.

"In recent press publications and testimonies before the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, the

Enugu State Actualisation Committee and Movement for the creation of Adada State, copiously supplied data and records to establish that their submissions were current and updated.

"If there were other reasons to be manufactured why state creation is put on hold again, well that is welcome but certainly not on inability of agitations to meet constitutional stipulations on state creation.

"The South East of Nigeria is continually marginalised in representation, infrastructure development, fiscal allocation among others, and there seems no end in sight to redress this obvious imbalance".

Jonathan's aide drums support for transformation agenda

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

S

PECIAL Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, has called on Nigerians to join the transformation agenda of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and stop complaining.

He also commended a sociopolitical group, Arise Nigeria, ARN, for its presence in the 36 states of the federation.

Gulak, who said this when the members of ARN paid him a visit, commended the group for its resilience, patience and commitment to the transformation agenda.

His words: ‘’The most catchy experience to me today lies in your slogan; Get involved and stop complaining. This has always been our plea with Nigerians, stop the bickering and join PDP’s transformation train.

"I see a mini PDP in Arise Nigeria. Your diversity is

impressive, from Borno to Abia, Sokoto to Osun, Lagos to

Gombe no one can settle for less.’’

Cardinal Onaiyekan takes over Mbaise diocese

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA HE Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis 1, has deployed John Cardinal Onaiyekan to take over administration of Mbaise Catholic Diocese immediately.

According to a statement by the Vatican, Cardinal Onaiyekan will take charge of the troubled diocese, pending determination of the fate of Bishop Peter Okpalaeke, who was rejected by most of the priests and laity in Ahiara Diocese.

Since the Vatican announced the name of Monsignor Peter Okpalaeke and his eventual consecration as the new Bishop of the Diocese, the area had

T

remained turbulent and polarized.

Vanguard recalls that the ensuing schism had created factions within the clergy and laity, as there exists those who are for and against the appointment of Okpalaeke as the new Bishop.

The traditional rulers from the three local council areas of Maise are divided over the appointment and consecration Okpalaeke.

Confirming the development in an interview, the Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu, prayed for return of peace to the doubled Diocese.

O R M E R Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Lagos State, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has called on governments to ensure that the poor and vulnerable in the society benefitted from their policies.

Speaking during the launch of a book, titled “Its a Journey”, Osinbajo attributed lack of faith in the government as one of the major factors contributing to insecurity in the country, stressing that the present state of insecurity was a measure of the hopeless situation in the country.

Nigerians, he said, had completely lost faith in government, based on past experience of failure of governments to live up to the populace expectations.

He said: “The reason anyone will willingly kill himself in the process of trying to convert others is because they have lost hope. And the reason some of these people have lost hope is because governments have not been faithful to their promises".

SURE-P health scheme begins in 9 states

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE pilot scheme of the maternal and child health programme of the Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t Programme, SURE –P, has taken off in Anambra and eight other states of the federation and Abuja.

The programme is geared towards mitigating the impact of the fuel subsidy reduction on the vulnerable population in Nigeria through the use of conditional cash transfers, CCT, initiative and improved primary health care facilities across the country.

The other benefiting states are Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun and Zamfara., and take off of the programme in the states followed a successful test run in Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013—39

FORUM: From right, MD, Mt. Olive Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Elizabeth Ajibola; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Odunayo; Director, Marketing, Mr. Benson Evbuomwan; Director , Production, Dr. Nino Ozara; all of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, during the 2013 HFM Customers' Forum, in Lagos.

INAUGURATION: From left, Akin Osewa, member; Akin Akingbade, Chairman; Kayode Olagesin, President, all of Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria,EXMAN, and Ehi Braimoh, CEO, NEO Media & Marketing, during EXMAN's inauguration and media briefing, in Lagos

SEMINAR: From left, Mr Ebere Okere, Coordinator, Post Graduate Public Relations and Advertising Class Seminar, Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Mr Qasim Akinreti, Guest Lecturer; Mrs Olabisi Owolabi Salis, Class Representative and Mr Jide Johnson, Head of Department, Mass Communication during a seminar organised by Public Relations and Advertising Students of Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos as part of the school's Students Week held weekend. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

TRAINING : From left, Zonal Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Ayodele Kumapayi; CEO, Human Resource Development Facilitators, Mindplus International Limited, Mr. Noruwa Edokpolo, and Deputy Corps Commander and Sector Head of Operations, Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi, during a Motivating Workforce Training Programme for FRSC Commanders, at FRSC office, Ojodu, Lagos.

Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

LAUNCH: From left, Mrs . Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager, GOtv; Mr. Oludare Kafar, Marketing Manager, GOtv and Mr. Segun Fayose, Head, Public Relations, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the launch of GOtv, in Kaduna.

DISTRIBUTION: From left, Founder, Paincare Outreach, Mr. Peter Ebere Nwosu, one of the recipients of the free drugs and food, and Pastor Ayodele Temitope, pastor in charge, RCCG, Lagos Province XI, dring the distribution of free drugs and food items, in Ajegunle, Lagos

UNVEILING: From left, Mr. Herbert Oyebuchi-Aka, finest artist; Miss Orji , model, and MD, Soundz Meknitz Rekords, Mr. Felix Ugbechie, during the unveiling of finest Omoge Master, at Sunfit Hotel, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

Wife of Chief of the Naval Staff, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba (left), with the wife of Flag Officer Commanding the Nigerian Navy Training Command, Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu, at the dedication of their twin babies, in Lagos.

INAUGURATION: From left, General Secretary, Mr. Onwukwe Edmund; President, Mr. Anselem Obasi, Vice President, Chibueze Emmanuel, and Treasurer, Chidi Ofoma, all of ACSATOAN, during the inauguration of Committee of Amalgamated Computer Stationery and Allied Trade Associations of Nigeria (ACSATOAN), in Lagos, yesterday.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Students construct 50-seater ICT centre

Why we didn't join ASUU strike

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

— UNILORIN

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OS—ACCOUNTING students of the Plateau State Polytechnic, BarkinLadi, are constructing a 50seater Information and Communication Technology, ICT, centre, to boost the use of information technology facilities in the institution.

Mr Joseph Nyango, President, National Association of Polytechnic Accounting Students, NAPAS, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Jos that the project would cost N10.5 million.

According to him, it will provide an additional platform for accounting students to meet up with current trends in the profession.

Ijaw leader extols Ewherido's virtues

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AGOS—THE Coordi nator of Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) and former Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Comrade Joseph Evah has described the untimely death of Senator Pius Ewherido as a calamity to Urhobo nation and the Niger Delta in general.

In a condolence message signed on behalf of IMG, Comrade Evah lamented that Senator Pius Ewerido left at a time the Niger Delta region was reviewing the state of Nigeria as it affects the South-South people.

“Our region received the news of his death with rude shock. The man who makes sure Urhobo is not taken for granted is gone. Urhobo, wake-up from your sleep; death has set one of your beautiful tents ablaze. Oh God you alone can console the Urhobo nation and Niger Delta," Evah lamented.

He said that losing such a great star was a minus to the Urhobo nation and the Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta activist advised those in authority to make effective healthcare delivery system a priority, insisting that the culture of relying on Germany, USA, India to tackle emergency situation by government at all level is a shame.

C M Y K

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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CONDOLENCE—Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah (2nd left) with some Niger Deltans living in the South-West, during a condolence visit to former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (3rd right) over the death of his mother .

FAKE DRUGS: NAFDAC adopts WHO Rapid Alert system

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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AGOS—NATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has adopted the World Health Organisation’s, WHO, Rapid Alert System for the surveillance and monitoring of Substandard/ Spurious/Falsely Labelled/ Falsified Counterfeit, SSFFC, medicinal products in Nigeria.

This came on the heels of global identification of SSFFC

medical products as one of the major actors responsible for treatment failures and development of drug resistance, creating unfavourable business environment for manufacturers, importers and health care providers.

As such, NAFDAC in collaboration with WHO, has trained focal persons from different countries’ medicine regulatory authorities including Nigeria, on the use of new WHO initiative for

Kwara gov kicks against autonomy for LGs

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN— KWARA State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has kicked against autonomy for local government councils in the country, saying that they lacked independent resources to sustain them.

Ahmed noted that the much desired autonomy would continue to elude the 774 local government councils until they were able to harness their own resources for even development of the grassroots.

He spoke, yesterday, during his monthly personality programme, “Governor Explains” in Ilorin, the state capital. ”It is disheartening that, some of the councils have

poor revenue bases and some of them were also created based on political considerations that have no solid foundation for development. To this extent,the issue of autonomy will continue to be a mirage.

"We can not be talking about autonomy for the local governments,when they cannot perform their statutory obligations without the usual monthly allocations from the centre,” he said.

The governor specifically pointed out that, most of the revenue accruing to the 774 councils in the country came through Federal Government’s allocations, stressing that this would remain a strong factor militating against their autonomy.

SSFFC reporting – The Rapid Alert System.

Speaking at a one-day training workshop, the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the adoption of the WHO’s Rapid Alert System became necessary as activities of counterfeiters had denied Nigerians access to quality drugs and caused untimely death of many innocent citizens causing serious national embarrassment.

According to him, “counterfeiters produce nearly exact replicas of genuine drugs, copying every detail including packaging and labeling.

They have even advanced to imitating holograms and other sophisticated printing techniques. Many member countries have noted the regulatory gaps and poor technical capacities that have led to the continued circulation of SSFFC medical products in our region. Apart from the survey conducted by DFID/WHO and NAFDAC in 2005 on the prevalence of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, there has not been any other study to determine the extent the problem whether nationally, regionally or internationally.”

He said WHO SSFFC Global Surveillance and Monitoring project was designed to significantly improve the quality and quantity of data concerning SSFFC products through the systematic and structured reporting via a Rapid Alert System to the WHO.

LORIN—CHAIR MAN of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, chapter, Professor Wahab Egbewole has said that lecturers in the university did not join the current nationwide strike action over alleged failure of the Federal Government to honour its agreement with ASUU because the national headquarters of the union did not extend such directive to them.

Academic activities were going on in the institution when Vanguard visited as some students were seen sitting for their examinations.

Nigeria launches W-Africa first LCD fuel dispenser

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AGOS—NIGERIA has once again blazed the trail with the introduction of the first LCD screen fuel dispenser that allows business owners to earn extra income from the displayed audio/video adverts when the pumps are not even dispensing fuel.

Maz Limited, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous fuel and fleet equipment firm, and representatives of Tokheim said the TokheimQuantium 410T and 510T are first in Nigeria.

According to the company, the introduction of this equipment increases the possible revenue stream for fuel stations who can now use the fuel dispenser not only to sell fuel but to call the attention of buyers with the video and audio adverts on it, which will be paid for.

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2015:

Ominous signs from Nzeribe’s backyard

THE outcome of the rerun election in a vacant state constituency in Imo State raises concerns on the tenacity of politicians not to play by the rules. Remarkably, the election which took place in the base of controversial politician, Arthur Nzeribe follows the stalemate on the Nigerian Governors Forum chairmanship election.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

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T was remarkable that the first major election in recent times to be declared inconclusive by the electoral authorities would be at the home base of the maverick one, Chief Arthur Nzeribe.

Nzeribe it would be recalled was a major facilitator of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Though almost feeble on account of age and not his usual boisterous self, his support and backing for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate was evident on the ground. The formal declaration of last weekend’s Oguta state constituency re-run election as inconclusive, came few weeks after the election of the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF ran into an “inconclusive” end.

The election which was clearly won by Governor Rotimi Amaechi was subsequently disputed by some other governors aligned to the presidency.

It was indeed remarkable that Governor Amaechi, only last week referred to the NGF crisis as a possible pointer to possible dispute of the 2015 elections.

“Let me put it on record that the way things are going, 2015 elections will end in this manner where people will win democratic elections and those in power will not accept the results,” the NGF chairman said at a stakeholders’ symposium on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja.

•Okorocha

•Nzeribe

APGA’s Walter Uzonwanne immediately sought to block his inauguration and it took a court order for the PDP candidate to be inaugurated.

The PDP candidate was eventually ousted by the pronouncement of the Supreme Court last February forcing INEC to organise last week’s rerun. It was an election that was laced with much intrigues and anxiety. The PDP which had been displaced from the Government House in 2011 had refashioned itself with the mind of taking advantage of the perceived misgivings against the APGA governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Okorocha was swept to power in 2011 upon popular clamour against the PDP

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Given the reported assertions that the governor could vie for a position on the APC presidential ticket in 2015, Oguta served as a platform for him to reassure other APC stakeholders that he could deliver

It didn’t take one week for that prediction to set in at the Oguta re-run election last Saturday.

The Oguta State Constituency seat had been in dispute since the 2011 election when the PDP and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA candidates vied for the seat.

Though the PDP candidate, Eugene Dibiagwu was returned by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as the winner of the election,

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governor at that time, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The PDP officials conscious of the possible effects of parading Ohakim in the run up to last week’s election, carefully secluded the former governor from the campaign train.

It was also remarkable that in the run-up to the election that the two contending parties, PDP and APGA raised mutual accusations of rigging against each other.

For Governor Okorocha, the

election was an opportunity for him to validate his credential as an electoral asset to his colleagues in the fledgling All Progressives Congress, APC. Given the reported assertions that the governor could vie for a position on the APC presidential ticket in 2015, Oguta served as a platform for him to reassure other APC stakeholders that he could deliver.

APGA through the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chinedu Offor had accused the PDP before the election of importing thugs to achieve the aim of discrediting the election.

It was an allegation that was robustly parried by the PDP’s state publicity secretary, Chief Blyden Anajirionwu, who termed the APGA officials as “ranting losers”.

“It is only the ranting of losers.

We will beat APGA convincingly in the House of Assembly reelection. All they have accused us of are their plans which we have carefully scuttled.”

Amajirionwu had on his part accused the state authorities of intimidation alleging that all cadres of officers of the state government were mobilised to Oguta last Friday for the purpose of pushing the victory of the APGA candidate.

However, at the end, INEC declared the election inconclusive upon the fact that the election was disrupted in three of the 11 wards where the election took place.

The violence was despite the water-tight security that was deployed in Oguta. Remarkably, just like the NGF election the two major parties involved in the election claimed victory. APGA claimed to have won the poll, while the PDP crying foul, said it was in the lead in the areas where election took place.

Okorocha had at a press conference last Monday, among others, alleged that there was election in 121 of the 129 polling units and that he was in possession of authenticated result sheets for the wards where election took place.

Election materials Amajirionwu was quick to rebutt him in a press statement where he challenged the governor to present the “authenticated” result sheets.

“We want to state without any fear of contradiction that contrary to the wild claims of Governor Okorocha, election did not take place in the whole of Osemoto/ Enuigbo and Egbuoma/Egwe wards both of which are made up of 17 polling units. Add these to the 8 units where results are outstanding as a result of snatching of election of election materials by APGA thugs and the falsity of Governor Okorocha claim will be glaring,” Amajirionwu said in a statement last Wednesday.

In its formal reaction to the

stalemate, the INEC in a press statement issued by Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega said: ”The Commission finds it worrisome that politicians and hooligans brazenly flouted the restriction order on movement during the election. Reports showed that officials of the Imo State Government and some members of the National Assembly across party lines moved around freely despite the restriction order – some of them with security escorts! Worse, some of these politicians aren’t even from Oguta constituency where the election held.

“Field reports showed that even though security agents mobilized appreciably for the exercise, there were cases of violence as well as ballots and result sheets snatching by thugs, as a result of which the election was cancelled in the following polling units: PU 001 in Ward 05 (Ndeloukwu/Umuowerre) – with 768 registered voters; PU 007 in Ward 03 (Izombe) – 939 registered voters; PU 009 in Ward 09 (Oru) – 708 registered voters.”

Leading candidates Justifying why the election was declared inconclusive, he said:“The procedure is that where the number of registered voters involved in a cancelled election exceeds the difference in the votes of the two leading candidates in collated results, the election will be declared inconclusive.”

Remarkably, President Goodluck Jonathan weighed in on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of former senators when he flayed the actions of the political combatants in Oguta. ”Those who made it impossible for the rerun election in Oguta to be conclusive must be brought to book. We must make it clear that impunity in the perpetration of violence and irregularities during elections will no longer be tolerated. Sanctions, promptly imposed on guilty persons, will deter others from engaging in such acts in future,” he declared.

His assertion nonetheless, the fresh lexicon, “inconclusive election” is one that is scaring many ordinary Nigerians especially after the inconclusive NGF chairmanship election.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

Amnesty alone won’t redress years of neglect — Onyema N/Delta:

THOSE criticising the Federal Government for spending huge sums of money on training and rehabilitating about 30,000 Niger -Delta exmilitants, have been urged to have a re-think because there is nothing like costly peace. According to Barr Allen Onyema, co-ordinator of the presidential amnesty transformation programme and chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), what the country is currently spending on the programme, an equivalent of the proceeds of two days oil production is insignificant compared to what the nation reaps from the oil-bearing Niger Delta. Currently, Nigeria produces 2.6 million barrels per day. At $97 per barrel, two days’ production proceed is $504.4 million or N79.7 billion. In an interview with Vanguard, Onyema said without massive investment in infrastructure, amnesty would not solve Niger Delta problems and berated those saying that the Boko Haram menace is similar to the Niger Delta militancy. He also criticized northern leaders and elites for the rising wave of poverty in the North. Excerpts:

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N complaints by some Niger Delta youths of being left out of the amnesty programme Initially, the Federal Government recorded 20,119 exmilitants and granted them amnesty. Those were the people we attended at the Obubra, Cross River State, camp. I don’t know those who were left out. Were they part of the 20,119? Did they get to Obubra? Were they registered and mobilized? If you are not part of the first batch, there was a second batch of 6158 approved by President Goodluck Jonathan after several agitations.

So, those who are saying they were left out, do they belong to any of these batches? If they did not show up during the first and second batches, I am aware that a further 3000 has been approved.

If they don’t fall into any of these groups, then there is problem somewhere. They neglected to show up.

On the cost of training and rehabilitating 30,000 ex-militants I can’t tell the exact amount.

There is nothing like costly peace, every hand must be on deck to achieve peace at all times.

Genuine agitations Looking at where the Niger Delta people are coming from, what is spent on ex-militants is nothing compared to what the Niger Delta is giving Nigeria. I am not from the Niger Delta but they have suffered over time.

They have genuine agitations that needed to be addressed by Nigeria and the international community. They protested and were not getting result and some of the youths took up arms, which I do not subscribe to, I am for nonviolence. The Niger Delta had and still has right to those agitations, which were genuine.

When we talk about the cost, we must also look at what the cost would have been if there was no amnesty. In 2006, at the height of militancy, when people like me went into the trenches for nonviolence, to convince them that there is another method, oil production was less than 600,000 barrels per day.

Oil companies were shutting

•Onyema productions daily; businesses in Niger Delta took a flight. A lot of social malaise came with it. Crime reigned supreme. The boys at a time were ready to export the violence to other parts of the country. And they were gaining the upper hand. The military could not contain them because of the Niger Delta terrain.

Again, there was question of the image the violence was creating abroad. Nigeria was perceived as war-torn.

Today, we are producing close to three million barrels of crude oil per day; the economy has grown and is rated as one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and the world. If late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan did not stem the tide of violence with amnesty, Nigeria, today may be producing zero barrel of crude oil and become one of the poorest countries of the world.

What amnesty is costing this country is about two days’ oil production. If the country can sacrifice proceeds of two days oil production to rehabilitate the exmilitants, so be it. There is nothing like costly peace.

On comments that the Boko Haram insurgency is similar to Niger Delta militancy There is no similarity at all. The Niger Delta militancy started as a result of years of marginalization. Every one knows about the Niger Delta

situation, which has not been addressed till date. Amnesty is not the solution to their complaint.

They need massive investments in infrastructure and amenities. For Boko Haram, what is their grouse? Niger Delta militants said, ‘we need resource control, you take our oil and develop cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, etc and in our place where the oil is produced, there is nothing.’

On the side of Boko Haram, they started with being against western education and then went into bombing of churches, markets, etc. Amnesty does not operate in a vacuum. Before you grant amnesty there are factors that must be identified.

Who are you giving amnesty?

They must be recognizable people. You must meet some of their demands for them to drop their arms and embrace nonviolence.

In Niger Delta, we knew Tompolo, Asari-Dokubo, Boyloaf, Ateke Tom, Soboma George, Egberi Papa, Pastor Reuben, Shoot-at-Sight, etc. It was easy for the Federal Government to deal with the various camps.

In the case of Boko Haram, who is Boko Haram?

The government says they should come for dialogue and amnesty but they have not come up. I support amnesty for Boko Haram but it must exist in relation to something, not in a

vacuum. They need to come out.

It is not a question of rehabilitating some youths without jobs and those who are bombing will continue with their bombing. The presidential committee going from village to village to compile list of the jobless is not the issue. The majority of people throwing the bombs are foreigners. A lot of people think Boko Haram is only against the South. They are also killing thousands of northerners.

Niger Delta militants came out, renounced violence and surrendered their arms to the Federal Government. I want Boko Haram to do like that and the Federal Government should grant them full amnesty.

If the amnesty committee brings jobless youths who are not involved in Boko Haram and the government grants them amnesty, and the bombing continues, then MASSOB will

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BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

United States, the whole America rose and condemned it. Boko Haram has taken almost the same number of lives as 9/11 yet some parties are criticizing the president for a taking a bold step that is restoring peace to the North.

With the emergency, things have improved. Today, IRS Airline has resumed flight to Maiduguri and yet some people are still criticizing a step that should have been taken before now. Majority of Nigerians support the state of emergency except a tiny and vocal minority, which is against it. Northern people are peaceful and want peace but unfortunately, religion and lack of education have taken root in the North.

All hands must be on deck to address the problem. The Federal Government should use the carrot and stick; those, who are ready for amnesty; forgive

What amnesty is costing this country is about two days’ oil production. If the country can sacrifice proceeds of two days oil production to rehabilitate the ex-militants, so be it renounce nonviolence; OPC will do the same. The OPC can shut down this country by shutting down Lagos and the South-West.

So we must be careful.

There is no comparison between Boko Haram and the Niger Delta situation. A situation where politicians are shamelessly comparing Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy is sad.

Solution to Boko Haram insurgency The president has shown a lot of maturity. Nigeria is a multiethnic country; you have to be sensitive to perceptions.

President Jonathan has shown he is sensitive to ethnic perception.

He has shown restraint and calling for dialogue and a lot of people saw it as weakness until Boko Haram also started killing military men and security agents and raising flags. So the president had no option than to declare a state of emergency. This is right and should not be politicized. While President Jonathan inaugurated a presidential committee to work out amnesty, violence was escalating. During the 9/11 in the

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and rehabilitate them.

Also victims of the crises whether through military or Boko Haram incursion, should be taken care of. The Federal Government should restore the economy of the North. If the economy of the North, East, South-West or Niger Delta is buoyant, Nigeria will be buoyant.

If we neglect any region, we will be in trouble.

The Federal Government should be proactive and put structures to prevent people from going into violent crime. The North is still lagging behind the South in education. The North is highly impoverished and something must be done. If there is drought, let the government invest in massive irrigation to return the people to agriculture.

We have to engender programmes to disabuse people’s mind of accepting violence as a tool. Nonviolence programmes should be taken to schools, markets, streets and communities. The North should do something for itself. Most northern leaders and elite are not helpful.

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Warri North crisis: Gunmen kill couple, daughter •Militia threatens local govt election in Delta •Implement Warri peace agreement—Ijaw group tells state govt •Kuku criticizes killing of Itsekiri indigenes •Egbema clan demands inquiry

BY EMMA AMAIZE, GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE & CHARLES KUMOLU

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ARRI—GUNMEN have shot dead an Itsekiri man, his wife and 16-year-old daughter, who were fleeing from crisis-torn Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State to Gbokoda in Ondo State, bringing the death toll of the crisis that erupted Tuesday to 12. “The criminals stumbled on the family from Tisun community while they were escaping for their lives and opened fire on them at close range,” a source said, yesterday.

Meantime, Egbema Rights Group, ERG, whose actions in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, led to the killing of about 12 persons and burning of three Itsekiri communities, yesterday, threatened that if government failed to examine its grievances, no election would hold in the council. It also called on the Delta State Government to implement the Warri Peace Agreement to provide a lasting solution to the recurring crisis in the council.

It further called for the unconditional release of Ijaws, who were allegedly arrested by security agencies, noting that their arrest was uncalled for. Equally, the Egbema Central Council in Warri North, has called on the state government to set up an investigative panel to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the attack on some Itsekiri communities in the council.

Solution to the crisis Egbema Central Council, which spoke through its Secretary, Mr. Robinson Esite, said the arrest of the counsel who filed the bail application for three of the accused persons on alleged order of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was misplaced as that was not the solution to the crisis. This came even as the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku, condemned the killing of four Itsekiri indigenes in Warri North. Kuku in a statement in Abuja, urged security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also called on Itsekiri and Ijaw leaders in the state to intervene to avert escalation of the crisis.

Vanguard was told that what infuriated the villagers following the killing of the Itsekiri family was that operatives of the Joint Task Force, JTF, operating a checkpoint with a gunboat stationed between Gbokoda and Tebu axis, did not confront the boys that carried out the dastardly act.

A source said the soldiers claimed they did not hear gunshots, but saw fire after the incident. However, soldiers have taken over major entry and exit points in the crisis-torn areas of Warri North and peace is gradually returning.

It was learnt that soldiers in the affected checkpoint had been withdrawn. Esite said: “For the first time in many years, we also saw mobile police officers coming to Gbokoda to maintain peace, it is a good development and I hope they sustain it.

But as I speak to you, they have just left.

The crisis is not going to escalate because both Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders are united

and have agreed that the criminals who committed the havoc should be fished out.

We will only have problem when the matter is allowed to degenerate into a communal crisis, which is not the case now, it is being managed that is why my committee, asked me to move over to the creek.

“On Wednesday, there were gunshots from different places between morning and afternoon, and tension was high, but we had to talk to the people to calm down and not retaliate so as not cause a fresh communal war. DWSC is looking for boys that carried out the killings and destruction of property. The security agencies are looking for them. The happy thing is that the Ijaw and Itsekiri people are together looking for these criminals. My people asked me why are we working with Ijaw people, I told them that the state needs peace and we must isolate the criminals and deal with them.”

Vanguard gathered that in Eghoro community, where some houses were burnt by gunmen who said they were agitating for Ijaw people in Warri North to be allowed to produce the chairman of the council and other political offices, one person was killed.

Newuwumi said: “The DWSC team that inspected the burnt communities also found out that Ebohimi community was burnt, and at the entrance of Aruton and Obaghoro communities, about 33 houses were burnt, while only three houses were left.”

A villager told Vanguard: “With soldiers taking over the creek, the gunmen have gone into hiding, but the problem we now face is transportation. There is no movement, particularly with the ban of certain category of speed boats by the state government. Nobody, not even transporters want to move out. Another problem is food shortage, some of us in Delta State have to go to Ondo State to buy food items yesterday.”

An Ijaw youth leader, Felix Adanse, in a statement said: “Crisis is building up there, except the people of truth and conscience nip it before it escalates to a full blown war, no one can suppress the truth. It is all about political imbalance and the orchestrated plan to perpetually undermine the political freedom of the Egbema Ijaw man in Warrri North council. No man is made to lord the other, the Ijaws have taken this for to long, and despite continued protest by the Ijaws, the governor, who is from the same council is not ready to correct this

injustice and marginalisation. These boys have made several peaceful protests in the past, sometime through the media, which were never reckoned by the powers that be. I am calling on the boys to give peace a chance."

Egbema Rights Group, ERG, said it would not allow council elections in the area, if government failed to examine its grievances. Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, is planning to hold council elections in the state soon, though no date has been announced for the polls. Spokesperson of the group, which is protesting alleged injustice and oppression, Ami Dada, confirmed to Vanguard on phone that for now, the group would not allow any election to hold in Warri North.

However, a defunct militant group, Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF and the Niger-Delta Youths for Positive Attitude and Progress, NDYPAP, have urged security agents to fish out the criminals, bent on fomenting trouble in the state. Dada said “All we want is equity and fairness; otherwise, there will be no election and peace in Warri North. The tension is being created by Itsekiri youth, who attempted to attack us at 6.30 am when we were protesting against injustice and political marginalization. Our people repelled them and followed them to a community called Udo, where they fought themselves.

Marginalisation in appointments “For more than 21 years, we have been marginalised in both appointments and elective positions. Ijaw man in Warri North has never become chairman, commissioner or House of Assembly member. Ninety-nine per cent of the offices are being occupied by Itsekiris from the council, state and federal levels, there is no fair play in the polity. We have petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, National Assembly, even Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and other eminent personalities about the agelong marginalization.”

Spokesperson of NDLF, “Captain” Mark Anthony, said: “Ex-militants from NDLF condemn the killing of Itsekiri persons and burning of their communities by suspected Ijaw youths from Egbema. We have campaigned against the recurrence of Ijaw/Itsekiri over the years. We made our Ijaw brothers to understand the fact that Itsekiri is not the problem of the WarriIjaws. We urge all NDLF boys to stay out of Egbema/Itsekiri fracas. We need peace in Warri and Delta State.”

Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah been crowned by His Eminence, John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan. Photo: Hill Ezeugwu

Ryan takes new United role

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ANCHESTER United legend Ryan Giggs will take up a player-coach role next season. He links up with former team-mate Phil Neville, who has also been confirmed as part of David Moyes’ backroom team.

Moyes is trying to create a sense of continuity at Old Trafford and the decision to bring two respected players into his team should bode well. Giggs, 39, who signed a one-year extension last season, is delighted with his new responsibilities.

The Welshman said “It’s a great privilege to be appointed a player-coach. “I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.”

Neville, who returns to the Theatre of Dreams after eight years at Everton, added: “When I retired from football, I knew that I wanted to continue in the game.

“So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn’t resist. “I gave my all when I played for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart.

Elegbeleye promises Olympians better package

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HE Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, has promised to work hand in hand with the Nigeria Olympians Association to take sports to the desired height in Nigeria. He also promised a better welfare package for them.

The NSC DG made the pledge when the leadership of the NOA paid him a courtesy call yesterday at his National Stadium office, Abuja. The Olympians body which was led by the President, Prince Henry Amike, had earlier told the Director General of the body’s willingness to partner the Ministry in the area of sports development.

Immortalise Oliha — Oscar FORMER Personal Assistant on media to the late Rangers FC of Enugu boss, O C Umunna, Mr Oscar Iguisi Jr has appealed to the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle to immortalise the late former Super Eagles midfielder Thompson Oliha by naming a monument in Benin City after the late midfield general.

The football administrator said in a press statement in Enugu yesterday that the late Thompson Oliha deserves to be honoured by Governor Oshiomhole for his contribution to the development of football in the old Bendel state while he was playing for the defunct Bendel Insurance FC of Benin.

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Mansour sworn in as Egypt’s president

BY UDUMA KALU with agency reports

move a “complete military coup.”

The announcements capped days of political crisis that brought millions of Egyptians out to the country’s streets, spurring bellicose rhetoric from Morsi.

Minutes before Adli Mansour was sworn in as the country’s new interim leader, 14 jets in V-

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GYPT’s chief justice Adli Mansour was sworn in as interim president in the morning after Egypt’s military ousted the Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Mansour will serve as Egypt’s leader until a new president is elected.

A date for the vote is yet to be set. In his first comments to the media Mansour urged the Muslim Brotherhood to help rebuild Egypt.

Mansour took two oaths on Thursday. The first made him chief justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court and the second elevated him to the presidency. Mansour has been the head of Egypt’s Supreme

formation blazed over downtown Cairo. Nine more jets then flew in at low altitude, leaving a trail of black, red and white smoke, signifying the colours of the Egpyptian red flag. It’s in the shape of a loveheart, according to some reports, although it’s being seen as a vivid reminder that the military is boss in Egypt again.

...As army cracks down on Muslim Brotherhood Adli Mansour, (m) being congratulated after being sworn in as interim president yesterday

Constitutional Court since Monday, but the court’s own swearing-in ceremony was delayed for several days because of street protests in which

millions of people mobilized against Morsi’s rule.

The leader of Egypt’s military removed Mr. Morsi from office and

replaced him with Mansour late Wednesday evening. The presidential palace, under Morsi, immediately branded the

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HE leader of the Mus lim Brotherhood was arrested by Egyptian security forces yesterday in a crackdown against the Islamist movement after the army ousted the country’s first democratically elected president.

World leaders express mixed reactions over Morsi’s removal

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HE Egyptian army ’s suspension of the constitution and removal of President Mohamed Morsi has drawn mixed responses from world leaders: European Union The EU has called for a rapid return to democracy in Egypt. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said: “I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution, to be done in a fully inclusive manner, so as to permit the country to resume and complete its democratic transition,” France French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Paris took note that elections had been announced in Egypt following a transition period after the army ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

Qatar: Qatar ’s new emir congratulated Egypt’s Adli Mansour after he was sworn in as an interim leader.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi King Abdullah sent a message of congratulations to Adly Mansour ahead of his appointment as interim president.

Syria: Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday praised Egypt’s protests against their leader and said his overthrow by the military means the end of “political Islam”.

United Arab Emirates: The UAE welcomed the change in Egypt, according to state news agency WAM, and praised the Egyptian armed forces.

United Kingdom: The UK urged for calm in Egypt, but stopped short of calling the military intervention a coup.

“The situation is clearly dangerous and we call on all sides to show restraint and avoid violence,” said Foreign Secretary William Hague.

United States The US State Department expressed concern over the military intervention. The US ordered the mandatory evacuation of its embassy in Cairo, just hours after the army deposed Morsi.

Germany Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said the military intervention was “a major setback for democracy in Egypt” and called for “dialogue and political compromise”.

The dramatic exit of President Mohamed Mursi was greeted with delight by millions of people on the streets of Cairo and other cities overnight, but there was simmering resentment among Egyptians who opposed military intervention.

An Islamist coalition led by the Brotherhood called on people across the nation to protest in a “Friday of Rejection” following weekly prayers, an early test of Mursi’s ongoing support and how the military will deal with it.

Belgian king abdicates throne

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LBERT II, King of the Belgians, abdicated in a televised address to the nation after almost twenty years on the throne, saying he will step down July 21, Belgium’s national day.

“It’s with emotion that I address every one of you today,” he said in the broadcast. “I’m in my 80th year, an age never before reached by my predecessors...my age and health no longer permit me to exercise my functions as I would wish to.”

Albert, 79 years old, will be succeeded by his eldest son, Prince Philippe, 53, who has studied at Oxford and Stanford. He married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz in 1999 and the couple have four children.

“Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me, he and Princess Mathilde have my every confidence,” he said. “It’s with serenity and confidence that I share this decision.”

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 — 53

Eagles drop to 35th on FIF A rankings FIFA

T

HE free fall of the Super Eagles on the Fifa ranking continued as the team dropped four spots to finish 35th in the new FIFA rankings released in Zurich on Thursday.

Nigeria had a hectic June playing two 2014 World Cup qualifiers before heading to Brazil to play in the Fifa Confederations Cup. Stephen Keshi’s side won two of their five matches last month, losing two with one draw.

The Super Eagles beat Kenya 1-0 in Nairobi and drew 1-1 with Namibia in Windhoek. They won 6-1 against Tahiti before losing 1-2 and 0-3 to Uruguay and Spain respectively.

The team finished in 31st spot in the previous ranking released in June.

Cote D’Ivoire continue to be the top ranked African side staying in the 13th position while Ghana dropped three spots to 24th and Mali dropped five spots to 28th to remain the second and third ranked African sides.

Algeria overtook Nigeria for fourth place in Africa as they climbed one place to finish in 34th position with the African champions being the fifth ranked side from the continent.

Despite losing the Confederations Cup final 0-3 to Brazil, Spain maintained their hold on the top spot as the Selecao climbed up 13 spots to finish in ninth position following their heroic run to the title on home soil.

Keshi Continues from BP 2011.

The 52-year old started with a 0-0 draw against Botswana in an international friendly at the Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on November 12, 2011 and three days later, set his boys on rampage to defeat 2012 Cup of Nations-bound Zambia 2-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in another friendly. The Zambians eventually won that Africa Cup tournament staged in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Keshi returns to the lush turf of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Saturday, to guide his much-loved home-based lads against their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire.

It is on record that back then, when majority of Nigerians had no faith in the home-based

professionals, Keshi gave them a levelplaying turf in the senior team and gave them a sense of belonging.

They were right there in his camp and calculations from the beginning, with quality playing time in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and several friendlies, and five of them eventually making the final cut for the Cup of Nations finals in South Africa.

One of those, a certain Sunday Mba, emerged the hero of the spectacular quarter win over Cote d’Ivoire in Rustenburg and scored the lone goal over Burkina Faso in Soccercity that handed Nigeria the coveted trophy for the first time in 19 years.

Ameobi Continues from BP international future to the Super Eagles, declaring that the clause that prevented him from the Nations Cup, has now been rectified.

Team Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, broke the cheery news to Head Coach, Stephen Keshi during lunch in Kaduna where the national team is presently preparing

for a crunch African Nations Championship (CHAN), qualifier against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire.

There have been reports that Ameobi may not play for the national team following the insertion of the controversial clause in his contract at Newcastle.

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

C M Y K

you watch the game last night? We lost ''DIDagainst a very beatable Uruguay side. Our at-

08053068728

When public opinion shouldn’t count local players last year, played 1-1 with Catolonia, a side full of Barcelona players and crack Spanish players. Agbim was in goal, Egwuekwe, Obaobona, Gwambe, Mba, Ejike all played that match. It was in the sec-

,

tacking runs were not good enough. We still don’t know how to put pressure on opponents. We slowed or even broke the game when we should have been very direct.

If we played well and lost I would not bother, knowing that we lost to a superior team and I would have hope.”

This was a text message I sent to Paul Bassey, our veteran columnist with tremendous experience in the game of football. Bassey is a CAF and FIFA match coordinator. It was hours after Uruguay beat Nigeria 2-1 in the Confederations Cup. He replied this way: ‘’Onoch, Publish this and some ignorant people will heap insults on you. I was watching with an Uncle who hoped that the defeat would teach Eagles a lesson.”

Last week, I went ahead to publish my opinion on the Eagles that I saw at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. I supported the view of Kojo Williams who said that Eagles needed help in the form of a sound foreign coach although I maintained that Stephen Keshi should remain the head coach.

I have always known the attitude of fans. They easily forget. They act on the spur of the moment. They are sentimental. They are passionate. But I’m sorry to say that passion is not knowledge. Samson Siasia was probably the best African coach in the estimation of these fans before Guinea stopped us from going to the 2012 Nations Cup. The same fans who rated Siasia far above Stephen Keshi, and warned that they would blow up NFF office if he wasn’t given the Eagles job, almost torched the Abuja Stadium in their violent call that “Siasia must go” on the night Guinea held Eagles to a 2-2 draw and eliminated Nigeria from the Nations Cup finals. Fans are like that. But they are fans and one must appreciate that otherwise one can easily be misled.

Let me recall Euro ’96 which I covered in England.

Alan Shearer averaged a goal a match at Blackburn Rovers. He was clearly the best striker in England. But during the build-up to the European Championship which they hosted, Shearer was not scoring for England. It got so bad that public opinion was loud on Terry Venables, their manager, to drop him. Even the media joined the campaign. But the more they harassed Venables the more the man stuck to Shearer as his top striker. Venables knew that he had not found a suitable striking partner for Shearer. The public did know that. They did not care to know. All they knew was that Shearer was only a club hero and was not scoring for the Three Lions and, therefore, should be dropped. Some days to the championship, Venables started pairing him with Teddy Sheringham. To cut the story short, Shearer ended Euro ’96 as the highest scorer and moved to Newcastle for a record fee of 15m pounds then.

If Venables gave in to public opinion he would have probably failed. England were, arguably, the best team of the tournament but lost in a painful penalty shootout with Germany in the semi-final. With Adams, Southgate, Pearce, Paul Ince, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoign, Teddy and Shearer, they played continental football, a sharp contrast to the kick and rush football that England were known for before Euro ’96. If you knew what Venables did at Tottenham you would not be surprised at the transformation he carried out with England. But public opinion would have probably destroyed him. I’m recalling all these to warn Keshi over the many calls for the recall of Osaze Odewengie. Even Chief Mike Umeh, the Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation wants Osaze recalled. People cite the case of Fernando Torres who performs below expectation at Chelsea but shines for Spain to justify their call for Osaze. It is wrong. Torres does well for Spain and the manager keeps on inviting him on that basis. But Osaze was a huge flop in his last outings for Eagles.

That’s the difference. Against Guinea, he was so awful that people alleged that he sabotaged the team especially as he had issues with Siasia, the coach then. But in Rwanda under Keshi he was even worse. It did not end there. When Keshi planned to recall him he fumed over his substitution in Rwanda and said that it amounted to disrespect. Keshi left him out and he took to social media to taunt him and the federation just like he does to his club in England. Osaze was a star in the Eagles but he now lacks the power needed in African football and should be left out of the qualifiers.

The other issue on public opinion is the call for Keshi to reduce the invitation he extends to local players on the grounds that they lack the experience to play big games. I disagree with facts. Godfrey Oboabona was one of the best players in the Confederation Cup. He plays for Sunshine Stars. Sunday Mba was the Nations Cup hero. He is a local player. Eagles, with many

Public opinion is not always the best especially on technical matters like football

,

ond half that the likes of Uche Kalu and Emenike came in. The match ended 1-1. In Miami, USA, local players formed the bulk of the team that beat Venezuela 3-1

•Austin Okocha

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 — 55 5to be among the best in the world.

Public opinion, based on passion, would not support any assistant for Stephen Keshi following the Nations Cup victory. Expert opinion, based on the current capacity of the technical crew, would strongly recommend a help if we are to attain a higher level and rank among the best in the world. But our officials will always bungle it. They also lack the capacity to engage the good one for us. Public opinion can also mislead them on this.

I could even branch out of football. Public opinion is against withdrawal of oil subsidy because of the immediate hardship it will subject the people to. But expert opinions argue that at the long run Nigeria would be better for it if subsidy was withdrawn. They have argued with facts and figures but because of the level of corruption in government circles the people don’t give a damn about their facts. After all, it’s corruption that first brought us to this unfortunate state, so all the facts the experts project lack human face to them.

It’s always difficult to go against public opinion. But public opinion is not always the best especially on technical matters like football. Unfortunately, overnight ‘’experts’’ have emerged in Nigeria from watching foreign leagues on television. Everybody is a football coach in Nigeria and technocrats should beware of public opinion on technical matters.

Expertise matters. And that’s why Keshi must be firm on what he believes. And that’s why I support Kojo Williams on his informed opinion on Eagles. And that’s why those running our football must not easily be swayed. They once publicly admitted making appointment on public opinion. I hope they learn.

•Clemens Westerhof

last year too. Before then, an all local team went to Peru and lost by a lone goal after a horrible flight schedule that saw them miss their connecting flight at Madrid and forced them to sleep at the airport. On arrival they had no rest before the game and lost to fatigue.

The problem I saw in the team in Brazil was not what one would attribute to local players. Is Brown Ideye, arguably, the worst player in the Nigerian team a local player? The problem was in our approach although one cannot rule out the shortcomings in some players.

And it will be wrong to blame our failure on the absence of one or two players. If we were direct and played with power we could have done better against Uruaguay and Spain, a team we beat at France ’98 and Nigerians now don’t believe we could even hold them even if we played to our potential. Too bad. Unfortunate public opinion. Before Brazil muscled Spain in the final, our people believed that Spanish football was made in heaven. No doubt, they play good football.

But if one looked critically into our match with Uruguay and Spain you would agree that we could also be on our way to the heavens if we play up to our potential, exploiting our attributes, in our own style. It is doable. It is a matter of style backed by suiting training that will compel our players to play tactfully with aggression, pace and pressure. An approach can bring out the best in our players. With all his skills Westerhof kept Okocha on the bench. It was not because Okocha wasn’t good. It was simply because Okocha would like to dribble when Westerhof wanted a direct play. Okocha had to change a little but was still not playing all matches. Westerhof knew when to use him. It depended on the style of opponents. If he needed a direct and fast game, he kept Okocha on the bench and brought him after we would have scored a goal or two. Okocha was to tell me one day that he had come to realise what the man wanted only that, sometimes, he felt that the thousands of fans who pay to watch games should have something for their money. Crazy guy. The team we took to Brazil for the Confederations Cup could do better if they knew the way. I hope they learn although one must commend Keshi for the job he has done so far. They have improved but they still need a lot more

•Late Thompson Oliha

THOMPSON OLIHA – JUST PUTAM FOR VANGUARD

H

E was once the favourite player of Prince Lem my Akakem, the man who managed Iwuan yanwu Nationale, at a time they were one of the great sides in the continent.

Thompson Oliha’s commitment to the game impressed all. His work rate in the field wore down opponents. He was a midfield general. His ability to defend, create in the middle and join the attack to lay assists was awesome. Clemens Westerhof liked him so much. He also became one of his favourite players. I remember him for many things. In 1993, the Eagles were training in Holland, I joined them. My passes were still there. I tried to compete fairly in training although I couldn’t boast of same fitness as the players.

In one charged contest for ball, I tackled Thompson.

He was injured and fell. As I gave a hand to lift him from the ground I said “I’m sorry, Thompson.” He replied, “Don’t worry, just putam for Vanguard.” He wanted me to publish what had just happened.

I did in a diary material I wrote while covering their training tours and camps. The injury kept Thompson out of training for a day and Uche Okafor would always remind me that Westerhof respected me a lot otherwise he would have frowned bitterly at me for hurting his favourite player. Okafor died two years ago and Oliha joined the heavenly choir last Sunday. I go putam for Vanguard was a common joke in his Flying Eagles days under coach Chris Udemezue. Etim Esin, Lawrence Ukaegbu, Ene Okon, Ahmed, Willy Okpara, Adekola were among the members of 1987 Flying Eagles with him. Eyobong Ita and myself self so covered the team that what they ate, how they trained and even slept were always captured with details on a daily basis that if a player offended his team mate or did anything funny, the response in camp was “I GO PUTAM FOR VANGUARD”. Oliha exhumed that in Holland, this time with the Super Eagles. I will sorely miss him. He was always warm and smiling. May his soul rest in peace.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013

—Page 49

Keshi to vent anger on Elephants U

NTIL his boys’ defeats to Uruguay and Spain at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil last month, Coach Stephen Keshi had not lost a competitive game since taking the saddle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach in November Continues on Page 53

Eagles get Ameobi boost

Eagles drop to 35th on FIFA rankings — P.53 I-N-S-I-D-E

G I A N T KILLER... ...Ger many ’s Sabine Lisicki, who defeated S e r e n a Williams, celebrates b e a t i n g P o l a n d ’ s Agnieszka Radwanska to reach the final of Wimbledon.

Lisicki won 6-4, 2-6, 9-7.

PHOTO: AFP

N

EWCASTLE striker and one of the longest serving players at the EPL side, Shola Ameobi, has again pledged his

Keshi

Continues on Page 53

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Away (5) 7 Lively (5) 8 Permit (5) 10 Chopped (5) 12 Fish (3) 13 Advantage (5) 15 Feared (7) 17 Stink (6) 19 Spike (3) 20 Animal (7) 23 Always (4) 25 Entrance (4) 26 Curl (7) 30 Lubricate (3) 31 Relegate (6) 34 Fought (7) 37 Famous (5) 38 Also (3) 39 Object (5) 40 Premium (5) 41 Wireless (5) 42 Drive (5)

DOWN 1 Believe (5) 2 Pale (5) 3 Draw (6) 4 Expired (4) 5 Absolved (7) 6 Perforated (5) 9 Guided (3) 11 Clothed (7) 13 Crooked (5) 14 Drain (5) 16 Consume (3) 18 Bargained (7) 21 Automaton (5) 22 Avarice (5) 24 Tumultuous (7) 27 Nothing (3) 28 Holding (6) 29 Staff (5) 32 Virtuous (5) 33 Lukewarm (5) 35 Weight (3) 36 Consider (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Aroma 7, Call 8, Sprout 9, Earth 11, Sue 13, God 15, Tent 16, Lit 18, Sore 19, Doormen 20, Rout 22, Ache 23, Related 25, Even 27, Lad 28, Disc 30, Did 31, Toy 33, Skulk 36, Statue 37, Ibis 38, Wheat.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Vague 2, Ale 3, Our 4, Ash 5, Orb 6, Tutor 10, Trio 11, Started 12, Ensured 13, Conceit 14, Decency 16, Local 17, Tried 18, Sea 21, Ten 24, Talk 26, Vista 29, Solid 32, Sty 33, Sew 34, Use 35, Kit.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

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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