Explosion rocks Gombe Gov's house

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...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62160

45 killed in fresh Borno attack 9

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

8 LGs at risk as UN demarcates Nigeria, Cameroon border 9

Two die in attempt to seize Enugu radio, TV stations 43

Explosion rocks Gombe Gov's house

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

•Two soldiers confirmed dead; six others injured •It came from explosives in an armoured tank — Aide G

OMBE — TWO soldiers were, yesterday, killed in an explosion that rocked the private residence of Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo at Government Reservation Area (GRA), in Gombe metropolis.

The explosion which was heard several kilometres away from the scene also wounded six other soldiers.

The soldiers were said to be on guard, manning

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COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

Readers' complaints •P.17

Mr & Mrs

NEW CBN GOVERNOR— From left, new CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, his deputies, Sarah Alade and Adebayo Adelabu during a World Press Conference in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. See story on Page 8

Executive encroaching on Uncommon retirement our territory — Tambuwal 11 plans of Governors 49

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POCKET CARTOON

BOOK LAUNCH—From left: Publisher, Tourism in Nigeria, Fidelia Salami; Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo and chairman of the day, Mr Patrick Oke; at the presentation of a book: "Tourism In Nigeria: The Incredible Journey into the Heart of Nature" , yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN.

Vanguard publisher calls for promotion of domestic tourism

BY BABATUNE JIMOH

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AGOS—THE pub lisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka, yesterday, called for the promotion of domestic tourism in the country, arguing that more Nigerians are

strangers to their country as they most often do not enjoy exploring the beauty of the various tourism attractions in the country.

Mr Amuka spoke at the presentation of the book: ‘Tourism in Nigeria: Incredible Journey into the Heart of Nature,’

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

When you encounter rejection, shake it off and move on. Sooner or later you will succeed if you don’t quit. Don’t personalise it; because someone rejects what you have to offer doesn’t mean you are being rejected.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness and the state of joy is ever lasting when it comes from within— Take Heart Quotes

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NHAPPINESS lies in that gap between what we have now and what we think we need. But the truth is, we don’t need to acquire anything more to be content with what we already have. We don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy. Your life is magnificent not because someone says it is, or because you have acquired something new, but because you choose to see it as such. Don’t let your happiness be held hostage. It is always yours to choose, to live and experience.

And from the experts of wisdom notes, Mack and Angel Hack comes this beautiful saying. “As soon as you stop making everyone and everything else responsible for your happiness, the happier you’ll be. If you’re unhappy now, it’s not someone else’s fault. Take full responsibility for your own unhappiness, and you will instantly gain the ability to be happier. Stop seeking in vain to arrange conditions that will make you happy.” Simply choose to appreciate the greatness that is yours in this moment, and the right conditions will start to line up around the contentment you seek.

written by Fidelia Salami.

According to him, “Nigerians are strangers to their country, we despise our country. I suspect that it may have a political dimension. I think part of this is the disappointment we have in our political leadership and, therefore, we tend to write off just everything that is Nigerian and appreciate other people.

“There are many people in Lagos who do not know how exciting it will be to get a boat and travel from Bar Beach to Badagry. Nigerians make a lot of noise about for-

eign destinations. I was at Montego Bay, believe it or not, the water is salty and the place was filled with Americans, people from different parts of the world. Many of us don’t even know the Bar Beach.

“I believe when the political environment improves, we will begin to have more respect and regard for our country as there is a lot for us to know and love about Nigeria.”

Tasks media

He then urged the media to “start paying more attention to the potentials of tourism in

this country, especially to get our people to understand that there is a lot to appreciate in what God has given us”.

Speaking in the same vein, veteran broadcaster, Patrick Oke said: “There are various interesting attractions in the country. This is an opportunity to say that we Nigerians don’t really know what we have and we don’t know how to appreciate what we have, because we are always looking outside.”

Describing Nigeria as an enigma, Patrick Oke, who chaired the occasion, urged Nigerians not to look for standards in tourist attractions in the country but the uniqueness in our sites.

“I will also say that instead of looking for the kind of standards you have in all the tourist attractions in other places of the world, let us look at what is unique in our own. Let us take the rough with the gold, let us not look for well-developed tourist sites, and let us look at the crudity of each one and the history behind it".

Patrick Oke said billions of dollars are earned from tourism every year in the world, noting that Nigeria can do the same if tourism is developed in the country

which must start with Nigerians appreciating what they have.

Director- General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo disclosed that the book and event have convinced her that domestic tourism is an avenue to generate wealth for an economy blessed with a rich population.

“From the several festivals/carnivals such as Calabar Carnival, Osun Osogbo, and Mare festivals, I now have enough activities to promote and stimulate the once forgotten domestic tourism.”

Author of the book, Salami, pointed out that she was inspired to write the book in order to establish the dynamics of how Nigeria can grow its tourism, based on what has happened in other countries that have opened up theirs.

The Delta State-born lady studied English at the University of Maiduguri and served in Anambra State. She spoke of her tourism experiences. “I sighted mountains, beheld rivers and encountered forests and deserts that define different landscapes in the country. Since that time, I developed a burning passion for tourism,” she said.

Explosion rocks Gombe Gov's house Continues from page 1 an armoured tank permanently stationed by the gate of the governor’s house for security.

The cause of the explosion was, however, not known at press time.

There were two different accounts of the cause of the explosion.

One account, as revealed by the Senior Assistant to the governor on media, Alhaji Mansur Lawal, said that excessive heat, prompted

some explosives in the armoured tank to explode.

He said there was no attack whatsoever on the governor ’s private residence or anywhere in the town.

“What happened was that there was excessive heat, which caused the explosion. You know that in the tank, there are guns and bullets.

“Two soldiers were killed by the explosion while six others were in-

jured. There was no attack at all.”

According to Lawal, the incident occurred at about 7 pm.

He also stated that the wounded soldiers had been taken to the hospital for medical attention just as the fire that ensued from the explosion had also been put out.

He further said that the governor had appealed for calm in the metropolis.

The second account, from a resident of the

town, said the explosion must have emanated from mishandling of some explosives in the armoured tank.

According to him, the place had been cordoned off by security men.

Meanwhile, Vanguard learnt that the explosion initially caused a stir as residents thought it was an attack by insurgents on Gombe, it being a boundary state to Borno where Boko Haram had carried out several deadly attacks.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Police arrest three suspected robbers

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BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Police Command, yesterday, said it had arrested three suspected robbers that unleashed terror on the people of Ijoko in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Police said the suspects were caught with various items including three laptops, 40 mobile phones and iPhones, two 32-inch Plasma TV, Home theatres, generating sets among others.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement, adding that the anti-robbery team attached to Agbado Division led by the Divisional Police Office CSP Gbenga Megbope made the arrest.

According to him,the robbery gang had on May 6, 2014, robbed some people of their belongings worth millions of naira at Salvation Avenue in Ijoko market in the area.

Adesa indigenes protest removal from Amukpe community

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APELE — AT least 1,000 indigenes, including youths and men, of Adesa village in Amukpe Community of Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State have protested the removal of their village from Amukpe community.

The protesters who paralyzed business activities in Sapele, said there were plans to drive them away from their village of origin because the 13-man committee set up by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom drafted a new constitution that removed their village from the list of 16 villages that make up Amukpe community.

According to the leader of the group, who led the peaceful protest, Madam Alice Ejiro, "We decided to protest against this evil act against humanity because we want the general public and the government at all levels to be aware of the plan to delete us from our own community by some shameless people who are doing their master's bidding.

"If they go ahead with their evil plans against us, we shall drag them to the court of law so that they can show us why they removed us, because past constitution in use in Amukpe community recognises and empowered us as part of the community."

Host communities of tank farms protest about 2,000 homes now inaccessible neglect •Say •Accuse Rainoil, Obatoil, other tank farms of negligence

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

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AGOS — RESIDENTS of Ijegun Egba Waterside community, yesterday, protested the deplorable state of Buba Marwa Road in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

The residents blamed the deplorable road, which had failed badly, to tank farm owners, who according to them, came into the community about three years ago.

According to them, with the rains here again, they have continued to suffer from the flood ravaging the road, noting that if immediate repairs are not done, they may be forced to prevent the petrol tanker drivers from plying the road.

Buba Marwa Road serves over six estates such as Liverpool, Shalom, NPF, NITEL, Peace and NNPC with over 2, 000 houses. The tank farms, whose operators the aggrieved residents accused of being insensitive to their plights are First Deep Water, Emades, Obat Oil, and AA Ranoil.

With the ravaging flood, the residents averred that commercial activities within the communities have slowed down to a crawl and appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to their aid.

Speaking to Vanguard, Mr O. Kenneth, an engineer and Chairman, Liverpool Estate Community Development Association, LPECDA, said: "We have made repeated attempts to meet with them. We met them last year and pointed to them how bad this roads are.

"This year, we have written several letters to them, but it has yielded no result. Even recently, we have made frantic efforts to meet with them, but they will not open their gates.

"Our lives are endangered by these tanker drivers, who park

along this road, siphon petrol and sell. If their activities lead to fire outbreak, that means we are all dead in this community.

"Each time, they claim that they owe us no apology, that they have settled the omo-oniles (land owners). But, we have always told them that the Omo-oniles don’t live here, they have taken their money and are gone.

"We have lived here for more than 30 years, nobody killed us, but now that these tank farm owners have come around to build their farms here, our lives are endangered."

Deplorable road On his part, Governor Imitini, immediate-past Chairman of Shalom Estate Residents Association said: "The residents are perturbed by the fact that the road has cut into

The deplorable state of Buba Marwa Road in Oriade LCDA and (INSET): the protesting residents, yesterday. PHOTOS: IKENNA ASOMBA. halves, starting from the Liverpool Estate junction. Fares have increased, from N50 to N200 on this road, though the buses and tricycles stop halfway because of the deplorable state of the road.

"Cars break down daily. Our women and children fall into the gutters because the whole road is submerged by flood. With this peaceful protest, we are beckoning on the Lagos State government to give us immediate repairs, and not palliatives.

"We have written to the tank farm owners several times, copied the Oriade Local Council Development Area and the Lagos State

Man, 34, arraigned over threat to kill lawyer

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BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

AGOS—A 34-year old man, Enahoro Efijemue, has been arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate's court over alleged threat to kill a lawyer, Mr. Jackson Agbai, with broken bottles and cutlass.

The accused was charged on a three-count offence bordering on breach of peace and threat to kill, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Count 1 read: “That you Enahoro Respect Efijemue ‘M’ on May 28, 2014 at about 1530hrs at 14, Aromire Street, Ikeja, in the Ikeja Magisterial District did threaten to kill the following persons with broken

bottles and cutlass: Barr. Jackson Agbai Agbai, Are Oyetunde, Omotosho Johnson, Oyekan Sola and Ifeanyi Chukwu and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 56 (A) and (B) of the Criminal Law No. 34 Vol. 44, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.”

Magistrate A. O. Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties who should be gainfully employed with evidence of three years tax payment.

The matter was adjourned till July 7 for trial.

In another development, a 39-year old man, Abass Safiriyu, was brought before same court for

fraudulently obtaining over N1 million from one Mrs. Joy Ileoba, on the pretext to procure him Nigeria Customs Services clearing documents.

According to the charge, the offence is punishable under Section 312 (1) (A) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties who are gainfully employed and blood related and three years tax payment, and subsequently adjourned the case till July 24.

Government, that if nothing is done on this road within a specific time, we will prevent their tankers from plying this road. We thought this would spur them to repair this road, but our request has fallen on deaf ears."

Similarly, Pius Ogedengbe, first Chairman LPECDA, called on the government to urgently repair the road and widen the shallow and narrow gutters, adding that business activities are down in the community due to the deplorable state of the road.

Peaceful protest Meanwhile, policemen were on ground to ensure the peaceful protest does not turn violent.

Addressing the residents, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Olusola Oke, from Agboju division said: "We have heard your grievances, but we appeal to you to be patient. With patience, we can even cook a stone and it will be edible. What is needed now is dialogue, round table discussion to proffer solution to this deplorable road.

"If I live here, I won’t be happy with the unfortunate situation here. However, considering the security situation of the country, if you barricade this road now, miscreants may hijack the situation and it may turn violent. We don’t want a violent protest, so, whereever you are going, we will go with you."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—7

Women sell body parts in bio-tech market, Catholic Bishops allege •Say human life has become cheaper than a loaf of bread

BY CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA — THE CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), yesterday, alleged that some Nigerian women now sell their private parts, wombs, ovaries and human eggs as commodities in the global bio-technology market.

President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, disclosed this during the International Family and Pro-Life Conference tagged: "Witnesses to the dignity of every human life" in Abuja.

Speaking on the topic: "The Catholic Church in Nigeria and the imperative of scaling up pro-life activities across the country," the Bishop revealed that most of the transactions were done with people who hold influential positions in the society.

Kaigama said: "Some scientists and dubious businessmen use members of the National Assembly to gain legal access to the wombs and ovaries of women and young girls.

"It is becoming increasingly clear to us that even in Nigeria, our women have become the targets of all manners of intrigues, especially as their fertility is concerned.

"Personal private parts of women, ranging from wombs, ovaries and human eggs risk being put up as commodities for sale at the global biotechnology market-places."

On the insurgency in some parts of the country, the cleric said it was regrettable that human life had become cheaper than a loaf of bread.

According to him, "throughout the world today, human life and the enduring values of human dignity, sanctity of marriage and family life have become grossly diminished by ideologies, politicians, religious extremists and businessmen and businesswomen.

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SABA — THE wife of a 41year-old spare parts dealer, Enegwachi Ukpo, has slumped and died after her husband was arrested for robbery.

Ukpo was subsequently sentenced to death by an Effurun High Court in Delta State, having found him guilty of robbing a nurse of valuables worth N3 million.

Ukpo, who hails from Ebonyi State is to die by hanging.

The convict had pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy on the account that his wife allegedly died of heart attack on hearing of his arrest over the said robbery operation.

Prosecution had told the court that the accused and others now at large, on or about August 22, 2012, robbed one Mrs. Justina Odiete of her Honda Acura salon car, two Nokia handsets, a cash sum of N300,000, gold necklace and other personal

become cheaper than a loaf of bread. From hijacking and loss of airborne planes to the avoidable mishaps of sinking of ships and ferries loaded with passengers, to the mindless wars and avoidable military conflicts, human lives are wantonly wasted everywhere, everyday."

Mothers of some of the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted from their school in Chibok in Borno State sit, as three of the schoolgirls who escaped sit in the backround covered in white cloaks, during a forum organised by NGOs in Lagos, yesterday. Three of the schoolgirls who escaped from Sambisa forest were covered in white sheets of cloth during the forum to protect their identities. AFP PHOTO.

Man, 30, stabs step-mother to death in Kano

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BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

ANO — A 30-year-old man, Sagir Abdullahi of Kofar Dan-Agundi quarters of Kano metropolis has been taken into custody by the Police for stabbing his step mother, Zainab Abdullahi,

Condemned robber's wife dies of heart attack

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

"In Nigeria, we have lately become overwhelmed by the spate of reckless killings and spilling of human blood where ritual murders, unresolved assassinations, kidnapping, cultism and terrorism have become part of our daily news and life experiences.

"Regrettably, human life has

items valued at over N3 million while armed with guns.

It further stated that the victim, Mrs. Odiete was traumatised by the incidence which took place when she stopped to buy fish under the Refinery fly-over bridge.

In her evidence-in-chief, she said: "I was about paying for the dried fish I bought when suddenly two boys sprang from nowhere and pointed a gun at me, asking me to co-operate or I would be wasted.

"They snatched my car keys and bundled me into the back seat of my car. One of them took control of the wheels and zoomed off but I was later dropped off at DSC Road."

Nemesis, however, caught up with Ukpo as he was tracked down by the Police in Kogi State the following day after the robbery operation while on his way to Abuja with the assistance of the tracking device installed in the stolen car.

to death.

Briefing reporters on the unfortunate incident, yesterday, in Kano, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, explained that the culprit sneaked into the deceased's apartment by 1 pm and committed the act.

Majia said Sagir Abdullahi, a secondary school dropout, was overpowered by relations who handed him over to the Police, adding that the suspected has since confessed to the crime.

The Police image maker revealed that the suspect has been recommended for psychiatric evaluation to ascertain the state of his mind, stressing that Police have in the course of investigation recovered the offensive weapon and blood stained clothes.

Majia revealed that the Police would leave no stone unturned to unravel the mystery surrounding the act, adding that "we are working on several leads to unravel the mystery."

Fielding question from newsmen, the suspect said: "I stabbed her severally in the head region until she died," lamenting, however, that "I cannot explain why I killed her."

He said: "My eight younger ones and I suffered serious maltreatment in the hands of the woman, and I always recalled with nostalgia how I had survived several days without food in my father's house.

"Our woes in the house begun when my biological mother was divorced and the woman lorded it over us and reduced us to common slaves in our own house.

"I climbed the staircase when all eyes were closed, armed with a sharp dagger, I stabbed her in the nose severally while asleep and went ahead to machete her to death."

Sagir disclosed that he was overpowered by relations who gave him the beating of his life, adding "it's still a mystery to me why I had to kill this woman."

Two ex-bankers bag 43 years jail term for N9.7m fraud

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ANO — JUSTICE Dije Abdu Aboki of the Kano State High Court, yesterday, convicted and sentenced Bright Evobai and Okechukwu Okolo to 43 years imprisonment for offences bordering on obtaining by false pretence and forgery.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on November 27, 2012 on an eight-count charge.

The convicts, former employees of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), conspired and defrauded the bank to the tune of N9.7 million.

They allegedly used stolen letter-head paper belonging to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano and forged the signatures of four designated signatories including one of their superiors at the bank, to siphon funds from the hospital's fixed deposit account.

In an attempt to cover their track, they distributed the proceeds of their crime into five different accounts within the branch.

They both pleaded not guilty upon arraignment.

In the course of trial, the prosecution called five witnesses to prove its case.

Justice Aboki, in his ruling, found them guilty as charged and sentenced both to seven years imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with no option of fine while the convicts are to serve six months imprisonment each, on counts seven and eight with an option of N50,000 and N20,000 fine respectively.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

The convicts were also ordered to pay N9.7 million in restitution to the bank.

Court discharges minor over chicken theft

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BUJA — An Abuja senior magistrate's court, yesterday, discharged a 16-year-old boy (names withheld) charged with theft of chicken valued at N1,000.

The minor, who resides in Jabi, Abuja, was charged with joint act and theft offences.

In his judgment, Senior Mag-

istrate Abdullateef Abolaji said: “This case ought to be taken before the family court in the magistrate's court in Zone 2, Wuse, Abuja.

“This court, however, lacks jurisdiction as provided by the Child Rights Act to try the case; the case is hereby struck out and accused discharged."

Abolaji terminated the First Information Report (FIR) for lack of jurisdiction to try the case.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Simon Emmanuel, told the court that Mr Lawal Sani of Magajipe village, Abuja, lodged a complaint against the minor at the Life Camp Police Station on May 30.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

My agenda for the economy— NEW CBN GOV, EMEFIELE

BY GABRIEL OMOH, Business Editor, EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief & RETNA TOHOMDET

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, unveiled his agenda, vowing to blacklist all fraudulent bank debtors and block them from obtaining further access to bank loans.

He also directed banks to stop, with immediate effect, all cash deposit charges and maintained that CBN would work towards bringing down interest rate with a view to enabling the real sector access credit to grow the economy.

Emefiele said the apex bank would incorporate job creation in its monetary policy formulation to open up employment opportunities for the nation’s teaming youthful population.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja, he said he would be apolitical and remain professional in piloting a central bank that is people-oriented and that will support efforts of the Federal Government in creating jobs, and ensuring economic growth and national development.

He stated that monetary and fiscal policies have to work together to grow the nation’s economy.

Managing threats

He said: “We hope to sustain the effective management of potential threats and avoid systemic crisis.

“The core of my vision is to effectively manage potential threats to financial stability and create a strong governance regime that is conducive for financial intermediation, innovative finance and inclusiveness.

“In this regard, we hope to anchor on two main pillars: managing factors that create liquidity shocks and zero tolerance on practices that undermine the health of financial institutions.

“In order to achieve these goals, we would work with the relevant stakeholders to aggressively shore up reserves.

We hope to engage the fiscal and political authorities, as well as other stakeholders to improve our policy buffers, which will further create space for the bank to implement monetary policy, using its limited instruments.

“We will enhance the bank’s supervisory purview over the banking system and strengthen macro-prudential regulation by improving supervisory diligence, ethical standards as well as highest level of professionalism in carrying out on and off-site supervision activities; “Strengthen risk-based supervision, RBS, mechanism of Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and banking system

stability.

“To that end, banks shall be enjoined to proffer remedial actions where weaknesses are observed in RBS examination reports so as to avoid further build-up of non-performing

z I ‘ll be apolitical z Blacklists serial bank debtors z Says no to devaluation z ‘We import everything’ z To crash lending rate, work on reducing crude theft of these fees on excess drawings will be redeemed by the bank, while the rest shall be remitted to CBN.

Economic devt

Mr. Godwin Emefiele ... until we're export-oriented, no depreciating the naira. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan. loans, NPLs. “Where banks proffer inadequate remedies, the CBN shall advance its own solutions and insist on compliance. In the light of the size of the economy, following the rebased GDP, the trigger thresholds from a macroprudential perspective are no longer adequate.

“In due course, CBN would consider and announce measures to effectively address this anomaly.

On bad debtors, credits

“We would pursue a zerotolerance policy on fraudulent borrowers. We will collaborate with commercial banks to significantly improve the credit culture in the Nigerian banking system.

“The CBN’s focus would be directed at serial debtors who access loans from different banks and default on all of them even when they have the means to pay.

“Going forward, CBN will work towards reducing the effect of information asymmetry in the credit market. In this regard, we shall establish secured transaction and national collateral registry, strengthen the sanction system to include blacklisting of companies/ individuals that have been found to be serial loan defaulters.

“Indeed, these names would be circulated in the banking system to guide banks in identifying bad borrowers and

denying them access to credits in the banking system.

“We shall implement stringent loan provisions and penalties for banks that lends to blacklisted persons and companies.

Cashless policy, charges

“We hope to better align the cashless policy. This policy was introduced in 2012 with pilots now completed in Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Abia, Rivers, and the FCT. “The policy is now expected to go nationwide on July 1. Over the course of the pilot, we have become aware of complaints by customers, particularly regarding the charges being imposed for cash deposits.

“This has resulted in customers devising various means to avoid the charges through opening of multiplicity of accounts and other disingenuous behaviour all aimed at undermining the objective of this policy.

“Given these outcomes and to better reflect our goal of having more cash under our control, all charges on deposits are hereby stopped with immediate effect.

“Charges on withdrawals, in view of their eventual elimination, remain sustained at the current three percent for individual transactions exceeding N500,000 and five percent for corporate transactions exceeding N3 million.

“These fees go entirely to the commercial banks. However, going forward, the Central Bank shall determine what percentage

“For quite some time, the dominant school of thought regarding central banking was that focusing on low inflation will eventually lead to greater growth, increase in employment generating activities, and poverty reduction.

“However, early and recent evidence of central banking in places such as the United States, England, Japan and France indicate that supporting selected economic sectors using ‘direct methods’ of intervention have been essential tasks of their central banks.

“As Epstein (2005) encapsulates, ‘virtually all central banks, including the Bank of England, BOE, and the U.S. Federal Reserve, have used direct means to support economic sectors.

“In particular, a crucial role for the BOE and the US Fed have been to promote the financial sectors of their economies, and especially, to support the international role of their financial services industries.

“They have done this by using subsidised interest rates, legal restrictions, directed credit and moral suasion to promote particular markets and institutions.”

Upstream, professionalism

“To reduce the losses (theft and leakages) in the amount of produced crude that is officially sold, we will support initiatives to meter at ports and secure pipelines.

“Working with the lead ministry, we will look at investment incentives that encourage local Niger Delta based small and medium scales enterprises to play an active role in metering services and pipeline protection technologies.”

Mr. Emefiele promised to run a CBN “that is professional, people oriented, a central bank that dissipates its energy on building a resilient financial system that can serve the growth and development needs of our beloved country.

“We will not go into politics.

What we will do is to focus on our banking business and use our skills to support the efforts of government in creating jobs for people.

On interest rate

“The study that we conducted shows that when you compare with other frontier markets, our interest rates are very high. We are discussing with the Committee of Governors and will come out with policies that will bring down our interest rates.

“We shall pursue a gradual reduction in interest rates. A comparison of selected macroeconomic aggregates from some emerging market countries including South Africa, Brazil, India, China, Turkey, and Malaysia indicate that Nigeria has one of the highest T-bill rates.

“Such high rates create a perverse incentive for commercial banks to simply buy virtually risk-free government bonds rather than lend to the real sector.

“While a reduction in deposit rates would encourage investment attitudes in savers, a reduction in lending rates would make credit cheaper for potential investors.”

On devaluation

On the fears that the forthcoming election could trigger high inflation rate on account of the expected elections expenditures, Mr. Emefiele said he would adopt a tight monetary policy that would address the expected excess liquidity.

He said: “In the interim, we would continue to maintain a monetary policy stance, reflecting the liquidity conditions in the economy and the potential fiscal expansion in the run-up to the 2015 general elections.

Asked if he would devalue the Naira, Mr. Emefiele said that as an import-dependent economy, devaluation of the nation’s currency was not an option.

He said: “Nigeria is a predominately importdependent economy, where we import practically everything.

“We need to begin to look at how we can start produce some of these goods we are importing.

“When we are able to do that and we see a situation where we have transformed ourselves from being an importdependent economy to an export-oriented one, then we can begin to look at what are the advantages of depreciating our currency.

“At this time it is not an option.

But we will continue to see what we can do in the short run to use short-term tools to hold on strong to our exchange rate.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 —9

PDP NEC: President Goodluck Jonathan (right), Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, arriving at the party's national secretariat for the 65th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

8 LGs endangered as UN demarcates Nigeria, Cameroon border zWe won't surrender an inch— MARK

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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BUJA— THE ongoing demarcation of boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon by the United Nations, UN, that could cede about eight local governments to Cameroon, is generating serious tension in the border areas of Cross River State as the youths in communities of Boki Local Government Area are poised for a showdown with some Nigerian soldiers, who are guiding the UN team on ground f or the exercise.

The restive youths claimed that there was an attempt by the UN team to cede about eight local government areas, including the Presidential Lodge in Obudu Cattle Ranch to Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark, has sounded a note of warning to authorities that the country would not allow any part of its territory to be ceded to another country.

Standing on Order 42 of the Senate’s Standing Rules, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba said: “There is a demarcation exercise going on in my constituency and it is causing a lot of anxiety among my constituents.

“They fear that at the end of the exercise, we will be losing a number of communities to Cameroon. So, with your kind permission, I will like to bring a formal a motion on this on our next legislative day (which is June 24).”

The Senate President, in reaction, said: “This country must never, never under any circumstance surrender one millimeter of our land to any country irrespective of who is supervising it whether it is the UN or AU (African Union).”

Giving an insight into the motion, Senate Ndoma Egba who represents Cross River C M Y K

zSenate Leader, Ndoma-Egba's constituency, Obudu Cattle Ranch may be lost Central Senatorial District said: “The reason why I deferred it (the motion) to the next legislative day is to enable me get details, otherwise I would have taken the motion today.

“But I have information that right now pursuant to the Green Tree Agreement, some boundary adjustment exercise is going on and the UN demarcation team is right now in a place called Danari.”

‘We’re ready to die’

Speaking to Vanguard on phone, a community leader and former member of Cross River State House of Assembly from Boki, Cletus Obun, vowed that the community was ready to die in the process of defending her territory.

Obun, who is a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, said: “We are saying that the communities have resisted the demarcation exercise for the second time until pillar 113A is found.

“Any demarcation done without pillar 113A will take half of Nigerian territory in eight local government areas in Cross River into Cameroon and we are not going to accept a second ceding in 60 years. We are not going to accept that.

“The National Assembly has said that it had not ratified the Green Tree Agreement, so why is Nigeria in a hurry to cede part of its territory?

“After the resistance of Nigerian citizens within the Cameroon border of Danari and Biajua in Boki in February this year, the team returned with Nigerian soldiers to force their way to continue with that exercise and the community is resisting the continuous demarcation or redefining of that map because it is based on a faulty map; a

treaty that had been voided since 1918.

“The community saw the soldiers and saw the same team led by Mr. Isaac Baya of Zimbabwe. He is the leader of that the UN technical team.

“He was found there and the communities requested to know if they had located the pillar 113A without which a demarcation of the land will be not be possible without ceding part of the Cross River State to Cameroon.

“They could not produce that map and they could not show that they have found Pillar 113A. So Biajua and Danari have resisted them for the

second time.

“The soldiers attempted to force their way and they tried to remove their name tags so that their identities would not be seen. When calls started coming, they decided to put back their identities to show that they are Nigerian soldiers.

Areas endangered

“If pillar 113A is not found and an imaginary line drawn from 113 to 114, half of eight local government areas, beginning from the Obudu Cattle Ranch, where the Presidential Lodge is, down to Boki, up to Ikang in Akpabuyo Local Government Area will all

be in Cameroon.

“Pillar 113A is on their map, why are they finding it difficult to locate it.”

Some other local government areas he claimed that would be ceded to Cameroon if the demarcation worked out include Obanliku, Boki, Etung, adding “if it takes place, it is only Bendeghe ward that will remain in Nigeria. The other nine wards in Etung will be ceded to Cameroon.”

He further said that part of Ikom Local Government Area, which is the home place of Senator Ndoma Egba, to Obubra and part of Akamkpa would go to Cameroon.

45 killed in fresh Borno attack

BY NDAHI MARAMA & UMAR YUSUF

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AIDUGURI— NO fewer than 45 people were killed, while several others sustained gunshot wounds when some Boko Haram members attacked Bargari village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday.

Meanwhile, a girl reportedly died in Adamawa State when a jet fighter dropped bombs in Madagalii after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked the town yesterday morning.

Bargari, where 45 people were killed, is on the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and about 30 kilometres south-east of Giwa Barracks, which came under attack on March 14.

The terrorists set houses, shops, vehicles, motocycles and bicycles ablaze before carting away food items and livestock.

A resident of the village, who

escaped, Mallam Abubakar Maikudi, said: “I counted 45 dead bodies, including one of my neighbours.

“The gunmen, who came into the village at about 9p.m. gathered residents in one place, convincing them that they came into Bargari to propagate the teaching of Islam, and when almost all the residents were gathered, another set of terrorists appeared and opened fire on the people.

“We started to run for our dear lives. I was able to escape without being shot, but the gunmen succeeded in killing over 40, injured many before they started looting property and set structures ablaze, razing the whole village completely.”

Also another escapee, who did not mention his name said: “The gunmen, numbering 20 attacked the village with four Toyota Hilux vehicles, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, IEDs, and petrol bombs and wreaked havoc before they

fled towards the Sambisa forest.”

A government official, who spoke on the Madagalii incident, said that the attackers invaded the town between 6a.m. and 8a.m., in about 40 Toyota Hilux vehicles, shooting indiscriminately and burning property.

Among the areas attacked in the Adamawa incident were the Local Council Development Secretariat and a Catholic Church.

Sources said soon after the insurgents left, an aircraft deployed to repel them dropped three bombs each on a church, a mosque and nearby police post, killing the girl, identified as Laraba Michael, just as another girl was also reportedly wounded when a bomb was dropped on the church.

The state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar could not be reached for his comments.

The Public Relations Officer of the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, Captain Nuhu Jafaru declined comments.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

LASU students lay siege to Fashola’s office ...Vow to continue protest over fee hike

BY MONSUR OLOOOPEJO & IKENNAASOMBA

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOOOPEJO

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AGOS—PROTESTING La gos State University students yesterday barricaded the office of governor Babatunde Fashola in Alausa, with the Students’ Union, LASUSU, saying it would continue its protest over hike in fees until the state government reduced them.

The barricade came barely 24 hours after eight of the protesting students were arraigned before an Ikeja chief magistrate’s court for alleged breach of public peace.

The students in a protest march arrived at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja at about 3:00 pm and immediately barricaded the entrance to the governor’s office with two Bus Rapid Transit, BRT buses and other vehicles.

After barricading the entrance, they danced and set up traditional cooking stove where they cooked beans for themselves. They also observed Muslim prayers at the entrance.

Vanguard observed that the arrival of the students to the seat of power send jitters down the spine of the private security officers attached to the Lagos State House of Assembly and they shut the entrance gate to the legislative house.

Also, police officers attached to the Area F police command and Alausa police stations were quickly drafted to the scene to forestall any damage to government's property.

The union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, said that peaceful protest was a citizen’s right as enshrined in the constitution.

Scores of LASU students, had on Tuesday protested, carrying placards around Ikeja-Along

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LASU STUDENTS' PROTEST: Students of the Lagos State University, LASU protesting over the hike in school fees barricaded Governor Babatunde Fashola’s office yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

Bus Stop through Computer Village to Oshodi over the fee hike.

The protest later turned violent at Bolade area of Oshodi when policemen intercepted the students, firing tear gas and gun shots into the air to disperse the protesters.

Sixteen students were arrested and 10 hospitalised, while five vehicles belonging to the union were seized.

Eight of the students were on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court charged with disturbance of public peace.

Yusuf condemned the attack by the policemen, adding that the action was unconstitutional and an abuse of power.

“We are students and Nigerian citizens and as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, we have

freedom of expression and the right to protest,” he said.

The union leader said that the students were not engaged in violence on Tuesday but only carried placards and chanted solidarity songs to sensitise the government about their plight.“We started the protest from LASU gate with five police vans following us all through until we got to Bolade, Oshodi, when it seemed the police received an order to disperse us.

“We did not vandalise any public property as claimed,” he said.

Yusuf urged Governor Fashola to meet the demand of the students and reduce the tuition fee, as they would not relent in their struggle.

LASU had on April 24 submitted a proposal of N46,500 for re-

turning students and N65,500 for fresh students as the new tuition fees. This is against the current charge of N197,000 and N350,000 respectively for medical students.

The proposal followed the directives of Governor Fashola in a meeting with the students on March 31, to come up with a proposal of how much they can afford.

The ad-hoc committee constituted by the State Executive Council on review of LASU tuition, under the chairmanship of the Commissioner of Transport, Mr Kayode Opeifa, invited the students union for a meeting on May 27.

The committee, however, said that quality education could not be sustained with the fees proposed by the students.

Nigeria, others meet to tackle unemployment FROM FUNMI KOMOLAFE, GENEVA

G

ENEVA—WITH 10 to 12 million young Africans looking for jobs each year, the objective of the “Ouagadougou +10” Summit is not only to make a comprehensive review of progress and constraints in the implementation of the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration and Plan of Action but also to consider, revise and propose new policies and programs on employment and poverty alleviation.

With an estimated 12 million youths in search of jobs yearly in Africa, African Heads of State, including Nigeria met in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso to discuss strategies for creating job opportunities for youths and women in Africa.

C M Y K

Fashola raises fresh alarm over rising sea level

They are also expected to appraise the strategies adopted in 2004 and adopt new one.

The 2004 Jobs Summit was initiated by Nigeria’s then President, Olusegun Obasanjo and President Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso and facilitated by the International Labour Organisation and the AU Labour and Social Affairs Commission to respond to rising unemployment in Africa.

As a follow up, the Heads of State are scheduled to meet in September 2014 at an extra ordinary summit with theme “Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development”.

Titled “Ouaga plus 10”, the Summit is expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the strategies adopted in 2004 at Ougadougou, Burkina Faso.

Nigeria's then Finance Minister, now, Head of the Economic team, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala played a prominent role at the summit.

The Plus 10 summit is expected to be attended by, Labour minister, Chief Emeka Wogu.

According to officials of the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in Geneva, the September summit is expected to “take stock of achievements and challenges faced, as well as propose concrete actions to be taken in the next decade to create decent employment, and accelerate poverty eradication, in order to ensure inclusive development.”.

About a week ago, the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, announced

plans to recruit graduates in the local governments as part of government’s efforts to boost job creation.

At the 2004, Ougadougou summit, the Heads of State agreed to “ take action to reverse the trends of pervasive poverty, unemployment and under employment and to bring material improvement to the lives of the African people”.

In April, a preparatory meeting of Labour ministers for the “Ouga plus 10 meeting” which held in Windhoek, Namibia identified challenges of African countries in tackling unemployment to include “ low productivity, unemployment and underemployment, lack of skills capacity and lack of social protection and unequal opportunities for the marginalized and vulnerable groups”.

AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, warned residents over the rising sea level in the state, saying it threatens every coastline across the globe.

Fashola made the remarks at the 2014 World Environmental Day celebration with the theme: ”Small Island, Developing States and Climate Change.” at Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duty, Dr. Wale Ahmed, no nation in the world is completely free from the negative effects of climate change since strong storms and floods threaten every continent.

Fashola explained: “The reality before us is that no nation, however large or small, developed or underdeveloped, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent.

Resident doctors resume duty in Lagos hospitals

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AGOS—RESIDENT doctors in the government-owned hospitals in Lagos yesterday, resumed duty following the suspension of their three-day warning strike over some unresolved issues affecting them.

A visit to some of the hospitals showed that the doctors were attending to the patients.

Hospitals visited included: Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba; National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi; Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba.

Dr Akintayo Akindele, the President, Association of Resident Doctors, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos Chapter, said their resumption was in the interest of the patients and the nation at large.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—11

Ogun APC crisis: Osoba group rejects Amosun faction’s inauguration

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—A faction loyal to former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State has condemned the inauguration of the factional executive loyal to the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun by the national leadership in Abuja.

Osoba group, while reacting to the inauguration of some controversial executives in some states in the country including Ogun, described it as illegal and unconstitutional.

The APC in Ogun State had been enmeshed in internal wrangling which led to the division of the party into two factions.

The party also held parallel congresses and produced two executive councils from wards to local governments and state levels.

The National Executive Council waded into the crisis and promised to send elders committee to resolve the political logjam in the state, but it however, threatened to inaugurate caretaker committee in any state where the elders could not make any headway.

But, the Interim National

Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday, however, swore in members of executives of the APC in some states including Ogun ahead of the coming national convention.

Reacting to the inauguration, Chairman of the faction loyal to Aremo Osoba, Rokeeb Adeniji in

a communique titled “Re: inauguration of Chairmen in Abuja said the inauguration could be described as ‘the corruption of the highest order” While querying the rationale behind the action of Chief Akande, the group said what informed the inauguration of

the executive when the elders committee which the NEC promised to send had not visited the state.

It however, submitted thus “that we condemn and reject in totality this lawless attitude towards building a vibrant party of APC status.

LAUNCH: From left —Mr Friday Enaholo, Product Manager, Fidson; Mr Ola Ijimakin, General Manager, Marketing and Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Service Manager, during the launch of a new product known as Gascol sugar-free variant by Fidson Healthcare Plc in Lagos, yesterday. Photo Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

Executive encroaching on our territory — TAMBUWAL

BY EMMAN UVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday accused the executive arm of government of encroaching into the legislature’s area of jurisdiction.

He also accused some top government officials of promoting impunity.

Citing the recent suit by the Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke seeking an order to stop the House Committee on Public Accounts from going ahead with its planned probe of her alleged spending of N10 billion for the chartering of private jets, Tambuwal said it was unheard of that an official of an arm of government would try to use court to stop another arm from carrying out its constitutional assignment.

Tambuwal, who stated this in a speech to mark the end of the third session of the 7th House however admitted that the nation’s democracy, albeit faced with myriads of challenges, is evolving.

He said the Chamber will remain resolute in discharging its responsibilities, stressing that the House would not be intimidated in the war on corruption.

Giving an account of all that transpired in the last one year , Tambuwal said “we witnessed the dawn of a disturbing trend whereby people now go to court

to stop the National Assembly from exercising its constitutional mandate and conducting its internal operations. This is unheard of in jurisdictions where genuine democracy is practised and venerated.

“The usual democratic practice is that the powers of the courts are activated to challenge laws enacted by the legislature. This is the proper manner in which the judiciary is enabled to perform its constitutional function as the interpreter of both the constitution and duly enacted laws.

“It is neither usual nor appropriate for the judiciary to be used pre-emptively to stop the legislature from acting in the first place.

This is an encroachment on the powers of the legislature and a slap in the face of the principle of separation of powers.

The Speaker, who said the House would continue to align with the people of Nigeria on every issue, condemned what he called attempts by some officials of government to trample on the rights of Nigerians.

...Raps Police chief, Mbu over planned ban on 'BringBackOurGirls' rallies He specifically flayed the move by the Abuja Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu to ban protests over the abduction of over 200 female students of Chibok

Girls Secondary School, commending the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar for reversing the decision.

He said “as if to buttress our descent into the pits of reckless disregard for the rights of citizens, the nation recently woke up to the sad dawn of a Commissioner of Police acting on his own initiative, without clearance from his superiors and in flagrant contravention of the clear Constitutional guarantees of the right of citizens audaciously purporting to ban the peaceful assembly of Nigerians.

“This is an unacceptable abridgement of the rights of Nigerians to freedom of speech, association and peaceful assembly, and this House must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. The fact that the office of the Inspector-General of Police felt compelled to deny the action of the Police Commissioner only goes to underscore the audaciousness of the conduct of the Police Commissioner.”

...Speaker decries rising insurgency, urges urgent rescue of Chibok scool girls On the security situation in the country, Tambuwal lamented the continued killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians by insurgents. He particularly bemoaned abduction of the Chi-

bok girls stressing that it was even more painful that the girls were still with the insurgents almost two months after.

He said “the sad, unfortunate and callous abduction of the Chibok girls has greatly injured our national pride and attracted for Nigeria unwanted global attention and global scorn.

“Once again, the attack on our innocent children on their school calls into question our credential as a nation that takes care of its citizens and our capacity as a government to perform the very basic constitutional duty of safeguarding the security and welfare of our people. It is now almost two months since the kidnap of the Chibok girls.”

The Speaker tasked the lawmakers to ask themselves “whether we have done all that is in our power to ensure the release or rescue of these poor innocent girls of Chibok.

“Today, on this august occasion of our third anniversary, I wish to unreservedly add my voice to the chorus of national and global voices that are pleading, requesting and demanding: BringBackOurGirls. But this House must not limit itself to the slogan of #BringBackOurGirls. We must come up with imaginative ideas not only to bring back these girls alive and well but to protect other children of Nigeria against such trauma in the future.”

Obasanjo, Amosun task Nigerians on global warming

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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B E O K U TA — FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, called on Nigerians to shun actions that could destroy the environment and endanger human lives.

The former President gave this warning in a statement through the Centre for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

Marking this year ’s World Environment Day, with the theme; Raise Your Voice, Not The Sea Level, Obasanjo said Nigerians should drive fuel-efficient cars, walk or ride bicycles, use public transport rather than personal cars, reduce garbage by recycling and reuse and plant trees among others.

Also, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has warned residents against dumping of refuse on road medians and drainages, adding that his government would no longer tolerate such actions.

To curtail this, he said he had approved the recruitment of 3,000 Marshalls to enforce environmental laws in the state.

S-West NULGE reject confab’s wish to scrap LGs

BY OLAAJAYI

I

BADAN—LEADERS of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in the South West zone has kicked against the recommendation by the committee of the National Conference suggesting the scrapping of 774 local governments in the country.

Speaking through their National Vice-President, West, Mr. Oludare Famoofo in Ibadan, they alleged that the committee comprised presidency apologists and stooges of the state governors.

With the Vice Chairman of NULGE were the National Treasurer, Oluyemi Esan, National Trustee, Akeem Ambali Titilola Sodo (Oyo), Adekomi Jacob (Osun), Ajimoko Olubunmi (Ekiti), and Mr. Ayuba Olatunji (Osun).

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Rivers PDP slams JSC over order to ignore Administrative Judge's directives

BY INNOCENT ANABA & JIMITOTA ONOYUME

A

S reactions continue to trail the directive by the National Judicial Council, NJC, ordering the most senior judges in Rivers State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal to oversee the assigning of cases to judges in the state, Rivers Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described an alleged order by the state Judicial Service Commission to staff in the judiciary to ignore directives of any Administrative Judge appointed by the NJC as an invitation to anarchy in the state.

Notable lawyers had faulted the order. Those who had earlier commented include a former President of NBA, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN; Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN and Prof. Chidi Odinkaku, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC. Rivers PDP, in a statement, by the media aide to the state Chairman of the party, Mr. Jerry Needam , also called on staff of the state judiciary to disregard the directive by JSC, saying they work for the state civil service and not for any individual.

He added that the directives by the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission, also threatened to sanction any staff that failed to comply with the order to disregard the Administrative Judge's order.

Reactions

Mr. Bamidele Aturu said “others have aptly characterized the judicial mess that the NJC has created. But I am more concerned about working out proactive steps we can take to stem the nonsense, for that is really what it is. This is not a time to be apologetic.

“The NJC is an executive body and not a judicial institution and that has been repeatedly pointed out. It’s decisions, even when in utmost fidelity with the law, do not have the force of law. Now, when it takes decisions that do not only violate the principles of the rule of law, but actually mock them, then we must do all in our power not only to ensure that it reverses the offensive decisions, one way or the other, but that it gets punished for egregious infraction of our laws. It appears this elementary point has been tragically missed by that body.

“We should be thinking in what ways we can punish the NJC legally and politically.

But beyond this, it is time to put on the agenda a reform of

that body by legislative means.

But in the meantime as many as have or can find the voice should deprecate the bolekaja disposition of the council.”

But Ms Carol Ajie disagrees, saying: “The Constitution says if the office of the CJ of a state is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, until a person has been appointed to assume the function, the most senior Judge of the High Court shall perform those functions’: s271(4) CFRN 1999 “Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s instinctual drive and unexplained anger over NJC/Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s appointment of Justice Okocha, created some bottlenecks when Amaechi misread NJC’s recommendation as coming with some perceived deficiencies. He, therefore, interfered with it, preferred Justice Agumagwu over Okocha, thereupon, threw up that avoidable judicial competition.

“The next in hierarchy, senior lady Judge, Okocha, is perfect for the CJ-ship appointment and she deserves it really. However, her private decision/marriage concerns should be overlooked at this time.”

Rivers lawyers react

Mr. Emenike Ebete, lead counsel to the Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, said the directive of the NJC was unconstitutional and unknown to the constitution.

According to him, the NJC does not have powers under the law to manage a state judiciary.

“What they say the Administrative Judge should do, assigning cases, lies with the Chief Judge of the state. If the Chief Judge does not want to do it, he/she can appoint a judge or two to do it for him or her. NJC has no such powers,” he said.

On his part, Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, said: “It is necessary to have an Administrative Judge.

And the constitution empowers the most senior judge in the absence of a Chief Judge. Even if this one is not designated as an acting Chief Judge, it is in the interest of people of the state to allow the person function, to assign cases. The people of the state are suffering over nothing.

I think the arrangement is in order. Sometimes, we have to consider the larger interest of the society as opposed to narrow, selfish interests, in consideration for what should happen.

I think it is in order.”

Another lawyer, Mr. Chima Boms, said: “It is a good one.

We can now make progress in the judiciary. There are certain things you don’t play politics

Justice Aloma Mukhtar

Governor Rotimi Amaechi

with. For almost nine months, we have not had a headway, cases are piling.

What we need now is for the judiciary to move on. Whoever the NJC has chosen has authority to act till the political and judicial leadership sort themselves out.

An Administrative judge is not strange to the constitution.”

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Tony Okocha, said: “It is brazen illegality that must be resisted with all resilience. It is a mockery of the judicial system in Nigeria. This illegal action of the NJC leaves much to be imagined.”

Mr. Arogu Williams said: “The issue of the appointment of a Chief Judge is a constitutional matter. What the NJC did is not known to law and the constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The right as to who should appoint an acting Chief Judge or Chief Judge in a state is vested in the governor. Even the President of the country can’t usurp the powers of the governor. It is sad that a body as the NJC that is the custodian of the law is doing this.”

The constitution on the appointment of a state Chief Judge, states: 1) The appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a state shall be made by the governor of the state on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the State.

2) The appointment of a

person to the office of a Judge of a High Court of a state shall be made by the governor of the state acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

4) If the office of Chief Judge of a State is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions, the Governor of the State shall appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform those functions.

5) Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council an appointment pursuant to subsection (4) of this section shall cease such appointment and the Governor shall not re-appoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.

Panic as earth tremor hits Bayelsa community

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—HOUSES shook and residents were rattled late Wednesday, as earth tremor rocked Okordia clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The noise, it was learnt, was so loud that some residents mistook the tremor for an earth quake.

Residents of Okordia clan, which is predominately a fishing and farming settlement, said they felt a quake on the ground and saw most of fixed objects shake during the tremor which lasted about five minutes.

The incident, sources told our correspondent, triggered pandemonium in the area as residents rushed out of their homes for fear that the buildings might collapse.

Residents of the community attributed the tremor, the first of its kind, to the many years of oil exploration activities by oil multinationals in the area.

Others, including the indigenes of

the Freetown, Ikarama 1 and 2 in Okordia clan said the unusual occurrence left about 50 buildings with cracks.

A native, who simply gave her name as Doubra, said the tremor shook houses, but did not cause any major damage to household furniture.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—13

Industrialization, private sector key to Delta’s economy —Uduaghan G

OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, has said that industrialization and the private sector were key to growing the state’s economy.

Speaking in Germany, at the Cologne Forum, host of the 2014 African Finance and Investment Forum, AFIF, where he led a delegation from the state to unfold the “one stop shop investment incentive,” he said investors were being granted land acquisition concessions, reduced stamp duty charges, permits and licence cost cutting and timeliness and liaising with federal regulatory agencies to facilitate operational licensing procedures to encourage them to invest in the state.

Explaining that industrialization remains the key driver of his Delta Beyond Oil initiative, Uduaghan said that the private sector was leading the establishment of industries in the state by harnessing the economic potentials of the immediate environment and leveraging on the state’s comparative advantage.

Using the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, he identified five key investment areas in the state to include power, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, adding that Delta State was the most viable destination for inves-

tors, “a situation boosted by its status as a leading oil and gas producer, a coastal state with access to four seaports, having a young, educated and active population and continuous investment in security.”

Other incentives for investors, according to him, include “a five-year tax holiday, duty draw back for export-oriented con-

cerns and tariff incentives on value chain enterprises.”

He added that “with a population of 5.1 million and Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of $24.88 billion in 2013 as well as huge investments in physical infrastructure development, security and human capital development, Delta State offers an

exceptional and profitable haven for investors.”

He added that “three special economic zones targeting diverse areas had been set up with the private sector leading their development. These are the Koko/ Ogidigben Free Trade Zone, Warri Industrial Business Park and Asaba ICT Park.”

AWARD: Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi (left), with Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Catherine Clancy, as he receives Leadership and Excellence award from NCCI/WOL.

We're not worried over govs' defection —Jonathan

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA— P R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan said, yesterday, that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was not in any way worried over the defection of Governors Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State; Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto; Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso of Kano and others who dumped the party for the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, saying that some of them cannot win any election in their wards.

Speaking at the National Secretariat of PDP at the 65th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting, President Jonathan, who was happy that the National Assembly is a PDP Assembly, however, admitted that before now, there were issues, but that the party and its members in the Senate and the House of Representatives had been able to put behind them those problems and were now working in one accord in the interest

of the party and Nigeria.

It will be recalled that following some irreconcilable differences, the governors and some members of the party left for the APC. The President who noted that this period of insurgency was not the best moment for Nigeria, said that the government was addressing complaints of inadequate equipment to deal with the Boko Haram insurgents, adding that the security challenges in the country will soon be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, NEC, after a debate on the proposal to hold the PDP national conference, according to the provisions of the constitution of the party, resolved to hold same after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, just as NEC passed a vote of confidence on President Jonathan and praised the decisive steps so far taken to contain insurgency in the country.

Speaking further, President Jonathan, said: “First, let me congratulate the chairman, this being the first NEC meeting that he is presiding over. Of course, he has addressed us, but he did not chair that meet-

ing. But we elected him based on our constitution and he spoke to us and told clearly his mission. Frankly speaking, from that day till date, he has been focused on rebuilding the party.

“Another group of people that I must specially appreciate is our governors, the PDP governors. You know, in the Nigeria Governors Forum, there were some challenges that came up and

PDP governors became very strong.

“Even though some people left us, we are not noticing their absence because of the leadership and commitment shown by Governor Godswill Akpabio, the chairman of PDP Governors Forum and Governor Jonah Jang, the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and other members of the Governors Forum from the PDP.

IYC lauds MEND over ceasefire in N-Delta

BY EMMA AMAZIE & SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has commended the decision of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, to declare ceasefire in the region.

The IYC said though the Ijaw youths were aware of the existence of unresolved and contentious issues in the region, MEND's decision will set an

example for other militia groups, including the Boko Haram Islamic sect, to allow the Federal Government through the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to resolve all contentious issues in the country.

IYC, in a statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, urged other insurgent groups in the country, including the Boko Haram sect to borrow a leaf from MEND.

Oshiomhole condoles with Vanguard Publisher on mum’s death

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commiserated with the Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka, on the death of his mother, Mrs. Teshoma Amuka-Pemu, describing her as a beacon of motherhood.

In a condolence message, the governor said: “I write to convey the condolences of the people and Government of Edo State, as well as my personal commiseration, on the demise of your beloved mother, Mrs. Teshoma Amuka-Pemu.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Amuka family at this very difficult moment of grief. While we join you to mourn her painful departure, we are certain that you will find consolation in the fact that your precious mother lived a worthy life, and stood as a beacon of motherhood, religious devotion and community leadership."

Kidnappers of Bayelsa Speaker’s mother-in-law demand N40m ransom

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE kidnappers of Madam Ogboro Orumo, mother-in-law to the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Kombowei Benson, have demanded N40 million as ransom for her release.

Madam Orumo, aged 86, was abducted last Friday from her Seibiri compound in Korokorosei community by gunmen, who escaped through the creeks.

The kidnappers, it was learnt, contacted the family, weekend and made their demand.

Meanwhile, the traditional institution in the state have condemned the abduction of the octogenarian and called for her release.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Chikwe lauds Jonathan on women empowerment

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BUJA—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, National Women Leader, Dr Kema Chikwe, has said President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has given the greatest opportunity to Nigerian women since Independence.

According to her, “this could be seen in the number of women the President appointed to positions in Government, especially key positions like Petroleum Minister, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, United Nations Ambassador and many others”.

Speaking during a reception in honour of Otunba Bashirat Noibi who recently decamped from the All Peoples Congress, APC, to the PDP, Dr. Chikwe called on Nigerian women to ensure the reelection of President Jonathan in 2015 to enable him continue to empower them.

In her speech Hajiya Noibi who is a National Coordinator of Jonathan Actualization Movement, JAM, explained that she left the APC because the party “has nothing to offer to the Nigerian people.”

IwerokoAmeren family chair assures on unity

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A R R I — N E W LY elected Chairman of Iweroko-Ameren Family of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Johnson Okorodudu, has promised that his administration “is poised to bring everybody, who is a bona fide member of Koko along in working to achieve the aspirations of the community.”

Okorodudu, who won in an election conducted to pick executives of the Lagos branch, said he would serve his community with an open door policy.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked all, who were present for the peaceful election and promised that he was goingtocarryeverybody along.

Those elected were as follows: Mr. Johnson Okorodudu, Chairman; Mrs. Queen Alatan, Chairlady; Mr. Ulidonjugha Brown, Secretary; Mrs. Queen Edun,TreasurerandMrs.Mercy Raphael, Financial Secretary.

Pro-Biafra group on mission to topple Enugu govt —CP E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—ENUGU State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar last night said members of the Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, who invaded the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, yesterday morning were on a mission to topple the government.

Abubakar spoke while parading the 13 members of the federation including their leader, Benjamin Igwe Onwuka at the state police headquarters.

Apart from Onwuka, Abubakar said other members of the federation arrested included Paulinus Uzoegbu, Michael Oleinya, Ndubuisi Nnamchi, Bethrand Obiekwe, Kelvin Ekeh, Abraham Ugwu, Chukwuma Alogius, Ijaga Sampson, Josephat Nwodo, Nwonu Fidelis and Uduma Uduma.

The commissioner said: “When they went to the ESBS, they gained entrance into the studio and wanted the the workers to give them access to make a live broadcast to the people of Nigeria.

"In the broadcast they had on a CD rom where the details of what they wanted to tell members of the public. They made a summary of what they had on the CD rom, on a sheet of paper and the highlight of it are; an appeal calling for all boys in Obiagu, (Enugu) to come out, all boys from Ogui (Enugu) to come out, all boys in Enugu State to come out; they also asked students to come out, those people with KekeNapep (tricycles) to come out. They wanted to order all businesses closed today (yesterday); all schools to be

closed, all markets to be closed and all government officials to surrender all property in their possession before mid-day. You can see these people were on a mission of trying to over throw the government and it is something that we will never tolerate.

“Recall that in March this year, they had attacked Government House, Enugu. We had earlier declared their leader (Onwuka) wanted. The same group of BZF led by their leader, Benjamin Onwuka invaded the ESBS with the intention that after the

broadcast, they will set the place ablaze.

“They carried with them a lot of arms, machetes, 25 litres of petrol, 46 empty beer bottles and one BZF flag and some CDs. The purpose of going there with petrol and bottles, you know when you put petrol inside a bottle and shake it and throw it into a building, it will inflame. They went there also with guns because when the policemen confronted them, they shot a sergeant and killed him and in the process of trying to prevent them from setting the place ablaze, they also had a casualty, one of them was shot dead. About

13 of them were arrested including the leader, Benjamin Onwuka.”

Abubakar then warned that any group of persons or individuals planning to foment trouble in whatever form that would cause breach of peace to desist from doing so, as it would not be tolerated.

Efforts made to speak with the suspects were rebuffed as the Commissioner insisted that doing so “will mean giving them opportunity to say what they wanted to announce in the live broadcast.”

See more details on page 43

AWARD: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (left), receiving the award of the Agriculture Governor of the year from Dr. Paul Orhii, DG, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, during the 3rd PAN West Africa International Agriculture Exhibtion, AGRIKEXPO in Lagos.

PENGASSAN backs govt on subsidy removal

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG BUJA—THE Government yesterday got a major boost in its push to remove subsidy on Petroleum products, especially the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol, after the Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, threw its weight behind government's plan to discontinue subsidy on fuel.

PENGASSAN in a statement by its President, Babatunde Ogun, contended that subsidy on Petrol was not to the advantage of the Nigerian masses but few individuals.

According to him, other trade unions in Nigeria should change their positions and stop supporting payment of subsidy on petroleum products, claiming the subsidy regime only benefited few individuals constituting

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themselves into cabal.

Ogun said: “It is high time labour stopped saying no to the removal of subsidy and look beyond ordinary reasoning to support the government against a policy and process that has been bleeding the country dry as well as stunting the growth of the nation’s downstream sector of the

oil and gas industry.

“The money being used in payment of subsidy to these few individuals who are enriching themselves at the expense of the whole nation can be channelled towards other developmental projects, especially the nation’s ailing and dilapidated infrastructure.

Instead of supporting payment of subsidy on petroleum products, Ogun said labour unions should put pressure on the government to subsidise necessary infrastructure such as power, rail transportation, healthcare, and education, as being done in other countries."

#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS TO JONATHAN: Arise, tackle our common enemies

BY SONI DANIEL, NORTHERN REGIONEDITOR,&EMMANUEL ELEBEKE BUJA—FIFTY two days after the abduction of over 200 girls from the Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, the organisers of the campaign to rescue the girls have pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to rise against the enemy of Nigeria.

One of the leaders of the

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#Bringbackourgirls campaign and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, said yesterday that the government had chosen to divide the move to bring back the girls instead of taking urgent steps to confront Nigeria’s common enemy.

Ezekwesil in several tweets posted yesterday, pointed out that Nigerians were surprised that certain persons were

actively calling them names all in their patriotic bid to mobilise actions that would lead to the release of the innocent children to their parents.

In one of the tweets, the former minister wrote: “We kept pleading for our President to arise, sincerely inspire and mobilise all citizens against our common enemies, but they chose division.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—15

C M Y K

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

EMERGENCY RULE: Call Clark to order, Yobe gov tells Jonathan

BY SONI DANIEL, NORTHERN REGION EDITOR, NDAHI MARAMAAND BALA AJIYA

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AMATURU—YOBE State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has reacted angrily to the latest call by the Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark on President Goodluck Jonathan to dismantle all democratic structures and slam a full scale state of emergency in the three northeast states.

Clark, who made the call at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said that it was only by so doing that the current spate of insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states could be contained by the security forces.

Attacks Clark

But Gaidam on Thursday, fought back, describing Clark’s advocacy as malicious, vindictive and illinformed and pleaded with Jonathan to call Clark, whom he referred to as an “ethnic champion from the South-South part of the country,” to order.

Gaidam, in a statement signed yesterday by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Abdullahi Bego, also described as despicable Clark’s reference to the three governors of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states as conspiring to scuttle Jonathan’s second term bid.

Says claim based on ignorance The governor pointed out that Clark’s claim was based on ignorance as no section of the Constitution of Nigeria gives the President any

power to sack democratically elected officials and replace them with sole administrators in the name of emergency rule.

According to Gaidam, Clark’s repeated analogy of the scenarios in Ekiti and Plateau states during the Obasanjo government when emergency rule was declared in those states woefully fails to grasp the world of difference with the prevailing situations in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states today.

The governor noted with dismay that Clark was actively trying to distract attention from the real issues that surround the current wave of insecurity in the three northeast states and other parts of the country and asked him to retrace his steps.

Discribes attack as unwarranted

Describing his attacks on the three governors as totally unwarranted, Gaidam pleaded with Clark to either respect his age by speaking with decorum and facts or keep quiet.

The statement read in part: “First, we condemn in the strongest terms this totally unwarranted attack on the persons of the three state governors. We take the strongest possible exception to Mr. Clark’s vitriolic and totally baseless statements. We ask that he respects his very old age and either speak with decorum and facts or keep quiet.

“Second, we ask President Goodluck Jonathan, in whose defence Mr. Clark is apparently speaking, to call him to order and make it clear that he (Jonathan) is the President of the whole

country and not a section of it. This call has become necessary because, by his carriage and utterances, Mr. Clark is pretending that he personally made Mr. Jonathan president and not the Nigerian people.

“We have said for the umpteenth time that Boko Haram is an evil, ignorant, totally un-Islamic and condemnable ideology which must be fought as a threat to humanity and the whole of the country.

“For more than three years, our people in Yobe State and others in Borno and Adamawa states have suffered unspeakable horror and attacks from Boko Haram. And all people of goodwill here and around the world have condemned Boko Haram for the bloodthirsty terrorists that they are.

“It is only Mr. Edwin Clark who sees this great catastrophe, which requires an all hands-on-deck approach to resolve, from the prism of politics and ethnicity. How unfortunate and unbecoming of a man who sees himself as an elder statesman!

'Senseless' statements

“If Mr. Clark is making these senseless and baseless statements to deflect attention from serious issues which must be addressed by the Jonathan presidency as a matter of urgency to restore security and ensure the safety of the Nigerian people, he has failed and will continue to fail.

“Devastating Boko Haram attacks have wiped out lives and livelihoods in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states but insecurity is not restricted to these states alone. We have seen this very recently from Taraba to Benue and Kaduna to Nasarawa states.”

2015: Benue AG resigns

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI—THE Benue State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Alex Adum has resigned his appointment.

Adum who formally tendered his resignation, yesterday at the weekly State

Executive Council meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, said he was stepping aside to enable him contest the forthcoming 2015 governorship race on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel

Suswam on Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, confirmed Adum’s resignation with effect from June 26, 2014.

Suswam had asked all political appointees aspiring for elective offices to quit their positions at the end of last February.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 —17

Readers’ complaints

I think that Jonathan’s administration is good overall. It is too early to write him off.

please keep supporting him. As for your Governor, Amaechi, he has carried the war too far. For the sake of the Niger Delta, let him sheathe his sword.

+2348066673312 Kenneth Onyemere Mr. President has proved that he is too weak to rule Nigeria by retaining Abba Moro. What a shame.

*2348022714734 Anonymous No matter how hard one tries to con-

, V

ANGUARD readers contact me from time to time to complain about my frequent failure to respond to or publish the emails and texts they send me.

These readers should please accept my sincerest apologies for this negligence. No discourtesy is intended. And it certainly doesn’t boil down to laziness.

It’s just that there are only so many hours in the day and that there is only so many tasks that one person can cope with and that I only have one page per week…and that I receive too many messages to personally acknowledge all of them or squeeze all of them into the limited space I have at my disposal.

Anyway, I’m dedicating the entire page to readers this week. Sorry to anyone whose message does not appear.

Please don’t give up on sharing your thoughts with me. Even when I don’t respond, I read and take note and appreciate. +2348064391062 Komani Makus Donu, you’re my lovely sister anytime.

Let me tell you there is sentiment in elections all over the world. Even in the civilised world. The North has cornered the nation’s wealth for too long. Even if President Jonathan is not the best,

President Jonathan can dissipate this gloomy cloud threatening to descend on millions of Nigerians who are rooting for him by snapping out of governance problems as soon as possible; he can do it

,

vince oneself that the notion that Jonathan’s administration is underperforming is a false perception, one is increasingly getting weighed down by this dreadful and sickening feeling that the incompetence, cluelessness and under-performance are for real.

President Jonathan can dissipate this gloomy cloud that is threatening to descend on the millions of Nigerians who are rooting for him by snapping out of governance problems as soon as possible. He can do it. I believe that Jonathan can still turn things around for the good. *2347050481425 Chief Bobson I think that recent bombings and abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls are unmistakable pointers to the fact that Nigeria is in a state of political anarchy and religious schism. Jonathan has become the problem because he

lacks the courage and cerebral virtuosity to find and implement a lasting solution to the Boko Haram menace. He should resign and let Nigeria move forward. +2348060794596 Fidelis Nwagwu I have read several of your write-ups and may be forced to conclude that you are an APC member. But let me tell you the bitter truth: APC is a sello-taped party with expired and egocentric individuals. The earlier you make up your mind now to follow Goodluck, the better for you. Stop floating my sister. Vote for a real and people-orientated party. +2348022714734 Anonymous On Amaechi, I believe there will still be reconciliation between him and Jonathan. Nothing that may have gone on between both of them based on media reports I have read looks fundamental or arising from any principle.

The issues appear largely ego-driven.

I am Igbo, from Imo State, in my 50s and look at Jonathan with an eye on history. Jonathan’s historical significance in our multi-ethnic polity must be properly completed in the absence of any fundamental and cataclysmic failure of leadership or governance on his part.

I have not met Jonathan, I don’t care to meet him, I am a lawyer who doesn’t do or seek government jobs. I just feel that Jonathan has not been given a fair chance to give his best by the negative activities of his adversaries and that he is as entitled as other persons from other parts of Nigeria to serve two terms.

Do not forget the negative environment under which he has been operating, with certain people setting out to make Nigeria “ungovernable” for him by sabotaging his efforts.

I agree that Moro’s continued presence in government is mystifying, but

+2348023018952 Vincent Efeakpor DK, thanks for the piece on the need for foreign intervention. Nigerian followers are actually too docile…and I support your suggestion that we should hand over to foreign experts critical areas of our economy to handle if we really want to move forward in Nigeria. +2348138790815 Austin C ogwashi Uku On foreign intervention, we should hire non-Nigerians to man ICPC, EFCC, etc. THAT WAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIGHT THE MONSTER CALLED CORRUPTION . +2348055331902 Chijioke Donu, you are biased to say that you will only vote for Goodluck if he performs better in the coming months. Why not include the completion of the monorail project in Rivers State as a condition for your vote?...Or set a 30 days deadline for payment of all outstanding salaries of newly recruited teachers? If you show me any past president that has performed better than GEJ then I will join APC foot soldiers like you!

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

OPINION

Now that secession is in vogue

BY TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA

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AM totally opposed to the dissolution of Nigeria. I am an avowed, unrepentant proponent of one Nigeria. Advocates of secession, sometimes, attribute Nigeria’s litany of problems to the country’s diversity and size, and thus, argue that the solution of these problems is in the breaking up of what has proven an unmanageable, blundering, bumbling behemoth.

However, a successful democracy, like India, with her population of nearly one billion as opposed to Nigeria’s 150 million and 15 official local languages and seven official religions as opposed to Nigeria’s three official local languages and two official religions, refutes that Nigerian problems stem from her heterogeneity and population. The primary Nigeria problem is bad leadership.

However, I am acutely conscious that no one man has an exclusive claim to knowledge and wisdom. Secondly, I am an irrepressible champion of the right to free speech. Therefore, despite my opposition to secession, I have unwavering respect for the secessionists’ rights to their beliefs, convictions and viewpoints.

Lately, Yoruba leaders are seeking regional autonomy and the right of the autonomous regions to secede at will. And at least one of them claiming to represent the interest of the Yoruba nation is calling for the Yoruba to secede from Nigeria and

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set up Oduduwa Republic. He repudiated Nigeria, calling it, “a 100 years of forced marriage that is clearly not working”. He wrote that: “If the Oduduwa Republic is not freely given to us, we shall take it by fire, by shedding of blood and by our own bleeding if necessary. We will take it by fire and by sacrificing our lives, if that is what we are forced to do. Give me Oduduwa or let me die”. I am profoundly impressed by the passion, determination, selflessness and the spirit of sacrifice evinced in the above statements of this Yoruba leader. It is titillating to know that there are still Nigerians, even, within the power elite that are passionately committed to their beliefs to the point of “shedding (their) blood” for them.

However, a question readily comes to mind: If the right to secede and secession itself is now in vogue among the other ethnic groups of Nigeria, then Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, who earlier sought the right of secession for the regions, and actually, attempted to secede could not have been wrong? Unknown to many, especially, among the Igbo, who were under the suffocating grip of Ojukwu’s propaganda, Yakubu Gowon implemented the Aburi Accord. In order to still retain the corporate nature of Nigeria, he made minor adjustments to the Accord, and then, implanted it with Decree 8. Ojukwu’s advisers, including his secretary, NU Akpan, urged him to accept Decree 8 because Gowon had gone far enough. Ojukwu refused. One of the articles of the Accord that Decree 8 did not respect

was the right for a region to secede at will.

Ojukwu insisted that that element of the accord must be respected. So, the mutual distrust and personality clashes between the two men and their wrangling over the Aburi Accord continued. Then, Gowon created the 12 states and Ojukwu declared the Eastern Region a sovereign nation of Biafra; and the rest is history.

Just before the 1979 presidential election, Obafemi Awolowo, in an answer to a question as to why he was qualified to lead Nigeria, said that when you are always 10 years ahead of others, you are not just qualified to be a leader, but already a leader.

Undoubtedly, Obafemi Awolowo was a leader because, according to him, the introduction of free primary education the Federal Government was grappling with in the 1970s, he did as premier in the old Western Region in the 1950s, the creation of state that the Federal Government awakened to in the 1960s, he advocated in the 1950s, etc. In addition to being a leader, he was also called a sage. It must have been for his knowledge, wisdom and foresight.

If other Nigerian leaders are beginning to realize what Ojukwu knew almost 50 years ago, and thus, are now asking for what he demanded, then Ojukwu was not a trouble maker but a trailblazer, prodigy and genius.

If someone who was always more than 10 years ahead of others was a leader and a sage, what was he who was almost 50 years ahead of others? For sure, he was more than a leader

and a sage. As, I am neither a student of, nor an authority on, the English language, pardon my inability to come up with the right designation(s) for him. Experts of English etymology and lexicography can help me on this.

If secession is now politically correct and in vogue in Nigeria, then the Igbo that saw the need for secession nearly 50 years ago need not be castigated but acclaimed. They need not be punished but rewarded for their extraordinary foresight. So, before the regions acquire the right to secede and Oduduwa Republic is “freely given to the Yoruba”, it is necessary that Nigerians first acknowledge and respect the foresightedness, courage and sacrifice of those that earlier believed in and fought for secession.

And if the Igbo had stood up for what was right but were severely and mercilessly dealt with because of the myopia of the other ethnic groups of Nigeria, then they were wrongfully punished. As such, Nigeria must apologise to the Igbo and pay them compensation for the material, physical, emotional and psychological ravages and devastation Nigeria, wrongfully, inflicted on them. Considering all the Igbo suffered in the hands of the other Nigerians, how many trillions of dollars will this compensation amount to? Mathematicians tell me.

*Mr. Ezukanma, a commentator on national affairs, wrote from Lagos.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 NIGERIAN “big men” are drawn to publicity, name-dropping, and anything that could promote their causes, usually self-serving. It was no wonder then that they gathered in their hundreds on 8 November 2012 to announce fabulous donations for a federal relief fund, one of government’s answers to the devastating flooding of that year.

Before millions of Nigerians, via live television, in the presence of the President, our supposed men and women of means announced donations totalling N11.35 billion to victims of the flood, the worst in more than half a century.

More than 18 months after, most donors have not paid. Last year, the Presidential Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Committee threatened to name them after a June 30 deadline.

The committee had asked them to “respect themselves and maintain their honour and integrity ”, by redeeming their pledges. Nothing

BY BONAVENTURE MELAH

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N overwhelming majority of the people of Ebonyi State are in total support of the plan of their Governor, Chief Martin Elechi to access bond issue from the Capital Market in order to complete major legacy projects of his administration before leaving office. But few misguided individuals, obviously from the camp of the opposition, have been embarking on a campaign of calumny, including sponsoring negative reportage aimed at creating bad blood between the government and the people. Unfortunately for them, Elechi's popularity has continued to soar as Ebonyi people now prefer to address their wellbeloved Governor as Mandela; and the reason for this is quite clear.

Before he became Governor in 2007, Elechi has spent nearly four decades of his life fighting for the emancipation of the people, including leading the struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State which became a reality in 1996. With his track record of service therefore, the people have the unflinching confidence that the man they equally call "Father of Ebonyi State" would do nothing that would either lead to wastage or compromise the future of their children.

Variously, some critics had raised issues in which they exhibited complete ignorance of what Capital Market Bond is meant for. Most of the positions of critics on the matter exposes that they either have never visited Ebonyi State in the last five years or deliberately chose to stand truth in the head in order to satisfy some political interest.

In the first place, the position that Governor C M Y K

Fraudsters, Photo Opportunists happened. The committee failed to name them, covering their crime.

The “philanthropists”, without fulfiling their pledges, made their names, milked the mileage, and reportedly cashed the presidential incentives to donors. If the committee checked, it would have known that some of the defaulters have a serial history of acting in this manner. From launchings in their home towns to other charities they pretend to support, they are used to making pledges without plans to redeem them.

Unfortunately, they get away with their disrespect for the public. Why would anyone exploit others’ mis-

fortune for publicity?

The management of the resources for flood victims is over-due for investigation. So much went wrong and the default in pledges is only a part of it. Some victims in Adamawa State complained that they got only N200 each from the State. Would that buy seedlings or repair anyone’s abode?

More fraud is involved. The committee said some defaulters enjoyed the accompanying tax incentives without fulfilling their pledges. Their motivation for making pledges is obvious. Some people of “honour and integrity” are sheer criminals who never miss

OPINION Capital Market bond and Elechi's legacies Elechi is seeking another N15 billion Bond Issue when nothing has been done to service the N16.5billion he took on behalf of the State four years ago has no basis on truth.

The truth, however, is that Ebonyi State Government has serviced the previous Bond it took four years ago up to 90% which is the highest any Governor had done concerning capital market bonds. If the writer had spent little time to do research, he would have been availed of this fact. Such a research would also have educated the writer that before you get bond from the capital market, the under-writers would have to subject you to all manners of scrutiny, including financial integrity as managers, capacity to repay as well as viability of projects for which the bond is intended. So many state governments that took initial bonds cannot go back to the capital market because of their failure to service them. Ebonyi is the only state whose application for bond was processed just 10 months after application and this speaks volume of the respect the operators of the market has for the State and its leadership.

To suggest that the Governor should not be in haste to complete on-going projects, as the writer preferred, simply begs the question. On the contrary, Governor Elechi's commitment to ensuring that no project is left uncompleted by his administration should be commended.

His sincerity on this could also be ascertained from the fact that projects left over by his predecessor have received adequate attention

with most of them already completed by him.

A few of these include the International Conference Centre; the five star hotel now called the Rice City Hotel, the Trade Centre, State Library Headquarters and the Unity Square, among others.

Rather than leaving a burden for the incoming administration, completing such projects would make governance easier for the next Governor as the need to embark on them again would not arise. Again, these legacy projects for which the bond is being sought would generate income for the State, thereby increasing the much sought-after Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, an alternative to oil rents from Abuja.

For the avoidance of doubt and maybe to refresh the minds of these faceless detractors, the Abakaliki International Market started

by Elechi's administration is almost completed and would be commissioned very soon. With a total of 5,600 stalls, the market is planned to become one of the largest single markets in Nigeria. It boasts of several modern facilities that include banks, fire service, about 2,000-vehicle capacity parking lots, warehouses and public conveniences which combine to make it a potential International Trade Centre.

Another legacy project for which the bond facility becomes necessary is the Ocho Udo City, a living monument that would make every Ebonyi man and woman proud. The same is

a chance to enhance their practice.

Is it possible they forged proof of payment to access the incentives?

It is time we started treating criminals in high places with the ignominy they deserve. It would not be adequate to receive their pledges whenever they pay. How did they get away with the criminality involved in benefitting from incentives for which they did not qualify? Those who received tax incentives without paying should be punished for fraud to deter others. The committee should publish the list of donors and the status of their accounts as part of its accountability to the public.

In future, more stringent conditions should be stated for participation in these events to save them from scandals. For starts, the fraudsters masquerading as philanthropists should be punished.

true of the State's Independent Power Project which has equally reached an advanced state of completion. The project is aimed at generating 10MW of electricity to add to the current power supply in the State with special focus to power; the Oferekpe Water Scheme, the State University, Ocho Udo City, EBBC radio and television stations and the International Market, among others. Of equal significance is the Oferekpe water project, one of the biggest in Nigeria, is now completed with the laying of pipes on-going. It is expected that when inaugurated this year, the perennial problem of potable water will become a thing of the past as the 13 LGAs and the entire Ebonyi State will be reticulated in addition to water from the rehabilitated Ezillo Regional Water Scheme. It is for the completion of these projects that Ebonyi people have lined up behind Governor Elechi to go ahead with his plans to obtain Capital Market Bond.

To suggest that the Governor wants the bond to fund his senatorial campaign is therefore laughable as Chief Elechi was not a money bag when the people overwhelmingly voted him as their Governor in 2007.

With his enviable track record of achievements, especially in the last seven years, his senatorial project would surely be a walkover.

*Mr. Melah, a public affairs analyst, wrote fromAbuja.

—19 Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—

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HE formation of gullies has become one of the greatest environmental disasters facing many towns and villages in South Eastern Nigeria. This region is fast becoming dangerous for human habitation. Hundreds of people are directly affected every year with towns and villages having to be re-located. Over the years, the incidence of gully erosion has continued unabated with no suitable solution. The economic cost of the problem in the region is devastating. Although some gullies are initiated by natural cracks in the earth, most gully erosions in the area are unnatural and can be averted. Most of the causes of erosions are traceable to bad management practices such as roads without proper drainage or catchments pits, unguided cultivations that cause flooding; indiscriminate channeling of flood water, etc.

Early in 2010, South East Governors demanded the imposition of a state of emergency as a necessary step towards checking the erosion menace in the region. The Federal Government responded with the setting up of the Presidential Committee on Erosion and Flood Control. They initiate huge erosion and flood control engineering works around the zone, and

monitor performance, but the rate of work is slow, no thanks to bad contractors with failed sites all over the place. Funding is not enough as old sites continue to expand and do havoc, while new sites are developing every rainy reason, calling for increased government funding and attention.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Emeka Eze, said the Federal Government is spending N11.5 billion to tackle only 15 erosion sites in the South East. His committee visited many sites recently , and while he had praises for the then Governor Peter Obi of Anambra for executing most of the projects in that state, he hadn’t such complimentary words for Imo State, where work on most of the sites were either not completed or poorly executed, like in UmuozaUgiri in Isiala-Mbano.

Consultants failure to expose bad performing contractors have helped to exacerbate the torment of the communities due to poor work in the very few sites in Imo State. If the consultants don’t package the project properly, no matter the experience of the contractor, he would not build what he was asked to build. Mr. Eze then wondered why similar erosion projects, executed under the Shagari administration, have lasted for over 30 years while those recently constructed in the area are failing. The reason is simple,

Gully erosion is sacking villages and destroying arable lands; any adviser who misleads the Governor on erosion matters is the real enemy of the people

,

the people have changed. Nigeria under Shagari is not the same with Nigeria of today. There is a conspiracy against the people.

Avarice, corruption and plundering of the state coffers by leaders have taken the centre stage in Nigeria of today. Gone are the days when a governor wept for the state of things in Imo, where a governor recently built a thousand units of houses on bill boards and found people from Imo State to be clapping for him!

Today, Imo has one who seems genuinely interested in moving it forward, but his prevarication in preventing the continued devastation of Imo communities by gully erosion questions his sincerity.

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ne of the decisions of the Federal Government in response to the call of South East Governors in 2010 for help in gully

The spirit of Lagos cardinals

BY ANTHONY AJERO

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HE Spirit of Lagos posits four cardinal dimensions: social justice, citizenship, good neighbourliness and civic responsibility. The social justice platform says everyone deserves the same set of rules and fairness: rich or poor, educated or literate, adult or child. Citizenship speaks to the need for everyone to play by the rules, obey the laws and carry his responsibilities to self, others and the entire community. Good neighbourliness?

We are our brothers' keepers. Family is where we live and work. Take care of the neighbour and his family, he will take care of you and your family. In other words, taking care of your neighbour is ultimately taking care of yourself. Civic responsibility is a way of life. Get involved in the community, volunteer, get involved, drive your areas of interest and make a change.

Roads and lights are good but people make the difference: how they live, where they live, what they live for, and what they die for. Where the people respect themselves, love each other, obey the laws, contribute to the community that gives them breath and bread, there you find a great people and great progress.

How did Winston Churchill inspire the English people while they were under frequent air bombardments from the mighty German forces? What magic did the legendary J. F. Kennedy utilize to produce the quantum leap that got the Americans into space within a short time after the Russians outshone them? How did Lee Kuan Yew get land-locked, tiny, uncelebrated Singapore from Third to First World? What is the secret of the Japanese and the Chinese in leap-frogging the generations-old economic stranglehold of Europe and the Americas while retaining and indeed utilizing the quintessential aspects of their culture and attitude? How did the ANC and Nelson Mandela overcome the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Apartheid

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regime? It is the people. Infrastructural development is needful. The economy is vital but it is about the people. Get the people thinking, relating and working right, and the rest will be easier done than said.

I buy into the Spirit of Lagos initiative because I believe life is about people. Spirit of Lagos states that Lagos is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who live life to the fullest at work and at play. The challenge is how best can we burnish and evolve the Spirit of Lagos? Should it be allowed to go in its natural tributaries or are the peoples, nation, and creation best served by a Lagos whose Spirit is articulated and propelled in the right direction? In today's ultra-competitive globe, is there room for a Lagos (or indeed any other city) stunted in the throes of grappling with its own diffused clarity, contradictions and subsequent suboptimal competitiveness in the global economy?

I speak as a Lagosian. I must confess: First, I do not know Governor Babatunde Fashola beyond the average Lagosian. The closest I have seen him was at my son's primary school prize-giving day ceremony during his first term in office he apparently attended the same school.

He came in unannounced, without fanfare and devoid of any sirens, and that struck me as a mark of a man who defines the office rather than the opposite. Second, I am of Igbo extractions and have lived in Lagos since 1972. My father was here, my son is here. My parents thought I had become so much of a Lagos Boy, they 'conspired' to bundle me to the East to be better acquainted with my roots. God bless their kind souls. Third, I am convinced that Governor Fashola is probably the most intelligent, visionary and hardworking Governor Nigeria has ever produced. Why do I believe this?

The first evidence is the amount of grey hairs he has developed since he took office.

Sometime ago, an international news

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BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

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Imo and gully erosion

erosion control was to bring in the World Bank to assist with the projects due to their gigantic nature. The World Bank took their time and planned projects in phases across the South -South and South East involving Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo and Imo states. The plan includes taking a wholistic water shed management of the areas prone to gully erosion.

Typically, the states must contribute their counterpart fund for the projects in their states to kick off.

They have chosen their consultants, sites, and plans, and all arrangements seem to be completed by the bank before the rains, waiting for the states to bring in their own portion of the funds commitments, to enable work to commence in the sites in their states. Of all the states involved, only Imo State is yet to pay her counterpart fund to jump-start projects in her communities. The rains are here, communities are about being sacked by gully erosion and our governor is still pussy footing over the matter. The counterpart funds, interestingly, could be paid in small tranches to make life easy for the state like Abia has been doing, beefing up their contribution. Reports show that what is required is N400 million from Imo State to make up the N1.9 billion needed. Imo’s reluctance to make this commitment promptly is inexplicable, given Governor Okorocha's rescue mission utterances.

Under the World Bank plan, Orlu

I buy into the Spirit of Lagos initiative because I believe life is about people; Lagos is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who live life to the fullest at work and at play

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magazine did a study to show how the best leaders age beyond their years while in office. The second is the almost strange fact that he has not added any weight since assuming office seven whole years ago. I term this strange because in these climes, the leanest political aspirant balloons in weight as soon as he gets into office. His wives and children seem to yearn for the "most obese in the land" title.

I

f in doubt, just compare the photographs of the various Governors and elected officials when they were seeking for office, a few months into office, and a few years afterwards. It is the same all over the world: those who truly serve the people do not only fail to gain weight, they actually lose. The converse is also true: those who serve themselves on the office develop multiple chins and 'pregnant' stomachs for obvious reasons. Pray, if a man is busy day and night; burning the midnight oil; carrying millions of peoples' burdens; how does he put on weight?

Do you remember the budget breakdown which showed that our first family (?) had the intention of spending N477m on foodstuff and catering material supplies for the president's office; N293m on "refreshment and meals" in his office and home. Not done, an extra N45.4m was going to be used for purchasing "kitchen equipment" just for his house. Not to be outdone, his deputy also piled it on. The second family's (?) "refreshment and meals"

has three sites for a start. One of the key and desperate sites is the Iyiuzor-Ihioma-Ogberuru Gully, which under the water shed management will bring in the Uhuala Obibi-Ochasi dangerous gully where over four houses were washed away last year, with 35 others being threatened by the rains of this year! This gully started over 25 years ago and the villagers have been battling with it since that time. The community has recommended a plan to channel and control the volume of flood water into the gully, and have made efforts seek the help from the state government, but that help is not coming.

In 2001, the Udenwa government started preparatory work on the site, but the Ohakim government promptly stopped it.

Now, if you speak, they label you opposition, which is crass nonsense! The rescue mission of Governor Okorocha in Imo State must touch communities, and be relevant to the needs of the people to make sense. Gully erosion is sacking villages and destroying arable lands. Any adviser who misleads the Governor on erosion matters is the real enemy of the people and government. Imo needs roads, hospitals, education and all of it, but without houses and food, it is a waste of good time and money. Okorocha should pay the counterpart fund to start more gully erosion sites management in Imo.

*Mr. Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

were to cost N20.8m; his kitchen equipment would cost another N45.4m; his foodstuff, catering and material supplies would knock us back another N104m and to prepare the food, that is the cooking fuel, was to cost N6.2m! I digress.

My admiration of, and respect for, Governor Fashola jumped notches during the televised debate among the governorship candidates in the 2007 elections. Not only did he speak most eloquently and clearly about his vision, he blew me away with his detailed knowledge of the numerous streets in Aguda, Surulere, where I live. In describing how each street was being linked to the other, my wife and I marveled at the man's brilliance. By the way, I have lived in Surulere, Lagos, virtually all of my almost 50 years, yet, I was astonished at his enormous knowledge.

Stories abound from various individuals of how he traverses Lagos at night incognito inspecting on-going projects; how he visits General Hospitals and other government facilities without warning to see things for himself; and how he still hangs out with his childhood friends after work.

Have you noticed how his wife has remained in the background without the farce that has enveloped the so-called "First Lady" charade? What about their children? I am yet to sight them at any event or on the pages of newspapers. I am yet to be assaulted with the now traditional colossal propaganda racket of wasteful publicity to 'celebrate' work for which a man was elected to do in the first place? Do the work, we shall see it!

Recently, a Director of NTA complained that Governor Fashola was 'bad business' for the media as he does not spend money on publicity.

In doing away with many of the unnecessary, myopic, archaic, pedestrian and unenlightened behaviour of most of our political leaders, Governor Fashola has shown that the Black man is not a dim-wit.

He has shown that with will and wisdom, it is possible to make Lagos - and indeed any part of Africa - a global model for positive things and Lagosians proud of their habitat. Lagos has always been a centre of excellence. *Rev. Ajero wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

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UNIDO, German firms partner to reduce food losses in Nigeria

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HE United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, is collaborating with Food Processing and Packaging Machinery of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) to reduce the level of post harvest food losses in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Food Processing and Packaging Machinery of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), Richard Clemens, disclosed this at an Agric Expo and Food Exhibition in Lagos.

VDMA, the German Engineering Federation, is the trade association of the German capital goods industry comprising of over 3,100 members. The association represents almost all major manufacturers of machinery, plant and apparatus in Germany.

Addressing newsmen at the symposium, Clemens observed that Nigeria, and other countries around the world have been recording huge food losses, resulting in economic drainage, due to lack of logistics and technology for food processing.

According to him, post harvest food losses could be reduced to as low as 20 percent globally as against the present position of 60 percent using latest technology.

“The world community is facing huge challenges of supplying people with unspoiled, healthy food and clean water.

The question is how to accomplish this for the predicted world population of 9.5 billion people in 2050. The public debate goes into many directions, but one aspect is rarely mentioned – the technology needed to ensure the supply.

From right: Habeeb Fasinro, CEO, Smooth FM; Mr Segun Agbaje, MD, GTBank; Mr Enitan Oshodi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lagos State and Mr Wale Oyedeji, Executive Director, GTB during the finals of 2014 Principals Cup football competition sponsored by GTbank in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

Nigeria, Belgium trade hits N400bn ...60 Belgian firms to invest in Nigeria

By DOTUN IBIWOYE, PRISCA SAM-DURU, & VERA ANYAGAFU

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RADE between Nigeria and Belgium currently stands at N400 billion, according to the Belgian Ambassador, Mr. Dirk Verheyen.

Speaking at the on going Belgian Economic Mission to Nigeria being hosted by the Nigeria-Belgian Chamber of Commerce in Lagos, Verheyen stated

PENCOM to extend CPS to informal sector

By ANOZIE EGOLE

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he National Pension Commission, PENCOM, has announced plans to extend the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, to the informal sector of the economy, in the next couple of months.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the forthcoming PENCOM conference billed for July this year in Abuja, the Acting Director General of the Commission, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, stated that one of its strategic focus areas is to bring on board the informal sector, while ensuring that the rules are reviewed to suit the sector.

She said, “One of our strategic focus areas is to bring on board the informal sector of the economy where most of our C M Y K

active employees earn their living.

However, the rules would be tailor made to suit their peculiarities, Continuing, she said, “Looking at the numbers in terms of where PENCOM was before and where it is now, one would believe that they are doing well.

“First of all, the CPS has engendered a regime of a fully funded pension scheme with assets in excess of N4 trillion today. This has been a remarkable growth when compared to estimated pension liabilities of over N2 trillion before the reform.

“Over 98,000workers have retired so far and are receiving their retirement benefits as at when due. In the past, they joined long queues and some even died in the process.”

that a total of 60 Belgium companies which are part of a Belgian Investment and Trade mission are in Nigeria with plans to invest in the country.

He also affirmed that his country is the third largest European exporter to Nigeria with a total export figure of almost two billion euros a year.

The interest of the 60 companies led by the President of the Port of Antwerp, Sir Marc Van Peel, according to Verheyen, was stimulated by the success of the just-concluded World Economic Forum on Africa held in Abuja.

“Trade between Belgium and Nigeria is more important than most people know. Our country is the third largest European exporter to Nigeria with a total export figure of almost two billion euros a year, adding that “ the trade mission is aimed at promoting investment and trade between both countries.”

Said he, “ But it is time for diversification and for a more sustainable structure of our trade. Which is why the Belgian companies wishing to invest in the country cut across energy, telecommunications, transport, postal service, entertainment, engineering and agriculture sectors.

“Belgium, through the Antwerp port, is one of the major European exporters to Nigeria and we export more than two billion Euro worth of goods annually and this trade mission will be a win-win situation. It is vital for Nigerian companies to discover the possibilities of Antwerp as an import hub for the nation,” he said.

On her part, the Managing Trustee,

Nigeria Belgian Commercial Information and Documentation Centre, Paulette Van-Trier, said that the trade mission would benefit both countries.

“60 multinational companies from Belgium are here to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria. The power sector, transport, ports, construction, dredging, agro industry, health, logistics etc, are among sectors that would enjoy collaborations with Belgium multinationals.” Paulette said.

-1.75

169.4 3,083.00

+13.00

17.03

-0.16

108.41

-0.41

102.63

-0.03

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR 154.73 POUNDS 259.3739 EURO 210.8351 FRANC 172.6897 YEN 1.5078 CFA 0.3029 WAUA 237.4435 RENMINBI 24.7504 RIYAL 41.2547 KRONA 28.2447 SDR 238.2533

155.23 260.212 211.5164 173.2478 1.5127 0.3129 238.2108 24.8308 41.388 28.3359 239.0232

155.73 261.0502 21 2.1977 173.8058 1.5175 0.3229 238.9781 24.9112 41.5214 28.4272 239.7931

CBN Exchange rate as at 05/06/2014

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Agriculture lending in Nigeria is growing — Adesina

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

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HE successes recorded in the agricultural sector under the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) have led to increased lending to the sector by banks within and outside the country.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed that agricultural lending as a share of total bank lending rose from 0.7 % to 5% within two years of the ATA. Speaking at the International AgrikExpo in Lagos, Adesina said the financial sector is seeing the profitability and viability of the sector and are lending more than ever before as the default rate has been zero per cent.

“Bank lending to seed companies and small agricultural input retailers rose from zero in 2011, to $ 10 million in 2012 and $53 million in 2013. Bank lending to fertilizer companies rose from $ 100 million in 2012 to $ 500 million in 2013. It is remarkable that the default rate has been zero percent over the past two years.”

The Minister added that the various reforms in the agricultural sector have captured the attention of external investors as the sector has attracted $4 billion in executed private sector letters of commitment to invest in the country’s agricultural sector in the last two years.

“We have also received significant financial backing from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the UK Department for International Development, United States Agency for International Development, United Nations Development Program, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation.”

Dr. Adesina explained that to drive and provide much needed equity financing for small and medium scale agribusinesses, the ministry has jointly established a $100 million equity and quasi-equity fund with the Ministry of Finance and the German Development Bank, KFW. While reeling out what the government has been able to achieve under the ATA, Dr. Adesina said investors have chosen confidence in the various sector of the industry through investment spanning areas like rice, cassava, fertilizers, and horticulture among others.

“Teragro, a local private firm, has established a $6 million plant to process oranges into concentrate. Dansa Foods, another local private firm, is in-

vesting $35 million in the establishment of a tomato processing plant. The company is also investing $45 million to set up a 6,000-hectare pineapple plantation and processing plant.”

The Minister disclosed that investors are moving massively into local rice production and milling as Olam has invested $70 million in a fully mechanized rice farm and will soon commission its 210,000 MT integrated rice mills, the largest in Africa.

“Dangote has committed to invest $300 million for largescale rice production and world-class rice milling, while high quality rice from the $40 million Dominion farms will soon hit the market.”

He added, “Our reforms of the fertilizer sector and the gas industrialization policy have

combined to open up the sector to new investors. Today, $5 billion of new investments in fertilizer manufacturing are ongoing by Dangote, Indorama and Notore. Nigeria expects to become a net exporter of fertilizers within three years.”

Dr. Adesina said as part of plans to unlock wealth from agriculture in rural areas, the ministry is developing staple crop processing zones (SCPZ), which are new agricultural infrastructure-enabled zones to attract agribusiness investors into rural areas.

He explained that Staple Crop Processing Zones will solve the infrastructure challenges and constraints of the agro-processing industry, drive social and economic impacts, offer a superior operating environment for downstream players as well as create a new

platform for private sector investment in agriculture. “ Fourteen SCPZs will be developed across the country and master plans have already been completed for six of them. A leading international company is considering investment of over $100 million for the establishment of a 65,000 MT starch plant in one of these zones.

“Dangote group plans to invest $300 million in rice SCPZs to boost the nation’s rice production and processing capacity.

The World Bank, African Development Bank and other development finance institutions plan to commit up to $ 1 billion towards the development of these zones.”

Agricultural produce (INSET): Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

a Ibom sho wcases AgrikExpo: Akw Akwa show farm produce A

kwa Ibom state was at the just concluded International AgrikExpo in Lagos where it displayed its agricultural products to the delight of those present as well as reaching out to investors in the sector.

Conducting people round the stand, one of the officials disclosed that the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio has recorded unparallel milestones in the development of agriculture in the last seven years.

He listed the initiatives taken by the administration in the area of agriculture to include Women Agro-Entrepreneurship Development programme; Community Plantation Development Scheme; Accelerated Livestock and Fish Production Programme and Integrated Farmers Scheme among others.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Godwin Afangide, explained that the administration partnered with International Fund for Agricultural Development ( IFAD) and the federal government under the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme to provide soft loans

up to N100million to farmers’ groups in the state.

Just as he explained that the government has taken part in the growth Enhancement Scheme of the federal government where fertilizers and other farm inputs were procured and distributed by the state government at 60% subsidy.

Afangide noted that the state is today the largest grower of oil palm with over 3,000 oil plantations scattered all over the state.

“Palm oil supports a lot of value addition products. The state is emerging as a major producer of rice through small holder growers who are now receiving great support from the state.”

He added that the state through the Community Plantation Development Scheme got lot of people to go into cocoa farming, “ today, Akwa Ibom is the sixth largest cocoa producing state in the country with a total volume of plantation put at about 1000 hectares.

Benue agro dealers lament exclusion from GES

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he corruption which the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), under which farmers across the country now receive their subsidized fertilizers and seeds via their mobile, hopes to eradicateis brewing its ugly head in Benue state as the agro dealers are alleging foul play by government officials.

The programme, which was created by the current government to subsidize the cost of agricultural inputs to farmers, has been bugged by controversies in the state, as the farmers have been kept on an endless wait for the list of agro-dealers approved to run the programme this year.

The delay, it was gathered, has been due to disagreement over who should be on the list of approved agro-dealers for this year, as some of those who participated in the successful roll out last year have been allegedly dropped for the current year.

Some of the dealers, who spoke with journalists anonymously, accused the current leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture in the State of edging them out to pave way for an agro dealer firm they alleged was just registered February this year.

The agro dealers in the state have also alleged that the ministry has either decimated or completely delisted not less than 10 agro-dealers that performed creditably well in the 2013 GES exercise as certified by the project They said with the way things are now that they might not be able to repay over N1.0 Billion proceeds of bank loans they took to participate in the scheme if they are left out of the scheme. “Financiers have become weary in the face of the uncertainty being experienced by agro-dealer having bank funding.”

A de-listed agro dealer said “The success of the GES in Benue State is now going to be a thing of the past as the new leadership of the ministry in Benue state has moved to take over the GES as a super agro-dealer by muzzling out a lot of the existing agro-dealers.”

This, they said is contrary to directives affirmed after due briefing at the Northern Zone GES stakeholders meeting which held at Minna, where it was gathered that the State Director of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and Benue State GES Coordinator Mr. James Ker, under the guidance of the IFDC state representative produced a list of the agro-dealers and the respective locations they were going to operate in during the GES 2014.

According to the aggrieved agrodealers, the list was produced in line with the guidelines laid down by the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwumi Adesina that the template used in the past year be maintained.

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Our vision for Nigeria's economy, by Emefiele Being excerpts of the opening remarks at the maiden press briefing byGodwin Emefiele, on his resumption as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday

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UR Vision to Create a People-Centred Central

Bank The vision of the Central Bank of Nigeria is to “be the Model Central Bank delivering price and financial system stability and promoting sustainable economic development”. This vision draws inspiration from our understanding of the multiple mandate of the Bank to pursue both price and financial system stability as well as provide complementary developmental functions by creating an environment for Nigerians to live better and more fulfilled lives. Rather than being competing goals, as some may argue, these mandates are truly complementary. In fact, price stability can rarely be adjudged a goal in itself except cast against the ultimate objective of improvement in the quality of life.

Price stability, therefore, remains a cardinal contribution, indeed a cornerstone, to the ultimate goal of economic development. I be-

lieve that reasonably stable prices provide a catalyst for rational consumption and investment decisions and for orderly economic progress. That is why throughout most of economic history, periods of price and financial system stability have coincided with economic growth and development.

In order to realize the CBN’s vision, therefore, I believe we must start with championing policies that promote the sustainability of our hard-earned macroeconomic stability.

A. Macroeconomic Stability Monetary Policy: We shall pursue a gradual reduction in interest rates. A comparison of selected macroeconomic aggregates from some emerging market countries including South Africa, Brazil, India, China, Turkey, and Malaysia indicate that Nigeria has one of the highest Tbill rates. Such high rates create a perverse incentive for commercial banks to simply buy virtual-

ly risk-free government bonds rather than lend to the real sector.

To enhance financial access and reduced borrower cost of credit, we would pursue policies targeted at making Nigeria’s Tbill rates more comparable with other emerging markets and by extension, pursue a reduction in both deposit and lending rates.

While a reduction in deposit rates would encourage investment attitudes in savers, a reduction in lending rates would make credit cheaper for potential investors.

The Bank would also begin to include the unemployment rate as one of the key variables considered for its Monetary Policy decisions. In the interim, we would continue to maintain a monetary policy stance, reflecting the liquidity conditions in the economy as well as the potential fiscal expansion in the run-up to the 2015 General Elections.

Exchange Rate Policy: Our key goal here would be to maintain exchange rate stability. In view of the high import-dependent nature of the economy and significant exchange rate passthrough, a systematic depreciation of the Naira would literarily translate to considerable inflationary pressure with attendant effect on macroeconomic stability. Therefore, under my leadership, the Bank will continue to

focus on maintaining exchange rate stability and preserve the value of the domestic currency.

We will sustain the managed float regime in the management of the exchange rate, as this will allow the Bank to intervene when necessary to offset pressures on the exchange rate. To support this strategy, we will strive to build-up and maintain a healthy external reserves position and ensure external balance.

There is no doubt that reducing the interest rate and maintaining the exchange rate are very daunting twin goals. However, the CBN would work assiduously with all stakeholders to device countervailing measures that would ensure that these goals are mutually achieved Financial System Stability: We hope to sustain the effective management of potential threats and avoid systemic crisis. The core of my vision is to effectively manage potential threats to financial stability, and create a strong governance regime that is conducive for financial intermediation, innovative finance and inclusiveness. In this regard, we hope to anchor on two main pillars: managing factors that create liquidity shocks and zero tolerance on practices that undermine the Continues on page 42

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 — 39

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Our vision for Nigeria's economy, by Emefiele Continues from page 38 health of financial institutions.

In order to achieve these goals, we would: •Work with the relevant stakeholders to aggressively shore up reserves. We hope to engage the fiscal and political authorities, as well as other stakeholders to improve our policy buffers, which will further create space for the Bank to implement monetary policy using its limited instruments; •Enhance the Bank’s supervisory purview over the banking system as well as strengthen macro-prudential regulation by improving supervisory diligence, ethical standards as well as highest level of professionalism in carrying out on and off-site supervision activities; •Strengthen risk-based supervision mechanism of Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and banking system stability. To that end, banks shall be enjoined to proffer remedial actions where weaknesses are observed in RBS examination reports so as to avoid further build-up of NPLs. Where banks proffer inadequate remedies, the CBN shall advance its own solutions and insist on compliance; •In the light of the size of the economy following the rebased GDP, the trigger thresholds from a macro-prudential perspective are no longer adequate. In due

denying them access to credits in the banking system; •Implement stringent loan provisions and penalties for banks that lends to blacklisted persons and companies; •Intensify our collaboration with relevant agencies, and in particular, the Justice Ministry, to strengthen bank’s ability to enforce contracts and recover matured debts.

•Renew vigorous advocacy for the creation of commercial courts for quick adjudications on loan and related offences.

•Establish a National Credit Scoring System that will improve access to information on borrowers and assist to make good credit decisions.

Banking Supervision: Our take on banking supervision would be to work towards a better risk-based supervision framework. This will be achieved by: •Training sector-specific bank examiners. For example, while the banking industry has excessive concentration in oil and gas loans, the CBN does not have the expertise to analyze and monitor the risks inherent in these credits. In other words, every examiner is a generalist.

•In connection with the above, specialization will help reduce an increasing reliance on outside consultants, ensure that confidential supervisory information are protected and guarantee a

,

The core principle here is that the CBN will act as a financial catalyst by targeting predetermined sectors that can create jobs on a mass scale and significantly reduce our import bills

course, the CBN would consider and announce measures to effectively address this anomaly.

•Pursue a zero-tolerance policy on fraudulent borrowers. We will collaborate with commercial banks to significantly improve the credit culture in the Nigerian banking system. The CBN’s focus would be directed at serial debtors who access loans from different banks and default on all of them even when they have the means to pay. Going forward, the CBN will work towards reducing the effect of information asymmetry in the credit market.

In this regard, we shall do the following: •Enhance the operation of Credit Reference Bureaus; o•Establish Secured Transaction and National Collateral Registry; •Strengthen the sanction system to include: blacklisting of companies/individuals that have been found to be serial loan defaulters. Indeed, these names would be circulated in the banking system to guide banks in identifying bad borrowers and

,

staff depth that can generate robust in-house data to help senior Central Bank officials prepare adequately for public engagements.

The Payments System: We hope to better align the Cashless Policy. This policy was introduced in 2012 with pilots now completed in Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Abia, Rivers, and the FCT. The policy is now expected to go nation-wide on 1st July 2014.

Over the course of the pilot, we have become aware of complaints by customers particularly regarding the charges being imposed for cash deposits.

This has resulted in customers devising various means to avoid the charges through opening of multiplicity of accounts and other disingenuous behaviour all aimed at undermining the objective of this policy. Given these outcomes and to better reflect our goal of having more cash under our control, all charges on deposits are hereby stopped with immediate effect. Charges on withdrawals, in view of their eventual elimination, remain sustained

efit from these schemes.

Some of the Central Bank’s developmental functions will include credit allocations and direct interventions in key sectors of the economy such as Power, Agriculture, MSME, Oil & Gas, and Health. While playing an active developmental role, the CBN will L-R: Former Acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Sarah Alade, New not only operate CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin I. Emefiele and Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, after the hand over ceremony, in Abuja, Tuesday. Photo: Gbemiga within the law Olamikan . and its mandate but will also be transparent about at the current 3 percent for indi- opments, Nigeria has witnessed what it believes as strategic and vidual transactions exceeding impressive GDP growth rates N500,000 and 5 percent for cor- over the past seven years. Yet, appropriate interventions.

•A New Framework for porate transactions exceeding there is an absence of a correFunding SMEs: Funding for N3 million. Currently, these fees sponding reduction in the unemSMEs in Nigeria has largely go entirely to the commercial ployment rate in Nigeria, which banks. However, going forward, has risen to 23.9 percent in 2012 been viewed from a social develthe Central Bank shall determine relative to 13.9 percent in 2000. opment perspective with the goal what percentage of these fees on Particularly worrisome is the rate to reduce poverty through job excess drawings that will be re- of youth unemployment, which and wealth creation. This has put deemed by the bank while the is too high. With an annual ad- the development of the sector rest shall be remitted to the CBN. dition of 1.8 million Nigerians to squarely in the hands of the govLet me now turn to the second the labour pool, the Central Bank ernment, with mixed results. Goaspect of my vision, which cen- cannot afford to sit idly by and ing forward, we propose a busitres on development banking. concentrate only on price and ness approach to funding SMEs, B.Central Banks and Econom- monetary stability. Additional which requires the strong inic Development measures would be required to- volvement of the private sector.

The new framework proposed For quite some time, the domi- wards identifying productive secnant school of thought regard- tors of the economy and chan- will combine the profit motives ing central banking was that fo- neling credit towards these sec- of the private sector and the decusing on low inflation will even- tors, while imposing proper mon- velopment objectives of the govtually lead to greater growth, in- itoring and performance mea- ernment. It proposes a structure crease in employment generat- sures in order to ensure that the that enables the government to ing activities, and poverty reduc- goals of increased employment leverage the project selection and tion. However, early and recent and poverty reduction are at- credit analysis processes of prievidence of central banking in tained. This will require a review vate sector investors who will places such as the United States, of the Bank’s development fi- place more of their resources at England, Japan, and France in- nance program, the participatory risk in funding the SMEs. dicate that supporting selected agencies responsible for the diseconomic sectors using “direct bursement of funds, improving Number of methods” of intervention have our monitoring capacity and de- initiatives been essential tasks of their cen- veloping performance targets At the moment, the CBN has a tral banks. relevant to our focus on generatnumber of initiatives including ing employment and poverty reduction. To be effective, the mea- the N220 billion to finance SmallEssential tasks of sures taken by the Bank will not and Medium-Scale Enterprises Central Bank work in isolation. We will work with specific focus on women enAs Epstein (2005) encapsu- with the fiscal authorities in re- trepreneurs and to be adminislates, “virtually all central banks, ducing other structural distor- tered through Microfinance including the Bank of England tions to productive growth, as this Banks owned either by state gov(BOE) and the U.S. Federal Re- will enhance access to credit, as ernments and/or private organiserve (the Fed) have used direct well as stimulate growth and zations. While the private sector invests more of their risk capital means to support economic sec- employment generation. in the selected companies, CBN tors. And this has not simply been funds will focus on resolving a matter of historical aberration, Our Agenda for challenges such as access to colbut rather, it has been an essen- Development Finance lateral, enterprise development tial aspect of their structures and The core principle here is that support, development of a nationbehaviour for decades on end. In particular, a crucial role for both the CBN will act as a financial wide credit scoring system, etc.

•The Power sector the BOE and the Fed has been catalyst by targeting predeterGiven CBN’s mandate to “deto promote the financial sectors mined sectors that can create jobs velop and implement various of their economies, and especial- on a mass scale and significantly, to support the international ly reduce our import bills. The policies, programmes and role of their financial services in- CBN would deploy developmen- schemes aimed at the effective, dustries. They have done this by tal initiatives to create an enabling efficient and sustainable delivery using subsidized interest rates, environment with appropriate of financial services to special legal restrictions, directed credit incentives to empower innova- sectors of the economy”, there is and moral suasion to promote tive entrepreneurs to drive an important role the CBN must particular markets and institu- growth and development. It is play to ensure the success of the tions. Moreover, at times, they important to stress here that the power sector reforms. The correhave even oriented their overall CBN would not be targeting in- sponding effect on GDP that monetary policy toward promot- dividual companies but rather could occur as a result of iming the development of this par- specific sectors. We would estab- provements in the power sector lish rules and criteria that create cannot be overstated.How then ticular economic sector”.

As I have shown in the section a level playing field so that any- can the CBN add value in the on recent macroeconomic devel- one who fairly qualifies can ben- power sector?

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 —43

Imo earmarks N10bn for road projects

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—IMO State government has earmarked N10 billion for the completion of the first phase of the rural and city road projects across the state, even as it approved N10, 000 bursary each for Imo indigenes in the tertiary institutions to encourage and assist them in their studies.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Theodore Ekechi, who announced this at a briefing after the meeting of the State Executive Council in Owerri, said “The State Government has also approved the sum of N300 million for the smooth take off of the Community Government Council secretariats in the 27 lo-

cal government areas in the state.”

The Commissioner said government also agreed to set up a committee that would harmonize and manage the 25,000 youths employed under the “Youth-

must-work” programme, now domiciled in the Office of Director General of Youths.

Ekechi equally disclosed that government approved the disbursement of N10,000 bur-

sary for every Imo indigene in the tertiary institutions to encourage and assist them in their studies, saying “The State Executive Council also approved the acquisition of operational vehicles to be allocated to security agencies in the state to enable them fight crime.”

BY ERIC UGBOR

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VDT evaluates gains of premium quality service to clients

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EADING provider of broad band communication services, VDT Communication Limited, has counted the gains of providing top notch quality services to its clients The Marketing Communications Manager, David Ese, said VDT operates one of the most advanced broadband communications networks has gained tremendously by providing to its customers top notch quality service back up with a strong Customer Relationship Management strategy which arguably one of the very best in the country.

VDT which Operates Points Of Presence at over 50 [POP’s] in 28 major cities across Nigeria, offers an average of over 98 per cent service uptime. Its network operating center provides 24x7x365 support on a continuous basis to all its clients. VDT also provides the quickest resolution of all the issues occurring on the network to the appreciation of its customers.

Account to him, it is not surprising that VDT is capable of this unparalleled level of quality service provision.

The company is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and has almost concluded the training programs for its personnel among other processes for ISO 20000 certification. VDT as a knowledge driven brand believes that the quality of its service offerings to its clients varies directly with the quality of its personnel, and so the train and re-trains its personnel every year.

In his words, VDT, the winner of several awards including Wireless Backhaul Provider 2009 & 2010 and Bulk Internet Service Provider 2011 and 2012, provides Digital Leased Circuit (DLC), IP-VPN and Internet Bandwidth, using mainly terrestrial technology platforms.

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PDP, PPA, members decamp to APGA in Abia

The arrested Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, members on parade.

Pro-Biafra group's bid to seize Enugu radio, TV stations foiled ...Policeman, another killed

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—MEMBERS of the Pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, led by Benjamin Onwuka, who allegedly attacked the Government House, Enugu on March 8 allegedly struck again in the early hours of yesterday at the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS in an attempt to seize the radio and television station for a broadcast.

The move was however foiled by a team of policemen alerted by some staff of the station who arrived for the morning duty and met their premises under siege.

A police sergeant and a member of BZF were killed in a shootout while a police inspector who led the team was seriously wounded.

The BZF leader, Benjamin Onwuka and 12 members of his group were arrested as they tried to escape from the station after the clash with the policemen and were said to be undergoing interrogation at the Criminal Investigations Department of the State Police Command.

Eyewitness accounts said the BZM members, in an operation similar to the March 8 invasion of the Enugu Government House, stormed the premises of ESBS through the fence at about 5 am and held the securitymen and staff on night shift hostage.

They forcefully gained entry into the offices including the stu-

dio and attempted to put on the equipment for a live broadcast.

But unknown to them, the television had been off air since the past two days while they were unable to access the radio station which was broadcasting at the time.

“While they were struggling with the station’s staff, four policemen who got wind of the invasion by the hoodlums arrived the premises in two patrol cars and moved into the station to confront them. Soon after they got into the building we started hearing gunshots and people were running helter-skelter. There was heavy shooting but I don’t know if the BZM members were armed. At the end we saw the corpse of a police sergeant and a member of the group on the floor. The Police Inspector who sustained injuries on his head was immediately taken away by his colleagues,” an eyewitness said.

However, having failed to accomplish their mission, Onwuka and his colleagues escaped through the Universal Hotel road on foot but some mobile policemen drafted to the scene from the Government House, about a kilometer away, were said to have pursued them into the bush behind some government offices near the State House of Assembly Complex and appre-

hended them.

Onwuka and 12 members were reportedly arrested and taken to the state police headquarters.The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the arrest of Onwuka and his members but did not give the number of those in custody.

According to him, “one police sergeant was killed, one other police officer injured while one died on the side of the hoodlums”, promising to give further details when ongoing enquiry into their activities were concluded.

The BZM had allegedly laid siege to the Enugu State Government House in the early hours of March 8, 2014 and hoisted the flags and banners of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

Three days later, Onwuka and two of his officials appeared at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre, Enugu and addressed a news conference claiming responsibility for the invasion of the Government House.

He said they successfully occupied the Enugu State seat of power for over four hours and accomplished their mission, saying “I want to let you know what happened on March 8 at the Government House Enugu. This is to confirm the true report about what happened. You know very well that since January 12, 1970, the flag of Biafra has never rested on the Government House in Enugu which is the centre power of the Biafra people.

BA—HUNDREDS of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, members in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State led by a former Chairman of the Council, Sylvanus Nwaji, have decamped to the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA. Speaking at the rally at St. Ann’s Primary School, Obehie, chairman of the occasion, Chief Mark Anaba said the essence of the rally was to “welcome the decampees into our fold as the party is re-strategising and repositioning its structure to wrestle power from the ruling PDP ahead of 2015.”

According to Anaba, the people of the area in the last 8 years had been denied the opportunity of improved economic and social welfare, declaring that the party was determined to make the desired change in the politics of the state in 2015.

Conference on E-governance holds at Covenant varsity

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HE Department of Po litical Science and International Relations at Covenant University, Ota hosts a one-day conference on egovernance in Nigeria and its relationship with civic engagement and participation.

Keynote speakers are Professor Korede Ayo, Vice Chancellor of Covenant University and Professor Etim Anim, of the Department of Communication Technology, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar.

Titled “E-governance in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges for Civic Engagement and Participation,” the conference is scheduled for the 9th of June 2014 at the African Leadership Development Centre, Covenant University, and is facilitated by Professor Patience AkpanObong of the School of Letters and Sciences, Arizona State University.

The conference will examine the state of e-governance in Nigeria and its prospects and challenges for civic engagement and participation.

44— Vanguard , FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

COMMISSIONING: Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Jibril Aku (middle) with some management staff, pupils and teachers of C&S Primary School 11, Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos, at the ANNIVERSARY: From left: Mrs. Hafsat Abiola Costello, President, Kudirat Initiative for commissioning of block of classrooms renovated by the bank to the Democracy, KIND, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Campaign for Democracy, CD and school authority.

Women Arise, WA, Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Chairman, NADECO, Mr. Fred Agbeyegbe, and Comrade Femi Aborisade, former NCP Secretary General, during the rally to mark the 18th anniversary of late Chief Kudirat Abiola, organised by CD, WA, and KIND in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

From left: Mr. Theo Odunlami, President, BIFOBA-UK, Dr. Joke Jones, President, Labour of Love Mission, Angel Griffin, Coordinator, Labour of Love Mission and Mr. Feyi Dinyo, Global ANNIVERSARY: From left: Mr. Banji Baruwa, Senior Partner, Banji Baruwa & Co., Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye, Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Dr. Chukwuma President, BIFOBA, at the BIFOBA-UK chapter sponsored free health Emeka, Clinical Director, Odontoville Dental Clinics, at the 20th anniversary of Odontoville screening for students and staff of Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos, Dental Clinics in Lagos.

DINNER: From left: Managing Director, Tsogo Sun, Mr. Richard Wailers, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Disun Holloway, and South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa, at the Southern Sun hotel dinner in honour of a media delegation from South Africa in Lagos.

VISIT: Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekenwe, former Edo State representative in the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC (left) and Special Assistant to the MD of NDDC, Mr George Turnah, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City.

INAUGURATION: From left, Comrade Isaac Akpotu, Comrade Sanni Yakubu, Comrade Parkinson Bigha, Comrade Monday Tenkumor, Chairman, Comrade Emma Emebrando, Comrade Emeka Ndubisi, Comrade Lucky Agbominido, Comrade Kess Okeligbho and others, during the inauguration of the NUPENG Marine executive, Warri zone, Delta State.

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DONATION: Members of the Federal Government Girls College Old Girls Association, Abuloma, Port Harcourt, during the visit to Anawin Home, Port Harcourt, where they donated various items as part of the association's corporate social responsibility.

SUMMIT: From left: President, Port of Antwerp, Mr. Mac Van Peel, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dirk Verheyen and Chief Commercial Officer, Luc Arnouts, at the ongoing Belgian Economic Mission in Nigeria. Photo: Prisca Sam-Duru.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 — 45

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Ibeshi, Imoke, others for Calabar summit

Ikhazobor describes defection of Edo APC chieftains to PDP as good omen

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BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH leading Edo North Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial aspirant, Mr. Bobby Ikhazobor, has lauded the defection of All Progressive Congress, APC, members in the state to PDP, saying that same was aimed at returning Edo State to mainstream of politics.

According to Ikhazobor, the development will give fillip to the idea of building a united South-South with Edo State at the front for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid in 2015.

The former Edo State Commissioner of Transport and son of former Minister of Sports, late Air Commodore Anthony Ikhazobor, noted that a realignment of forces, a sort of coalition among the power brokers in the state, had taken place with the mass

HE former Chairman, Banking and Currency Committee in the House of Representatives, Mr. Emmanuel Ibeshi, is the keynote speaker at the Economic and Business Opportunities Summit holding in Calabar, Cross River State.

The summit, on Cross River Beyond Oil: New Economic Realities and Youth Inclusion, will explore alternative solutions to the reliance on oil and create pathways for young people.

Ibeshi will be joined by Mrs Obioma Imoke, wife of the state governor, Mr. Gerald Ada; Efa Imoke, Mr. John Ushie, among others, in a panel discussion.

Burial

defections, adding that it was a good omen for 2015 general elections in the state, with the PDP gaining the upper hand.

Ikhazobor, who recently

ended a tour of Edo North in the entourage of the state PDP chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, also commended Pastor IzeIyamu, and Ahaji Usman

UYC drums support for Uduaghan

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI— THE Urhobo Youths Council, UYC, Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, has urged the people of Delta South senatorial district to support the senatorial ambition of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The group, in a statement yesterday, said that the governor was equipped with the requisite experience to give effective representation to the people at the National Assembly.

UYC Coordinator, Mr. Peter Erakpofoke, said: “We are

calling on the Urhobo people in Delta South and indeed the entire people of Delta South to support Uduaghan, because with his wealth of experience in government, we are certain that he will make positive impact on the lives of the people of the district.

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HE burial of the late Mrs Cecelia Obinyili (nee Obieke), aged 67, comes up at her home town, Ihiala in Imo State next Friday.

Lying in state is at Umnette, Ubahnekwen and Unu-nwachukwu, Umueze, Ihiala.

Requiem mass is at St Christopher ’s Catholic Church, Ogbolo-Umueze, Ihiala, followed by outing service on Sunday, June 15.

God for the peaceful resolution.

“Tompolo is a leader with a large and forgiving heart. I thank Tompolo for pardoning

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RITISH American Tobacco, BAT, has urged the World Health Organisation, WHO, and governments around the

matter to rest.”

Hitler urged the people of Gbaramatu to continue to live in peace and harmony.

‘Trans-Warri road, bridges 'll be concluded on schedule’

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HE Special Project Director of the multi-million naira Trans-War ri- Ode-Itsekiri bridges and access road, Chief Otimeyin Adams, yesterday, said that the project will be completed on schedule.

Adams spoke at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, during the commencement of asphalting of the seven-kilometre internal

network of roads connecting six different communities.

He said the pontoon ferry system of transporting travellers from Warri to the riverine communities will kickoff in two months time and appealed to the people of Ajigba community to allow the construction firm, Setraco, to commence work on the road to link it with its neighbours.

world to opt for a progressive approach to tobacco regulation by adopting a policy of tobacco harm reduction.

BAT made this call to commemorate this year’s World No Tobacco Day, WNTD. According to Mr. Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, “for governments seeking to reduce tobacco use, we believe its time for new, more progressive approaches to be considered.

“One such solution is to offer adult smokers a choice of substantially less risky products such as e-cigarettes.

“This approach is what many refer to as Tobacco Harm Reduction. However, for this to work, governments and the public health community need to embrace this concept and the products that support it.”

By WHO’s estimates, there are one billion smokers across the globe and by 2050 this number could increase to 2.2 billion.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

“The Delta Beyond Oil initiative, infrastructural development, free maternal and under-five medical health care, renovation of schools, Delta State Micro Credit programme amongst others, have made life more meaningful for all Deltans.”

BAT tasks WHO, govts on tobacco harm reduction

GBARAMATU: Businessman hails Tompolo, Ijaw monarchs his brothers and allowing the was unfortunate, but we thank HIEF Beck Hitler, a businessman based in Warri, Delta State, has commended Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, the Regent of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Patani Heavens and the paramount ruler of Ogulagha kingdom, HRM Capt. Joseph Timiyan, for their contributions to the peace in Gbaramatu.

Hilter thanked Tompolo for the peaceful resolution of the dispute between him and Chief Michael Johnny and seven others.

He said: “I am aware that they begged Tompolo and he forgave them. What happened

Shagadi, Edo North former APC leader, whom he described as APC’s “engine room,” for leading their followers to PDP.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On amnesty for Boko Haram insurgents

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NTIL those at the top start telling themselves the truth, we will continue in this mess. Very soon, all the airports in the country will shut down. Then our leaders will realise that what is good for the goose is good to the gander.— Ms. Chimezie Ezembu, Broadcaster.

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OR Boko Haram to have kept this girls for this long shows that the people clamouring for negotiation with the insurgents are involved in the calamities that have befallen our country. These animals are killing anything human in sight.— Mr. Ifeanyi Livinus, Worker.

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HE fact remains that even if the Federal Government goes into negotiation, 12,000 lives already lost cannot be recovered. So all those involved in that devilish act should understand they have not done Nigeria any good. —Mr. SelfEtta Alobi, Employed.

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am not a military tactician, but I have studied great nations and how they take their distressed citizens seriously. I have tried to borrow a leaf from other parts of the world where rescue operations had been conducted successfully.— Mr. Emmanuel Okani, Lawyer.

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OST people are c o n f u s e d .

Negotiate about what?

The Chibok girls’ release is not all we want. More than 500 people have lost their lives since the Chibok girls and nobody seems to be talking about them. Are they not humans?— Ms. Ukoma Ezeokoye, Student.

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HERE are still over 1,000 Nigerians abducted by Boko Haram whose fate is unknown.

What about the many abductions and killings since Chibok? Where is the morality in joining this clamour for immediate negotiation?— Ms. Ukogu Chinasa, Musician.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 — 47

Delta community alleges persecution over NNPC surveillance fund

Court orders payment of entitlements to ex-AkokoEdo LG Chair

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BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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ESIDENTS of Uvwie community of Delta State, have raised alarm over alleged activities of some politicians in the area, whose actions they described as “inimical to the security of the community.”

The bone of contention is Uvwie portion of the N2 billion Pipeline Surveillance Fund given to Delta State Government by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which they alleged was mismanaged by some elders of the community.

Mrs. Ese Egboto, a resident, who claimed to have fled the community for her safety, while speaking with our correspondent in Lagos, said some politicians, who dropped the names of some officials of the state government had been terrorizing them.

Ndokwa students laud Uduaghan, Delta Poly Rector

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

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OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro, Dr. J. Oboreh, have been lauded for the remarkable infrastructural development recorded in the polytechnic.

Speaking with newsmen, Mr. Opone Azuka, president of Federated Union of Ndokwa Students, FUNS and Speaker of the National Association of Delta State Students, NADESSTU, Ozoro chapter, commended efforts of the Rector and the state government for the development witnessed in the institution, saying that the enviable achievements deserved commendation.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: From left: Dr. Oscar Nliam, author; Dr. Christopher Kolade, Nigeria's former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Mrs. Adejoke Ajaero, represnting Dr. Orjiako, Chairman Seplat; Mrs Rita Uruakpa, Head of Legal Department, NIMASA; Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Dr. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), co-author of the book, at the public presentation of Petroleum Law and Sustainable Development by Ajogwu and Nliam, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Edo PDP to state govt: Explain discrepancies in audited acct

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has challenged the state government to explain the discrepancies in its audited account as published by the Accountant and Auditor Generals of the state in the media last week.

State chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who addressed newsmen in Benin yesterday, while reacting to Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s accusation of intellectual laziness by the leadership of the PDP, said that they were not well informed on the financial situation of the state.

Orbih also accused the state

government of doctoring audited financial status of the state to hide the true financial position.

Displaying a monthly financial analysis of Edo State, which he said was sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, he pointed out that the audit report lied on the exact amount the state spent on Internal Debts Servicing.

He insisted that in the report, the state government put the annual Internal Debts Servicing for the year 2012 to 2013 at N1,386,190,950.62 and N503, 676, 517.68 respectively, but that figures obtained from the CBN showed that the sum of N520 million was being deducted from the state’s account monthly since July, 2011, for incurred debt.

He said: “The inconsistency in the figures as regard the internal debts servicing has put a big question mark on the credibility of the audited report and the entire report can no longer be trusted. Governor Oshiomhole should have been bold enough to tell Edo people how much his government had borrowed and exactly how much they are paying to service it.

“Everyone knows that there are more illiterates in the Edo State Government. The governor could not rise to the challenge we posed to him to make public his international passport. If he is bold enough, he should have done so and allow people to see if our claim that he is the most-travelled governor is genuine."

HOSTCOM wants establishment of NPDC office in Delta

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE Chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria, (Oil and Gas) HOSTCOM, Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, Mr. Pender Agwarive, has called for the establishment of an operational office of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in the state.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the chapter, Agwarive noted that “Deltans are tired of travelling to Edo State to do business in facilities that are solely located in their state.”

He added that “OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 65 are all located in Delta State yet the principal officers operating them have their offices located in Benin-City, making the indigenes of the communities to travel to Benin-City for one approval or the other.

“Our demands are in accord-

ance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 Sections 25, 26 and 27 which makes it mandatory for oil companies operating in a particular community or area to have their head office in that locality.”

Further he said that the “delay in paying for contract executed for NPDC has crippled a lot of contractors as interest on money borrowed from banks have eaten up profits that ought to have accrued to them from such contracts.”

Burutu LG to sanction absentee staff

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

W

ARRI—NEWLY swornin Transition Committee Chairman of Burutu Local Government, Delta State, Chief Julius Takeme has warned that hard times await staff of the council who were in the habit of staying away or resuming late for duty.

Chief Takeme read the riot act to the council staff present at the Delta State Government House Annex, Warri where Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan swore

him into office following the sack of his predecessor, Navy Captain Deine Buckman.

Takeme in his acceptance speech said: “I will respect and carry along other political office holders and pay salaries of workers as at when due to promote industrial harmony. But my administration shall not condone absenteeism and truancy.

“All political office holders and civil servants must resume at their duty posts for all the working days in the week, except for genuine reason."

HE National Industrial Court, Ikoyi, Lagos State, has ordered the payment of the former chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Chief Johnson Emasealu, all his entitlements by the Akoko-Edo council.

The state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, suspended the former council boss from office on February 17, 2010, over an alleged petition of non-performance.

Chief Emasealu challenged his suspension at the High Court and got judgment in his favour on February 17, 2011, a year after he was unlawfully removed from office. The court described his removal as unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void and of no effect.

His counsel, Mr. Roland Otaru, SAN, wrote several letters to the Akoko-Edo council for the payment of his entitlements ordered by the court with no response.

Emasealu returned to the National Industrial Court, over his unpaid entitlement and also got favourable judgment. The trial judge at National Industrial Court, Lagos, Justice B. Kanyip in his judgment, ordered the payment of all his entitlement within 30 days of the judgment, failure which will attract 10 percent interest per annum until same is paid.

Garden of Life Assembly holds 30 days fast

G

ARDEN of Life As sembly’s 30 days fast with the theme: Grace for the Greatness, has commenced at the Church premises, 7, All Saints Lane, off Okere/ Ugborikoko Road, Effurun, Delta State.

The exercise which commenced June 1 will be concluded June30.

Bishop Philip Orovwuje Edward, Rev. Mrs Liz Amaye (former Liz Benson) and other anointed men of God will be ministering.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

B'HARAM: Jos viewing centres operators' adopt security measures

J

OS — OPERATORS of viewing centres in Jos have adopted some security measures to enable them show the World Cup matches without hitches, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

With the centres becoming targets of attack by insurgents, most of the operators of such centres in Jos have adopted security measures to enable fans enjoy the games without fear.

Mr Nandom Musa, owner of a centre near Shepherd House, Jos, said he had engaged some individuals who would help keep watch over his centre.

He said: “Before the matches, the boys and I will go round the centre to ensure that nothing suspicious is kept close to the hall. I have acquired hand metal detectors to thoroughly screen the viewers and ensure that nobody enters the hall with a dangerous weapon.

“We have some people permanently stationed outside to keep guard and make sure that no car comes close to the centre.”

Musa decried the loss of customers for fear of being attacked, in spite of the steps taken to ensure their safety.

He said: “Since viewing centres have become targets of attack, many people have stopped coming to watch matches.

“I have contacts of some of them and I have been texting, to inform them of the efforts we have put in place, to allay their fears.”

Another operator in Dadin Kowa, Mohammed Sadiq, said that as a measure to safeguard the centre, viewers had been advised not to come to the centre with cars.

Sadiq said he had engaged some hands to keep watch round the centre, adding that he was arranging with security outfits to keep watch over his centre during matches.

“They will complement the efforts of the boys I have hired and if possible, they will have arms and that may help to assuage the fears,” he said.

In a similar development, some football fanatics who spoke to NAN said they would prefer to either watch the matches in private homes or not watch at all.

Mr Abubakar Bitako said that he would do everything possible to get a satellite decoder during the period.

Stop killing Fulani herdsmen, Lamido warns security agencies

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

D

UTSE — GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has warned security agencies to, henceforth, stop killing Fulani herdsmen across the country to avoid reprisal attacks by the herdsmen.

Lamido gave the warning in Dutse, yesterday, while receiving members of the Fulani sociopolitical group, Miyetti Allah, who visited him at Government House.

Expressing his anger with the security agencies over the alleged illegal killing of the Fulani herdsmen, Lamido also called for full compensation to the families of such deceased herdsmen.

He was apparently reacting to the alleged killing of six Fulani herdsmen at Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, recently.

The leadership of Miyetti Al-

lah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, had earlier threatened to sue the military over what it described as incessant killings, harassment and infringement on the rights of its members.

At a news conference in Kaduna over the issue, national secretary of the association, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lamented the alleged injustice meted to Fulani herdsmen across the country and warned that they would no longer fold their arms and watch their members being unjustly killed and intimidated by the military on daily basis.

The association further said then that the six deceased Fulani herdsmen were arrested in Kunkuru village in the same Lere Local Government while they were returning from their grazing point in the southern part of Kaduna State to their place of origin in Jigawa State.

"They alleged that they were shot dead by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force in the local government.

However, Governor Lamido said: “We (Jigawa) as a government will go there and meet all the authorities concerned, including Lere council authority, to explain to us how it happened.

"The General Officer Commanding, GOC, Kaduna, should also pay full compensation to the families of these people. We want the soldiers punished. Otherwise, we are ready to go to the International Court of Justice at The Haque.”

Lamido, who was visibly angry, expressed his concern over alleged recklessness, indiscriminate attacks and killings of innocent Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country by security and other ethnic groups, adding that the situation would no longer be tolerated.

Kogi gets new Accountant General

L

O K O J A — GOVERNOR Idris Wada of Kogi State has approved the appointment of Mr Ibrahim Idakwo as the state’s new Accountant-General, a statement said.

The statement, which was issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Jacob Edi, in Lokoja, yesterday, said the appointment followed the removal of the former Accountant-General, Mr Paul Audu, by the governor. Audu was removed, Wednesday.

The new accountantgeneral was until his appointment the Director of Non-Clinical Services, National Hospital, Garki, Abuja.

Idakwo had at various times worked with the defunct PHCN and the Presidency.

NITARP urges Nigerians to imbibe new culture, consciousness

BY NAOMI UZOR

T From left: Governor Muhktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State and Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Ramalan Yero at the official commissioning of the ACF Kaduna State secretariat, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Plateau Assembly in rowdy session over move to probe Jang

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS —THERE was commo tion, yesterday, at the Plateau State House of Assembly following attempt by some members to open discussions at plenary on the alleged N20 billion fraud levelled against Governor Jonah Jang and the leadership of the House.

It was said that trouble started when some of the lawmakers suspected that the Speaker, Hon. Titus Alams, was bent on frustrating any mention of the issue during the session.

Last week, a group known as Plateau Patriotic Front petitioned against the governor and copied the state House of Assembly and other notable individuals and institutions, alleging gross financial misconduct to the tune of over N20 billion.

The speaker, while opening the debate on the floor of the House, had informed the members of the petition and asked for their comments.

Thereafter, the member representing Dengi Constituency, Hon. Wokdung Abbas, said: “Having carefully read through the petition, the contents are too weighty to be ignored. In summary, the House is more hit because the petitioner called us names and also alleged that we have been bribed by the governor not to check the government. ”The House must get to the bottom of this petition in the interest of the entire people of the state.

We also need to probe the allegation to clear our names. The petitioners said we are clueless, docile, boot lickers and praise singers of government. So we need to clear our names as a House.”

At this juncture, however,

Abbas was interrupted by the member representing Jos South Constituency, Dalyop Mancha, on a point of order.

The speaker recognised the point of order as members went into a rowdy seesion, thereby making Speaker Alams to over rule them and adjourn the sitting abruptly to a future date.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers who spoke with newsmen after the sitting expressed their disappointment over the way the House was abruptly adjourned.

An aggrieved member, Hon. Ibrahim Baba-Hassan, representing Jos North-North constituency said: “The missing N10 billion SURE-P fund mentioned in the petition is real. I am a member of the SURE-P Committee of the House and I am not aware of the whereabouts of the fund.

This is the fact the speaker is running away from."

HE Newtone in Aso Rock Project (NTIARP) has urged Nigerians to imbibe a new culture and consciousness.

It also urged government at all levels to dump its old and ineffective reactionary approach to problem solving and adapt to the proactive and bold initiatives that will engender social regeneration.

Delivering his speech on the state of the economy, National Coordinator, NTIARP, Mazi Chris Maduka, said "Nigerians must be reminded that we live in the world that is in a constant state of flux, and today’s realities easily become tomorrow ’s absurdities.

"Nigerians must always try to avoid dominant logic and old thinking and must imbibe a new culture and consciousness as citizens as well as government must dump its old and ineffective reactionary approach to problem solving and adapt to the proactive and bold initiatives that will engender social regeneration."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—49

I N S I D E

Ajimobi is doing the unthinkable in Oyo — Adedayo

FORMER GOVERNORS:

Living in abundance for ever

Nigeria’s governors’ uncommon retirement plans THE uncommon proposal by Governor Godswill Akpabio to “protect” the treasury of Akwa Ibom State through limiting the medical allowance of former governors and their deputies has drawn attraction to the pull on the public purse by the club of retired governors and their deputies.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & CHIOMA ONUEGBU

I

NDEED, for many within and outside Akwa Ibom State, the amendment of the Former Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Act to provide an estimated N200 million for the upkeep of each of the former governors of the state was an exercise in debauchery.

Given the larger than life image created by the Akwa Ibom State helmsman, it was easy for many to see the proposal as another act of make belief on the part of the governor. Major innovations in the bill proposed by Akpabio and passed by the State House of Assembly on May 26 were the monetisation of Sections 1 (c) and (d) of the 2006 act.

In the place of the provision of cooks and other domestic aides, it was provided that a former governor of the state shall be paid the sum of N5 million monthly in lieu, amounting to N60 million per annum. Also, in the place of

a provision for free medical services for the former governor and his spouse in 1 (d), a maximum of N100 million was provided as medical allowance per annum.

Section 1 (e) of the 2006 Act was also substituted to cause the state government to make “Provision of a befitting house not below a 5-bedroom maisonette in either the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja or Akwa Ibom State for the Governor.”

The 200 million that has been estimated as the cost of maintaining the former governor is outside the cost of building the 5 bedroom mansion as provided in the bill. The law which was sent to the State House of Assembly on May 15, 2014 was fast-tracked through the legislative House without a public hearing and passed on Monday, May 26 and assented to on May 28.

The speed with which it navigated through the legislature to become law quickly fed insinuations that the governor

THE REPEALED 2006 AKWA IBOM PENSIONS ACT: (a) Pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor respectively; (b) a new official car once in every four years, one personal aide and the provision of adequate security for his person during his lifetime at the expense of Government; (c) provision of funds to employ a cook, chauffeur and two security guards as applicable in the public service; (d) provision of free medical services for his person and spouse; (e) provision of yearly accommodation allowance of 300% of annual basic salary; (f) provision of furniture allowance of 300% of annual basic salary once in every four years; (g) provision of yearly maintenance and fuelling of vehicle allowance of !00% of annual basic salary; (h) provision of severance gratuity of 300% of annual basic salary as at the time the officer leaves office; (i) provision of yearly utility allowance of 50% of annual basic salary; (j) provision of entertainment allowance of 100% of annual basic salary.

•Akpabio..repealing the law was behind the amendments.

Governor Akpabio indeed, did not hide his role in the amendment as he claimed that it was meant to limit what he claimed were lapses, mainly open ended provisions that allowed beneficiaries to drain the state’s treasury especially on the provision of free medical care.

“I know what I am talking about and because I wear the shoe, I know where it pinches.

All the former elected governors and their deputies have been enjoying the pension. The pension was first established in 2000 and was further amended with certain provisions added in 2006,” the governor said in a television interview.

His assertion was strong enough to draw fire from former Governor Attah, the immediate past governor of the state who in a telephone interview with Premium Times, an online newspaper, challenged his successor to publicly declare how

h e implemented the former law as concerning him, Attah.

Obong Attah who has had a very troubled relationship with his successor was, h o w e v e r, dismissive of t h e amendments and the imputations made against the former leaders of the state. “Why don’t you people ask him how much the state has paid to its past leaders? Why don’t you people ask him how much he has been paying to Obong Attah and others?

Wastage of public funds “He is the one who said he has been paying so much to past governors and wanted to put ceiling on what is paid out to check wastage of public funds.

Those who interviewed him should have asked him to mention just how much he has paid so far. You should also ask him whether he built a retirement home for me either in Uyo or Abuja. Ask him to tell you how much he has been paying to Obong Attah as retirement package after I left office,” the former governor quipped.

Akpabio who briefed a select group of newsmen following the attacks on him, according to a

source at the gathering, was moved to tears as he tendered documents to show how some of those covered by the open-ended medical allowance had seemingly abused it. One former deputy governor of the state according to the documents was said to have presented N17 million for the extraction of a tooth besides other medical bills that amounted to more than N100 million in one year.

Akpabio’s defence nonetheless, even the 2006 Act which the governor said he would revert to makes elaborate provisions for governors and deputy governors of the state.

Even though he promised last Tuesday to drop the amendment limiting the medical allowance to N100 million and N50 million respectively to former governors and former deputy governors, the governor was not explicit on whether he would also drop the other provisions that provided N60 million a year for domestic staff and the provision of a mansion for the former governors.

The revelations have remarkably drawn insight into the huge expenses made by taxpayers on former governors and deputy governors. Besides Akwa Ibom, other states to have enacted almost similarly provocative pension plans for former governors and their deputies include Rivers, Bayelsa, Kwara and Lagos. Others with less enticing provisions are Edo, Imo. It is not surprising that a coalition of Civil Society Organisations are now threatening to go to court to cause the states implementing the generous perks for the former governors to repeal the laws.

Former governors: Living in abundance for ever

BY LUKA BINNIYAT, JIMITOTA ONYUME, SIMON EBEGBULEM, GBENGA ARIYIBI, DAUD OLATUNJI AND CHIOMA ONUEGBU

A

KWA Ibom may be in the centre of the storm over the controversial retirement pension plan for its former governors. But it is not the first state in the country to introduce a retirement plan for former governors.

Imo State was the first to work out such a plan which was focused on the first civilian governor of the state, Chief Sam Mbakwe who was generally acclaimed for his selfless service

to the state as governor of the state between 1979 and 1983.

Following Imo was Akwa Ibom which in 2002 enacted a similar law almost borrowed from Imo. Again, that bill was fanned by concerns about the wellbeing of Obong Akpan Isimen, the first civilian governor of Akwa Ibom.

Following the two examples, other states followed suit, but then in far more controversial forms. The law enacted in Lagos State in 2007 provided for the former governor to be paid the salary of the incumbent office holder, 300% of the incumbent’s basic salary as furniture

allowance, three vehicles which are to be renewed every three years, car maintenance allowance, house maintenance allowance, allowance for the maintenance of personal staff and other entitlements estimated to cost the taxpayer N17 million per annum.

Following Lagos was Kwara which in 2010 came up with a seemingly outlandish retirement package for former governors which besides the provisions set out in Lagos also included free medical care, a free house to be provided in Abuja and an annual Continues on page 50

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Former governors: Living in abundance for ever

•Bola Tinubu

•Victor Attah

•Bukola Saraki

•Sanni Yerima

•Danjuma Goje

•Peter Odili

to the dictates of the constitution are being starved to death. May God save us from them”, he said.

EKITI: The new pension arrangement for the past governors and deputies in Ekiti State was passed by members of Ekiti State House of Assembly under the headship of the speaker , Hon. Adewale Omirin in December 2O12. The governor signed into law in March, 2013.

The new law modified the one put in place by the former governor of the state, Mr. Ayo Fayose during his regime Vanguard gathered that the 2013 Pension Scheme for the exgovernors and their deputies does not make provision for those who were impeached nor removed by the court of

competent jurisdiction. This has made the beneficiaries to be limited to only two persons, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and his Deputy, Chief Paul Alabi, given that other past governors like Ayo Fayose left office under controversial circumstances, deemed to have been impeached and Engr Segun Oni ,removed by a court of competent jurisdiction are denied the privilege.

However, one time Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Paul Olatunde Alabi, who saluted the courage of the present government in the state for instituting a law that would take care of the welfare of the former leaders in the state Alabi who recalled that during the regime of Oni that four former

deputies including, Chiefs Akin Omoboriowo, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, himself and Mrs. Biodun Olujimi met Oni and they made case for such a gesture He said Oni agreed that a pension should be paid to them, but expressed reservation that he would not like to give an impression that he was bribing former leaders who are were in opposition parties.

KADUNA: Former elected

PENSIONS ACTS IN STATES:

LAGOS STATE FORMER GOVERNORS *Life long pension equivalent to 100% salary of incumbent governor *Six cars to be renewed every three years *300% of Annual pension as Furniture Allowance every two years *Cook, steward, gardner and other domestic staff who shall be entitled to pension *Free Medical Care for Governor and Deputy Governor *2 SSS and 8 Policemen *Car maintenance 30% of Annual Pension *Entertainment 10% of Annual Pension *Utility 20% of annual Pension KWARA State Public Office Holders (Payment of Pension) Bill; 2010, KWHAB 15, Life long pension equivalent to 300% of salary of incumbent *300% of pension as Furniture Allowance *300% of annual pension as House maintenance allowance *domestic staff, *free medical care for self and family *20% of annual pension for entertainment *three cars + drivers *30 day annual holiday outside of Nigeria

*A house to be provided for in Abuja RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY GOVERNOR PENSIONS AND FRINGE BENEFITS BILL 2012 *Governor and Deputy governor to get 100% of annual basic salary of incumbent as pension *Two houses for the governor one in Abuja and another in any part of Rivers State *Three cars, replaceable every three years. *300% of Annual Pension as Furniture Allowance *20% of Annual Pension as Utility Allowance GOMBE Pension for life; Two vehicles replaceable every four years; Two drivers; Free medicare anywhere in the world; A house anywhere in Gombe State; 30 days annual holiday anywhere in the world.

ZAMFARA Pension for life; Two vehicles replaceable every four years; Two personal staff; A four bedroom House in Zamfara; An office with free telephone and internet service for life.

,

Continues from page 49 30 day holiday package outside Nigeria to be paid for by the Kwara State government.

Rivers State also followed suit in 2012 with a similar provisions to that of Kwara that was only different with the exception of the holiday package.

OGUN: In Ogun State, where there are presently two former democratically elected former governors, there is no provision to enact a pension scheme for the former chief executives outside the statutory provisions.

The state commissioner for information, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu who admitted that he did not know the mindset of the governor, nevertheless added that, as at the moment, the state government was not thinking in that direction.

“There is nothing like that in view. Not now, all the money coming to the state is directed to developmental projects”, he said.

The Nigeria Labour Congress in Ogun State was, however, quick to flay the new law enacted in Akwa Ibom. The state chairman of the NLC, Akeem Ambali said: “Professors after 30 years collect N10 million, but they (governors) spend four years and go away with N100 million. They are selfish and greedy. It shows a disconnect between the leaders and the led.”

OYO: The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State, Alhaji Chief Azeez Ganiyu Biyawo, described the proposals in Akwa Ibom and similar states as absurd in a country where civil servants who serve for 35 years collapse and die on the queue for their entitlements or have their gratuities stolen and they are now talking about giving pension to someone who serves the state for just four years for the rest of his life.

“This kind of retrogressive bill should not be signed into law at all because those who are originally entitled to it according

accommodation provision for the former governors and the number of staff The Utility Allowance of the Executive Governor and the Deputy Governor after leaving office was also slashed from 30 per cent yearly basic salary to 10%.

EDO AS A MODEL: The Edo State House of Assembly on May 16th, 2007, passed a law entitled Provision for the Pension of Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the state.

This law was passed few weeks before Governor Lucky Igbinedion left office as Governor of Edo state. Provides for 100% pension for the governor at a rate similar to the salary of the incumbent office holder and for domestic staff among others for the former governor.

Earlier in 2004, a move by the lawmakers to include themselves in the pension plan for former governors stalled the passage of the bill as vociferous opposition from the public stopped them.

The incumbent Attorney General of Edo State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon who asserted that the Edo state law is potent in an interview with Vanguard slammed the law as passed in Akwa Ibom State as he recommend Edo State as a model for other states.

“I believe the national cry generated by the law passed in Akwa Ibom State deserves to be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians and I think it is a slap on the faces of the long suffering Nigerians. While other governors are running up and down to see how to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people, others are looking for how to deliver the dividends of

This kind of retrogressive bill should not be signed into law at all because those who are originally entitled to it according to the dictates of the constitution are being starved to death

governors of Kaduna State and their deputies are not among their counterparts in other states who would enjoy fat pension packages and sundry luxuries.

Vanguard findings showed that the Kaduna State House of Assembly (KDHA) has since passed into law a bill to stop the state’s former governors and deputy governors from using the state resources to fund their medical bills abroad.

KDHA then went on to stop furniture and office accommodation allowances for the former governors and deputy governors. The law, which reads Pension and Gratuity (Governor and Deputy Governor) Amendment Law, 2013, runs against the proposal by the current governor of the state for the duo to enjoy free medical treatment in and outside the country with his/her immediate family members.

The Kaduna lawmakers also cut down on the size of the

,

democracy to their pockets. So I recommend Edo State to other states as it is very, very reasonable. There is a minimum comfort that a person who has served in the high office of a governor should be entitled to when he leaves office.

And we all know the basic salaries of governors it probably not more than half a million and he gets half a million naira every month for life that is fair.”

Former governor of Edo state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said he received no pension until the inauguration of the Osarhiemen Osunbor administration. “We are one of the poorest in terms of what we get as pension. Our pension is consolidated.

The bill for our pension was not passed until the Igbinedion administration was going away so I suffered more than any of them. In other states a retiring governor is even supposed to have a house built for him. For ten years that the PDP was in power I never got a kobo because

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 — 51

C M Y K

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

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Z A K A R I YA H — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Zakariyah Monsurat Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yusuf Monsurat Abiola. All former documents remain valid. Ejigbo LCDA and general public please take note.

OKON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nsidibe Tom Okon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nsidibe Nsikak Ekanem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Nwaogu Ndidi Florence and Nwaogu Ndidi Amaka is one and the same person.

All documents bearing either names remain valid. Data Max Registras Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and general public please take note.

OWHOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owhor Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Haak Patience. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A K I N AW O N U — I , formerly known and addressed as Gladys Feyisola Akinawonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gladys Nwabuaku Akinfolarin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODETUNDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olufunmilayo Abiodun Odetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olufunmilayo Abiodun Omotola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOBERHIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss S a n d r a Oyovwedioraye Onoberhie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. S a n d r a Oyovwedioraye Ogbaisi. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

ADESOGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwabusayo Adesoga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwabusayo Ajayi. All previous documents bearing my former name remain valid as same still refers to me.

The general public should please take note.

ALUKO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kehinde Janet Aluko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kehinde Janet Adeyemo. All former documents remain valid. British High Commission and general public please take note.

ADEDOTUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Adedotun Adigun Thomas, now wish to be known and addressed as Adesoji Adetokunbo A. Adigun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA N O S I K E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinyere Ajoke Nwanosike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinyere Ajoke Okotie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EWORITSEMOGHA— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejemite Gift Eworitsemogha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejemite Gift Meleki.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

U N UA N E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Unuane Esther Ebagbota, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oginni Esther Ebagbota. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWACHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chizoba Nwamaka Nwachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Chizoba Nwamaka Nwankwo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGBARI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbari, T i t i l o p e Oluwatobiloba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajepe, Titilope Oluwatobiloba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONORHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Liz Oghenekevwe Okonorho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Liz Oghenekevwe Douglas. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABOY—I, formerly known and addressed as Obukowho Aboy and Obukowho Dickson, now wish to be known and addressed as Obukowho Dickson.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BAIDEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Baiden Ndidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndidi Collins Anams. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKABA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ufuoma Racheal Akaba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ufuoma Racheal Irie.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

U WA K W E — I , formerly known and addressed as Ezugwu Peter Uwakwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeugwu Peter Olisaekwelu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFFORBUZOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Eche Offorbuzor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibeagwa Blessing Eche. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MARK—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mark Ay i b a t o n b r a Philomina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Robert Ayibatonbra Philomina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name My name is Friday Precillia Gold, but on my WAEC result, First School Leaving Certificate, Ogbia LGA Identification Letter and my Statutory Age Declaration, it was written as Friday Gold. I hereby confirm that these names refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Addition of name I, formerly known and addressed as as Nander Nancwat, now wish to be known and addressed as Salmwang Nancwat Nander. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKWUEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adachukwu Ifeyinwa Ekwueme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adachukwu Ifeyinwa Oguike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—53

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OMOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoh Aduakioya Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joseph-Friday Mary Aduakioya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

C H A N U M U YA —I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Chanumuya Moses Uzoamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odogwu Uzoamaka Patricia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G B UAG A DA — I , formerly known and addressed as Ogbuagada Ndidi Lucky, now wish to be known and addressed as Odogwu Ndidi Lucky. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOZI—I, formerly known and addressed as Okozi Donatus, now wish to be known and addressed as Patrick Okeoghene Donatus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

S A L A M AT — I , formerly known and addressed as Alabi Emiia Salamat, now wish to be known and addressed as Alabi Sally Emilia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UDEH —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udeh Jane Onyebuchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke Jane Onyebuchi I. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Falana faults Fayose in petition

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

T

HE election campaign took another dimension last night after legal luminary, Femi Falana tabled a petition to the Inspector General of Police demanding the arrest of the PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose on multiple allegations of murder among other alleged crimes.

Falana in the petition dated June 2, 2014 leveled allegations of killings supposedly carried out during Fayose stewardship as governor of the state between 2003 and 2006.

According to Falana, Fayose as governor carried himself in a way to molest and intimidate the citizenry and several indigenes of the State for challenging his official impunity.• Falana argued that his decision to petition the police was based on incessant complaints of concerned citizens including the relations of those who were exterminated by the killer squad, the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service, who allegedly investigated the sundry allegations of politically motivated killings.

He therefore urged the IGP to use his good offices to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Ayo Fayose and his cohorts.

The Fayose campaign had last week accused the APC of seeking to manufacture evidence to bar its candidate from participating in the election.

The Director-General of the campaign organisation, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, alleged that the plan was hatched and executed at a meeting in Osogbo, Osun State on where they allegedly concluded arrangement to kill an innocent person and dump the

•Fayose corpse along Afao Road or Ise Road with incriminating evidence to nail Fayose.

My husband is above all, Bisi Fayemi tells Nurses

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

W

IFE of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi yesterday took the campaign for the election to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti where she praised her husband as more competent, focused and savvy than all his rivals.

Mrs. Fayemi who took opportunity of the hospital's Nurses Week charged the nurses as professionals who relate with the masses to market her husband to all those who come across them.

She said the electorate owe the future generation a sacred duty to scrutinise the antecedents of candidates jostling to govern the state from October before pitching

•Fayemi their tent with any of them. This election is just not about Governor Kayode Fayemi or the APC. It is about the future of Ekiti and our children. This election will determine what the state will look like in the next 15 years.

What do we want Ekiti to be like in 10 to 15 years down the line?

Do we want an Ekiti that will continue to be inheritor of chaos, disunity, misgovernance, looting of state treasury or of a lack of future for our children? Will it be what it was in the recent past when people asked us how we came about having certain people as our leaders?

We believe that this election will give us an opportunity to establish a foundation that will ensure that Ekiti becomes the state where other people will come and do business and be proud of. We cannot afford a reversal of our fortunes.

Describing her husband as intelligent, competent, savvy and focused, she said Fayemi stood tall

among other contenders for the governorship position.

According to her, the governor needs another term in office to consolidate on his accomplishments since he mounted the saddle on October 16, 2010. Fayemi appealed to the nurses to use their positions as grassroots professionals to educate the people on the need for them to vote for her husband whom, she said, had a track record of achievements.

She promised that the government would assist the nurses in the planned construction of a crèche, while she also pledged to donate a bus to the nurses association in the foreseeable future.

12,000 policemen for Ekiti poll •Allow us do our job, INEC Commissioner tells police

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

1

2,000 policemen are to be deployed for the gubernatorial election, the state commissioner of police has warned. Should the strength of the deployed policemen be stretched, the authorities would not hesitate to shut down the state, if only, to ensure that the environment for a free and fair poll is allowed, Mr. Uyanna said at a training workshop conducted for the police and other security agencies ahead of the election.

The training workshop facilitated

by British Department For International Development( DFID) took place in Ado-Ekiti with the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Halilu Pai, the State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Rindom Kumvent, men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and 24 Divisional Police Officers in the State, among others in attendance. The INEC boss in his own submission at the workshop counseled the police to give INEC

officials a free hand in the conduct of the election as he said that unhealthy rivalry between the two bodies could mar the poll.

The police must be aware that many will not vote in this election because of the fear and expectation that there may be crisis.

So they must deploy more men to areas marked as flashpoints and areas with history of violence for us to achieve success.

It has happened in the past when our men were ambushed by

thugs while transporting materials to election units and wards, particularly in very remote areas. We have to checkmate this by ensuring that we have enough police up to the hinterland.

The INEC boss warned the police against partisanship and other acts that could erode their dignity in the face of the right thinking members of the society.

We are going to provide stipends for the police, but this is very small.

But you still have to choose

between selling your conscience or discharging your loyalty to a national assignment because to us in INEC, there is no preferred candidate. They are all the same as far as we are concerned, Pai stressed. Uyanna also disclosed that he has got assurances from the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar that a total of 12,000 well trained policemen, will be deployed to monitor the election, saying the Command is battle ready to enforce orderliness during the poll.

Bamidele in tears as slain Labour chieftain, Ogundare is buried

T

HE remains of the slain Labour Party chieftain, Mr Foluso Ogundare was buried in his Emure Ekiti country home yesterday amidst crying and wailing.

A subdued and sombre Opeyemi Bamidele, the LP gubernatorial candidate could not offer any word to reporters who came across him at the burial ceremony.

Bamidele who was accompanied to the town by his running mate, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade and other chieftains of the party could not hide his emotion as he cried

uncontrollably when he was ushered in to the family house of the Ogundares.

Ogundare,33 was on November 3, 2013 allegedly shot when some suspected members of an opposition party stormed the venue of a meeting convened by LP in Odo Emure Area of the town. A serving member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Kehinde Boluwade, belonging to the APC and five others are presently standing trial over their alleged complicity in the murder of the deceased.

The deceased was brought from the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, where his remains had been deposited since he was killed.

The late LP chieftain who was survived by two wives, was brought into the town in a convoy of vehicles that conveyed members of his immediate family and his two wives. Ogundare's corpse was received by hundreds of youths, clad in black vests, carrying the portrait of the deceased who held procession to pay homage to him.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

D

ELEGATES, yesterday, unanimously rejected an amended recommendation of the Mrs. Ebele Okeke-led Committee on Public Service to jerk up the N18,000 minimum wage to N40,000, saying that it was unnecessary and uncalled for to review workers’ salaries now.

The development came just as it recommended a complete ban on government ministries, departments and agencies from collecting application fees from applicants seeking employments into such organisations.

Following the recent Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise where many job seeks died and others were injured in a stampede, the conference adopted a proposal for the setting up of recruitment centres in the states of the federation to look into issues of employment.

It also accepted a motion calling for the change of Federal Character Commission, FCC, to what it called Federal Character and Equal Opportunities Commission, FCEOC, in both federal and states of the

Confab rejects N40,000 minimum wage •Bans MDAs from receiving application fees from job seekers

•Confab delegates during a plennary session

federation.

Dr Nurudeen Lemu, a delegate on the platform of Muslim Leaders, spearheaded the motion on behalf of 33 other delegates, which sailed through after heated debates.

The conference enjoined the National Assembly to

domesticate the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and adopted the committee’s recommendation that government at all levels should make public offices disabilities-friendly by providing special access facilities in line with

international charters and treaties.

…Fixes September as deadline for budget presentation to NASS, December 31 for passage

DELEGATES, yesterday, fixed September, every year, as deadline for the presentation of the national budget to the National Assembly and December 31 for the passage of the budget into law.

They also expunged the provision that empowers the president to fall back on the public coffers to spend 50 to 70 percentage of money in the previous year’s budget to keep the country running pending passage of the current budget.

Attempts to retain it to avoid an economy shut down by some delegates woefully failed.

These were some of the amendments made to the recommendations of the conference committee on Public Service which was adopted after exhaustive debate that lasted for two days.

Delegates had argued that to achieve rapid development of the country, the executive and legislative arms of government whose responsibility it is to prepare and deliberate on the budget must take their duties seriously.

Ajaokuta Steel, victim of economic hit-men — Prof. Aminu •Delegates call for nuclear technology devt

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

F

ORMER Minister of Education and delegate to the National Conference, Professor Jubril Aminu, yesterday, described the moribund Ajaokuta Steel as a victim of economic hit-men, regretting that Nigeria made the mistake of giving the contract to Russians.

Contributing to debates on the report of the Conference Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Dr Daniel Maddo, the elder statesman said: “Ajaokuta steel is a victim of the economic hit-men. We made the mistake of giving the contract to the Russians because they helped us during the war and the other powers were angry, hence they used some people to run it down. It is a grand conspiracy by international hitmen.”

Instead of iron and steel, most delegates, who contributed to the debates made case for the development of nuclear technology in Nigeria.

In the report, one of the key prayers was that adequate funding should be provided by government for development of nuclear technology.

Noting that Nigeria is a signatory to the nuclear NonProliferation Treaty, the committee regretted that the projection to

generate nuclear electricity by 2017 has been shifted to 2020.

Delegates were of the opinion that utilisation and funding of nuclear technology are intensive because it is imperative in the modern world.

They agreed that the complexities involved in the development, management and maintenance of nuclear technology development were too complex for a country that is known for not conclusively implementing projects.

A delegate on the platform of the Civil Society Organisation, Nnimmo Bassey said a country

that cannot manage her hydroelectricity technology should not attempt nuclear technology, which is more complex.

To this end, he suggested that “funds should not be channeled instead to the development of solar power and other alternative means of energy generation, if energy is the most important component.”

In his contribution, Professor Anya O. Anya lamented that Nigeria would continue to go in circles as long as the political will to develop science and technology is not there. Much

more the unrepentant resolve to always channel ideas of national development through bureaucratic processes.

Anya said Nigeria has comparative advantage in the development of material science with all the materials and resources need for it are abundant in the country; “instead of steel, we should be talking of developing material science. With the use of plastic mixed with steel, aluminium, iron and other composite element, if properly moulded can be stronger than steel. But the political will has been

Igbo leaders insist on restructuring

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

M

EANWHILE, Igbo leaders on the banner of Igbo Leaders of Thought ILT have insisted on restructuring of the country into true federalism as the surest way to cement the country’s unity, warning that those planning to use insurgency to get power at the centre are toying with disintegration of Nigeria.

Rising from an executive committee meeting in Enugu, the ILT, which said that its leader, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), who fell and hit his waist on the floor in the bathroom of his Lagos residence and rushed to the

hospital, has been discharged from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), stated that without restructuring the polity the confab would be a failure.

Deputy Secretary of the ILT, Evangelist Elliot Uko, in a statement said: “After wide consultations with broad spectrum of Ndigbo, we hereby reiterate the position of the Igbo nation on the ongoing National Conference. If Nigeria is not restructured along the lines of six regions as federating units, with each unit maintaining its powers as democratically provided under the 1963 constitution, the

ongoing conference would have served no useful purpose in the struggle to save Nigeria.

“The present 36 state structure was not democratically created, but rather a contraption for lion share of war booty by generals of a section of Nigeria that seized power through coup de tat and thereafter became absolute dictators, enabling their region to exercise absolute control over the resources of the country and retarding the growth and development of the country. Failure to abolish this fraudulent scheme now, will only lead to continuing unrest and agitation. Even as they

lacking. The way we are going, we will not get anywhere as every innovation submitted for implementation is subjected to bureaucratic processes, where some are sent to a ministry or parastatal and they die there,” he said.

Also speaking, Atedo Peterside said building nuclear plant was far above the capacity of Nigeria to manage because the process is accident prone. “Nigeria cannot manage road accident talk less of nuclear science accident. For now, we have to drop the nuclear technology, if we must build, let’s build it at the fringes.”

claim conquest at the ongoing conference, it would have brought them neither victory nor peace.

“As the forces of retrogression plot to sustain the present unjust unitary structure, we warn that if this last opportunity to rebuild Nigeria fails, nobody can guarantee the continued existence of Nigeria. We remind all Igbo delegates that they have no mandate to compromise the core Igbo position (reconstruction of Nigeria into six regions as federating units). Ndigbo will not accept anything else; and that being the case, it would amount to betrayal and treason for any Igbo delegate to sign off on any other structure .

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014— 55

L

Wonders of Bismillah opinion was also attributed to the Tabi‘in: ‘Ata’, Tawus, Sa‘id bin Jubayr, Makhul and AzZuhri. This is also the view of ‘Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak, Ash-Shafi‘i, Ahmad bin Hanbal, (in one report from him) Ishaq bin Rahwayh and Abu ‘Ubayd Al-Qasim bin Salam. On the other hand, Malik, Abu Hanifah and their followers said that Bismillah is not an ayah in SuratulFatiha or any other Surah.

Dawud said that it is a separate ayah in the beginning of every Surah, not part of the Surah itself, and this opinion was also attributed to Ahmad bin Hanbal.

Just as it was stated above in the hadith, Prophet Sulaimon started his work with the verse; remember also when Arch Angel Gabriel visited the Prophet for the first time at cave Hira, The angel said, “iqra,” i.e., “read.” The Holy Prophet, (s.a.w), replied, “I do not know how to read.” The angel repeated the same words and the Holy Prophet, repeated his answer. And so it happened three times. The fourth time the angel said, “Iqra bismi-Rabbika-alazhi Khalaq,” i.e., “Read in the name of your Lord who creates.” Then the Holy Prophet, (s.a.w), started reciting. So, it is clear that the the phrase “With the name of Allah.” is powerful.

Again, when a person recites ‘BismillahirRahmanir-Rahim’ at the beginning of any task, it is implied as putting God first which will make every step

TURBANING: Newly installed Chief Imam of Olorun-

da Muslim Community, Olorunda Ijoko, Ogun State, Imam Mufutau Hamzat, flanked by his wife, being turbaned by Imam Alfatedo and Chief Imam of Ijoko Tuntun Central Mosque, in Lagos.

of the activity successful. So, reciting the verse is not restricted to the recitation of the Holy Quran alone, but very important at the beginning of every work. “any work started without reciting ‘bismillahirRahmanir-Rahim’ is without blessing, and certainly if any

,

IKE the daily sun, this verse too shines with a new splendour and brilliance at the beginning of each chapter of the Quran. No wonder the Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Any important work that does not begin with Bismillah is devoid of Barakah.”

Not only does the Holy Quran begin with this verse, but it also leads every chapter of the Quran, except for Chapter 9. This verse is a part of the Quranic revelation and it was through this verse that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, distinguished the separation of the various chapters. This verse keeps on recurring and possesses such depth, that it has been said that just as the Fatihah (the first chapter of the Quran) summarises the entire Holy Quran, so does this verse summarise the Fatihah. In other words, this verse is the summary of the synopsis of the Quran.

In the Glorious Quran, the word Bismillah Rahamani Raheem appeared in 114 places, begining every surah except Surat At-Taubah or otherwise called Al-Bara’ah (chapter 9) and appeared two times in Suratul AnNaml,(chapter 27), first at the begining and another in verse 30.

Ibn Kathir also said in his commentary that some of the scholars agreed that Bismillah is a part of an Ayah in Surat An-Naml (chapter 27). They disagree over whether it is a separate Ayah before every Surah, or if it is an Ayah, or a part of an Ayah, included in every Surah where the Bismillah appears in its beginning. AdDaraqutni also recorded a Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet that supports this Hadith by Ibn Khuzaymah. Also, similar statements were attributed to ‘Ali, Ibn ‘Abbas and others.

The opinion that Bismillah is an Ayah of every Surah, except Al-Bara’ah (chapter 9), was attributed to (the Companions) Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn ‘Umar, Ibn Az-Zubayr, Abu Hurayrah and ‘Ali. This

generosity is so great that before the birth of man and without any effort or labour on man’s part, the entire resources required for his sustenance were provided.

Ar-Rahim’ refers to the mercy which is granted repeatedly and these attributes manifest

To be successful in the world, it is essential to possess correct knowledge, for without correct knowledge, no action, whether for the world or the hereafter, produces effective or correct results

person starts his work by asking for the help of God, then his work will be blessed.

Allah, Most High, is perfect in goodness and benevolence. When man, without any effort on his own part, is granted through Allah’s attribute of Rahman, limitless mercy and blessings, and observes the Rahma and Ihsan of God, then in the heart of the worshipper, a love for God is born. As these blessings and the grace of Allah’s Mercy and Ihsan descend upon the believer, his love for God keeps on increasing. The more a person becomes a beloved of God, the more praiseworthy he becomes.

Allah is the name of the essence of God, the Most High, and this is the greatest name that is embeded in all the other names of God. For instance, al-Rahman (The Beneficent, pronounced as Ar-Rahman) is a name of God. Allah is an independent word which is the name of the essence of God, and this is unique to the Arabic language as no other language has a name for the essence of God. The Quran itself explains the meaning of the name Allah where it states “Lahu al-asma alhusna” (to him belong (all) the beautiful names). The name incorporates within itself all the perfect attributes in their entire completeness.

‘Ar-Rahman’ and ‘ArRaheem’: ‘Ar-Rahman’ (the Beneficent) is He whose

,

themselves time and again and have an excellent and improving effect on each person’s actions.

It is stated in the Hadith, that God, Most High, is the ‘Rahman’ (Beneficent) of this world and the ‘Rahim’ (Merciful) of the hereafter.

This is because Rahman, before the birth of man, merely out of his beneficence provided the entire resources for the sustenance and progress of man. So, this entire world is a manifestation of the attribute Rahman. The attribute Raheem rewards man for good works and this is fully manifested in the hereafter.

Land, water, fire, the sun, the moon, rain, etc., exist due to the stipulation of the attribute Rahman. Man’s labour of ploughing and watering the land, is rewarded manifold through the necessary stipulation of the attribute Rahim, so that each seed sown can be returned seven hundred fold.

In the same way, eyes, ears, hands, feet, intelligence and knowledge, are all manifestations of God’s attribute Rahman (beneficence). When man utilises these resources and gets excellent results, this is necessary stipulation of the attribute Rahim.

So, when a person starts a work by reciting BismillahirRahmanir-Rahim, he acknowledges and thanks God, Most High, for the blessings which God provided merely out of the demands of his attribute Rahman. On the one hand man, is asking God’s help for assistance, provided as a manifestation of the attribute Rahman (Mercy)in order to achieve his objective, and through the attribute Raheem, that the work he wants to carry out may produce excellent results.

Continues next week

From left: Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, guest lecturer; Alhaji Issa Khidr Muhammed Lawal, Branch Missioner, Nasfat Ajeromi Ifelodun and Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul-Wasiu, Missioner, Itire-Ijesa Nasfat during the launch of N50 million fund raising for Nasfat Itire-Ijesa branch, in Lagos.

A cross section of Nasfat members, Itire-Ijesa branch during the launch. Photos: Akeem Salau

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—57

Why I have not married — Franca Brown ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

N

Y

OU

disappeared from the screen when the ovation was loud. What

BENJAMIN NJOKU

igerians will hardly forget Franca Brown, who played the role of Mama Nosa in that popular TV drama, Behind the Clouds, which ran on NTA in the early 80s. The ageless actress who began her acting career as an undergraduate at University of Jos, shares the story of her journey into the world of make-believe. She also explains why she is still single among other issues. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

happened?

I have not disappeared. I'm still very much around. May be, you have not been watching movies, or I have not been regular on screen. But I have not disappeared.

But what are you doing presently?

I present a programme for Promasidor called “Nwanyi Onwuga.” It’s a cooking competition programme that I present in Igbo language. Each week, somebody wins a hundred thousand naira.

When did you start presenting the programme?

I started presenting the programme since last year. But before then, I have been doing other things on television.

Are you doing this because the scripts are no longer coming your way?

In Nollywood today, there’s a clique, and unfortunately, I don’t belong to the clique. Besides, I want to be doing my own thing that would generate more funds for me. That’s why I delved into

My tenant is threatening my life

television and movie production. So, I am still working. I have not abandoned acting.

•Franca Brown

All I do is to improve on my last job. That's what I do, and that's what I expect any actor or actress to do

Looking back, what would you say has changed about your acting career?

We are in a world where we must continue to learn everyday. When I do a film, I'm tempted to go back and watch it. All I do is to improve on my last job.

That's what I do, and that's what I expect any actor or actress to do.You are as good as your last job, and when you look at your last job, you would notice some minor flaws here and there, that probably others might not take note of.

You are the best critic of yourself, because you should be able to tell yourself the truth. All I do is to sit back and take a critical look at the role I played in that film probably to ascertain

Continues on page 58

I will be having a threesome with two 50-year-old men

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Synopsis

The movie

‘’Make A Move” Continues from page 57 where I need to improve on it. That's how I get improved on my work, and it's because acting is my first love. That was what I studied in the university. I have come to understand the rudiments of acting and what it entails to go into production.

Most of the times, people look out for the humorous side of the next story, but I'm looking out for the flaws. I am my first critic. I look out for the flaws and also, ask people whether there is anyway I can improve on this or that. I would say, over the years, I have improved tremendously.

What's the difference between your time, and what's happening today?

When I started, we had a lot of people who did not know the direction they were going. But they found themselves in the industry. They learnt the ropes through apprenticeship. A lot of us

But surprisingly, I was given the role of a mother of two children. I wasn't expecting the role, but the producers felt I have a motherly disposition. Suddenly, my name disappeared and everyone on the street was calling me Mama Nosa and Efe, not even the Adesuwa that was the character's name. I enjoyed playing the role.

Most of your contemporaries, especially the cast of Behind the Cloud are nowhere to be found in today's movie industry. What has been your staying power?

There is nothing you will call the staying power, it's just 'aluta-continua.'

I just continued, and if other members of the cast have continued, they would have excelled as well. But that's the tide of life for you, it throws you onto a path and if you tread that path, it becomes your path, your chosen profession. I did not allow any tide of

‘Why I have not married’ life to push me to anywhere. I used to do interior decoration for some blue chip industries alongside acting. I returned fully into the industry when I realised it has started becoming lucrative.

Did you go underground after starring in Behind the Cloud?

After starring in Behind the Cloud, I did Jezebel, which was one of the pioneer films in Nollywood. When I finished youth service in Jos, I relocated to Lagos, and secured a job in the bank.

When the film industry started, I came into the industry.

Third film

•Franca Brown started out by assessing our works by ourselves. Then, it was an all-comers affair. But now, the industry has been structured. We now have guilds, associations and places we can call our own. There is a lot of improvement and the industry welcomes a lot of newcomers, some of them are famous stars now. It wasn't so during our time.

Would you say the industry has been fair to you in all respect?

Yes, I would say that the industry has been wonderfully fair to me. This is because I came out from nowhere and suddenly became a star, starting from television. I also came into the film industry and the stardom pushed on. I featured in Behind the Cloud which was a darling television series most families would not dare miss. That was because a lot of us were loved, and moreover, we had good audience that appreciated us.

You said, you came out from nowhere, how?

Yes, I came out from nowhere, because I was just a Theatre Arts student at the university of Jos. I went for an audition for a small girl role in Behind the Clouds, which gave me the platform.

The third film that was produced in the industry was Jezebel by Francis Agu and Emem Isong. I featured in Jezebel and I continued starring in other films.

If you are talking about television, remember Behind the Clouds ran for several years. I earned about N150 as an undergraduate while starring in the TV series.

I used the money to buy myself a car and lived large on campus. I was living off-campus, so that I could have time to star in Behind the Clouds. My acting career started the moment I gained admission to study Theatre Arts at the University of Jos. I featured in films such as Valentino, Clash of Destiny, Discord, Cross of Agony, Human Cargo, My Goodwill, My Sweat, Never Let Go, Only Angel, Pains Of Love, Problem Child, Sawam, Sunrise, Tears and Sorrows, Leap of Faith and Endless Passion among others.

Don't you believe in marriage?

I believe in marriage. I was born into a home, I have a father and a mother.

But marriage has not come my way, and I don't think it's yet a challenge to me.

When it comes my way, it comes.

But are you ready for the asking?

Why not! As a woman I am ready.

Does it mean there is no man in your life?

That's not for public discussion.

is releasing on Friday, attached is the art work.

Synopsis:

Through the Art of Dance, two sisters are given one shot at escaping the dark twisted dangers that lurk in the shadows of what used to be their home, their haven.

Against all odds, they learn to love and be loved in a world filled with Diverse & Artistic Characters! But in order for the sisters to live the life they had only ever dreamt of, they first have to Make.a.Move.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN 2 VAMPIRE ACADEMY HEAVEN IS FOR REAL KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR FINDING LOVE

Exhibition Schedule from JUNE 6th — JUNE 12, 2014 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Make A Move : 2:50pm,6:50pm Vampire Academy : 3:05pm,5:05pm Devil in the detail : 8:50pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 12:30pm,3:10pm,6:00pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Make A Move : 10:50am,5:05pm Vampire Academy : 10:45am,3:00pm Amazing Spider Man 2 : 2:40pm,6:20pm,9:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Make A Move : 12:20pm,4:10pm6:10pm Vampire Academy : 1:40pm,7:20pm,9:30pm Amazing Spider Man 2 : 11:40am,2:40pm,5:20pm,8:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Make A Move : 2:50pm,6:40pm Vampire Academy : 12:20pm,1:10pm, Devil in the detail : 12:50pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 12:30pm,3:10pm,5:50pm,8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Make A Move : 12:20pm,2:25pm,4:30pm,6:30pm,8:30pm Vampire Academy : 1:15pm Devil in the detail : 2:30pm,6:30pm,8:30pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 1:10pm,6:00pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Vampire Academy : 11:10am,5:05pm,9:05pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 3:10pm,6:00pm,8:40pm The Nut Job : 3:00pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Devil in the detail :11:00am The Amazing Spider Man2 : 4:15pm,9:10pm, FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Make A Move : 1:00pm,5:40pm The Amazing Spider Man : 10:20am,3:00pm,7:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 8:35pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Make A Move : 3:35pm,5:30pm,7:30pm Devil in the detail : 12:00pm,1:45pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 : 2:40pm,5:20pm,8:00pm Heaven is for Real : 12:40pm KADA CINEMAS, BENNI Devil in the detail : 3:00pm,8:30pm The Amazing Spider Man 2 :1:30pm,4:30pm,7:45pm Finding Love : 11:45am The Frozen Ground : 12:30pm,2:30pm Knocking on Heaven’s Door : 6:15pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014—59

Davido

disrupts Babcock convocation

My tenant is threatening

By IYABO AINA

H

KN boss and Aye crooner, David Adeleke, known as Davido last Sunday disrupted the convocation ceremony of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, where he was one of the 1, 544 graduating students.

The singer made a dramatic entrance at the time the special guest of honour, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was delivering her topical speech. The moment the singer walked into the complex, the shouts of his name from students and fans rented the air, making the minister to have to suspend her speech, which until Davido's arrival held the audience spell-bound..

When normalcy could not be restored after several minutes, Davido's father, Chief Deji Adeleke, rescued the situation by calling out to his superstar son. “David! David! Leave this place now, and follow me where ever I go”, the father intervened.

my life – Cossy cries out t

By IYABO AINA

T

HIS is not the best of times for Nollywood diva, Cossy Orjiakor.

Barely two weeks after she was attacked by suspected armed robbers along Orile/Mile 2 expressway on her way to Festac, the Nutty Queen is embroiled in a rent brouhaha with one of her tenants.

According to Cossy, the tenant who lives in her Ilasa residence has been owing rents for many months and each time she ventures to seek payment, the tenant, who she said is a member of Black Axe Confraternity, resorts to all sorts of threats.

“This dude threatens me. His rent is overdue, he doesn't want to move. I was slapped by his group member two days ago. But I can't be intimidated. I can't run from my home because he is in Black Axe Confraternity. Almost all the young boys here have been intimidated to join this group” she tweeted some days ago.

When WG contacted the actress, she confirmed the story and posited that the Baale of Ilasa and Divisional Police Officer of the area are both aware.

JULIET EBIRIM

A

t the premiere of Ivie Okujaye’s movie, MAKE A MOVE (MAM) at the Galleria. Ivie had lots of support from her colleagues from the AGN president to all her colleagues in the industry, the cast and crew. They indeed supported this young producer and can’t wait for her to take another giant stride. Ivie has

•Cossy

•Davido

Nollywood stars storm Ivie Okujaye's Make a Move's premiere truly made a move.

Make a move features legendary 2face Idibia, Omawunmi Magbele, Denrele Edun, Majid Michel, Beverly Naya, Tina Mba, Wale Adebayo and Ivie herself. According to Ivie,

“MAM has an appealing factor to just about every class, the market women who like to watch drama and action, sophisticated crowd who would like to see something more classic and then those who are driven by

sensitive issues too”.

Make a Move is the story of two sisters, emancipated and healing and moving on, finding love and building a new life for themselves through dance. It’s not a dance movie,it’s about two

sisters that found dance.

Ivie said the topic of women, children and abuse inspired the movie. MAM focuses on how to escape from abuse through arts and digging deep into one’s talents.

60

— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

G

Students of Girls Junior High School,Agege, the winning school for 2014 Power Kids Programme receiving aplaque at the award ceremony (middle), Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.

Governor tasks kids on conservation of energy, water *As 13-year-old Bamidele emerges Power Kid 2014 winner

,

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has urged the people especially, children on the need to develop the attitude of conserving energy, water which invariably prevent unnecessary wastage as well as saves money.

However, it was a day of joy as Miss Titilope Bamidele, a 13 year-old student of Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior High School, penultimate Tuesday, emerged the winner of Power Kid 2014, at the Lagos State Power Kids Awards Ceremony in Ikeja.

Fashola, in his address reiterated the fact that young ones have the power to be whatever they want to be by just dreaming it and working towards it.

The governor who spoke at the Haven Events Centre in GRA, Ikeja said the role of the government would be to continue to hold the kids by the hands and guide their steps in the journey to the future.

According to Fashola; “We have seen that from very modest beginnings, we can produce great scientists. I have seen the efforts to build a power crane, to build the motorized taxi, to build a blender from essentially scraps and it tells me that when we start producing the right kind of steel, the right kind of plastics and the petrochemical plants are up and running, then there is nothing beyond you because you have the power to imagine and to dream”.

Fashola affirmed that the initiative was already producing very obvious results of awareness about power adding that a similar initiative that was started about two years ago was also bearing fruits as products of the Samsung Academy in the State were graduating and were getting straight into work.

The governor reiterated that the state was transforming challenges in the Power sector into opportunities and opportunities into prosperity adding, that the Power Kids have a responsibility to protect the club so that it could be passed on to the next generation.

The governor regretted not being qualified to belong to the Power Club because of age, stressed that though, there was nothing mystical about energy and electricity pointing out that it was all about education mixed with fun. ”You have a responsibility to share what you know about this Club as you have done

Nobody should unilaterally open a tap and leave it running because not only are you starting a cycle of waste; you are also depriving others of the possible benefit of the same thing that you have used

,

with kids in our riverine and semi- urban areas like Tomaro and we must do more of that and we must bring inclusion and the only way by which many more people can be included is by doing well in the school because this is a reward based club, so we are not going to give it free to anybody”, he stressed.

Fashola, emphasized that the requirement for membership of the Power Kids Club would remain very outstanding school results and that all of those who are members are already showing that they can deliver outstanding school results which he was very proud of.

“Let me say that whether it is water or electricity or indeed

the use of a telephone or petrol or diesel, the essential element that From left: Mrs. Yewande Olagbende (Programme Coordinator), Lagos they share together is Power Kids Programme; Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi (GM), Lagos State that they are limited Electricity Board (LSEB); 2014 Power Kid, Miss. Bamidele Titilope of resources that we must Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye and Gov. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the Power Kids 2014, award ceremony. share”.

“Nobody should unilaterally open a tap and are there and therefore it is conserving energy and saving leave it running because not unfair for you to stay or drive money.

He said if the people could only are you starting a cycle on the lane marking itself of waste; you are also because it means that you are conserve with telephones, it could depriving others of the using two lanes when you be done with anything, adding possible benefit of the same should use only one”, the that he is very much aware that in the process of conservation of thing that you have used”.

Governor explained.

Fashola expressed the hope credit units on the telephone, “I wonder if anyone of you have thought about why our that guests at the event would Nigerians have developed a roads have lanes on them. It take away the lesson that all language called “flash” that does is because the road is also an of the things that are not not exist in any other parts of the asset that we must share, so enough can still go round for world where cell phones are used.

“But what is essential about apart from guiding motorists, many more people if they are the lanes also demarcates your conserved and that the “flashing” is that people are share of the road when you campaign continues about Continues on page 61

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Continues from page 60 conserving their credit unit and I hope we will take that sense of conservation into power, into water and into many othermaterials, recycling, reusing and conserving” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engineer Taofiq Tijani, said the present Power Kids Club is made up of 1000 members and that with the performance of the kids, it was evident that power generation is no more magic.

He said the essence of the programme is to demonstrate that when the young ones know what it takes to generate power, they will find it easy to know about how to conserve energy as well.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the State Electricity Board, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, said the Power Kids Club is made up of the 20 smartest students from each of the participating schools, adding that the kids have been enterprising with the individual inventions that they have come up with.

She commended Fashola for driving to reality the dream that gave birth to the formation of the club.

The award for the best invention was won by Mr Shedrack Abodunrin of Imoye Junior High School, Amuwo Odofin who invented a Solar watering device and also got a cash prize of N250,000.00 to drive the invention.

The Power School Award was won by Girls Junior High School, Agege at the ceremony which had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Hon (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, members of the State Executive Council including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Ranti Adebule, Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye and several important guests.

Music star, Jude Abaga (MI) and Ice Prince also entertained the children with different performances at the event.

C M Y K

— 61

I create crazy realities exhibitions you may have participated in?

Yes! I was luckily showing my series “The Afronauts” in the 2013 edition.

It was a series about a real Zambian space program that happened in the 60’swhich very people knew about.

When I came here the work had already been exhibited many times because it was a very successful series that year but it was the first time the series was shown in Africa and I was very curious to see the reaction. It was a fantastic experience!

…and document them as a photojournalist — Cristina De Middel

By ANINO AGANBI & OGE OSUAGWU

C

ristina De Middel is a Spanish photographer who likes exploring the limits of Photography as a document. After studying Fine Arts and discovering photography she decided she wanted to take some distance from the Art´s world as she felt it was not often connected to reality and many times was inaccessible to common people. She decided then to become a documentary photographer because it had the link to real life and the creativity that photography offers. After a couple of years figuring out how to access the business she became a photographer in a Spanish newspaper, and that lasted for 9 years.

In this interview with vanguard, she tells us more.

Why did you choose photography as a medium to express your creativity and what would you call your style in photography?

I like photography because people tend to believe it is true. It is so versatile that it allows me to play in many ways.

A passport photograph is never going to be questioned and I like the faith there is in photography. It is very easy to subvert it and bring to the surface a subtle critique to this image based society we live in.

Regarding my style in photography ,I would say I take the modus operandi from my years as a photojournalist and the aesthetics from magical realism, and I wouldn’t just say I am an artist, I consider myself a visual story teller.

What inspires you and what challenges have you had in the field?

The unknown, the under-reported, the forgotten details, the excess, people’s dreams and fears and movies and literature basically inspires me. As far as challenges, I hope so. I forgot to

*Cristina De Middel

say challenges are inspiring too.

When I worked for the media I realized that I was always trying to test myself and see how far I could go, how close I could get, etc. It is part of a photo journalist credo.

Now I keep on challenging myself, but now it is to see how crazy things can get around me. There is definitely a performative part in the way I work now. I create crazy realities and document them as a photojournalist.

Current work?

I have just finished the Marquette for the next book based on a polar expedition that went all wrong. The book will probably be out before the end of the year. And then, there is the work I have been doing in Lagos, that I am really impatient to bring to light. A preview of the final edit will be part of Lagos Photo festival this year and that makes me really happy, because it belongs here.

It is based on the Amos Tutuola book “My life in the bush of ghosts” and I have been working in Makoko using this neighborhood as the magical bush in the book.

Have you ever heard of or participated in the Lagos Photo Festival and what was it like compared to other

The theme for Lagos Photo 2014 is ‘Staging Reality, Documenting Fiction’. What does this theme say to you and what are your expectations this year as a past exhibitor?

Well, the theme is like the sentence that resumes my practice. It is the game I play and my passion in photography, to raise the debate on how we consume photography and to push people to experiment with all its potential getting rid of the “good old fashioned way”.

As far as my expectations go for this year’s Lagos Photo Exhibition, I will be showing for the first time this new series that I shot in Makoko and there is a part of responsibility, as I am showing how I see this part of the city to people who actually live in this city.

I hope the audience enjoys the pictures as much as I enjoyed shooting!

Advice to young girls who want to pursue their dreams either in photography or in other fields?

Determination. You need to be the first one to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself you will not convince others and if you add hours and hours of hard work it is just a question of time.

If I had paid attention to all the people who tried to discourage me when I started breaking the standards I wouldn’t be where I am now. Dreams are not like speed races, they are more like marathons that last forever: you finish one just to start the next one because once you get where you want the next challenge is to stay where you want.

WIMBIZ embarks on #Bringbackourgirls campaign

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

he Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigeria based non-profit organisation has embarked on bring back our girls campaign, through its Town Hall Meeting platform.

The WIMBIZ town hall meeting was organized with the aim of proffering practical solutions that individuals, NGOs, CSOs, communities and corporate organizations can apply in the immediate, short and long term to address the challenges facing the girl child particularly in the troubled areas of northern Nigeria.

A summary of the issues discussed at the meeting shows that: the situation in Borno State has lingered because Nigerians until recently did not appreciate the devastation, chaos and trauma caused by the insurgence in the north; the sufferings had no human face,

It has been ongoing; Systematic abduction of girls and boys and destruction of lives and property in the villages has become the norm, Most of the losses in the region are unreported People are not secure, even in their own homes.

According to WIMBIZ, The Chibok girls need: Psychological assistance and Medical Aid Rehabilitation Support groups, Nigerians should: Hold the leaders accountable and not stop after the Chibok unrest is resolved but continue until Nigeria becomes the nation we desire.

Meanwhile, the group said that investment should be made in the “bottom of the pyramid” areas.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, said that the state is ready to give support whenever it is called upon, urging that everyone remain security conscious.

“Do not pass information in the presence of your driver, mind what you say or the information you pass across in the presence of your domestic workers. We must all be alert to security issues,” she said.

C M Y K

62— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Eagles static in FIFA rankings N

igeria remained unmoved at number 44 in the latest Fifa rankings for the month of June released on Thursday.

The Super Eagles failed to improve on their rankings with seven days to the World Cup despite recording two draws in their friendly matches, a 2-2 draw with Scotland and a goalless draw with Greece.

Nigeria are ranked 28th amongst the 32 countries that will feature at the World Cup and are the least ranked side in Group F where they have Argentina (5), Bosnia (21) and Iran (43).

In the overall world ranking, Europe still holds onto the top two spots with Spain and Germany while World Cup hosts Brazil climbed up one spot to the third position.

Behind the top three are Portugal, (4th, down 1), Argentina (5th, up 2), Switzerland (6th, up 2) and Uruguay (6th, down 1) who share seventh position.

Algeria have become the top-ranked African side on the 22nd position, after they overtook Cote D’Ivoire who dropped two places to 24th position in second.

They are followed by Egypt who dropped 12

places to 36th, Ghana 37th (up 1), Cape Verde 39th (up 3), Tunisia 48th (up 1), Guinea 52nd (down 1), Cameroon 56th (down 6), and Mali 57th to round up the African top ten.

T

AFRICA TOP 10 Algeria Cote d’Ivoire Egypt Ghana Cape Verde Nigeria Tunisia Guinea Sierra Leone Cameroon

PREDATOR: Emmanuel Emenike is pursued by a Greece defender in their barren draw friendly.

LL is set for this year’s edition of the Teslim Akanni ‘Thunder’ Balogun U-15 soccer competition. The final has been fixed for June 21 at the Campos Square Mini- stadium, Lagos.

Speaking ahead of the final, a member of the Teslim Balogun Foundation, Engineer Rasheed Olamide Balogun said his dream was to see one or more discoveries from the competition in the national U-17 football team in the nearest future.

In the final Rozie Football Asademy will

he Brazilian city that will host the World Cup’s opening match in a week was thrown into transit chaos Thursday as subway and overland commuter train operators went on strike, putting at risk the only means that most soccer fans will have to reach the stadium.

The strike stranded many of the 3.5 million people who use Sao Paulo’s public transport systems on an average weekday.

Enraged passengers kicked in large doors at

Oscar leaves Brazil camp for wife

B

razil midfielder Oscar has left their training camp to be with his wife for the birth of his first child.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Oscar was allowed to leave the camp outside Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday for an interior city in Sao Paulo state.

The couple was expecting a girl, which will be named Julia.

Scolari said Oscar will rejoin the rest of the group later Thursday in Sao Paulo, where Brazil will play Serbia on Friday.

He said the Chelsea playmaker is expected to play against Serbia in

what will be the team’s final warmup before the World Cup opener against Croatia in a week, also in Sao Paulo.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

some stations when they arrived to find them closed for their morning commute.

The station nearest the Itaquerao stadium that will host the Cup’s opening match on June 12 was damaged by irate commuters who kicked down the metal barriers at two entryways.

Angry passengers jumped onto the tracks to protest at some stations, though they dispersed when police arrived.

Others rushed to bus stops to squeeze into the packed vehicles and make their way to work.

Thursdays strike follows others by bus, subway and overland train operators that have frustrated passengers.

“The strikes ... are getting on my nerves,” said Silvia Rodrigues da Silva, who manages a small coffee shop in central Sao Paulo. “The subway station nearest my house was closed so I had wait for more than an hour to get into an overcrowded bus to come to work.”

Echiejile races against time for USA ”I think he would be US on Saturday after clash back running against injury forced him out of

T

•Oscar

op Nigerian official has disclosed AS Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile will be fit for the final World Cup warm-up against

Thunder Balogun U-15 soccer tourney final for June 21

A

World Cup: Metro, trains on strike in Sao Paulo

take on Media Sports Football Academy. The third place match between Godswill

Football Academy and Flying Cat Football Academy will precede the final.

the clash against Greece.

Elderson limped out in the 39th minute with a suspected hamstring complaint in Wednesday ’s goalless draw with Greece. ”It’s a minor tear of the muscle and it’s not that serious,” team spokesman Ben Alaiya said.

the United States. Team doctors are already working on him. ”The doctors had to stop him from returning to the pitch as a precautionary measure as the World Cup is just days away. So, he was pulled out so that he does not aggravate whatever is the problem.”

•Echiejile

Gov. Yero commends Access Bank on Charity Shield Polo

T

HE long term commitment by Nigeria’s most innovative financial power house, Access Bank Plc. in the prestigious Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo, has received official thumps-up from the Kaduna State Government. Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Ramallan Yero who made

this declaration at the Kangimi Resort, Kaduna venue of the ongoing Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield international polo tournament, commended the unequaled involvement of the Access Bank in promoting charity, polo and sports generally in the country.

Airtel Nigeria Airtel Rising Stars launch held at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja Lagos.

From Left; Ann chiejine,former Super Falcons' goalkeeper;Mr Segun Ogunsanya,MD Airtel Nigeria; ASP Chioma Ajunwa and Mutiu Adepoju,former Super Eagles player at the event. Photo;Joe Akintola;Photo Editor.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 — 63

Eagles settle in Jacksonville T

HE Super Eagles arrived Jacksonville, Florida from its Philadelphia base on Wednesday evening as preparations continue for the World Cup, with a scheduled friendly against the United States on Saturday in

•Yobo

Klinsmann Continues from B/P have to play the game of our lives seven times to win the tournament.”

After taking charge of Team USA in July 2011, Klinsmann skillfully guided the Americans through World Cup qualifying and established his squad as the leading power in the CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean).

But regional preeminence means little at the World Cup. FIFA drew the United States into

the “Group of Death” (along with Ghana, Portugal and Germany) last December, and it would be a triumph for the Americans to progress to the knockout rounds.

The U.S. then would have to win four more games against increasingly difficult opponents in order to win the World Cup, and Klinsmann won’t lie to himself about the chances of that happening.

When Klinsmann says “we are not at that level yet,” he means the players he has at his disposal.

Jacksonville.

The team is quartered at the exquisite Hyatt Hotel overlooking the city’s river and about 20 minutes drive from where the team had its first training session on Thursday morning; the Jacksonville United FC training pitch.

The session, which was hectic as usual saw Ahmed Musa and Elderson Echejile train on

their own as they gradually recover from knocks they received in the friendly against Greece last Tuesday.

Echejile is due for scan on his thigh muscle later Thursday. Team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran said it was important to do the scan to know the injury level but he does not foresee a serious injury.

Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, who has rediscovered his old self

Keshi Continues from B/P Klinsmann has made to the United States team since he took over.

The Nigerian coach made the assertion when asked about what to expect in the game against USA. He also declared that he expects a better game from his wards, following the highly criticised performance against Greece.

“With Jurgen Klinsmann in charge we expect a little bit of German mentality but we have a Nigerian antidote and we hope to see a better game.”

The Super Eagles left for Jacksonville, Florida on Wednesday afternoon, with the Keshi promising that his wards will give their all in the game against the Yankees

in the team has also been speaking ahead of the World Cup tourney in Brazil. Yobo said he was delighted to have been picked by the technical

crew. “We have to give our all in the tourney because in future people will ask when you were playing what did you achieve? We have won the Nations Cup, now is the time to aim for the big one”.

Bosnia Continues from B/P that was part of former Yugoslavia have warned Super Eagles and other opponents that ‘’Impossible is nothing’’ in the World Cup.To them, Impossible means ‘’I’m-possible’’.

Coach Safet Susic and his star players are confident that they would join Argentina to pick the two tickets in the World Cup. ‘’The players are in good shape and ready.

They are relaxed and play for each other. With such good attitude, impossible is nothing for us in the World Cup’’, the coach warned.

And with star players Edin Dzeko( Machester City), Ibiševi?, Vedad(VfB Stuttgart), attacking midfielder Muratovi?, Samir(FC Gratkorn), this tiny country that boasts the fourth highest scoring team in the European Conference are ready for upsets in their maiden World Cup. ‘’It is good to be considered an outsider in a major competition.

But we know our capabilities’’, Vedad said.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat in their friendly, Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure warned Eagles to beware of the Bosnians.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014

Inside today's Sports Vanguard

Impossible is nothing, Bosnia warns Eagles

BY TONY UBANI

B

O S N I A Herzegovina heads to Brazil as one of the underdogs of the World Cup in a group with favourites Argentina, Nigeria and Iran. But the fledgling

nation has fired warning signals with victories over Elephants of Cote d’Ívoire and Mexico winning 2-1 and 1-0 respectively. With five days to the kick off of the World Cup, the country

Continues on Page 63

We cannot win this World Cup — Klinsmann

J

•DANGERMAN: Dzeko, ready to shoot down Eagles.

•Eagles static in FIFA rankings — P. 62 • Oscar leaves Brazil camp for wife — P. 62

URGEN Klinsmann has high hopes for U.S. soccer, but he’s also a realist.

Klinsmann, the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, said the Americans can’t win the 2014 FIFA World Cup..

“We cannot win this World Cup, because we are not at that level yet,” Klinsmann. For us, we Continues on Page 63

We can handle USA — Keshi

S

•Klinsmann

TEPHEN Keshi has boasted that the Super Eagles have the answer to any improvement German coach, Jurgen Continues on Page 63

•Keshi

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Confusion (5) 5 Collect (6) 8 Of noses (5) 10 Pure (6) 11 Watched (4) 14 Race (6) 15 Believed (7) 18 Enclosure (3) 19 Material (3) 21 Peruse (4) 23 Liability (5) 24 Staunch (4) 27 Owing (3) 29 Tease (3) 31 Treachery (7) 32 Combined (6) 34 Location (4) 35 Escaped (6) 38 Viper (5) 39 Stretch (6) 40 Singer (5)

DOWN 2 Tree (3) 3 Maintain (6) 4 Feline (3) 5 Valley (4) 6 See-saw (6) 7 Wrecked (6) 9 Cut (7) 12 Yelp (3) 13 Eat (4) 16 Gap (4) 17 Outcoming (5) 20 Penetrated (7) 22 Too (4) 24 Lithe (6) 25 Cupid (4) 26 Spite (6) 28 Ripe (6) 30 Obtain (3) 33 Deceased (4) 36 Permit (3) 37 Self (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Docket 5, Scan 8, Tooth 9, Dim 10, Rain 11, Rind 12, Ethic 13, Chocked 16, Down 18, Emit 20, Led 22, Dot 23, Dam 24, Wide 25, Deem 28, Daring 30, Court 32, Root 33, Iron 34, Inn 35, Penny 36, Deed 37, Frenzy.

DOWN: 1, Deduce 2, Composed 3, Earned 4, Contented 5, Striped 6, Chic 7, Nude 8, Tie 14, Doddering 15, Vim 17, Woe 19, Magician 20, Lid 21, Devoted 26, Manner 27, Agency 29, Trod 30, Cope 31, Try.

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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