Nigeria must be saved from evil people — Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people

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MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

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8

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VOL. 25: NO. 62051

Nigeria must be saved from evil people — Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE

•Says no person or group can hold the nation to ransom A •Vows that Nigeria will overcome Boko Haram insurgency

BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, stoked his campaign against perceived enemies of the country, saying that Nigeria “must be liberated from evil people”.

He also insisted that his administration was committed to combating the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect. The President noted that the

Continues on Page 5

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COLUMNIST:

LES LEBA —P.40

Mr & Mrs

FIRST SUNDAY—From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; his mother, Mrs Eunice Jonathan; Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr John Kennedy Opara; FCT Minister of State, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide; Minister of Police Affairs, Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd); Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe; Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo and the Administrator, Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Mshaella, during the 1st Sunday of the year church service at Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) Area 1, Garki, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

FG evacuates 1,277 Nigerians from Central African Rep C M Y K

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2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

1ST SUNDAY SERVICE/PRAYERS ACROSS THE NATION IN PIX

From left: Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Interim Head of State and Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie during the service at Christ Cathedral Church Marina Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

From left: President Goodluck Jonathan, President, Church of Christ in Nations, Revd. Dachollom Datiri and Service Leader, Revd. David Kwamkur, during the 1st Sunday service of the year at the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, yesterday.

From left: Professor Daud Noibi, Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria; Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Akewusola, Chief Imam of Badagry Division; Alhaji Musiliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police and Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, Baba Adinni of Nigeria and Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, Chief Imam of Lagos during the "Muslim Pray for the Nation' event, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

From left: Revd. Samson Ayokunle, Convention President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Adedayo Fasakin, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Professor Tolulope Akinbogun, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development during FUTA annual thanksgiving service in Akure.

Arch Bishop of Catholic Church Ibadan Dioceses, Bishop AlabaJob (left); blessing the congregation at the first Sunday service at St. Mary Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube.

From left: Very Revd. Rufus Alolaye, Prelate's Chaplain, His Eminence Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche, Prelate Methodist Nigeria, Rt Revd. Oladapo Omotayo Babalola, Bishop of Tinubu and Very Revd Steven Adegbite, Proto-Presbyter Methodist Church of Trinity Tinubu during the service. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Worshippers during the first Sunday of the year service at the Living Faith Church Winners Chapel, Ibusa Road, Asaba, Delta State. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Bishop of Agege Diocese, First African Church Mission, FACM, Rt. Revd.

Michael Adewale Dare, during first holy communion service at the Jehovah Shammah Cathedral, Iju Ishaga Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 5

POCKET CARTOON

THANKSGIVING: From left, Pastor Folu Adeboye, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, his wife, Dame Abimbola; Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor, and Justice Ayoola Phillips, ex-Chief Judge of Lagos State, during the 2014 Annual Thanksgiving Service by Lagos State, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Nigeria must be saved from evil people — Jonathan Continues from page 1 Boko Haram menace was a temporary problem that will be defeated.

Speaking at the first

Sunday church service of the year at the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) Abuja, President Jonathan said no

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

One author writes: ‘When I treat people as obstacles, or a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment...dismissive glance...curt reply I lose a little more of myself...my relationship with God suffers.’

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HE awareness to know that we are whole and complete...the joy and laughter that supersedes all else, and gratitude opens our hearts to beauty and a deeper knowing of acceptance of divine love! – Ella R. Randle “I have been given everything?” I mused quietly as this monologue from within continues; the words echoed and lingered in my heart much longer after I heard them. “I have been given everything!” I was perplexed, did I hear that correctly? At this time, my questioning mind went into action with all sorts of analysis of what “everything” means in this context.

The way of divine love is beyond the grasp of the mind and so I went into a quiet contemplating mood to find meaningful answers. And viola! Like a flash of light piercing through the dark, came a beautiful understanding. “When your heart is continually full of love and always loving and giving, when you can love truly, you will be calm, and have no need to prove anything to anybody that which you already are. You just keep shinning your light and be yourself.”

Whenever I feel the presence of divine love intensely, I’m speechless to express the insights from within...but one thing is sure like moth to flame you will attract much beautiful energy of love in your spheres; just pause for a moment, breathe and feel the invisible embraced of divine love in your life. What more is there to ask for? But to be grateful.

Indeed! We have been given everything...perhaps not in world’s standard, but if your heart is full of love...if your heart can love through any given situation...you have a priceless gift. “A Golden Heart”. And remember, those who bring sunshine to others, first receive it, and this, is everything...this is everything! Thank you!

person or group will be allowed to hold the nation to ransom.

According to him, the country must be liberated from “evil persons” in order to bequeath to generations unborn, a country that they would be proud of.

“Nobody or group can hold this country to ransom. We will collectively liberate this country from any evil person, so that we can leave behind a Nigeria that our children and grandchildren will be proud of ”, he said.

Speaking on the Boko H a r a m i n s u r g e n c y, President Jonathan noted that “Boko Haram is temporary, Boko Haram will surely go. A number of countries are facing similar challenges and some have been able to overcome it and surely we will overcome Boko Haram. Life in the North must change; development must go to all parts of this country”.

On the political situation in the country, the president said there was nothing unusual in the heightened political situation.

“Let me reassure you again that myself and those who have been elected in this period, that the political environment is always noisy all over the world. There is nowhere you won’t hear so much noise. Even the United States of

America, not long ago, the country was almost shut down. For so many months people were worried that the country that has practiced democracy for so many years could get to that situation. But that is politics for you.

“But let me reassure you that we will continue to work harder to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians. We are particularly committed to knowing where our challenges are, especially in some parts of the North. We are quite

pleased with the measures from the outgoing President (of COCIN) and the measures of the incoming President concerning Boko Haram.

We sympathize with those who have been affected by the executions."

Delivering Pastoral greetings to the congregation, the new President of COCIN, Rev. Dachollom Datiri noted that the church has suffered greatly from Boko Haram attacks in its branches in the North East.

He, however, commended the President for declaring State of Emergency in the three northern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, which he said has checked activities of the insurgents.

Datiri also commended the President for being able to ensure constant supply of petroleum products in the country in the past two years and the recently called off strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) even as he hoped that

2014 will be strike-free.

“Your transformation agenda is loveable and commendable. You are always in church and God will never forget you. When a leader puts the things of God first, all other things shall be added unto him,” he said Noting that the storms toward the 2015 election are man-made, he prayed that they will soon be over and that no evil plan will succeed in Nigeria.

“COCIN is ever thankful to God for giving you to Nigeria, COCIN members despite political affiliations will support you” he said.

In his sermon titled ‘Usefulness’, he said that no individual can claim to know the will of God without first being useful, fruitful or productive.

Taking the congregation through 2nd Timothy 2: 14-26; Ephesians 2: 10; 2nd Corinthians 9:8 and 2nd Timothy 3: 17, he said that there are some milestones to be scaled before a believer can be useful to God.

Senate to probe collection of double salaries by Policemen in EFCC ...we pay allowances not double salaries— EFCC

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—THE Sen ate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes has condemned the alleged collection of double salaries by Police personnel in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Victor Lar also frowned at alleged dominance of Policemen in the commission, insisting that it was the reason behind its poor performance.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, while reacting to the alleged collection of double salaries

by Police officers within the commission, Senator Lar said that his commit-

tee had made efforts to know the number of personnel in the agency to no avail.

He said: “Well it is true (Police Personnel in EFCC collect salaries from the Police and the Commission), we got the complaint and while on oversight, we demanded from the EFCC the nominal roll showing the status of each personnel and the disposition according to state of origin.

“This moment as I am talking to you, we are yet to get the response from the EFCC.” He said most of the Policemen in the EFCC should be returned to police to create vacancies and then recruit Cadet Officers to decongest the unemployment

market in the country.

But the Commission's Public Relations Officer, Wilson Uwejare said that it was absolutely wrong for anybody to think that EFCC pays salary to its Police personnel, even as he debunked the allegation that the commission is dominated by Police.

He said: “I think the issue of dominance of Police personnel in EFCC is not true but I will explain. Because of the way EFCC came on board the first set of personnel that set up this Commission were drawn largely from the Nigeria Police and that has created the impression people have that we have dominance of Police in EFCC but it is just not correct."

6 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Osun police nab 78 rape, 70 robbery suspects

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — OSUN State police command has disclosed that no fewer than 78 rape and 70 robbery suspects were arrested by the command in year 2013.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Dorothy Gimba stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command last year.

Meanwhile, the command has apprehended a graduate of Computer Science and Engineering, Olawale Peters (34) and four others for allegedly stealing 28 laptops, eight digital cameras, phones and other computer accessories valued at over N6 million.

The suspects were said to have stolen the gadgets at a computer accessories shop in Osogbo.

The suspects, according to the Police Commissioner committed the offence on December 23, 2013.

Other members of the robbery gang include Olaiya Saheed (23), Sunday Job (27), Ajagbe Babatunde (25) and Adedeji Musibau (24).

On the review of the activities of the command, Gimba said 26 murder suspects, 17 cultists and two kidnappers were arrested while two kidnapped victims were rescued and 45 arms, 52 ammunition were recovered during the year under review.

She said 62 vehicles and 64 motorcycles were also recovered while 90 suspects were convicted and another 99 standing trial in various courts in the state.

5 policemen detained for renting rifle to kidnappers

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — FIVE police men, serving in Imo State police command, including the armourer of New Owerri police division, are now in detention over how one of the AK-47 rifles officially issued for guard duties, ended up in the hands of dare devil kidnappers operating in the state.

Confirming the develpoment to Vanguard in a telephone interview yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Musa Katsina, said while four of the five policemen were explaining their involvement in the sordid act, the armourer is being tried for negligent conduct.

Katsina said: “It is true that I ordered the arrest, detention and interrogation of four serving policemen of this command for allegedly renting one of the rifles assigned to them to dare devil kidnappers.”

According to the CP, all the police officers, including the armourer, arrested in connection with the sordid finding are now facing orderly room trial.

He said: “I have constituted a panel to try them. They have been given the opportunity to explain and anybody found to be involved in the crime would be made to face the full weight of the law.”

Giving a graphic account of how the police recovered the weapon from fleeing kidnappers, Katsina said the command’s Ambush Squad gave a hot chase to a gang of kidnappers and in the process, they

abandoned the gun in their operational vehicle and ran away.

“When the vehicle was thoroughly searched, the AK-47 rifle belonging to the command was recovered. We traced the point of issue to New Owerri police division and that is how the armourer came into the picture,” the CP said.

Goods worth millions of naira destroyed in Ife market inferno

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO —THE popular Oja Titun in Ile-Ife, Osun State was, weekend, gutted by fire, destroying property worth millions

GBOR — THE police in Agbor, Delta State have arrested a lady and her lover for the murder of her husband.

The suspect, one Solomon Sunday, was alleged to have clubbed the victim, Mr Obi Agada, with a plank while the wife, Alice Akwe, was in the bathroom.

The marriage between the couple was, however, not

of naira.

The inferno which threw the Odo-Ogbe area of the ancient city into grieve lasted about seven hours and it took the efforts of the state fire service to bring it

3 Nigerians, 4 Cameroonians arrested for oil theft

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KOT ABASI — COM MANDER, Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee, in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, Commodore Isaac Ogbole, weekend, said the command had arrested seven persons, including four Cameroonians, believed to be oil theft suspects.

The four Camerounians arrested were identified as Elias Mume, Lappa Bamileke, Fa-

blessed with any child, even as Alice claimed she had separated from the man.

Sources said scuffle ensued between Solomon and Obi on December 30, 2013, as the new lover who had been contending over the lady fought and wounded the victim when he hit him on the head.

The man was rushed to the Central Hospital, Agbor,

weapon was later recovered from kidnappers, was not reporting for duty” the CP said.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the four policemen were posted to the residence of a retired CP (names withheld), while Katsina has since reported the incident to the Inspector General of Police.

Bad portion of Ikotun-Ejigbo road by Iyana Ejigbo bus stop in Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority, LCDA, Lagos. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

bian Lemonmu and Meluis Amah.

Their Nigerian accomplices were Emeka Igbokwe, Michael John and Egbe Jame.

Ogbole told newsmen in Ikot Abasi that the suspects were allegedly caught “red-handed” on December 31, 2013.

“The suspects were nabbed at Agbani area, close to Bakassi Local Government Area, the border between Nigeria and Cameroun,”

Police nab wife, lover for husband’s murder

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Katsina said policemen are given weapons to protect the citizens and not to use it to terrorize the people they are supposed to protect.

“The four were officially assigned the weapons for guard duties. The other three policemen never reported to anybody that their colleague whose

from where he was referred to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, where he was confirmed dead.

According to the Acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Charles Muka, both suspects would soon be charged to court, adding that the corpse of late Obi had been deposited at the Central Hospital, Agbor, for autopsy.

he said.

He said the suspects were intercepted after intelligence reports indicated that they were travelling from Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom to Cameroon in a boat while pretending to be businessmen dealing on provisions.

Ogbole disclosed that the suspects were intercepted with 134 drums of 250 litres each, loaded with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), concealed under some assorted provisions, while heading toward Cameroon.

He listed other items recovered from the suspects to include two Yamaha outboard engines and two oil pumping machines.

“From all indications, it was clear that the men were not only carrying petroleum products, they could have equally smuggled arms and ammunition into the country.

“They have made useful statement to my men and told us that their master is somewhere in Cameroun."

under control.

Although the cause of the fire incident could not be ascertained at press time, eye witnesses said the fire started from a shop in the market.

A trader at the market, Mrs Adewumi Ronke, said the few traders who were at the market when the fire started called men of the state fire service.

Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr Olalekan Yinusa, who was one of the early callers at the market sympathized with the affected traders, urging them to be careful with electric appliances, especially during harmattan season.

He instructed the Director of Empowerment in the ministry to take account of victims and the extent of damage.

He said Governor Rauf Aregbesola was concerned with their current plight and assured that the government would assist them.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr Sunday Akere, who was also at the market urged traders in the state to adhere to the weekly market cleaning exercise to avoid such ugly occurrence in future.

Some of the affected traders enjoined the state government to come to their aid, saying their source of livelihood has been affected by the incident.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014—7

the Federal Government for jobs, adding that gainful employment would help to cushion their plights.

One of them, Uche Okechukwu, who hails from Imo State, said: “I am pleading with the Federal Government to help us with jobs, because we have lost everything.”

Another evacuee, Mrs Charity Igwe, from Anambra State, who fled CAR with four children, said going home with the children would not be easy for her.

Igwe said her husband refused to come, adding that she had to leave with her children for safety.

Mr. Sule Idris from Kano State said he was coming home after a four-year stay in CAR, stressing that his regrets was that he lost everything.

Idris appealed to the Federal Government to provide him with a job to make life meaningful for him again.

Agencies at work

The Defence Headquarters, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CRISIS: Main picture and inset— Some of the Nigerians evacuated from the Central DHQ, in collaboration with African Republic on arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Saturday. NAN PHOTO. NEMA, Nigeria Immigration Services and other government agencies are involved in the evacuation of Nigerians from CAR back to the country.

Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, represented by Lt.Col. Ezindu Idimah, said DHQ had provided Nigerian Air Force plane, medical team and other personnel to assist in the exercise.

The Head, Mission Control Centre of NEMA, Cdr. Mike

BY KINGSLEY Ministry of Foreign Affairs be indigenes of Bauchi, Edo, portation of their indigenes Igwe, said the agency had been on ground for over a week to OMONOBI, LAIDE Ministry.

Jigawa, Kebbi, Borno, Ekiti, out of camp in Abuja.

AKINBOADE & VICTORIA A breakdown of the provide succour to the Welcoming the returnees and Anambra, Zamfara, FCT, OJEME home, Sani-Sidi told the Akwa Ibom, Benue, Abia, evacuees, comprising mainly displaced persons.

Igwe said there had not been evacuees that food and non- Enugu, Kano, Imo and children, women, the aged and disabled, indicated that any casualty so far in the BUJA— THE Federal food items were available for Kaduna states.

Others were from Sokoto, the first batch consisted of exercise.

Government has so far them at the camp, while Meanwhile, President evacuated 1,277 Nigerians contacts had been made with Kwara, Adamawa, Gombe 365; second batch, 748; and Goodluck Jonathan has third, 164. stranded in crisis-torn Central the government of their Nassarawa and Delta. directed Defence Headquarters various states of origin to The governments of Benue, African Republic, CAR. to dispatch one C-130 aircraft Anambra, Delta, Abia, Edo Victims’ stories The National Emergency convey them home.

Meanwhile, some of the and two chartered aircraft to Most of the registered and Bauchi states have so far Management Agency, NEMA, which disclosed this in Abuja evacuees were discovered to commenced the trans- evacuees have appealed to bring back 1,620 Nigerians. yesterday, said evacuation exercise would continue until all Nigerians were airlifted out of the war-torn country.

It would be recalled that a United Nations, UN, report, “As the two argued to a many persons injured, while said over one million people point of exchanging blows, over 65 houses have been had been displaced from their

BY PETER DURU alleged anti-party activities. they attracted the attention of razed already, as I speak to homes in the clashes between Vanguard gathered from an passers-by who joined the you.”

Christian militias and the When contacted, the Police AKURDI— ABOUT 65 eyewitness, who preferred fray and the fight escalated.” mainly Muslim Seleka rebel According to the source, Public Relations Officer, PPRO, houses were razed, anonymity, that crisis erupted group that overthrew yesterday, rendering many “ when a supporter of the Mr. Ukor was alleged to have Deputy Superintendent, DSP, President Francois Bozize in homeless with others injured embattled lawmaker, Mr. moved with his supporters to Daniel Ezeala, said he had March. as People’s Democratic Party, Shiaondo Ukor, who is the home of the youth leader received reports on the razing According to NEMA, the PDP, supporters clashed in chairman of Motorcycle of Ugber Mr. Aondoaseer of thatched houses in the first batch of evacuees arrived Loko, Katsina-Ala Local Hirers Association at the Ornguze and razed down his affected area last night, adding at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Government Area of Benue Daudu unit, allegedly house after beating up his that he was still waiting for full accosted one Teryange, a family members.

International Airport, Abuja, State. details of the crisis. on Friday, January 3.

The source said: “His action On her part, Mrs. Amena The latest crisis in Katsina- commercial motorcycle rider The agency said others, who Ala is coming on the heels of and his employee. sparked a reprisal attack and confirmed the story, saying the “Ukor asked him to hand further escalation of the trouble was caused by those were evacuated on Saturday moves by the people of Loko and Sunday, were all received and PDP to recall Mrs over the keys of his motorbike fighting and burning down of who wanted to recall her for no on behalf of the Federal Hembadon Amena to him on the ground that he the houses of notable and vocal just cause.

Government by its Director- representing Katsina-Ala (Teryange) disrespected him members of the party in the She said the matter had been General, Muhammad Sani- West constituency in Benue by joining forces with some area. reported to the Police in Sidi, and officials of the State House of Assembly over people to unseat Mrs. Amena.

“The fighting is still on with Katsina-Ala and Makurdi.

FG evacuates 1,277 Nigerians from war-torn Central African Republic

zWe lost everything; give us jobs, evacuees beg FG

A

65 houses razed, scores injured as PDP supporters clash in Benue

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8—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

NMA suspends strike

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE, GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE & VICTORIA OJEME

F

OLLOWING the adoption of a resolution taken at an emergency National Executive Council meeting of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Abuja weekend, doctors in public hospitals across the country will not be proceeding on strike today as earlier directed.

This came on a day Edo State government threatened to invoke its nowork no-pay rule against any doctor that embarks on strike in the state.

Addressing the media in Abuja yesterday, NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said NMA would meet with government on February 7 to reappraise commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with the association.

He said: “All medical and dental practitioners nationwide are, hereby, directed to continue to render services to Nigerians.

“The decision was a very hard one to take because when you have a people who have been pushed for too long into the ambits of despair, you do not get surprised when several strategies are devised to actualised their overall objectives.”

Presidency shops for Tukur's replacement

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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HE Presidency has finally moved against the National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as it is now certain that it is shopping for his replacement.

Reliable sources told Vanguard that Tukur “will lose his position on January 16, as his exit is now a foregone conclusion.’’

The sources said the outgoing Chairman may be replaced by Waliki Adamawa, Alhaji Hassan Adamu.

The sources said the party needed a new hand to pilot its affairs as it seemed that many party faithful were against the chairman, whose alleged imposition of his maternal cousin as a candidate for one of the elections in his home state, Adamawa, precipitated the crises that had been rocking PDP for over a year now.

The party postponed its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting from January 8, to 16 because the National Assembly was on recess, and most of its members, who would participate in the meeting, travelled for their vacation.

Also, the meetings of other organs of the ruling party, the National Caucus and Board of Trustees, BoT, scheduled to precede the NEC meeting, had been shifted to January 14 and 15, respectively, to dovetail into the NEC on 16.

Earlier reports had it that the alleged resolve by majority of the governors of PDP to remove Tukur, forced the Presidency to suspend the meetings of BoT and NEC. It also emerged that President Goodluck Jonathan wanted the party leadership to

have more time to persuade warring Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to return fully to PDP before the NEC meeting.

According to the sources, Jonathan, who is opposed to disgracing Tukur out of office, reportedly asked for the postponement of the two

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has cautioned All Progressives Congress, APC, which it described as a coalition of desperate politicians, to tone down its penchant for propaganda in the New Year.

PDP, yesterday, in one statement described APC as a party whose stock in trade was insults, and in another castigated the leading opposition party as one bereft of sound ideology and democratic principles.

The two statements were issued by PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the party ’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, respectively.

In the statement by Tukur through his Special Assistant on Media, Prince Oliver Okpala, the national chairman was quoted as saying that there “is a desperate political coalition in the country now known as APC whose

governors Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers to APC, there had been pressure on Tukur to convene the NEC meeting where the problems of the party would be addressed against the backdrop that the last NEC was held before the August 31, 2013 Special National Convention of PDP.

FG vows to reposition Police

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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BUJA— THE Federal Government has said it would reposition the Nigeria Police Force to effectively battle terrorism and other crimes and criminalities.

President Goodluck Jonathan made this known, weekend, at the joint Passing Out Parade, POP, of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, Course 25/2012 and Cadet Inspectors under

Stop propaganda, PDP warns APC

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor, & UMORU HENRY

meetings to allow for peace to reign.

However, Secretary of PDP BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, explained that the meetings were postponed for logistics reason and to enable members return from their Christmas and New Year break.

He said: “We actually want to have a full house during the meetings so that all party issues could be effectively discussed.”

Since the defection of

stoke in trade is insults, attacks and lack of decorum.

“The party and her membership have nothing to offer the people of Nigeria, apart for only a desperate plan to take over power at all cost.”

He faulted APC for failing so far to present any reasonable programme to seriously challenge PDP. In the second statement by Metuh, PDP said that recent challenges that confronted the party only went to show the resilience of the party.

It said: “PDP is a party founded on democratic ideology by worthy and respectable leaders. It is the only party committed to the national interest, in which no person, group, tribe or religion can claim to play dominant role.

“We have remained strictly committed to our ideology based on the principles of patriotism and service to the people and this explains why self-centred and undemocratic elements find it very difficult to adapt to the dictates of the party.”

Course 40/2012, at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

Jonathan was represented at the occasion by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Umar Sani quoted Jonathan as noting that the task of maintaining the internal security of the country rested on the police.

He said: “As the lead agency

on internal security, Police must be effectively positioned to deliver on its mandate. Training and development are vital to achieving this.

“This is why this POP of 677 Police officers of the ranks of ASPs and Inspectors of Police is not only gratifying but auspicious.

The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to combat the threat posed by Boko Haram sect in Abuja, yesterday.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014—9

Return of schools to missions best thing — Pedro

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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From left: wife of celebrant, Mrs Olabisi Are; celebrant, Dr Lalekan former president, Government College Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Mr Banwo Smith; his wife Omolara; at the 80th birthday of Dr Lalekan Are in Ibadan on Sunday

2015: Polls should be devoid of violence — Fashola

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, decried the apprehension caused by threats of violence by the political class in the country, saying, "we must work to change the type of election that we have, to the type of election that we want."

Fashola added that election should be devoid of violence or

fear, adding that it should be a carnival full of fun, a kind of family fiesta where everyone will have the opportunity to participate.

“Parties and candidates will have to work hard to seek for new public post or to retain their post,” he said.

The governor who made this known at the 2014 Annual Thanksgiving service, at the State House, Ikeja, said that the appreciation about the general elections will do the country more

good if they are devoid of violence and fear.

According to him: “I have chosen to speak about elections because they have become a major prayer point in the last few days heralding a new year. Many are afraid, and perhaps, understandably so.

“While elections are moments to savour, and make informed decisions and choices about the way forward in most parts of the world; we seem to have contrived to deny

Nigeria's economy'll remain strong in 2014 — LCCI

BY PETER EGWUATU

LAGOS — THE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, weekend, declared that the Nigerian economy will remain strong in 2014, while forecasting that the Gross Domestic Growth, GDP, would grow at over six per cent relative to the global average of 3.1 per cent.

The Chamber also stated that the country’s economy may emerge as the largest on the African continent and one of the top 30th in the world after the GDP re-basing which is expected this year.

The President, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, who disclosed this said the global economic outlook, according to the International Monetary Fund, IMF, "looks good with a projected improvement in growth from 2.9 per cent in 2013 to 3.6 per cent."

According to him, “The economies of the sub-Sahara African countries are projected to post an impressive average of six per cent growth as against five per cent in 2013.

"Emerging economies will maintain positive growth trend of 5.1 per cent, although some of the economies may experi-

ence slower growth rate. Overall, the outlook for the global economy looks good and this would impact on commodity prices, especially crude oil.

"Oil prices are likely to be steady at around $100, which will be good for the Nigerian economy.”

Commenting on the Nigeria’s economy, he stated that the positive outlook of the global economy would impact positively on crude oil prices which could serve to sustain the current growth momentum of the economy.

According to a statement by LCCI: “Performance of the major drivers of growth are also expected to be sustained – telecommunications sector, building and construction; hotel and restaurants; and solid minerals.

"The market size, driven by high and growing population and emerging middle class will remain robust with corresponding opportunities for investors.

The pre-election activities may take its toll on the economy through distractions of partisan politics and heightened election spending. However, the resilience of the economy will endure.”

On exchange rate, the LCCI President said the naira will experience moderate depreciation

given the current pressure on the foreign exchange market and the increasing divergence between the parallel market rate and the official rate.

ourselves of the pleasure and fun that elections should bring.

“I remember in my re-election in 2011, it was a carnival and fun, a confident confrontation with the electorate and a family fiesta where even our children participated, because we worked hard and kept our promises.

“The question then to ask is why can this not be the case every time and everywhere? Why should we be moving soldiers and policemen in large numbers just because we are going to vote? Why should we be scared and very prayerful every election year?

“I have nothing against those who pray. What I quarrel with is prayer without effort. So let me say categorically that while we should pray, we must also do a lot of work to change the type of elections that we have into the type of elections that we want.

"That work is not government work. It is work that you and I will do.”

Customs command, intelligence unit stemming smuggling — Report

L

AGOS — THE Western Marine Command, Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, weekend, said the synergy between it and the Intelligence Unit had helped in stemming smuggling in 2013.

The command’s Comptroller, Mr. Zaka Audu, said in Lagos that the successes achieved in the fight against smugglers was the result of teamwork.

Audu said the command needed the assistance of other stations of the command to tackle smugglers because they were usually many and armed.

“Since smugglers are armed and many, Customs officers will need help from co-officers in outstations to confront them.

“Before, when we confronted these smugglers, they jumped into water and our officers also

jumped in in an attempt to catch them and eventually get killed,” he said.

He said that the command with its headquarters in Lagos covered coastal areas of Kebbi, Igbokoda in Ondo State, Yekeme in Badagry and Idiroko as well as the entire South-West.

The comptroller stated that the efforts of the command had led to the seizure of contraband goods worth N29.5 million on December 31, 2013.

“The seizure on December 31 was between Badagry, Yekeme and Idiroko out-stations. It was a seizure done within 24 hours and with information.

“And because the smugglers were armed, the officers came together to over-power them.

“The suspects jumped into the water and left the goods which were impounded,” Audu said.

RESIDENT OF the Anwar- Ul- Islam College Agege, Old Student’s Association, ACAOSA, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) has said the recent strike action embarked by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has shown that the government alone cannot provide all answers to the problems facing the nation's education sector.

Speaking at its Annual General Meeting, at the school premises, Pedro disclosed that the return of schools by the government to their original owners is the best thing that has happened to education sector in the country.

According to him, the efforts put up by the alumni of the Anwar-Ul-Islam College has started yielding positive results to enhance the status of the college.

He said: “Returning schools to the mission is the best thing to have happened to our educational system. It is a reality that the government cannot fund the educational system alone.

"Look at what just happened recently. Some universities were shut down for over five months because of salaries and poor infrastructure which the government can no longer handle."

Methodist Prelate canvasses parliamentary system

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE PRELATE, Meth odist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Kanu Uche has advocated the parliamentary system of government in Nigeria, saying that the presidential system is most expensive system in the whole world and it is not the best for a developing country like Nigeria.

He said: “I strongly advise that we should change our constitution and embrace parliamentary system of government, we don’t have the resources to run the presidential system of government like United State of America. The presidential system has lots of leakages and disadvantages.”

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

PDP, LP fault Amosun’s performance rating zOkada riders to work for his second term

A

BEOKUTA — MAJOR opposition parties in Ogun State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP, have disagreed with the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun that the state has soared since he assumed office two and a half years ago, describing his performance as below average.

Governor Amosun had, last week, in his new year message to the people of the state said that his government had achieved the impossible thereby setting a new standard, performance-wise.

According to Amosun: “In the last 31 months, our dear state has soared to a higher pedestal that makes it the envy of many and the pride of her citizens at home and in the Diaspora.

“Our schools are better devel-

oped as centres of teaching and learning; our hospitals are provided with more facilities and equipment; our people are more empowered to be job providers rather than job seekers; and, policies are adopted to make more of our people legitimate home owners. Even the most ardent of our critics agree that Ogun State is now a better place.”

But, in separate reactions, yesterday, both PDP and LP were unanimous, saying Amosun has performed below the expectations of the people of the state.

In his reaction, the state Chairman of the PDP, Bayo Dayo told Vanguard on phone that, Amosun was wrong to have scored himself high, rather, he should have allowed the people to score him.

He said: “As far as the PDP is concerned, Amosun has not been helping the people of the state but has been helping himself and his people in Egbaland.

“Amosun is a governor of APC, and not governor of everybody in the state even in his party, he is not accepted by all.

“He should allow civil servants, teachers, market women and other people in the state to score him. But to us in the PDP, he has performed below the expectation of the people.”

In his own reaction to Amosun’s new year broadcast, the state Secretary of the Labour Party, Sunday Ogini told Vanguard that, the Amosun government scored less than 10 per cent on performance rating.

VISIT: From left, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; President, International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze; and former President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, Olusegun Ajanlekoko, during the visit of IFAD President to the Governor, in Akure, weekend.

Ogini said: Amosun’s government has won an award of the state with the highest number of economically displaced people in the country.

“Amosun government is a government of deceit. The governor has performed below average in many areas. In fact, we score his government zero in many areas except some areas like infrastructure that we can score him less than 10 per cent.

“When he was being sworn-in, he promised free health care, but till today nothing of such. Go to some of the hospitals they are glorified mortuaries.

“He promised reduction in school fees, but today school fees have skyrocketed. In Education he scored zero, health-wise zero, nobody is questioning urban renewal, but it must be done with human face,” he said.

Meantime, the chairman of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORA, in Ogun State, Samsudeen Apelogun has said that the association would do everything possible to ensure the re-election of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in the coming election.

Apelogun, however, said the leadership of the association would ensure that hoodlums are not allowed to perpetuate crime under the guise of being commercial motorcyclists in the state.

Speaking shortly after he was re-elected the state Chairman of the association in Abeokuta, yesterday, Apelogun said Amosun government has created enabling environment for members of the association to operate.

According to him, one good turn deserves another support; all of us want Senator Ibikunle to be re-elected governor of the state to continue his sterling performance.

APC names Ondo harmonisation Committee — Boroffice, Akeredolu, Abegunde, Ajanaku, others are members

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HE ALL Progressives Congress, APC, has named its harmonisation committee for Ondo State. It will essentially coordinate the process of mobilising membership for the party.

The committee’s activities which will start tomorrow will

be chaired by the party’s most senior elected political officer in the state, Senator Ajayi Boroffice.

The committee will be inaugurated in Akure, the Ondo State capital by Otunba Niyi Adebayo, National Vice Chairman of the party in the

South-West.

The other committee members who were drawn from the former parties that formed the APC include: Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, Ifedayo Abegunde, Idowu Ajanaku, Paul Akintelure and the interim chairman of Ondo

APC, Chief Samuel Adesoji, among others.

The committee which has been approved by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, will also oversee the up-coming registration of the party in the state.

Truck crushes 14-yr-old pupil to death in Ondo

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — AN articulated truck, yesterday, in Oba Akoko, Akoko South-west council area of Ondo State, weekend, crushed to death a 14-year-old primary school pupil.

Consequently youths in the town cut the expressway way in several places to protest the kill-

ing.

The angry youths barricaded major roads in the town burning tyres and chanting war songs.

They called on relevant authorities to construct speed breakers on the highway to Akungba from Owo to avoid a recurrence of such fatality Vanguard gathered that the pupil of New Era Group of Schools, simply identified as Gabriel, was about to cross the

expressway when he was crushed to death.

A reliable source said that boy after dressing up for church wanted to take his breakfast but discovered there was no sugar in the house.

In an attempt to cross the road to the other side of his house to buy sugar resulted in his death as the articulated truck, loaded with tomatoes coming from

Abuja, ran over him.

Only his legs were seen as the trailer reportedly crushed him beyond recognition.

The incident, according to eye witness, occurred opposite Christ Apostolic Church, Oketere Street at 7a.m., yesterday..

Several vehicles were forced to seek alternative routes due to the blockade of the road by the youths.

Terminal operators support Customs' new cargo policy

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE SEAPORT Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, STOAN, has thrown its weight behind the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, scheme, a new cargo policy of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, The Customs only last month took over the Destination Inspection Scheme, DI, and the implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report scheme, PAAR. Chairman of STOAN, Princess Dr. Vicky Haastrup, who gave the commendation in Lagos, weekend, expressed confidence in the ability of the NCS to ensure success of PAAR scheme and operations of scanning machines at the seaports, airports and border posts.

“The take-over of the DI and introduction of PAAR by the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, is a commendable move.

"As patriotic Nigerians, we support government’s decision on the importation regime and we will give the NCS unflinching support in ensuring that it succeeds in this onerous task thrust on it,” Haastrup stated in a press release.

She said terminal operators will provide necessary support to their respective Customs Commands to ensure hitch-free implementation of the new import assessment and risk management regime.

It would be recalled that Customs took over full implementation of the destination inspection scheme at the beginning of December 2013 upon expiration of the contract of the DI service providers.

Upon take-over of the scheme, the NCS management introduced a new import risk management platform, the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, to replace the Risk Assessment Report, RAR, hitherto issued by the DI service providers.

Haastrup also stated that the year 2013 witnessed tremendous improvement in port operation as many terminal operators increased the efficiency of their service offerings through the acquisition of additional modern cargo handling equipment and upgrade of their terminals.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014—11

Ogonis call for dissolution of HYREP zDemand statutorily backed intervention agency

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— OGONIS have called on the Federal Government to dissolve the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Restoration Project, HYREP, in their area and set up what it termed ”a truly statutorily backed intervention agency to handle clean up of the environment,” in Ogoni communities.

Speaking at this year’s Ogoni Day, weekend, in Bori, National President of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara, said that the delay on the part of the Federal Government to implement the United Nations Environmental Progremme, UNEP, report two years after it was released, should be seen by all as an act of genocide against the Ogoni people.

He said they would continue to embark on peaceful protests to draw attention of the government to implement the UNEP recommendations in the area.

He said: “The ongoing delay on the part of the government to implement the UNEP report will continue to be seen as an act of genocide being

committed against the Ogoni people. Our series of non-violent actions will continue in the face of government’s failure to implement the recommendations of UNEP.” He noted that the people would resist alleged move by Shell to sell off its oil concessions in the area and lamented the alleged collapse of health care services

in Ogoni and charged government at all levels to take urgent steps to resolve the issue.

“While we appreciate the efforts of Rivers State Government in the provision of some primary health care facilities, we are alarmed by the complete collapse of secondary health care services

in Ogoni. All general hospitals in Ogoni are presently in coma. Despite advances in health care in other parts of the country, there is not a single specialist or tertiary health care facility in Ogoni.

We are calling on government at all levels to reverse this trend as soon as possible,” he said.

PRESENTATION: From left: Dr. Alphonsus Ojo, member representing Ukwuani Constituency at Delta State House of Assembly; Chief Festus Ochonogor, Organising Secretary (SouthSouth Peoples Democratic Party, PDP); Chief Anigala, Vice-Chairman, Delta North PDP; Chief Peter Nwoboshi, Chairman, PDP, Delta State; Mr. Azuka Azaka, member representing Ndokwa-West at DTHA receiving his membership card of PDP, and Mr. Victor Ochei, Speaker, DTHA.

Bayelsa gives JTF kudos for curbing criminality in N-Delta

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State Government, yesterday, lauded the efforts of Joint Task Force, JTF, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, under the command of Major General Bata Debiro, noting that despite operating in a peculiar terrain, the special security outfit had done well in reducing criminality in the Niger Delta region.

This is just as the officers and men of the JTF, in their hundreds, formally bade farewell to Gen. Debiro, who recently retired from the service.

The state government's commendation of the security forces might not be unconnected with the recent drop in crude oil theft in the region to about 40,000 barrels per day as well as the reduction in recorded cases of pipeline vandalism in recent times.

It was learnt that the country was losing about 100,000 barrels of crude daily to oil thieves until Debiro assumed command of Operation Pulo Shield in the troubled region and took the battle to the oil thieves and vandals in the

creeks of the Delta.

Speaking at a send-forth ceremony organised in Debiro's honour at JTF Headquarters in Yenagoa, the state deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) commended the retiring officer for his commitment to duty, noting that notable contributions had been recorded by the force.

“Operation Pulo Shield has done very well in the Niger Delta. It is not easy working in the

creeks. The response of the JTF commander and the FOC and most of the signals that come from the creek and the reaction from FORMOSA are quite commendable,” he said and urged the JTF and its support units to continue the good work in the region.

Responding, Gen. Debiro thanked the Bayelsa State Government, the govern-

ments of Niger Delta states, as well as the officers and men of JTF for their support during his time as the commander of the outfit.

Though the outgoing commander admitted the presence of some bad eggs within the outfit, he nonetheless commended his officers for taking disciplinary measures against such identified personnel.

Edo vows to deal with land speculators

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—EDO State Government has expressed concern over what it described as the disturbing activities of unauthorised land speculators in the state and promised to deal decisively with the situation this year.

State Chairman, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee and the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, who lamented what he described as the unlawful and shameful manner in which speculators extort prospective developers across

the various communities in the state, said the committee would liaise with the state House of Assembly to come up with a law that would address the situation.

Speaking, weekend, in Benin City, on how the committee resolved the land dispute between some indigenes of the state of the state, he said: “Our committee has been busy treating several petitions arising from land disputes in the state.

“One of such petitions include that of Pa Amadasun, a land developer, who told

the committee that he was attacked by thugs loyal to one Victor Ugiagbe for refusing to pay additional money to develop a parcel of land measuring 100 by 100 feet for which he (Amadasun) had paid N500, 000 for nine years ago.

“Mr Ugiagbe, who testified before the committee in connection with the incident, denied attacking the land developer. However, the matter has been resolved amicably after Ugiagbe signed a bond to be of good behaviour for the next six months."

Cleric urges Nigerians to seek God's face

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—BISHOP of Ughelli Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Cyril Odutemu, has urged Nigerians to seek the face of God in all things, so that His blessings could be upon the land.

Odutemu, in his New Year message titled, Seek God first and His Righteousness, at the All Saints Cathedral Church, Ughelli, Delta State, tasked leaders, both in circular world and in the church, to seek God and His Righteousness.

While insisting that obedience was better than sacrifice, he said Abraham heeded God's command to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, adding that “it is only when we seek God and His Righteousness first that all can be well with us.

“I encourage all Christians and non-Christians to show love , hold firm to the Gospel, remain in His presence and study His word daily.” Continuing, he prophesied goodness upon Nigeria this year, urging Nigerians to be steadfast for peace to be restored in the country.

Nigerians not enjoying dividends of democracy —Biukeme

F

ORMER Delta State governorship candidate of Mega Peoples Progressives Party, MPPP, in 2011, Alaowei Afro Biukeme, has said that Nigerians in general and Deltans in particular were not enjoying the dividends of democracy, alleging that the people were getting poorer by the day.

He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has not performed, as far I am concerned. South- South has nothing to show for the fact that the President is from the region. Nothing is working in the Niger Delta region. Apapa Seaport in Lagos State is congested while seaports in Delta State are not working. The President is only busy taking care of the militants, but this time around, we are going to fight in a non-violent manner."

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Whereabouts of 6 suspects causes stir in Rivers Police Command

NAF reshuffles appointments of some senior officers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

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A

BUJA—THE Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has made some new appointments, with Air Vice Marshal S. B. Abubakar emerging as the new Air Officer Commanding, AOC, Training Command, Kaduna, while his predecessor, Air Vice Marshal I. Umar moves to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Policy and Plans.

Air Vice Marshal, AVM, T. A. Adokwu is moved to Air Force Institute of Technology as Commandant, while Air Vice Marshal H. R. Mohammed replaces him as Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Headquarters, NAF. AVM A. I. Shehu takes charge as the new Chief of Standards and Evaluation at the Air Force Headquarters with AVM J. M. Gbum replacing him as Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency.

Air Vice Marshal A. G. Idowu is Director of Research and Development, DHQ, F. B. Nyoyoko, Director, Electronic Warfare, Defence Headquarters, DHQ; M. M. Maisaka, Director, Medical Training Operations, DHQ, while A. A. Zannah takes charge of the newly established Air Warfare Centre, Kainji.

Also, AVM B. C. Nweze moves to Nigerian Defence Academy as the Deputy Commandant, just as AVMs M. A. Mohammed and L. S. Alao were appointed as Directors of NAF Transformation and Logistics and T. V. Udoh is the new Director, Technical Services, Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA. A statement by NAF Director of Information, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, noted that the reorganisation also resulted in the appointment of Air Commodore J. B. Adigun as Chairman, Military Pensions Board while Air Commodore K. G. Lar becomes the Secretary, National Defence College.

Other newly appointed Directors at the NAF Headquarters include Air Commodores H. C. Ifezue, Director of Regiment, P. C. Ugwueke, Director, Provost Services, M. A. Soladoye, Director, ICT, M. R. Dabo, Director, Finance and Accounts, M. A. Muhammad, Director Legal Services, among others.

VISIT: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right), presenting a souvenir to Rev. Eddie Fox, Director, World Methodist Evangelism Institute, during a courtesy call at Governor's Office, Uyo.

Nothing wrong if Rivers lawmakers sit outside Assembly complex —DEP SPEAKER

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, has said there could be nothing wrong if the House sits outside the state Assembly complex on Moscow Road, in Port Harcourt.

Kwanee, who spoke with Vanguard on phone, yesterday, shortly after he arrived from a trip, said that with the prevailing circumstance, it would not be a crime if members chose to sit at a venue other than the Assembly building.

“I want you to quote me and quote me very well. I am just arriving Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt. For sure, the House will sit. There is no rule forbidding the House from sitting if the present place has been made impossible.

“What is wrong if the House

look for an alternative venue for legislative activities?

From the series of events so far, it had become practically impossible for members to sit at Moscow Road (where the House of Assembly complex is located). Under your watch, members of the House sat on the bare flow on Moscow Road. So, I do not see any crime if the House seeks for an alternative venue for the act of lawmaking,” he said.

The House of Assembly had been sealed by the Police in the state after a fracas between two factions last year.

The crisis led to one of the lawmakers, Evans Bipi also claiming to be Speaker of the House.

On its part, the Felix Obuah faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the state governor,

Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, of allegedly directing some lawmakers to convene a sitting of the House in Government House, Port Harcourt, to consider the 2014 Appropriation Bill and to sponsor a motion rejecting recommendations of the National Judicial Council, NJC, on the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge for Rivers State.

Mr. Obuah, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Jerry Needam, said any sitting outside the House of Assembly by lawmakers loyal to Governor Amaechi should be seen as null and void and a criminal act.

He said that the party would resist any move by lawmakers to sit outside the House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road, adding that it would also resist any decision from such a forum.

Police to exhume corpses of suspected armed robbers in Edo “Finally, the Commissioner

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—EDO State Police Command has agreed to exhume the corpses of four robbery suspects killed on November 24, 2013 at the Ahor axis of the Benin bye-pass, Edo State.

It will be recalled that the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Friday Igbinosa, had, during its lasting sitting on December 16, 2013, ordered that the remains of Mr. Samuel Imaikop, aged 42, and three unknown other persons, alleged to have been extra- judicially

killed by the police, be exhumed for the purpose of examining the corpses to ascertain the causes of their death.

The court had also ruled that no medical experts other than Police Pathologist(s) should carry out the examination or be part of same.

The court ordered that “the said medical report of the examination of the bodies or corpses shall be made into copies and sent to the Registrar of the court for purposes or other consequential orders if necessary."

of Police Edo State, who is the respondent in this case is hereby, ordered to produce the said bodies of the deceased persons or the killed Mr. Samuel Imaikop, 42 years and the three other unknown persons and hand over their corpses or be pointer to wherever their bodies are presently buries to enable the experts carry out or execute the orders of this court.”

Among the robbery suspects was one Samuel Imaikop, whose family claimed was a farmer and married to two wives.

ORT HARCOURT— SPECULATIONS were rife in some quarters, yesterday, that the Police in Rivers State may have released the six suspects, handed over to them after their arrest by the Joint Task Force at Ogu Bolo Local Government Area of the state, weekend, for illegal possession of fire arms.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ahmad Muhammad, said he was neither aware of the handover of the suspects to the Police nor their release.

It will be recalled that he had said on Saturday, when contacted to confirm the handover of the suspects, that he was not aware of such persons in Police custody. It took the JTF to confirm that the suspects were handed over to the Police.

Meanwhile, the member representing Ogu Bolo constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr Evans Bipi, has said the six suspects arrested were not his political loyalists, adding that those linking him with them were only trying to divert attention from the Leader of the state House of Assembly, Mr Chidi Lloyd, who was arrested recently by the Police.

APC berates FG for allegedly dumping Rivers projects

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

R

IVERS State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, condemned the Federal Government for allegedly abandoning projects it initiated in the state in the past despite the fact that the people of the state voted massively for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2011.

Interim Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Davies Ikanya, in a statement, said though the state was facing challenges like other states, “ there are peculiar challenges that have needlessly been imposed on our dear state by the powers that be.”

He enjoined the people of the state not to despair and remain resolute in their support of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to ensure that the interest of Rivers people was protected at all times.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 13

Ex-party chair blames Ebonyi PDP woes on new members

BY PETEROKUTU

A

BAKALIKI— FORMER state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Obinna Ogba, weekend alleged that those destroying the unity and internal democracy within the party were decampees from the then All Peoples Party, APP, which later metamorphosed into All Progressives Congress, APC. Ogba, who stated this during an interaction with newsmen, said the present crop of leaders of the party lacked the mentality of accommodating and increasing the membership status of the party in the state.

He recalled that while his administration usually embarked on a concept called Personal Touch to woo aggrieved members back to the party, the present leadership of the party in the state was not interested in resolving issues affecting its members, especially when it had to do with choice of candidates during elections.

He said: “Those of them who decamped from APP now APC are the ones that finished the party but that is the truth because they came and drove away people instead of retaining them. They don’t have the mentality of keeping people together; they don’t have the mentality of bringing people together to build Ebonyi and the party.

“PDP is a very big umbrella and therefore they should endeavour to bring in people and not scare people away; they should adopt the initiative for dialogue, I mean Personal Touch.

“It doesn’t remove anything from you, when you ask another person what the problem is, so that it can be resolved.

“For instance, the present governor of the State had run for Governorship against us under All Peoples Party, which became ANPP and today APC; it was during my time that the present governor joined PDP.

Imo govt replies Onwuliri, challenges FG on alleged missing oil money

BY CHIDINKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State government has challenged Minister of External Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, to get the federal government to account for missing billions of naira in the oil sector before asking for its own accountability The Minister had last week charged the government to account for the over N40 billion local government funds from the federation as well as money from SURE-P allocation, saying developments in the 27 local government areas in the state were not commensurate with the funds allocated in the last three years.

But responding to the minister’s demand, Okorocha’s Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Samuel Onwuemeodo, said: “One of the conditions by which the present state administration would accept the demand is that the minister and other stakeholders would gather the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors that had ruled the state for 12 years, along with the present governor, to give account of what they did with the state allocations.”

Onwuemeodo was of the opinion that Okorocha’s administration had in less than three years, recorded more landmark achievements than the 12 years of the two PDP governors that earlier served in the state.

He also urged the Minister to remind her principal of the same

demand on the Federal Government from well meaning Nigerians, especially the unresolved issue of alleged missing billions of Naira from the oil sector.

Vanguard recalls that Professor Onwuliri had during a press conference in Owerri, sought to know where the allocations accruing to the 27 local councils, totaling over N40 billion, as well as the excess

crude funds were channeled.

“What we have on ground in the 27 local government areas of the state is not commensurate with the huge funds so far collected from the federation account for nearly three years,” Professor Onwuliri said.

She also accused the state government of misapplying or misappropriating the Subsidy Reinvestment and

Empowerment Programme, SureP, fund.

“The Federal Government has received complaints from victims of the recent flood disaster that the intervention fund it released to the state was diverted,” Professor Onwuliri said.

While noting that the state government had a lot to account for, the Minister, however, said that the Federal Government would soon compel the governor to account for the funds it collected from the federation account.

COMMISSIONING: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (middle), his wife, Mercy Orji (left), and Sir Emeka Ananaba, deputy governor, during the commissioning of the Osinulo Shoppers Centre, at Isicourt in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.

Bishop warns politicians against inflammatory comments

O

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—RETIRED Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Mbaise, Rt. Rev. Bright Ogu, has cautioned politicians against making inflammatory remarks capable of inciting the citizenry against the government of the day.

Bishop Ogu, gave the warning while preaching the sermon during the thanksgiving service of the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor, at Saint Mary ’s Anglican Church, Umuokoro, Eziama,Imo State.

“It is sad that some politicians take joy in making inflammatory remarks that are not only against the government of the day, but which can equally spark off serious crisis in the country.

“Inflammatory remarks amount to destructive politics.

It is an ill-wind that will blow no one any good,” Bishop Ogu said.

While expressing regret that Nigerian politicians were already busy plotting how to rig the 2015 general elections, Bishop Ogu urged Nigerians

to be very cautious of the antics of politicians.

He said: “It is most regrettable that Nigerian politicians are already busy, plotting how to rig elections in 2015.

“I urge Nigerians to be cautious of their antics, while being very alert to over-turn inauspicious moves,” Bishop Ogu pleaded.

The cleric was particularly irked by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to President Goodluck Jonathan and described it as “an indictment of himself ”.

According to him, “Chief Obasanjo’s letter to President Jonathan is an indictment of himself; Chief Obasanjo is no doubt, guilty of the same offence.”

He recalled how the whole world celebrated Nelson Mandela because of what they saw in the late human rights activist and antiapartheid crusader.

“We are all praying and hoping that African leaders would emulate the leadership qualities of the former South African leader,” Ogu said.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Bishop Okorafor, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Professor Emmanuel Iheagwam, for his pioneering efforts in the Diocese.

Some of the dignitaries that graced the event included the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Benjamin A. Njemanze, some members of the state and National Assembly, as well as the Chairman, Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Fred Nwachukwu.

PDP chieftain defects to APC in Abia

U

BY ANAYOOKOLI

M U A H I A — A CHIEFTAIN of ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and factional governorship candidate of the party in Abia in 2011, Chief Ikechi Emenike, has decamped to All Progressives Congress, APC. Emenike is reputed to have a large and strong political structure in the state, up to the council levels, including youths

and women groups as well as his main party structure.

His declaration followed a meeting attended by over 4000 of his co-coordinators representing all age groups from across the state where a vote was said to have been taken to decide which party they would defect.

Result of the vote indicated 80 per cent of his supporters urged him to join the APC,

while 15 percent supported his joining Labour Party, while 4 percent voted for APGA. Based on the outcome of the voting, Emenike and his supporters decamped en masse to the All Progressives Congress.

Though Ikechi has not declared interest in any office he will be vying for in 2015, there are indications that he will contest the governorship of the state.

14 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 15

C M Y K

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 LIKE many spheres of society, a lot is wrong with the judiciary. Ordinarily, society’s general failings could be excuses for the poor performance of the judiciary, but if we accept that the courts are the last hope of all seeking justice, no excuses would suffice for their glaring laxities.

The Supreme Court’s verdict that Chief Bode George, a former naval officer, former Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority board, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was innocent of corruption charges shocked many.

George served a prison term on the charges.

At the High Court and Court of Appeal, the prosecution made its case so eloquently that the public feasted on George’s supposed frauds at NPA. George called his travails political – they were since he was a politician, and so were his former friends, who gave him the prominence that distinguished his case.

The verdict, though resting on law, would still be seen as political. George was tried on Sections 104 and 203 of the Criminal Code, but the charges of contract splitting,

Bode George Before The Law only became an offence under the 2007 Procurement Act, which became law four years after George left office.

Under Section 36 (6, 8) of the 1999 Constitution, our laws do not take retroactive effect. The court made another fundamental point of noting that Sections 104 and 203 of the Criminal Code were at variance with the Constitution and therefore invalid. These important decisions could be lost by focusing on George.

Proponent of the once-vibrant war against corruption use George to underline the seriousness they applied to a national virus.

They celebrated his conviction in 2009 and

loss of the appeal in 2011.

Corruption in the judiciary alone cannot be responsible for a “mistrial”, as the Supreme Court called the case. Ignorance is another challenge for the judiciary. Are judges in the lower courts updating their knowledge of our laws?

Political pressure on judges is also understated and falls outside most measures of corruption. The flood of 198 petitions the National Judicial Council received in one year indicates concerns with the judiciary.

The NJC retired Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court and Justice T. D. Naron of High Court of Plateau State for alleged unprofessional conduct. On 26 April 2013, it suspended Justice Abubakar Talba for a year without pay for sentencing Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf, who he convicted for stealing N1.3 billion from the police pension fund to N750, 000 fine, which Yakubu paid on the spot and gained his freedom.

Retirement with full benefits would not deter corrupt judges. The odium of prosecution, with their offences made public, would be a bigger deterrent.

OPINION

BY GODWIN ETAKIBUEBU

T

HE last time this topic was discussed, we established the fact that there are two categories of oil thieves in Nigeria – those in government, acting in official capacity and those outside government. We were able to identify those in government and the quantity of product they steal from the Nigerian people daily. One pointed out that there is an official daily allocation of 450,000 barrel of crude oil [expected to be refined] allocated for local consumption for the Nigerian market.

This allocation is taken away daily by the NNPC and its subsidiaries but nothingby way of revenue to government coffers, either as finished product of PMS or cash. The conclusion therefore is that, is a colossal sum of US$12,975,750,000 – representing annual sales of the 450,000 barrels at 2013 budget estimate of US$79 per barrel was stolen. And this has been on for as many years as we can count. This is what is stolen by the first category of the Nigerian oil thieves.

Let us find the second category of the oil thieves. This category is a little difficult to track because the thieves in this category do not operate from one location like those in the first category which is at the NNPC. These thieves are scattered all over the land, highly placed personalities who can acquire vessels [motor tankers], keep security agencies at sea in their pay-roll, can “even command those security agencies securing our oil to escort their ships to the safety of international waters from both the loading platforms and the creeks” and with enough power to turn “day to night and night to

Still on the Oil thieves day”.

These people are first class “DEALERS” parading themselves as “LEADERS”. They are to be found in both the Military and other paramilitary institutions [serving and retired], hierarchy of Traditional institutions from all over the country, some political godfathers across the country, amongst the corps of Ministers, some religious bigots, some “professional killers” going by the name of freedom fighters and many others too numerous to mention.

Even, those we rely on as “gate keepers and watchers” over our oil – that is the Nigerian Navy officers and men – are the greatest culprits in this matter. Oh, less l forget, the international community, as mostly represented by the Lebanese residents in Nigerian are major players in this industry as well.

Those mentioned above give “instruction for the sea to be calm” because they want to “catch fish” and the “protectors of the sea” would obey because “big fish must come into the net”. The rule of the game is known to everyone in the “TRADE” and this is inclusive of the cost for “smooth operation”.

Yes, from the Excravos Estuary to Akasa Water Fronts, the language is the same and business booms. On the field of crude oil, the CAT is as much a thief as the RAT so the result is to your “tent oh Israel”.

Every member of this group is wealthy enough, well connected enough and ruthless enough. In the business of crude

oil stealing “life is the i.o.u [I owe you] of the looser”. Mistakes are not always to be condoned. It is organised along the MAFIA etiquette. It is a trade that is well connected to the international community. It is likely to be broken but can be brought under control only, if the present DEALERS, sorry LEADERS, are ready to tell themselves the truth that “enough is enough ”.

I am not so sure if it is the quantity of crude oil stolen by this category of thieves that the honourable Minister of Finance; Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, alluded to when she said that Nigeria may be losing up to 12b USD to “oil thieves in 2013 alone.

H

owever, l am of the opinion; and this is my personal anyway, that unless this category of thieves steal as small as 450,000 barrel per day, which is most unlikely, the total loss to oil thieves last year may be within the region of 15 to 20b USD. Huh! How one arrived at this frightening figure is simple. The following scenario paints a better picture. In the trade of stealing crude oil as described earlier, the investment is heavy. Motor tankers are sometimes anchored in international waters with ventilated smaller vessels [sometimes trawlers] servicing them from the point of loading illegally. The sizes of the vessels to be used by these oil thieves are likely to be, in most cases, Ocean going double haul tankers; and these are large enough to take

from 10,000 to 350,000 tons [called Dead Weight Ton or DWT in Maritime] of crude oil, depending on the “availability of market” for the thief and his/her “holding capacity in the market place”. And buyers are always waiting eagerly for stolen crude oil at the international market places. This is addition to the fact that the business is going on with impunity daily.

Whichever way we look at the matter or whatever method this dangerous trade goes through, or even whatever instrument of carriage deployed into the operation, Nigeria is 'bleeding' financially. This is why we must stop it – talk of the “stealing trade”.

Who can stop it? This remains a big and naughty question to answer. This writer might not be able to give a clear cut answer or solution to the question except to throw a guess. The only suggestion that may pass, most likely, for solution is to call on our leaders; from the Presidency to all other authorities to come together in Abuja, at a round a table and agree on one subject matter. That subject matter should not be eradication of theft of the “black gold” because it would amount to collective deceit if eradication is the topic. The President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who must preside over this all-important meeting, should call out with a tune of finality. “The time has come for all of us to reduce stealing of our crude oil to the barest minimal”.

Nearly all of them will likely concur. If they so agree, then the end of the annual colossal monetary lose is in sight.

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

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 41

Vanguard

I’ve no preferred candidate in Ekiti guber polls —JONATHAN

BY BEN AGANDE

A

B U J A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan met behind closed doors with the Peoples Democratic Party aspirants in the f o r t h c o m i n g governorship election in Ekiti State at the weekend and declared he had no preferred candidate for the poll.

The meeting, which was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, had in attendance the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy-Cpt. Olubolade (rtd.); former governor of the state, Ayo Fayose, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, Dayo Adeyeye, Bisi Omoyeni, Abiodun Aluko, Yinka Akerele and Femi Bamisile.

Minister of Police

Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, who confirmed the meeting to State House correspondents after a church service Jonathan attended at the Church of Christ in Nations, Abuja, said the President’s decision not to endorse any of the aspirants was a welcome development for democracy.

He said: “What the President said was that he has not endorsed anybody, that means every aspirant can become the governor.

That is good for democracy.

“What we need to do is to take it in good faith and learn the lesson he has offered and use it, things will start to take shape. It is in our interest that we conduct a free and fair election.

It is in our interest that we recognise each other’s capability. When a winner emerges, we should all take it in good faith,” he added.

He said it was the responsibility of all Nigerians to support the President to succeed in his task to move the nation forward.

“It is in our interest to see that whoever God made our President, will succeed. It is our responsibility to make sure our President succeeds. “ It will portray us in good image before the international community, it will show good example to others coming behind and the followers will see that there is hope for the future,” he said.

Spaniard begs EFCC, IGP to probe alleged N3.6bn contract fraud in Imo

A

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—A Spanish contractor, Mr. Jose Lopez-Pepe, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, urging it to probe alleged 1.6 million Euro(3.6bn) contract fraud in Imo State.

Specifically, LopezPepe alleged that his Nigerian partner, one Benjamin Emenike, connived with some commissioners in Imo State to divert the contract funds.

In the petition filed through his lawyer, Abiodun Oduwole, a copy of which he equally sent to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, the Spaniard, alleged that while he travelled abroad to procure technical drawings and other equipment for the contract valued at about N3.6 billion, Emenike, who is the Managing Director of a company, Hormipresa Nigeria Ltd, collected part payment for the project and bought several exotic cars.

Insisting that he never received the payment by the state government for the job, the contractor begged the IGP and the anti-graft agency to investigate his Nigerian partner and some officials of Imo State government and make them account for the project funds.

It will be recalled that Mr Lopez-Pepe, who is the manager of New International FPS SL, was earlier arrested by the police over allegation of defrauding Imo State government by collecting funds to execute a contract but failed to deliver.

NNPC dismisses alleged $10.8bn missing oil revenue

BY CHRISOCHAYI BUJA—NIGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday cleared the air over allegation of missing $10.8 billion of the controversial unremitted $49.8 billion oil revenue.

The General Manager, Media Relations Department, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, who stated this in a statement issued in Abuja, said no money was missing.

A

Ibrahim explained that “the yet-to-be reconciled $10.8 billion could be located in the expenses on some of the responsibilities which the corporation carried out on behalf of the Federal Government, with respect to domestic crude oil utilisation.

He said: “The issues surrounding the allegation of unremitted $49.8 billion against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, have since been explained but it appears the initial dust raised in the process is yet to settle.”

CLASSIFIED ONUOHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Betty Onuoha, now wish to be known and addressed as Betty Onijomo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NNOROM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adaobi Lilian Nnorom, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adaoma Lilian Nnorom. All former documents remain valid. IMSU and general public please take note.

UGOAGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugoagwu Winifred Onyinye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odashidiolu Winifred Onyinye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EFEOVBOKHAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Efeovbokhan Gladys, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gladys Nosakhare-Omoruyi.

All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc and general public please take note.

A J O M AYA N — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenero Juliet Ajomayan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenero Elvis Ebomwonyi. All former documents remain valid.

Standard Alliance, Ecobank Plc, GTBank Plc and general public please take note.

IHEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiazor Onyinyechi Iheme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chiazor Onyinyechi Ojor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMEZURIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edith Chinyere Umezurike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edith Chinyere TimOodo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLADIPUPO—I, formerly known and addressed as Oladipupo Oyeronke Olufunke, now wish to be known and addressed as Azeez Oyeronke Olufunke. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Immigration Service and general public please take note.

UZOMECHINE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uzomechine Anthonia O., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ilomechine Anthonia O. All former documents remain valid.Federal Polytechnic, Auchi and general public please take note.

ATHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Athe Beatrice Akpezi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ododo Beatrice Akpezi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIEDOZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ikani Chiedozie Hamilton, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikanieze Hamilton Okechukwu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OSIMEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotese Catherine Osimen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotese Catherine Iloba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Sunday Emmanuel Oleka, refers to one and the same person as Njoku Emmanuel Oleka, and now wish to be known and addressed as Njoku Emmanuel Oleka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODEH—I,

public please take note.

OBOBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Egwolo Oboba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joycewell Egwolo Maxwell. All former documents remain valid. National Open University of Nigeria, DELSU Abraka and general public please take note.

ONYEONORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeonoro Gloria Nneoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuji Gloria Nneoma. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc and general public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name is Efano Akpoghene Kingsley, but was wrongly addressed in my WAEC 2001 result and Primary School Leaving Certificate as Afano Akpoghene, and Edogri Akpoghene. This is to confirm that Efano Akpoghene Kingsley, Afano Akpoghene and Edogri Akpoghene refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIJINDUM—I, formerly known and addressed as Jephthah Owueka, now wish to be known and addressed as Jephthah Chijindum Owueka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAIDAWAH —I am Hajara Abigail Maidawah and I am also known as Hajara Abigail Roland.

While some of my documents bear Hajara Abigail Maidawah, others bear Hajara Abigail Roland. I however wish to be known and called henceforth as Hajara Abigail Roland.

Documents bearing either of the names belong to me and remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Funmilayo Obiuwevbi, refers to one and the same person as Funmilayo Oghenerukevwe Obiuwevbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Funmilayo Oghenerukevwe Obiuwevbi. All former documents remain valid.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and general public please take note.

formerly

known and addressed as Miss Esther Odeh, now wish to be known and addressed

as

Mrs.

Esther Ofulue. All former

documents

remain valid. General

ADVERT HOTLINE 01- 8737025

42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014—43

M i n i s t e r, Gov under fire over attempt to oust Tukur

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & HENRY UMORU

A

MINISTER in Pres ident Goodluck Jonathan's cabinet and an influential Peoples Democratic Party governor have come under fire from the Presidency for plotting to remove the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur from office.

The minister, who is also close to Mr. President, is reported to have sided with the governor to work against the continued stay of Tukur as the party’s national chairman, despite the tacit support given the embattled chairman by the President.

The governor, whose political plan is said to be unclear to the Presidency, is reported to have invited one of Tukur’s deputies to his state and held a ‘crucial meeting’ with some party loyalists last Wednesday on how to remove Tukur.

A chieftain of the party told Vanguard that members of the state chapter were shocked to see the national officer of the party at the state caucus meeting.

“When we asked our governor what the national officer was coming to do at our caucus meeting, His Excellency told us that the official was just passing by and he decided to bring him to the state so as to give him some hospitality during the New Year.

“It is unfortunate that our state governor has been seen as the arrowhead of the anti-Tukur campaign at a time we should be working together to protect the President,” the party chieftain said.

Although the minister, who occupies a strategic portfolio in the administration did not attend the ‘caucus meeting’ called by the governor last Wednesday, the Presidency is said to be angry with him for not being able to gauge the feelings of the president concerning Tukur.

The minister is said to have argued like the governor that it was not in the President’s interest to retain Tukur even though he knew where his principal’s interest lay.

Men of the Nigerian Navy at the Ugborodo seashore, Saturday

Ugborodo crisis escalates

BY EMMA ARUBI, GODWIN

ORITSE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

W

ARRI—THERE was con fusion over the casualty figure in the escalating crisis in the oil-rich Ugborodo community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, following a fresh clash between two armed groups in the community.

While a source close to a prominent Itsekiri chief confirmed the shooting and the death of two persons in the clash, another source said four persons lost their lives in Sunday ’s shoot-out, with many wounded. Vanguard gathered last night that the remains of one of the dead and the wounded were transferred to Warri A Division of the Police by one of the warring sides.

It was also learnt that exiled Ugborodo indigenes, who braved the odds and headed back home, came under heavy attack from an armed group opposed to the security team drafted by the state government.

It was gathered that many of the returnees suffered severe gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in Warri. The crisis, it was gathered is between two groups, one opposed to the Delta State Government’s multi-billion Dollar Escravos Processing Zone, EPZ, project and another group, which had welcomed it. It was alleged that one of the groups moved against the project on the ground that government had not adequately negotiated with it before the siting of the project.

Operatives of Joint military Task Force, JTF, deployed by the Delta State Government to Ugborodo community to provide security ahead of the take-off of the proposed multi-billion Dollar Escravos Processing Zone, EPZ, project, it was gathered, were, yesterday, also prevented from entering the community by some Ugborodo youths and alleged hired militants from Kokori.

Sources said the returnees had successfully entered Ode-Ugborodo, while many were said to have fled into the bush, to avoid being caught in the ensuing gun battle. The security outfit was drafted to the area to ensure peace and security, following the lingering Ugborodo Community Trust leadership tussle between the Chief Thomas Ereyitomi-led executive and the David Tonwe group.

Havoc in the community Meanwhile, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Temisan Omatseye, has blamed the Navy for the renewed clash, saying “the Nigerian Navy that cleared the way for two prominent sons of the community to have safe passage into the villages should be blamed for the havoc in the community.”

Omatseye noted that the villagers had banned both men from entering the villages and wondered what the two Warri chiefs went to do in these villages that led to the

fresh crisis.

It will be recalled that the Delta State Government last week, invited both groups to a security meeting at the Government House Annex, Warri.

While the Thomas group attended, the Tonwe group was absent.

Meanwhile, the state government has denied that there was heavy shoot-out in the state. Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay in a statement, yesterday, said “the attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to media reports especially the on-line media of heavy shooting in Warri. The state wishes to state categorically that there has been no shooting of any form in Warri or environ.

“In line with the agreement with NNPC for provision of security by the state government for the $16 billion Gas City Project in Ogidigben, the State Security Council at its last meeting in Warri on December 30, 2013, directed the security agencies to deploy some forces to the area to ensure the safety of lives and property as the construction of the project will start in the next few days.

Some of the forces were deployed January 4, 2014. None of the forces has had cause to shoot any gun and nobody has been injured or killed.

“The state government is aware that some enemies of progress are out to thwart this laudable project of President Goodluck Jonathan, which will form the economic bedrock for Nigeria. Warri has been very safe and it is on record that there were no insecurity inci-

dences in Warri and other parts of Delta State throughout the Christmas or New Year period. The government shall not be intimidated by anyone and all those spreading such seditious falsehood should desist from it. All law abiding citizens are advised to go about their normal activities and we shall ensure safety of their lives and property,” he added.

Speaking to newsmen on the incident, Vice-Chairman of Ugborodo Community Trust, Mr. Isaac Botosan, said that members of the task force were prevented from entering the community by some Ugborodo youths.

Botosan said that the people, who prevented the security team made-up of soldiers, Navy, Department of State Services, DSS and policemen had during the course of the internal problem, driven the leadership of one of the groups, some elders and even the youth leadership from the community, saying that they were well armed, otherwise they could not have mustered the courage to bar the security team.

The vice chairman reiterated that their commitment to the stoppage of illegal bunkering activities as ordered by the Federal Government was why the community was on fire by these miscreants and called on the government to take decisive action and bring these criminals to justice, assuring that they were willing to continue to fight illegal bunkering in Ugborodo.

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Lagos is moving in the wrong direction — Obanikoro SENATOR Musiliu Obanikoro has been one of the leading political lights in Lagos State since the advent of the Fourth Republic. He was Commissioner for Works in 1999, Senator in 2003 and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial candidate in 2007. Following that election which he lost, Obanikoro popularly known as Koro, was nominated as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. Having completed his diplomatic circuit, he was recently appointed as Chairman of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF. In this interview ,Obanikoro discusses the pace, politics and performance of the administration in Lagos State and returns a damning verdict. Excerpts:

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

W

HY did you opt out of the Alliance for Democracy, AD for the PDP? With the benefit of hindsight, I did the right thing by pulling out of AD. There was no internal democracy in AD in those days and they carried this style to ACN. You can recall that in ACN and other parties that now refer to themselves as ‘progressives’, they don’t do primaries. What they did was to anoint candidates.

Their leader will just stand up and say this is the party ’s candidate and his word is the final word. It still happens till today and that is why they worship the so called leader. I decided on my own to quit AD when I saw some of these shortcomings of the undisputed leader of the party. I saw naked abuse of opportunity as an insider and I felt that some of these things cannot be defended anywhere.

You all saw firsthand what happened when my son won the chairmanship election of IkoyiObalende LCDA as a PDP candidate. The ACN under the guise of Lagos state government went to Appeal Court to impound the victory of that young man.

That shows the type of people we are dealing with. That level of impunity shouldn’t exist in any society; such recklessness should not exist in any civilized society.

Somebody won an election that was free and fair and a judge sat somewhere and on technicality, said the person should not be sworn-in. It was a shameful exercise, and the judiciary let itself to be rubbished.

But why did people of Badagry, Epe and IkoyiObalende remain silent on the issue?

I disagree with you. Number one, at Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, I personally led the protest for about four days. I don’t know if you noticed that a retired Chief Judge of Lagos State declared the election result without stating the

•Obanikoro: We will challenge APC anywhere, anytime any day vote scored by the party that won and the parties that lost. We asked this question but they couldn’t provide it because they were working to the answer.

When we went to the Election Tribunal, the results which they refused to read earlier were read in the open court by the judge and the results were pronounced. Don’t forget, the judge is a retiree, so there was no need for favour of promotion from the government. They now took the results to Appeal Court where they manipulated those judges to give judgments in their favour.

And those ones were so reckless by not looking at the results made available before them; instead, they based their judgments on technicality that the Tribunal which we didn’t have control over, the Tribunal which ACN deliberately delayed the proceedings knowing full well that they can influence those judges at the higher level to do their bidding.

And the judge came out to tell the whole world that he has

annulled the votes of residents and citizens of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA because the tribunal sat longer than necessary. Can you imagine that? That is absurd. We strongly believe that this is not the direction which we want our state to go and we are prepared to challenge them and debate them anywhere, anytime, any day.

But you are never united in Lagos PDP to make any impact or take power from the ruling party.

Well, they are not united either.

What you are looking in their party as unity is a peace of the graveyard. Any honest member of their party will tell you all is not well in that party either. All what you see them doing is make believe. With time, you will also come to this conclusion. They will be torn apart. In a system where a single person determines who becomes the Councilor, the Council Chairman, members of the National and State Assembly including the governor, then you should know that the alleged peace in their party is that of the

graveyard. Did you think the market women and men in the state are happy that the same man anointed his daughter to become leader of market women and men in the state? People like us cannot just stand by and allow all these to go unchallenged.

When last did you meet with other party leaders like Senator Ogunlewe, Chief Bode George and others?

,

Chairmanship election

Because members of your party in Lagos are used to fighting one another?

We don’t have to see things from the same point of view all the time but I think we are more united now than ever before and we are coming out to say enough is enough.

What is your assessment of Lagos today?

The overall decision I will talk in terms of performance of Lagos government in the last 15 years, for me, is slightly below average.

People may be saying they have done some new roads, they have done this, they have done that; one, we must look at the costs of these roads and then, a state that has a debt profile of about N1 trillion as we speak today.

I schooled in the USA, the biggest investment that country made that is still working for them is in education. We have not done such in Lagos State despite all the noise they have been making.

As we speak today, people of Lagos will not voluntarily send their children to public schools in the state. That to me is failure on the part of the government after 15 years in the saddle.

Public schools in the state are not functional in the true sense of imparting knowledge in our children.

Today, our hospitals in the state are mere consulting centers. Even the consultation is minimal in the true sense of it. Everybody that is somebody now goes overseas for ordinary medical check –up.

Their leader and ex-governor of the state had a medical challenge recently and he was flown abroad to take care of ordinary knee injury.

This minor health challenge could not be treated at the Lagos State University of Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after billions of naira they claimed they have sunk to upgrade the facility. In the area of health, Lagos government has equally failed.

Today, Lagos State does not have the required capacity to handle emergency situation.

And you know how much this

The overall decision I will talk in terms of performance of Lagos government in the last 15 years, for me, is slightly below average

Recently we had meeting at the party secretariat in Ikeja. Our leader as you know is not in the country for now. I spoke with him for about an hour yesterday. We are all united now. As I speak with you, Lagos PDP is one big family.

Have you all agreed to work together for the same purpose?

I don’t know why you are particular about our party’s internal affairs.

,

state generated monthly as internal revenue? They are still struggling in the area of refuse management. Looking at the Olusosun dumpsite at Ojota and the level of pollution that is injected to the atmosphere on daily basis says a lot about the state government that has been in power since 1999. Where have you seen such big dumpsite Continues on page 45

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014—45

The dilemma of an embattled female lawmaker Bauchi:

DESPITE a court judgment and the weight of moral and political persuasions, the Bauchi State House of Assembly is determined to force her only female member, Rifkatu Samson Danna serve out a forced and illegal suspension from the House. The dangers of non representation and forceful expropriation of the mandate of Bogoro State Constituency is a challenge to democratic ethos

BY SUZAN EDEH

R

IFKATU Danna was suspended by the Bauchi State House of Assembly after challenging the relocation of the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government to Bununu.

Though the Bauchi State High Court No 7 presided over by Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ibrahim Zango upturned the House decision and ordered for her immediate reinstatement, the House has demurred and maintained the suspension inclduing a ban on the payment of her salaries and entitlements.

Justice Ibrahim Zango had faulted the suspension of the lawmaker, saying that her suspension was unconstitutional and illegal. The House, however, immediately filed an appeal before the Appeal Court in Jos and obtained a stay of execution of the judgment.

The counsel to the State House of Assembly, Mahmud Haruna Yakubu who filed the appeal, argued that the House could not recall Danna because she challenged her suspension in court.

The stay of execution was, however, opposed by her counsel, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN who argued that the mission of the House was to keep the lawmaker outside the house for

the remaining period of her tenure.

He maintained that Mrs. Danna had the right to express her dissenting opinion on the relocation of headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government from Tafawa Balewa to Bununu.

The whole scenario became a drama last September when the reinstated lawmaker, holding a copy of the judgment that ordered her immediate reinstatement and accompanied by hundreds of women and her constituents, stormed the House of Assembly in an attempt to resume sitting but the House leadership, on sighting them, disappeared and reconvened in an unknown destination, where they took the decision to file an appeal against the judgment.

However, when the House members deserted the House on sighting the reinstated lawmaker, Dannah made her way into the House chamber and told her supporters that her decision to resume sitting was in accordance with the court verdict that ordered the House to reinstate her immediately and wondered why the Speaker, Yahaya Muhammed Miya, members and Clerk of the House disappeared to an unknown

•Danna: Suspended since June 2012 destination to continue the day’s sitting.

She alleged that the action of the House was aimed at frustrating her, saying that ‘’Justice can only be delayed but cannot be denied.” She expressed optimism that she would surely return to the House to continue to represent her constituents.

Explaining the position of the House, the chairman of the House committee on Information, Honourable Chiroma Dayyibu, said the House is at liberty to sit anywhere so long as there is a mace which symbolises the authority of the House.

Dannah’s misfortune started

when Governor Isa Yuguda in 2012, sent an executive bill for the amendment of the Local Government Law to empower him to relocate the headquarters of any local government to any place suitable in his view.

Dannah became suspicious because the major backers of the bill in the House were Fulanis with whom her Sayawa kinsmen have been battling for ages over the ownership of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

However, when the House took a unanimous decision on the issue she became suspicious that her colleagues may have taken a decision without her. When she sounded her fears that her

It's peace of the graveyard in Lagos APC — Obanikoro Continues from page 44 operating in a metropolis anywhere in the world?

The best investment the state government would have made is to invest in education but it failed to do so. Instead, the government increased tuition fee from N25, 000 at LASU to above N250, 000.

Worse, if you visit LASU main campus today, you will discover there is not much physical development at the institution.

The government of the day increased the fee claiming it cannot subsidize education of indigent students in the state but they can subsidize their own habit. That to me, after so many years management of the state economy is not acceptable.

If you’re still reflecting whether to contest 2015

governorship election in 2015, then it means there is problem somehow?

No! You got it wrong. Let me tell you that I am eight years older than I was when I contested in 2007. A Yoruba proverb says …An elderly person doesn’t act like a child. I have focus. Don’t forget that I have also done other things since 2007. I’ve served my country meritoriously as an ambassador.

May be the diplomatic part of me is having greater share of me this morning.

I want to let people know that we, the Lagos PDP are serious about 2015 and we have what it takes to dismantle this oppressive, insensitive and elitist government in Lagos State.

How do you compare the corruption as seen by you in

Lagos State with the corruption at the federal level?

What is good about the federal level is that whatever people of the country complained about, we don’t hide them or put them in the closet. We are dealing with them; people are being arrested and put in jail. Tell me, how many local government chairmen or councilors have they tried for corruption or put behind bars since 1999 they have been managing affairs of this state?

There is a cesspool of corruption in Lagos State from any angle you may look at it.

But the PDP Federal Government has also been very soft on corruption?

It will be very unfair to ask such question because we are looking at an un interrupted 15 years

governance by two political parties. It will be very unfair of you to reduce focus on only Jonathan’s administration. We are saying we have history of dealing with corruption. Do they even have any What about the current Oduah scandal in the Aviation sector?

Oh yes! Accusation has been made in the open. Panel has been set up to look into the matter, the president has received the report. I am sure in good time; he would come out with a position. Be that as it may, nobody can sweep under the carpet what PDP had done to tackle corruption. Their party has not done anything; that is what we are saying. Everything they have accused us of doing, they are worse off.

colleagues took a decision concerning the issue without informing her, her colleagues took offence and asked her to apologise.

Her verbal apology was deemed not satisfactory and she was as such asked to make a written apology and this she refused to do and she was promptly suspended.

Consequently, the House referred the matter to the House committee on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and Privileges for thorough investigation of the matter. The committee promptly submitted its report on June 7, 2012 recommending the indefinite suspension of Danah.

The decision of the committee was upheld by the House which asked her to return all properties belonging to the House. Since that June, 2012, Dana has been out of the House despite the court judgment.

Since then, attempts by the lawmaker to rejoin her colleagues have been unsuccessful and throughout the period, her constituents who voted her have been denied their constitutional rights of representation.

Rights of representation Bogoro which is predominantly a Christian population is suffering because their interest is not represented in the State House of Assembly, hence they lack state government interventions in terms of executions of laudable projects.

Despite her travails, Danna has pledged her continued commitment to her party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Recently, the lawmaker visited her constituency in Bogoro, where she donated over one hundred bags of rice to constituents.

On arriving Bogoro she was confronted with dilapidated state of the party's offices. She thus directed the local leadership of the party to give her estimate for the renovation of the dilapidated structure.

She presented over two hundred party flags to local government and ward officials of the party to mount across the locality to show the strength and vibrancy of the party ahead of the 2015.

Danna vowed that in spite of her political travails she would contiune to work for the PDP saying PDP has been her party and that she would not leave the party for any other party after contributing to the progress of the party in the state and her locality.

The suspended lawmaker said she has good plans for youths and women of her constituency which are targeted at empowering them and directed the 13 ward heads to submit names of two youths and two women to benefit from her empowerment scheme that is expected to kick off in February.

46 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 47

48 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; Partnership related issues are becoming more important and if you try to sweep anything under carpet now, it’ll back-fire sooner than expected. Take your love life more seriously than before.

LEO; Hard work will not go unrewarded if not today very soon. Important development coming through your working arena soonest will place you at advantage position. The more practical you are the better.

VIRGO; Love, romance and sentimental things can not be ignored completely today unless you want your concentration to waver .Be more enterprising in the business world Anyway success indicated for you today..

LIBRA; Happenings within your base of operation (both at home and at work) must be taken more seriously now, more especially as there’ll be competition

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

HE holy writ tells us that we are the light of the world.

Now the scripture does not lie. What this means is that we must reflect the attitude of light. Wherever there is light, darkness vanishes. In order

You are the light... words, as the light, anywhere we are, we must drive away darkness. Darkness here means disease, poverty, lack, inaction, laziness, fear, selfishness, selfcentredness, etc.

You are the light of the world. And there are so many lights, there is low current, there is half-current, there is the very low current which is virtually useless.

There is also the

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

defunct NEPA (PHCN) light which comes randomly.

Which one are you?

Whichever option you choose, it is important you are the light that drives away darkness from humanity.

Think about it.

By Lanre Kehinde

SCORPIO; Both your mood and element of luck may not be as friendly as you’ll like.. Matters of the heart may top priority lists of some of you. But mind you your mood will change tomorrow.

SAGITTARIUS; If financial success is your priority you’ll need to redouble your efforts today and tomorrow. Be protective of your possessions and personal family.

CAPRICORN; The Moon in your Star sign gives you the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the admiration of other people. You can make it a romantic day.

Experiment with your personal ideas.

AQUARIUS; Here is your day when element of luck will work favourably for you. Secret lovers are in for an exciting and memorable day. Keep your secrets please.

PISCES; If you wait till tomorrow before you make an important move ,you may be disappointed , because tomorrow’s influence will bring you more challenges than you can rightly anticipate now. But greater success indicated for you today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

ARIES; Very soon there’ll be important development along your career line. But today will offer you best of opportunity and good luck to achieve your desired results. Be more ambitious now TAURUS; Here is a loving day for those of you willing to give priority attention to matters of the heart.

Planning for both immediate and far future’ll not be out of place. And it’s good to think money.

GEMINI: This is the wrong time to gamble either with your physical cash or your source of income. Take nobody for granted. Take love more seriously

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,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s my best colour?

Dear Joshua I want your in-depth analysis and tell me about my social life, luck and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life. Which day of the week was I born. And importantly what is my best colour?

Anonymous Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Saturday. What you will find hereunder will answer your questions.

Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame. Aquarius and Leo are two most active social Star signs. And you will notice that your natal Venus in Taurus, Moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Leo formed T-Square aspects putting Venus as point-focus, meaning that the best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility.

As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted.

Yes you can be a self made man but it is indicated that there will be times when both human and divine assistance will lift you up. You will have more to gain by your being spiritual .Saturday born people are favoured

by BLACK and golden colours.

Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 44th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 44th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 46th year on earth.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014— —49

,

BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

A

S we draw one year to a close and begin a fresh new one, there is much excitement in the air.

People plan or even write down resolutions for the new year. For some, the resolutions must be strictly pursued and achieved, while, for others, it is just a normal ritual, that is discarded, early in the first month. We have personal expectations, that fall within our purview. We also have expectations from those that, we have given responsibility to govern our common interest. Our leaders also, begin with promises; some of them, they keep and some, they discard as soon as the first month of the year begins. What is our expectation from Jonathan? Is he going to fulfil them, or disregard them, as the normal practice of the Nigerian politician. Let us take them, one by one.

TAKING CHARGE The people want President Jonathan to effectively take charge. From his body language ( this body language again ), it will appear that Jonathan has left most of the jobs to the ministers, and each minister is doing his/her own thing. Jonathan should demand for effective performance indices.

There must be clear standards which must be visible for all to see.

In his position, he has many advisers and not all of them, relate the truth, as it is on ground to him.

While he is announcing a supposedly good programme, many are on ground, sabotaging his efforts. Example; is the rice import tariff regime, while the people in government are shouting

at the roof top, about a 95 percent drop in rice importation, the smugglers were having a field day, bringing in rice through our land borders that are supposed to be banned routes.

Jonathan should strive at getting, the real pictures on ground by taking time to reach out to the real stakeholders(the people). When he does this, he will discover the truth.

The success recorded in the privatisation of PHCN is commendable, the efforts of the Agric minister in boosting local food production is also good.

These efforts must be translated into tangible benefits for the masses. That is what the people expect, they want to see power regularly, they want to see rice and other staple crops at very affordable cost.

All the ministers must key into the vision of the president, for its implementation to be successful.

What is happening to the PIB? Why can't everyone involved arrive at a compromise?

Jonathan has a performance standard module for all of his ministers, it is time for him to put this to practice, by demanding result. That is the way to take charge.

Taking charge also, will demand performance results from all of those at the helm of security positions in our country. There must not be any excuse for any successful attack of the Boko haram and such terrorist group on any army, police barracks or personnel, henceforth. From the top Generals to the zonal commanders and unit heads, people must begin to take

Why our leaders abroad

BY BLESSING YAKUBU

T

HE failure of our rulers cannot be measured only by the visible decay of infrastructure and the dwindling quality of our lives but also by the way they prefer to die. While ordinary citizens live their miserable lives which literarily expire unsung in the country, our leaders, or rather, rulers on whose shoulders rest the responsibility of taking us beyond the 47 years pegged as our life span live theirs in foreign lands and/or die there. Yet, they daily savour the splendour and all that the high public offices they occupied or occupy but fail to provide the rest of us facilities in the quality measure they enjoy them in the foreign lands they govern us from.

Nothing frustrates Nigerians more than the present trend in the health sector where Indian, British, German and American hospitals have all their available bed spaces taken up by Nigerians who seek medical attention for all kinds of ailments ranging from orthopaedic to cancer cases. It has become fashionable to hear wealthy Nigerians, especially those who should fix our health care delivery system, say they travelled abroad for medical check-up or that they had their medical cases treated in India or London. When our Presidents, our governors or their amiable, and not so amiable spouses, or 'fortunate' children fall sick with the flu, the nearest medical facility is the one in London or Germany. It is we, the people, who are sentenced to attend the panadol-dispensing clinics they call teaching or specialist hospitals here in our country.

C M Y K

The people yearn for true democracy.

The politicians - all parties - have fouled up the political space.

What is happening in our various political camps, can only be summed up as 'madness'

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responsibility for failed missions.

It is the duty of the president to ensure that, this is done. It is not a matter of the president's style, when you are in position of the president, and as commander in chief of the whole armed forces, you must be able to take decisive decisions, no matter whose ox is gorged. Let the president take charge and let us for once, after many years, enjoy a peaceful 2014.

CORRUPTION

C

orruption has so pervaded our system, that so many allegations are being bandied about, including accusations directed at the presidency. It is obvious that most of these acts do not receive the president's blessing, but the President's body language ( body language again), this time around, must display seriousness in the tackling of instituted corruption. There is a code of conduct for public officers, and everyone is expected to comply or face the sack. It is still early in the year, the government must begin to sensitize the people at all levels of government, re-emphasise the implication and consequences of

are dying

In our culture, the dead is treated with so much respect that we are told that it is more dignifying to die and be buried at home than to do so in a foreign land. Now, it appears fashionable to travel in the luxury of a business-class for medical treatment abroad and be brought back here for burial in the baggage compartment of an airliner. What a shame.

Dying far away from home like they do is an indictment on the poor, unfeeling, insensitive and profligate governance which our rulers have provided and continually provide us ordinary citizens. If our general, specialist or teaching hospitals were functional, our rulers would not need to travel to foreign lands for answers to their medical problems. And it is ironic that it is those who should make our hospitals work to serve our needs who actually lead the way to foreign hospitals. It is even more ironic that many of the medical consultants and other health care providers they rush to patronize abroad are actually Nigerians driven away from home by lack of basic equipment and conducive working environment at home.

The recent death of Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, former Chief of General Staff/ Military Vice President in far away New York, United States of America, of throat cancer is the latest in the long list of our leaders past and present who have died far away from home from ailments which could have been diagnosed and treated here in Nigeria had they provided qualitative health care delivery system while they served. The list includes late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who spent more than three months

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Jonathan:Our 2014 expectations

engaging in corrupt activities. This will be followed by clear directives to all the security agencies. It is now time to act, not the barking, that we have been used to- the Police, Customs, Immigration, Army, Air Force, Navy, Civil Defence et al- They must begin to take actions and quickly bring offenders to book.

The Presidency must also, carry along, the judiciary, in this onerous function. Criminal cases, should be disposed off, promptly and equitably.

The EFCC has received many knocks, this past year, as the magnitude of corruption seem to have overwhelmed the body.

Lamorde and his team, should begin to re plan strategies, to keep pace with the, ever changing crime patterns and pressure from politicians. There are too many pending cases, a situation of, all motion and no movement. They must find a way to, collaborate with the judiciary, to see that matters are disposed off promptly, especially cases involving, the oil subsidy thieves.

TRUE DEMOCRACY The people yearn for true democracy. The politicians - all parties - have fouled up the political space. What is happening in our various political camps, can only be summed up as 'madness'.

The APC has been very disappointing, in the manner they have chosen to wrest power from PDP. Notable personalities, have expressed, their views on this issue.

All that I will add is that; a peaceful and credible election, is the responsibility of all of our politicians - of all parties and shades. The people want peace.

Our politics should focus on issues, and what will bring progress to the ordinary man.

In this light, all parties must engage in true democratic election process. Allow the people to vote

When shall we begin to think seriously about a health care delivery system which guarantees all Nigerians adequate, accessible and affordable diagnostic and management facilities such that no one needs to travel abroad for specialised or general medical care?

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in 2010 in a Saudi hospital for a yet-to-bedisclosed ailment. Discerning Nigerians know he was brought home dead. The late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka succumbed to cancer far away from home on April 6, last year, exBiafran leader, Odimegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, died far away from home in London where he was flown to by the Anambra State government headed by Governor Peter Obi. Former Ondo Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu and late Professor Omo Omoruyi both died of cancer in October last year very far from home.

E

ven our First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan confirmed she ‘died’ many times last year in a German hospital where she had gone for medical treatment.

Nigerians believe that whatever the ailment that took our ‘’mummy’’ away for three months could have been handled efficiently here if our hospitals were properly and

in their leaders. The politics of imposition must stop, as we have seen the consequences, on the nation - Shagari, Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan - The people must be allowed to elect, their own leaders.

It is Jonathan's duty, along with INEC to put in place, institutionalised and genuine democratic structures. As the de facto leader of PDP, let him start from his party. At all levels, let true elections, determine the choice of candidates, that way, our leaders can be held accountable for their actions, when they come to give account of their stewardship to their constituents.

In the same vein, the proposed conference, must ensure the true representation of the people. Every single ethnic group must be represented, that is the United Nations' standard. The big tribes must not try to stifle the smaller ones out of the debate. Everyone must have a say; that is why Cape Verde, a country with just 300,000 population, has the same vote as Nigeria in the African Union and UN. Every tribe counts.

The people want a year, free from industrial strikes, so the NLC and its gang must be pacified; the schools must remain open and more job opportunities created for the youths.

The rate of inflation has to come down, and banks encouraged, to bring down interest rates, to enable small-medium firms have access to funding. This category of people are the ones that drive a country's economic growth.

If President Jonathan can address these issues, in this year of our Lord 2014, it will bring great joy to the people.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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

adequately equipped.

You still want to know why our rulers are dying far away from home? The answer is not far-fetched. There are no facilities here for the proper diagnosis and treatment of ‘’the afflictions of the wicked’’, rich and mighty in our country. What they can, and should, provide here is what they seek abroad which eventually takes their lives.

Would it not be better to die here like ordinary Nigerians do than to die in a foreign land and be flown back like an ‘unidentified flying object’ in the underbelly of a plane for burial here? When shall we begin to think seriously about a health care delivery system which guarantees all Nigerians adequate, accessible and affordable diagnostic and management facilities such that no one needs to travel abroad for specialised or general medical care? When will our teaching, specialist and general hospitals be transformed from death centres to truly teaching and specialist hospitals good enough to attract the patronage of all of us, including our rulers?

It is, however, heart warming that some effort is being made in Edo State to provide what the governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, describes as a five-star medical facility equipped with state of the art diagnostic and health care management infrastructure, including personnel, with capacity to provide solutions to complex medical problems like cancer which has become a major killer illness. The Oshiomhole effort which will hopefully come to fruition shortly should be emulated by the federal and other state governments in other to eradicate not only the huge drain on the nation’s resources on hospital bills paid abroad but also stop our leaders from dying far away from home.

*Mr. Yakubu, a pubic affairs commentator, wrote from Yenagoa, Baylesa state.

50— Vanguard, MONDAY,

JANUARY 6 , 2014

Cans and other items used in the alleged illicit brewing

ly traced to the fake palm wine brewers.

Following very credible information, the Atta Patriots swooped on the premises of the fake brewers. They recovered several gallons and drums containing over 5,500 litres of the concocted local drink. The Patriots equally recovered fermented cassava, saccharine and sugar, which served as raw materials for the fake brewers.

Armed with their findings, the Patriots quickly invited the Ikeduru Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mr. F. O. Chukwu, who subsequently moved the suspects to Iho for interrogation.

The suspects were later moved to the State Police Headquarters, Owerri.

A man who consumed the fake drink and cheated death by whiskers, Mr. Japheth Eziukwu, was very bitter that a lady nurse, who was a member of the gang, escaped arrest.

He recalled that he was vomiting and purging after consuming the fake palm wine and bought drugs from a shop owned by the fleeing nurse, oblivious that she was not only a member of the dreaded gang, but also contributed to his health problem.

As at the time of going to press, it was not clear if officers of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had taken over the matter from e police and when the suspects would be charged to court to face the full weight of heir alleged crime.

“Policing the state is not for the police alone.

The public is hereby enjoined o asCP Katsina displaying other items recovered from criminals at the event where sist the State the alleged illicit brewers were paraded Police Command with challenges for people who con- caused a lot of health hazards useful information that would sumed palm wine purchased to the people of Atta communi- aid in tracking down unrepentant criminals”, the Imo police from Eke Atta Market and some ty and even beyond.

He confirmed that “there had boss pleaded. adjoining communities, inIt would be recalled that cluding vomiting. Most of been several reports about peothem ended up in various hos- ple who ended up purging and shortly after his assumption of pitals and were subsequently vomiting after consuming palm office, CP Katsina launched treated for food poisoning. This wine purchased from Eke Atta what he called “Operation Pufraised a serious concern in the Market”. According to him, a fader”. Another design of this man was recently hospitalised crime fighting strategy was to community.

Some credit must be given to and treated for food poisoning. take the war to whosoever deSpeaking also, another mem- cides to make life and living difAtta Patriots, a youth organisation in Atta, Ikeduru, which ber of the organisation, Acho ficult for the citizenry.

It is equally not in dispute played very significant roles in Ezirim, recalled with grief that all those who consumed palm that kidnapping and armed unearthing the fake brewers.

Speaking to journalists, the wine at a recent traditional robbery have since reduced Chairman of Atta Patriots, Mr. wedding in Atta, suffered from drastically to a manageable Lambert Nnorom Jnr, fumed vomiting and purging. These degree since the arrival of the that the illicit brewers had health problems were ultimate- no-nonsense cop.

OPERATION MERRY CHRISTMAS:

Police round up fake wine brewers T

By CHIDI NKWOPARA

HE relentless war against criminals in Imo State since the assumption of Mr. Mohammed Musa Katsina to head the State Police Command as Commissioner, has again paid off with the unearthing of fake brewers of all manner of bottled wines and spirits. Some of these fake brewers were traced and picked up from Owerri municipality, Ezinihitte Mbaise and Aba, Abia State. Ordinarily, people would say that Katsina was dabbling into the jurisdiction of the National Agency for Foods, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, but Katsina thinks differently. He

ing it to unsuspecting innocent citizens. The suspects included Mrs. Aita Okereke, 40, Mrs. Ngozi Agim, 32, Mrs. Eke Gift, 26, Mrs. Queeneth Omeka, 39 and Mr. Charles Eke, 35.

Other persons nabbed in connection with the fake palm wine production included Mr. Oliver Agim, 42, Mr. Ugochukwu Obed, 34, Mr. Ikechukwu Omeka, 40 and Mr. Timothy Okereke who is aged 43.

Vanguard Metro gathered that with the exception of Ugochukwu Obed and Ikechukwu Omeka, who hail from Ogwa in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area, all the other suspects hail from Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of the

A man who consumed the fake drink and cheated death by whiskers, Mr. Japheth Eziukwu, was very bitter that a lady nurse, who was a member of the gang, escaped arrest

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fights crime wherever he finds one.

Barely four hours after launching what he code named Operation Merry Christmas, nine persons were arrested in Atta, Ikeduru Local Council Area of Imo State, for mixing poisonous concoctions, branding it palm wine and sell-

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state.

The build up to the arrest of these alleged fake brewers was sustained. The arrest of the perpetrators was also a shocker to especially the villagers and lovers of palm wine.

Before their eventual arrest and detention, there had been several reports of serious health

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 51

52—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

JTF uncovers bomb factory in Kazaure

BY ALIYU DANGIDA UTSE—THE Joint Task Force, JTF, has uncovered a bomb factory, following a pre-dawn raid at a residence.by troops of the 3rd Brigade in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State JTF commandant, Captain Iweha Ikedichi, said in a statement that in the early hours of January 4, 2014, at about 0100 hours (1:00 am) one terrorist was apprehended after a gun battle; while three women and three toddlers were rescued unhurt.

According to him, five AK 47 rifles, five magazines, and 333 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and various improvised explosive devices were recovered from the residence on further search.

Ikedichi added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was an Improvised Explosive Devices manufacturer whose residence was a playground for terrorist activities in Kano.

He said in continuation of operations aimed at complementing the efforts of military operations in the North Eastern part of the country and as is customary with the JTF in Kano, the command deemed it fit to keep the general public up to speed with developments in the fight against terrorists in its area of operational responsibility.

He called on members of the public to continue to complement the efforts of the JTF by carrying out thorough checks on the background of persons who wished to let property, especially in cool zones or on the outskirt of major towns.

He said the 3rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kano would not allow its area of operational responsibility to be used as haven for terrorists.

Ikedichi said: “The appeals of the JTF will continue to be complemented with the destruction of property terrorists reside in and the arrests of their owners.

“The effort of the JTF would not be successful without the cooperation of the residents.

The JTF, therefore, calls on all residents not to relent in the fight against terrorist elements who are seeking refuge by reporting any suspicious persons regardless of gender for immediate action to prevent the loss of lives and properties."

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I 'll commit suicide if Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015 — female lawmaker

BY SUZAN EDEH AUCHI—THE only female member in Bauchi State House of Assembly representing Bogoro State Constituency, Rifkatu Samson Danna, has vowed to commit suicide if President Jonathan was not re-elected in 2015.

Danna also canvassed for support for the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed’s 2015 gubernatorial ambition, due to his contribution towards nation building.

Danna who is on suspension from the House of Assembly spoke to newsmen in Bauchi, pointing out that she would not conceal her support for Jonathan’s presidential ambition following the laudable achievements his administration had recorded since inception.

Her words, "I want to declare my support to the presidential ambition of Goodluck Jonathan and I am putting my life on the line for it. I think if you believe in a cause, you should be able to make some sacrifices, even if it demands your life. It would sound ridiculous for people to hear me say this, but

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nevertheless, it is the pointer to the fact that I believe in the PDP and I am ready to die for it.”

She also lauded the president’s efforts at implementing his transformation agenda which had earned the PDP government

acceptance, noting that the Federal Government had executed projects that had direct bearing on the masses.

PRESENTATION— Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme (left) during presentation of rice and other consumable items to inmates of the Nigerian Prisons, and orphanages at Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, weekend.

UniJos to address errors in payment of lecturers' earned allowances

BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS—MANAGEMENT of the University of Jos has said it is addressing errors made in the payment of earned allowances to members of staff over which the institution’s branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has declared a fresh industrial action.

The branch at a meeting last Friday resolved not to participate in any academic activities until members are paid their earned allowances as presented to the Federal Government and approved, dashing hopes of the resumption of lectures today (Monday) after over six months.

Registrar of the university, Mr. Danjuma Jilly-Dandam said in a statement that earned allowances were paid to all staff in October and December last year but that a few errors were noted in the payment which are “being addressed with dispatch.”

The statement said payment of five months salary arrears arising from the strike to all academic staff had been completed and described the action of the ASUU branch as “detrimental to the continuous academic pursuit of the university.”

Jilly-Dandam said: "Management wishes to reaffirm that the Academic Calendar approved by Senate of the University of Jos which directed that lectures should commence on Monday January 6, 2014 subsists."

However, the institution’s chapter of ASUU in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Dr.

David Jangkam and Secretary, N. Wannang said members

resolved not to participate in internal issues it alleged the academic activities over some management refused to address.

NAFDAC suspends issuance of Tyonex ARVs

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has directed all government Ant-Retroviral Treatment, ART, centres to suspend issuance and use of Tyonex brands of AntiRetroviral, ARV, medicines until further notice.

In a letter tagged: “ReConcerns about quality and clinical implications of Tyonex Brand of anti-retroviral drugs in Nigeria,” the Agency directed that the suspension is with immediate effect to enable it safeguard public health.

The letter, NAFDAC/PF/ APMN/230, dated December 20, 2013, and signed by a NAFDAC Director, Pharm A.I Osakwe, the Agency observed that the suspension order became necessary in view of ongoing investigations into concerns about quality and associated clinical issues concerning the Tyonex brand.

“Following concerns expressed by Treatment Action Movement, TAM, and other similar organisations in Nigeria, on the quality and safety of Antiretrovirals

distributed under the Federal Government of Nigeria National HIV/AIDS programme, NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and NASCP commenced immediate investigation into the quality and associated clinical issues which is on-going.

“Pending the final outcome of investigation, ART centres are

advised to immediately switch their patients to alternative brands of ARVs “Furthermore, NAFDAC directs the immediate suspension of use of all Tyonex brands of ARV medicines in all ART centres in the country until a definitive status of safety and quality of tyonex brand of ARVs are determined,” Osakwe noted.

Gov Yero orders investigation into attack on Emir of Jere

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ADUNA—GOVERNOR Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has ordered a full-scale investigation into the recent attack on the Emir of Jere in the state, Alhaji Usman Sa’ad.

Yero gave the order in a statement signed by his Director on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki.

Usman Sa' ad is the husband of Senator Nenadi Usman.

In the statement, the governor vowed to ensure that those behind the attack were brought to justice.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that Sa’ad was

attacked on Friday, on his way to Abuja, when he stopped to intervene in a land dispute between two communities in his domain in Kagarko local government area.

“Government has also ordered full investigation into the cause of the dispute and will leave no stone unturned in its effort at ensuring that justice is done,” Yero said.

The governor also promised that anyone found culpable in the ugly incident, would be brought to book, no matter his or her social status in the society.

V anguard anguard,, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 53

BRIEFS

Iraqi troops targets Fallujah to oust Al-Qaeda

FG to evacuate more citizens from Isreal, Saudi Arabia HUGO ODIOGOR AND VICTORIA OJEME

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IGERIA is to evacuate more of its nationals from troubled spots in response to renewed anti-immigration policies in some troubled countries in Africa and the Middle East. This came as over 1,277 Nigerians were brought home from Central African Republic where war is raging between Christians and Muslims.

There are some Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and Israel who are waiting to be sent home for either over staying their visa or for failure to have their application for asylum scale through.

A foreign Ministry official told Vanguard that "we are expecting more Nigerians to return from Saudi Arabia and Israel. There are other troubled spots where we are advising the Federal Government on the line of policy to take, but as you know, Nigerians would do any thing possible to remain in such crisis zones at the detriments of their safety."

‘The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of foreign Affairs Dr. Martins Uhomoibhi said the Federal government was very sensitive to the safety of its citizen including those living in the diaspora.

According to Uhomoibhi; "the Federal Government is sensitivity to the safety of its citizens, adding that the Federal government had to respond quickly to the call of Nigerians in danger in Bangui to bring them back to the country."

Uhomoibhi said that gov-

ARELY one month into the escalating violence in the Central African Republic, the United Nations has raised alarm over the threat posed by thousands of child soldiers in the conflict who are embarking orgy of barbarism in the bloody war in the African country. Nigeria and other Africa countries have began evacuating their citizens who are among the estimated one million displaced persons in the country.

The United Nations says it verified the deaths of 16 children since violence broke out in the capital of

RAQI government forces battling an al Qaeda offensive near the Syrian border launched an air strike on Ramadi city yesterday killing 25 Islamist militants, according to local officials.

Government officials in western Anbar province met tribal leaders to urge them to help repel al Qaeda-linked militants who have taken over parts of Ramadi and Falluja, strategic Iraqi cities on the Euphrates River.

Al Qaeda’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has been steadily tightening its grip in the

vast Anbar province in recent months in a bid to create a Sunni Muslim state straddling the frontier with Syria.

But last week’s capture of positions in Ramadi and large parts of Falluja was the first time in years that Sunni insurgents had taken ground in the province’s major cities and held their positions for days.

Local officials and tribal leaders in Ramadi said that 25 suspected militants were killed in the air force strike, which targeted eastern areas of the city early yesterday.

Illegal fishing: Senegal slams Russia A line-up of Nigerians returnees from Central Africa Republic, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja: Source AFP ernment only move when the need arises.

Meanwhile, reports s yesterday said more than 30,000 African asylum seekers took to the streets in Tel Aviv in what was seen as the largest protest by migrants in Israel’s history.

They were demanding that the Israeli government should recognise their sta-

tus as refugees.

Currently, about 60,000 African asylum seekers currently live in Israel, with the majority coming from Eritrea and Sudan. The other major contributors are Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia. Under legislation passed by the Israeli government on December 10, the authorities

can indefinitely detain migrants who entered the country illegally for up to a year without trial. Israel has also opened a new detention facility in the Negev desert in which to hold the asylum seekers.Saudi Arabia has passed a similar legislation and has been sending Nigerians back.

...Mali, Niger pullout nationals from CAR

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ALI’s government has chartered two flights to evacuate around 500 of its citizens yesterday while 150 of Niger ’s citizens arrived back in the capital Niamey at the weekend..

“I can’t say whether there were incidents of aggression against Malians, but most countries have now decided as a precaution to bring home their citizens,” said Mali government spokesman Mahamane

Baby. Chad has already repatriated around 12,000 of its citizens in recent days by emergency flights and land convoys, many more than other countries because Chad citizens have been targeted by Christians who accuse Chadian forces of supporting the Seleka rebels. Chad strongly denies this.

Senegal brought back more than 200 citizens this week. The deployment of 1,600 French and nearly 4,000 African peacekeepers

has failed to stop the killings in the Central African Republic.

A poll on Saturday showed French public support for its military intervention there is rapidly waning with only 41 percent supporting the operation.

The African country has a history of weak governance.

Since independence from France in 1960, it has seen five coups and numerous rebellions.

CAR: UN condemns recruitment of child soldiers

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Bangui on December 5.

Dozens of others have been injured.

More and more chil-

dren are being recruited into armed groups, and they are also being directly targeted in atro-

cious revenge attacks,” said Souleymane Diabate, UNICEF representative in the nation.

Pope to visit M/East, meet Orthodox head

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OPE Francis is to visit biblical sites in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories in May, his first trip to the Christian Holy Land as pontiff and only the fourth by a pope since biblical times.

The May 24-26 trip to Amman, Jerusalem and Bethlehem will mark the 50th anniversary of a historic trip to the region by Pope Paul VI. Pope John Paul II

visited in 2000 and Benedict XVI went in 2009.

Apart from its significance for Roman Catholic relations with Jews and Muslims, Francis’ trip will hold major importance for relations among Christians because it will include a meeting in Jerusalem with the spiritual head of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as well as Anglican and Protestant leaders.

•Pope Francis

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ENEGAL plans to slap a fine of about 600,000 euros on a Russian ship for repeatedly fishing illegally in its waters, its fisheries minister said yesterday.

The trawler arrived in Dakar overnight Saturday under military escort after the Senegalese navy boarded the vessel off the Atlantic coast.

“The Oleg Naydenov, this big fishing boat which you see behind me and which is 120 metres long ... was fishing

fraudulently, without any authorisation in Senegalese waters,” minister Haidar El-Ali told the press at Dakar’s Marine pier.

The ship is currently “in the hands of the Senegalese government, under the control of the national navy and the national police,” he added. Senegal can seize the ship and its cargo and impose a maximum fine of 200 million CFA francs (nearly 305,000 euros/ $414,000) for the offence, said the minister.

Kerry promises fairness in M/East plan

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S Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday that any Middle East peace plan would be “fair and balanced,” as he held a fourth day of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

“I can guarantee all parties that President (Barack) Obama and I are committed to putting forward ideas that are fair and balanced, and to improving the security of all peoples,” Kerry told reporters in Jerusalem.

Kerry also said Sunday the United States would stick by Iraq in its battle with Al-Qaeda-linked militants, but stressed it was “their fight.”

“We will stand with the government of Iraq who push back against (militant) efforts ... but it is their fight — that is something we determined some time ago,” he told reporters in Jerusalem.

Kerry insisted Saturday that there had been “progress” in the talks that he kick-started in July, despite bitter recriminations

by both sides and mostly irreconcilable demands for any future peace deal.

China probes 37,000 officials for graft

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HINA investigated almost 37,000 officials suspected of corruption in more than 27,000 cases between January and November, state media said yesterday.

Out of the 27,236 cases, 12,824 resulted in “losses for the people” involving a total of 5.51 billion yuan ($0.9 billion), Xinhua news agency said without elaborating.

It cited a statement from the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, China’s top prosecuting body, which could not be reached for comment Sunday.

China’s top prosecutor Cao Jianming told the National People’s Congress parliament in October that 200,000 people had been aprobed for embezzlement or bribery between January 2008 and last August.

54 —

Vanguard, MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2014

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Keshi’s World Cup army

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WO news pieces last week have influenced this column which incidentally is the first in the new year.

Before I continue, I want to wish all of us a prosperous, healthy and sports success filled year.

I also want to thank those readers who helped to keep us going through constructive criticisms, with respect for a view point different from theirs.

I have come to encounter some who believe that without them the world will stop going round. There are those who believe they are sports experts and have no respect for the opinion of others. When they disagree with you, they use very uncouth and derogatory language that only helps to expose their intolerance.

Let 2014 be a year of respect, give and take, patience, tolerance and love. Most times you will discover that we are all going towards the same destination, but from different directions.

The victory over Ethiopia notwithstanding, Coach Stephen Keshi has been quoted severally in the media as saying that he has had to put in too much work to be able to bring the CHAN Eagles up to scratch.

My deduction from the above is that even one month of stiff competition in South Africa may not be enough to get a world cup candidate from the present squad.

If that is the case, then he may be forced to look a bit further to discover additional stars for Brazil if he will not have to take whole sale those that helped him to win the Nations Cup and effected World Cup qualification.

Can he afford to do that? Is his army intact? Are their guns blazing?

Some news stories last week end, have motivated this week’s column. One of them has it that Juan Mata wants out of Chelsea to a club where he will be involved in regular play. He has taken this decision conscious of the fact that despite his pedigree, he needs to play regularly for his club in a World Cup year to be able to attract the attention of his National team handlers.

He is not alone.

Our concern for now is to try and guarantee their fitness and regularity in every club they find themselves because by March, ( just two months hence ) Keshi will be required to pen down members of his World Cup army

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The same news applies to controversial attacker Brown Ideye who is not happy that the arrival of Dieumerci Mbokani has robbed him of first team appearance at Dynamo Kyev.

Fast forward to Gabriel Reuben whose demand for the termination of contract has been accepted by Kilmarnock.

Midfielder Oduamadi is not in the plans of Brescia and he wants to move on, just as you need a microscope to trace Victor Moses in the stands whenever Liverpool is playing. The same can be said of Shola Ameobi in Newcastle.

For Victor Anichebe it is an injury jinx that has kept him out of the West Brom starting line up. While Mata has played 11 out of 26 matches this season, what can we say of Kenneth Omeruo, whose continued stay at Chelsea will not see him kicking

a ball all season?

Since his World Cup qualifying match injury we are not in position to determine the recovery history of Obinna Nsofor.

Joseph Akpala tops the list of those who, within touch of the promised land will not be able to enter therein, no thanks to injury in a game where anything can happen at any time.

Let us assume that Mata will move to another quality club and get quality playing time, pray what will be the fate of our unsettled stars?

Without sounding pessimistic, this is the herculean hurdle lying ahead of the Eagles Gaffer.

While hosting a powerful delegation of the award winning radio station Brilla FM recently, we got to talking sports and the World Cup occupied pride of place. I argued during our meeting that Coach Keshi cannot afford to be sentimental while picking his soldiers for the World Cup war. That he cannot say because a player helped him to qualify for the World Cup, that player is Brazil bound, even when he has lost form, is not fit and match rusty.

Larry Izamoje, Brila Chief executive then put me in a spot. His statement was “ I agree with you, but where are the replacements, where are the alternatives to fall back on?” this is the dilemma of our situation. It therefore means that more than ever before we must commence a strict monitoring, counseling and tracking of our players.

We should be able to tell an Ideye as an example that if he is not sure of a sound movement he should stay put at Dynamo Kyev and give it his all.

These six months will be key in the life of all World Cup aspirants. Regrettably most of our stars are playing in lower leagues in Europe, yet this is not the time to bemoan our fate. Our concern for now is to try and guarantee their fitness and regularity in every club they find themselves because by March, (just two months hence) Stephen Keshi will be required to pen down members of his World Cup army and those selected will be expected to be in their various trenches, doing regular battle in the war field that football is played.

See you next week.

Fountain FC wins Obijackson Foundation tournament

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

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HE annual f o o t b a l l tournament floated by Obijackson Foundation for seven local council areas of Anambra State, has ended with Fountain Football Club of Nnewi, winning trophy and smiling home with N2 million prize money.

The second and third place winners, Ihiala United Breakers Football Club and Hammakopp Football Club smiled home with N1.5 million and N1 million respectively, while winners from the local council areas were given N500,000 each.

Speaking to Sports Vanguard, the donor of the trophy, Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi explained that the idea

of the competition was to bring young people together and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Apart from this, it is a way of creating an opportunity for those who are jobless to also see football as a way of leveraging their time and talents”, Obiejesi said.

He observed that grassroot football can keep the unemployed talented youngsters

busy, as well as row them into professionals capable of going places.

“This is the fourth year since we started the tournament in Ihiala local government area but we have actually gone further to take it to seven local government areas.

It is our intention that if it goes well this year, we will then move it on to cover the entire state”, Obiejesi said.

HERE’S YOUR PRIZE . . . Cup donor, Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (l), handing over the N2 million cheque to the Captain of Fountain Football Club, Chukwumah Ihuoji after the they won the Obijackson Foundation Football tournament.

Australia complete England humiliation

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HE final ignominy is complete. One of England’s worst Test series defeats, and only the third Ashes whitewash, was complete within three miserable days of the final Test as they capitulated here in another abject,

sorrowful surrender.

Every time it has seemed that this horrific tour could not get any worse England have come up with a new low, this time crashing from a position of relative calm at 87 for three at tea chasing a nominal 448 for victory to a pathetic

166 all out. It has simply been the most wretched defence of the urn in history.

How on earth did it come to this? England came here with high hopes of an historic fourth successive Ashes victory but everything that could go wrong has

gone wrong for them in a brutal unravelling of a once great Test team.

Eras of success always have to come to an end but rarely can a team have sunk so low so quickly as England have over five Tests in which they have been thoroughly outplayed in

every department by a rampant, aggressive Australia.

It has not even been a great Australian side, either, but the limitations of their top order have time and again been glossed over by the batting of their tail, marshalled superbly by Brad Haddin, and England’s inability to finish them off.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 — 55

Glo-CAF Award: Keshi, Ethiopian coach tip Mikel S

UPER Eagles boss, S t e p h e n Okechukwu Keshi and his Ethiopian counterpart, Sewnet Bishaw believe that it’s about time Nigeria returned to the summit of African football with one of their players winning the coveted African Player of the Year Award. The awards are scheduled for Lagos, Nigeria next week.

Bishaw who spoke first also expressed his love for the Abuja National Stadium and wished it was in his native Ethiopia. “Nigeria was obviously the best football nation in Africa last year and I won’t be surprised if a player from the country emerges the player of the year. They deserve to get the award. I also wish this beautiful stadium is somewhere in Addis Ababa”, he said smiling.

Keshi on his part said it has been a very long time since a Nigerian won the African Footballer of the Year

Eusebio Continued from BP see him play.

The attacker, nicknamed ‘the Black Pearl’ and ‘the Black Panther,’ went on to become a legend for both club and country, winning 11 Primeira Liga titles, five domestic cups and the 1962 European Cup with Aguias, as well as inspiring Portugal to third place in the 1966 World Cup. With his speed, power and skill, Eusebio was an unstoppable force in the Portuguese league and averaged more than a goal a game, hitting 319 in just 313 league appearances and remains Benfica’s alltime leading scorer.

His talent saw him finish top scorer in Portugal six times. He twice won the European Golden Boot (1968 an 1973) and was named European Player of the Year in 1965 as Benfica became a powerhouse of European football.

Eusebio’s exploits were not restricted to

Crown and he is rooting for John Mikel Obi to emerge the best among the pack. “It will boost the team and Mikel and all Nigerians because it has been a long time since we last won the award and I know we deserve to win this year”, he said.

On whether he will be happy to be named the African Coach of the Year, Keshi said he will play the wait and see game but added that it will be a great honour to be so named. Keshi who is primed for the award and may not depart with the national team to South Africa on Tuesday evening is favoured to bag the prestigious Coach of the Year Award.

Bring it on! Serena Williams stumbles but recovers to beat Victoria Azarenka 6-4 7-5 in the final of Brisbane International tournament on Saturday. Williams wants to meet Azarenka in the Australian Open which begins soon.

Why Eagles will not miss Mba, Oboabona NFF director

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UOYED by the performance of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Saturday’s friendly match against Ethiopia, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Sanusi Mohammed has tipped Nigeria as the team to just domestic level. He earned 61 caps and scored 41 times for Portugal, most notably finishing the 1966 World Cup as one of the stars of the tournament. He scored nine times to secure the Golden Boot and also netted as his side overcame the Soviet Union 2-1 to seal third place.

After 15 years at Benfica, Eusebio played out the remainder of his career in North America, representing a number of teams in Mexico and the USA before retiring in 1978.

The former striker is regarded as one of the finest to play the game and was placed 9th in Fifa’s ‘Player of the Century’ poll.

Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute to Eusebio.

Writing on his Twitter account: “Always eternal, Eusebio, rest in peace.”

Reports in Portugal indicate that he passed on after suffering a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning.

beat in the upcoming African Nations Championship.

Goals from Enyimba’s Ifeanyi Ede and Enugu Rangers’ Ugonna Uzochukwu helped the home-based Super Eagles record a 2-1 win over Ethiopia, in an exciting game that was only soured by Chigozie Agbim’s own-goal in the second half.

The Nigerian team are set to make their maiden appearance in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this January, but Mohammed has already tagged them as favourites to win the competition.

“Being there for the first time does not

Mikel Continued from BP at this stage was in 1998 against Manchester United - set up a fourthround tie at home to Stoke, but was tinged with controversy as Ramires was booked for diving by Andre Marriner.

Referee Marriner controversially awarded Chelsea a penalty in the home draw with West Brom in November, after Ramires went to ground under minimal contact from Steven Reid.

That decision saved Mourinho’s unbeaten league home record at

*Mba matter, because, Nigeria is going there to lift the trophy,” Mohammed declared.

“We are going there to fight and make sure that we do the country proud.”

Mohammed added that departed players like Sunday Mba, Izu Azuka, Chibuzor Okonkwo and Godfrey Oboabona amongst others will not be missed as Stephen Keshi has already provided adequate replacements for them.

Chelsea, but there was no direct impact on the result on this occasion.

However the incident did place renewed doubt on Mourinho’s claim that ‘there are no divers at Chelsea’ following Oscar ’s booking in the New Year ’s Day win at Southampton.

Mourinho made six changes following the 30 win at St Mary ’s Stadium, with Mark Schwarzer, David Luiz, Michael Essien, Oscar, Willian and Samuel Eto’o in for Petr Cech, John Terry, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle and Fernando Torres.

Hewitt beats Federer to Brisbane title

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USTRALIA’s Lleyton Hewitt rolled back the years as he battled to a three-set victory over Roger Federer to win the Brisbane International.

The 32-year-old beat old foe Federer 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 in in two hours and seven minutes to claim his first title since 2010.

Hewitt said: ‘Playing the best players in the world and finals of tournaments, always it’s exciting. That’s why you still play the game. For me, it was motivation enough just to try to get the win out there and obviously win another title.

Boro confirm Omeruo loan deal

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IDDLESBROUGH boss Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Nigerian international defender Kenneth Omeruo will join the Championship outfit on a loan deal from Chelsea.

The versatile Nigerian defender, who was linked to Boro during coach Tony Mowbray’s time in charge, will arrive at the Riverside on Tuesday, having signed a loan deal until the end of the

season.

He’s a player that I know well, Jose [Mourinho] told me about him,” Karanka was reported as saying by the Clubcall website.

“He will be with us on Tuesday and I think that he will be staying for the rest of the season.”

The 20-year-old Omeruo began his career at Standard Liege in Belgium, also spending a season on loan from Chelsea at Dutch side ADO Den Haag.

CHAN

they will deliver,” Maigari had reacted to earlier complaint on short preparation.

Keshi noted that the win against Ethiopia, a side he rated highly, was important for their preparations for the Chan.

“I have to praise my boys for beating the Ethiopians. This is a team that has been together for the past six years.

“So, the boys did well, though, they sort of got tired in the second half but they really did their best and I feel they will get better by the time the competition begins,” he said.

The Eagles will begin their preliminary campaign at the 2014 Chan on January 11 against Mali in Cape Town.

They will then face Mozambique in their second game at the tournament on January 15 before rounding off their Group A campaign against hosts, South Africa four days later, also in Cape Town.

Continued from BP to maintain that I still do not have a team because it is not possible to build a team for a major tournament in three weeks. Not even (Fabio) Capello or (Arsene) Wenger can do that,” Keshi told reporters after Saturday’s game.

NFF’s President Aminu Maigari strongly disagrees that the federation allowed only three weeks preparation for Keshi.

“The federation accommodates the programmes of the coaches. Building of a team begins from the day a coach is given a job. It begins with qualification matches. You use different players in matches and you organise a pool of players so that you are ready for injuries or other challenges.

The federation has done enough for the coaches to deliver and we have confidence in them that

VANGUARD, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014

Mikel scores as Chelsea go through

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OHN Obi Mikel was an unlikely goalscorer to set Chelsea on their way to a 2-0 FA Cup thirdround win at Derby which featured another

CHAN: NFF confident, disagrees with Keshi on preparation Eusebio passes on at 71

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ITH just days to t h e commencement of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa, head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi insists he still does not have a team.

Keshi said on Saturday after the Super Eagles defeated Ethiopia’s Walya Ibex 2-1 in their latest build-up game for the Chan, decided at the Abuja National Stadium.

The Nigeria gaffer was full of praise for his charges following the win against the Ethiopians but warned that expectation levels must not be placed at the rafters.

“I know there is still more work to be done in the team. And I continue

Continues on Page 55

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HE football world is in mourning after it was announced that the legendary Eusebio, Portugal and Benfica great has passed on at the age of 71.

The forward, regarded by many as one of the greatest to have played the game born in Mozambique in 1942.

Eusebio was brought to Portugal by Benfica head coach Bela Guttman, who signed the player in 1961 after making a personal trip to Africa to Continues on Page 55

diving incident.

The Rams had won 10 and lost just two of their prior 15 games under former England boss Steve McClaren and proved difficult for Jose Mourinho’s men to break down at the iPro Stadium.

But Mikel headed in his fourth Chelsea goal on his 300th appearance after 66 minutes and Oscar added a second soon afterwards.

Chelsea’s 16th successive third-round triumph - their last loss Continues on Page 55

*Mikel

English FA Cup Results

FAREWELL... A 2006 file picture of late football legend and former Portugal international, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, waves to the crowd. Photo: AFP

Nott. Forest Sunderland County Liverpool Port Vale Man Utd

5 3 0 2 2 1

West Ham Utd Carlisle Utd Chelsea Athletic Plymouth Swansea

0 1 2 0 2 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

1 Cease (4) 4 Delved (3) 6 Impetuous (4) 8 Account (6) 9 Inn (6) 10 Beer (3) 12 Moving (5) 14 Demand (5) 15 Compact (5) 18 Cancel (6) 20 Rubber (6) 24 Species (5) 26 Temptress (5) 28 Donated (5) 30 Elderly (3) 32 Crown(6) 33 Beast (6) 34 Recognised (4) 35 Brown (3) 36 Always (4)

Down 2 Lock (5) 3 Undertake (7) 4 Facts (4) 5 Entrance (4) 6 Emulate (5) 7 Submissive (7) 11 Garland (3) 12 Help (3) 13 Decay (3) 16 Limb (3) 17 Lair (3) 19 Issue (7) 21 Mat (3) 22 Stupid (7) 23 Manage (3) 25 Fish (3) 27 Bequeath (5) 29 Avoid (5) 30 Exclude (4) 31 Daybreak (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 2, Unite 7, Grope 8, Minim 10, Saved 12, Lie 13, Beset 15, Resolve 17, Elated 19, Bat 20, Ravaged 23, Send 25, Drop 26, Trinket 30, Ant 31, Dilate 34, Trained 37, Rider 38, Own 39, Divan 40, Holed 41, Dense 42, Steed.

Down: 1, Creel 2, Upset 3, Neater 4, Tier 5, Piloted 6, Sieve 9, Nil 11, Debated 13, Beast 14, Saint 16, Sag 18, Daunted 21, Dread 22, Upper 24, Drained 27, Inn 28, Tirade 29, Brook 32, Lined 33, Tense 35, Awl 36, Dirt.

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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