BOKO HARAM: WHO doctor, 499 other suspects for trial

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62029

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N150

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

APC, CNPP, ACF, FEC okays $1.3bn for others condemn tenure construction of Lekki elongation proposal 9 deep seaport 15

BOKO HARAM:

WHO doctor, 499 other suspects for trial •Defence HQ sends names of suspects to Presidency •Para-military personnel, prominent citizens listed •To face murder, armed-robbery and drug related charges

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BUJA—THE De fence Headquarters, yesterday, presented a list of over 500 terror suspects, including a medical doctor working for the World Health Organisation to the Presidency for trial.

The action followed last Monday’s attack of

Continues on page 5

•P.25

COLUMNISTS: Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17

Josef•P.19

Omorotionmwan

Mr & Mrs

RALLY FOR IYAYI—Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) kicked-off burial rites for late Professor Festus Iyayi, yesterday, with a procession from the University of Benin to his house in Isihor. Inset: ASUU members marching to Iyayi's home. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire. More pictures on Page 14.

Nobel Prize didn't affect Yoruba leaders support my writing — SOYINKA 54 National Confab 10 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 3

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

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POCKET CARTOON

FEC MEETING—From left, Minister of State FCT, Oloye Olajumoke

Akinjide; SA Projects Monitoring & Evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye; SSA Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, Water Resources Minister, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Supervising Minister ofEducation, Mr Nyesom Wike during the Federal Executive Council Meeting presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Boko Haram: WHO doctor, 499 other suspects for trial Continues from page 1 an Air Force Base and Maiduguri Airport by Boko Haram insurgents which claimed several lives, destroyed two helicopters and three decommissioned Air force fighter jets.

The Boko Haram suspects have been in military detention facilities since the commencement of the state of

emergency in the NorthEastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Vanguard gathered that in some instances, attempts have been made by the sect to infiltrate the detention facilities and free the terror suspects which led to some of the failed attempts to attack military bases by Boko Haram.

Among those recom-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

What we need in this fight against corruption are citizens who will stand up, and speak up, and compel government to do what this moment demands.

Seize the moment.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

W

E all have burden that can steal our joy and cause us to sour. But if we are to live life happy, we need the foundation of a grateful spirit.

Discouragement cannot take root in a graceful heart. If you are unhappy today and you have lost your enthusiasm the quickest way is to turn around and be more grateful— Joel Osteen You complain, you remain, and the truth is somebody in the world would love to be able to breathe like you. Somebody would love to be able to walk like you. Somebody would be grateful to be living where you live. Be grateful for your life and the opportunities life brings you.

It is easy to focus on what is wrong with your life, what you don’t have, and how big your obstacles are. But if you are not careful you will lose sight of all the good things in your life. Don’t take for granted the family friends and opportunity you’ve been blessed with. If you are in such a hurry and so stressed to fail to appreciate the gift of today, you’ll lose your joy and your ability to be happy every day of the week.

The right perspective is to believe that when one door closes another is open. You can put two people in the same circumstances and one will be complaining, negative, and just enduring life, while the other will be happy grateful and enjoying life.

mended for trial are some paramilitary or service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistics support to the terrorists.

A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, BrigadierGeneral Chris Olukolade in this regard said: “The Joint Investigation Team set up by the Defence Headquarters has recommended immediate trial of over 500 persons apprehended in the course of security operations against terrorists in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States.

“The suspects are among the almost 1,400 detainees screened by the team at the detention facilities in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu between July and September.

“Those recommended for immediate trial include high profile suspects, some of whom were training other terrorists in weapons handling as well as those who confessed to having been trained in Mali and other countries for the purpose of perpetrating terror in Nigeria.

“Also among those recommended for trial are a medical doctor, paramilitary or service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistics support to the terrorists”.

“The team, however, recommended the release of 167 of the detainees from detention

in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu. About 614 others whose cases were inconclusive have been recommended for review.

“The report also proposed that some of the detainees be tried for other offences ranging from armed robbery and murder to drugs-related issues. If the recommendations of the team sail through, the trial of some of the suspects will either take place in some states or Abuja”.

The statement said the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim commended the team for being thorough in conducting the assignment when he received the report.

He assured them that the recommendations will be treated with dispatch after due consultations with appropriate authorities.

The CDS said that the military authorities would continue to ensure that due process and highest professional standards were followed in managing the security operations in the states covered by the State of Emergency, adding that DHQ was committed to necessary steps that would ensure justice and fair play.

The report has since been forwarded to the Presidency through the office of National Security Adviser (NSA).

"It will be recalled that the Defence Headquarters in July set up a 19member Joint Investigation Team of senior officers to screen and categorize detainees apprehended in the course of operations in the North East,” the statement said.

The measure which was meant to decongest the detention facilities in the areas of operations was also to ensure that necessary processes were set in motion for expeditious prosecution of culpable suspects in the fight against terror.

The team which comprised military, police, officials of federal and state ministries of justice as well as Immigration, Prisons and Customs officers, was tasked to examine, classify and recommend appropriate actions against detainees in the various detention centres in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

The NSA, it was gathered, is already in consultation with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on subsequent litigation procedures following consideration of recommendations in the report.

FG tasks US on Boko Haram, Ansaru Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on the United States Government to ensure that the recent designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) does not affect Nigerians travelling to that country for legitimate engagements.

The Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo made the call yesterday when he received in his office, a senior United States delegation led by the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

He, however, said such designation would provide more opportunities for co-operation between Nigeria and the US in the quest for government to end the insurgency and assured the delegation that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to end the security challenges in the North-Eastern part of the country. He stressed that apart from the military action, other measures were being taken to address the socio-economic situation in that area.

He noted that Nigerians are in full support of the actions government was taking to end the insurgency.

Vice-President Sambo informed the delegation that President Goodluck Jonathan had directed strict compliance with the rules of engagement and human rights in the efforts to curb the activities of the insurgents, noting that the rule of law still remains the cardinal principle of the administration’s Transformation Agenda.

The leader of the delegation, Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield, said that they were in the country to follow up on discussions between President

Goodluck Jonathan and President Barack Obama in New York in September, and also on the talks between Vice President Sambo and his counterpart, Joe Biden of the United States.

She noted that the United States and Nigeria have had very fruitful partnerships, adding that the US was very much in support of the efforts of the Nigerian Government in surmounting the security challenges in the country.

The Assistant Secretary stated that the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations gives the US the opportunity to support Nigeria in tackling the insecurity posed by insurgents.

She said that part of their visit was also aimed at working out a counterinsurgency programme with the relevant stakeholders and to share information on various aspects of security, including maritime security so as to help in solving the security challenges.

She also stated that the meeting was one step in the long term dialogue that the US will have with Nigeria. She appreciated the opportunity to have the dialogue and looked forward to continuation of such.

Present at the meeting were the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle; Commander, US Africa Command, General David Rodriguez; Mr. Grant Harris, Ms. Amanda Dory, Mr. Earl Gast and Mr. Gregory Lawless.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri; the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar; the Supervising Minister of National Planning, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, among other top government functionaries.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Court awards N.2m damages against LASTMA for impounding vehicle

Edo PDP should give their money to another widow — Mrs Ifijeh zAppointed Senior Special Assistant to the Gov zSays her son had premonition of encounter with Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS— JUSTICE Okon Abang of a Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday, awarded N200,000 damages against the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, for unlawfully impounding vehicle of an applicant.

The judge awarded the damage, while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr Kameos Omosivwe, challenging the wrongful detention of his vehicle by LASTMA officials for several months.

Abang, in his judgment, also said that the applicant was at liberty to seek leave of court to commence contempt proceedings against one Adewunmi Adeosun, an officer of the respondent, who was involved in the impoundment.

The applicant had filed the suit on February 15, seeking a declaration that the detention of his vehicle by LASTMA was an affront on his right to fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution.

He also sought a declaration that the imposition of a fine on his vehicle by the respondent, constitutes a violation of his freedom to own movable properties.

In his originating motion, the applicant averred that the respondent had towed his vehicle on December 23, 2012, in Alausa, when he visited the lands registry to conduct a search for his client.

He said he was instructed by the security guards at the Lagos mini market to park his car at the entrance with a closed gate, since the parking lots for vehicles were congested.

He said: “I spent 30 minutes in the registry, and by the time I arrived at the parking spot, my car had disappeared.

“I made enquiries, and discovered that the car had been impounded by the respondent. I, thereafter, visited their office at Elephant House, to see the zonal head, but to no avail.

“I then met an officer of the respondent, who told me that a ticket had already been issued on my vehicle, to pay a fine of N5,000 for wrongful parking, N10,000 for towing, and N10,000 per day, as demurrage, for keeping the vehicle."

cident, my son had a dream and told me that he saw me at the market with Oshiomhole. And after this incident happened, my son came and told me that a Rev. Father said I should not bother that God wants to open a way for me.

“The whole thing happened like a dream and I am still shocked with what is happening around me. God has answered all my prayers and I will ever remain grateful to Oshiomhole. The man is a humble man, who does not behave like other big men.”

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ENIN CITY — THE widow and mother of four, Joy Ifijeh, who was scolded by Governor Adams Oshiomhole for blocking the road with her goods, yesterday, advised the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to give the N250,000 offered her to another deserving widow.

The development sharply contradicts the claim by the party in the state that the widow was given N250,000 for her business.

According to Ifijeh,“I have not seen any PDP person, and no money was given to me. But I will advise them to give the money to another widow because I am happy and satisfied with what Osho Baba has done for me.”

She was speaking shortly after receiving her employment letter as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere, Mrs Ifijeh said her son, Bright, had a dream where he had encounter with the governor.

She received her employment

On the PDP's N250,000

Mrs Ifijeh letter at Government House, Benin City.

Looking visibly shocked with what could be described as torrents of blessings from the state government, Mrs Ifijeh: “I cannot stop thanking Osho Baba for his kindness, God will bless him.

"That particular day of the in-

On the PDP claim that they gave her N250,000, she said: “ The PDP should stop using me to play politics. What happened to me was the way God wants it and I am happy. I am happy with Oshiomhole because for a man like him to apologise to a widow like me shows that he is a good man and I and my family will continue to be grateful to him.

“I will advise them to take the

Good Samaritan disappears with week-old baby

BY TAYE OBATERU & BERNARD LUCAS

J

OS — A HEALTH worker in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State is on the run after allegedly stealing a one-week old baby from her mother while posing to be a well wisher.

The suspect (name withheld) was reported to have disappeared with the baby whom she offered to carry while the mother’s stitches were being removed at the clinic.

The mother had been delivered of the baby through Caesarian section a week before.

A family member said the suspect had visited the house with new clothes for the baby and later offered to accompany the mother who was on her way to the clinic to remove her stitches.

The unsuspecting mother agreed to go with her and left her child with the fleeing suspect as she went in to be attended to at the clinic. However, the suspect had disappeared with the baby by the time she was through.

She reportedly asked those around of the whereabouts of the woman but no one had any useful information. She eventually raised alarm and people joined in the search for the suspect but she was nowhere to be found.

The theft of the baby has thrown the family and the area into de-

spair with many describing the incident as strange in the area.

Interim Administrator of Bokkos Local Government, Mrs. Hanatu Dantong has, meanwhile, visited the family to sympathise with them, promising to work with security men for the recovery of the missing baby.

According to her, “this thing affects the whole of us. There is no way we will sit down in office and say we don’t have anything to do with the case. This thing is not good for our image, that is why we came immediately the matter got to us to sympathize with the family.”

She called for prayers towards the recovery of the baby and advised parents to be wary of people who come around posing as friends as they might have evil intentions.

Father of the stolen baby, Mr. Mahana Zachariah, said it was shocking that someone would be so heartless to steal a week old baby, adding: “I hear this type of stories and read about them but now it has happened in my house.”

He thanked the administrator for the visit, describing it as encouraging.

money to another widow who needs help because I also assist people if I have and may be that was why God showed me mercy.

"They should stop politicking my matter. I have not met any PDP person and I don’t intend to have any business with them. I am not greedy. I am grateful to God for the one he has given to me.”

Car kills 5 children, injures 2 others in Ilorin

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

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LORIN — TRAGEDY struck, Tuesday night, in Elekoyangan outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara State capital when a Toyota car reportedly crushed five children to death while two others sustained severe injuries.

Eye witness account told Vanguard that the driver of the car left a hotel along Kwara Poly-UITH road and eventually lost control of the vehicle and in the process crushed the victims who were walking by the road side.

Another account claimed that the car collided with a bus parked by the roadside and hit the seven children, five of the victims reportedly died instantly while the remaining two were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, for medical treatment.

The incident was said to have prompted spontaneous protests by members of the community, a development that caused gridlock on the ever busy Jebba road

Archbishop docked for alleged illegal N7m land deal

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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AGOS— A SELF-AC CLAIMED archbishop, John Okeke, 59, was, Tuesday, brought before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere for allegedly selling a land worth N7 million belonging to someone else.

Okeke, founder of God’s Pentecostal Ministry World Wide, Iba, Lagos was charged

by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine-count bordering on stealing, forgery and impersonation.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel, A.M. Ocholi, told the court that the trial could not go on due to absence of a witness (one Nurudeen Bello) who took his twomonth-old baby to the hospital following complications.

Responding, the defendant’s counsel, U.C. Ikebulu, argued that the prosecution had nine witnesses, and could have called another witness since they could not go on with Nurudeen (witness).

The presiding judge, Justice Aishat Opesanwo, after listening to both counsel, adjourned the case to February 8, 2014 to enable the prosecution produce its witnesses.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—7

Beggars protest ban on street begging in Kano

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

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ANO — HUNDREDS of physically challenged persons took to the streets in Kano, yesterday, to protest the law prohibiting street begging in Kano and environ by the state government.

The beggars, comprising the blind, the deaf, dumb, lepers, and people with disabilities, had mass in front of state high court located at Audu Bako secretariat and march in procession to the state House of Assembly located within precinct of the secretariat.

Kano has several thousands of beggars looking for patronage from good Samaritans daily but vociferous Islamic clerics had consistently kicked against the act in line with Islamic injunction that abhors it.

The bill prohibiting street begging in Kano has been passed into law by the state House of Assembly and barring any last minute change, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may sign it into law before the week runs out.

The bill, among other things, stipulates N10,000 fine for violators.

The huge crowd of beggars who protested chanted Allahu Akbar (God is great) and moved to the state Assembly that was already taken over by combat ready security personnel drawn from the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. Clash with security personnel Attempt by the combined team of police and NSCDC to stop the protesters from gaining entrance into the House of Assembly nearly turned bloody as some elements within the protesters threw missiles that eventually paved the way for them.

The security men hurriedly beat a retreat and regrouped at the main gate of the Assembly where they successfully barri-

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

A

The protesting beggers, yesterday caded the protesters from gaining entrance into the Assembly premises.

The mild drama at the gate that lasted about half an hour raised the temperament of the vulnerable group as they cursed and threw jibes at the security personnel.

Moment after, the Clerk of the state House of Assembly, Lawan Badamasy,, mounted a make shift rostrum to address the beggars, appealing to them to be calm in their conduct.

Badamasy told the protesters: “As you see me here I am not the speaker of the House nor am I a member of the Assembly, but they have assigned me to listen to your complaint and forward it to them as they are on project monitoring tour.

“I also appeal to you to be respectful and law-abiding and want to assure you that I will present this paper to the Assembly as instructed and I am sure you will get a positive feed back in due course.”

Disable Commission

A letter submitted by the protesting beggars to the Assembly entitled: ‘Request for the reconsideration of the bill that ban street begging’ a copy of which was obtained by Vanguard stated: “There is need for the establishment of a Disable Commission in Kano to cater for the need of persons with disabilities.”

The association of disable persons further called on Kano State Government to consider provision of right and opportu-

I

nities recommended by the United Nations such as right to live, equality and non discrimination among host of others.

Our quarrel with the bill

In a chat with Vanguard earlier, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Disable Persons, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad said: “Our quarrel with the bill is simply over the failure of the state Government to address serious social issues that forced people into begging.

“Government has taken a wrong step at addressing issues rooted in tradition and the painful aspect of it is that the only rehabilitation centre that trained our members on vocation over the last 30 years has been converted to school by Governor

Okada riders protest killing of colleague in Ajegunle

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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AGOS — THERE was pan demonium, yesterday, in Ajegunle area of Lagos State after commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders stormed the streets in protest against the

killing of a colleague by a commercial bus.

The motorcyclist was riding along Orege area, Ajegunle, when the commercial bus hit him, Tuesday evening.

Following the incident, the

Suspected thieves cart away septuagenarian's house documents also here in Ijebu-Ode, are also JEBU-ODE — A septuage narian, Chief Simeon A. Adekoya has reported the theft of confidential documents, including title deeds to his properties in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Chief Adekoya, who retired from the Local Government Service of Ogun State over two decades ago raised alarm over the missing documents last Monday.

According to him, he entered his room to get something when he noticed that the way he arranged things in a certain part of his bedroom was no longer

Community petitions Fayemi as youths attack nonagenarian, others

the way he left them.

He said: “I noticed that things were not the way I left them, so I became curious and started checking. It was then I discovered that a flat bag in which I kept the documents was opened.

"I have had that bag since the early 70s, and I kept many documents there. I saw that title deeds to my house on Ayanbadejo Street, off Old Ondo Road in Ijebu-Ode was missing. Also, the documents to the house I now live in, which I completed in 1991, at 12, Fatai Ade Ibrahim Crescent, Oliworo Quarters,

missing.

“This is in addition to various sums of money I kept in my room, nearly N200,000, that has also vanished, including a big gold chain.

“Though I do not suspect anybody, I am worried that the thieves might have somehow obtained copies of the keys to my rooms since there was no sign of burglary.”

Chief Adekoyawas also apprehensive that the stolen documents might be used to dupe unsuspecting people or used as collateral in other financial transactions.

victim's colleagues force the driver to take him to the hospital in the area.

It was gathered that doctors in the hospital referred the victim to the General Hospital at Marina, Lagos Island.

A man who simply called Akeem said the riders were planning to set the bus ablaze in front of the hospital but someone informed the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ajegunle police station, CSP Abayomi Agbana who drafted a team of policemen to the scene.

The Area ‘B’ Apapa Commander, ACP Muhammed Ali, when he was contacted also sent a patrol team to the scene.

About 30- motorcycle riders followed the vehicle conveying the victim to the hospital at Marina.

Immediately news filtered in that the victim had died, they returned to the area and blocked the Orege-Otto Woff road.

DO-EKITI —The people of Ilomu quarters in Esure-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State have sent a SaveOur-Souls (SOS) message to the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, over unprovoked attacks by their neighbours in Esure and Iyinsin quarters.

In their petition to the governor, also copied the State Director, Department of State Service, DSS, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command and the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers written by their counsel, Williams Adebayo, and dated December 3, 2013, the people accused the Elesure, Oba Adebanji Ajibola of spearheading unprovoked attacks against them.

Among those reportedly injured by armed Esure and Iyinsin youths in the afternoon of December 1, 2013 when the attack took place were a 92-year-old man, Solomon Akinwumi and three others.

The said youths stormed Ilomu quarters following the death of the Ayinsin, Ojo Ajayi, the head of Iyinsin quarters, following a brief illness.

He died at the Federal Medical Centre, IdoEkiti.

The youths cut down two traditional trees near the palace of the Olomu, High Chief Patrick Adepoju Iluku, vandalised two cars and seven houses, as they threw missiles and stones and shot sporadically into the air.

The nonagenarian, who had his skull broken by missile-throwing youths, also had his bungalow vandalised.

Commenting on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Victor Babayemi (ASP), said the police had stepped into the matter and denied any involvement of the police in the matter.

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Amaechi, Nyako, Wammako, Kwankwaso, Ahmed still in PDP —Tukur

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA— NATIONAL Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has said that the five governors, who recently announced their defection to All Progressives Congress, APC, are still PDP members.

Alhaji Tukur spoke to newsmen after about four hours meeting with PDP Senators.

Governors Chibuike Amaechi, Rivers; Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano; Murtala Nyako, Adamawa; Abdulfatai Ahmed, Kwara and Aliu Wammako, Sokoto, had recently announced their defection to APC after alleged irreconcilable differences occasioned by Tukur ’s leadership style, which the aggrieved members viewed was autocratic.

However, Tukur, who tried to avoid commenting on the defection, said that it was not part of the issues that brought him to the Senate.

He said: “Have they?

They have not gone yet.

We did not talk about people who want to go or stay.

“I came here because this is the first time I am coming to meet my family. They are my members.”

The PDP Chairman advised members of the party to imbibe the spirit of democracy, discipline and good governance.

He, however, denied discussing the plan by some senators loyal to Alhaji Kawu Baraje in the then new PDP to join their state governors in APC. Senate Leader, Chief Victor Ndoma-Egba, told journalists “we discussed issues affecting members of the PDP senate caucus and the national Chairman listened attentively and responded and gave us words of reassurance.”

On the specific issues discussed, Ndoma-Egba said they were domestic issues.

TO FRANCE: From left— President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd.); Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhen, during President Jonathan's departure for the summit on peace and security in Africa, holding in Paris, France, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

MARGINAL FIELDS: Participants to pay N3m for pre-qualification zAs DPR begins road show for bid round

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU & ONYEGBADUE AMAMDI

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ACH interested participant in the upcoming marginal fields bid round is expected to pay about N3 million to be prequalified to participate.

The amount is made up of $15,000 (N2.4 milion) for accessing the physical data for the respective fields; N300,000 for processing fee; and N200,000 for application forms.

Thereafter, bidders must show evidence of availability of funds from their respective banks for the fields bid for.

This is to avoid investors scouting for funds after winning the bids, thereby causing processing delays.

Applications are to be submitted at the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, headquarters in Lagos or the London office of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. These were part of the guidelines handed down to participants, as DPR began the road show for the sale of 31 marginal oil fields, yesterday, in Lagos.

Other road shows are scheduled for today in Portharcourt, Rivers State, and then move on to Kaduna, on December 10, and finally

Abuja, December 12.

Last week, the Federal Government announced the take off of the second licensing round for marginal fields operators.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, disclosed at a press conference that 16 of the fields are located onshore, while the remaining 15 were in the continental shelf.

Other guidelines

DPR's Director, Mr. George Osahon, who took prospective investors through the criteria and guidelines for participation, disclosed that some of the rules of the game from the first licensing round had changed.

The Director disclosed that for this round, it had abolished such criteria as Niger Delta representation, Federal Character, and registration of companies six months prior to application, as obtained in the first round.

Furthermore, he said that government would not force participants into forced alliances, as investors were now at liberty to choose their own partners to form consortia.

Also, they can come together even a day before submitting their applications.

However, in forming consortia, the DPR boss said

that “each member should not have more than 25 per cent equity and should have at least one experienced industry professional,” while 51 per cent is owned by Nigerians to encourage indigenous participation.

He explained that this was to guard against a situation whereby people bought marginal fields and just left them dormant, only to go about town telling people they owned oil fields.

He said government wanted companies that would be active, rather than those that will sit tight on the assets.

Stages of pre-qualification

Osahon also disclosed that there would be four stages during the pre-qualification.

The stages are collation of applications, evaluation of submissions, evaluation of technical and commercial submissions, and evaluation of oral presentations.

He further explained that the oral presentation is to ensure that “in each consortia, there is someone who knows what the business is all about.”

He added that the industry regulator would not allow one person to do oral presentation for different consortia, saying that each

presentation will last for 30 minutes.

Osahon stated that no company would be allowed more than three marginal fields, noting that owning a marginal field is no guarantee of winning in this round.

Evidence of funding

With regard to evidence of funding, Osahon disclosed on the sidelines of the road show that international finance institutions such as Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, and Africa Development Bank, ADB, were members of the screening committee.

AFC and ADB will assist DPR to critically look at the claims of access to funding presented in each application and to determine any irregularities in the commercial quotations.

Antecedents

Osahon told participants at the road show that prequalified applicants would be notified by electronic mails.

About 24 marginal fields were sold during the first marginal field round, and only eight of these have been brought to production more than 12 years after, contributing only about one percent to Nigeria’s total production of about two million barrels per day.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—9

APC, CNPP, ACF, others condemn tenure elongation proposal

BY EMEKA MAMAH, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DAPO AKINREFON, CHARLES KUMOLU & CHRIS OCHAYI

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UTRAGE, yesterday, greeted the proposal for a single term for the president and governors by the Deputy

Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, describing it as another form of tenure elongation.

Among those that spoke against the proposal were All Progressives Congress, APC; Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF; Afenifere; Conference of

Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP; former Minister of Petroleum, Professor Tam David-West; civil right activist, Bamidele Aturu and the former Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Chief Guy Ikokwu.

They vowed to stop the proposal just like the third term issue of 2006.

Political stakeholders warned the National Assembly to step back from such a move, which CNPP described as a criminal subversion of the polity.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is also chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, suggested tenure elongation as a panacea to the political tension in the polity, which he said arose from the crave for re-election by the president and governors, adding that it should start from 2017.

He, however, said the proposal was his own and not that of the committee or the Senate.

... like third term agenda

CONSTITUTION REVIEW :

From left— Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, and Chairman, Constitution Review Committee, Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman, House Committee on Business and Rules, Herbert Samsokwa, and House Leader, Mulikat Adeola, during a public hearing on constitution review at National Assembly, Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

POWER: Consumers decry tariff system questioned the rationale behind such high bills.

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

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LECTRICITY consumers have said that there was no justification for the rising estimated bills handed to them by the Distribution Companies, DISCOs, in view of the worsening power supply situation in the country.

They also condemned the recent suspension of the installation of pre-paid meters, which they said could reduce the burden of crazy billings.

The public outcry came even as the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the Commission had not approved any increase in electricity tariff or charges by the DISCOs. Some Lagos residents that spoke with Vanguard, said they have been experiencing unprecedented blackout since the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria', PHCN's assets, while their bills are still based on estimation.

Mr. Chibuike Igbokwe, a resident of Ojodu, said while residents experienced almost total blackout in November, his bills however, rose from N5,000 to N8,000. He

Search for pre-paid meters

He also disclosed that he had applied for pre-paid meter since June, to rescue him from such outrageous billing.

Igbokwe said: “I paid for pre-paid meter since June, with the hope that I will know exactly my consumption rate.

“I have not been given the meter, which means that my bill is still based on estimation. It is unfair.”

A resident of Ikeja, Mr. Emmanuel Etim, said residents in his area have not experienced electricity supply in the last three weeks, thus making it difficult for him to run his tailoring business.

He said: “The power situation has gone from bad to worse since the private investors took over. I use inverters to supplement public power supply.”

Etim told Vanguard that he had concluded plans to relocate his tailoring outfit to a more power-friendly area, to cash in on the seasonal boom.

Similarly, Mr. Boyo Oke, who lives in Oregun, disclosed that he paid for a pre-paid meter since January, but is yet to receive the supply, while his

bills have gone up.

He said: “Go from house-tohouse in Oregun and tell me where you will see the prepaid meter. How many houses are using the pre-paid meter in the state?

“You journalists should get the data and publish it. It is not available. The new investors know what they are doing.

“They can’t supply electricity; they can’t give the meter, yet they bring outrageous bills.”

100% increase in charge

Even those with pre-paid meters are not spared, as Femi Adisa, who lives at Alausa, said not only has the electricity supply situation deteriorated, but the bills are rising daily.

He accused the DISCOs of introducing hidden charges without informing consumers such as increasing the service by 100 percent.

He said: “I bought a recharge card worth N4,000 for my prepaid meter. On getting home, I found out that the service charge has been increased by 100 percent from N750 to N1,500.

“I felt very annoyed not only because of the increase without notice, but because I have been without electricity for three weeks now.”

Commenting on the issue, Interim National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “He (Ekweremadu) cannot be serious. We said it that the national confab is a diversionary tactics by President Goodluck Jonathan to get power in 2015.

“Now we have been proven right. This project will suffer the same fate as Obasanjo’s third term agenda.

“PDP has been in power for 14 years, yet they cannot clean their Augean stable and now they want two years; after two years, they will ask for six years. It will not work, they must go in 2015.”

Looking to confab

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said the proposed national conference will address the issue of tenure for political office holders.

Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in telephone chat with Vanguard, urged the legislators to “leave us to go and address those issues at the national conference.

“We have grown beyond what they are doing. They can no longer handle this matter because the matter has gone beyond them.

“What should be the focus now is for us to create an enabling environment for the national conference.”

‘Nigerians 'll fight'

Human rights crusader, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, in a telephone chat with Vanguard, said Nigerians will resist the idea being mooted by the National Assembly.

Aturu said: “Nigerians will continue to resist tenure elongation under any guise and we will reject this one also.

“Nobody has a right to come and write the constitution for us in his own name or the way he likes.

“If Nigerians want tenure elongation, we will say it and not government functionaries or public office holders or elected officials.”

ACF

While describing the proposal to be in bad taste, ACF said a single term for executive office holders would encourage laziness in the political leadership.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, ACF said: “The re-submission by the Deputy Senate President in favour of single term tenure for president and governors is in bad taste, precisely because the Senate has voted against it.

“You would recall that ACF has said such a provision would kill motivation and reward for hard work and performance since the good and the reckless presidents and governors would be in the same bracket.”

CNPP

CNPP said it would amount to a criminal subversion of the polity and thus called for an investigation into the renewed call.

The conference said: “For us foisting the rejected seven-year single tenure through the back door of Doctrine of Necessity will be a grave disservice to our fatherland and portends more danger than the four year twotenure.

“CNPP is of the candid view that Nigeria has witnessed general elections, as imperfect as they were in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and heaven did not fall.

“Therefore, Senator Ekweremadu, as a senior officer of the state, owe us a duty to explain why the 2015 general elections will end up in crisis.”

David-West, Ikokwu

David-West vowed to make a judicial challenge to any attempt to incorporate single term into the constitution.

He said: “The National Assembly has no constitutional right to elongate the tenure of the President.

“What did the constitution say about it? Sometimes the lawmakers behave as if they don’t have proper understanding of constitutional stipulations. If they try it we will go to court to stop the move.”

Former Chairman of PDP in Anambra State, Chief Guy Ikokwu, said: “What the nation needs now is restructuring.

Nobody knows whether we will have presidential or parliamentary system of government after the proposed national conference.”

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Fashola’s wife appeals for support to the poor

W

IFE OF Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola has called on Nigerians to support the poor in the society in order for them to have a fair shot at life.

She made the appeal at this year ’s Charity Day of Fs Club in Lagos with the theme, 'Touching Lives.' She commended the club for remembering the poor, saying some of the homes present at the event were also homes she supported.

According to her, Nigerians needed to be the there for members and care-givers at these homes as it was important to always remember those who could not take care of themselves.

She pleaded that those who could not give money and material things should endeavour to give their time to support the homes.

In his address, President of the club, Chief Oladeinde Brown, traced the beginning of the club which he said started as a social club but had to engage in philanthropy as a social responsibility.

“As a club we felt we have to take seriously our social responsibility to our neighbours. We have some of our workers who are students and we know that they are very indigent.

"So we felt it would be better if we do not limit the gesture of providing support to just workers in the club, but to the larger community which was why we introduced bursary scheme for students in our neighbourhood, the University of Lagos and Yaba Tech,” he said.

Earlier, chairman of the club’s Philanthropic Committee, Chief Tunde Daramola, noted that beyond the scholarship awards, Fs Club would also be sponsoring surgical procedures at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi for the physically challenged.

CAMPAIGN: From left, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folami; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; the State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello; and Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Hakeem Ogunbambi, during a forum on Environmental Sanitation and Advocacy Campaign for the Informal Sector of the Economy, in Lagos.

Yoruba leaders support confab

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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EADERS OF thought from the South-West have enjoined Yoruba people to participate in all processes leading to the National Cconference in order to realise aspirations for Yoruba autonomy within the country.

The leaders also set up a committee to harmonise the Yoruba agenda to the proposed National Conference and integrate all Yoruba stakeholders.

The meeting was held at Oba Okunade Sijuade Hall in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting to

deliberate on Yoruba position to the proposed conference, the leaders commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the process towards the convocation of National Conference to "address the various challenges of nationhood facing Nigeria which we have failed to fully address in the last 53 years of our existence as an independent country."

While endorsing the conference, the leaders enjoined Yoruba people in the six South-West states, parts of Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and Niger states as well as Yoruba in the Diaspora to "fully participate in all processes

leading to the conference and the conference itself to realise our aspirations for Yoruba autonomy within a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria."

In order to harmonise the Yoruba agenda to the proposed National Conference and integrate all Yoruba stakeholders, the leaders set up a committee consisting Chief Olu Falae (Chairman); General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) (Vice Chairman) and Dr. Kunle Olajide (Secretary), while other members will be announced soon after "due consultation."

Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Reuben Fasoranti,

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, General Alanni Akinrinade(rtd), Professor Adenike, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor (Akerele Grange) and Mr. Segun Ojo were among those present at the meeting.

Others were Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Chief Adekunle Olaiya, Otunba Gani Adams, Mr. Wole Aina, Professor M.O Opeloye, Senator Tony Adefuye, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Dr. O. Awolowo Dosunmu, Dr. A.A. Akingba, Admiral Akin Aduwo, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Professor M.O. Opeloye and Mr. Moshood Adegoke Salvado.

Slain banker: Court fixes judgement date

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

L

AGOS — JUSTICE Lateefa Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court, yesterday, reserved judgement in the murder case pressed against

Akolade Arowolo accused of killing his banker wife, Titilayo in 2011.

Justice Okunnu’s announcement to communicate a date for judgment came shortly after both the prosecution and defendant adopted their final

written addresses to the court.

In his submission, Arowolo’s lawyer, Olanrewaju Ajanaku submitted that there were no substantive evidence linking his client to the murder of his wife.

He noted that since none of the prosecution witnesses directly

Court did not order Bi Courtney's take-over of GAT — FAAN

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

L

AGOS — THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday, denied the insinuation that the Federal High Court in Lagos had ruled that Bi Courtney Aviation Services should take over the Domestic terminal I, formerly known as the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

Commenting on the court order, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said: "The story, which apparently emanated from a release by Bi Courtney, was false, misleading and mischievous as the learned judge, in his

ruling did not mention or even imply in any way, that GAT would be taken over by Bi Courtney.

"It was only a figment of Bi Courtney's imagination.

"The truth is that there are numerous cases between FAAN and Bi Courtney. The case in question was instituted by FAAN asking for some reliefs, one of which was that Bi Courtney be made to pay its accrued debts to FAAN, in compliance with the terms of the concession agreement, which the concessionaire had flouted at will.

"During the hearing, Bi Courtney's lawyer raised the point that there was a clause

in the concession agreement for alternate dispute resolution to resolve disputes in the agreement and that FAAN had not utilised and other alternative options for resolving the dispute before instituting the case.

"The judge, in his wisdom, agreed with Bi Courtney's lawyer and asked the parties to go back and resolve the dispute, using the appropriate provisions in the agreement, failing which they should come back to the court.

"We hereby ask members of the public, especially aviation stakeholders, to discountenance that story as it is without foundation."

witnessed the alleged fight between the couple, their testimonies were mere hear-say.

Ajanaku argued that it would be improper for the court to convict his client based on the evidence provided by persons who were not present at the scene of the incident.

He therefore prayed the court to discharge and acquit his client since none of the prosecution witnesses were able to show directly how his client allegedly murdered Titi, his wife.

Responding, the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan countered the argument, saying the prosecution had provided enough evidence for the court to convict Arowolo.

The DPP argued that there was no doubt that evidence provided by prosecution showed that Arowolo was the only person present with the deceased who forensic analysis proved was killed by multiple knife injuries.

The prosecution counsel also submitted that the defendant was seen with blood stains on his car by the police moments after the alleged fight with his late wife.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—11

Bamidele’s exit, biggest mistake of his political career — ex-Gov Adebayo F

ORMER EKITI State Governor and Interim National Vice Chairman (South West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has described the defection of a House of Representatives member, Opeyemi Bamidele to the Labour Party, LP, as the latter’s biggest mistake in his political career.

Speaking on a television programme, yesterday, Adebayo also refuted Bamidele's claim that he (Bamidele) introduced the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi into partisan politics and brought him (Fayemi) from abroad to run for the state’s number one seat.

While maintaining that Bamidele’s defection to LP would not have any effect on the political fortunes of APC in the 2014 polls, Adebayo stated that the exit of the federal lawmaker would make things easier for the ruling party in the state that had since adopted Fayemi as its candidate on the strength of his well documented achievements in all sectors.

Adebayo said: “I believe that his defection won’t have any negative effect on the fortunes of our party in the next year’s election. In fact, it will make things easier for the party.

“The biggest mistake he (Bamidele) made was leaving the party, his major grouse was that the ruling party has endorsed the current governor. If I were in his shoes, I would have stayed in the party because the party made him what he is today.

“It will not affect us in any way, that is the biggest mistake he has made and I don’t think that it will work well for him. The people of Ekiti have embraced the APC and that is the winning party.”

While assessing the strength of other political parties in the state, Adebayo described them as very weak to challenge the APC in the 2014 polls, noting, "if elections are held today the APC will coast home with not less than 70 per cent of the vote."

Answering questions on Bamidele’s claim that he single handedly dragged Fayemi into the arena of politics, Adebayo described the lawmaker ’s

assertion as untrue, saying, it was he (Adebayo) that invited the governor to leave political activism and developed world for partisan politics.

Adebayo explained: “What he (Bamidele) said was far from the truth; I was the first person that invited him (Fayemi) to come and run, having assisted my

administration when I was governor.

“I asked him to come and see the way he could assist us in our administration and he (Fayemi) brought the British Department for International Development, DFID, to Ekiti.

“My plan at the time was to bring him into the cabinet and

make him Commissioner for Special Duties later, but unfortunately, I was unable to come back into office.

“Few years after I left office, I invited him for a discussion on the possibility of his being our candidate at the next general election in 2007."

RALLY: From left, Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folake Olomojobi; Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu; wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and Project Manager, State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Charles Doherty, during a campaign rally to commemorate 2013 World HIV/AIDS Day, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Akala apologises to Alaafin over his administration's blunders

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — FORMER governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao Akala, yesterday, apologised to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi asking him to forgive him and the Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP, for the faulty steps he took against him while he was in power.

Akala, who mobilised thousands of members of the PDP to Oyo town, said the monarch should just see his misdeeds as some excesses expected of a child.

Though, the former governor did not spell out the said wrongdoings he apologised for, but many pointed to the removal of the monarch as the permanent Chairman of the state traditional council and the appointment of Alago of Ago Oja in his stead, as some of the sins.

While in Oyo town at Plaza de Aruna Hotel, Akala and his teeming supporters They pleaded with the said the king should President and the Senate to forgive and forget, implement the relevant promising on behalf laws that set up the of the party to bring good governance commission.

According to them, there back to the state.

Akala gave the was the need for government to apply public apology at the Section 12 of the NDDC enlarged interactive Act which provided that, meeting he held with “there shall be for the the members of the commission a Managing party in the Oyo Director and two Executive F e d e r a l Directors who shall be C o n s t i t u e n c y indigenes of oil producing consisting of four areas starting with the local government member state of the councils, namely, commission with the Afijio, Atiba, Oyo highest production East and Oyo West.

Contrary to public quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member opinion that the exstates in order of governor would contest on the production.”

They noted that contrary platform of the to the provision of the act, Accord Party, he said the positions of the some people who Managing Director and the called themselves, Executive Directors had Panadol or Phensic, since been circulating people should not exclusively among four bother because PDP states of Akwa Ibom, would sweep them Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta. away in 2015 elections.

Ondo oil community protests inequality in NDDC offices

A

KURE — STAKEHOLDERS in the oil rich Ilaje community in Ondo State have expressed concern over the cartel having monopoly of the executive positions in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, by four states.

It said the cartel by Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states is offensive to the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusiveness.

This was contained in a statement by the Coordinating Chairman of Ilaje Leaders of Thought, Pastor Oyekan Arije and the Coordinating Secretary, Henry Ojagbohunmi.

They said neither the national Assembly nor NDDC act permited any member state to hold any of the three positions more than once while others were excluded.

The leaders also threw their weight behind the suit instituted by the member representing Ilaje Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly challenging the list sent to the Senate by President Goodluck Jonathan for confirmation into the board of the commission.

NEMA trains Police, NSCDC, TRACE, Red Cross

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday, trained men of Nigeria Police, Red Cross, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence , Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, and Fire Service on rescue operation in preparation for the yuletide season.

Speaking at the programme tagged, 'Experience Sharing on Mass Casualty Handling and Car Extricator,' the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sidi noted that disasters were bound to happen anytime, hence the need to get stakeholders acquainted with the operation.

Man jailed 15 years for drug trafficking

I

BADAN— A Federal High Court in Ibadan, yesterday, sentenced a drug dealer, Fatai Raimi to 15 years imprisonment for abetting five youths in the sale of Indian hemp.

Justice Abimbola Adejumo convicted Raimi, following his guilty plea to the charge of abetting five youths in dealing in Indian hemp.

“Raimi's attitude is capable of ruining the lives of Nigerian youths as he has done to some youths now," Justice Adejumo said.

Osun APC challenges PDP's position on Aregbesola

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — THE ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has challenged the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who among its four governorship candidates possessed the quality that can match that of the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

The PDP had at a rally in Osogbo, the state capital, Tuesday accused Governor Aregbesola of accumulating debts without any meaningful projects to show for them, saying that giving him another term would be a disaster.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

IYAYI’S BURIAL: Activists demand arrest of killer driver

BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

B

ENIN—IT was an outpouring of encomium, yesterday, for the late former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Festus Iyayi, as activities for his burial rites began, with Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and others calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the driver who caused the accident which claimed the life of the University of Benin don.

Other speakers included former ASUU President, Professor Asisi Asobie, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Dr. Emmanuel Ogunjor, a Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Promise Adewusi, Prof Dele Fatunde, Comrade Biodun Aremu, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, NMA National President; Dr. Osagie Obayuwana and Dr. Taiwo Oloruntoba-Ojo, Chairman, ASUU, University of Ilorin, all of whom called for full investigation of Iyayi’s death, insisting that it was a clear case of murder, and not an accident.

They also insisted that the threat given to ASUU to call off the ongoing strike was the lowest point of the Jonathanled government, noting that it would not yield any positive result.

Dr. Tony Monye-Emina, ASUU Chairman, University of Benin, UNIBEN, who led the procession from the Faculty of Management at UNIBEN in the about 10km distance to Iyayi’s residence at Isihor, was the first to call on the government to constitute a committee of enquiry into Iyayi’s death.

The procession sang various solidarity songs as they marched, with some carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Iyayi was murdered by the government”; “Festus killed to silence ASUU”; “Festus matyred for social justice.”

Monye-Emina said: “I was in the same vehicle with Iyayi on that unfortunate day. He was full of life and expectation. He was in high spirit before that avoidable accident with Kogi State governor ’s convoy.

“Iyayi gave his all to the emancipation of this country and education, he wanted a liberated Nigeria. His death must be investigated because it was avoidable. We will unite to fight it and no force on earth can come against us.”

On his part, Falana said: “Iyayi was killed by the reckless driver. There is no doubt.

Iyayi will not want us to

mourn him but to organise to challenge impunity and recklessness so that another person will not be killed by those we pay to govern us. The more money the country makes, the more poverty we have. Our comrade would not have died if this government was sensitive to ASUU’s demands. He wouldn’t have died if the roads were good. They use siren to chase us away from the road all the time. Sirens are supposed to be used the way the producers wanted it, for emergency cases only. But here, government people misuse it.

“In Lagos, nobody gives way to siren because it is the most congested city in Africa. The governor of Lagos does not use siren, so no provincial governor should use it to

chase us away. Let us not run away from the road when they are coming because they don’t have two heads. We call on the governor of Kogi State to take responsibility and also call for the arrest and conviction of that reckless driver and the other five drivers who have at different times had accidents. I also join Professor Wole Soyinka in saying that there should be an investigation.

Speaking, Dr. Ifowodo said: “I have said it before that we have to bring an end to this recklessness. All the facts of the circumstances are precisely the mentality of people elected into office believing that their mandate turns them into gods and demigods.

They believe that they are above all laws or code of mo-

rality beyond any ethical value held dear by the common man. The office makes them to think that they own the whole world, country, roads, air, water and every public space and we can only use them when they allow us.

“Iyayi was one of the most irrepressible tribunes of the people’s army. We must demand an end to executive lawlessness and unaccountability that have brought Nigeria to its knees. We call for investigation into this death.”

Prof. Asoibie, on his part, said: “Festus my brother, they say Nigeria is not worth dying for. Remember, we are a small people. Today Iyayi has died for Nigeria. We have to change that statement because Nigeria is worth dying for. We need a change.”

Don’t be used as instruments against govt, Uduaghan tasks youths

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

D

ELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on Niger Delta youths never to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destabilization of the country in whatever manner.

He gave the advice while speaking at the opening of All Niger Delta Youth summit in Asaba, yesterday.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mr. Ebifa Ijomah, the governor said: “When the youths of the Niger-Delta continue to focus attention on sustainable peace for development, this will guarantee that the current administration of this region and that of the Federal government finish strong and ultimately bequeath to the future generation of Nigerians a strong legacy of sustainable economic development.”

....Signs Bill to check kidnap activities

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA BURIAL: Mr. Femi Falana (right), lawyer and activist; Dr. Tony Monye-Emina (middle), UNIBEN ASSUU Chairman and Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo (left), during a rally by ASUU members as part of late Prof. Festus Iyayi’s burial rites in Benin. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

IPMAN: Court strikes out suit challenging Ogbewe’s appointment as interim Chair

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Benin City, yesterday, struck out the case by some members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria,IPMAN, challenging the appointment of Chief Solomon Ogbewe as the interim chairman of the association by its national leadership.

The court, presided over by Justice A.M Liman, also awarded N50, 000 against the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs had gone to court in Suit No FHC/B/CS/213/ 10 to challenge the constitutionality of the Incorporated

Trustees of IPMAN, the leadership of its National President and Secretary, (Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadier and Mike Osatuyi), under its 1997 constitution, as well as the leadership of its Acting Chairman in the Midwest Zone of the association, Ogbewe.

The case was filed by Ojo Resources Nigeria Ltd, Charisma Oil and Gas Ltd, Victosa Nigeria Ltd, Ilenloa Ventures Ltd and Iviabet Nigeria Ltd, against Ogbewe.

During Tuesday’s hearing, counsel to the plaintiffs, Kingsley Obamogie, filed a notice of discontinuance and urged the court to strike out the matter since his clients were not willing to continue the mat-

ter.

He also submitted that some of his clients had also withdrawn from the case.

Earlier, Counsel to the defendants, Joshua Okah, from Ricky Tarfa and Co., had filed several processes before the court asserting that IPMAN had been operating on a legitimate constitution duly registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission and that all the elected officers’ election were in substantial compliance with the constitution of the association.

Following their submissions, Justice Liman struck out the case and awarded the sum of N50,000 cash against the plaintiffs.

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterday signed into law the Bill passed by the State House of Assembly for the purpose of checkmating the nefarious activities of some hotel guests who use such faculities as cover to commit acts of kidnapping and other criminal tendencies.

Signing the Bill into law, Governor Uduaghan said it was now compulsory for hotel owners to release detailed information about guests at all times to security agents while observing that “security reports have shown that most criminals make use of hotels.”

He, expressed optimism that “with the law coming into force, all Inn-keepers and hotel proprietors must have detailed information about their customers at all times and make such available to security operatives in the state.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—13

Pro-Amaechi senators reject Jonathan’s NDDC nominees for Rivers zAs Senate confirms 13 nominees

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—THE rift between the Presidency and Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State played out on the floor of the Senate yesterday, as two senators from the state loyal to the governor opposed confirmation of the President’s nominees into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. This came as the Senate confirmed Senator Bassey EwaHenshaw, Chairman, Bassey Dan-Abia representing Akwa Ibom, Henry Ogiri, Executive Director, Finance and Admin, Rivers; Tuyo Omatsulu, Executive Director, Projects, Delta; Ball Turofade Oyarede, Bayelsa, Ephraim Etete, Rivers and Etim Inyang, Akwa Ibom.

Others are Mr. Paul Adah, Cross River, Tom Amioku, Delta, Samuel Nwogu, Abia, Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian, Imo, Maj-Gen. Suleiman Said, North Central and Abdulmalik Mahmud, North East.

Niger Delta Senate Committee had, on Tuesday, submitted the report of the screening of chairman and members into the board.

But Senators Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers SouthEast and Wilson Ake, Rivers West, opposed the confirmation of Henry Ogiri as Executive Director Finance and Administration and Ephraim Etete, state representative.

Though Senators Abe and Ake had sent their letters to the committee objecting the confirmation of the Rivers nominee, claiming that the normal procedure was not followed in

the nomination and that the state was not involved in the nomination of the representative, their objections were not reflected in the report submitted by Senator Manager.

Senator Ake noted that even the position of executive director was given to the state not for dash but because Rivers was one of the highest oil producing states, saying: “If you are not oil producing and not producing the required quantity, I don’t think we should be given the position.

It is unfair not to consult the state on the appointment; the interest of the state is not pro-

tected. I am saying that we should be given time, let us go home and see how we can resolve the issue.”

Senate Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi, said the issues raised by the two senators were fundamental and that one of the key things that made the Senate great was that it always refused to bring state politics into the Senate, stressing that every objection must be logical and legal.

He said: “On any given situation, this Senate must insulate itself on issues of Presidency and state governors.”

N1 trillion to complete abandoned projects Meanwhile, the Senate was told that NDDC required over N1 trillion to complete abandoned projects scattered in various states in the Niger Delta.

Senator James Manager-led

CALL TO BAR: Barrister Mofe (middle) flanked by her parents, Chief and Mrs. Otimeyin Adams and other well wishers after she was called to Bar.

NUPENG flays exclusion from NCDMB’s stakeholders conference ty, but today it is being excluded in the discussions of the affairs that affect human capital involved in the actualization of the process.

NUPENG argued that “the Local Content Board’s deliberate act to exclude the two unions, is to make them not to open up on the weaknesses and lapses noticeable, which the unions have always

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has expressed disappointment over an alleged deliberate act by National Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to exclude the union and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN, from its just concluded stakeholders conference.

NUPENG, in a statement by its President, Igwe Achese, condemned the action of the Content Development Board, to single out the two labour unions in the oil and gas industry, “that are major stakeholders in the sector.

NUPENG states that it was in the forefront of the struggle to make the local content bill a reali-

pointed out. NUPENG reiterates that, it is sad to note that the ideals and purpose of setting up the board have not been realised. It is a shame today that the level of success expected of the board has not been met. The board has failed to call indigenous firms who are benefitting from the Local Content Act to stop enslaving their workers who are

Nigerians, as casuals.

“The union states that the Content Development Board has failed to monitor these indigenous firms that are owing their workers salaries and allowances. The union also points out that the Local Content Board has also failed to fish out indigenous firms operating in the sector fronting for foreign firms, making the Act itself a nullity.”

Delta NUT threatens strike

BY AUSTIN

OGWUDA

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SABA—BARELY one month after the resolution of a looming industrial unrest by public servants in Delta State, the state wing of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, yesterday, issued a 21day ultimatum to shut down public primary and secondary schools in the state if its demands were not met.

Recall that Delta State Council of the National Public Service Negotiat-

ing Council (Union Side) threatened to call out public servants on strike over labour issues, but was promptly resolved by the personal intervention of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Rising from an emergency meeting, the leadership of the state NUT, led by Jonathan Jemiriegbe, said in a communiqué that “ while scoring the state governor high in his giant strides in the education sector since assumption of office in 2007, State Wing Executive

Council, SWEC, in-session lament the role of saboteurs in his administration targeted at frustrating the good intentions of the state governor for the teachers in Delta State.”

It stated that “a 21-day ultimatum be given to the state government with effect from December 4, 2013. The union will not be held responsible for any untoward action that would be brought to bear on the State school system if these issues are not addressed at the expiration of the ultimatum.”

Bayelsa Assembly expresses worry over delay in presentation of Child Rights Bill

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA E N A G O A — BAYELSA State House of Assembly, yesterday, expressed concern over the delay in the presentation of the Child Rights Bill to it, saying the draft bill had not been sent to it for consideration.

According to the Assembly, though the last administration of Governor Timipre Sylva did not assent to the Child Rights Bill received, considered and passed by the Third Assembly, the delay in the presentation of the bill

by Governor Dickson for consideration was responsible for its non-passage.

The Speaker, Mr. Konbowei Benson, made this known during a call on him by members of Bayelsa Children Parliament, led by its Speaker, Miss Bio Ibogomo Tonyefa.

Benson said the House of Assembly was waiting for the executive arm of government to re-present the bill to the Fourth Assembly for consideration and speedy passage.

According to him, “the child rights bill, which was passed by the last state assembly, was not assented to by the former governor, hence, it has to be reintroduced to the present assembly for due consideration and passage.”

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14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Anambra: I did not sign any pact with Obiano —GOV OBI

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—ANAMBRA State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, said yesterday that he did not sign any agreement with Chief Willie Obiano, the state’s governor-elect, noting that his only interest was to ensure that a credible person was elected to continue the good governance which the state has witnessed during his administration.

Speaking at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, where he distributed 90 vehicles to directors and officials in the local government system, Obi said God had blessed him abundantly, that attempting to act as a distraction to a governor he helped to win, would amount to committing abominable sin.

Obi said: “I have enough for myself and my only concern is for the new governor to be able to meet the aspirations of our people.”

According to him, the present administration will continue to work till the last day and those who feel that some of the things done by government are for the election are missing the point, as he

will continue to do more work for the state.

He observed that the problem with governance in Nigeria was because people had refused to change the way they did things.

Governor Obi insisted that the best way to meet the yearnings of the people was to serve the public with their money, stressing that diverting public funds to personal pockets would always bring a

curse to those concerned.

On the vehicles being distributed to various categories of workers, Obi argued that if an elected chairman of a local government or any other politician could be given a vehicle immediately he was elected, there was no reason a civil servant that had put in 25 years in the service should not get a car.

On the ongoing recruitment of 7,000 civil servants in the state, Obi said his government had set

aside the money to pay them for two years, which he put at about N5 billion.

The money, he explained, was already secured in the bank in order not to encumber the incoming governor.

He also said the recruitment had been structured in such a way that all the towns in the state would be given a sense of belonging by ensuring that at least 10 persons each were recruited from all the towns in the state.

NLC decries impeachment process for President, VP

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE BUJA—PRESIDENT of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, yesterday, said the processes of removing the President and his vice as contained in the Nigerian constitution were too ambiguous, fettered, timeconsuming and not intended to achieve the result of effecting change.

This came as the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), represented by Col. Bello Fadile, pleaded with the Federal Government to

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include his office among front line charge agencies in the country.

In a position paper presented at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Omar said the realization of the impractical ability of the process partly explained the levity with which resolutions of the National Assembly were treated by the executive.

The NLC president, who was represented by Mr.

Benson Upah, said in an environment where votes counted for little, the National Assembly remained the only viable and acceptable source of changing an unpopular President.

He said: “Given the overwhelming resources and advantages at the disposal of the Executive to the exclusion of other arms of government, the legislature should be strengthened and empowered to perform its constitutional duties judiciously.”

Ta m b u w a l , Gbuji, Egboga bag Okoye varsity honorary degrees

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji and former Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum, Dr. Emmanuel Egboga will be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

This will take place during the university’s first convocation on Friday.

Also, 100 graduates of the 214 pioneer students of Enugu Catholic Diocese-owned university will receive first degrees at the maiden convocation ceremony, having successfully completed their academic programmes in the institution.

PROCESSION FOR EX-ASUU PRESIDENT, LATE PROFESSOR FESTUS IYAYI IN BENIN, YESTERDAY. PIX: AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Benin, UNIBEN Mr. Omole Iyayi (left), Mr. Ehidiamen Iyayi, eldest son (2nd left), chapter, during the procession for late Prof. Festus Iyayi which began from the Mr. Femi Falana (2nd right) Prof. Asisi Asobie, former ASUU president UNIBEN main campus to his Isihor residence in Benin. (right) and others after the procession.

Comrade Promise Adewusi, NLC Deputy President addressing ASUU members.

Cross section of participants at the event.

Prof. Alozie, former ASUU chairman, UNIPORT, speaking on the occasion.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 15

362,112 public office holders yet to declare assets —CCB zNames will be forwarded to CCB tribunal for prosecution

BY IKECHUKWUNNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, yesterday, disclosed that over 362,112 public officers, comprising chief executives and political office holders it invited to present their personal assets for verification refused to do so.

Consequently, the bureau said it had concluded plans to forward their names to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution.

Chairman of the Bureau, Mr Sam Saba, who made the revelation while briefing the media yesterday, said though a total of 867, 378 public officers were issued Assets Declaration Forms for completion, only 505, 266 persons complied and submitted their assets for verification.

Saba maintained that those whose personal assets were currently under intense scrutiny include ministers, state governors, deputy governors, secretaries to state governments, commissioners and other top functionaries of federal, state and local governments.

Besides, CCB, yesterday, said it would not hesitate to take legal

action against any of them found to have falsified his personal assets, stressing that “any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or persons authorized in that behalf to verify it, shall be deemed to be a breach of the code.”

Consequently, Saba, who, warned that every political office

holder should come forward for his assets to be verified, if he had nothing to hide, said “if they fail to do so, CCB will be forced to forward such cases to the Tribunal for prosecution.”

He said the Bureau received and considered a total of 278 petitions within the year under review, out of which it investigated 67 petitions, kept 40

in view, closed 96 petitions, referred 19 to its legal department for advice, 11 to other agencies, while 30 petitions were currently under investigation and 15 petitions pending.

Saba said: “In the exercise of its power to enforce its mandate, CCB, within the period under review,

prosecuted 371 public officers for breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Out of this number, 10 public officers were convicted, 293 cases were struck out, discharged or acquitted, while 68 cases are still pending at the tribunal.

“Inadequate funding has been and is still a major challenge inhibiting the effective and efficient discharge of CCB’s mandate.”

FEC approves $1.3bn for construction of Lekki deep sea port A

BY BENAGANDE

BUJA—THE Federal Government yesterday took the initiative to decongest existing ports in the country as it approved a $1.35billion contract for the construction of a new Deep Sea Port in Lekki, Lagos State.

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who briefed State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, said the project, which was expected to be completed within the next four

years, was to be constructed under a Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement on a concession basis for a period of 45 years, after which it will revert to the Federal Government.

The minister explained that the federal government had 20 percent equity in the project with Lagos State, having 18.5 per cent equity, while the private investors had 61.85 per cent stake in the project.

He said: “Council approved

the issuance of a Guarantee to cover financial obligation of the NPA to pay compensation in the event of expropriation, war, civil disturbance, breach of contract and other event of default as per the concession agreement for the development of the port, as $800 million out of the project cost is to be funded through debt financing while the balance of $554.5 million is to be contributed by equity.

“The port will have the capacity to handle 4million tonnes of general brake bulk

cargoes. When completed, about $9.3billion will be accruing to the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, made up of $2.6 billion from marine services and royalty and $6.7 billion from share of profit from the investment Noting that Nigeria was going to catch up with the rest of the world in the area of ports operations, the minister further explained that about $373 billion revenue would accrue to the federal government within the 45 year period of the concession of the port, aside the 162,000 jobs that would be created.

16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Acting gov not impersonating Suntai —TARABA ASSEMBLY J

CONFERENCE: From left: Minister for Communication & Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, MD, Products, Accenture Nigeria, Mrs. Juliet Anammah, MD, Consumer Goods & Services, Accenture, Mr. Fabio Vacirca and MD, Products, Accenture South Africa, Mrs. Rosett Phillips, at the conference on the Future of the Consumer Goods Industry in Africa, in Lagos.

BY JOHN MKOM

ALINGO—TARABA House of Assembly yesterday, lashed out at the Coalition of Civil Societies in the state for accusing the state’s Acting Governor, Garba Umar, of impersonation.

The coalition of civil societies, had alleged that it was wrong for the acting governor to portray himself as the governor of the state in his letter to the House of Assembly praying them to confirm the nominations of

commissioners to be appointed into the State Executive Council.

According to the group, it was a case of impersonation for Umar to ask the lawmakers to approve the nominations of the commissioners when he was not Suntai, the governor.

But the Assembly in a reaction by its clerk, Mr. Ismailu Ukwen, warned the so-called civil societies not to create undue sentiments and cause avoidable crisis over a matter that does not concern them in any way.

Ukwen noted with concern the attempt by the group to heat up the polity in order to satisfy the political interest of certain

individuals and groups to the detriment of the majority of the people of Taraba State.

His words: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, has been discharging his duties in his official capacity provided by the law and there has been no attempt whatsoever to impersonate anybody, group or office in the state.

“So far, the good people of the state have been very happy and satisfied with Umar’s capacity to provide the needed exemplary and charismatic leadership arising from the situation in which we have found ourselves.”

Vanguard, others win MANDAN award

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

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LORIN—THE Magazines and Newspapers Distributors’ Association of Nigeria, MANDAN, Kwara State branch has given Vanguard Media Limited and five others newspapers award of excellence.

Chairman of MANDAN in the state, Evangelist Jeremiah Fatunmbi who spoke on the occasion in Ilorin where appeal fund for the completion of the association’s secretariat as well as the annual calendar were also launched noted that ‘’Vanguard Media Limited was considered for the award because the association enjoys good commission among others

from the company.’’

Fatunmbi also said that Vanguard’s management had over the years, fulfilled all the commitments made to the association.

Vanguard’s circulation officer in the state, Mr. Lere Badmus who represented the company urged vendors in the state to reciprocate Vanguard’s good gesture by displaying both the Saturday and Sunday Vanguard in order to boost the newspaper assuring that the management would always keep faith with its promises and commitments that would foster good business relationship with MANDAN.

Comptroller wants FG to relocate Jalingo prison

BY JOHN MKOM ALINGO—THE Comptroller of Prisons in Taraba State, Alhaji Isa Bambul has asked the Federal Government to relocate the Jalingo Prisons currently located in the middle of the state capital following the incessant attacks on prisons in the Northeast part of the country.

Bambul spoke yesterday in an interview with newsmen during the ongoing symposium/workshop on security sensitisation organised by the prisons

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in the state.

According to him, it was wrong to locate a prison in the mist of civilian community because of the security risks posed in case of security breaches as the people living around such areas end up becoming casualties.

Earlier in his speech, Bambul had lamented the incessant attacks on prisons particularly in the North East zone of the country where prison officials spend sleepless nights to ensure that prison walls are secured.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013— 17

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American university of Nigeria Yola: A university and the community AUN, they are obliged to encounter deprived urban and rural communities to assist with teaching; renovating health institutions and several other practically oriented services and in helping to improve social life, they have also began to transform their own lives.

They know better now, that their

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AN a university commence as a “Development University” and from the onset, create a niche of social responsibility within the community of its location? And can such devotion to development be central to the university’s academic experience such that year-in, year-out, the community service experience can impact on the social existence of the community? These were thoughts I wrestled with over the last weekend, in Yola, the Adamawa state capital. I had attended the Founder’s Day ceremonies and it was an epiphany for me! I was educated in the Nigerian public school system, from the primary through to the tertiary levels. The quality of learning was excellent and facilities were good enough to give us an education that made us confident and competitive citizens of the world. I have therefore been a passionate advocate of the public school system.

But the system which produced people of my generation has gradually been driven into a state of crisis, over decades of under-funding; decay of infrastructure; a drop in teaching staff quality; pervasive public service corruption in general and the huge population of students that need inadequate services. So many parents, including this reporter, have had to massively invest in educating their children in very expensive private schools. But the more money I have spent in educating my kids in private schools, the more I have longed for and written in advocacy for well-funded; properly run public schools, up to the university system. Recently, I commenced a passionate debate with my wife about choice of university for our growing children. I retreated into the trenches for public universities, despite awareness of their state. It is a debate we have not resolved.

So I received the invitation to attend the Founder ’s Day ceremonies at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Yola with mixed emotions really. On the one hand was my ideologically-driven preference for the public educational niche and a not-too-subtle hostility to private education. AUN was an interesting experience. The first thing that struck me was not just the beauty of the sprawling university campus, with the incredible level of infrastructure as well as its multi-national faculty. The most incredible introduction to the university is the driving vision as communicated by President Margee Ensign and her ability to inspire faculty, staff and students alike to own and actualize the vision. Dr. Ensign is an enchanting American Political Economist, who is totally committed to achieve the “development university” vision that drove the founding of the institution. From the initial briefing to the crowded programme of events, she communicated her enthusiasm for the work being done with the young Nigerians studying in the university along with other African youths.

The students displayed works carried out in the context of community service outreach and they were convincing in their presentations. Students and faculty members alike, seem to relate with mutual respect and shared feeling for the work to build the university and graduate students prepared for the world of the Twenty-First Century; that brought the experience of our visit together in an engaging manner. I was curious about how the lecturers were recruited and it became clear that most found irresistible a space to impact on the lives of young Africans, often far away from their homes, and are giving it their best.

Some probably came with trepidations about the Nigerian situation, but the setting of AUN and the willingness to learn amongst the students assisted both sides, faculty and students, to flower as they tucked into their work with gusto and enthusiasm.

The community service is the best example of how the university opened the vistas of the students to what they could give back to their communities and

President of AUN, Dr. Margee Ensign country. Most came from privileged backgrounds where they probably never encountered poverty; deprivations and lack of opportunity. But as students of

to inter-faith and inter-community peace building in Adamawa state. We sat through two sessions of the Yola Peace Council and listened to various speakers on all sides of the divides that have led to crises phenomena in recent years in Northern Nigeria. There was a frank exchange of views and more importantly, there was respect for the other person’s perspective. The mustard seed of peace has been collectively planted in Adamawa state and the AUN has been such an interested party in helping it grow,potentially, into a giant oak! Into the future, there are possibilities of harmony that will redound to the benefit of all. I have not tried to use this piece to just state the pretty face of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola. I asked President Ensign a frontal question about allegations of drug abuse amongst the children of the rich at the university. She told me that three years ago, they used to collect bottles of cough syrup around the campus; a tell tale sign of drug use. But a combination of counseling; disciplinary procedures and greater engagement of the students in positive endeavours turned things around for the better! I left Yola very impressed about strides made at the American University of Nigeria. This is without prejudice to my reservations about the private/public divide in the

I think the university’s greatest source of pride is the contribution it has made to inter-faith and inter-community peace building in Adamawa State

education is not just for them to earn a diploma and make a personal career success only; they have a social responsibility to assist in deploying education and skills to make the world a better place.

I think the university’s greatest source of pride is the contribution it has made

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provision of tertiary education in our country. The Nigerian university system in general, public and private, has a lot it can learn from the commitment to vision and purpose which drive the AUN in Yola.

ASUU and govt by threat of sack A

S the ASUU strike completed the fifth month, it became clearer than ever, that a resolution must willy-nilly, be found.

Parents are worried about children and wards that have become restive elements of their households; the students are frustrated about inability to complete sessions of academic work, while lecturers on strike must also be “war weary”, being unable to teach their students or carry out research. The government needs a solution, because it has not come out of the crisis with any form of plaudits, despite the efforts to launch a disinformation campaign against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This background of disaffection all round, should normally have hastened the parties towards a resolution of the issues. And when the ASUU leadership met a government delegation at the Aso Villa, led by President Jonathan in a marathon negotiation session, it looked like the logjam was about to be broken.

The government thought presidential prestige was enough to corall the battle hardened ASUU combatants back to the lecture theaters around the country. With an eye to the political situation, the administration was hoping to get a positive rub off from the conclusion of negotiations, especially in terms of what it does to the president’s rating as the monster of the 2015 elections roars ever closer to the land. But ASUU did not seem as impressed as the government delegation on the other side of the negotiation table. It wanted cast iron assurances that the new agreements will not be treated with the contempt that followed those entered in 2009. Memory serves the union right and government seemed unable to recover memory or abide faithfully with agreements. It was this that took us where we are, and the five-month strike which has disrupted the tertiary education system, already in deep-seated crisis even when there was no strike. Trust government to behave predictably stupidly; and it did! First, the president told a panel of journalists at an Independence Day eve media chat that politics had crept into ASUU’s industrial action. But in rejecting a new set of ASUU demands last week, the federal government directed vice chancellors of all federal universities to re-open their campuses for immediate resumption of academic activities. The statement threatened to sack lecturers who do not resume work.

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n justifying government’s action, Minister of Education, NyesomWike, who looks more at home leading PDP thugs in brawls on the streets of Port Harcourt, than leading delicate negotiations with university lecturers, said the refusal of ASUU to call off the strike amounted to deliberate sabotage. But President Goodluck Jonathan took hysteria a notch higher, when he said the strike action was now a subversive act. He chose to describe the action, in the settings of local PDP politics in his Bayelsa state: “What ASUU is doing is no longer trade union (SIC)”, said Jonathan. “I have intervened in other labour issues before now, once I invite them they respond and after the meeting they take decision and call off the strike. At times we don’t even give them a long notice unlike in the case of ASUU that was given a four-day notice before the meeting…Despite the fact that I had the longest meeting with ASUU in my political history…The way ASUU has conducted the matter shows they were extreme and when Iyayi died they said the strike was now indefinite”.

In response to the ultimatum issued to the striking lecturers, President Jonathan stood logic on its head by responding that: “we didn’t give them ultimatum it was the Committee of Vice Chancellors that took that decision, the Supervising Minister of Education only passed on the decision”. So the tail was actually wagging the dog! He then added with finality: “what ASUU is doing is no longer trade dispute but subversive action”! And how does a state deal with subversion, except to crush it? Well, we have travelled that road before and if there is an individual that can assist the government with residual memory, it is former military president, Ibrahim Babangida. He had many bitter rows with ASUU during military dictatorship and the union was not broken! In response to the sack threat,Babangida early this week advised government and the gungho Wike to: “apply knowledge and tactfulness in resolving this issue. Issues are never settled by threat and you need to settle quarrel in a tactful way”. There is a shortfall of approximately 60,000 lecturers in the Nigerian universities even in the best of times. How the Jonathan administration hopes to fill university positions if and when ASUU members are sacked viaNyesomWike’s battering ram-like charge, remains to be seen. All Nigerians are waiting with bated breath for the solution to this long-drawn crisis; but government has not earned plaudits with its stance!

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18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 THE Edo widow controversy is a poignant illustration of the power of the media in a democracy. The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had gone out on a routine inspection and stumbled upon a woman who was selling her articles of trade on an unauthorised spot on the road, thus blocking the traffic.

He ordered his officials to confiscate the woman’s goods. When the woman went on her knees to beg and informed the governor that she was a widow, apparently to try and touch the human chord in his heart, Governor Oshiomhole told her: “go and die”!

It was filmed and posted to the Internet where it immediately spread like virus. The picture was so vivid and the voices so clear that it was pointless for anyone to attempt denying it took place. The governor made the second mistake of vaguely apologising for the ugly event when a Muslim women interest group paid him a courtesy call, restating that being a widow was no excuse to break the law.

The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) immediately

The Edo Widow Controversy cashed in, donated the sum of N250,000 to the widow, Mrs Joy Ifije, and issued a statement accusing the governor of heartlessness.

The governor refused to be outdone. On Monday, December 2nd, 2013, he invited Mrs Ifije to the Government House, apologised very effusively to her in the front of cameras, had tea with her, offered her “automatic employment” and gave her a gift of two million Naira! Thus, from an obscure widow, Mrs Ifije not only became rich overnight but also a celebrity of sorts.

Aside from the politically-driven drama that turned Mrs Ifije’s story from sour to sweet, this event has its lessons, especially

for persons occupying high offices. Being in high office imposes a great burden of personal restraint, especially in the public, on such persons. Coveted high offices are supposed to recondition people to become very careful and mindful of what they say and do, because they are expected to be models of society whom everyone looks up to for good example. One must learn to choose words very carefully and consult widely before saying or doing things in order to avoid the kind of unnecessary embarrassment Governor Oshiomhole exposed himself to.

We are living in a sensitive political atmosphere, where the opposite camp is waiting for slip-ups, such as the deportation saga in Lagos and the widow controversy in Edo State to make hay politically. We hope others will learn from this and ensure that they carry themselves well in the public and always give the people whom they serve reason to believe that those they elect into high offices will always respect their feelings and interests, even in the execution of public interest policies.

OPINION

BY COLLINS OBIBI

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HERE is the Owerri spirit in the socio-political life of Imo State. It moves sparingly, in fact, only when provoked, but as a virile and potent force when it moves it teaches the target hard lessons. It is a force that has cut short the career of many a vibrant politician in the State. When it moved against the former governor of the State about two and a half years ago, he became part of the rich history of the State. In an instance in the very recent past, the Owerri spirit aggregated society renegades and in one swell swoop exposed them and consigned them to their expected ignominious end. The remnants of that evil group and new recruits can bet that soon, very soon, they will awaken the spirit and smell its wrath.

The Owerri spirit is the spirit of justice, fair play and integrity. It is conscientious and defends human dignity with passion. It exults in the gentility and civil culture and tradition of the Owerri man which many, a la of the Machiavelli institute, deride as business poison. It has enormous capacity to mobilise all classes of people to fight its cause. Yes, the Owerri spirit can be enduring and long suffering but it can also move spontaneously and in such a case with great venom.

As Owelle Rochas Okorocha works hard to complete his first tenure as governor of the State and seek re-election willy-nilly as some of us foresaw in 2011 when he joined the governorship race as against the wishful thinking of some people in the State who naively accepted the dummy that he would use the position to prepare himself to take a shot at the presidency in 2015, it is interesting to note that the Owerri spirit will not move at least given its mood today. Though a year and six months is, in fact, too long a period for the radar of a smooth sailing ship to derail, the axiom of ceteris paribus as espoused by our economist friends can suffice for now.

If the Owerri spirit does not move, it will be difficult to unseat Okorocha and that is the dilemma of the Owerri man, that is, Owerri Senatorial Zone, and some other politicians in the State today. The psycho, economic and

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Okorocha and the Owerri spirit socio-political essence of rotation of key political offices at all tiers of government has long been espoused and accepted in the country. The consciousness is there among the citizenry and serious political parties, the vehicle of delivery of the public trust mandate place it in view at all times.

It is therefore trite to say that it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the governor of Imo state. But Okorocha was installed by the Owerri spirit and it will take the same Owerri spirit to unseat him before he completes the legally sanctioned eight years. However, the Owerri spirit will not move because Okorocha has not provoked it. I will consider only two aspects of the Okorocha administration, albeit briefly.

First, the value Okorocha places on human capital. Imo is a human resource power base of the nation, perhaps rivaled only by one or two states in the country. In fact, human capital, both professional and semi-skilled, is a major aspect of the State’s contribution to national development and Gross Domestic Product. Take the teacher population. Whereas successive administrations in the State had made it look as if the teachers of our children were a burden to the State, Okorocha has not just returned teaching to a noble profession, he has restored sanity in the school system. Have you seen an Imo teacher of late in their navy blue suits – men and women? Today, teachers in Imo receive their salaries before the end of the month and before other categories of public sector workers. Whoever believed that education could be free and yet qualitative in any state in the South East?

Second, Imo as a whole is today one huge construction site, and this has given a sense of belonging to people from all parts of the State.

Does it mean that Okorocha has not favoured some people? Why not if not? In May 2011 I advised Okorocha in a piece like this to be wary in dealing with clannish groups. He appears to have done well in handling many of them. Being mindful of the sensibilities of people is important. Okorocha goes to dance with school children

at assembly grounds and attends town hall meetings. A few months ago men of his convoy clashed with those of Senator Chris Anyanwu on the road. Governor with senator, but not with an ordinary man in Imo or a priest; well the people can understand. Permit me to use a Bible coinage to say that the rest of the acts of Okorocha and all he has done so far are they not written in the book of the annals of the Governors of the State.

When the Owerri spirit in 2011 moved against Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the immediate past governor, arrogance and pride were at the heart of it, so also were injustice and ineptitude. Try as he could, he was a goner. When his government denied Okorocha the Dan Anyiam Stadium for campaign, the Owerri spirit provided an alternative in the Township School field opposite the stadium and also gave him human shield for protection. It did not matter that Orlu zone where Okorocha hails from should not by any means have contested for the governor of the State at the time, the owerri spirit preferred him to Ohakim. The election showed that the soul of a project matters more than the façade of an Olympic size environment. By the way Township School has in the past two years been rebuilt and is now a model primary school in all respect.

In 1996, just like what we are experiencing today, some men bestrode the streets of Owerri as genuine business men with legitimate means of income. They made investments in buildings and businesses and drove latest models of automobiles, but alas they were ritual killers. Their activities became a source of worry to people of the State but they could not be fingered. But one day, an 11-year-old fatherless boy, Ikechukwu Anthony Okonkwo, got missing and was traced to a hotel in the town where he was beheaded for ritual. Like a spark of fire in the Australian dry forest, Owerri erupted.

•Mr Obibi, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013— 19

, A

NEW debate has broken out as to whether the Boko Haram insurgency has assumed the status of a civil war. Way back in April 2012, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, had described it as “more dreadful than a civil war”.

The International Criminal Court, ICC, at The Hague in the Netherlands issued a report last Sunday characterising the violence in Nigeria as “an armed conflict of non-international character”. I am not quite sure what the ICC had in mind, but I daresay that most armed conflicts inexorably have foreign interests and powers playing very active roles in them, whether they are civil wars or mere insurgencies.

For instance, the Nigerian civil war was won and lost mainly because the federal side had overwhelming international, financial, military, technical, diplomatic and sundry supports, which the losing side – Biafra – lacked. And yet it was generally tagged a civil war, though some elements on the Biafra side preferred to call it the Biafra/ Nigeria war.

This politics of confrontation O

The Boko Haram rebellion was a pretty localised effort when it was led by Mohammed Yusuf.

But when he was killed the group went into a hibernation from which it emerged backed with the financial support of disgruntled politicians who added to the financial, technical and ideological muscle of the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM and the Al Shabbab jihadists of Somalia.

I am ready to guess that the ICC meant that the violence is not between Nigeria and a foreign country but one chiefly led on both sides by Nigerians. To that extent, they are correct.

I am also willing to side (for once) with the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, who asserted that the conflict is no civil war. It is not yet at that level. Boko Haram may have their secret admirers. They may even enjoy tacit financial and logistical support from some misguided or disgruntled individuals who see them as warriors fighting the cause of their religion and region helping to make governance uncomfortable for President

PPOSITION politics can be alluring if played without bitterness. One thing that cannot be easily taken away from Edo State is that she has a large stock of refined opposition politicians. We search but in vain, any other state, where a sitting Governor can get the type of positive assessment that Governor Adams Oshiomhole got recently from a former two-time governor of defunct Midwest Region and Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, a PDP stalwart: “Your Excellency, you are doing well. I salute your dedication, vision and loyalty, which are all you need… When the PDP members came to see me, I asked them how they came. They said they came through a brand new good road. I said, don’t you think you should say thank you to Governor Oshiomhole who built it?

They said their thank you will not go to Oshiomhole but to the contractor who built it and I told them that we should give credit to whom credit is due.”

The summation of the immediate past Governor of the State, Prof. Oseriemen Osunbor, who openly admires Governor Oshiomhole, for doing for his people perhaps more than he would have done for them, is direct to the point: “If we have a Governor who is developing the State, why should we complain? The reason I am in politics is to touch the people. My interest is service to the people.”

On the debit side, though, there are those whose stock in trade is perpetual engagement in the politics of confrontation. Such see nothing good in any government. Put simply, they are iconoclasts of the worst order. In their inglorious trade, they employ all types of smear tactics, deliberate falsehood, mudslinging, character assassination and everything evil. They are arm-chair critics who offer no alternative because they

,

Goodluck Jonathan, whom they see as their latest obstacle to rule Nigeria, their family estate.

But since such elements are too cowardly to come out in the open, like the former Biafrans, to declare their desire in the public arena so that Nigeria will decide what to do with them, we will assume this cowering minority do not count, though we still have to watch out for them as they sneak around in the night.

T

hough I am a layman about military matters, and certainly about the challenges our security agencies are facing in the three flashpoint states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, I believe that the Boko Haram challenge has not been handled with the swift, decisiveness it deserves. It is being allowed to linger for too long. There is too much pandering to the political side of decision making by the Presidency which is the final authority over the issue.

I agree with the All Progressives Congress, APC, governors who recently declared that President Jonathan is more

have none. Their grand design is to simply lay wait on government programmes with the sole aim of consigning them to the waste basket.

This is where Mr. Daniel Orbih is the undisputed heavyweight champion and leader of negative opposition in Edo State, nay Nigeria!

For too long, citizens of Edo State were inundated with the obvious falsehood that the Oshiomhole-led administration’s urban renewal programme was nothing but flower planting. Even when previous narrow ravines in our cities were being transformed to six-lane autobahns, the administration was said to be planting flowers. And they have not told anyone when flower planting became a felony.

Again, everything is like the chicken which must come home to roost. Wittingly or unwittingly, their empty noise must also have a way of impacting on the administration’s projects and programmes. The aesthetic content of the urban renewal programme, particularly the aspects that touch on flowers, may be extracted since a segment of the citizenry that is allergic to flowers must also be satisfied.

While men of goodwill were yet basking in the euphoria of the administration’s achievements in the past five years and mapping out plans for the years ahead, Orbih and his co-travellers were on air announcing that the administration has done nothing and achieved nothing.

Whereas in his account of stewardship, Governor Oshiomhole carefully chronicled the numerous projects already executed as well as the works in progress, Orbih could not fault any of the numerous claims.

The truth is constant. Even when crushed to death, it must rise again. A living opposition would first acknowledge the achievements on ground that are

agencies in the north as a whole should know that they are the primary targets of Boko Haram.

The insurgents know that if they succeed in overwhelming the security forces they will have the civilian populace for dinner. Due to the slack measures around the military establishments, the terrorists have seized the initiative and are able to infiltrate the barracks and study their vulnerabilities. That was why it was easy for them to pull off the Maiduguri strike.

It is high time the military looked inward to see if some elements in their ranks have not started to profit from this campaign and thus would fancy its prolongation.

We must end this scourge as quickly as possible. Heavens will not fall if we have to pull the stops and get done with it. Our leaders will benefit politically if they can find a quick end to enable the people resume their normal, lawful livelihood. If this situation remains the same by the time the elections hold in 2015, no office holder will be rewarded.

I see so many dangers in a prolonged engagement. What happened in Mali when General Ahmadou Sanogo returned to Ouagadougou from the war front and removed President Ahmadou Toumani Traore from power for his failure to support the military to battle the insurgents, should be an object lesson. Also, the general local populace might start losing faith in the nation’s ability to protect them.

But if a quick end is devised and implemented, its painful side will be quickly forgotten.

verifiable and proceed from there to show what they would have done differently to bring about a better quality of life for the people. But not this bunch that would vaguely assert that nothing was done. With their crude method of presenting what is as if it were not, they

,

Nigeria’s second civil war?

The insurgents know that if they succeed in overwhelming the security forces, they will have the civilian populace for dinner

interested in the politics of 2015 than stamping his feet to bring the anarchy to a speedy close. But at the same time, I am wary of the APC’s real intentions, since they would be the first to cry wolf about “human rights” issues when the eggs are broken to make the omelette.

Sadly, the conflict in the North East is beginning to settle into some kind of stalemate. Once the jihadists were driven away from the major cities, such as Maiduguri, Damaturu, Potiskum and others, and they started operating from the wilderness, the state-ofemergency push lost steam.

When the President returned to the National Assembly to ask for additional extension of the emergency operations for six months, most Nigerians expected it was for the purpose of carrying out an endgame. The terrorists were reported to have been splintered into small, wandering groups of rag-tag, hungry, deprived and desperate groups waiting to be eliminated before Christmas.

But the recent attack on an air force facility, razing of military helicopters and warplanes, seizure of armoured tanks, attack on the Maiduguri International Airport and the killing of a large number of civilian and military personnel, ran counter to the picture of a venomous snake with its head cut off. The military and security agencies in the war-torn states have settled into a comfort zone. I have travelled through the northern country in the past couple of months and I saw how easy a determined suicidal enemy could wreak havoc with the way checkpoints were set up and run.

The military, police and security

A living opposition would first acknowledge the achievements that are verifiable and proceed to show what they would have done differently

,

destroy themselves while inadvertently promoting the person they set out to destroy.

Oshiomhole is human, after all. He has never missed an opportunity to tell people so. It must be very painful for any reasonable person to see facilities provided at great cost to the tax payer being vandalised. Vandalism is still vandalism be it on roads, bridges, pipelines, buildings, etc. Those who think otherwise must build their own houses and set them on fire.

U

nderstandably, the Governor was visibly enraged when he met the walkway being vandalised. He has since admitted that he probably went too far in dealing with the suspect but it was clearly an act of provocation. He has therefore

gone ahead to openly apologise to the woman who happens to be a widow.

Orbih still harped on the issue to score cheap political points. He says PDP will never tell a widow to go and die. This lifts the issue from the individual level to the corporate level of the political parties. He wants the woman to come and collect N250,000. The question is, how does this PDP token Greek gift compare with the N100 million that the defunct ACN recently doled out to market women, out of which, perhaps, this same widow got her initial working capital?

Does Orbih just know that Nigerian widows are suffering? This is a height of insensitivity but we see it as a familiar route: recently, when concerned Nigerians were calling on Stella Odua to sit up in the face of the numerous plane crashes that beset the Nigerian air space, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, prematurely passed a vote of implicit confidence on her in a way that seemed to suggest that love of accidents is a cardinal point in the PDP manifesto. With them, crime pays; hence criminals and lawbreakers must be adequately compensated.

We believe in constructive engagement.

The Ralph Naders of this world deserve an advance booking in heaven. These are haters of injustice and unbridled power.

They criticise with a purpose, always offering viable alternatives.

We agree essentially with Nader: “Your best teacher is your last mistake.” But by all means, if you have nothing to offer, keep quiet rather than become a toxic waste!

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 5 , 2013

Hospital or baby factory? Shock as over 16 pregnant teenagers rescued by police R

ECENT develop ments in Imo State seem to suggest that commercial pregnancy has become the next big business with baby factories springing up surreptitiously in certain parts of the state. For instance, barely one week after the Imo State Government summarily revoked the licences earlier issued to foster homes and motherless babies homes, the State Police Command has rescued 16 pregnant teenage girls in Ezuma Private Hospital, a private medical establishment located in the outskirts of Egbu, Owerri North local council area of the state.

Our correspondent, who was among the journalists that accompanied the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, to the hospital recalls that 10 exotic cars, out of which four were Sports Utility Vehicles, SUV, belonging to the owner of the facility, were found in the hospital premises.

Vanguard Metro, VM, observed that inside the large hospital compound which is secured by a high perimeter fence included a duplex and a five-bedroom boys quarters, both at varying stages of completion.

The absence of hospital equipment and medical personnel in the two buildings cast serious doubts that the compound was indeed a health facility. The duplex was occupied by the

*The hospital sign post

owner of the compound but anxious journalists, who made efforts to catch a glimpse of the decrepit rooms where the girls were kept, were discouraged by the stench oozing out from the environment.

The 16 pregnant girls, who came from various states in the South East and SouthSouth geo-political zones of the country, were crammed into two rooms that were ready for occupation in the uncompleted boys’ quarters, awaiting delivery. Nineteenyear-old Chinaza Nnachi, an inmate from Ebonyi State,

,

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI.

I gave birth to my bouncing baby girl on November 24, 2013; the baby was sold; I do not know how much the baby was sold but I was promised N100,000

,

wept uncontrollably as she tried to narrate her sordid experience. “I got pregnant and the guy that impregnated me denied it. I decided not to abort the baby. Someone directed me to Ezuma Private Hospital. When I got there, the doctor told me that the baby would be kept for

*Ezuma Private Hospital INSET: The room where the pregnant girls were housed me after delivery,” Chinaza recounted amidst sobs.

Continuing, the youngster said that the doctor assured that her baby would be properly taken care of by the hospital management, adding that she never knew the baby would be sold. “I gave birth to my bouncing baby girl on November 24, 2013. The baby was sold. I do not know how much the baby was sold but I was promised N100,000,” Miss Nnachi said.

On why she was weeping, the girl said she has belatedly realised that the hospital management didn’t take care of the baby as they promised, pointing out that “they rather sold it sold it out to somebody they do not even know”.

The owner of the establish-

ment, James Ezuma from Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of the state, claimed he is a medical doctor with over 30 years cognate experience.

Although he was incoherent while fielding questions from journalists, Ezuma explained that the missing baby was given out for adoption, as he runs an organisation that caters for young pregnant mothers.

“The baby is now traced to Ozomagana Street, Onitsha.

The Social Welfare Office collected the baby from Aba. The foster parents are in Onitsha and we are closing in on them,” Ezuma said.

The doctor further said he runs a licensed nongovernmental organisation for homeless peoples, stressing that when these children takein, their parents throw them out and their boyfriends deny them.

“When this happens, they become homeless and my NGO caters for homeless persons”, the doctor insisted.

The spirited efforts made by the suspect did not go down well with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, who quickly told journalists that the man was being largely economical with the true state of affairs. “He was once arrested for gun running and was charged to court. This matter is still pending in court, only for the State Police Command to discover this illegal baby factory. The teenage mother is crying and

asking for her baby,” Katsina said.

The Imo police boss equally fumed over claims by the self-professed medical doctor “that he runs an orphanage or whatever he calls it, have been unable to tell us where he kept the baby”, adding “Look at the entire place.

There is no equipment in this place. There is no nurse working in this so- called hospital. Look at where he housed these innocent girls.

It is filthy and uninhabitable.

There is no fan in the room, no air condition. This is sinful”.

He drew the attention to the exotic cars parked in the large premises and said: “The police will definitely investigate who owns the cars and the fellow who acquired them. The suspect has not been able to provide documents for the exotic cars, which shows he acquired the vehicles through illegitimate means.

The earlier this man told the truth, the better for us”.

The Commissioner recalled that the suspect had earlier taken his men to Aba, Abia State, where the suspect claimed the now missing was moved to but on getting to the place, the baby could not be found.

VM equally recalls that an eight-round pump action rifle was recovered from the suspect, which he claimed he was licensed to acquire.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 21

SEC clamps down on three illegal companies

Nigeria, UK sign Energy Pathways Calculator agreement

By VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

...warns fraudsters to stop malpractices

By PETER EGWUATU

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has revealed that it has clampdown on three illegal companies operating in the country and warned fraudsters to desist from such illegal practices or face the wrath of law.

Director General of the commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, who revealed this to Vanguard, said the SEC will do everything within its power to track down on any illegal fund managers in the country in order to protect investors from being cheated.

She said “We have shut down three companies within two weeks from Portharcourt, Sokoto and Ibadan. We need information from the general public to be able to track down on these illegal operators as we are determined to sanitise the market.”

Oteh further stated that the Nigerian economy has done better growing by 6.81 per cent in third quarter (Q3) of the year from 6.18 per cent in the corresponding period of 2012. The SEC boss, said “ 2013 has been a transition year showing a mixed picture of the global economy.

While the first half of the year raised concerns on the fragility of global growth with what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) calls ‘3Speed growth’, the second half is raising hopes of the return of growth as advanced economies are gradually strengthening, despite the slowdown of certain emerging markets. The IMF’s latest outlook expects the world economy to grow by 2.9 per cent in 2013 and accelerate to 3.6 percent growth rate in 2014. Sub-Saharan Africa continues its impressive growth expected to be sustained at 5.3 per cent in 2013.”

Continuing, she said “Domestically, the Nigerian economy has done better as recently released figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that our economy accelerated to 6.81 per cent in Q3 2013 from 6.18 per cent in the previous quarter.

Speaking as well, the

Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, SEC, Mrs. Sa’adatu Mohammed Bello explained that the commission is doing everything within its powers to clamp down on fraudulent operators in the market.

Bello, who assured investors that there will be no hidden place for fraudsters in the market, also reiterates the

commissions resolve to continue to reinforce compliance to regulations and beam its searchlight on anyone that wants to defraud the market.

“We have done so much on illegal operations and ponzi scheme and we are making strides in that area. In the last two weeks, we have sealed up not less than three ponzi

scheme, one in Sokoto, Ibadan and PortHarcourt and we discovered that people use internet to float companies and get people to invest.

There is no hiding place for anybody that wants to defraud the market. When we get such information, we freeze the bank account, prosecute them and give investors back their money.”

COMPETITION: From left: Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Nico Vervelde, MD and Sesu Tilley-Gyado, winner during the National Art competition grand finale and exhibition, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

ICAN president commends UBA, tasks institutions to invest in education

T

he President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Alhaji Alkali Mohammed, has commended UBA Foundation for organizing a national essay competition, sayimg the path towards sustainable development is through investment in the education of its youths Speaking during the grand finale and prize presentation of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools, held at the Bank’s Headquarters in Lagos, Alhaji Alkali Mohammed, President Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) commended UBA Foundation for the initiative and urged other institutions to emulate the educational initiative.

According to the ICAN President, the path towards sustainable development is through investment in the education of its youths, particularly in Nigeria.

Harping on the ideals behind the essay contest he said “Any competition such as this will certainly help to bring out the best in the youths, by kindling their competitive spirit and academic excellence.” Winners have emerged in the third edition of the UBA National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria. In a keenly contested competition, Master Ezenwa Joseph Okonkwo, a fifteen year old student of Ambol Comprehensive High School, Akesan-Igando, Lagos, won the coveted prize of N1m educational grant, from nearly 2000 entries received across the country.

Toluwase Adeagbo of Sharon Rose Schools College, Saki and Korie Ijeoma Jennifer of Air Force Secondary School, Port Harcourt emerged first and second runner ups, winning the sum of N750,000 and N500,000 as educational grants.

T

he U.K government has signed an agreement with the Nigerian government to implement the 2050 Pathways Calculator in Nigeria. The 2050 Calculator, which would allow users to look at the potential effects of different scenarios for energy supply and demand within a county over the next forty years, according to British High Commissioner, Dr Andrew Pocock, “is a modelling tool, which can be used to create a wide range of model scenarios for energy supply and demand, and would also look at what effect each one has on different long term goals such as improving energy security, matching supply and demand, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Pocock also stated that, “The 2050 Calculator will provide valuable evidence, which the Nigerian government and members of the public alike will be able to use, to better understand how Nigeria might meet its future energy needs.

I’m very pleased that the UK and Nigeria are able to work together on such an important project.” The calculator would be made fully available to the public in a year’s time and would be handled by the Nigeria Energy Commission, in partnership with the UK Department of Energy & Climate Change.

The two departments are expected to collect and process the data which will form the backbone of the Calculator.

109.95

0.55

2,832.00

+41.00

16.83

-0.14

CURRENCY BUYING US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.73 253.4942 209.5199 169.9956 1.505 0.3017 236.7651 25.393 41.2591 28.0863 237.0464

112.39

+0.94

95.84

+2.02

SELLING 155.23 254.3133 210.1969 170.5449 1.5099 0.3117 237.5302 25.4755 41.3925 28.177 237.8124

155.73 255.1325 210.874 171.0943 1.5147 0.3217 238.2953 25.558 41.5258 28.2678 238.5784

CBN Exchange rate as at 04/12/2013

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Bankers’ C’ttee’ll continue to redefine banking

B

From left: Founder, Akintola Williams & Co, Mr. Akintola Williams; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; and Founder, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyagbola at the 5th anniversary and 2013 Graduation/Induction ceremony of WISCAR, in Lagos

ankers Committee has reiterated its commitment to redefining the practice of banking in Nigeria.

This pledge is coming ahead of the Committee’s 5thannual retreat on economic development.

A statement from the Banker ’s Committee noted that since 2009 when the Committee held its first annual retreat by the prompting of the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, its chairman, the Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria with the Chief Executive Officers of Deposit Money Banks, the Committee has progressed to become a major catalyst for economic growth and stability

Economic growth meaningless without national devt – Otti

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

G

ROUP Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti, has said that the rapid growth recorded in the national economy means nothing if it does not translate to better life for citizens and national development.

He stated this while delivering a lecture at a public policy forum organized by Hallmark newspaper in Lagos on Tuesday.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Saving the future: The challenge of a new Nigeria’ Otti said that, “The GDP growth, which stood at 6.81 per cent, doe not tell the story of our national development as it has not really translated to better life for citizens.”

He said that most economic planners face the dilemma of whether to target social welfare of the people or economic growth, arguing that it is instructive to note that many countries in developing economies that have attained relatively high standard of living over the past forty years tended to target improvements in the quality of social welfare indicators and it is only after this that sustained economic growth was witnessed.

He further explained that, “A big challenge for the Nigerian economy is that it is a mono-product, commodity based economy with oil as the major income earner. It also has 36 states that are partially or wholly dependent on revenues from oil. Fiscal regime is weak as the

country ’s tax revenue amounted to 6 per cent of GDP, which is well below the 20 per cent consistent with developing countries without natural resources.

“Nevertheless, over the years, sufficient income had accrued from the sale of oil and a bigger challenge had been the issue of proper management of resources and economic development. A look at the most cited economic development indicators seem to tell a conflicting story, as it often does in a developing country and commodity based economy context.”

He therefore advocated proper economic structure which would ensure quality of national business environment, state of cluster development, sophistication of company operations and strategy, social infrastructure and political institutions, including macroeconomic policies.

Also speaking at the event, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that whatever the economic situation of the country is today, the future still looks very bright.

Represented by Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate, Mallam Sulaiman Barao, he said that there has been a tendency for Nigeria to despair but that should not be so, saying that it is important that Nigerians recognise their problems and challenge leaders to deliver on public good.

On his part, the chairman of the forum, Ambassador George Obiozor, who was represented at the occasion by Chief Emma Nwosu said that Nigeria could be one of the greatest countries in the world if it pursues right and progressive policies,

Nigerians saved 20 million in five months shopping online

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s online shopping becomes more pervasive, Nigerians who have cultivated the habit of shopping online were saved about N20 million in five months through buying goods and services daily at heavily discounted rate.

While several other online stores are competing on providing the lowest price to online shoppers, Ryte Internet Technology, the owners of www.rytedeals.com chose to provide daily deals to Nigerians.

The company commenced business on June 10, 2013 with a focus on using the internet to benefit Nigerians.

Five months after take-off, the company has fulfilled that promise by saving Nigerians who shop for deals on its site about N20 million.

Explaining how this works, Managing Director/CEO of the company, Dr. Victor

Alaofin said that the site has intelligent software that ‘knows’ and ‘calculates’ how much each visitor saved by buying deals. To save Nigeri-

ans N20 million, 7887 coupons were bought by Nigerians who shopped for deals on rytedeals.com between June and November 2013.

IBFCA unveils capacity building platform for bankers

I

BFCAgusto Training Ltd, a training consulting firm, today unveil an e-Learning version of its Fundamentals of Credit Training Program to empower bankers on credit management.

Speaking on the program, the Managing Director of IBFCAgusto, Mrs. Titilayo Olujobi said, “The Nigerian Banking Crisis of 2009 exposed the knowledge gaps that existed in the banking sector as many members of staff did not have the requisite training and experience to take optimal credit decisions.

This was a contributing factor to

the high level of non-performing loans in the credit portfolios of several banks.

“In order to reduce the impact of a re-occurrence, it is pertinent for banks to ensure that staff, especially those with credit responsibilities, is equipped with appropriate skills, including training, to execute their functions effectively.”

She explained that, “E-learning is a cost effective approach to training, which is being adopted by institutions world-wide and often complements instructor-led methods.”

in Nigeria.

Over the past 5 years, the banking industry, through the Bankers Committee’s initiatives has played more than a financial intermediary role in the nation’s economy by asserting its centrality to nation building. Specifically, the committee has championed numerous landmark initiatives designed to transform Nigeria from a mono-economy to an economy with the capacity to earn from many more sources beyond crude oil which the country has relied on for decades.

The Bankers’ Committee has seen to the strengthening of critical sectors of the nation’s economy and driven several empowerment programmes targeted at speedy diversification of the economy.

Specifically, activities of the sub-committee on Economic Development and Sustainability have impacted the Agriculture, Aviation, Power, Transportation and Manufacturing sectors significantly.

In statistical terms, total banking industry loans to the Agric sector have grown from 1 per cent in 2009 when the Bankers Committee at its 296thmeeting with a theme “The Role of the Nigerian Financial System in Economic Development” identified the sector for development to 4 per cent in 2013. Similarly, other indentified sectors have witnessed significant transformation and enjoyed professional and technical supports from the Bankers Committee.

The Committee has also received commendations for its role in funding the acquisition of companies privatized under the power reform programme designed to strengthen the economy and support prosperity of the Nigerian nation. Beyond the Committee’s quest at resuscitating the nation’s economy, the umbrella body for operators in the nation’s financial sector has continuously nudged the industry towards protecting the society, the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate.

Consequently, the Bankers’ Committee led the sector to adopt sustainable principles.

The adoption of principles is predicated on the position of the financial sector as a driver of economic growth, and recognition of the significant influence it wades through its lending activities which supports the functioning of other sectors of the economy.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 23

We need 3m customers to manufacture fridge in Nigeria — Harvey

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

RICHARD Harvey is the global chairman of PZ Cussons Plc. He was in the country last week to commission the company’s subsidiary (HPZ Limited) new assembling line for its fridge products. In this interview, he noted that fridge factory is highly capital intensive and in order for the company to be competitive, “We need more customer base of three million Nigerians to be able to go into fridge manufacturing.” Excerpt:

H

OW long have you been doing business in Nigeria?

As you know, PZ Cussons Nigeria is the largest subsidiary of PZ Cussons. We have been operating in the country for more than a hundred year. So , Nigeria has been a backbone of our operation as a group.

What is the contribution of PZ Nigeria to your global sales?

That is a very good question. PZ Nigeria contrib-

•Richard Harvey, Global Chairman, PZ Cussons Plc the past five years?

In the last five years, we have invested about 130 million dollars.

What did you want to achieve with this new production line?

It will help to rapidly ex-

Our shareholders are investing in the right company

,

utes about 30 percent to our global turnover. So Nigeria is a very important part of the group.

Do you have plans of extending your products category to other sectors of the Nigerian economy?

AS you are probably aware, we have interest in Nigeria’s agriculture sector where we have invested N10 billon in palm oil refinery at Ikorodu area of Lagos.

We have started producing our vegetable oil under the brand name ‘Mamadore’ produced from crude oil palm and refined to the highest quality and bottled to international standard. For us it is exciting bringing into the market great product. The product has been in the market in the last three months.

What are your key challenges and how is it affecting productivity?

Productivity actually is improving. We are improving productivity with the patronage our brands are enjoing and we have been bring in new machinery and equipment to improve productivity and produce products that are of high quality and competitive.

PZ is a global brand and we are producing according to global standards.

How much money have you invested in Nigeria in

,

pand the distribution of our fridge products in Nigeria and Ghana. We anticipate that the demand will keep growing and with the factory, we are ready to sustain supply.

What message do you have for your Nigerian shareholders?

They are investing in the

right company.

You have spent so much money on internal expansion, are you thinking of doing any capital issues?

No. The group as a whole is strongly capitalised. Besides we are conservative about borrowing.

How many jobs have you created in support of Nigerian government’s Transformation Agenda?

Currently, we have 2,500 workers across the country on our payroll and we are increasing the number by 30 to 50 percent, through our PZ Wimar palm oil project. In 2010, PZ Cussons Plc entered into a joint venture (PZ Wilmar Ltd) with Wilmar International to build a palm oil refinery in Nigeria and build up an associate food ingredients

business.

What is your capacity utilisation?

The capacity utiisation in this factory is a little bit lower than what we would like to do now.Honestly, we are building for the future.

What percentage of your raw materials is sourced locally?

Honestly, our record speaks for itself; we make much use of local raw materials in our milk products like Nunu milk.The content and can are sourced locally except the machinery for packaging it.

What about transition to full scale manufacturing instead of assembling?

Of course, we would love to produce locally, but most certainly it is a long – term plan. This is because the fridge factory is highly capital intensive and in order for us to be competitive, we probably need more customer base of three million Nigerians to be able to go into fridge manufacturing. As of now; we have not decided to go into it until we are able to capture more market out of the 160 million people in the country.

In recent times, many foreign companies have been increasing their shareholdings in Nigerian companies; do you intend to do the same?

No. We have over 85,000 shareholders and we are holding about 70 percent. As of now, there is no plan to increase our shareholding in a Nigerian subsidiary. However, we are committed to our shareholders and the Nigerian economy.

NASME faults plans to hike electricity tariff

BY NAOMI UZOR

T

HE Nigerian Associ ation of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has faulted plans by the new owners of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)to increase electricity tariff, asserting that it is inappropriate and uncalled for.

“They should not increase tariff just like that without showing some impact or improvement on the electricity and it is wrong to charge people on fixed rates; whether you use the electricity or not, it is very wrong for one to pay for what he/she did not use.

“The electricity tariff should be transparent, there is need for harmonisation of DISCO’s, there is still 75 per cent reduction on fixed charge, the new investors are people like you and I in business,” said NASME.

Briefing the press in Lagos, Dr. Lizzy Okereke, Chairperson, Conference Organising Committee, said there is still a big problem with electricity supply and distribution, adding that, it is wrong for the new owners to increase tariff now.

Fielding questions on the focus of this year’s edition of NASME international conference and exhibition scheduled to hold in Abuja, she said for Nigerian economy to take its rightful place in Africa and serve as the continent’s hub, there is need to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, hence it is themed ‘MSMEs as Catalyst for Economic Transformation and Social Stability.’

“We strongly believe that the conference which will bring together participants from across the country, ECOWAS sub-

region and the international development partners will strengthen the MSME sector to enable it tap from the opportunities being thrown open by the economic transformation taking place in virtually all the sectors of the economy.

“The MSMEs as the engine of economic growth and the highest employer of labour the world over, will create jobs that will not only stem rural-urban migration, but will ensure social stability in Nigeria” she stated.

She disclosed that the event will attract over 2000 participants, exhibitors and visitors and will focus on the critical issues of economic transformation and social stability, adding that critical issues on sustainable access to finance, employment generation, technology and innovation will be discussed.

BRIEFS

NBCC projects £20bn for Nigeria, UK trade

BY NAOMI UZOR

T

HE Nigerian-Brit ish Chamber of Commerce, NBCC, has projected that trade figure between Nigeria and Britain can reach £20billion within the next five years.

Speaking at the 2013 Presidential Dinner and Award Night, the President of NBCC, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, said, if Nigeria gets its act together, and invests appropriately in proper chain management, Nigeria and Britain can reach £20billion within another five years.

He said that this can be achieved through the export of Nigeria perennially products like pepper, yams, bananas, plantain, pineapples and cassava

to the UK. “But Nigeria, in this day and age, does not need to operate just as a provider of raw and unprocessed materials.

“We must begin to see ourselves as actors operating in a highly competitive world in which the fittest win. We would need to take a long term view of our policies and consider in depth the strategic intent of our agreements and objectives. Sometimes, we have seemed to act in the best interest of other people than ourselves. No nation is in international trade to protect any interest other than its own. The stark reality is that if we do not protect our national interest, no one will do it for us,” he stated.

Dangote Foundation disburses N540m micro grants

D

ANGOTE Foundation has commenced disbursement of N540 million micro grants to helpless women and youths in the three emergency affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe State.

The grants disbursement was flagged off by the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima and his wife Hajiya Nana Shettima, at Government House, in Maiduguri.

Beneficiaries totalled 700 people comprising widows, youths and physically challenged persons.

The governor commended Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Foundation for “standing by the people of the state in their hour of need.

He told the beneficiaries that the money was meant

to reduce the hardship they are facing in the aftermath of the insurgency across the state.

He urged the beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the money by going into petty businesses, improve the health of their families.

The Managing Director of Dangote Foundation,Dr. Adhiambo Odaga, said the president of the Group was concerned about the plight of the people especially in the insurgent ravaged areas hence the especial focus on the three states.

He disclosed that the Foundation is providing a one-off N10, 000 cash transfers to at least 1,000 poor and vulnerable Nigerians in each of the Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

Mamadore moves for ISO certification

M

AMADORE vege-table oil, a product of PZ Wilmar is working hard to attain International Standards Organisations , (ISO) certification as it has gotten National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC’s) nod.

The Head of Marketing, Mamadore oil, Mrs. Bukola Bandele, said, “We are working hard to ensure that we meet the international standard in the production of our oil.

“Our brand is out to establish itself on the minds of the consumers by ensuring that people experience good taste and healthy cooking oil,” she stated.

According to her, what

makes the product unique is the quality which is 100 percent pure even in content.

Bandele disclosed that the product is packaged in bottle of different sizes and sachet for accessibility and affordability”.

Commending on their relationship with NAFDAC, she stressed that “the agency has given us approval, adding that on our part, we work hard to ensure that we meet the international standard in the production of our oil”.

Though the market is highly competitive, however Mamadore oil has gained the trust of its patrons by way of quality and taste.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

PAAR: Anxiety as Customs takes over scanning operation told Vanguard that they

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

T

HAND OVER: From left: Immediate past Comptroller of the Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), Comptroller Othman Abdul Saleh, and the new Command boss, Comptroller Willy Egbudin at the hand-over ceremony at Seme.

HERE is anxiety in the maritime industry over the take-over of destination inspection scheme by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS. Vanguard gathered that the Service officially took over the operations yesterday after the hand over by the Service Providers.

While the management of Customs over the weekend said that the Federal Government has directed that it takes charge of destination inspection process from the service providers, operators have expressed worry over the preparedness of the Service to effectively handle the scheme.

A source in one of the service providers’ outfit

LASWA ridership hits 12 million in 8 months

BY GODWIN ORITSE

N

O fewer than 12 million residents of Lagos State traveled through the waterways between January and July 2013, the latest ridership of the Lagos State Waterways Authority has revealed.

The ridership also showed that out of the over 20million currently residing in Lagos State ,more than 1.8million presently use the waterways to move in and around the city on a monthly basis.

This is contained in a recently released Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) ridership statistics which has recorded an increase of over a 100 percent in three years.

The ridership is a statistical data used by the Lagos State Waterways Authority to monitor the number of commutesr that use the state waterways to move within Lagos.

From a mere 494,010 ridership in June 2010, the ridership as a July

2013 has gone up to 1.8million, a development that has reduced pressure on the roads.

A breakdown of the ridership showed that there has been a progressive increase in the number of people that travel by water on a monthly basis.

As at January 2013, a total of 1.103million as against 481,745 people in 2012 used the waterways .

For the months of February and March 2013, 1.471million and 1.545million were recorded respectively, while that month of April saw a total of 1.671million people using the waterway for that month.

The figures for the months of February, March and April 2012 stood at 892,456, 1.212,768 and 1.560,182 people used the waterways last year.

For May, June, July and August 2013, the figure stood at 1.671million 852,653,1.8million and 1.7million as against 1.3 million May 2012, 1.2million 1.7million,and 1.1million respectively for the period under review.

As at the time of filling this report, Vanguard could not get the figures for the months of September, October and November as their result were still being expected from

LASWA officials at the various terminals across the state.

A source close to the authority told Vanguard that the ridership could be as high as two million going by the steady increase of the number of people to have opted to travel by water over the years.

Meanwhile, the state government have concluded plans to commence the concessioning of the four major terminals with a view to providing more efficient and safe water transportation in the state.

Already, investors have expressed and have submitted their bid for that purpose.

FG to eradicate importation of rice, food items

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HERE is a strong indication that the Federal Government may soon place total ban on importation of rice, fish and other food items into the country.

Giving the hint in Lagos,the Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Dr Niyi Odunlami, said that government was desirous of stopping the importation of rice, fish, wheat and tomatoes.

Odunlami spoke as a member of the supervision team visiting staple crops processing zones of the World Bank-assisted

Commercial Agriculture Development (CADP) project in Lagos.

He said that the Federal Government was working in partnership with state and local governments as well as Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to bring infrastructural development to rural farming areas. ”The Federal Government cannot do it alone; it needs the collaboration of states and local governments as well as LCDAs. ”The rural farming areas need to be developed in terms of infrastructure, so as to reduce or possibly eradicate the impor-

tation of what can be produced here, such as wheat, vegetable, rice and fish.

“The fish we import is not different from what we can find in the Nigerian waters,” Odunlami said, adding that there is absolute need to develop staple crop processing zones.

Some primary processing zones in the country had been selected as models.

They include Kogi, Kano, Niger, Lagos and Rivers states. The supervisory mission commenced work on Nov. 28, with a visit to the Lagos State Integrated Rice Processing Factory, Imota.

have officially handed over to the Ministry of Finance following a directive to that effect.

With the above, the Service is now to operate the scanners at the nation’s entry points, the seaports, airports and the country’s borders. Similarly, Customs has introduced the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR to replace the Risk Assessment Report, RAR hitherto issued by the service providers.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dikko Ide Abdullahi, who disclosed this, said that the federal government has directed NCS to fully takeover the Destination Inspection process from the service providers.

According to him, “Today is a historic day in Nigeria because the Federal Government in its own wisdom has directed NCS to fully takeover the Destination Inspection process from the service providers.

The implication of this is that NCS will now fully take over imports and exports procedures of our dear country,” he noted.

Dikko said officers and men of the NCS have been undergoing training over the years in preparation for the takeover and are “fully prepared to assume this important responsibility.”

“As this regime takes off, the Service will be charged with the responsibility of managing all areas of the inspection processes.

These areas include: Processing of the electronic Form M, issuance of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to replace the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) formally issued by the Service Providers, control of scanning equipment and operations in all the scanning sites in Nigeria,” he said.

The NCS boss also stated that the service will be responsible for the deployment of a robust risk management system organically developed by Nigeria Customs Service in consultation with partner agencies.

However, National Secretary of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, Uchu Block, expressed doubts over the preparedness of the Service of take charge of the process.

Block wondered what platform is to be used by the Service. He also questioned the valuation principle to be applied in regards to Contract on Shipment of Value, Current Domestic Value of the Exporter’s Country as well as what items exactly enjoy duty exemption.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 25

Students are yet to comply with the Fedeal Government's deadline for resumption, as seen here

Sack threat: We are resolute in our stand – ASUU

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI, LAJU ARENYEKA & IKENNA ASOMBA

D

espite the ultimatum given by the Federal Government to the striking university lecturers to call off the strike or face the risk of being sacked, the lecturers have remained resolute in their stand, saying they would only shift ground when government does the right thing.

Recall that the Federal Government,

Prof Iyayi goes home

through the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, a week ago, ordered the striking lecturers to resume work on or before December 4, or face the prospect of being sacked.

The ultimatum has now been extended to Monday, December 9.

Briefing journalists on Monday, National President, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge said government was free to open all the federal universities in the country but all ASUU members would not go back to work unless the government met all their demands.

“We shall bow only to what we as academics are convinced will serve the interest of Nigeria and its people, no matter their ethnic, religious or class origins. This is where we stand we

shall never be cowed.

“Since the issuance of the union’s response to the said letter, the salvos that have been coming out, allegedly from the Minister of Education, make one to wonder whether the person that is charged with the responsibility of superintending over the Nigeria’s education system has the wherewithal to handle such a vital national assignment.”

The ASUU President stated that ASUU had no role in closing and opening of universities in Nigeria, rather it could withdraw its services which he said was the right of every worker.

Justifying government’s plans to sack lecturers, the Public Relations

ASUU strike: Most varsities still empty — Page 30

C M Y K

Officer, National Universities Commission, Mallam Ibrahim Yakassai said: “Federal Government has every right to sack ASUU if the union is being unreasonable, just the same way your employer has the right to sack you.

“Everyone keeps going on and on about the 2009 agreement, everyone is listening to ASUU, but no one wants to listen to government, which has given ASUU most of the things they asked for and has bent over backwards for ASUU. "Government would be justified in sacking lecturers if they do not return to the classrooms, lecturers are not the only ones in the employ of the Federal

Continues on page 26

Stakeholders make case for vocational skills to alleviate poverty — Page 34

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Continues from page 25 Government to be causing this kind of headache.”

Pointing out that the union is unperturbed by the threat, the Chairman of ASUU, Lagos State University, LASU, Dr. Idris Adekunle, said: “there is no law that established any committee of Pro-Chancellors, therefore, we are not bound by any directive of the Committee. We are on a national strike and are still negotiating with government and we know that such directive is not in the best interest of education stakeholders.

“Our members know that we are fighting a just cause which is to stop the decadence in our education sector and we are bent to see it to the end. We are not bothered about any clandestine move that may come from anywhere because we are resolute, believe in the cause and are ready to fight this to the end.”

For the ASUU Ibadan Zonal Chairman, Dr Adesola Nasir, government’s order for schools to reopen is not the same thing as the academic staff resuming work because the schools were shut down by the management.

“One thing that I know is that ASUU members are resolute in our stand that we are not calling off the strike till government does the right thing.

"The threat is so primitive in this day and time, especially coming from someone who is from the academic. Rather than worrying how to fill in the over 23,000 short in teaching staff and move the sector forward, government is threatening to sack us.

“We are not bothered by the threat because we are not asking for money for our pockets but for the development of the varsity system. Government keeps complaining that our graduates are not employable yet they don’t want to put things in place to make them employable.”

The former Registrar, University of Lagos, Mr. Rotimi Shodimu said “whether or not the President said it is the Committee of Vice Chancellors or of Pro-Chancellors that issued the ultimatum, I have no doubt that the Federal Government and the Presidency gave the go ahead. From the President’s mannerism, it is obvious that he endorsed the ultimatum.”

An online reader, Terry4brandy, said “how would Jonathan honour the agreement with ASUU when Asari Dokubo has a university in Benin Republic? I have been expecting Asari Dokubo and his comrades in arm to start ‘shooting’ ASUU members back into classrooms.”

A parent, who declined to give his name, said “whatever is worth doing is worth do-

Empty lecture theatre of Department of English, LASU

Sack threat: We are resolute in our stand — ASUU ing well, ASUU should see this struggle to a logical conclusion. You can see the level of confusion with the Nigerian government GEJ, Wike, CVC and committee of ProChancellors who among these issued the ultimatum? Therefore, as far as I’m concerned, government is not yet ready to resolve the crisis, it still needs additional dose of the strike.”

Describing government’s sack threat as empty, the Chairmnn of ASUU, Kogi State University, KSU, Dr. Sylvester Ukwuteno, said “I think the threat by government to sack lecturers after the Wednesday, December 4 deadline is an empty threat.

Wike who issued the threat is

only mis-educating and misleading the Presidency on this issue.

“Unfortunately, much is left to be desired, as regards the latest denial by the President himself that it was the Committee of Vice Chancellors who gave a seven-day ultimatum for lecturers to resume or risk being sacked. Our position still remains that government should do what is expected of them as contained in our letter.”

Pull-away varsities n obedience to the federal government's directive, a growing number of schools have pulled away from the struggle and have reopened and also instructed their stu-

I

dents to resume classes.

Pointing out that reopening schools and lecturers resuming work are two different ball games, the University of Lagos ASUU Chairman, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka, said management can order for schools to be reopened because they, not lecturers, were the ones that locked up the schools in the first place.

"Government just wants to create a band wagon effect by making people believe that some schools are pulling out.

We have contacted our members in different schools and we are resolute in our stand that government should release the N200bn it agreed to inject into the system then we can start from there."

When asked if the pull away varsities would not affect the struggle, the LASU ASUU Chairman, Dr. Idris Adekunle, said "we are not bothered with any pull-away school and government’s threat to sack us. Nigerians are too knowledgeable to be cowed by those old storyline of the past.

"The military administration of General Ibrahim Babaginda tried it but didn’t succeed. We are now in a democratic dispensation where freedom of speech and expression is recognized. So, we are not bothered because the law protects us as a union to demonstrate and strike when all other options have failed.”

Professor Iyayi goes home

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & IKENNA ASOMBA

T

he ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, will, for a variety of reasons, be imprinted in the sands of time.

One undeniable reason for this is the passing of a former ASUU President, late Prof.

Festus Iyayi, who died on November 12, 2013, in a road accident on his way to attend the ASUU NEC meeting in Kano State.

Iyayi spent the better part of his life fighting for the improved welfare of lecturers and the betterment of the education sector, especially the

university system. Even with his death, the issues he died trying to resolve are yet to be resolved, especially as government has directed all federal varsities to reopen on December 4, the day his burial rites would commence.

According to the notice of his burial contained in a statement issued by the family and the burial committee in Benin which was signed by Mr. Ehidiamen Iyayi and Prof.

Diri Teilanyo, the burial programme has been fixed for between December 4 and 7 with a solidarity march from the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, to his

residence in Benin on December 4.

On December 5, there would be service of songs and night of tributes at his residence in Benin, followed by lying in state at his residence in Benin on December 6, while the body departs Benin for Ugbegun in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo, his country home, where he will be interred.

Born 1947, in Ugbegun in Ishan, Edo State, Prof. Festus Iyayi started his education at Annunciation Catholic College (ACC) in the old Bendel State, finishing in 1966, in 1967 he went to Government

College Ughelli, graduating in 1968. Iyayi left Nigeria to pursue his higher education, obtaining an M.Sc in Industrial Economics from the Kiev Institute of Economics, in the former USSR, and then his Ph.D from the University of Bradford, England.

In 1980, he returned to Benin and became a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Benin. He was ASUU president in 1986, but in 1988, the union was briefly banned and Iyayi was detained. In that same year he won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for his novel, Heroes.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—27

ASUU strike: Most varsities still empty

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI, DAYO ADESULU, LAJU ARENYEKA & WINIFRED BINOGU

T

oday should have marked the end of the ultimatum given by the Supervising Minister of Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to either defy the 5 month-old strike embarked upon by the union and resume duties or get sacked.

While some universities have aligned in response to the Federal Government’s directive, many others remain unshaken.

At the University of Lagos, UNILAG, academic activities have not begun.

Although there was the presence of academic staff on the campus, investigations carried out by Vanguard Learning revealed that the lecturers on campus are mostly residents.

Fresh students were however, sighted at different places on campus participating in admission screening, which has been going on for several weeks.

At the Lagos State University, LASU, there were barely any students - fresh or otherwise.

Vanguard Learning gathered that ASUU-LASU is not ready to bow to the Federal Government’s threat.

The situation is the same at the University of Ibadan; apart

Overgrown pathway leading to the sports complex of the Lagos State University.

Empty ATM points at the University of Lagos from the supervision of Doctorate and Masters thesis, academic activities on the campus are non-existent.

According to Professor Adeniyi Togun, a lecturer at University of Ibadan, the situation on campus after the pronouncement of Minister of Education remains the same.

He said: “ASUU is holding a meeting soon to decide the next line of action. The only activity on campus is the supervision of Post Graduates and Master thesis.

"Some of the Professors who do this do so because they

want to. We were not mandated by anybody to do so.”

Even beyond the south west zone, the situation is relatively the same in the north.

ASUU’s Secretary, University of Abuja chapter, Abubakar Suleiman told Vanguard Learning that the conditions given by the union before the strike would be suspended are still real and insisted that the union would not compromise its stand on account of intimidation by government.

He said the directive by government to reopen the universities as acting as if the country was in a military era.

traveling leveling signaling equaled

travelling levelling signalling equalled

Note Instalment (BrE) I n s t a l l ment (AmE) -The same spelling is used for excelling, propelling and rebelled in both American and British English.

FREQUENTLY CONFUSED WORDS Spelling Differences between American and British English (3) - ce - se American British practice (verb) practise advice (verb) advise - lAmerican counseling modeling quareling C M Y K

- llBritish counselling modelling quarrelling

-gAmerican aging judgment

- ge British ageing judgement

- or (-) American favorite humor flavor

- our (-) British favourite humour flavour

Others American mold wagon jewelry draft plow pajamas

British mould waggon jewellery draught plough pyjamas

According to Suleiman, “The Minister can run his mouth and make any pronouncement for all we care, the strike is still on and we are not going to call it off on account of intimidation.

"We are not raising any fresh demands, we only gave government conditions to ensure that our members who participated in the strike are not victimised.”

In Kano, it was grave yard silence on the two campuses of the Bayero University Kano, as thousands of student refused to heed the Federal Government order directing them to resume

school following the breakdown in negation with ASUU. At old campus, lecture theaters remained empty as there were no students on campus.

Similarly, the same scenario was obtained at the new campus located along Kano – Gwarzo road was empty, as no students were seen around.

Also, students of the Kano state owned University of Technology, Wudil near Kano was also empty, unlike their BUK counterpart, no lecturers turned up as directed by the Federal Government.

New Horizons powers Redeemer’s University IT resource centre

E

NSURING that students and staff have necessary IT skills and knowledge for global competitiveness, Redeemer’s University, Nigeria’s technology driven private university has commissioned a state-of-the-art multi-million naira information technology (IT) resource centre at Ogun State.

Powered by New Horizons, a private IT training institute in the world, the resource centre which has 150 HP CPU-monitor combined computers, intelligent boards, multimedia projectors, networking, software, international IT-E Biz courses/curricula, furniture, will help students escape the pervasive graduate unemployment syndrome which is ravaging job market.

Accordingly, the capacity building will enable every student irrespective of his or her academic discipline have minimum of four international skills certifications at 90 per cent subsidized rate, before graduation from the university.

Speaking at the commissioning of the center, Professor Debo Adeyewa, Vice Chancellor, of the university who lead the team of academic and non-academic staff of the school said he was elated by the partnership which has resulted in the IT Resource Centre.

“The university is not only IT compliant, we are IT driven that is why we are collaborating with New Horizons. We have informed the parents that for a token their wards should participate in this professionals certifications to make them globally competitive in IT and business skills.

Our prayer is that every student will use this IT resource centre to be certified including myself.”

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Scholarships UNESI unveils universal scholarship scheme for Nigerian students The Universal Education Support Initiative, UNESI, has announced the commencement of its universal scholarship scheme which aimed at providing education funding assistance to Nigerian students.

The Non Governmental Organisation, NGO, is set to provide scholarship to 200 pupils and students in all levels of education in 2013/2014 academic session while providing

others with educational materials, (computers, Laptops Textbooks and school uniforms).

The Chairman, UNESI Board of Trustee, Mr. Uchechukwu Micheal Okoronkwo, said "scholarships are great way to help people acquire sound, effectual qualitative education.”

According to him, many Nigerian students are desirous of fund to assist them attain goal of a world class education, but don’t have the means of getting such funds.

He pointed out that the UNESI’S Universal Scholarship Scheme concept is designed to give all Nigerians the opportunity to achieve their dreams irrespective of their class, age or state of origin.

He disclosed that the beneficiaries of the scheme in Universal Gold Education and Universal Silver Education categories are entitle to N3m and N2m each in the scholarship grant respectively.

On the other hand, the Universal International Educa-

tion category will get N5m each of scholarships grant to study aboard.

For beneficiaries to emerge, he noted that candidates forms will be processed. He said: “We undertake full scholarship support through education insurance funding, while managing portfolio investment made for all beneficiaries.

“Some of the benefits of students include; prompt and efficient payment of all education utility bills, instant up grade and grant welfare pack-

age, instant guarantee of education insurance/life assurance and instant start-up capital for vocational and other skill acquisition training beneficiaries after graduation. ”Others are; a chance to be best experience high standard academic excellence exchange programmes in bi-lateral academic excellence exchange programmes and inter-school challenge and academic excellence exhange programmes

Intel launches new solution for education

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU & PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

C

omputer chip manufactur er, Intel Nigeria, has launched a new education solution that provides access to a wide resource of free and lowcost digital text books and learning resources.

The solution, Intel Explore and Learn, is designed for learners of all ages, providing rich, interactive learning material including books, past certificate examination papers, instruction videos and podcasts for students from elementary to more advanced learning stages.

According to Intel's Regional Sales Director for MEA & Turkey, Cigdem Ertem, "The Intel Explore and Learn Marketplace solution seeks to provide a resource hub where learners can find relevant content to boost their studies while, at the same time, giving content providers access to a platform that enables sharing of rich content.

"As a company that has been active in the education space for the last 40 years globally,

we've seen how technology can drive improved learning results and assist teachers by providing access to information and quality engaging content."

Also speaking on the new platform, the Country Manager, Intel West Africa, Mr. Bunmi Ekundare, said, "For us at Intel, we are not just focused on emerging technologies, but also on the best ways to deploy these technologies to ensure that it is relevant to all stakeholders involved.

"This has informed our collaboration with Rancard, an African-based organisation that provides cloud-based software for mobile content discovery and delivery."

Speaking on the collaboration, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Rancard, Mr. Ehizogie Binitie, said, "We recognise education as a major challenge across the continent and believe the platform we have deployed together with Intel for the African market is an important step in solving this challenge, equipping both educators and content creators with the tools they need to create and distribute high quality educational content."

Osogbo High School wins Golden Quiz competition

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

A

jibade Jumoke and Ay odele Habib of Osogbo High School, Osogbo, Osun State, have emerged winners at the maiden Golden Quiz Competition organised by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, while Ede Muslim High School and Baptist High school Osogbo came second and third respectively.

A cheque of N200,00 was given to the winners, N100,00 and N75,000 were given to second and third position winners, while certificate of excellence were given to all the contestants in the competition.

Speaking at the occasion, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola said the present administration will ensure that the standard of living of the people of the state are improved.

"We consider as of great value and an indication of lasting partnership which

would further deepen our collective drive to enhance the standard of living of our people. I am optimistic that your presence here today would elicit exciting interest to make you and your other colleagues to excel in your education.

"Our participants in today's program are pioneers in this maiden edition of the Quiz competition, which we have called SCARF Golden Quiz.

We have given the name 'golden' to this competition because of the objective it is set out to achieve in our students.

"This quiz is to broaden the knowledge of our students and encourage them to aspire for further education.

"We therefore resolved in SCARF that we shall devote a portion of our available resources to help promote education among our children."

The Golden Quiz Competition will be an annual event just like the Osun Debaters which held in May this year.

Senior Brand Manager, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Lanre Da Silva (left); Brand Activation Manager, Mrs. Ebele Oluwalana, Brand Support Officer, Mrs. Nike Adedeji, presenting a trophy to the winner of the Honeywell Noodles Spellbound Africa 2013 edition, Miss Olivia Okechukwu (representing Federal Capital Territory) and other officials of the hosting school, at Model Secondary School, Eleme, Port Harcourt.

PEARSON lauds Corona Schools for winning Teacher, School Awards

BY DAYO ADESULU

P

EARSON Nigeria’s has lauded Corona Secondary School for emerging finalist in the 21st Century Learning International Teacher and School of the Year Awards 2013.

True to its offerings, the leading education solutions provider in the world, PEARSON Nigeria, has earned Corona Secondary

School the selection as finalist, in the 21st Century Learning International Teacher and School of the Year Awards 2013.

In his congratulatory speech, MD, PEARSON Nigeria, Mr Muhtar Bakare, expressed the organisation’s “excitement” at seeing Corona Secondary School, make the final list.

He stated that the finalist of the Teacher and School

Awards 2013, will receive from PEARSON Nigeria, an all expense-paid return trip to the awards ceremony scheduled to hold at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 21 December 2013.

Muhtar pointed out that the “Annual Teacher and School Awards are designed to promote best practice in the use of technology as a support tool for teaching and learning in 21st Century schools”.

CKA begins 2014 admissions A s part of efforts to provide well rounded, global approach to education, the City of Knowledge Academy, CKA, a school that has brought to reality the vision of an international co-educational secondary institution providing excellent academic and leadership training for young minds will commence entrance examinations for the 2014/2015 school year.

The school is situated within the leafy and serene suburbs of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and is easily accessible via the Ijebu Ode expressway.

"This location was specifically chosen for its spacious and tranquil environs. It is a serene and conducive learning environment far away from the tension soaked atmosphere of city life", said Mrs. Mosun BeloOlusoga, the founder of the school.

"The school employs a contemporary and integrated approach to learning and teaching; and the formal, informal, cultural and intellectual ethos of the school will equip the students with the skills needed for efficient and effective operation in the world of their future."

The examination dates are: Saturday November 30, February 15, March 15, June 14 at the following centres: The Lagos Liaison Office, The KRC, 3/5 Boyle Street, Onikan Lagos Island, and The School, City of Knowledge Academy, Itanrin Ososa Junction, OreSagamu Expressway, IjebuOde, Ogun State.

There will also be exams at the Port Harcourt centre, Rivers State on February 15, March 15, and June 14.

The City of Knowledge Academy is equipped to provide a

qualitative and comprehensive academic and social environment for its students. It has experienced, highly qualified academic and administrative personnel, purpose-built teaching, recreational and residential facilities for students and staff alike.

The facilities include information communications technology laboratory, science and integrated science laboratory, fine arts studio, home economics laboratory, languages’ room, introductory technology workshop, music room, modern digitally-equipped library, spacious boarding houses, medical centre and facilities for table tennis, badminton, basketball, volley ball and soccer.

The range of sports facilities will be expanded in the next phase of development

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013— 29

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—31

Stakeholders make case for vocational skills to alleviate poverty

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

P

a t h e t i c a l l y, Nigeria’s quest to become one of the top 20 global economies by 2020 has continuously hit the brick-wall, in what concerned stakeholders have argued to be the nation’s over-dependence on imported basic goods such as matches box, toothpicks, cotton buds, water starch, disinfectants, among

others.

It is against this backdrop that stakeholders who gathered at the 12 th graduation ceremony of the Centre for Vocational Empowerment and Development (CVED), held at Dominion Faith International Church (DFIC), Ipaja, Lagos, have argued that the nation must prioritize the acquisition of vocational skills for its citizenry if it must

alleviate its steep poverty rate, whilst raising ethical leaders and potential entrepreneurs.

Among dignitaries present at the event were Director, SMEDAN, Mr. Yinka Fishers; President, Association of MicroEntrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), Comrade Prince Saviour Iche; Keynote Speaker and Director of Partners Worldwide, Dr. Jeremiah

Yongo; Chief Oladele Alonge, Baale of OmilaAlawode, Ipaja, Lagos; Eld. Rotimi Gansallo, the Director of Its Thee Lords Ventures and Pastor Mercy Esan, CVED Registrar.

Speaking at the ceremony where no fewer than 235 students were graduated in the 3 months free intensive practical vocational training in fields such as bead making, printing, decoration and event

management, computer appreciation and desktop publishing, catering, hairdressing, production of home-use chemicals and adult literacy, the CEO, CVED Project and Senior Pastor, DFIC, Rev. David Olatona, noted that the programme was part of the church’s developmental efforts to alleviate poverty in the country.

“Today’s ceremony is a significant phase of

development in the actualization of our vision and dream to alleviate poverty, raise ethical leaders in the 21 st century and potential entrepreneurs for Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

"Having a passion for helping people and the less privilege, fully aware of the fact that we live in a world where basic education has failed to yield expected positive results and unemployment is the order of the day."

Grace Sch spends N25m on scholarship

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HE Administrator Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun, has disclosed that the school has spent about N25 million on scholarships for over 20 indigent students in the past 10 years.

Speaking to Vanguard Learning, Edun said the programme provide indigent students from public schools in Lagos the opportunity to study in Grace High School from SS1 to SS3 completely free of all charges and each beneficiary enjoys free textbooks, boarding uniform, examination including WAEC, NECO and SAT plus feeding and medical treatment. Some have also been sponsored even up to the university level.

Commenting on the selection process, Edun said “ we send out posters and handbills advertising the scholarship to the public schools and the school authorities also help to announce same to the children.

“Thereafter, the schools nominate two or three brilliant students to come for the selection examination usually, which is followed by an oral interview after which the beneficiaries for each year are chosen.”

C M Y K

32— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 , 2013

Ibirogba unveils Lagos scorecard on education sector

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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agos State Government at the weekend restated its commitment to the improvement of all inputs necessary for the delivery of quality education in the state ofs public schools inorder to produce potential future leaders of the country.

According to the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, while the successes of the state government in several vital state sectors like health, economic opportunity and education have resulted in a sustained streaming in of people from across the country and the West African sub-region seeking to enjoy the social infrastructure, the administration has not lost sight of its responsibility to the citizenry especially in the area of education.

The commissioner said the school environment, general infrastructure, type and sufficiency of learning equipment and the quality of the teaching personnel were some of the areas which, according to him, government focused on over the years with visible and positive outcome as shown in the steadily improving West African School Certificate results.

He said the state, in the last six years, built 5,204 new classrooms to cater for the growing student population which has increased over the years to 1,198,624 (578,504 in primary and 620,120 in secondary schools). All these are housed in the 664 schools spread across the state.

The state also rehabilitated 6,666 classrooms within the period, provided 197 schools with science laboratory, built ICT laboratory in 120 schools, supplied 212 schools with science materials and installed intro-tech laboratories in 73 schools.

Also, 1,409,476 textbooks were distributed freely to students while 387,133 furniture were provided to students to make them learn in a conducive environment.

The commissioner also explained that seven multi-lingual laboratories, proper toilets, five government technical colleges and 21 vocational centres were provided for the use of the public during the period. The government had also recently recruited 10, 000 teachers.

Similarly, the government he said, introduced a novel Lagos Eko project, an intervention programme with which it has fast-tracked the development of schools and training of teachers in order to improve C M Y K

learning outcomes in all junior and senior secondary schools.

The project, recently rated

by World Bank as being 'highly satisfactory' has helped to reduce the usual bureaucracies in government and improved the process and time of intervention in education through direct grants to schools.

All these, according to the commissioner had resulted in the rapid rise in the student

to pass level in the West African School Certificate exam which moved from a dismal 10 percent pass with five credits including English and Mathematics in 2008 to an encouraging 41 percent pass at credit level in 2013.

The commissioner admitted that there could be areas to do more, as most of the facilities provided would require constant replacement since they were used by

students who, as a result of age would damage them and assured that the government would continue to constantly maintain them and provide more to replace damaged ones.

Out of these, 85percent passed English, 84percent passed Mathematics and 84percent scaled through in Biology to make the students performance exceed World Bank benchmark.

From left: General Manager, Education Department, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Olaoye; Vice Chancellor, Redeemer's University, Professor Debo Adeyewa, Managing Director/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano; and Registrar, Redeemer's University, Mrs. Bolatito Oloketuyi, during the partnership between Redeemer's University and Horizons Nigeria, held at the school campus, Lagos - Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State.

Airtel donates borehole, instructional materials to Ogun pupils

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

E

fforts of the Ibikunle Amosun led administration in Ogun State at rebuilding the education sector again received a boost as one of the leading telecoms services provider in the country, Airtel Nigeria, donated some educational material and a borehole to pupils in one of the public primary schools of the state.

The items, which included school uniforms, bags, text books, note books as well as other instructional materials, were donated to the pupils and staff of St. John’s Primary School, OkeAgbo, Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu North local government area of the state.

The donation, under the company’s ‘Adopt-A-School initiative’ programme is coming barely six months after a set of classrooms, three offices and furniture were donated to the same school as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and the company’s commitment to the development of education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the handing over of the gift items, the CEO, Airtel

Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said the presentation of safe drinking water for the pupils and their teachers was borne out of his company’s desire to keep the pupils safe from water borne diseases.

He said the company's activities were not only in providing world class telecommunications experience for customers, but also to support the socialeconomic development of communities in which it operates.

JABU retains its first class graduates

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O encourage best brains and industry in tertiary institutions, the Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Professor Sola Fajano, has stated that graduating students with First Class honours will be retained in JABU. He disclosed this during a press conference marking its fourth convocation where 11 graduands emerged with First Class honours in various academic disciplines.

According to him, “Apart from those who are not willing to accept the offer, it is our institution’s policy to retain our First Class graduates.”

The VC who noted that he can vouch for the quality of gradu-

ates its institution churns out yearly said, “One of our students went to the University of Ibadan for Master and top its class.” “When you have a good product, you should be proud to showcase it anywhere,” he s a i d .

Explaining reasons for students exceptional performance in JABU, Fajano pointed out that JABU believes in quality adding, “the ratio of students to a teacher is 1:6, so that we can meet direct needs of students.”

The Professor who maintained that the institution produces a well rounded graduates added that for the school Senate to approve the graduation of any student, he must score 80 per cent class attendance and 70 for part time students.

Students locks horns on national confab at Loral Humanities

BY IKENNA ASOMBA & FORTUNE ANYANWU

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s call for a national dialogue has continued to heat the polity, students from various schools, who gathered recently at the Humanities Week of Loral International Day Secondary School, Festac, Lagos, also shared their mixed feelings on the national confab, in a mindpulsating debate competition.

While students of Loral International Day Secondary School coloured the day with a novelty football match, carnival, and pantomime presentation, Tender Touch College, Festac also had Pantomime presentations, as other invited schools like Naval Officers’ Wives Association Secondary School (NOWA), Ojo, Lagos and Kabe College, Festac locked horns in a debate contest entitled: “The Call to a National Conference: An Unnecessary Distraction.”

Representing NOWA was Master Albright Ehimze, who spoke in proposition for the confab, while Miss Adebusola Adeyemi of Kabe College, antagonized the a call for the confab.

Ehimze argued that the national conference must be seen as an ample opportunity for the various ethnic nationalities to come together to dialogue and discuss, rather than to be seen as a distraction.

“A national conference or dialogue is a meeting of all the stakeholders comprising of the various ethnic groups, interest groups, civil societies among other. The call is one that will afford Nigerians the ample opportunity to come together, in discussing issues bordering the citizens of this country.

Contrarily, Adeyemi argued that the call for a national dialogue at this point when the 2015 General elections is just around the corner is nothing but a distraction.

“The national dialogue is a distraction away from the pressing national issues like economy, education, health, agriculture, power among others. Looking at our economy, it has been depressed for a long time and all efforts to revamp it has proved abortive."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—33

Cocoa pruners undergo training in FUTA T he Federal Univer sity of Technology, Akure, through its Centre for Entrepreneurship, CENT, has commenced the training of Cocoa Pruners who are being taught modern skills in cocoa pruning that will enhance better yield.

Speaking during the flag off of the programme, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, represented by the DVC, Development, Professor Tolulope Akinbogun, urged the participants to give the training all attention

because of its importance.

“There are always modern ways of doing things to achieve the best result. If you do not know these modern ways, it will affect your output. See this opportunity as one of the best. Utilize it well so that you can train others”.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ayo Olajuyigbe, praised the effort of the Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in revamping

Cocoa production in the state through the constitution of the Cocoa implementation committee otherwise called Cocoa Revolution Project.

This effort has led to the need to train the first batch of 20 trainees who are to become Master Pruners who will eventually replicate the knowledge gained among peasant farmers across the state.

Olajuyigbe also called on Ondo State government and other neighbouring states to leverage on some of the research output from FUTA

so as to develop their citizens and build in them entrepreneurial skills.

This is because skill acquisition holds the key to solving the seemingly intractable problem of youth unemployment in the country.

Expressing his delight, Chairman, Ondo State Cocoa Implementation Committee, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, said “FUTA has come to stand distinctly in the comity of universities in Nigeria, Africa and the world. There are lots of potentials in FUTA that should be externalised.”

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH

Udeme Archibong successrecipe2009@gmail.com

Rescript your world; change your world

C

AN humanity understand why Sadaam Hus sein behaved the way he did? What gave birth to his over-riding mission and how he attained it? His world was full of hate and bitterness, this originated from the script he was living by.

Sadaam Hussein was living out the script handed over to him by training and conditioning in his earlier years. His father physically abused him; treating him with cruelty. His uncle taught him how to nurture a grudge and to hate the English “overlords.” He vowed that the same treatment of cruelty meted out to him in his childhood years, he will repay the same to humanity.

Thus, he built within him the inner core of hate and bitterness which instigated his murderous adventure. He ascended to become the president of lraq by killing anyone who got on his way; we all know the rest of the story.

Joyce Meyer, on the other hand, was sexually abused by her father. She had a torturous childhood. Her first marriage was abusive and she had to quit avoiding a wreck in her destiny.

By this time her world was replete with misery. Her life as at the time was miserable and she spread the same misery to others. When she got married to her present husband (Dave), her marriage was not fulfilling because of her.

This was because; she was living out the script of her earlier years and past marriage. With time, she became self aware and decided to re-script her world. It wasn’t a quickfix; it was a process of re-conditioning and training her mind of a consciously designed life that she wanted to experience.

She transformed the misery she had experienced in her life into a mission for the benefit of humanity. Joyce Meyer’s life has had a global impact, helping millions of people to experience a higher quality of life through her ministry.

Joyce Meyer turned her mess into a message by re-scripting her world.

Imagine that you’ve just printed out a script that you had written from your computer and you discovered that you made a typo. You decided to erase the typo on the hardcopy with a corrective fluid.

Afterwards you press the print-key on your computer and out comes the print-out with the same typo on the script. Obviously, the typo cannot be corrected on the printout but on the program on the computer. So it applies. Our outer world (physical world) is a print-out of our inner world (mental, emotional and spiritual world).

Many people are living out the script handed over to them by their parents; society; people’s agenda; circumstances and past habits. They struggle to effect changes in the physical world in order to experience the success they seek.

However, they struggle in vain. The fact is the real problem cannot be changed in the physical or outer world; it can only be corrected in the program-inner world. Therefore, success or failure in life is an expression or a reflection of your inner world (mental, emotional and spiritual).

As your own programmer you can write the script that runs your life.

Your ability to re-script your world hinges on self-knowledge, imagination and conscience.

Ponder on the words of Orison Swett Marden, “What are you here for? What do you mean to the world? What is your mission? What do you add to your community? What do you stand for? What is your message? Are you delivering it boldly, patiently, persistently, determinedly, without grumbling, whining, or shirking? What are you giving to the world? Do you mean much of anything to anybody but yourself? Is your sole aim self-aggrandizement, to get more reputation, more money, more comforts for yourself? Does your ambition shut others out of your life?

When you change the script you live by, you change your world.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF WOMEN:

A tribute to my triumvirate of heroines(5) Scholarship for me Map ofDelta but could not State FTER feasting on the meal, because those he she asked me to go home. went through said I ran from the shed, hopping and it would have cost skipping along. On the way him forty pounds, home, I joined some boys which he did not playing street football (soccer), h a v e . ensuring, however, that I got Consequently, he home before she did. Aunt came decided to pay the himself, home that evening and fees announced to all that I had been because he could admitted to Government College, pay the annual Ughelli. Mr. Arayi congratulated thirty-two pounds me and asked if I was not happy fees in installments. Father paid already. But quickly, turned that I went for the interview. I the fees and provided the other around as I continued to our smiled and nodded. A couple of accessories and I enjoyed the full house at the top of the compound. days later, Aunt travelled home benefit of the education at Another aunt also in black, came to Ugborodo to announce my Government College and quickly out from her house and rather success. moved to the top echelon of my than come to hug me just said Also, she must have realized class academically. I came home hello and turned around too. that the cost implications were to Ugborodo to spend my What is going on I thought to now more than she alone could vacations with Father. myself but walked straight to our shoulder. She returned to Sapele Three occurrences in 1955 house, which looked unkempt as and we started making affected me enormously. The first the chairs were in disarray. I preparations for me to attend the was the change of the school year turned around and secondary school of my dream, back to January to December asked.“Where is my father?” I Government College, Ughelli. from September to August. noticed that my father’s friends The family, more importantly, my Consequently, my class was in and young male adults started father had undertaken to pay my Form II for fifteen months. The coming into the compound. fees at GCU. As a full boarding second was the decision to make Again, I asked, “where is my school, providing books, footwear compulsory for all father?” My father’s best friend uniforms and all sports clothing, students at GCU. This was led the men and young men into the annual cost in 1953 was thirty- dramatic for one like me who had our house. “Sit down, my son,” two pounds, a large amount of never worn any footwear in his he said. I had the sick feeling as money at that time, especially for fifteen plus years on earth. I sank into the chair. a subsistent crayfisher-man.

Fortunately, I adjusted quickly to “You are a grown man now, my September 1953, I was one of wearing the popular Clark’s son. Your father is no longer with the forty-eight boys, the latest sandals after a few discomforts. us. He is dead,” he continued. I addition to GCU, who were The third one was momentous in screamed and jumped into the distributed amongst the four my life. As was the practice as air. The men held me and said existing Houses (dormitories), soon as a student completed his all sorts of calming words that I School, Warri, Forcados and mid year examination, he could did not comprehend. My father leave for the mid is dead; who now is going to pay I had a dreadful dream in year holidays. my fees at Ughelli was the first Consequently, I thought that came into my mind? which my father sat on a chair left as soon as I Is this the end of my education and I sat on the floor between was done with at GCU? him and mother, who was also my papers before the Grandmother’s sitting by me on the floor Principal or the house Sapele, and were divided Housemaster could reach and All sorts of thoughts flowed equally into Form IA and Form inform me. I took the earliest incoherently through my head. I transport from Ughelli to Warri 1Alpha. I was in School House and in Form 1A. Government in order to catch one of the felt I too should die rather than College brought structure and motorboats (Kpekpekpe) from not return to my beloved GCU. The adults succeeded in calming discipline into the lives of the Warri to Ugborodo that day. down. The women, weeping and As we boarded and the boys it admitted and it molded them into honest and diligent motorboat took off, the village wailing, came to console me. My young men. Our daily lives, from tailor approached me and said mother and my little sister, wake-up bell to lights outs, were something about condolences Tetsoma, weeping uncontrollably regulated. Besides the rigorous but noticed that I stirred at him came to console me too. Later that academic instructions and bemused, so he quickly changed evening, it was decided that I go mother to my compulsory sporting activities of the subject. Others who knew me with grandmother’s house. would say hello and quickly turn football, athletics and cricket, in That night mother asked me to our free time,we enjoyed playing away. Oblivious to all of these indoor games like table tennis, signs, and dreaming of the sleep under the mosquito net chess, and other board games reunion with my family, I sat up next to her. I had a dreadful and out door games like volley by the bow of the boat and dream in which my father sat on ball, bush football and bush enjoyed the cool sea breeze on a chair and I sat on the floor my face. The five-hour journey between him and mother, who cricket.

I found out that the top six boys came to an end and when the was also sitting by me on the floor. in the examination into Ughelli boat docked, I took my luggage Then I asked them, “Who will pay were awarded automatic and walked through the beach my school fees now?” But before government scholarship and rather through the main village anyone could answer, I jumped others were recommended to to the family compound. I wanted up on the bed partially asleep, their different Native Authorities to surprise the family. I met an screaming and shaking. My for scholarship. Father mentioned aunt, who dressed in black, was mother woke, held unto me casually to me that he tried to shocked to see me and tightly and calmed me down.

To be continued obtain Itsekiri Native Authority wondered if I was on holidays

BY OGBEMI O. OMATETE

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, C M Y K

,

America’s ‘Exceptionalism’ America is not the world’s policeman. Terrible things happen across the globe, and it is beyond our means to right every wrong, but when with modest effort and risk we can stop children from being gassed to death and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act.

That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional. With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth — President B. Obama, September 10, 2013.

M

comes to healthcare and your child’s education, many Americans would wish they were from Sweden!

President Putin has a point.

At the other end of the continuum of exceptionalism is bigotry; a sense of mycountry-right-or-wrong, inequality, combative arrogance and justified segregation. Even within the United States, there is also a sense of exceptionalism among some members of racially and economically advantaged groups. If you attended certain educational institutions, that fact automatically places you above your colleagues with similar qualifications obtained from educational institutions that make them appear like children of lesser gods.

Here is an example of how exceptionalism can intoxicate and lead to doing the bizarre.

As an instructor of record in an ‘exceptional’ school of

OSCOW’S response to President Obama’s advocacy of America’s exceptionalism was swift and blunt. President Vladimir Putin put it this way: “It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation.” Since then, a number of Americans have castigated President Putin for daring to challenge what Exceptionalism must have so many of their some qualifiers, or at least a compatriots have always sober, moderating influence accepted and believe to be an incontrovertible, universal truth. journalism in the United The idea of America’s States, my undergraduate exceptionalism has a history. student – a Caucasian girl – But, that is not the primary wanted to say something on the concern here. What is more first day of class, after I had important is its meaning: that explained the course syllabus there is something qualitatively to the students. I thought she unique about America that sets wanted further it apart from the rest of the explanation.But, no. Hear human community. Obama what she told me to my face: commenced his presidency with What you just said (on an issue) a global campaign to show that is not how we do things in America is a partner with the America! rest of the world, not an I kept my cool and exceptional leader designated philosophically asked her this

by God to shepherd the question: When you add one international community. That plus one where I come from, pristine Obama can still be seen the result is two; in America, in the excerpt above. Although what does that exercise give he acknowledges you? She got the message. exceptionalism as an ‘essential After class, she came to me and truth,’ he does so with a measure apologized for her arrogance. of ‘humility’.

Fact is, what she complained As arrogant and offensive as against was a standard this catechism on regulation given to me by my exceptionalism may sound, head of department for the there is evidence that in some information of my students! respects, America is indeed But, she must have thought: unique. Talk about the notion of how dare this non-American freedom of speech and with an accent tell this assembly; the aggressiveness exceptional American what to with which the country fights to do in class? The fact that I just protect its citizens and their been judged competent to be rights anywhere on this planet; her instructor must have meant how the American society a trifle, even an insult, in her creates a congenial environment definition of American to unleash your potential exceptionalism! and reach for the sky, no matter Exceptionalism is like wine. the odds (did black man Obama And, as the Chinese say: First, not become president?). You can a person takes the wine. Then, go on enumerating all that is the wine takes the wine. good about America. But, so can Thereafter, the wine takes the you make an endless list of person. Exceptionalism must exceptionalims about other have some qualifiers, or at least nations. For instance, when it a sober, moderating influence.

,

The fourth part of this discourse was published in Wednesday’s edition of Vanguard

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013— 35

36 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 —37

I N S I D E

INEC lacks power to withdraw certificates of Return issued

Limitation of Court's jurisdiction in our jurisprudence(3)

— Page 39

— Page 40

Judiciary underfunded by executive, judges overstretched — Imo Chief Judge

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

This is not the best of times for Imo State Judiciary. In this interview, the state Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, spoke on a number of issues affecting the state judiciary.

Excerpts.

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HE opening of the Legal Year and Assizes appear to be a yearly ritual. Is this exercise truly necessary?

This function is significant in some ways. In the first instance, it affords us an opportunity to present ourselves to God and pray for the renewal of our mandate as God’s representatives on earth to continue to judge others.

The second aspect of the ceremonies is used to mark the formal commencement of the trial of criminal cases.

The opening of the assizes is of historical significance. In law, assizes signifies a session or sitting of a court of justice. It originally signified the method of trial by jury. During the Middle Ages, the term was applied to certain court sessions held in England and because of the historical past of Nigeria, I was introduced in the country during the colonial period. In modern times, courts of assizes are criminal courts that deal with the most serious crimes. Here in Imo State, a court tries both civil and criminal cases. It has to be noted that assizes was abolished in England in 1971.

Is this all you do while heralding the legal year?

Not exactly. The legal year ceremonies

•Justice Benjamin Njemanze, Imo State Chief Judge was “that justice be done”. Did you achieve this desire?

The theme afforded us an opportunity to examine the claim of the independence of the judiciary. We appealed to the BAR to take more appropriate interest in seeing to the actualization, protection and sustenance of judicial independence. We demanded for the implementation of the constitutional provision, which granted the judiciary financial autonomy.

,

We demanded for the implementation of the constitutional provision, which granted the judiciary financial autonomy. We drew attention to the fact that it was important to promote and maintain judicial independence both in fact and as it is perceived objectively by the public.

affords the state judiciary an opportunity to take stock and self appraisal of the activities of the proceeding year. It also allows the judiciary to make projections for the succeeding year.

In 2011/2012 legal year, you branded it “entrenching democracy through the rule of law”. Why? The theme provided us an opportunity to examine the doctrine of separation of powers in a democratic governance. We drew attention and cautioned against arbitrariness in governance. We drew attention to the importance of the respect for rule of law and for the sustenance of democratic government.

In 2012/2013 legal year, the theme

,

We drew attention to the fact that it was important to promote and maintain judicial independence both in fact and as it is perceived objectively by the public. It was also our considered opinion that the three arms of government must be seen to be separate and independent from one another. I will leave it at that.

In your candid opinion, has anything changed for the better?

It is most disheartening to state that the situation has not changed as the judiciary still goes cap in hand begging the Executive for funds!

Are you comfortable with the standards attained by the Bench and Bar?

In every profession, there is a great pressing need to uphold certain timehonored standards. This need is more urgent and appears in greater relief in a profession like ours, which proclaims itself learned and honourable. Also, in the seeming paradox of a lawyer’s life, his only shield is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions and his ready, implicit and undiluted obedience to the unwritten laws of the profession, to the traditions of the profession, to that strict code of honour expressly designed to allow the lawyer discharge his duties to the administration of justice without being false to himself or to his conscience.

Do you have any advice to lawyers?

Lawyers must bear in mind at all times that they are officers of the court. So, an advocate is required to perform his advocatory duties with all honesty of purpose. A lawyer must perform his duties with reasonable degree of care, skill and sincerity. A lawyer, as a priest in the temple of justice, must not do anything to denigrate in the integrity of the court. A lawyer, who for reward, for whatever reason, casts aspersions on the integrity of a judex is no longer worthy to worship in the temple of justice where he is a minister, for he has by so doing, destroyed himself in the eyes of his congregation, that is the public.

Let us look at the infrastructure in Imo State Judiciary.

The buildings housing the courts in the state, are nothing to write home about. Since its creation in 1976, the judiciary is the only arm of government, out of the three arms that is still operating in a temporary site. Where we are today is not and is not supposed to be the permanent site of the judiciary.

Can you please explain what you mean?

To expatiate on this point, let me state that the legislature, which used to have a temporary house of assembly at the premises of Owerri Municipal Council, now has a befitting House of Assembly Complex at the New Owerri. Similarly, the Executive arm of government, which used to have its ministries and departments scattered along Okigwe and Orlu Roads in Owerri, are now housed in befitting structures along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

Are there fresh developments in the administration of justice in the state?

Yes. Let me use this opportunity to thank my brother, Hon. Justice B. A. Adejumo, for seeing to the establishment of a division of the National Industrial Court in Owerri, and for posting Hon. Justice O. Y. Anuwe as the pioneer presiding judge. As a result of this development, lawyers and litigants from Imo State no longer travel to Enugu for the hearing of their labour related cases.

We are most grateful. We are however, still awaiting for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to start sitting.

Can we have an idea about the number of cases pending or decided in Imo courts?

Let me start by saying that there are nine judicial divisions of the High Court and a Customary Court of Appeal. We also have 20 Magisterial Districts and 44 Customary Courts in the 27 local government areas of the state.

The number of cases pending in the High Court as at October 1, 2012 are as f

Continues on page 38

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

SAN tasks govts on electronic recording system in courts

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, has called on governments to ensure that courts in the country use electronic recording system, and stop the usage of taking proceedings in long hand.

Oyetibo, while speaking with Vanguard Law and Human Rights at his new state-of-the-art law firm in Lekki, Lagos, noted that even the highest court in the country (Supreme Court), still write in long hand.

He said: “Those of us who have been in practice in this country for some years would readily agree

that the machinery is slow, and there are quite a number of factors responsible for that. First, the courts are not, to me, well funded by the State. ”If you go round the courts in Nigeria, you will find out that almost in every state, judges still take proceedings in long hand in 2013. Why should that be so? Even in the highest court in Nigeria (Supreme Court), they still write in long hand. Even though we have filed written briefs, but in the course of oral arguments they take proceedings in long hand. That ought not to be so in year 2013, for God sake.”

The senior lawyer, who is the founder and Chief

•Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, (SAN) Counsel of Tayo Oyetibo & Co., stressed that one of the reasons for the slowness seen in the Administration of Justice is because judges take proceedings in long hand, instead of using electronic recording system. ”Our courts, by now,

should have electronic recording system. There should be companies that would produce the transcript, as it is done in some other countries, and each litigant gets a copy of the proceedings on Compact disc (CD).

The CD could be paid for

by the litigants. It is public proceedings, everything should be electronically recorded. ”As a matter of fact, as soon as you file your processes, you should be able to pay for copies of the CD that would be made available to you, and the transcript at the end of the proceedings; so that within 24 hours or 48 hours, you should have a copy of the CD, backed by the official transcript that you then subsequently obtain. That should happen all through the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria. ”If you do that, it ensures transparency.

Everything that you say in court is recorded. Whether it is said by the judge, a

party or a counsel, it is on record. But the transcript would just be the official removing of unnecessary comments by the side.

The CD would be mere recording, verbatim; everything that is said in court is contained in the CD. The transcript would be the official record that can then be certified and given out. ”That is what we should be doing in Nigeria in 2013, and it is not difficult. How much would a state invest in acquiring electronic recording gadgets to be able to do this? If you do that, we will be 50% away from this slowness in the Administration of Justice” Oyetibo added.

Judiciary underfunded by executive, judges overstretched Continues from page 37 ollows: Civil - 19,176, Criminal - 5,311, Miscellaneous - 5,534.

The number of cases filed in the High Court from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013 are as follows: Civil -2,721, Criminal -5,332, Miscellaneous - 8,211. This gives us a total of 16,264.

The number of cases disposed in the High Court from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013 are as follows: Civil 965, Criminal - 263, Miscellaneous - 510. This gives a total of 1,738.

From the figures established above, the number of cases pending in the High Court as at September 30, 2013, are as follows: Civil - 20,932, Criminal - 14,675 and Miscellaneous - 23,080.

Thus we have a total of 59,687 cases pending in Imo State High Court, as

at the time of this interview.

What is the position in magistrate and customary courts?

The number of cases pending in the magistrate courts as at September 30, 2012, are as follows: Civil - 4,984, Criminal - 18,059, and Miscellaneous 2,555. This gives a total of 25,601 cases. However, the number of cases filed in the magistrate courts from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, are as follows: Civil - 582, Criminal - 923, Miscellaneous - 852 and this gives a total of 2,357.

The number of cases disposed at the magistrate courts from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, is 1,556. A total of 417 civil cases, 782 criminal matters and 377 miscellaneous cases were disposed. When we add up these figures, we will be left with a total of

26,402 cases pending in the magistrate courts.

In the Customary Court of Appeal, 399 cases were pending at the beginning of the legal year, while 412 cases were filed within the same period under review. A total of 353 cases were disposed, while the number of cases pending at the end of the legal year is 458.

The number of cases pending in the customary courts at the beginning of the legal year was 11,410.

Cases filed within the period was 3,512. The number of cases disposed was 2,087, while the number of cases pending as at the end of the legal year was 12,835.

What do these figures portend for the state judiciary?

A critical analysis of the foregoing statistical data glaringly exposes the dilemma of the State Judiciary in terms of the

case management and the burden our judges bore in their bid to reduce the number of cases pending in our courts.

For instance, in 2012/ 2013, the number of cases filed from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, in the High Court was 16,264 as opposed to 4,890 filed within the same period in the preceding year. Equally, the number of cases pending as at September 30, 2013, in the High Court was 59,687 as opposed to 33,021 pending as October 1, 2012.

Today, there are only 15 judges in the High Court and five in the Customary Court of Appeal of Imo State. The fact of the matter is that the case/ judge ratio in Imo State High Court is 3,979 per judge. It is absurd that 3,979 cases should be pending before one High

Court Judge in the state.

Certainly, this is unacceptable. The last time judges were appointed in the state was in 2008, when five judges were appointed in the High Court and three in the Customary Court of Appeal. Since that period, five judges have retired from the High Court, while one retired from the Customary Court of Appeal. We lost one of our judges to death in 2009.

What do you say about prison congestion?

Prison congestion is worrisome. During the period under review, I visited the Nigerian Prisons severally and conducted goal delivery. I observed that the prison in Owerri is congested.

Let me therefore suggest that the prison in Owerri be relocated to a site that will allow for the building

of a good prison complex, especially for the rehabilitation of the inmates.

In the same vein, let me specially appeal to Governor Rochas Okorocha to immediately constitute the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. This is very necessary and important.

If this is done, then the Governor can grant pardon to some deserving prison inmates on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In spite of the numerous constraints militating against the speedy dispensation of justice in the state, the judiciary has done its best. It will be an understatement to say that the judges are over stretched. Let me use this opportunity to thank my brother judges for rising to the occasion, which we found ourselves. Let me also thank the lawyers for their understanding and cooperation. I am very grateful to the people of Imo State for having faith in the judiciary.

Are there other constraints?

Another major impediment constituting a clog in the smooth administration of justice in the state is the non-adequate funding of the judiciary. A look at the premises of the judiciary will say it all.

Government should visit the state judiciary and make its impact felt by both serving and retired judges, magistrates and all the workers of the state judiciary.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 39

INEC lacks power to withdraw certificates of return issued

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDING AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY THE 1ST DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2013 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS: HON. JUSTICE JIMI OLUKAYODE BADA, JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL HON. JUSTICE ADZIRA GANA MSHELIA JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL HON. JUSTICE EJEMBI EKO,JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL HON. JUSTICE SIDI DAUDA BAGE, JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL HON. JUSTICE ONYEKACHI AJA OTISI, JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL APPEAL NO: CA/A/83/2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SENATOR ABUBAKAR SADDIQ YAR’RADUA ) SENATOR ABUBAKAR HADISIRIKA ) HON. ABBAS ABDULLAHI MACHIKA HON. ISA LAWAL DORO HON. SHEIK UMAR ) APPELLANTS HON. DR. MANSUR ABDULKADIR ) HON. SALISU ADO HON. SULLEMAN SALISU ) HON. SANI BELLO MASHI ) HON. AHMED USMAN BABBA

AND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SENATOR ABDU YARO YANDOMA SENATOR AHMED SANI STORES MUSA SALISU AMINU ASHIRU MOH TUKUR MURTALA ISA MUHTARI DANDUTSE UMAR K.

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) RESPONDENTS )

9 10 11 12 13 14

UMAR ABDU DANKAMA TASIU DOGURU INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION THE SENATE PRESIDENT THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ) THE CLERK TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

) ) )

JUDGEMENT (DELIVERED BY EJEMBI EKO, JCA) The 1st - 10th respondents were the plaintiffs at the court below. The original defendants were the present 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th respondents. The present appellants brought a motion for joinder. The motion was granted on the 8th February, 2012 and the appellants were joined in the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1042/2012 as the 5th – 15th defendants. In this Court the 11th Appellant, who was the 15th defendant, was struck off the processes in the appeal at the instance of the Appellants’ counsel as the 11th appellant had ceased to exist.

On the 28th December, 2011 at the instance of the 1st - 10th Respondents, as plaintiffs, an originating summons was issued out of the Registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja wherein the 1st - 10th Respondents, as plaintiffs, sought a number of reliefs. In consequence of the joinder of the appellants, the 1st - 10th Respondents amended and filed their amended originating summons. The amended originating summons together with the supporting affidavit, are pages 665 – 673 of the Record of Appeal. Reproduced below are the questions posed and the reliefs sought by the 1st – 10th, as plaintiffs, at the trial court. That is 1. whether upon a proper construction of Section 68(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, the 1st Defendant has the power to review either directly or indirectly, the return of the plaintiffs by their respective returning officers, by purporting to withdraw the certificates of return issued to them consequent upon the said return.

2. whether upon a proper construction of Section 75(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended the 1st Defendant has the power to nullify, withdraw or render void or invalid the certificates of return issued to the plaintiffs upon their being returned under Section 68(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended as winners of election into their respective Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts of Katsina State of Nigeria without a valid order emanating from a court of competent jurisdiction so directing it.

3. Whether upon a proper construction of Section 75(1) & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, the 1st Defendant has the power to issue certificates of return to 5th - 14th Defendants when a competent court of law had not invalidated or voided the certificates of return issued the plaintiff nor directed it to issue them with certificates of return.

4.

Whether upon a proper construction of the Section 75(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, read along with Section 68(1) of the same Act as amended the the certificates of

return issued the 5th - 14th Defendants by the 1st Defendants in violation of the aforesaid provisions were validly issued and could be used as a basis for the swearing in of the 5th - 14th Defendants as members of the National Assembly, by the 2nd - 4th Defendants.”

AND THE PLAINTIFFS CLAIM THE FOLLOWING RELIEFS, NAMELY: 1.

A declaration that by virtue of Section 68(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended the 1st Defendant lacks the power to review the return of the plaintiffs, either directly or indirectly, as the candidates who won the elections into the Senate and House of Representatives to represent their Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts, by purporting to withdraw their certificates of return and that the said return of the plaintiffs can only be reviewed by the courts prescribed in section 68(1) of the aforesaid Act. 2.

A declaration that by virtue of section 75(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, the 1st Defendant lacks the power to cancel, nullify, review, withdraw, void, invalidate, either directly or indirectly, the certificates of return validly issued the plaintiffs consequent upon their winning elections to represent their respective Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts in Katsina State, without an order of court first sought and obtained.

3.

A declaration that by virtue of section 75(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, the 1st Defendant lacks the power to issue certificates of return to the 5th - 14th defendants in relation to the Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts over which the plaintiffs had earlier on been issued with valid certificates of return, when neither the Court of Appeal nor the Supreme Court had nullified the certificates of return issued to the plaintiffs.

4.

A declaration that the sealed certificates of return issued to the plaintiffs upon their winning election into the National Assembly to represent their various Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts of Katsina State are still valid and that the plaintiffs are entitled to immediately repossess their seats in the National Assembly to represent their respective Federal Constituencies and Senatorial Districts without let or hindrance from the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Defendants or any other persons.

5.

A declaration that the 2nd - 4th Defendants ought not to have sworn in the 5th th 14 Defendants into the National Assembly upon the invalid certificates or return issued the 5th - 14th Defendants by the 1st Defendant.

6.

An order nullifying the certificates of return issued by the 1st Defendant to the 5th - 14th Defendants, and 7.

An order directing the 5th - 14th Defendants to immediately vacate their seats in the National Assembly.

The originating summons is supported by an affidavit. The affidavit is at pages 670 – 672 of the record. Paragraph 4 thereof which is most germane, avers: 4.

That the 2nd plaintiff informed me in the office and in the presence of our principal Yahaya Mahmood, SAN; and in the presence of the 6th, 8th and 10th plaintiffs around 4 pm on Wednesday 1st February, 2010 and I verily believe him to be true and correct as follows: a.

That he and other plaintiffs are registered and bona-fide members of the 15th defendant and contested the April, 2011 general election for various federal constituencies and senatorial districts of Katsina State under the platform of the 15th Defendant. b.

That upon winning the election each, those of them that won the federal constituencies election were returned and issued with forms EC8E(1) while those won in their senatorial districts were returned and issued with forms EC8E. c That each one of them was issued with a certificate of return by the 1st defendant. d That upon presentation of the Certificate of Return, the 2nd and 3rd defendants duly swore them in as members (Senator for the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs and members of the House of Representatives for the 3rd - 10th Plaintiffs) of the National Assembly. e.

That their elections were unsuccessfully challenged at i The Katsina State National Assembly Elections Tribunal and ii Court of Appeal, Kaduna and their election were confirmed/affirmed. f That without any order of any Court of competent jurisdiction, their Certificates of Return were purportedly withdrawn or canceled, and fresh ones issued by the 1st Defendant to the 5th - 14th Defendants. g That pursuant upon the fresh Certificate of Return purportedly issued as aforesaid, the 2nd and 3rd Defendant swore in the 5th - 14th Defendants without any order of Court, to take the various seats of the Plaintiffs in the National Assembly. h That a copy of the 15th Defendants Katsina State Chairman to the National Secretary’s dated 28th their nominated candidates dated 28th January, 2011 is attached as Exhibit ‘KT1’. i That 5th - 14th Defendants to whom the fresh Certificates of Return were issued did not participate in the 9th April, 2011 elections as: (I) They do not have forms EC8 series issued in their names after the election.

(II) They had no Certificate of Return of that election in their names, after the declarations of the results.

That what the Plaintiffs want are declarations on whether the acts of the Defendants are within their powers under the Constitution, electoral Law, others Acts and regulations.”

It is apparent from reliefs 1, 2, 3, and 4 claimed by the Plaintiffs/1st - 10th respondents that the suit seeks the judicial review of the powers of the 1st defendant/11th defendant, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to allegedly withdraw the Certificates of Return issued to the Plaintiffs/1st - 10th Respondents after it had conducted the elections, declared the results, made returns and thereafter issued certificates of return to each of the Plaintiffs. In the suit the Plaintiffs seem to suggest that without a court order validly made by a court of competent jurisdiction INEC has no powers, in law, to withdraw a certificate of return it issued to each or any of the Plaintiffs after it had validly conducted an election and made a return therefrom. The plaintiffs in the originating summons and the supporting affidavit aver that after the election and their returns, their elections were unsuccessfully contested at the National Assembly and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal; and that their returns each; remain inviolate thereafter. I have read the Brief of Argument of the 1st 10th Respondents, who were the Plaintiffs in the Court below, and I am of the firm view that paragraph 101-109 thereof is an adroit summary of the Plaintiffs’ case at the court below.

The position of INEC, the 1st Defendant in the suit, is that the Plaintiffs were never on the ballot in the disputed elections, and that the only candidates of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) were the 5th - 14th Defendants/Appellants. INEC’s Counter-Affidavit at pages 962 – 965 avers in paragraphs 4 and 5 (i) and (ii) thereof as follows:

Continues next week

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Limitation of Court's jurisdiction in our jurisprudence(3) Continued from last week

I

F the unlikely event or hypothetical situation of the State High Court having been abolished by the Military Government, would the abolished court have been resurrected because the appellant had instituted an action the cause of action which arose when that court was still in existence? The answer is of course in the negative. It is essential to differentiate the application of the law when cause of action arose and the jurisdiction exercisable by the court when the proponent of an action decided to institute an action”.

I also said in my concurring judgment at page 650 “ the principle of law that the jurisdiction of a court is determined by the law existing at the time the cause of action arose, cannot be invoked to vest jurisdiction in a court that lacks it. If a court lacks jurisdiction in a matter, no amendment of law can vest jurisdiction on it. In the case under reference, UWAIFO, JSC called in aid the decision of the supreme court in CHIEF UTIH V. ONOYIVWE (1991) 1 NWLR (PT. 166), WHERE BELLO, CJN; held that the relevant law applicable in respect of a cause of action or matter is the law in force at the time the cause of action arose in the case of the law relating to jurisdiction when the action was instituted. Learned counsel for the appellant would appear to have used cause of action and jurisdiction as interchangeable terms in this appeal that explains why he took the definition of an action in great details in issue No. 1at pages 6 to 10 of his brief. The principle of law that the relevant law applicable in respect of a cause or matter is the law in force at the time the cause of action arose can only be extended to the purview of jurisdiction if at the same time the court had jurisdiction in the matter.

In other words, the principle can only apply if the jurisdiction of the court coincides with the law in force at the time the cause of action arose which vested the court with jurisdiction”. I can still fall back on CHIEF UITH V ONOYINVW (SUPRA) WHERE BELLO, CJN, said at page 201. The cause of action in this case on appeal may be said to have arisen from 7th June, 1977, when the 1st Defendant was appointed as the Ovie of Evwreni. As shown earlier, the claim was filed on 18th July, 1978. It follows therefore the applicable laws in force on 18th July, 1978, to wit, section 161(3) and 161(1) of the 1963 constitution and section 36 of the chiefs law which have been set out in this judgment.”

“Let me apply the above

principle to the raw figures in this matter by way of dates as done by Bello, CJN. It is common ground that the cause of action arose in October, 1989, and the appellant filed the action on13th January,1993. The Decree which vested in the Federal High Court the jurisdiction to entertain the matter in this appeal came into effect on 17th November, 1993.

Although the action was properly filed at the Kwara State High Court in 17th January, 1993, that court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter as from 17th November, 1993 when Decree No. 107 was promulgated. Accordingly the Kwara State High Court had no jurisdiction to deliver judgment.

The judgment which the court delivered on 18th May, 1996 some thirty months after the ceaser of its jurisdiction is a nullity ab initio.”

The Supreme Court reaffirmed the law four years after in the case of OSAKWE V F.C.E

Hon. Justice Aloma Maryam, CJN ASABA & 2 ORS (SUPRA).

As stated above, is that jurisdiction of a court is determined by the following: The Plaintiff’s claim Statutes On 1 above, jurisdiction is determined from the claim as formulated by the Plaintiff. The

subject matter of a suit is found on the claims not on the parties to the litigation.

Secondly, every court is a product of a statute. And every statue that creates a court assigns to it, its scope of duties or responsibilities. Again jurisdiction could also be referred to as the venue where litigant can be heard for their claim. This is why sometime an action may be properly before a court, but before the conclusion of it a new law may emerge thereby taking away the venue from the court even though the causes of action may still stand.

See section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and section 254C(1) of the Third Alteration Act to the 1999 constitution which have taken away a great deal of the Federal and State High Courts jurisdiction and placed such in the Industrial Court.

By the provision of S. 254C (1) of the Third Alteration Act to the 1999 constitution, all matters

relating to employment and other matters thereto pending at the Federal and States High Court are divested of jurisdiction in such matters by the enactment of the Act. What it simply then means is that, the venue of the trial has changed from the Federal or State High Court to the Industrial Court, now saddled with the exclusive responsibility to adjudicate on matters of that nature, as provided in the Third Alteration Act to the 1999 Constitution.

Jurisdiction therefore is distinct from cause of action. The two should not be mixed.

WRITTEN BY: Prince Philips Adu-Odogwu Esq. Phil and Palmy Solicitors Suite D5, Murg Shopping Mall No 1 Awka Street Area 10, Garki-Abuja Email: philadujames@gmail.com Mobile: +2348063416211

Chief D.CO. Njemanze, SAN: Fare thee well!

By Awa Kalu, SAN

I

T is given unto man to die. No mortal, no man born of woman, can escape this truism. When a man has lived life to the fullest, has worked hard and made his mark, what do we do when such a man departs, what do we do?

Surely, the responsibility we owe a good man and woman, a great man or woman, is to acknowledge his time on earth and etch same in our memories. But, an important question is, how do we remember our friends, loved ones, Daddies mentors, professional colleagues, heros and so on, when they are done and gone?

As Christians, we cannot forget the abiding lyrics of the celebrated Hymn, known in all Christendom, ‘Only Remembered’, by Sankey Ars. J. Tams & H. Brough to the effect that ‘Faded away like the stars in the morning, losing their light in the glorious sunThus would we pass from this earth and its tiding, Only remembered for what we have done’.

The Hymn reminds us that ‘only the truth we have spoken, only the seed that in life we have sown, these shall pass onwards when we are forgotten, only remembered for what we have done’.

Then, the hymn further questions us – ‘who‘ll sing the anthem and who’ll tell the story, will the line hold will it scatter and run, shall we at last be united in glory, only remembered for what we have done’.

The last stanza of this memorable Hymn is perhaps, the most instructive. The first line of the Hymn is more like a question as it asks: “who’ll sing the anthem and who’ll tell the story”. The answer cannot be farfetched. All

•Late Chief Dan C.O. Njemanze those who mourn will tell the story of our father, uncle, friend, business associate, mentor, professional colleague, hero and benefactor who has gone. His story must be told because there are people who remember him as the illustrious son of an illustrious father, scion of the very prominent Njemanze family, trail blazer, and pathfinder of his generation. His business associates, his colleagues in many fields of endeavour, his brothers and sisters, his children who have also distinguished themselves in their careers, his community and his kinsmen, will tell his story and will sing the anthem.

There is quite some story to tell about late Chief Dan ChukwuKammadu Ohiri Njemanze, KSC, SAN not only as a professional man, but as a dedicated family man, brilliant Advocate who rose to the very pinnacle of the legal profession, Knight of St. Christopher and mentor of many. His frame, his poise, his booming and yet sonorous voice combined to make his presence undeniable. It appears that the qualities of this very great man, Chief D.C.O. Njemanze, inspired the great

composes, F.S. Pierpoint as far back as 1864 to pen the lyrics of another Hymn, very well known in the Anglican Communion to the effect that – ‘For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies, Christ, our God, to Thee we raise This our sacrifice of praise’. ‘For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and minds delight, for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight, Christ, our God, to Thee we raise This our sacrifice of praise’. The Hymn admits that ‘For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild, Christ, our God, to Thee we raise This our sacrifice of praise’. ‘For each perfect gift of thine, To our race so freely Given, Graces human and Divine, flowers of earth and birds of heaven, Christ, our God, to Thee we raise, This our sacrifice of praise’.

Even though our senior colleague is no longer with us, we can say without equivocation that he was a gift from God and to Him we must raise our Sacrifice of praise. If you doubt that the deceased was a gift from God, please look closely at the milestones and hallmarks of his life, his time on earth and career. His primary school education was at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Port-Harcourt from 19411946 and he had tutelage at secondary School level at two famous institutions – Emmanuel College, Owerri and Enitonia High School, Part-Harcourt after which he proceeded to the United Kingdom and breezed through the West Minister College, the University College and the School of Oriental and African Studies all in London, yielding two Degrees,

a Bachelors Degree in Law and a Master’s Degree also in Law. He was later admitted to practice Law in the UK by the Middle Temple and upon his return to Nigeria, was also enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in 1966. His role at the Bar is very impressive- having been Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Owerri Branch, from 1976-1985 and thus, member of the National Executive of the NBA for the same period. Between 1978 and 1983, he sat on the NBA Disciplinary Committee and was later a member of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (2000-2005). It is fitting to acknowledge that the deceased had a chequered career as evidenced by his tenure in the defunct Nigerian Broadcasting Service (1952-1957); Owerri Town Planning Authority (19701972), as Commissioner for Economic Development & Reconstruction in the equally defunct East Central State of Nigeria, which state he also served as Commissioner for Education. In the old Imo State, he served as member of the Judicial Service Committee between 1992-1998.

He concurrently served the Federal Government/as Member, Governing Council of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1994-2000) and as member, Board of Directors of Nigerian Television Authority (1981-1983).

With such a formidable and intimidating background, can it be denied, that late Chief Dan ChukwuKammadu Ohiri Njemanze, KSC, SAN will be remembered by all he has done? Chief D.C.O. Njemanze, Fare Thee Well. Adieu.

Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

SCORPIO; Positive things are happening from (and around) you. The more enterprising you are the better for you today. And some of you will be mixing business & pleasure without harm. Lovers can have their way moderately.

SAGITTARIUS; This is your day when things’ll go according to your plans. And you’re advised to hit very hard not minding minor pressure from your base.

CAPRICORN; Once again success would come if you experiment with good ideas rightly at the right time. Those of you travelling are in for an exciting day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

O some people, their breakfast is the conventional bread, yet, some start the day with solid food such as yam, garri, pounded yam etc. There are also some that start the

What is your daily breakfast? day with just a glass of water. But if I may ask you, what is your breakfast daily?

I guess you want my advice on this.

My simple advice is: start the day with

TERROR MUDA

prayer. Make prayer your daily breakfast.

Some of us just wake up and start the day’s activities as if we own our lives.

This is not the best.

How will you feel if your son wakes up in

in “Never say goodbye”

the morning and just pass by you without greeting you?

Make prayer your breakfast. Prayer is the key that opens all doors; why not use that key today to open your door, daily?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity along your business/business lines.

Work and your health must be taken very seriously PISCES; Like yesterday the Moon will operate from your Star sign again to the betterment of your cause.

Think of both your immediate and far future now.

ARIES You can still count on the supports of your tried and trusted friends. But it’s imperative you keep secrets as much as you can positively do.

TAURUS; The more receptive and willing you are to give and take co-operation the better for you today.

It’s wrong of you to neglect your friends in need now.

GEMINI; You’ll have the needed opportunity to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday along your career/business lines. Try to work harder.

CANCER; Element of luck will work favourably for you. Therefore you’re advised to expand the scope of your tentacle for better results. It’s another fairly favourable day for lovers who are more enterprising today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Joining forces with other people is not a sin but it’s important everybody knows the clear term of the venture , be it of short or longer duration. Be very practical.

VIRGO; Many of you’ll travel either physically or within your mind; whichever one you’re involved with the out come will be favourable. Be more receptive, especially if your priority is commercial success. Take your new ideas more seriously today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Aquarius Aquarius is ruled by freedom loving Uranus-the planet of unpredictability, eccentricity and genius.

Aquarius is friendly, loving, hopeful and very altruistic in nature. That is why they are nice persons who truly care for others, especially the less fortunate ones. They are loyal friend willing to belong to powerful social clubs or reasonable community.

The quality of Aquarius is fixed. That means it is important for them to watch the way they change their minds on important issues; Uranus factor makes all Aquarius natives freedom loving and whoever tries to impose any idea on you will be resented The element of Aquarius is the air. That makes you an intelligent person with fair share of sense of humour. Aquarius is the star sign that r ules considerable social influence, and the natives of this star have better chances to have at least some influential friends. Then, Aquarians are truly good friends and bad enemies; it is not in the best interest of anybody to frustrate an Aquarian..

Aquarius being a scientific sign. Aquarians can be inventive. Any Aquarian who falls to take his sudden flashes of ideas seriously is doom (to fail eventually) because, Uranus the ruler of Aquarius, usually bring success to Aquarians unexpectedly through ideas that come suddenly, and unexpected luck usually accompany their sudden inspiration and/or ideas.

The most dangerous weak points of Aquarian are the tendencies to procrastinate things and willingness to take opponents or enemies for granted I mean you must not believe that some body you might have had heated argument with will not try to undermine your progress after what will look like intervention of peace makers.

41

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Similar to yesterday but, today more emphasis’ll be on money. Thus those of you who are more financially ambitious’ll have better and rewarding day than others. However that is not to say you should neglect your health.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 —

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Cat and mouse:

Governors and their senators

A COUPLE of second term governors in the country are aiming to step up to the Senate when they leave office in 2015. The move is in some cases orchestrated by their associates, and sometimes, the enemies of the incumbent senators representing the governors. Here and there, the intrigues are inspiring opportunistic political tackles across the land.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

G

•Akpabio: Announced his bid

•Chime: In battle

•Suswam: Senate bound?

•Etuk: Fighting back

•Ekweremadu: Resisting

•Mark: Watching them

regarded as a weakling who would cave in at the first mention of any interest in his seat by Governor Akpabio.

Etuk fired back almost immediately and probably with the aim of getting maximum impact resorted through a radio station saying: “Akpabio must as a matter of fact respect my office if he does not respect me like I respect his office.”

“I have told him that there is no vacancy in the senate,” as he advised the governor to look elsewhere for political relevance.

“He can look elsewhere. If he needs a vacancy to be filled, let him look into the state execute council vacancy and fill.”

Etuk’s assertions it was learnt, flow from the zoning arrangement in the senatorial district which stipulates that it would be the turn of Abak 5, which has never produced a senator to do so in 2015. Given that Akpabio’s section of the constituency has been producing senators, many are waiting for a titanic battle ahead.

Among the second term governors who are constitutionally barred from a

third term in office, a number of them have indicated interest in proceeding to the Senate. The interests of the governors has especially put those senators who represent the governors at special risk. Sycophants around the governors have formed the habit of forming groups and pressing the governors to advance their political relevance through the

to fight it out.

Among the governors speculated to have some interest in proceeding to the Senate are Governors Theodore Orji, Abia; Sullivan Chime, Enugu; Gabriel Suswam, Benue; Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta among others.

Senator Liyel Imoke, governor of Cross River has been the subject of much speculations as

,

OVERNOR Theodore O r j i of Abia State may have become the latest in the league of second term governors with an eye for the Senate.

Stakeholders from the governor ’s Abia Central Senatorial Constituency at the end of a meeting last week, said the resolution was upon what they described as the governor’s good work in office.

One time national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was among the several stakeholders from the party who were at the meeting that was organized by eight members of the House of Assembly from the area.

The adoption of the governor as the zone’s sole candidate for the Senate seat was irrespective of the intentions of the present occupant of that seat, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu.

Senator Nwaogu, a veteran political fighter who fought her way to relevance in the House of Representatives, and in 2007, triumphed over two senators to take the Abia Central seat in the Senate may, however, not be bothered. Senator Nwaogu is presently enmeshed in the battle to succeed Governor Orji and make history as the first woman to be so elected as a governor.

A couple of senators are, however, not as lucky as Nwaogu. Many of them with an eye for continuity in the Senate are entrenched in battle that is redefining political allegiances and alliances across the land.

However, no example has brought the issue to perspective as the battle of wits between Governor Godswill Akpabio and his senator, Alloysius Etuk, (Akwa Ibom, North).

In a tone that must have shocked many and especially Senator Etuk, the governor during a reception for some visiting senators last April, told them that he was looking forward to joining the senators in the next Senate in 2015. Akpabio who apparently had not informed Etuk of his intention, added salt to the injury for the incumbent senator, when he said that Etuk would be his campaign manger for the contest.

The comment apparently brought out fire from Senator Etuk, who before then, had been

In some other cases, local enemies of the incumbent senators are also stirring trouble for the senators by encouraging governors to go to the Senate knowing that it would be an opportunity of driving the senators from office

Senate.

In some other cases, local enemies of the incumbent senators are also stirring trouble for the senators by encouraging governors to go to the Senate knowing that it would be an opportunity of driving the senators from office.

While a number of the senators representing the two term governors are facing the future with equanimity, a couple of them like Senator Etuk are determined

,

a possible contestant for the Cross River Central senatorial seat in 2015.

The speculation around Imoke is fueled by claims that being a former senator, that he could be in pole position for a principal office, and possibly the Senate presidency if President Goodluck Jonathan does not seek reelection.

Such speculations may have fueled the subtle squabble between aides and associates of

the governor and the incumbent Cross River Central senator, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN who is remarkably, the Leader of the Senate.

Senator Ndoma-Egba who was at one time one of the closest associates of Imoke, it is learned, is interested in returning to the Senate in 2015 and it is thus not surprising that apprehension may have led to acrimony between his camp and that of the governor. Senator Imoke it was learned, is however, not interested in returning to the Senate.

“The governor is not contesting any other election again. He wants to rest after his second term.

He keeps telling us that to contest an election is not an easy task, it is stressful and he will want to rest after his second term,” his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, told a national daily this week.

The contention for the Benue North East senatorial zone is one that has matched the incumbent, Senator Barnabas Gemade and Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Gemade unlike Etuk is no ordinary push over at local and national levels, having been a minister and national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Gemade it is learnt, is interested in retaining his seat, but associates of Governor Suswam have for long been irritatingly drumming support for a Suswam bid to the Senate.

A possible move to the Senate would put Suswam, a former member of the House of Representatives in contention for the office of Senate President whether or not the present occupant, that is Senator David Mark, returns in 2015.

Struggle for power Remarkably, the struggle for the Benue Northeast Senatorial seat in 2015 is alleged to be at the centre of the rivalry between Suswam, Gemade and Mark for presidential access. Whereas Mark had in the past almost monopolised appointments from Benue at the beginning of the Jonathan era, indications are that Suswam through his steadfast loyalty to Jonathan is increasingly taking a leading role in nominations and issues concerning Benue more than Mark.

It is a development top level sources say has festered relations between the presidency and the Senate President.

There are also suggestions that Suswam believes that his

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 43

Our plans for 24hrs politics on TV — Adediran B

ROADCAST journalist turned entrepreneur, Mr Olajide Adediran is set to upturn the scope and structure of the broadcast industry with the imminent launch of a 24 hour all politics television station. In a visit to Vanguard he spoke about his readiness to tell with vision all the things about politics in Nigeria. Excerpts:

BY KELECHI AZUBIKE

W

E are going to be very objective in the sense that our watchword is to hear from A, confirm from B and match the two and take it to the court of public opinion. It is not for us to just push it out there for people, we are going to be doing follow-up report from day one. If you check TV now, you wont get to hear anything about Anambra again, but we’ll still be there x-raying everybody.

We will have capacity because we’re going to have staging posts in all the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory and we have capacity to do live from any area in Nigeria, I mean to break the news live as it unfolds and all that.

One of the reasons we are here today is because we will have a certain program on our stations that we have designed for people like you.

Today, in the morning they will tell you that they are doing newspaper review or editorial review or whatever name they want to call it and they will be the ones analyzing what you have written.

But what we are trying to do here is we will bring you, the writer in to make the analysis and this because you will be in the best position to tell whoever cares to listen that this is the angle you have taken the report and we will be able to ask you.

It will serve as an avenue for you to inform us better about what you have written.

Do you have a name for the television station?

•Adediran Yes we have a name for it. It is called TV NEWS. Because its a 24 hour political news station, we will give news on the hour and we have programmes that are strictly political, we will have magazine programmes that is 100% political, we will bring women in politics to talk about women

participation in politics and such like.

When we talk about politics we tend to mix it up. There is politics in every sphere of the economy, let me give you an example like what happened between Securities and Exchange Commission the other time and the National

Governors and their senators Continues from page 42 continued faithfulness to Jonathan would in the end help him to retain the PDP structure and thus, provide him the opportunity of an unfettered entry into the Senate.

However, what promises to the most contentious battle is the unfolding tit for tat between the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State for the Enugu West Senatorial District.

Just like the normal sibling rivalry, the Ekweremadu and Chime contest, is a rivalry that emanated from their days under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

Ekweremadu became Chief of Staff when Chime as Special Adviser reported to him.

When Ekweremadu became Secretary to the State Government, Chime became a commissioner reporting to the SSG. When Ekweremadu became Deputy President of the Senate, Chime in turn became governor and thence some claim, commenced a battle by the governor to express himself outside Ekweremadu’s shadow.

The shadow boxing between both men which occurred for most of the first term turned full blown recently at a meeting between the governor and members of the National Assembly from Enugu State during which the governor

•Imoke: No interest yet

•Orji: Adopted for Senate

•Nwaogu : Eyes Orji's seat

decreed that members who had served for two or more terms would not be returning to the National Assembly.

That meeting was almost a reminder of that night in 2007 when then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani had lined up Enugu members of the National Assembly and his associates at home and dictated what and what offices they would vie for in the 2007 election.

Ekweremadu it was learnt, however, stood up to Chime and told him that he had no capacity to dictate for them and moved that the meeting be closed if the governor had no other agenda.

Ekweremadu’s stern stance reportedly emboldened another member of the National Assembly who seconded his

motion for the adjournment of the meeting.

Since that controversial meeting, Ekweremadu and the governor have not sat together but aides and associates have increasingly exchanged barbs.

Ekweremadu who it was believed was about relinquishing his seat in 2015, it was learnt, has based on the challenge from the governor now set himself for a possible challenge with the governor who it is alleged may have set his sights on Ekweremadu’s seats.

Ekweremadu who has through his influence drawn several Federal Government projects to his Enugu West constituency has recently through an aide accused the governor’s camp of trying to destroy constituency projects

facilitated to the constituency.

The chief press secretary to the governor Mr. Chukwudi Achife, has, however, debunked the claim saying, “the allegations are not only baseless and completely fallacious but the tone in which they were made, smacks of desperation.”

After two terms in office Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan it was learnt was setting himself on retiring and probably back into his medical practice.

However, the governor it was learnt may cave in to pressures from associates to step to the Senate. Besides the attraction of sustaining his political relevance in the polity, a move into the Senate is almost a free entry for the governor if the incumbent senator, Senator James Manager

Assembly was 100% politics.

Even what is going on in aviation today, there is a political angle to everything. So we would analyse it and push it out for people to be well informed.

Is it going to be a regular television station or it would be internet based?

No it’s not internet based, its going to be on Star Times platform.

So, who are the brains behind this?

What we are trying to do is covering the entire 36 states.

For a start we cannot afford to have representatives in every state what we are trying to do is we have regional offices from where our correspondents can launch out to states within the region.

Have you gotten a license?

Yes. Is about 25 million?

Yea its over, it depends on what you want to do if you’re going national, if you’re restricted to your region, it differs.

Do you have any background in broadcast?

Absolutely! I left Lagos television as a political correspondent in the year 2007 after election. I was there for about 10 years.

decides to step down.

Senator Manager has spent an unprecedented three terms representing the Delta South senatorial district. Should he step aside for Uduaghan, it would be in line with the convention that each of the three major tribes in the constituency, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ijaw would take the seat turn by turn.

The last occupant was Senator Stella Omu from Isoko. Senator Manager’s longevity has largely been traced to his influence in the PDP machinery cobbled together by the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori under whom he served as commissioner.

The intentions of a couple of other governors remain in the realm of speculation. Governor Chibuke Amaechi of Rivers State who is also ending his second term in May 2015 has for one been the subject of much political intrigues. He has been severally reported as aspiring for the vicepresidency, presidency and now more recently, senator.

His political foes within and outside Rivers State have sought to destroy him politically by portraying him as ambitious on account of his stance on issues.

The governor has, however, taken the flaks of his critics in his stride saying that his agenda and the reason for the enmity against him essentially flowed from his principled defence of Rivers State interests, particularly the treasury and oil wells.

44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Strike paralyses health services in Edo

AIDS DAY: Lagos localises campaign

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN— OVER 1,000 patients at the Benin Central Hospital were discharged, late Tuesday, from the hospital as a result of the strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Edo State.

Though doctors were not part of the strike, the action affected the nurses and other staff of the hospital that ensured that the hospital was under lock and key, yesterday.

Stranded patients were discharged by the hospital authorities to avoid fatalities, since none of the nurses was around to assist the doctors administer drugs to the patients.

NLC in the state is demanding the immediate implementation of the pending salary relativity structure of 53.37 per cent for the state workers; payment of the balance 20 per cent consolidated health salary structure for health workers; payment of the balance of 10.5 per cent teachers’ special allowance, TSA, to primary

L

AGOS State AIDs Control Agency, LSACA, has localised the theme of this year ’s World AIDS Day, Getting to Zero, by targeting 1.3 million Lagosians for free HIV/AIDS counseling and testing in December.

The agency said its HCT mobile truck and extensive enlightenment campaign through the state LAGBUSES were some of the means it was using for the exercise.

While calling on local government chairmen to do more by way of cooperating with the agency, LSACA commended the nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisations and other partners that have contributed to the campaign.

Activist describes planned confab as selfish, biased

A

Niger Delta youth activist, Omolubi Newuwumi, has described as selfish the proposed national conference being planned by the Federal Government, saying it will not take care of the interest of ethnic minorities in the country.

Omolubi, who spoke in Warri, Delta State, said the current arrangement for the proposed conference did not support the principles of true federalism, which people had been clamoring for.

The Niger Delta youth leader noted that Nigeria’s current constitution did not protect the interests of minorities, adding

that the conference will not create opportunity for the minorities to demand their rights.

According to him, “I was one of those that initially canvassed for a national conference, especially as regards the pains minorities have been going through. But I am afraid that this present constitution is not in the interests of the minorities, especially the Itsekiri, where I come from.

“The present formula for the conference, whereby only few national assembly members are involved in the conference planning committee, does not represent true federalism.”

school teachers.

Others are implementation of 2011, 2012 and 2013 promotion of public servants, immediate constitution of the state Civil Service Commission and recruitment of more staff

to fill vacant positions occasioned by the retirement of staff in the state public service.

The entire ministries in the state were under lock as Vanguard learnt that members of NLC had vowed to continue

DEMOLITION: Minister petitioned over compensation PHCN, have petitioned the disburse the money of putting

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN— SOME land owners, whose houses were demolished following the installation and construction of 330KV S/C Transmission Line at Ikhueniro in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State by the defunct Power Holdings Company of Nigeria,

Minister of Mines and Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, over non-payment of compensation.

The petitioners, led by Benedict Imhoisi, Eveomhan Victor and Godwin Omoruyi for 18 others, alleged that Federal Government had already released money for the payment of the compensation.

They accused the committee set up by the government to

Forum condemns Obende's absence from meeting

E

DO North Professionals’ Forum, yesterday, expressed regret over alleged absence of Senator Domingo Obende from Edo North Forum and Akoko-Edo Forum meeting held weekend in Edo North Senatorial District and Akoko-Edo council, respectively.

President of the forum Mr. Mohammed Aloaye, in a statement said: “Our Senator cannot be bigger than those of us who elected him.

“The Edo North Forum sent invitations to all the stakeholders, including political leaders, elected and appointed officials, business moguls and captains of industries.

“The Senator was said to have attended the wedding of the daughter of a fellow senator.

“Our Senator did not attend the Akoko-Edo Forum and the Afenmai Forum and this is

coming at a time when the future of the pariah-like council was being decided.”

them in the dark.

According to the petition by their counsel, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi, the committee and their own agents connived to withhold information on the total amount released by the government to pay compensation for the affected property and the actual amount accruing to each property owner.

The petition read: “Our clients suspect a case of deceit and fowl play by these persons whose acts are set to defraud our clients of their benefits and long standing entitlements from the Federal Government.

“Our clients have laboured with their sweats and bleed to acquire these property which is their only source of shelter.”

Firm denies involvement in fake clippers production

B

LUE Diamond Freights, a freight company based in Guangzhou, China, has denied giving any authorisation letter to any company for the production of WHAL clippers.

This followed reports alleging that 10,000 fake WHAL clippers were seized from Yongkang Wonderful Electrical Appliance Company based in Yongkang city, China, when its offices were raided by officials of the city’s Public Security Bureau.

A statement on behalf of Blue Diamond Freights by Mr. Festus Mbisiogu denied giving any authorisation letter

to Yongkang Wonderful Electrical Appliance Company or used the Seal of Blue Diamond Freights for the production of WHAL. It also said: “I also do not remember, officially or unofficially, freighting any WHAL products from China or any part of the world to Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, in an apology letter to Blue Diamond Freights

by MRY Celine on behalf of Yongkang, the company said Mbisiogu and Blue Diamond Freights did not give it any authorisation letter to produce clippers for WHAL.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

the strike till next year if, government failed to implement their demands.

At press time, it was learnt that the government and NLC officials were meeting, with a view to calling off the strike.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On FG/ASUU face off

S

INCE ASUU are demanding, amongst other things, for salary increase and direct control of the billions earmarked for infra-structure, Federal Government should call ASUU’s bluff and fire whoever does not return to the classroom.— Miss Anne Kelechi, Fashion Designer.

A

CADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, is going too far. This thing has political undertone. It is easy to want to use this kind of medium to frustrate government. What is their gain? Which of them can do better in governance? — Mr. Apostle Sunday, Clergy.

T

HAT is the government of a country with a former lecturer as its President.

If I may ask, is there any amount, whether in billions or trillions of Naira, too wasteful or expensive to invest in our university education system? — Miss Ekwem Chizy, Student.

I

F the FG has a taken a step, why not finish it and stop playing hide and seek.

The academicians are not all Mumus. It is not about trust but doing things properly. After all the same President Jonathan was part of the 2009 agreement. — Miss Esther Adichie, Worker.

L

ET them force schools to re-open. Lecturers will just sit in their offices and discuss, while the students suffer. This is the time extortion will increase, especially if they are not paid their arrears.

The government had better resolved this amicably. — Miss Cynthia Osuchukwu, Student.

A

careless government that thinks threats is the way out of this imbroglio! Even if your government did not make those promises, you had the time to discuss and work out a blue print well before this whole mess started. — Mrs Ifeoma A n y a m b u b a , Businesswoman.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—45

PHRC institutes micro-credit scheme for host communities

Oil, gas firm assures on safety

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

M

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— PORT Harcourt Refinery Company, PHRC, in Rivers State, has instituted a micro-credit scheme to boost enterprise development, grow local economies and discourage social vices, in its host communities of Eleme and Okrika.

At the flag off yesterday in Port Harcourt, 64 beneficiaries got between N50,000 and N3 million each to either start a business or grow an existing one.

Managing Director of PHRC, Mr. I.G. Udoh, who presented the cheques to beneficiaries, said the scheme was a repayable revolving loan scheme conceived to assist members of the communities in promoting their traditional occupations of farming, fishing and trading.

Udoh said the idea was a demonstration of the refinery’s transition from concentration on physical infrastructures to human capital development in carrying out its social responsibility to the communities,

Access Bank supports youth exhibition

T

O boost entrepreneurship and youth development, Access Bank Plc has agreed to support exhibitors and entrepreneurs at the 2013 Youth Enterprise Exhibition, YEEX, Nigeria, scheduled to take place today at LCCI Conference and Exhibition Center, Alausa.

Access Bank will provide opportunities for business financing for young entrepreneurs, graduates and youth corps members.

According to the organisers, YEEX Nigeria has a mission to provide young entrepreneurs a platform for growth by giving them an opportunity to attain profitability in their chosen businesses. Such opportunities include finance, education, brand exposure and networking.

Its objectives include to promote gender equality for women in the society and provide a level playing ground for young women entrepreneurs, among others.

PROJECT READ TO SUCCEED: From left: l-r Mr. Ebere Nwaolikpe, Assistant Marketing Manager, Western Union, ECOWAS; Mr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Education, Edo State and Mrs. H. Oguebor, Principal, Idia College, Benin City, Edo State, at Western Union's Project Read To Succeed initiative, in Edo State.

Edo PDP launches empowerment fund for widows

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, has launched an empowerment fund to cater for widows in the state.

The party said it was responding to the alleged maltreatment of a widow, Mrs. Joy Ifijieh, by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, while launching the fund, said since the party posted the video clip of the governor ’s encounter with the woman on Facebook and YouTube, public response has been unprecedented, just as he disclosed that the sum of N1 million was received by the party as donation in support of the Widows Empowerment Programme.

Describing the state government's offer of job and N2 million to Mrs. Ifijieh after the video clip was made public, as a ‘Greek gift,’ Orbih insisted that PDP’s effort in exposing what Governor Oshiomhole did to Mrs. Ifijieh had started yielding results.

He said: “From the time we made the announcement, our effort has already yielded N2,250 000.” He noted that the widows’ fund had grown to about N1 million.

Orbih, who claimed that there was no personal issue between him and Governor Oshiomhole, said the only difference between them was political.

He condemned what he described as “pretentious

actions of Governor Oshiomhole” during the presentation of the N2 million cash to the widow, saying that the amount would not wash away the tears of widows in Edo State after the humiliation Mrs. Ifijieh went through.

The PDP Chairman said his party was tired of a process whereby the governor “ would commit sins and waste the state's resources to pay for them.”

Chief Orbih, who made a personal donation of N50, 000 towards the widows’ fund, later presented a cash of N250, 000 to Mrs. Joy Ifijieh through Oredo Local Government PDP Woman Leader, Mrs. Pat Erhabor.

Relocate from road medians, FERMA warns artisans

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—FEDERAL Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has appealed to road users to develop a healthy culture on federal roads, saying it will reduce accidents and risks on the roads.

Making the appeal yesterday in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of the South-South zone of Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse, National Chairman of the committee, Mr. Kelvin Onuoha, said motor mechanics, vulcanizers and traders should stop using road medians or shoulders to ply their trades, adding that indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers

on the middle of the road by commercial vehicles should also be discouraged.

He said the committee was set up mainly to wipe out bad habits on roads in the country, stressing that some of the bad habits included dumping of refuse and erection of shops on drainage channels.

Continuing, he said the committee would work with security agencies and other stakeholders to rid the society of what he termed unhealthy culture and practices on roads.

He said that they had observed that some persons deliberately vandalize bridge railings, street light poles and also abandon bro-

ken down vehicles on road shoulders.

“All these funny attitudes on our roads must stop. Such alarming road abuse makes federal highways unsafe and present poor image to visitors coming into Nigeria,” he added.

On his part, the acting Zonal Coordinator, South- South 1 of FERMA, Rivers State, Mr. Ben Amarube, enjoined market women to take their wares off the roads, saying that trading on road shoulders exposed them to dangers. He further called on road users to be responsible on the roads to avoid causing blockages and congestions on the roads.

IDWESTERN Oil and Gas Company Plc, operator of Umusadege field OML 56, Delta State, has pledged continuous safety and environment principles in its projects in the industry.

Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr. Adams Okoene, speaking during the company’s celebration of six million-man hour Lost Time Injury Free operations in Lagos, said the company was awarded “An Africa Oil and Gas HSE of the year 2013 award” in South Africa, adding that it was a true reflection of the significant progress the company had made in its health, safety and environment policies.

He recalled that the company had celebrated one million and two man hour LTI-free, respectively, since it commenced operation in 2001 adding that it aimed to celebrate 7 and 8 million man hour LTI free as the company grows in all indices that actually distinguished a successful company.

According to him, “Today’s occasion is a double

Delta govt lauded on devt in housing

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ELTA State Government has been commended for its sustained commitment towards the infrastructural development of Delta Development and Property Authority, DDPA, Low Income Housing Estate in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

A statement jointly issued by the Chairman and Secretary of the allottee Landlords Association of DDPA Low Income Housing Estate, Agbor, Mr. Felix Osajie and Mr. Cyprian Okoduwa, on behalf of residents of the estate, said residents were eternally grateful to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Commissioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, as well as his Power and Energy counterpart, Mr. Charles Emetulu, for spreading the infrastructural development initiatives of the state government to the estate.

C M Y K

46—Vanguard , THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

FG to develop 2 tourists sites in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI—THE F e d e r a l Government plans to develop two tourist sites at Okpuruke Lake and Akpoha Hidden Palace, both in Ebonyi State.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, who disclosed this to newsmen in Abakaliki, stated that the decision of the Federal Government to develop the sites was borne out of the landmark achievements recorded by the state during the last Abuja Carnival and the 27th edition of National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST, in Bayelsa State.

Ikpor pointed out that during the NAFEST programme, the state took first position in both traditional storytelling and children essay writing competition in the South East geo-political zone.

He said that the contributions of Governor Martin Elechi in the area of culture and tourism was instrumental to the successes the state recorded at both events.

MTN foundation invests N9bn on projects

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BUJA—MTN Foundation has said that it has invested N9 billion in executing projects in 338 sites across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The executive secretary of the foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, disclosed this Tuesday at the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, where 400 mobility aids were distributed to persons with disability under the phase four of the project.

The investment, according to Ugboma, was made in the area of health and education and empowerment of indigent Nigerians.

Ugboma, who commended the Federal Government on the programme, said the occasion was a reminder to the need for more collaboration between the federal government and MTN Foundation towards improving thequalityoflifeforpersonswith disabilities.

ANAMBRA ELECTION: Ngige goes to court

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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WKA—TO prove his allegations that the November 16 Anambra State governorship elections were flawed and should be cancelled, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Chris Ngige, has headed to the law courts.

He applied for an order of the court to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to make electoral materials used for the polls available, so he could file his petition to the Election Petitions Tribunal.

Ngige made the application through his lawyer, Mr. Emeka Ngige, SAN, yesterday.

The suit includes an ex parte motion for INEC to allow him to inspect materials used for the governorship election.

In a telephone chat, Emeka Ngige confirmed the development, saying “it is application to order INEC to make all materials used in the election available for inspection

HIV/AIDS: Experts charge youths on Nigeria’s global ranking

and photocopy to enable us prepare our petition to the Election Tribunal.”

No date has been fixed for hearing.

Ngige came third in the

AGOS—MEDICAL experts have advised youths to shun indiscriminate sexual activities if Nigeria’s second highest position on the global HIV/AIDS index must be tackled.

Reiterating that sexual intercourse remained the most common mode of transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus, Dr. Anthony Ehon, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Society for Family Health and Dr. Michael Dibo, HIV/AIDS consultant, who spoke at a sensitisation/ screening organised by the Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria for secondary school students in Lagos, lamented that young adults across the country were notorious for engaging in sexual activities without precaution.

Assuring that students who tested positive would be referred to any of the general hospitals in the state for free medical care, District Governor representative, Dr.Kamoru Omotosho and Niyi Adesanya, Assistant District Governor, however, noted that testing positive to HIV was not a hindrance to anyone’s aspirations.

the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, came second.

Ngige scored 95,953 votes against Obiano’s 180,178 votes and Nwoye’s 97,700 votes

CELEBRATION: From left: Chairman, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, CDAC, Prince Gabriel Awomodu, Director, Community Development, Ministry of Rural Development, Mr. Eniola Awolaru, and Director, Finance & Administration, Rural Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Ashiru, during a thanksgiving service to commemorate the 2013 Community Day in Lagos. Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Challenge your govts on SURE-P funds utilisation, FERMA urges Nigerians

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

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race won by All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Chief Willie Obiano.

Comrade Tony Nwoye of

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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BA—FEDERAL Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has tasked Nigerians to challenge their governments at the state and local government levels on what they do with their share of SURE-P funds.

The agency reminded Nigerians that SURE-P money was shared among the three tiers of government.

Air Commodore Idongesiet Nkanga (rtd), the South

South representative on the FERMA board, who gave the charge in Aba, Abia State, last Tuesday, said it was wrong for Nigerians not only to focus only on the Federal Government, noting that other tiers of government got substantial part of the fund.

Nkanga, who represented the chairman of FERMA board, Chief Amuchi, said that FERMA’s SURE-P public work programme had employed 6,294 youths across the country and

expressed hope that before the end of the year, it would engage 10,000 youths on N18,000 monthly stipend.

He called on the states and local governments to deploy their own share of the funds to engage the youths, as part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s fight against youth unemployment.

Nkanga urged the people to always ask their leaders at the state and local government levels what they had done with their own share of the fund.

Imo govt hands over building to Customary Court of Appeal

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—WORKERS of the Customary Court, Owerri, have finally been saved from the perennial flooding of the court premises, following the construction and handing over of a new building to the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Pius Ifeanyi Okpara.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Sir Jude Ejiogu,

explained that the basis for handing over of the new court building was to complement the good services of the judiciary.

“The construction and handing over of the new court building is to complement the good services of the judiciary in upholding the hope of the common man in the society,” Ejiogu said.

The commissioner, who represented the governor at the event, said that government was equally not

very pleased with the way workers were forced to work in an environment that was not conducive due to flooding and lack of offices.

While appealing to judicial officers in the state to make equity, fairness and objectivity their watchword, the commissioner expressed optimism that the new building would go a long way in bringing back the full pride of the judiciary, as well as restore sanity and due process in the system.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 47

,

BRIEFING: From left, Dr. Paul Orhii, DG; Mr. Garba Macdonald, Director,Investigation & Enforcement Directorate, and Mr. Momodu Momodu, Director, Chemical Evaluation and Research, all of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, during press briefing on the recent seizure of fake & substandard drugs and costmetics, at the NAFDAC Hq, in Lagos.

CEREMONY: From left, Chief Executive Officer, Avante Property Asset Management Ltd, Dr Gbadamosi Yakubu; Chairman, Oando Plc, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, and Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, at the ground breaking ceremony of Wings Office Complex on Victoria Island, Lagos, financed by Stanbic IBTC Bank, yesterday.

Photo: Akeem Salau

ROUND-TABLE: From left, John Ayoh, Information Technology Director, Central Bank of Nigeria; David Isiavwe, President, Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria, ISSAN; Tawanda Gumbo, Transitional CEO, Akintola Williams Deloitte; Ademola Aladekomo, CEO/MD Chams Plc; Anthony Olukoju, Partner Risk Advisory, Akintola Williams Deloitte; Tope Aladenusi, Partner Risk Advisory, Akintola Williams Deloitte, and Taiwo Longe, Deputy Director, Information Security Management, Central Bank of Nigeria, during the Deloitte chief information security officer round-table, in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left, Financial Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Alagbe; President, Dr. Babasanya Babatunde, and Social Secretary, Dr. Temitope Aderoyeje, members of Association of Residents Doctors of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, during a media briefing on suspension of their two-month-old strike over non-payment of salary by the Federal Government.

Photo: Dare Fasube

PRESENTATION: From left, Chief Executive Officer, Brandhealth, Mr. Emman Udowoima; Brand Manager, Astymin, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Femi Ajala; Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Alhaji Garba Kakarfi, and Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Oladimeji Oduyebo, during the presentation of the Most Trusted Brand award to Astymin, in Lagos.

AWARD: From left, Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, President, Success Attitude Development Centre; Mrs. Esther Obazu-Ojeagbase, Vice President, Success Attitude Development Centre, and Mr. Udeme Ufot, winner of the Enterpreneur of the decade award, at the 17th Success Digest Enterprise awards dinner, in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. John Ehiguese, CEO, Mediacraft Associates; Mr. Rotimi Pedro, CEO, Optima Sports Management International, OSMI, and Mr. Adeoye Roluga, Executive Consultant OSMI, at press briefing to announce OSMI exclusive free-to-Air rights for 2014 FIFA World Cup, and other FIFA events, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

EXERCISE: From left, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Taofeeq Folami, Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Environment; Mr. Tunji Bello, Commissioner for Environment; Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information Strategy, and Mr. Sakiru Yusuf, Chairman, Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area, LCDA, during inspection tour to flood canals at Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, as part of AWARDS: From left, Lyla Oki, Bolaji Fati, Professor E. Biakoolo, Dr. Bayero Aganbi, monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise, in Lagos State. Photo: Bunmi Aderemi Adebiyi, Ethel Omiyi, and Bolaji Jubril, the CME5 Alumni Class of Lagos Business School, winner of the SMCAA Awards as the Most Responsive Class.

Azeez

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

NEMA, Army disagree on relief materials to victims of Maiduguri attack

Zamfara approves N420m for varsity host villages

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BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI— THE National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said yesterday that it had presented relief materials to about 300 Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, occasioned by last Monday’s attack by suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect on military formations in Maiduguri.

The Army has, however, denied the claim.

NEMA’s North-East Information Officer, Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim made this known in a statement in Maiduguri.

“NEMA has carried out an assessment on the immediate requirements of the victims of the incident. We have presented initial relief materials like beddings and mosquito nets to the victims at the 33 Artillery Brigade Barracks where we have 300 IDPs whose residences were affected by the terrorists,” Ibrahim said.

Reacting, Spokesman of the 7 divission Nigerian Army, Col Mohammed Dole said the Army was yet to receive such materials as claimed by NEMA.

Don indentifies bane of agric development

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OMBE—THE former ViceChancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, Prof.

Garba Babaji, has identified non-implementation of agricultural policies as the bane of development of the sector in the country.

Babaji stated this in Gombe, yesterday, while speaking on agriculture at the ongoing NorthEast Economic Summit in Gombe.

"We implement policies half-hazardly; we need to have clear and consistent vision," he said.

INSPECTION—Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (2nd left); Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah and former Education Minister, Prof Ruqayattu Rufai at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano en route Jigawa to inspect progress of work at Jigawa Airport.

Flee Kano State, Kwankwaso warns drug barons ....Says N3.6bn hard drugs seized

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

K

ANO—ALARMED by the audacity of illicit drug dealers in his state, Kano State Governor, Dr. Musa Kwankwaso, has warned the barons to flee the state or be crushed.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, the governor lamented that certain elements were hiding in the state and trading on hard drugs detrimental to the society.

Kwankwaso warned that he would not allow any room for drug barons to operate in Kano as long as he remained the governor of the state and asked the natives to expose those engaged in the illegality.

He disclosed that drugs worth about N4 billion had so far been seized from the barons, and warned that there would be no hiding place for the perpetrators, as security men had been ordered to pursue and flush them out.

“That is why we are fighting drug barons in Kano. We are dealing with them here in Kano and will continue to deal with them. And I am sure they will lose the battle. In fact, they are losing the battle because every day, every week, we are confiscating tonnes of illicit drugs.

“At the last count, we destroyed over N600 million and before then we destroyed over N3 billion worth of illicit drugs. We keep on working

and we have teams that are going round with a clear instruction from us that no corner in Kano should serve as a black spot.

“That is why we are asking the people of the state not to go into illicit drugs.

The governor said that as a politician who needed the support and cooperation of the electorate, he did not require the financial or moral support of drug barons, whom, he described as rebels and enemies of the people.

“I don’t want a kobo from

drug barons, who are very useless people and enemies of the people.

“We are treating them as enemies of the people of Kano State. I have told them that anybody in the state, who thinks he is important, must not go into such illicit business," he said.

He regretted, however, that the beneficiaries of the illicit trade were unhappy with his fight against the business but expressed happiness that the vast majority were satisfied with his actions to eliminate the vice.

USAU—THE Zamfara State Government said, yesterday, it approved the release of N420 million as compensation for villagers where the new Federal University would be established in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigerian, NAN, in Gusau.

He stated that the state government had “since approved the release of the funds” but that payment was being delayed because the mode of payment was being designed.

The commissioner said the affected villagers were being categorised into different classes.

He said the houses with government approved documents would be treated differently while farmlands with economic trees would attract more money.

Five communities, including Kuraje, Sabon Gida ta Gabas, Kwanar Nadama, Sabon Gida taYamma and Gidan Magaji had threatened to stop construction work on the site if they were not compensated.

The new university site, situated on the outskirts of Gusau, would take over all the houses, schools and farmlands of the affected villages.

Why Lamido left G7 govs — Aliyu, ex-Rep

By ALIYU DANGIDA

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UTSE—A FORMER member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu has accused Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State of chickening out of the G7 Governors forum for selfish reasons.

Aliyu said that Lamido was the leader of the G7 governors having championed the walk out on President Goodluck Jonathan during the last national convention of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP. He said the governor opted

out of the G7 Governors to safeguard the integrity of his children, who were being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing the action of the governor as selfish.

According to him, Lamido was "frightened" because of the predicament of his children, pointing out that, “for not joining the new train of APC for fear of EFCC we wish Lamido well."

Speaking with newsmen in Dutse, the state capital, yesterday, Aliyu further ex-

plained that Governor Lamido was the architect of the G7 faction of the PDP otherwise known as new PDP, because he led delegates and other governors to walk away from the National Convention of the PDP held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

"I have said it before that Lamido cannot fight the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government because they discovered his weaknesses and when they worked on them, he compromised and pledged to do whatever they wished,” he alleged.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 49

50 —

V anguard anguard,, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

BRIEFS

Egypt’s referendum holds within 30 days

Pope prays for 12 nuns abducted in Syria

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OPE Francis yesterday called for prayers for 12 Orthodox nuns taken by force from their convent in Syria by opposition fighters. Religious officials in the region have said the women were being held against their will, but a Syrian opposition activist said they were merely taken away for their own safety.

Francis didn’t call for their release but appealed for prayers from the crowd at the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

“I invite everyone to pray for the sisters of the Greek Orthodox monastery of Santa Takla in Maaloula, Syria, who were taken by force by armed men two days ago,” he said. “Let us continue to pray and to work together for peace.”

The abduction has added to fears that hardline Muslim rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar Assad were increasingly targeting Christians.

Rebels previously kid-

napped two bishops and a priest. Syria’s minorities, including Christians, have mostly sided with Assad or remained neutral in Syria’s civil war, fearing for their fate if the rebels, increasingly dominated by Islamic extremists, come to power. Christians have accused radicals among the rebels of abusing residents and vandalizing churches after taking Christian towns.

Pope Francis

Mandela still strong, says daughter

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OUTH Africa’s ailing first black President, Nelson Mandela, is putting up a courageous fight from his “deathbed”, his daughter Makaziwe Mandela has said.

She told national broadcaster SABC that the antiapartheid icon was “still with us, strong, courageous”.

“Even for a lack of a better word... on his deathbed he is teaching us lessons - lessons in patience, in love, lessons of toler-

•Mandela ance,” she added.

Mr Mandela, 95, is receiving home-based medical care.

He was discharged

UK introduces online payment for visa

BY EMEKA AGINAM

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HE Political, Press & Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission, Abuja, Rob Fitzpatrick, yesterday in Abuuja disclosed that starting from 16th December 2013, all applications for a UK visa must be completed using the commission’s online application system with visa fees also paid online in US dollars.

Payment, according to him, can be made using Verve debit card, Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards or the e-wallet, PAGA. The move for online applications and payments, according to him, would deliver a streamlined application process and is consistent with a wider global trend to online transactions and payments. “ It meets the require-

ments of the UK Government’s Digital by Default initiative and will help cut costs in management of the visa operation, which in turn helps keep visa fees down.

“It will also be a safer

system for both customers and staff as it reduces risks associated with handling large amounts of cash during the visa application process,” he explained.

EU hopeful on M/East peace talks

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HE EU envoy to Is rael expressed optimism about US efforts to broker an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal and insisted the West had taken a tough line on Israeli settlement construction.

A steady flood of Israeli settlement announcements have threatened to derail negotiations relaunched in late July, but EU Ambassador to Israel Lars Faaborg-Andersen said there was still time for progress.

“There is reason to be

more optimistic for a breakthrough this time around,” he told AFP. “We’re not at crunch time yet.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry is due back

moderate President Hassan Rouhani, has promised to work to improve ties with nearby Arab countries. Iran has a strained relationship with the US-allied Gulf states, particularly regional rival Saudi Arabia.

in the region Wednesday to meet both sides in a bid to breathe life into the talks, the latest attempt in a stumbling peace process first begun more than two decades ago.

Ukraine's PM warns against ‘escalating tensions’

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KRAINE’s Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has called on the opposition to stop escalating “political tensions”.

He warned protesters

Iran’s Foreign Minister woos Gulf States IRAN’s top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for talks with the nation’s leader in another attempt to reach out to Gulf neighbours.

The Islamic Republic’s new government, led by

from hospital in September after being treated for nearly three months for a recurring lung infection Mr Mandela is widely respected for his role in fighting racism in South Africa, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison in 1990.

He spent 27 years in jail and was elected South Africa’s first black president in 1994. He stepped down after five years in office.

“Every moment I get with him, I’m amazed,” Ms Mandela told SABC. “There are times I have to pinch myself that I come from this man who is a fighter even though you can see he is struggling, but the fighting spirit is still there with him.’’

•Javad Zarif

that anybody found guilty of violating the constitution and laws would be punished.

Mr Azarov was speaking in a live broadcast from the first cabinet meeting since mass street protests began just over a week ago.

The demonstrations were sparked by the government’s decision not to sign an association deal with the EU. The protests are the largest since the pro-democracy Orange Revolution in 2004.

E

GYPT’s interim prime minister has said the referendum on the revised constitution will be held in the next 30 days. Hazem el-Beblawi urged Egyptians to vote in what he described on Tuesday as a milestone in the country’s path towards democracy. Two secular-leaning panels spent three months rewriting Egypt’s 2012 constitution, drafted by an Islamist-led panel and suspended after the toppling of former president Mohammed Morsi in a military coup in July. The military-backed plan is a crucial test for the postcoup authorities, especially as they face continuing protests by Morsi’s supporters and disenchantment from within the cir-

cles of pro-democracy advocates and liberal allies of the interim government over heavy-handed crackdowns on dissent. “It’s a turning point,” Beblawi said of the coming vote.”The first phase passed successful and with excellence ... We have to move to the next phase.” An exact referendum date must be chosen

by Adly Mansour, the interim president, who received the final draft of the country’s amended constitution earlier on Tuesday. The text was given to Mansour by former Arab League chief Amr Mussa, who headed the 50-member drafting committee which completed its work on Sunday

Libya's Assembly votes for Sharia

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IBYA’s national as sembly voted on Wednesday to make sharia, Islamic law, the basis of all legislation and for state institutions in a decision that may impact banking, criminal and financial laws.

Two years after the NATO-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is still in messy transition with no new constitution and its temporary assembly caught in deadlock between an Islamist party and political rivals.

As in Tunisia and Egypt where autocratic leaders were ousted in

the Arab Spring revolts, Libya has seen fierce debate over the role of Islam in its new democracy with the rise of hardline Islamists long oppressed by Gaddafi The immediate scope of the General National Congress’s decision was not clear, but a special committee would review all existing laws to guarantee they comply with Islamic law.

“Islamic law is the source of legislation in Libya,” the GNC said in a statement after the vote. “All state institutions need to comply with this.”

Recordings of Newtown shooting recalls anguish

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UDIO recordings from the Connecticut school shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a year ago reveal a mixture of calm and anguish from the callers, and gunshots from the assailant are heard in the background.

Officials in Newtown, Connecticut, yesterday released the 911 phone calls from the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in what may be the final official report on the tragedy that rocked the United States.

Gunman Adam Lanza, 20, shot dead his mother at home on Dec 14, 2012, then went to the school, where he massacred 26 people before killing himself.

“They’re shooting at the front door, something’s going on ... The front glass is

all shot out, it kept going on.

It’s still happening,” a man calling himself Richard, sounding agitated and confused, told a 911 emergency operator in one of the seven phone recordings.

The operator calmly told him to take cover.

Town officials initially tried to prevent release of the recordings. The state Freedom of Information Commission ordered seven calls placed from inside the elementary school to be aired.

Late last month, a judge ruled the town must comply with the commission’s order, and Newtown officials have since dropped their appeal. First Selectman Pat Llodra recently reversed her long-standing position, saying the tapes should be released in full in order to prevent partial leaks.

V anguard anguard,, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 51

Kenyan press protests media law

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BOUT 300 journal ists and civil rights activists marched to parliament and the president’s office in Kenya’s capital to protest what they say is an attempt by lawmakers to stifle criticism by pressuring journalists with monetary fines.

Many of the protesters sang songs while carrying placards. Others wore tape across their mouths to symbolize the gagging of the media.

David Ohito, the vice chairman of the Kenya Editors Guild, said journalists want changes to the Kenya Information and Communication Amendment bill.

The bill creates a government tribunal that can fine journalists up to $5,500 and media companies around $230,000 if the tribunal finds them guilty of breaching a code of conduct that stipulates the need for accuracy, fairness, independence and integrity, Ohito said. Most journalists earn about $200 a month.

zA Kenyan female journalist protesting against the media law

Ethiopians plead for release of jailed journalist

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IGHTS group, Am nesty International has issued a global appeal for the release from prison of an award-winning journalist in Ethiopia.

Amnesty yesterday said it was trying to raise awareness of the case of Eskinder Nega as part of a campaign called “Write for Rights.”

Eskinder, in prison since 2011, is serving an 18-year sentence on terrorism charges.

Amnesty says the journalist was a “thorn in the side of the Ethiopian authorities” for making speeches and writing articles critical of the government.

Eskinder ’s wife, Serkalem Fasil, who was arrested with him but later released, and who now lives in the US, said her husband was arrested for being a journalist and for repeatedly criticising the government.

Ethiopian government spokesman, Shimelis Kemal, said Eskinder was not convicted for his criticism of the government but because he was running a clandestine ‘terrorist’ organisation.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Ethiopia has the second highest number of journalists imprisoned in Africa and is the eighth biggest jailer of journalists in the world.

Mali discoveres mass grave near military base

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ALIAN authori ties have found a mass grave believed to contain the bodies of 21 soldiers, a week after the ex-junta leader was detained in c o n n e c t i o n with suspected crimes by the army.

Prosecutor Daniel Tessougue said the bodies had been found at the site in the village of Diago near the southern garrison town of Kati, about 30 km north of the capital Bamako.

The remains are believed to be of soldiers who opposed the lead-

er ’s rise to power and their discovery paves the way for General Amadou Haya Sanogo to be charged with murder, Tessougue said.

Fifteen people, mainly soldiers from his inner circle, were arrested immediately after him.

A forensic team began the exhumation on Tuesday at 6 pm and finished unearthing the bodies at around 3 am on Wednesday, said Tessougue, who spoke to the Associated Press news agency by telephone.

The spot where the remains were found match-

es the place where witnesses said around 20 soldiers were shot and killed by troops loyal to Sanogo in May 2012.

“I went there myself to the spot, and we uncovered 21 skulls, which leads us to believe that we are dealing here with 21 bodies. The place still smelled bad,” Tessougue said.

“There were only pieces of bone, and the skulls.

We also discovered metal chains inside the mass grave, which leads us to think that the people who were killed had been tied together with a chain.”

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Power: New owners must respect workers' rights — NECA supply in this economy. The right to associate with union of their choice, the right to engage in collective bargaining must be recognised by the new employers.”

By VICTOR AHUMA-YOUNG

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zOsinowo: D-G, NECA

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IGERIA Employers C o n s u l t a t i v e Association, NECA, recently held an interactive session with Labour Correspondents on “Promoting Industrial Harmony, Productivity and National Development in the Post-Reform Era of Power (Electricity) sector: Issues and Challenges”.

Director General of NECA, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, in his opening remarks, sounded it loud that the much trumpeted stable power supply under the private sector driven new era would be a mirage without industrial peace.

To start with, the NECA Director General was full of praise for President Goodluck Jonathan for his courage in privatizing what he called “octopus” Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, saying the government has really done well.

For Mr. Oshinowo, “As far as Nigerians are concerned, the success of the reform in the electricity sector should be measured and rightly so by regularity or stability of electricity. We can excuse the private owners because it is still early days. It is not unusual for them to have hiccups and challenges that will come with any transition. I believe that it is a question of time before we start enjoying the benefits of the reform. That is where we have a little bit of concern. We are talking of promise and prospects rather than reality, those are two different things.

The reality to Nigeria is that right from day one, let there be improvement in power supply.

But we will be asking for too much. The prospect and promises that somewhere down the line we should be able to have regular electricity supply.

If we are going to have regular electricity supply somewhere down the line, it is quite possible that it could bear a hope that will not materialize.”

“The belief is that private sector is far more effective and efficient than the public sector.

That is one of the reasons that informed the transformation, that if we have got it right with the telecommunication, if we have got it right with pension and management and administration issues are in the hands of the private sector, then the same formula should work for the electricity. Ordinarily, it should but it will only happen that way if we make sure that all the variables, all the key factors and parameters that have to be tended are actually tended to. What do I mean by that? Now the physical assets have been handed over to the new owners. From a

Failure to recognise that rights of workers will throw a spanner into the entire template of guaranteeing regular power supply in this economy

dispensation where we have one octopus employer, we now have probably close to 20-25 different employers, different entities. In which case, the dispensation has changed.”

Multiplicity of employers According to Oshinowo, “We are talking of multiplicity of employers as against just one monolithic employer which is good. But we must realise that in the old dispensation, they have their culture, their traditions, their practice and their system. Those are things that you cannot change overnight and those things are paramount to the realisation of the hope of regular supply of electricity. I will not go into the entirety of what those issues and variables are, I will just mention one. This has to do with the industrial relation practice and system in the electricity sector. We believe that if that variable is not handled with professionalism, if that variable is not accorded attention, if that variable is not given premium, it can undo whatever benefit we are all hoping for under this new dispensation of privatisation.

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Remember we have moved from a dispensation where one big union was talking to one big employer, now we are in a dispensation where you still have one big union representing the interest of all the employees in the electricity sector and you have several employers not only several employers but new employers in the business. Now they require the human asset to work on the physical asset so that we can have regular electricity.”

“The human asset that they require, have been used to a highly unionised environment where they look up to their union to represent their interest in promoting their welfare. The first thing is that, we now have new employers, those new employers must first of all recognise the right of the employees which include the right to be unionised which is in line with International Labour Organisation, ILO, convention 87 and it is in line with the labour law in Nigeria.

Failure to recognise that rights of workers will throw a spanner into the entire template of guaranteeing regular power

Right to unionize, collective bargaining NECA Director General explained that the predominant bargaining structure in Nigeria, saying “the predominant bargaining structure in Nigeria is what we call the Industrywide Collective Bargaining System which started up in 1978 following the industrial reform of Nigeria. That industrial relation reform actually led to the creation of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the establishment of 42 industrial unions in 1978. Today, you have industrial unions in some of the sectoral groups, you have the food beverage, you have the chemical and none metallic, you have the textile union of employees in those sectors are also unions of employers .

Now when you look at the dispensation before now when we had add only one employer, that one employer actually represented the industry-wide employer representative in the electricity sector and that was the organisation called PHCN which was negotiating with the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE.” “Now that we have well over 20 operators, what is going to be their game plan? Are they going to individually negotiate with the National union or they want to come together just as we have the association of food beverage tobacco employer for them to equally form a union of employers that will engage the National Union of Electricity Employees? These are big issues that nobody is talking about. As far as the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, are concerned they have done the needful in terms of privatising the physical assets. I have not seen in their templates the reform plan for industrial relations. Now, guaranteeing regular supply of electricity goes beyond just handling over the physical assets. What of inherited practice such as the industrial relations?”

“Without harmony and without peace in that sector, I am sorry to say, we will be back to square one. That is why we are having this engagement in order to send appropriate messages and information to all concerned that we have not turned the corner yet on this.

We have not arrived at Eldorado. The most you have done really is just to hand over the physical asset.

BITS Bits MINILS to graduate Industrial Relations students Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, will be graduating the first set of students from its diploma programme in Labour and Industrial Relations soon.

The programme combines distance learning and short residency formats Director General/Chief Executive of MINILS, Dr John Olanrewaju announced this during the institute 9thLabour Relations summit and award ceremony, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to him, It should excite you to learn that this year, we shal be graduating the first set of students from this course. In the same vein, and not too long ago, we secured the approval of the National Board on Technical Education for the award of national diplomas in Labour and Industrial Relations. The first intake for that programme will be resuming in a few weeks. We are also doing quite well in our traditional areas of training, research, education and publication. This year alone, over 2000 workers have benefitted from our capacity building activities, thereby, surpassing our annual target of 1,500.”

He told the gathering that as part of effort at repositioning the institute, “ we are continuing with several organizational development initiatives. ”

...as NLC, TUC laud Institute PRESIDENT of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar, has lauded the management of Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, for the standard the institute has attained, saying what it is today, it can compete with its counterpart in other part of the world. th Omar spoke at MINILS ‘ 9 National Labour Relations summit and award ceremony.

He assured that NLC would continue “ to patronize the institute because it is principally about labour.

Unless when it is impossible to do the training here before we can consider outside institute like Turin in Italy.”

Similarly President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Bobboi Kaigama, equally commended leadership of MINILS for the standard and quality of its programmes.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—53

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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RADE Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has said pension and gratuity are legitimate rights of employees that should not be tempered with, declaring that attempt by some employers and political class to surreptitiously discontinue gratuity payment must be resisted.

TUC lamented that the controversy trailing the payment of gratuity arose because its payment was not clearly stated in the Pension Reforms Act, PRA, 2004, calling on government at all levels take advantage of the 2013 Pension Reform Bill to clearly and unambiguously restore gratuity.

Chairman of Rivers State Council of TUC, Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, spoke while presenting a paper on ”The Contributory Pension Scheme and Pension Reform Act 2004: Implementation, Emerging Challenges and Prospects in the Public Service” organised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants, ASCSN, Rivers State chapter.

According to Onuegbu who is also the National Industrial Relations Officer, IRO, of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nige-

Udenta O. Udenta, Ade Adeogun, Comrade Chika Onuegbu, Rivers StateTUC Chairman and Comrade Peter Esele, immediate past President of TUC, during the Rivers State TUC'delegates conference in Port Harcourt.

Pension, gratuity are legitimate rights of employees — TUC ria, PENGASSAN said , “Government at all levels should take advantage of the 2013 Pension Reform Bill to clearly and unambiguously restore gratuity. The payment of gratuity should be compulsory and unambiguous. In fact the

State Governments should not wait for the 2013 Pension Reform Bill, they should immediately amend their various State pension laws to clearly and unambiguously restore gratuity.

He argued that a key part of

that workers right was the right to pension and gratuity, saying “Pension and gratuity are essentially deferred compensation or payments to employees’ payable upon retirement or severance in line with the conditions of service,

How Cross River uncovered N26m pension payment fraud DETAILS of how the Cross River Stat Government recovered 26 million Naira between 2012 and 2013 through the Electronic payment of pensioners introduced by the State Pensions Board, have emerged.

While N17 million was recovered in 2012, N9 million was recovered in payments made in the first half of 2013.

Governor Liyel Imoke recently during a State Executive Council, SEC, meeting hinted of massive pensions payment fraud.

Mr. John Adie, Director of the State Pensions Board was quoted as saying that in 2012, the office came up with the new method of paying pensioners in the state through the e- payment system; a process where the accounts of the pensioners were credited without cheques being lodged into the accounts of the pensioners in banks across the state.

“In the past, our staff would have to travel to all parts of the state to deposit checks in banks for subsequent crediting of each pensioners account but in 2012 we came up with the idea of paying the pensioners electronically through their banks here in Calabar”.

Mr. Adie said it was in the process of the e-payment that it was discovered that some pensioners had more than one account into which cheques were paid, this discovery led to the recovery of huge sums of money.

“The e-payment made it impossible for one pensioner to be credited twice so some payments bounced back but for the avoidance of doubt, we kept releasing monies to those accounts for three months and when nobody came forward to make any claims, we knew that those accounts were phony so we had to stop releasing money to Governor Lyel Imoke them and went ahead to recoup the monies in the banks which gave us the fig- people are fighting us to bring ure we had as recovered in their own persons to continue their past deals”. funds”.

The Director of the State PenAccording to him, some pensioners perfected the act sions Board explained that whereby their children were the Board had carried out realso signatories to their account forms by down loading the files such that when the “Father of all pensioners into a data passes on, the son automatical- base in the board’s website to ly begins to sign and collect enable pensioners have acthe pension from the bank but cess to their files from anywe have checkmated all those where they chose without havillegalities that is why some ing to travel to Calabar, say-

ing “This is the first state pensions board in the whole country to activate this method of electronic filing system to give every pensioner whose file is with us free and easy access to his or her file. The board receives a monthly contribution of N180 million monthly which translates to N10 million monthly from each of the 18 local government areas. But after the payment of pension, not much is left for the payment of gratuity so we have to devise a means of sharing the money available amongst the several people who are due for gratuity”.

“The Pension Office does not originate any file for payment but the local government councils who know who their retired teachers or employees are. We also insisted that all the files must go through the Local Government Service Commission for their authentication before any action is taken by the Pensions Board and after that the Auditor General has to confirm the figures computed for each pensioner ”.

collective bargaining agreement and/or the law. They are part of employees’ salary which is set aside to meet the basic financial needs of the employees upon retirement.

Hence they are paid when the employee leaves the employment in line with the condition of service, collective bargaining agreement or the law. They are therefore the legitimate rights of the employees."

Onuegbu traced of pension and gratuity in Nigeria to the 1951 Pension ordinance retroactively effective from January 1, 1946, noting that “the law provided for the payment of pension and gratuity to public servants. This law remained operative until the 1970s when decrees were made to provide for payment of pensions. First was the Basic Pension Decree 102 of 1979(retroactively effective 1974); the Local Government Pension Scheme established by Military Fiat in 1977; the Armed Forces Pension Decree 103 of 1979 with retroactive effect from April 1974;the Pensions Rights of Judges Decree NO.5 of 1985 as mended by Amendment Decrees Nos. 51 of 1988, 29 and 62 of 1991. Also the Police and other Agencies Pension Scheme Decree No: 75 of 1993 retroactively effective from 1990.”

The Rivers State Chairman, added "These decrees were therefore the enabling laws for pensions to public servants and military until June 2004 when the Pension Reform act became effective. Permit me to mention however that these decrees were nevertheless modified by several circulars and regulations over the years".

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Winning the Nobel didn't affect my writing — WOLE SOYINKA N

OBEL laureate, Professor. Wole Soyinka, is not somebody you meet every time,not to talk of interviewing. But at one of the programmes of the just concluded Ake Art and Books Festival held at June 12 Cultural centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, tagged In the Shadow of memory: An audience with Wole Soyinka, afforded four undergraduates the opportunity to meet him and ask questions on his muse, activism, religious views, the Pyrates Confraternity and others. Vanguard Art was there too. Excerpts:

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hat kept you going during your 22m o n t h incarceration during the Civil War and how were you able to write under such condition?

It took a while before I was able to smuggle in books. That was at a later stage, after I managed to corrupt my jailer.

At the beginning I wrote on the ink pad, sheets of cigarette packs and at some stage, toilet paper. I didn’t eat much so I didn’t need too much toilet paper (laughs), so I wrote on them. Later on I was able to smuggle in some books; I was able to read and write in between the lines with the ink I had manufactured. That way I kept my sanity.

Did winning the Nobel Prize influence your writing?

I don’t think that winning the Nobel Prize affected my writing in any way. When I say that, I don’t mean it’s normal. For instance, somebody after he won the Nobel decided he’s not going to write anymore. It disturbed me in the beginning for the simple reason that you have to respond to all kinds of invitations. It was a nuisance at the beginning but I learnt to manage it and subsequently, I got used to writing more in (air)planes than I normally do in my sanctuary. So all it did was that it affected me in terms of my working methods but I don’t think for a moment it affected the intensity of what I wrote.

In the 1994 fight against military rule, how did you survive?

I had to take a most unusual route to exile which I felt was most undignifying. It wasn’t the first time I would ride on a motorcycle, as a rider and as a passenger but in this particular instance, I had to go through the bush, being lashed by branches at night. I felt that it wasn’t something that should be happening at my age during that period.

Having said that, ... many people don’t understand my relationship with the military.

The first thing that happens is that military rulers actually have no tails between their legs. (Normal just one head, two arms ) and many of them do think. And I should say some of them are even writers.

I have had a very easy relationship with the military from my student days and as some of you know from my biography I actually enrolled in the university’s officer corps because I thought it would be possible to go to South Africa and liberate South Africa so I never had any problem with the military. The problem is when they try to go outside their role and not only go outside their role as if they are gods and even goddesses because some female officers behave worse to civilians than male officers.

Others retain their humanity.

And don’t forget that this was a period when military rule was a way of life. Civilians would come out depending on who got in, have their expectations and hope. People would come out and applaud ... but the moment they say, as happened with Buhari for instance, the moment they say we don’t even want anybody to discuss return to civilian rule, they become enemy number one, straight away I engage them. There are others who say we are just here to correct some anomalies and we will return to civilian rule by so so date and when that date is approaching, they find an excuse to delay. They say we haven’t got rid of all the money bags, give us a little more time. I get suspicious and all collaborations stops. he continent and even the outside world accepted that military rule is a corrective arm of humanity.

Well, I’m sorry but in most cases they very badly let us down. So it’s been a roller coaster kind of a relation but the moment there is a sadistic regime like Sani Abacha’s, the man whose record was known even when he was in the Army, then you know from the very beginning it’s war.

A youth actually posed the question that it may be time to invite the military back, may not

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zSoyinka have the worst memories of military rule.

A message for the youths to remind them why that’s not a good idea. Listen, if you want to have the military back,

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By JAPHET ALAKAM

always very delighted to be asked; can’t believe that the media conflates two words: cultism and fraternity.

College fraternity is a time honoured tradition. It exists virtually all over the world where there are tertiary institutions. In Germany, in Britain, college fraternity is a time honoured tradition...

Many presidents of the United States belonged to fraternities in their universities and many of them attend reunions where they come with their wife and children and donate to their alma mater. They are part and parcel of university culture. hen the Pyrates were formed, I was one of the founding members, fraternities for at least two decades, didn’t have one negative word against them. But of course, society being what it is, fraternities became corrupted.

They turned fraternities to somewhere where you can exercise macho instincts and bully the rest of society. Of course they were thrown out or else they were never admitted in the first instance which was our idea of the original fraternity. So they went out and set up their own organisations which were also called fraternities but which soon showed exactly what they were.

The Bucanneers, that was the first to break out. The Eiye Society, The Vikings and even today you have Daughters of Jezebel. The women who one acknowledges for gender struggles, equality and all that, unfortunately, this is one area which they never should have attempted to be equal.

Daughters of Jezebel in some of the colleges today are the most vicious; more vicious than their male counterparts.

Then outside society, which also includes politicians, who

time when indeed the civilians were exceedingly dictatorial, which means you have to treat the civilian government as no better than a dictatorial rule.

What we have learnt from our

Christians or Muslims think that they have the ultimate key to the kingdom of heaven and that if you don’t follow either scriptures, you are forever damaged

military rule or dictatorial rule of any kind, it’s really recolonisation. That’s the first thing to remember. Military rule, dictatorship in any form, deserves no sense of moral superiority. Two, external colonial rule. You are denied of your volition, you are deprived of your civic dignity. One way or the other, you are under colonial rule. Yes, there was a

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experimentation with military rule is that they are just as corrupt, incontinent, unreliable, treacherous towards civilian existence as the very worst civilian rule.

Enlighten us on the Confraternity you set up while in school, its mission and vision. How has the society taken it? his is a question I am

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•Continues on page 55

Memories of Niger Delta Slave Trade Route for presentation

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book ‘memories of Niger Delta Slave Trade Route’ by the Centre for Promotion of Peace, Art and Culture (CEPTAC) will be presented to the public in December at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.

Speaking with journalists about the book, CEPTAC’s President, Chief Mike Amachere, said that the NGO decided to conduct research on the slave trade routes in the Niger Delta Region of the country for the generation coming to know that the obnoxious trade once took place in the region.

He added that the ultimate interest of CEPTAC is to have the state governments of the region to establish a slave museum that will attract tourists to the areas.

The research journey, according to him, started at the Port Harcourt tourist beach with himself, Prof. EJ Alagoa of the History Department of the University of Port Harcourt and other members visited all states in the South South, including Imo and Abia states to gather materials. he CEPTAC president said the compilation of the research materials gave birth to the book that will be presented in collaboration with the River state ministry of Culture and Tourism under the chairmanship of King Alfred Diete Spiff, the first Military Administrator of Old River State and the current Amayanbo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State.

Expected at presentation are the governors in the region and traditional rulers.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013‘ — 55

wanted to recruit students into their own absolute decadent conduct began to seduce with money, cars. These ‘fraternities’ turned them to outright killers, glorified thugs. So instead of having youth divisions of political parties in the tertiary institutions, what evolved were thug societies.

So the ‘fraternities’ became killers, they became corrupt, gang rapists, acid throwers etc and I can say categorically that you can never find a member of the original Pyrates Confraternity in these criminal and anti social activities. To mention — the Ife killings and how the culprits were flown abroad by their parents, children of the elites.

They are the ones with total immunity, privileged — those who are supposed to be rotting in jail. ultists drink unbelievable potions.

The only negative thing I can confidently tell you about Pyrates Confraternity, sometimes they get drunk (laughter). But they don’t molest you when they are drunk. They get drunk when they are ‘sailing’, they fall asleep totally drunk until the sun beats them where they are lying in the open.

You use a lot of Yoruba mythology in your works, has there been any negative reaction to the cultural aspect

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Winning the Nobel didn't affect my writing

•Prof. Wole Soyinka (3rd from right) during the interactive session of your work?

This is a result of Western or Eastern orientations. Christians or Muslims think that they have the ultimate key to the kingdom of heaven and that if you don’t follow either scriptures, you are forever damaged.

This is my world, my created environment; the myths of my society. Christians and Muslims must accept this, that they also exist in mythical worlds but the thing is that they would not accept. Who would tell me that the angels and the saints of either Islam or Christianity are not mythological figures? Prove to me that they are not before

you ask me to prove to you that mine are not decent, respectable and even creatively enabling mythological figures.

So let all of us stick to our mythology. Don’t try and denigrate mine because if you do then I will denigrate yours.

My myth does not require me to turn the other cheek and stop claiming knowledge of absolute truth. Stop saying there is only one way, path to the god-head. All religions are equal.

Liquor and collarless shirt I’m against liquor; completely against liquor. Wine is not liquor (Laughter from

audience). Even a good brandy is not liquor; single malt whiskey is not liquor, palm wine is not liquor. All the rest is liquor. Right from when I was a child — I started reading from an unbelievably early age — and it’s the same with medicine. I discovered very early, today people are talking about traditional medicine, acupuncture, since I was little I knew the medicinal values of palm wine (component of red wine), What the doctors are talking about I knew since I was three, intuitively. I recommend red wine for everybody.

Anything that is not liquor, I think hurts the productive

f o s n o i t o n s n g o n i i s r s o l e r p Exp m i , n io t a s i l a u vis e s u M e with Th part will take place from December 19, 2013 to February 19, 2014 at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi.

The exhibition is inspired by Lakin’s yearning to use photography as a medium to foster discussion on the subject of our sexuality,

, *One of the images to be displayed

By JAPHET ALAKAM

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FTER his last successful solo exhibition in Lagos tagged The Mask, multi talented Nigerian born photographer, Lakin Ogunbanwo is set to thrill Nigerian art lovers in another conceptual photography exhibition tagged The Muse.

The Muse which will be the artists second exhibition in

Nigeria captures the lifestyle of fashion and beauty pageants which many do not see.

Featuring about 35 images, the exhibition which is termed special will afford Lagosians an opportunity to view the works in two venues as it will be presented in two parts: The first part will be on view from December 5 to December 9, 2013, at Didi Museum; while the second

viewers an insight into his mind and his visual interpretations of his subjects; A juxtaposition between highly stylised imagery and a subtle raw, moody imagery.

“The exhibition is about capturing beauty, or one’s idea of it.”

Through the body of works, Lakin asks his audience to immerse themselves in the idea of possibility within the notions of beauty and identity

creed, or gender, ‘Muse’ explores notions of visualisation and impressions, using three ‘muses’ to create the extraordinary body of work.

Speaking about the works, the artist who confessed that his works were influenced by himself and realities said that the beautifully curated collection of portraits gives

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Lakin plays with the perceptions of glamour associated with models by capturing moments that give viewers a glimpse into their real lives. hrough his distinctive vision as reflected in some of the works, Lakin asks his audience to immerse themselves in the idea of possibility within the notions

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system.

Wine is excellent…what corrodes the body for me is water. I can’t imagine anybody being creative with orange juice, pineapple juice and all that. I can’t imagine it. It’s very difficult.

Collarless shirt I think it was as a result of my abandonment of ties. I felt restricted by ties. Why on earth should somebody put a rope around my neck and at the same time they don’t like being hanged. Does it make sense to you?

Once I abandoned ties, the next thing was what was that tie doing around my neck.

Nothing mysterious about it; straightforward practicality.

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•Continues from page 54

I can't imagine anybody being creative with orange juice, pineapple juice and all that

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of beauty and identity; holding your attention with visuals that draws you into the subjects for how they look, and sometimes for who they may possibly be.

For the self taught p h o t o g r a p h e r, w h o f i r s t began practicing his art while studying at Law school in the UK before he made his way to Paris where he fine-tuned his talent at the Speos Photography Institute, the exhibition is about the works he has gathered over the years in the fashion industry where he captured extraordinary beauty in his own provocative fashion.

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escribed as a versatile artist with an eye for colour, Lakin goes against the status quo with remarkable confidence, challenging the conservative culture of his country with his thought provoking imagery that can be described as vivid and sometimes suggestive.

According to the artist, whose meticulous approach allows him to create the visually stunning imagery that earned him a top spot on CNN’s profile of Africa’s Most Exciting New Photographers, “I must make sure that apart from the beauty of the images, there is always a visual interpretation to them.”

56— Vanguard, THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 5 5,, 2013

5 super foods everyone should eat

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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HERE are some foods so healthy but may have be come underrated gems in your diet. These foods are familiar, widely available, affordable, nutrient-rich and taste great.

Beans and lentils

Beans and lentils really are nutrition superstars - rich in protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Sadly, healthy foods like beans and lentils are often overlooked. Yet they are versatile and easy on the pocket. A diet rich in these legumes can help promote weight loss, lower low-density cholesterol and raise high-density cholesterol.

Watermelon

I’m yet to come across any reason to dislike watermelon - a beautiful fruit in so many ways, but because it is so naturally sweet, some people avoid it thinking it's high in sugar. Truth is that watermelon is fun to eat, sweet, juicy, low in calories, and full of vitamins C and A, potassium, and lycopene. It is high in water, it helps meet

fluid needs.

Sweet potatoes

If you think sweet potatoes are as high in calories and carbohydrates because they are so naturally sweet, you are so wrong. Sweet potatoes are nutritional all-stars and one of the best vegetables you can eat. Not only are they a fantastic source of beta carotene, vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, they are so versatile they can be enjoyed with very few extra calories or embellishment.

Tomato juice

Everyone thinks fresh is best but juiced tomato that has been parboiled, helps release disease-fighting lycopene so it is better absorbed. A diet rich in tomatoes may help prevent prostate cancer and other types of cancer.

Red cabbage

An outstanding source of fibre, vitamins A, D, and K, folate and trace minerals, yet with only 22 calories in one cupful. Rich in antioxidants, this cruciferous vegetable boosts cancer-fighting enzymes. You can eat it raw, cooked, sweet, stand-alone or added to almost anything from soups to salads. Superb!

•Watermelon

• Tomato juice.

NAFDAC apprehends drug counterfeiter operating in toilet

BY CHIOMA OBINNA HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has nabbed a trader, Chijioke Nwagu,for allegedly manufacturing and selling of counterfeit medicines.

At a media briefing in Lagos in Lagos, Director- General NAFDAC,Dr. Paul Orhii, said Nwagu after mixing the concoction, dispensed same into empty bottles and labels it as Tutolin with Codeine cough syrup.

“Odoemina led investigators to Nwagu’s house where it was discovered that Nwagu carries out the illegal manufacture in the toilet of his house by pouring different locally-manufactured cough syrup of reputable companies into 200 litres drum and after mixing them, he then dispenses them into empty bottles and labels it as Tutolin with codeine cough syrup.

“In his house, we found, four cartons of Uniplex cough syrup, four rolls of Bancof cough expectorant, 50 bottles of Dr Meyers’ Coflin Cough Linctus, 1,500 bottles of Exiplon Epectorant, two cartons of Halfan tablet, 200 litres drum, one carton of Dr Nando double 77 keys to power and empty containers of these drugs as well,” Orhii stated.

The suspect’s wife, Jane, an accomplice was also arrested as she was in the house where the illegal drug production was carried out.

In a related development. the Agency intercepted a 20ft container of pharmaceuticals, No MSKU 7873861 imported by NGOD’s Success Ventures located at No. 1/3 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos.

According to the NAFDAC boss, the importer fraudulently gave its name and address as Lameks Global Links Ltd. on the consignment’s bill of lading and purported to have originated from Pakistan.

Investigation however revealed that the consignment belongs to NGOD’s Success Ventures and originates from China. The container has been impounded and counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at N54,702,500 were discovered inside.

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COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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LOST my wife nine months ago. We were married for ten years and we had four children together. It has been really lonely all these months until three weeks ago when I met another woman. Is it somehow if I start dating again?

Does the twelve months rule still apply. Thanks – George Dear George, I am really sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to live without your wife while raising your kids all by yourself. I pray you find the strength to get through it one day at a time. As far as dating is concerned, what is acceptable varies from culture to culture but generally speaking, bereaved persons can start dating one year after the bereavement. For now, I suppose you can be friends with this woman but in a low profile manner. Anybody who is aware of your situation will sympathise with you. So keep this new friendship quiet just so you don’t end up upsetting members of your family or your kids. As time goes by, they will begin to warm up to the idea of a new woman in the picture, even though it will be more difficult for your kids. So dating for you is a delicate balancing act that must be executed with care and thoughtfulness, whether you start dating now or three years from now – Uche Please I am interested in adult sex education books that can help me and my husband in our relationship. Mrs Okaro There are lots of books that can help you. More than anything else, books that educate you on the needs of the opposite sex are very important in addition to books how to pleasure your partner. So I suggest starting with books such as Sex Play, Going Down, Hot Sex Tricks, Tips and Licks, Satisfy a Woman Every Time and The Secrets of G Spot Orgasm and Female Ejaculation. And there are many others too on www.zeevirtualmedia.com .

Considering the practical nature of sex, most of these books don’t deal with just theory. They feature full colour illustrations and demonstrations that make learning faster and more exciting so you don’t feel like you are studying for a test – Uche

Hello Zee, my wife is loving the results of the Rhino 5 Enhancer I bought from you. She said I did not need it before but now she has seen the difference because I can go four or five rounds nonstop with very hard erections and she says I am bigger too. Please what do you have that she might need? Thanks – Colin An orgasm gel and a vibrator are firm favourites for women any day. The Encounter Clitoral Orgasm Gel will ensure intercourse is painless and sexual enjoyment is a sure thing. For the vibrators, you can get her the Power Stud Cliterrific Vibrator for those moments that you don’t have the energy to go several rounds – Uche Dear Zee, you are like Father Christmas making all my dreams come true. First, I wanted hard erections and you recommended Rock Hard Weekend and it is working. All I wish for now is a bigger penis before Xmas - Dennis If you want instant results, use the Extreme Dick Plumper Cream or Max Width Cream. They show immediate results that last for hours. But for longer lasting results, use the Bull Fighter Pump since you are already using Rock Hard weekend – Uche I always get erections before sex but I lose it just before penetration. My friend has been talking about Rock Hard Weekend. Is that what I need? I also suffer from premature ejaculation – Sylvester For your erection loss, Rock Hard Weekend is perfect and will help you maintain a firm erection all through intercourse. For your premature ejaculation, you need a delay cream. Use the Prolonging Delay Cream – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013—57

Glo launches Xmas promo

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ATIONAL telecoms operator, Globacom, has launched a new Xmas promo, Glo Roaming Promo, which allows any of its prepaid subscribers who roam their phones abroad on the network between December 1, 2013 and January 15, 2014 to receive calls on their Glo lines free of charge.

In addition to this package, the customers also stand the chance of winning exciting Christmas gifts from Glo. The Glo Roaming Promo will see subscribers who travel to the listed countries making (out-going) calls at extremely reduced rates.

All incoming calls to the roaming subscriber will also be absolutely free in six major destinations: the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Spain; while SMS in the affected countries will be as low as N30 per SMS. According to a statement signed by the Head of Glo Gateway, Mr. Steve Stretch, any Glo subscriber roaming in any of the six mentioned countries stands a chance to win various prizes every week for six weeks.

Stretch stated that the prizes include six businessclass return tickets to the UK plus a weekend hotel stay and $2000. Other prizes are: two Samsung Galaxy S4, 80 Manchester United match tickets and 200 Gift Vouchers worth NGN 10,000.

TI's corruption index: SERAP, Access to Justice, others react ....Say fight against corruption lacks potency

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH &JAPHETALAKAM

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AGOS — CIVIL society groups and prominent Nigerians have reacted to the 2013 rating of Nigeria by the Transparency International’s (TI) global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) as the 33th most corrupt country in the world.

In its reaction, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said the new rating of Nigeria by the TI’s global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has confirmed that the country’s fight against corruption lacks potency.

A statement by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said the rating is “a reality check, confirming that the country’s fight against corruption has lost track, and showing why it is now critical for the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to fight corruption more by its action than words.

“The government may see the TI's global corruption index as a pain in the neck but the index provides some indicators as to the reality in the country and it cannot simply be wished away.

"Rather than criticize the global corruption index, this government must recognize that the problem of corruption will simply not go away without concrete action and leadership at the highest level of government.

ness as usual' atmosphere instead of making more progress to stamp out corruption as a way of life.

"President Jonathan’s rhetoric to fight corruption is, it appears, way ahead of his actual determination to do so. There is not much to illustrate the present government’s toughness against corruption.

“Those who squander public resources on expensive luxury vehicles unashamedly still run his government. Those sufficiently close to President still get a pardon after a conviction for corruption. At a policy level therefore, the message is sufficiently mixed; mixed enough for people to be unafraid of corruption.

"Given the declining position of Nigeria on the corruption index, President Jonathan needs to find some redemption for himself and our country. And quickly too! Otherwise, his legacy in this area will haunt him long after he leaves

office.”

We should be thinking about how to tackle it

Prof. Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo, award wining author and former Head of Department of English, UNILAG said: “We have been hearing about that for years but the most important thing is what are we doing about it? Every body, even the school children know about it, but how are we addressing the problem, those who were found to be corrupt, what have we done to them, are they working the streets free.

It is quite unfortunate Prof. Damian Oputa, Professor of English Literature, UNN said: “Some of these things are very difficult to predict. The indices used are they universal,

are all the countries open to it? If all the indices are correct and Nigeria is rated among the most corrupt countries in the world, it is quite unfortunate. Corruption is bad in any place whether in Nigeria or any other place.

But my reservation is that the word is English, the people who owned that word manufactured it. Are there objective index that placed Nigeria on that position?

Denji Abdulahi, Vice Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors also said: “Nobody can deny that Nigeria is corrupt. Corruption is part of the problems of the third world countries.

Though there has been a lot of efforts made to checkmate it like the establishment of the EFCC, ICPC and other agencies, we are not still winning the war as people in high places always find their way and those found to be corrupt have not been adequately punished.”

Access to Justice

Executive Director, Access to Justice, AJ, Mr. Chuma Otteh said: “Nigeria is quietly but unrelentingly returning to its 'busi-

VISIT: From left: Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri during a courtesy visit of the Minister to NOA headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

UNIJOS, DELSU, NAU, FUT Minna vow to continue strike

BY TAYE OBATERU VINCENT UJUMADU, WOLE MOSADOMI, AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE, DAUD OLATUNJI & MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

I

N SPITE of the shift in dead line given to striking university lecturers to resume or be sacked from December 4 to December 9, various university chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday vowed to continue the strike which has entered the fifth month.

The University of Jos Branch of ASUU said it is resolute, determined and committed to the ongoing strike and shall not waver

until government does the right thing and lives up to its constitutional obligation by implementing the agreement reached with the union.

In a statement, yesterday, jointly signed by Branch Chairman, Dr. David Jangkam and Secretary, Noel Wannang, the union said it was regrettable that government chose to issue threat of sack rather than doing what is needful to end the strike now in its sixth month.

“ASUU University of Jos Chapter wants to categorically state that we cannot be cowed and or perturbed by the threat from the Minister of Education and other agents of government,” the statement said.

Members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU, branch of the ASUU, and the manage-

ment of the institution on their part are still flexing muscles over the ultimatum given to lecturers to resume.

While the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Boniface Egboka, through a memo, directed students and staff of the institution to resume work and classes, yesterday, officials of ASUU urged the lecturers not to obey, insisting that they are still on strike.

But in a swift reaction, the branch chairman of ASUU, Prof.

Ike Odimegwu urged the lecturers to ignore the directive, insisting that the strike continues.

Odumegwu said: “If there should be resumption of academic activities, it has to go through the democratic process.

We held our congress in the school on Tuesday which lasted

for hours where we deliberated on important issues concerning ASUU. Right now, we are standing by our union’s decision.

At Olabisi Onabanjo University and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta lecturers and students of the institutions deserted the classrooms.

Some of the non-academic staff who were on ground in the two universities were seen at their duty posts but declined comment.

Chairman of the union in Olabisi Onabanjo University, who is also the South-West coordinator, Dr. Nasir Adesola said they would continue their strike as long as the government refused to honour the agreements already reached with the union.

Dr. Adesola said “If we were to suspend this strike without the

money being paid we would have wasted our time, we would have wasted the time of our students and we would have wasted the resources of this country.

At the Federal University of Technology, a register was opened for all academic staff in with the directive by the Federal Government but the lecturers refused to sign, insisting that they are still on strike.

The situation was the same at Delta State University, where lecturers vowed not to resume work until its national leadership gives the nod for it to resume.

DELSU ASUU also warned the students of the institution not to return for academic activities as the lecturers cannot guarantee their safety

58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 59

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER

5, 2013

In favour of public schools in Osun

Apapa LGA should fix bad spot at Ijora

Dear Sir,

P

S

INCE the government in Osun State announced its reclassification and schoolmerging policy with the commissioning of Salvation Army Middle School at Osogbo, different shades of opinion have been served through varied portals of information. While few of them are constructive and instructive, a few others are disappointingly banal and incredibly superficial.

It grieves the heart that reputable religious bodies like

public schools. As if that is not enough reprehensible stance, the Church and its colluding partners still go about to advertise the stark illogicality overcrowding their ability to think straight by claiming schools that are staffed and maintained by public funds as theirs.

In case they have forgotten, the Baptist people and CAN must be reminded that the schools they are now igno-

I do know that the church did not reject the hefty package they got as compensation for losing ownership of the schools

,

Baptist and the Christian Association of Nigeria (both the state and national executives) are the ones leading the pack of those cutting off their nose to spite their face with regard to the school reclassification in Osun. From what I gather, the tuneless refrain in their worrisomely insular rhyme is that Christian schools are more (and should be) preferable to

,

miniously claiming ownership of ceased to be theirs from the time government took them over in 1975 and duly compensated the church. I do know that the church did not reject the hefty package they got as compensation for losing ownership of the schools.

It is abominable and smacks of deep irresponsibility to hear that a body which does

not own public schools is putting up all kinds of reproachable and un-Christian histrionics in a bid to strictly determine how they are administered. In this time in our national life when all emphasis is on what can unite us and enable people of different faith and ethnicity to live harmoniously, it is belittling and so objectionable that the leaderships of the Baptist Church and CAN are zealously crusading for Christian schools in Osun. While the people of Osun are happy that public schools are now becoming effective and well-structured, the Baptist leaders are bitterly mourning the loss of moribund Christian schools.

I think the larger Christian community in Nigeria would be more grateful to CAN and the Baptist Church if they can channel their mounting energies into the rising killing of Christians by dangerous Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the Northeastern region of the country. The way these Christian bodies are spoiling for show in Osun gives the impression that the biblical an-

fraud in Nigerian Police

President Jonathan should not base his decision on the panel and shun the report of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, because from the onset the probe panel by President Jonathan was set up to divert attention from the armoured car purchase and to also cover up the minister and the alleged fraudulent act of Coschasris Motors.

Simon writes in from Lagos State

ity, NCAA, to inflate the cost of the cars. This is inspite of importing the cars without paying duty. Why are they selling each car for over N127million? Coscharis should be called upon to pay

,

Oduahgate and P r e s i d e n t J o n a t h a n ’ s reactions

Nigerians in general should make sure that Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde , the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, does not sweep this outrageous scam under the carpet. This scam is going top show if really the EFCC is not a corrupt organisation.Nuhu Ribadu persecuted the former Inspector General of Police, Mr.Tafa Balogun over a similar scam years back.

Ahmed writes in from

tichrist now has its abode in the State. I am convinced that these bodies are largely mistaken, hence the wrong campaign they are putting up.

Their claim of ‘Islamization agenda’ appears to me to be the nonsensical waffle of a person who has no point worth anybody’s attention to make. Certainly, these bodies by their claims continue to convince the searching mind that the school reclassification policy in Osun is not inimical to the development of public education.

The impression of crisis in Osun that the leaders of these Christian bodies give in the media exists primarily only in their fevered imagination. For instance, the pupils of the merged schools relate robustly well with one another.

If ever they are worried, it is simply on why the Baptist Church and CAN are whooping so abysmally on a policy that enriches the fortunes of public education.

Gbenga Iluyomade, Ede, Osun State.

ERMIT me to use your widely read publication to call on the Apapa or Iganmu Local Government Area to fix the bad spot at Ijora, very close to their secretariat. Each time I pass through that area and get trapped in the traffic gridlock occasioned by a bad spot, I always conclude that officials of the LGA are not alive to their responsibilities to the people who elected them. The bad spot in question is very close to the petrol filling station, just after the railway crossing along the Ijora-Amukoko Road, Although the entire stretch of road from Ijora to Round About Amukoko is in a dilapidated condition, this particular spot has become an eyesore and raises numerous questions about the integrity of those in power and their so-called commitment to providing the citizens the dividends of democracy.

I don’t care whether the road belongs to the state, federal or local Apapa Local Government Council. The fact that it is very close to the LGA headquarters is enough reason why the LGA should fix it. Moreover, the Chairman of the Council has a hospital very close to the area.

The earlier he fixes this road, the better for the motorists who go through hell on it.

Azoro Chinonye Lagos Island

matter how one wants to argue for or against it, the truth is that the average policeman on the street is corrupt because he does not get what is due to him either from the government or from his bosses. We have heard of policemen killing each other because of illegal money derived from road blocks. Also we have heard of policemen shooting citizens of this country just because of N20. When such happens, you hear that the police hierarchy would fire the officer and charge him to court. Meanwhile , top police officers continue to enjoy their loot from the sweat of the poor cops with impunity.

Nobody questions them. The IGP should persecute all involved in these scams.

Segun 08039240765

ages corruption Like the menace of godfatherism in the nation, the emergence of the office of the First Lady is an evil wind that would do our democracy no good. It only encourages corruption. It is an aberration. It is alien to the 1999 Constitution, which is meant to be the compass of our democracy. The office of the First Lady at all levels of governance is merely a conduit through which the nation’s resources are siphoned and wasted. Most of the projects that some ex- first ladies embarked upon when their respective husbands were in power have gone into extinction. The overbearing and overzealousness of Dame Patience Jonathan should be whittled and pruned down.

When a body that should help curb corruption is itself enmeshed in the act , then the country is doomed. No matter how one wants to argue for First Ladyism encour- Frank 08182920398 or against it, the truth is that the average policeman on the street is SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS corrupt because he does not get what Armoured cars and is due to him either from the governUduah’s saga The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our ment or from his bosses The Aviation Minister, Ms. thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner Stella Oduah’s defence to the allegations of corruption and abuse of office that have trailed her since October is unacceptable. A report indicated that a similar car is available for less than N50million in Europe and America. The question is : Why the wastage? Why the lush lifestyles? Coscharis allegedly connived with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Author-

Customs their duty on those cars. This is fraud! It is unfortunate that our leaders allowed Coscharis to take us for a ride. The scandal has brought out the worst in Oduah and officials of her ministry.

Lekan 08027164583

N2

billion

payroll

,

or later. Be kind to get kindness back in return.

F.C.T. Abuja

Still on N2bn payroll fraud in Nigerian Police When a body that should help curb corruption is itself enmeshed in the act , then the country is doomed. No

Simon Adewale08056180103,

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 61

62 —

Vanguard, THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2013

Ogu wants Eagles to avoid Brazil, Argentina, Spain W ITH the World Cup draw scheduled to take place in Brazil tomorrow, Academica midfielder John Ogu wants Nigeria to avoid some of the top guns in the group stage.

The Super Eagles are in pot 2 of the draw and could find themselves in a group containing Spain, Brazil or Argentina.

“I would love we don’t meet Brazil, Spain and Argentina in the first round.

“But if it happens we get any of these teams, we are ready for battle because in football anything is possible.

“It is eleven players against eleven players,” says John Ogu to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Nigeria has never participated in a World Cup staged in South

CONTEST... Super Eagles' John Ogu vies with an Italian opponent during a friendly match last month.

America.

The continent hosted the showpiece event in 1930, 1950, 1962 and 1978, with the trophy

remaining in South America on each occasion.

South America

powerhouses Brazil and Argentina have both won four of the last ten tournaments.

Most pressure on City — Mourinho T HE burden of expectation weighs heavily on all of the Barclays Premier League title challengers but it is Manchester City who should feel it more than their rivals, according to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The Blues boss highlighted City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United as the teams who, along with his own, will be in the title picture come the end of the

•Mourinho

Ronaldo tips Messi for Ballon d’Or

B

RAZIL legend Ronaldo has backed Barcelona forward Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or for a fifth straight year.

The Argentine has slipped to third-favourite to win the Fifa accolade with the bookies, behind Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery.

But the former Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu striker suggested Messi can take home the award once again and tipped the Argentine to come back strong from his current injury, which has seen him sidelined for the remainder of 2013.

“I think Messi will win the Ballon d’Or again,” Ronaldo is quoted as saying by Marca.

“Messi has spent the last

five years playing so many matches and he is the biggest star in world football.

Reina keen on Barca move

L

•Messi

season.

League leaders Arsenal are currently four points clear at the top of the table, with Chelsea in second, while champions United lie eighth and Spurs ninth.

Mourinho refused to rule either side out of the hunt, but does think there is more pressure on City, given their abundance of talent.

“I don’t think that we can talk about favourites, but we can say that there is one team at the top of the league,” he said.

“All of the six teams are title contenders, but I keep saying the club with the most pressure to win it, because their squad is quite unique, is Manchester City.”

IVERPOOL goalkeeper Pepe Reina would welcome a return to Barcelona next summer.

Reina, who is on a season-long loan at Serie A side Napoli, has been strongly linked with a move to the Primera Division giants at the end of the campaign to replace the outgoing Victor Valdes.

Barca’s current number one announced in May that he would leave the

Nou Camp at the end of this season and Reina, who began his career at Barca before making a name for himself at Villarreal and later Liverpool, would relish a return. However, the 31year-old knows the Catalan club will have many targets and has refused to look past helping Napoli this season.

He told El Mundo Deportivo: “I would love to return to Barcelona.

Glo CAF Awards: Fans hail nomination of Mikel, Emenike, 3 others

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IGERIAN football fans are excited over the nomination of five of the nation’s top players for the 2013 edition of the Glo CAF Awards scheduled for Lagos on January, 9th, 2014. It is the highest for any country.

The Confederation of African Football recently released the list of twenty five African players shortlisted for the prestigious soccer award.

The five Nigerian footballers on the list include Mikel

Obi of Chelsea, England, Emmanuel Emenike of Fernabache, Turkey, Vincent Enyeama of Lille in France, Ahmed Musa of CSKA, Moscow and Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves, Nigeria.

Since it was released, the list has been generating enthusiasm among football-loving Nigerians, with the majority of them looking forward to one of the shortlisted five players winning the award in January, 2014.

Cash crunch hits African masters in Lagos

T

HE second African athletics masters is set to begin with over 150 athletics oldies from Nigeria and Cameroon waiting to relive memories at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos this is just as organisers are banking on the ‘die hard’ Nigeria spirit to make things work.

According to Gloria Obajimi who is chairperson of the organsing committee, despite appeals sent to government and private concerns, the championships billed for December 6-7 has been cash strapped to the

extent that the venue has not been secured.

However she was hopeful that the competition will go on as scheduled.

“Things are very tight at the moment, but we are confident that we will pull it off. Over 150 Nigerian and Cameroon masters are on ground and we expect a very healthy competition.

“We are also expecting 76 year-old Benedict Majekodumi who participated in the Commonwealth Games 1974 in Christchurch, New Zealand ,” said the former National 800m champion.

All athletes for National Youth Games will be insured, says Yakmut Sports at the National

T

HE Main O r g a n i s i n g Committee (MOC) for the National Youth Games (NYG) has assured that all athletes and coaches participating in the games would be insured

by Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc. Chairman of the MOC, Alhassan Yakmut told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the insurance cover would be for the duration of the games.

Yakmut who is also the Director of Grassroots

Sports Commission (NSC), said the welfare of athletes and officials was of utmost priority to the NSC. “Entries have been made, out of which 1,989 are male athletes, 1,221 are female, 601 are coaches, 376 are accompanying officials and then 403 medical crew and administrative staff.

“And that gives you the total of 4,472 and the medical department of the National Sports Commission is going to use 115 medical staff in order to cover the games.

Vanguard, THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2013 — 63

Don’t expect an easy draw — Echiejile Marseille President praises Enyeama

S

UPER Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile has warned that Nigeria should not expect an easy 2014 World Cup draw on Friday.

The 32 World Cup finalists will know their first round opponents at the draw in Brazil from 4pm Nigerian time on Friday and Sporting Braga star Elderson said Nigeria are most likely to get a tough group because of the quality of teams going to Brazil 2014.

“We should not expect the best draw because there are a lot of great teams going to the World Cup, we would just wait to see what happens on Friday,” Echejile told MTNFootball.com.

“Whatever team we would be paired against in the draw would be a difficult team because they all went through the qualifiers before getting there, so they would be tough to play against.”

However, Elderson maintained that as African champions the Super Eagles will be in Brazil to compete and not to complete the numbers.

“As African champions, I can confidently say we have a good team right now. We have more confidence as a team and that is what I think is

Continues from B/P World Cup,” he told BBC Sport.

“I think it’s more reasonable to allow the team take it one game at a time.”

NFF vice-president, Mike Umeh, has been quoted as saying the Super Eagles have the talent to reach the semifinals of the World Cup. He also said officials are expecting the African champions to surpass the quarterfinal feats of Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana in previous World Cup. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has even said the Super Eagles can win the World Cup. “I think it’s unfair to put the team under so much pressure to reach the semi-finals. Some people can openly say things like this, but not the NFF,” Maigari

S

Super Eagles stars, Ogenyi Onazi (l) and Emmanuel Emenike in action against Ethiopia in Calabar. going for us right now and that would really help us at the World Cup,” reasoned the leftback, who made his World Cup debut in South Africa three years ago.

Nigeria last went past the group stage in 1998, but the Portugal-based star said he expects the Eagles to make an impact in Brazil.

“You know football is not predictable. And you know in football a lot of changes come in. But personally, I believe so much in this team to shock the world in Brazil.

•Enyeama the 2013 - 2014 season.

L’Equipe quoted Labrune as saying : “Vincent Enyeama’s performance? At this level, he’s a running gag. He has had an outstanding game.”

Chess Open attracts large entries

T

HE President of Nigerian Chess Federation (NCF), Mr. Lekan Adeyemi has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc, for it’s partnership with the federation in the sponsorship of the major chess championship in the country.

The Chess boss who spoke in Lagos at a press conference to usher in the 36th edition of the chess championship which will run from December 12-15, 2013, said the unbroken

NFF insisted.

“We need to provide the right environment for them to thrive positively at the world stage and give Africa and Nigerians a campaign to be proud of.

“Talks of semi-final, final and probably winning the tournament in Brazil is not coming from the football federation.”

The three-time African champions have not won a match at the World Cup since beating Bulgaria in 1998, which is the last time the Super Eagles made it to the knock-out stages.

In both 2002 and 2010 Nigeria exited the t o u r n a m e n t disappointingly early.

Significantly, Keshi has advised Nigerians to set realistic World Cup targets for the Super Eagles, as expectations

UPER Eagles goal stopper, Vincent Enyeama has now gone 1035 minutes without conceding a goal in Ligue 1 following Lille’s 1 - 0 defeat of Marseille on Tuesday evening.

The 31 - year - old has kept 14 clean-sheets (including 11 on the bounce) in his last 16 games, the second longest streak in the history of the French championship.

The president of Marseille, Vincent Labrune showered praises on Enyeama, who previously had not played an official game in the league before the start of

from the team continue to heighten.

“We have to be realistic because there are no small teams among the 32 going to Brazil, any of the teams will be tough,” Keshi said.

The Super Eagles coach further revealed that he is not looking to avoid any team in Friday ’s draws, as he believes his team will excel with proper preparation.

“We have no preference of any of the countries to be our group. All we need do is to prepare well for every team and take the games one after the other.”

In the long history of the World Cup, only three African teams have ever reached the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.

sponsorship over the years, has helped Nigerian players to compete with some of the best in the world to some extent.

According to him, “our

partnership over the years has continued to yield positive results. The cerebral sport in the country has made tremendous progress from

a relatively modest status but has grown into homes and institutions as a favorite sport and past time intellectually inclined,” he commented.

FIIRO to host and win RIGAN Eko 2013 Games Elemo said the games are prepared for the

T

HE 2013 edition of the Research Institutes Games Association of Nigeria begins in Lagos on December 10 at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos.

Thirty five federal research institutes from across the country are expected to participate in the games with 2000 athletes.

Speaking at a pre-event media briefing in Lagos yesterday, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, FIIRO, Dr Gloria Nwakaegho

Continues from B/P shouted in approval of a skillful move on the pitch.

The ball was launched at the iconic Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro, with former Netherlands international Clarence Seedorf and Brazil great Cafu in attendance.

The Brazuca is the most tested adidas ball in history. Over a twoand-a-half-year period, it was tried out by over 600 of the world’s top players or former players, including Iker Casillas, Dani Alves,

which have been endorsed by the Council of Research Institutes of Nigeria and the National Sports Commission will feature 12 sports including Athletics, Football, Billiard, Dart, Scrabble and Badminton.

Other sports to be competed for include Table Tennis, Ayo, Chess, Draught, Volley Ball and Tennis.

She declared the preparedness of the host institute to emerge tops at the end of the games. “We

games. We are hosting to win. That is the spirit and we have what it takes to come tops at the end of the Games”, Elemo said.

She however emphasised that the major aim of the Games was to ensure a sound mind in a sound body. ‘’We cannot over-emphasise the importance of physical fitness in our lives and also expose hidden talents for possible national assignments in sports’’, she added.

FIFA Lionel Messi, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zinedine Zidane, and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents.

The ball was also used at a selection of international matches, albeit with a different design, including a friendly between Sweden and Argentina last February.

The Brazuca’s colours and ribbon design symbolise the traditional multi-coloured wish bracelets worn in Brazil, in addition to reflecting the vibrancy and fun

associated with football in the South American country.

It has a new structural innovation, with six identical panels – compared to the eight panels of the 2010 World Cup’s Jabulani, or the 32 of the iconic 1970 World Cup Telstar.

In a further local twist, and a play on the adage that all Brazilian children are “born with a ball at their feet,” Adidas are donating copies of the ball to every baby born on the day of its release, December 3.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Eagles may camp in Argentina for World Cup

N

2014 W/CUP:

No target for Eagles — NFF N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu Maigari says he is not setting the Super Eagles any targets for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Despite coach Stephen Keshi’s contract stating he needs to reach the quarter-finals, Maigari has distanced himself and the NFF from the targets.

“You can’t predict the future or make demands going into a big tournament like the Continues on page 63

IGERIA officials are working on a plan for the African football champions to train in Colombia, Argentina or the United States to prepare for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“We plan to camp the team in Colombia, Argentina or the United States of America,” said Chris Green, the head of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) technical committee.

“These countries share the same climatic conditions with Brazil.

We will be inspecting many camp sites to finally decide where to camp the team.”

Brazil 2014 will be

•Keshi Nigeria’s fifth World Cup appearance after they made their debut at the 1994 tournament in the United States.

The NFF is waiting for the outcome of Friday’s World Cup finals draw before deciding on the base.

FIFA unveils 2014 World Cup ball

T

'BRAZUCA' : World Cup models display replica of the 2014 World Cup ball named Brazuca.

HE official match ball for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil has been revealed.

The ball is named ‘Brazuca’ after a fan poll in Brazil that drew almost a million votes.

‘Brazuca’ is a colloquial phrase that refers to the Brazilian way of life, and is also a phrase sometimes

Continues on page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS DOWN 4 Skinflint (5) 1 Address (6) 7 Penalise (6) 2 Introduce (6) 9 Girl’s (3) 3 Serpent (3) 10 Through (3) 4 Food-list (4) 12 Nude (5) 5 Angry (5) 13 Watched (4) 6 Lift (8) 15 Refute (5) 8 Idol (4) 17 Rest (6) 11 Opposing (9) 19 Dash (4) 14 Caribou (4) 20 Inn (5) 16 Girdle (4) 22 Sick (3) 24 Revel (7) 18 Scheme (4) 27 Child (3) 21 Upset (8) 28 Penitent (5) 23 Minus (4) 31 Snare (4) 25 Jot (4) 33 Handkerchief (6) 26 Defeat (4) 35 Inclined (5) 29 Cause (6) 37 Lofty (4) 30 Shouted (6) 38 Enticed (5) 32 Fold (5) 39 Firearm (3) 34 Boss (4) 41 Day (3) 36 Border (4) 42 Relegate (6) 40 Novel (3) 43 Combine (5)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Grim 4, Cup 6, Last 9, Act 10, Streamer 11, Bear 14, Red 16, Cloth 19, Disputed 21, Meter 23, Delicate 24, Regal 27, Rap 31, Fund 33, Agitated 34, Due 35, Mend 36, Lag 37, Pass.

DOWN: 2, Rite 3, Mien 4, Competed 5, Part 6, Label 7, Ace 8, Start 12, Adder 13, Using 14, Rum 15, Deter 17, Ocean 18, Hotel 20, Delaying 22, Rip 25, Elude 26, Aided 28, Fall 29, Damp 30, Mess 32, Nun.

How to Play Sudoku

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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