PDP LATEST: Why we fight Tukur, by Kwankwaso, Aliyu

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61963

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Pregnant woman, 6 others OZEKHOME: NBA to drown in Calabar flood •P.6 suspend defence of kidnap cases

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PDP LATEST:

Why we fight Tukur,

by Kwankwaso, Aliyu zShut up, Anenih tells warring PDP factions zAtiku & co are mischief makers, says Jibril Aminu z Clark, Jemibewon, others tackle Anenih zKano NASS lawmakers back nPDP

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Danjuma in secret meeting with Suntai

NWABUGHIOGU

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Continues on page 5

Mr & Mrs

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COLUMNISTS:

DONU KOGBARA •P.17

•P.47

CHARLES KUMOLU, ABDULSALAM MOHAMMED & LEVINUS ANO — TWO of the ‘rebel’ governors in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano and Babangida Aliyu, yesterday, opened up on the crisis in the party, saying their agitation is ultimately aimed at purifying the party and saving it from self-destruction.

Speaking to stakeholders in Kano, Kwankwaso accused the Bamanga Tukur-led

20 killed in fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno

ADISA ADELEYE

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH, HENRY UMORU, DAPO AKINREFON,

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left) and First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (left) on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi at the beginning of a state visit to Kenya, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

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POCKET CARTOON

have been coming from the governor of the state are being diverted through the back door.

VISIT: From left: Secretary General, Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, AANI, Comrade Issa Aremu; President, AANI, Maj-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd) and Vice President Namadi Sambo during a courtesy call by AANI to the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

Why we fight Tukur, by Kwankwaso, Aliyu Continues from page 1 leadership of the party of insensitivity to complaints of party members even as he disclosed that the G-7 had concluded plans to reform the party.

Governor Aliyu, who spoke in the same vein in a lecture he delivered at the Lagos Country Club, yesterday, described the internal crisis in the party as a discussion that will ultimately lead to purification of the party.

Kwankwaso disclosed that party members had, under the Tukur leadership, been subjected to various forms of intimidation in a bid to satisfy the wishes of “microscopic individuals” at the expense of the interest of the overall majority.

He said: “Going by the antecedents of the Bamanga-led group, we consider it appropriate to move against him and you would agree with me this is the right time to

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Let us not be WEARY in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, IF WE FAINT NOT. Keep doing well, there is a time and season for everything.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HE world’s wisdom traditions all point in ward, stating that there is a level of the mind that serves as the source of happiness. When a person locates this core self, there is peace and silence. One feels safe and cared for. Love and bliss are available as normal aspects of life, not as intermittent experiences that arrive randomly — Deepak Chopra Happiness is life’s most cherished goal. On every continent, in every country and in every culture, when people are asked, “What do you want?” the most popular answer is “happiness.” When parents are asked, “What do you most want for your children?” the answer is “happiness.” Happiness is the goal that makes other life goals—like success, prosperity and relationships —feel meaningful and enjoyable.

With all the current research uncovering what makes people happy, you’d think we’d be happier.

So, why aren’t we? Deepak Chopra reveals why choice is the biggest predictor of overall well-being and what you can do to find lasting happiness.

The need for a new kind of happiness grows every day. The world’s supply of material goods grows slimmer; yet billions more people the world over want them. As traditional society crumbles, the rise of materialism fills in the vacuum, making it more likely rampant consumerism will keep spreading.

But consumerism, although it provides little fixes of pleasure, is one of the worse ways to achieve lasting happiness.

bring changes and reform the party so that it can serve the interest of the masses.”

The Kano State governor argued that the nPDP governors had concluded plans to make PDP a better party, pointing out that the birth of the new PDP is a good omen to millions of party members, particularly, those at the grassroots.

He accused the Tukurled PDP of disregarding the constitution and manifesto of the PDP and, according to him, “having realised the weaknesses of the party, we decided to rescue it and make it a better party.”

Kwankwaso listed the grievances of the nPDP to include crises in Rivers and Adamawa chapters of the party, the stalemate in the election of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, among others.

He said: “We did all we could to make them know the truth, but it didn’t work. We have been drawing the attention of PDP national headquarters to Kano, especially, in the area of appointments, but to no avail.

Party politics is about interest and upholding the virtues of internal democracy.

Speaking further on the crisis, Kwankwaso said: “We are calling on our party at the national headquarters to do the right thing, we cannot fold our arms to witness the drifting of leadership in our great party.”

He said it was because of the undemocratic antics of the Tukur-led PDP

that made the seven governors to converge on the Musa Yar ’Adua Centre and elect “the authentic party executives led by Kawu Baraje.

“We want to ensure that there is justice and equity in the party. This is the right time to bring necessary changes and reforms to ensure the success of the party. You have to come out and defend justice and fairplay. Kano has been in the fore-front of political revolution in the country.

Go back to your constituencies and sensitize the people on what is happening."

Also speaking at the event, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Gambo Sallau, commended Kwankwaso for carrying stakeholders and party elders along in all that has been happening in PDP at the national level and promised that the PDP caucus in Kano State House of Assembly will remain loyal to the cause of the new PDP.

Kano NASS lawmakers behind nPDP

Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa who spoke on behalf of PDP members in the National Assembly said all PDP House members from Kano State and two PDP Senators are solidly behind the vision and mission of the new PDP. Doguwa noted that Kano State had been denied political patronage at the PDP national leadership for a long time, pointing out that nominations for appointments which ordinarily should

Discussion for genuine democracy

Speaking in Lagos at the Business Lecture Series of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Governor Aliyu said Nigeria cannot have genuine democracy when the PDP that is supposed to preach democracy lacks internal democracy. He nevertheless affirmed that he would not leave the party except he is dismissed.

The lecture convened

by Lagos Country Club and entitled “The marriage of 1914: A curse or blessing” had Vanguard publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka, as special guest of honour.

Noting that what is happening is a discussion for genuine democracy, he said: ”PDP is not at rest at the moment. It is the most democratic party. What is happening now is discussion after which we will bounce back stronger. I will never leave the PDP unless I am dismissed.

“I have not jumped the gun. Our people should appreciate robust debates. We can’t have genuine democracy in our country when our party that is supposed to be the source of democracy lacks internal democracy. You can't have democracy when that channel is undemocratic.”

Shut up, Anenih tells warring factions

The lingering political crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took yet another turn yesterday, as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, urged warring factions in the party's crisis to stop making "pre-emptive

statements"which he said are not only disrespectful to the President, but also to the party's leadership.

“To make pre-emptive statements while the process of reconciliation is still on, is disrespectful not only to the President but also to the party leadership. Such statements undermine the party and the enormous efforts being made under the transformation agenda of the Mr. President. I, therefore, call on all members of our great party to exercise restraint throughout this trying period.”

However, elders in the party, under the aegis, Congress for Equality, however, fired back at Chief Anenih, saying it was wrong for him to say some of the governors that stormed out of party’s last special national convention had genuine complaints.

The party elders, including Chief Edwin Clark, ex-Senate President, Senator Ameh Ebute; former Minister of Police Affairs, General David Jemibewon, and former Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, General Ibrahim Haruna, therefore, urged Chief Anenih to join hands with Tukur and President Goodluck Jonathan.

Members of the new PDP in the House of Representatives have also described Bamanga Tukur as a drowning man over his threat to declare their seats at the National Assembly vacant.

This came as the national leadership of the PDP has asked a Federal High Court, Abuja to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw recognition of newly registered People Democratic Movement, PDM.

Continues on page 49

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Man jailed 7 years for raping 4-yr-old

DOWNPOUR: Pregnant woman, 6 others drown in Calabar flood

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—A 21-yearold security man, Abubakar Muhammed, was, yesterday, sentenced to seven years imprisonment, by an Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, for allegedly raping a four-yearold girl (names withheld) and stealing N45,000, from the victim’s mother.

Muhammed was sentenced to prison after he pleaded guilty to the crimes.

The incident was said to have occurred in Ikeja area of Lagos. The defendant was charged for defilement and stealing.

... another allgedly rapes 17-yr-old

S

BY ONOZURE DANIA

IMILARLY, a 26-yearold man, Ahmed Hassan, was arraigned before the court, for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl.

The incident was said to have happened on August 28, at 5pm, at Onikisi Close in Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

The defendant was alleged to have had canal knowledge of the victim with his manhood and sachet water nylon.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate adjourned the case till October 24 for hearing.

FLOODED: Calabar under water. INSET: The valley of deaths.

BY EMMA UNA CALABAR— NO less than seven people lost their lives in a rampaging flood as a result of heavy rainfall in Calabar, Cross River State, Wednesday night.

The rain, which lasted several hours, caused severe flooding, uprooted trees, submerged buildings and swept away cars in some parts of the city.

At Abedem, Edim Otop, in Calabar Municipality, flood water uprooted trees, which crashed on a house in a nearby valley, burying six members of

Rivers police parade alleged kidnappers, recovers 20 vehicles

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—RIVERS State Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu, said, yesterday, that his command arrested about 10 kidnappers and recovered 20 stolen vehicles in the last few weeks.

The Police boss paraded some of those arrested for various offences, which include kidnapping, cultism and related crimes.

Items recovered from the suspects include seven AK47 riffle,

three AK49 rifles, 10 locallymade pistols, one pump action, 170 7.2mm ammunition, 219mm ammunition, 59 cartridges, five magazines, two machetes, 17 mobile phones, three laptops, one 75HP outboard engine and N736,660 cash.

Cars recovered were six Honda saloon, four Volkswagen saloon, four Toyota Jeep Land Cruiser, one Hyundai Jeep, one Murano Jeep, and one Mazda Saloon.

a family in the rubble.

Mr. Amos Akaniyene, owner of the house, who was standing outside, escaped.

However, his pregnant wife, Ekaete, 30; his two children, David and Deborah; mother inlaw, Iquo Effiong and two other relatives, Samuel and Anthony, were crushed by the rubble of the collapsed building.

Akpan Ubong, a neighbour, whose house is adjacent to that of Amos, said flood water descending the hill at high speed towards the valley, where their houses are located, uprooted trees on its path, sending them crashing down.

He said the home of Amos, which is directly on the path of the rampaging flood water, was crushed along with its occupants.

It was an emotional scene as the mangled and lifeless bodies were removed from the rubble by men of the Cross River State Fire Service, who rushed to the scene to help rescue the victims.

Swept under

Close to the scene of the collapsed building, a girl, aged about five, was swept away by flood water on AtimboAkpabuyo Road into a gully and buried underneath concrete

slabs from a destroyed culvert.

Efforts to contact Mr. David Akate, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, were unsuccessful as his mobile line was switched

off.

A source said the six bodies were removed from the rubble of the collapsed building and deposited at the mortuary of the General Hospital, Calabar.

... kills one, sacks 101 houses in Kebbi

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UTHORITIES of Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State said, yesterday, that one person died while 101 households were sacked by flood in the area.

“We lost one life to the flood and 42 persons sustained injuries,” Chairman of the council, Alhaji Ahmed Tanko said in Kangiwa, Kebbi.

He said farmlands were also submerged by the flood.

Tanko said property worth N23 million were destroyed in nine villages, comprising Bachaka, Yeldu, Dukki, Chibiki, Falde, Kuka Bakwai, Kangiwa, Gumindai and Alwata.

He said that the council would spend N10 million on the resettlement of the victims, adding that the council had also distributed 450 bags of assorted grains to the affected persons and 50 bags to widows.

Farmer kills man for

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farmer in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State has shot dead a herdsman for allegedly raping his wife on his farm at Sawo Village, near Oyo. Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Olabisi Ilobanofor, confirmed the incident, yesterday. She said that the in-

cident occurred on August 24.

She said that the Divisional Police Headquarters in Iseyin, led by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, rushed to the scene to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area.

She said: “Information available to the Command is that the farmer and his wife were

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—7

INFIDELITY:

Housewife jailed 3 months

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teenage housewife, Blessing Bisala, is to spend three months behind bars for cheating on her husband.

An Abuja Magistrate Court, yesterday, found Bisala, 19, guilty of having “unlawful” sexual relationship with her 34-year-old lover (names withheld).

Bisala was convicted after she pleaded guilty to the charge of adultery, for which she was arraigned by the police, while the lover pleaded not guilty.

She said: “My Lord, I am guilty of cheating on my husband. I want the court to pardon me.”

Magistrate Fati Tafida ruled: “Based on the admittance of the accused to committing the crime, and the evidence before the court, she is, hereby, sentenced to three months in prison, with an option of N1,000 fine, as a first offender.”

Earlier, police prosecutor, Insp. Phillip Appolos, had said that the convict’s husband, reported the matter at the Life Camp Police Station on September 1.

He alleged that the convict’s husband caught her in the act in a guest house in Life Camp, Abuja and immediately alerted a police patrol team attached to Life Camp Division.

He said the team, led by Insp. Abdul Ogbe, arrested the two lovers and brought them to the police station.

Appolos said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 387 and 388 of the Penal Code.

Magistrate Tafida admitted the convict’s lover to bail in the sum of N100,000, with a reliable surety, and adjourned the case to September 23, to enable the court continue with the trial of the lover.

WAITING FOR DOCTOR: Children waiting to see paediatricians at the recent Free Medical Mission organised

by O.B. Lulu- Briggs Foundation in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

23-yr-old dumps baby in toilet

BY TINA AKANNAM

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UTSE—JIGAWA State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Hadiza Shehu, while dropping her new born baby boy in a pit toilet after giving birth to him in the night in Yankoli Quarters, Hadejia Local Government Area of the state.

State Commander of NSCDC, Dr. Muhammad Gidado, in a statement in Dutse, said in the course of investigation, she admitted the crime.

She named one Muhammad Akarami, 42, who is alleged to be a fake Mallam, of being responsible for the pregnancy and allegedly instructed her to dump the baby in a toilet whenever she gave birth.

According to her, the Mallam told her that it was a divine revelation and threatened that if she refused, she would either die or go mad.

The commander added that the lady claimed she went to the Mallam to seek for prayers for protection against her boyfriend, but ended up becoming the Mallam bedmate.

The Commandant said the Mallam had been arrested and

gation, the two suspects would be charged to court.

Man, 36, allegedly rapes 18-yr-old girl to death

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—POLICE in Bayelsa State have arrested a man, aged 36, for allegedly raping to death an 18-year-old girl in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

Though the police, it was learnt, were yet to get the autopsy report on the deceased, the suspect, according to sources from the community, was nabbed in the early hours of yesterday, while trying to disposed off the deceased's corpse.

A close friend to the alleged rapist, said that the accused, identified as an Isoko indigene from Delta State, was trying to help the girl before she died in his house.

The suspect, community sources said, resides in an uncompleted building owned by his boss, an indigene of Otuoke.

Preliminary investigation by the police, it was learnt, showed

allegedly raping wife working in separate portions of their farm, when his wife shouted for help.

“When he got there, he met the herdsman raping his wife and shot him at close range with a locally made gun.”

Ilobanofor said that the suspect and his wife had been detained at the state Criminal In-

detained for further questioning, adding that after investi-

vestigation Department, CID, Iyagangu, Ibadan.

She said that they would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

While urging residents of the area to remain calm, the PPRO assured that the police would conduct thorough investigation into the matter.

that the suspect was arrested with the naked and dead body of the girl.

A community source said the suspected rapist was apprehended by an officer of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. She said: “We saw the civil defence officer dragging the suspect and shouting that he has raped a girl to death.

“The suspect, while pleading his innocence, said he stumbled on the deceased while she was in pains.

“He told the crowd that the girl told him that she took poison due to frustrations she had been experiencing in her life.

“He said attempt to rescue the girl led to a good Samari-

tan giving them N5,000 for treatment.

“He claimed he took the girl to a health centre but no one was on duty. And that he then took her home to allow her rest and prepare for another visit to a bigger clinic in the morning. But that she died in the night.”

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the development, saying investigation was ongoing.

He said: “The suspect has been arrested and transferred to the state police headquarters for further investigation, while the corpse of the victim had been deposited at the Kolo General Hospital.”

Teenager dies in Lagos fire

BY EVELYN USMAN

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RAGEDY struck, yesterday, as a teenager was burnt to death in a fire that engulfed a building in Ishawo area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The teenager’s parents and two other persons were said to have also been burnt in the fire, which started in the wee hours of the day.

It was gathered that the victims were being attended to at the emergency unit of an undisclosed hospital.

The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained at press time, but it was gathered that it may have started from one of the rooms on 30, Femi Ogunyeye Street, while occupants of the six-room apartments were asleep.

An alarm raised by one of the occupants, who woke to ease himself, alerted others.

However, the female teenager and members of her families were reportedly choked by smoke, which hampered their attempt to escape.

Sympathisers were said to have dragged the teenager ’s parents and two others out.

Their effort to rescue the teenager, said to be crying for help, failed as the fire had reportedly engulfed the entire building.

Men of the fire service, who arrived the scene, reportedly prevented the inferno from spreading to other buildings.

Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fedipe, confirmed the incident to Vanguard.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

FG approves N15bn loan for farmers

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BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—THE Federal Government has approved the grant of N15 billion to the Bank of Agriculture, BOA, to farmers at single digit interest rate for the 2013 farming season.

The Vice President, Namadi Sambo disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, during the closing ceremony of the 19th edition of the National Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, in partnership with the National Planning Commission.

Similarly, Vice President Sambo said to make the BOA more efficient, the National Council on Privatisation has been granted approval for its unbundling, noting that government was mindful of the problems currently facing access to cheap financing by farmers.

His words: “Mr. President has approved the grant of N15 billion to the Agricultural Bank to be provided to our farmers for the 2013 farming season at one digit interest rate. Furthermore, the National Council on Privatisation has been granted approval by Mr. President to privatise the Bank of Agriculture in order to unbundle it and make available cheaper funds for agricultural development.”

The Vice President emphasised that this was in line with the administration’s drive to redefine agriculture as a business and make it more competitive, adding that Government was committed to diversifying the economy to create wealth and jobs.

He stated that the President Jonathan administration was addressing all other bottlenecks hampering the agric sector by unlocking all its potentials, through favourable policy instruments, women and youth empowerment initiatives, land security, revitalisation of the transport sector, improvement of power supply, access to markets and revival of commodity exchange systems.

“The face of agriculture has changed in this country, and it is refreshing.

Agriculture is no longer a development programme.

Agriculture is now a business”, Sambo said:

BY NDAHIMARAMA

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AIDUGURI—NO fewer than 20 people were feared dead, while several others sustained injuries, yesterday, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched separate attacks on Gajiram, the council headquarters of Nganzai and Bulabulin Ngawra Village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the attacks, two primary schools, a clinic and some residential houses were also set ablaze.

Nganzai is about 73 kilometres, while Bullabulin Ngawra is 45 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital. Both councils are linked and share borders with the terrorist’s camps of Marte and Sambiza Forests said to have been destroyed by JTF at the peak of the emergency rule and the military onslaught of Boko Haram terrorists in the state since June this year.

20 killed in fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno zCouncil secretariat, clinic, residential buildings razed z14 suspects arrested

Casualties Although, the actual number of casualties could not be officially ascertained at press time, our Correspondent gathered that some terror suspects numbering more than 40 fully armed with Ak47 rifles laid ambush on Gajiram town on Thursday morning where they killed 15 residents and set some public and residential buildings ablaze. Thereafter, they were repelled by the combined efforts of the vigilante youths and men of the Joint Task Force, JTF. It was also gathered that the State Attorney-General, Mr. Kaka Shehu Lawan later went to Gajiram to condole with the residents. He was said to have gone in company of the chairman of the local government council and some senior police officers.

Roadblock Similarly, on the MaiduguriDambao-Biu road which was reopened two weeks ago after its closure by the JTF, Boko Haram suspects were said to have mounted roadblocks few metres away from Bullabulin Ngawra village where they shot and killed five people An eye witness, Aisami Babagana from Bulabilin Ngawra told our Correspondent that, “the Boko Haram sect members attacked Bullabulin Ngawra in the early hours of today (Thursday) and killed five people. I believe that they attacked us because of how our volunteers have succeeded in curtailing their atrocities in our area”.

Some residents of Maiduguri who did not want their names mentioned in print for security reasons told our Correspondent that “We saw two Hilux patrol vehicles of the JTF conveying dead bodies and the injured heading towards University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, but we could not ascertain whether they were victims of the latest attack in Nganzai or Bullabulin Ngawra.”

Meanwhile, in their renewed efforts to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency in the state, members of the state’s Vigilante Youths also being addressed as ‘Civilian JTF or Yangora’ and men of Joint Task

MINISTERIAL BRIEFING: From left: Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan and Director, Human Resources Management, Mr. Oqua Etta, at the briefing on state of the economy and performance of the government in Abuja, yesterday.

Force, JTF; Wednesday arrested 14 terror suspects with arms and ammunition in Bulunkutu ward, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, premises and Sulimanti ward of Maiduguri metropolis.

The arrested terror suspects at the hospital, according to sources, yesterday, in Maiduguri, sneaked into the hospital through the perimeter fence, before the youths sighted them with rifles and ammunition at about 10.35am on Wednesday.

Boko Haram informants nabbed Those who were arrested in Bulunkutu area of the metropo-

lis, according to one of the vigilante youths, were “Boko Haram informants” from Northern Borno and Yobe state, who came to Maiduguri on Tuesday to collate more information on the activities of JTF and vigilance youths patrolling Bulunkutu and Gomari Airport wards of Maiduguri.

Speaking on how the terror suspects beat UMTH security on Tuesday, a source at the hospital said: “The suspects disguised as wounded and sick persons with rifles hidden under their flowing gowns, and perforated the barbed wires; before gaining entry into the hospital premises to seek medical attention. The vigilance youths, were able to sight the suspects; and arrested them on

the spot, before handing them to us here.”

He said the youths also recovered from the suspects rifles and ammunition, including charms worn round their waists and arms. The suspects were also said to have wounds suspected to be from gunshots they sustained either at Bama or Monguno last week during encounters with JTF. Speaking on the incidents, the JTF spokesman, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, told journalists in Maiduguri that he was not aware of the incidents, but promised to send press release on the development after compiling his report.

Eminent persons task Jonathan on ‘people’s constitution’ They said that, “a national conBY CLIFFORDNDUJIHE

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YO—THE greatest service President Goodluck Jonathan will render to the peoples of Nigeria is to be the first president to give them a constitution deriving its source of authority, as supreme law, directly from them, otherwise known as a “people’s constitution.”

With these words leaders of thought, ethnic nationalities and political parties drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country have restated the need for the convening of a national conference to tackle the socio-economic, political, security, unity and developmental challenges facing the nation.

These were some of the resolutions arrived at a two-day national political summit held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, which ended on Wednesday night.

According to a communiqué

issued at the end of the summit, which almost ended in a fiasco when some delegates hotly faulted some of the resolutions before calm was restored, a restructured polity and a people’s constitution will boost President Jonathan’s transformation agenda and security as well as cement the country’s unity.

The leaders affirmed their faith in and commitment to, the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state and appealed to governments at all levels and all Nigerians to ensure Nigeria’s continued existence in peace and stability and its progress and advancement.

While commending Jonathan for initiating the transformation agenda, they implored him to expand its scope to embrace the entire polity and society with a view to creating a new Nigeria and a new society based on justice, equity and morality.

ference of all ethnic nationalities and peoples in the country is the best means to trigger such national transformation and to address the threats to the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria.”

Consequently, they called on President Jonathan to “use the power reposed on his office as president and leader of the country to convoke the conference as a matter of great necessity and immediacy for the preservation of the continued existence of the country.”

They argued that recurrent and present challenges of political instability and national security demand that the president, as the symbol of sovereignty initiates a broad-based national dialogue, involving all political, ethnic and social formations, as a matter of urgency; to obtain the inputs of Nigerians of all classes and persuasions as a prelude to the national conference.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—9

Nigeria ranked among world's poorest competitive countries

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VISIT: From left: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State; Chairman, Nigeria Defence Academy Course 3 Alumni Association and Senate President, David Mark and members of the Niger State Executive Council, during a visit at Government House, Minna, yesterday.

IGERIA dropped five places from last year ’s 115th position to 120th.

Despite the efforts to diversify the economy and attract investors by the Jonathan administration, Nigeria is still ranked among the stragglers in the Global Competitive Index, GCI, 2013-2014 released Wednesday by the World Economic Forum.

Nigeria dropped five places from last year’s 115th position to 120th among the 148 countries profiled.

The GCI, which was introduced in 2004, measures how the set of institutions, policies, and other factors determine the level of productivity of a country. The GCI scores is calculated by drawing together the 12 pillars of competitiveness namely:

PDP crisis: Sack Tukur, Junaid tells Jonathan zChallenges Akpabio to call PDP govs' meeting

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—SECOND Re public lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to swallow his pride and sack the controversial National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, or be ready for its collapse.

Mohammed, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard in Abuja, noted that the President was undermining the interest of the party by defiantly keeping Tukur against the popular wish of the majority of the members, among them, governors, who have broken out and formed a parallel party.

Mohammed, who is the leader of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, noted that it was wrong for the President to continue to pretend that all was well with the party when indeed it was sinking.

The former lawmaker, however, described the crisis rocking the PDP as a blessing in disguise to the North, as it would pave the way for the emergence of a northern President in 2015.

He said: “As far as we are concerned, the ongoing crisis in the PDP is a blessing in a way to the North because the Jonathan administration has not done much to uplift the interest of the north, which is already down with unresolved security challenges and economic stagnation.

“For those of us in the north that are already down, we need

not fear any fall. That is why we see the implosion in the PDP as a good omen that will lead to the ouster of PDP and Jonathan and usher in a new President of our choice.

“The President and his faction of the PDP have been holding the nation to ransom since 1998 and we heartily welcome any change that would give the nation and its people a new lease of life.”

But to salvage the party from its precarious state, Mohammed advised that Tukur must give way and allow a nationalist to take charge.

Mohammed challenged the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State to summon a meeting of the governors elected on the platform of the party with a view to resolving its crisis if indeed

he had the magic want to unite the party.

He noted that Akpabio’s failure to rise to the occasion of the split in the rank of the governors was a clear indication that he did not have what it takes to be made the chairman of the forum.

“This is the critical moment for those who claim to be leaders of the sinking ship called PDP to come out of their hiding and resolve the lingering self-imposed crisis on their hands. If they fail to show up now and be counted, they should hide their faces in shame forever,” the analyst cautioned.

The PDP broke into two factions last Saturday following a dubious convention, where the names of contestants and

list of party delegates were shielded from the members until the preferred candidates and delegates were heralded into the venue of the vote.

Many party members suspected to be independentminded were not allowed access to the venue while the whole process leading to the emergence of the ‘new officers’ were shrouded in secrecy.

Angered by the development, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and seven governors, walked out and formed the new PDP, which has also approached a Lagos Court to stop the product of the convention and the national chairman from parading themselves as members of the National Executive Committee of the PDP.

institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication and innovation.

According to the ranking, Nigeria is placed in the poorest pool of economic development possible. Nigeria ranked as a “factor driven” economy with the likes of Liberia, Lao, Mali and Yemen."

There are four stages of development with innovation-driven economies being the best pool of nations.

It worries the compilers of the index that Nigeria’s economy is struggling to keep up despite overt advantages over other African countries. For instance, the report noted that Nigeria, due to its population, enjoys a large market size (32nd position) “which has the potential for significant economies of scale and is an important factor for attracting investors.”

It identifies weak institutions (ranked at 129th out of 148); engrained corruption, undue influence, weakly protected property rights, insecurity (ranked at 142nd), poor infrastructure (ranked at 135th) and poor primary education (ranked at 146th) as the reasons for the country’s abysmal rating.

It also points to the over reliance on oil and the poor penetration of ICT as the other reasons for the country’s poor showing.

Meanwhile Mauritius has overtaken South Africa as the most competitive country in SubSaharan Africa. Ranked at 45th position the country moved up nine places this year. The country’s enviable showing is bolstered by “transparent public institutions (ranked at 39th) with clear property rights and strong judicial independence and an efficient government (29th),” the report noted.

Gas flaring reduced by 20% —FG

BY MICHAEL EBOH

A

BUJA—THE Federal Gov ernment, yesterday, said that gas flaring in the country has been reduced to 20 per cent over the last two years.

Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources, who disclosed this at the plenary session of the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, stated that a further reduction is expected in the years ahead. She said the series of gas projects including the oncoming petrochemical and fertilizer plants

would take up a bulk of the gas currently flared thereby reducing gas flare and the harm it does to the environment.

She disclosed that the government was positioning the oil and gas sector, to ensure that Nigeria controlled 10 per cent of the global fertilizer market by 2017, especially as the bulk of the fertilizer companies are expected to come on stream by then.

She identified some of the proposed fertilizer plants as Dangote Petrochemical and Fertilizer Plant to be built at Olokola, Indorama Fertilizer

Plant at Eleme, Brass Fertilizer Company at Brass, Nagarjuna Fertilizer Plant at Ogidigben, and another plant by the International Fertilizer Association.

According to her, the need to get the gas sector to drive growth in all sectors of the economy, especially the agricultural sector, necessitated the excision of some key areas of the Gas Master Plan from the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, for accelerated implementation under the Gas Revolution Agenda.

She noted that the pro-

gramme has begun to yield dividends with plans for the establishment of a number of the new fertilizer plants at advanced stage.

Alison-Madueke explained that the thrust of the twopronged policy of gas-topower and gas-to-industries is to drive linkages between the power and industrial sectors with the agricultural sector serving as a key player in the industrial sector on account of its enormous job creation potentials and multiplier effect in the economy.

10—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Egena wins new car, cash in NIM’s Young Managers’ competition

By YINKA KOLAWOLE

N

IGERIAN INSTITUTE of Management, NIM, rounded off the 2013 edition of its Young Managers’ competition in Lagos, yesterday, with Ode Egena emerging the overall winner.

Speaking at the occasion, President\Chairman of council, NIM, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, explained that the annual competition was established in 1974 as one of the Institute’s contributions to youth development in the country.

According to him: “The competition which is open to young managers be-

tween the ages of 25 and 40 years, was instituted for the primary purpose of encouraging the participants.

“They must be endowed with creative and research abilities to hone their skills through conducting independent in-depth researches into management related issues with a view to proposing new solutions.

“In addition, the competition was established to create a crop of young men and women who can distinguish themselves in conducting studies in different areas of human endeavours with the hope that such propositions would help development in all ramifications.

NCBC, NSE plan investment promotion tour to China

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

N

IGERIAN BUSINESSMEN under the aegis of NigeriaChina Business Council, NCBC, and Nigeria Society of Engineer, NSE, yesterday, said they had completed plans to undertake a two-day investment promotion mission to China, as part of efforts to boost mutual business relations and reduce building collapse in Nigeria.

National Coordinator, NCBC and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Mathew Uwaekwe, who

stated this during a briefing in Lagos, said the mission was specifically designed to promote relationship between the members of the NSE and engineers from Qingdao China to ensure lasting building structures between the two countries.

According to him: “We feel that following the various building collapses that we have experienced in different parts of this country, it is necessary for us to embark on this mission to checkmate the problem as well as provide a lasting solution.

200 retirees under CPS paid N943.1m

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — LAGOS State Government has presented N943,146,034.49 to its retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme., CPS, DirectorGeneral, Lagos State Pension Commission, LSPC. Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, who made the presentation on behalf of Governor Babatunde Fashola, at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, auditorium, Ikeja, during a Mini-Retirement Bond Certificates presentation ceremony to about 200 retirees, C M Y K

drawn from the Local Government Service, said the payment was in line with governments commitment to making life better for its former employees.

Hussain noted that the money had been remitted into the Retirement Savings Accounts, RSA, of the beneficiaries.

He reiterated that the state government had continued to show great commitment to the welfare of its workers and retirees.

He added that the government had at the 8th Retirement Bond presentation ceremony, ensured the payment of a total of N18, 031,148,931.06k to 3,304 retirees.

SENSITISATION: From left, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Commissioner for Transportation; Mrs. Adrianne Nwagwu, head of Sustainability and Responsiblity, Guinnes Plc, representing Managing Director; Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, representing Gov. Babatunde Fashola; Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Cordinator, Special Projects and Programmes, Ministry of Health, and Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, during the Motor-park Health and Safety Sensitisation and Awareness campaign, at ‘New Garage’’ MotorPark, Bariga, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Lagos govt bans Molue buses on Lagos Island

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS — LAGOS State Government has barred 911 commercial buses, popularly called “Molue” from operating on Lagos Island, especially, on any of the link bridges, the Third Mainland, Eko and Carter, as well as plying the Lagos Central Business District, CBD. The move is part of government’s efforts at ensuring adequate monitoring of commercial vehicles operations and compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

Other prohibited routes include: Iddo, Ebute Ero,Apongbon,Obalende, Idumotae, CMS, among others.

The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Babatunde Edu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with the branch chairmen of the Lagos Urban Bus Owners Association of Nigeria, LUBON, the operators of molue buses in the state, at the agency ’s headquarters, Oshodi.

According to him, though the directive became effective since August 9, 2012, Lagos State being a responsive and responsible government, which believed in enlightenment before enforcement, decided to shift the enforcement to this month.

Edu explained that LASTMA officials had been directed to ensure strict compliance and impound such vehicles

found to have flouted the directive and urged operators to concentrate their operations in other parts of the state aside the restricted areas.

He reiterated that the state government had not banned the operations of “Molue” in the state, rather it had re-

stricted their operations to areas like Orile, Iyana Ipaja, Mile 2, Mile 12, amongst others, and urged operators to voluntarily comply with the directive.

The LASTMA chairman appealed for cooperation and support of all the stakeholders.

In his response, the leader of the team Taofeek Adesina, commended the government for its effort at restoring sanity and order in the state and pledged the readiness of his members to support the new cause.

Vanguard FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—11

Ogun to focus on existing projects, job creation, in 2014 budget

How Oyinlola deceived us — Osun PDP

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — OSUN State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, explained how the former Governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola allegedly left the Eagle Square last Saturday, venue of the party’s mini convention to attend a parallel convention of the party at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Prince Oyinlola, former National Secretary of the party was elected the Interim GAMES: From left, Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of National Secretary of Alhaji Kawu Baraje Ugboland, Leader, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution; Engr. Mustafa Shehu, Presiled faction of the new PDP last Saturday. dent, Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, and Gbenga Elegbeleye, Director GenBriefing newsmen in Osogbo at the end eral, National Sports Commission, at the NSE National Engineering Games, NEGG, of PDP elders’ forum, the party claimed inAbuja, yesterday.

Oyinlola after he had voted at the Eagle’s Square “lied” to the state delegates that he was going to the toilet only for him to resurface where a parallel convention was held.

Similarly, the party may have commenced the process of disciplining the former governor in

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI translate to commensurate improvement in line with the constitution of the the quality of Nigeria’s public education as party.

DO EKITI — UNIVERSITY students under well as other social services.”

The party alleged that Oyinlola the umbrella of National Association of NiHe condemned the refusal of Federal Govhad erred and contravened its gerian Students, NANS, yesterday, took to the ernment to budget a reasonable amount of constitution by teaming up with streets in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, calling on money to education sector as recommended other members of the party to form the Federal Government to accede to the demands by UNESCO which is 26 per cent of the a parallel group. of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. country’s total budget.

The former Deputy National They equally threatened to shut down activities Sunday noted that some countries with Chairman of the party, Alhaji in the private universities in the country should smaller Gross Domestic Product, GDP, like Shuaib Oyedokun who briefed the crisis linger on.

Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco and newsmen at the end of the meetThe students who displayed several placards with Botswana had budgetary allocations to eduing, said the party would ensure various inscriptions, lambasted the Federal cation sector as follow, 31 per cent,20 per that the former Governor was disGovernment for its failure to honour the agreement cent,23 per cent ,17.7 per cent and 19 per ciplined for allegedly contravenit entered into with ASUU since 2009. ing the constitution of the party. cent respectively to 8.5 per cent that Nigeria Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Asafon government had budgeted for education in Oyedokun who claimed that a crucial meeting of the party had Sunday, Director of Action and Mobilisation 2013. been called in Oyinlola’s Local NANS, South–West, claimed between 2000 and Also speaking, Steven Adara ,a student Government Area, Odo-Otin, 2011 the Nigerian government earned about leader from Ekiti State University, EKSU , lanoted that the former Governor N48.48 trillion from the sale of oil alone, against mented that government officials and promidid not consult with any of the N3.10 trillion earned between 1979 and 1999 nent Nigerians were not bothered about the delegates from the state at the He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service, crisis in the public universities because their convention before he took his FIRS, in 2012 financial year alone generated N5.12 children were in private schools overseas. decision. trillion from tax paid by the masses.

According to him: “We will mobilise and disAccording to him: “With this tremendous upswing rupt academic activities in the private univerin the revenue at the disposal of the Nigerian sities because it is the sons and daughters of government, one would have expected such to the rich that are in these schools.”

Students threaten to shut private varsities over ASUU strike A

Alice Babalola for burial

Jonathan declares zero tolerance for substandard laboratory practices

BY CHIOMA OBINNA, KOSISO UDEMBA & MODINAT AMUSAT

P Late Madam Babalola Madam Alice Babalola, nee Fagbemi, aged 80, is dead.

According to the family, wakekeep will take place on September 12, 2013 at Osundande Estate, Ileko, Ijelu-Ekiti, Ekiti State and interment the next day, at her residence after a funeral service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ijelu-Ekiti.

She is survived by Mrs. T. Adekanmbi, children, grandchildren and other relations.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, declared zero tolerance on substandard laboratory practices, equipment, diagnostic reagents and chemicals in the country even as he commissioned the first ever InVitro Diagnostics, IVDs, Control Laboratory in Nigeria and West Africa at large.

To this end, a new comprehensive policy has been mapped out to ensure that henceforth, only IVDs equipment, kits, reagents and consumables that meet international standards would be allowed to be manufactured,

imported, distributed or used in the country.

Jonathan who made the declaration, while commissioning the laboratory in Lagos, said health laboratories play a pivotal role in diagnostics and monitoring of diseases and doing otherwise would have a hugely negative impact on the health of Nigerians.

According to the President, diagnosis and monitoring of diseases rely on the availability of the highest possible quality personnel, equipment, reagents and chemicals to produce consistently reliable results for the correct diagnosis and proper monitoring of many disease condition.

He said: “In establishing this laboratory, the Medical

Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, has substantially carried out my directive to all our standards and regulatory agencies when they met with me early in the life of this administration.

“It was to give full effect to our declared zero tolerance to the existence of substandard, fake or adulterated products in the country; be they food, drugs, laboratory reagents and chemicals or even household consumer items.”

He said the new facility would obviously strengthen the regulatory function of the MLSCN with respect to the verification, validation, listing and registration of in-vitro laboratory diagnostics among others.

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Government has said its 2014 budget will focus more on the completion of all existing projects, enhancing employment generation and improving its revenue generation potentials.

Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, gave the indication, yesterday, in Abeokuta at the on-going three-day workshop on the preparation of the 2014 budget.

Muoyo noted that the thrust of the budget would include deepening and diversification of revenue base, poverty reduction through infrastructural development, urban renewal and increased access to quality social services.

Ondo govt spends N1bn on flood control AKURE — ONDO State Government, yesterday, said over N1billion had been spent to curtail flood in the state.

Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseeni, spoke in Akure while inspecting on-going channelisation of river courses.

According to Ebiseni, “the chunk of the fund was committed to mechanical channelisation in the state.

The commissioner pointed out that N1 billion had been used for the channelisation of Ala River courses and its tributaries, River Dada and Oluwa River in the three senatorial areas of the state.”

He said not less than 30 kilometres of waterways had been cleared in the Akure through m e c h a n i c a l channelisation while there were on-going manual channelisations in different parts of the state.

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

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Vanguar FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—13

Ozekhome: NBA to suspend defence of kidnap cases

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

A

UCHI—CHAIRMAN of the Nigerian Bar Association, Auchi branch, Edo State, Mr. Anthony Atemoagbo, yesterday, hinted that the association may go back to its earlier decision not to defend kidnap cases in court, if Chief Mike Ozekhomhe, SAN, was not released unconditionally by those still holding him.

Speaking with Vanguard in an interview, yesterday, he said: “We are appealing to the kidnappers to have a second look at what they have done.

It is not too late to release him and others with him. Now that they have taken a step that people locally, nationally and internationally are bitter about, they should have a rethink and release the man unconditionally.

“If they don’t, they will be setting a very dangerous precedent which I think is going to affect the lives of others. At a point, we have to take a decision on how to ensure that nobody comes out to defend cases of kidnapping.

“We felt at that time that the decision was a little bit rash, but I think we are going back again to it because we don’t know who will be the next vic-

tim. So, we are rather appealing to them to release Chief Ozekhome, so that all of us can come together and do what is right in the defence of human rights.”

He expressed sadness that Ozekhome was kidnapped when the NBA annual general conference was going on in Calabar, Cross River State.

“Our feeling about the whole

thing is that it is an affront on the Bar and the Judiciary.

Only recently, the wife and daughter of one of our eminent jurists, Justice Rhodes Vivour, were kidnapped. We are sad about these developments because lawyers are supposed to be people who protect the rights of others.

Now, we are virtually being attacked by human beings,

who have no consideration for the lives of others.”

He appealed to security agents in the country to be more pro-active and collaborate with telecommunication providers to track down the movements of the abductors, just as he commiserated with the Police authorities over the death of four police men, who were on rescue mission.

VISIT: From right: Prof Amos Utuama, Delta State Deputy Governor; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Elder Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, at PDP National Convention, in Abuja, last weekend.

Edo LG Tribunal overturns Owan East council poll T

HE Edo State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin, has declared the councillorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Nakis Alasa, the winner of the Owan East Local Government Area election held on April 20.

The tribunal chairman, Justice D. Okugbowa, consequently ordered Chairman of Edo State Independent Electoral Commissioner, EDSIEC, Mr. Solomon Ogor, to withdraw the certificate of return earlier issued Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, candidate in ward 3, Ihieve, Owan East council, Mr. Abass Oserei and issued a fresh certificate of returns to the PDP candidate, Mr. Alasa.

In their unanimous judgment read by a member of the tribunal, Justice Omonuwa, the tribunal held that the PDP candidate, Nakis, was the winner of the election, having scored the highest number of lawful votes of 732 in the said election to ACN’s 718 votes.

According to the tribunal, EDSIEC retuning officer for the ward, Pastor Okaka, lacked

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the authority to cancel an election result, where a winner had been initially announced and declared to announce another candidate.

The purported action of the

returning officer, the court held, amounted to declaring two candidates the winners of the same election.

Earlier, lead counsel to the petitioner, Mr. Tunde Oisamoje, had urged the tribunal to declare that the PDP candi-

date, Alasa, was winner of the election, having been initially announced and declared as winner by the returning officer, who later cancelled the election result on the premise of wrong calculation of figures to announce the ACN candidate as winner.

Akpemuwan faults IMB/NUPENG election tion in Warri, describing a sim- behalf of my clients, that the in Benin ilar exercise conducted in BenBenin election of IMB/NUBY DANIEL GUMM

W

ARRI—COUNSEL to members of the Warri Unit of Independent Marketers Association Branch/ Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, IMA/NUPENG, Mr Mike Ukusare, has described the purported election of one Benjamin Ifeta, in Benin as Chairman, as fraud and should be declared null and void.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday, in Warri on behalf of his clients, Mr. Akpos Akpemuwan (IMB/NUPENG Chairman, Warri Unit), Mr Atigari Jonathan, Mr Uzu Edewor, Mr Godwin Ejiro and others, Ukusare said that Akpemuwan was duly elected in a free and fair elec-

in, during which Ifeta emerged chairman, as a kangaroo election.

He said: “The claim that Akpemuwan was illegally elected in Warri is a big lie. I state, on

PENG was a fraud. What is the business of the national wing in a unit election? Any election held in Benin outside Warri is null and void.

Don’t create another crisis in N-Delta, ex-militant leader warns

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of Amnesty Phase II, Delta State, ‘General’ Kingsley Muturu, yesterday, appealed to aggrieved ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta not to create another round of crisis in the region.

Muturu, while reacting to media report credited to some

ex-militant leaders, described the one month ultimatum given to the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, over alleged unpaid allowances, as uncalled for. Explaining that the Presidential Amnesty office was not owing them, he said a few of their members having problem with their account details were being collated and would soon be sorted out.

NDDC commissions quarters, roads for Nigerian Army

N

IGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commissioned a residential quarters, solar powered street light and 2.74km internal roads built by the commission for Elele Barracks of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking on the occasion, Acting Managing Director/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Christy Atako, explained that the projects were a demonstration of the importance NDDC attaches to security in the Niger Delta region and the country in general.

The projects, she said, were also in line with the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, which recognises security as key to the success of the country.

This, she explained informed why the commission recently provided 100 Prado jeeps fixed with various security gadgets for the Nigerian Police Force to enhance its operations.

Guobadia passes on at 90

T

HE founding Pres ident of the Institute of Directors, IOD, Nigeria Chapter, Chief Anofi Guobadia, has passed on in Florida, USA, aged 90.

A statement, by his eldest son, Ogbe Guobadia, said his father died “after some medical challenges including those related to age.”

His survivors include Ogbe & Felitia, Orhue & Bayo Imosemi, Osato Guobadia, his grandson Adonye Guobadia and a host of other relations.

Burial arrangements will be announced by his family.

Late Chief Guobadia

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Royal father raises alarm on activities of cultists

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE traditional ruler of Ochia autonomous community in Ohaji/ Egbema local council area of Imo State, Eze Ekwueme Ekwueme, has raised alarm over the sordid activities of cultists in his domain.

The royal father, who made the lamentation while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, also revealed that most indigenes of the area were now living in exile as a result of the nefarious activities of the rampaging cultists.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the cultists have destroyed the palace of the traditional ruler, as well as some other family homes of prominent indigenes of the area.

“Nowhere is safe in my community now.

Government and the security agencies should please, come to our assistance,” Eze Ekwueme pleaded.

Confirming that he had also been sacked by the cultists from his domain, the royal father said most indigenes of the community could not go back to their ancestral home for fear of being attacked by the cultists.

LG seals off illegal petrol station in Abia

BY ERIC UGBOR BA—AUTHORITIES of Aba South local government have sealed up an illegal petrol filling station located in a thickly populated residential area of Aba, the commercial city of Abia State.

Sealing the petrol station said to have been built on a half plot of land at No. 5 Ohanku Road, Ndiegoro, was sequel to a petition written by counsel to Prince Solomon Dike and leader of Ndiegoro Ohazu Youth Council, Chika Uhuaba.

The petition read in part: “Our clients and other concerned neighbours who found this development to be very hazardous, urged him (owner of filling station) to stop the development to avert the impending disaster which such development will subject the neighbourhood into."

A

Court adjourns motion to stop Gov Obi from confiscating hotelier's property to Sept 12 O

BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—AN Onitsha high court in Anambra State has adjourned hearing to September 12 in the motion ex-parte filed against Governor Peter Obi by Chief Bonaventure Mokwe, the detained proprietor of demolished Upper Class Hotel, Onitsha.

The hotel had been demolished on Thursday, August 1, 2013, after decomposing human heads and arms were found in Room 102 of the hotel on the orders of Governor Peter Obi who also confiscated the land on which the hotel was built.

The adjournment came after counsel to the applicant, Franklyn Ibeh, informed the court that the bailiff had accordingly served a writ of summons on Governor Obi through his personal secretary.

But presiding judge, Justice Okuma, insisted that the writ of summons must be served personally on Obi or in the alternative, the applicant should file a motion for substituted service on the governor.

Mokwe had through his solicitors, brought the motion against Obi and the AttorneyGeneral of Anambra State, pursuant to Order 40, Rules 1 (A & B), 3(1),(2) and (1) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules of Anambra State, 2006 and under the inherent Jurisdiction of the court.

In the motion, the applicant is praying the court for a leave to apply for the order of prohibition

Erosion ravages Abia villages

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—AT least 10 houses have been submerged in gullies by erosion and many rendered homeless in three villages of Isuochi in Umunneochi local government area of Abia State.

Similarly, many other buildings in the villages are currently on the verge of collapse, while others are under serious threat due to heavy flooding in the area.

The affected communities are Umuobasi Mbala, Umuaku, and Umudim Ngodo villages of Isuochi.

Vanguard observed that some of the affected buildings included a storey building each at Umuaku and Umuobasi Mbala respectively.

Farms were also destroyed by the gully erosion, which is fast eating deep into other parts of the villages.

Information from the state Ministry of Environment said no less than N8 billion would be required to effectively tackle erosion menace in the area, stressing this was clearly beyond the capacity of the state government.

against the respondents from confiscating, destroying and further destroying his assets and property, pending the hearing and determination of

the substantive suit.

The applicant is also seeking the court order that the leave so granted should act as a stay of confiscating, demolishing and

further demolishing and all further actions of the respondents in connection with the compliant in the suit, pending its determination.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT— From left: Mr. Agbogun, Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Youth Development; Mrs Okonye, Administrator, Delta State Youths Development Centre, and Mrs Fidelia Nkem Adikwu, Deputy Director, Industrial Training Fund, at the flag-off of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—15

Anambra guber: Andy Uba, an 'illegal' candidate, PDP tells court

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, told the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court why it would not recognize the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Senator Andy Uba, as its gubernatorial flagbearer in Anambra State, describing him as an “illegal” candidate.

However, the party, through its lead counsel, Chief J. K Gadzama, SAN, said it would for now, keep all the disciplinary measures it intended to take against Andy, his younger brother, Chief Chris Uba, and three of its members in Anambra State, in abeyance, pending the judgment of the court on the suit filed against it by the plaintiffs.

The three others, including factional chairman of the party, in the state, Chief Ejike Oguebego, Benjamin Udeozor and Mrs. Anthonia Nwankwu, the party told the court, engaged in anti-party activities by organising a parallel congress where Senator Uba was handpicked as a governorship candidate.

In an affidavit deposed to by one Mr Festus Kaunan, PDP maintained that by virtue of its constitution and guidelines for elections, the only approved organ vested with powers to organise governorship primaries in Anambra State was its National Working Committee, NWC, with the approval of the National Executive Committee, NEC. It insisted: “The State Executive Committee of the party possesses no such power or right to organise primary elections or any congress for nomination of governorship candidate in any election.

“The plaintiffs purported to have conducted a congress for the governorship primaries in Anambra State on August 24, 2013, in deviance, total disregard, blatant disobedience to and breach of the congress as approved and conducted by the NEC of the party in line with the provisions of Article 31(2) (j) and 50 of the constitution of the PDP 2012.

“There is no State Executive Committee known by law or recognized by the party in Anambra State.

Ejike Oguebego is not the state chairman of PDP in Anambra State and even if he is, cannot organise any primary election in Anambra State.

“The purported State Executive Committee under which Ejike

Oguebego is claiming legitimacy has been nullified by a court of competent jurisdiction in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2631/12 Hon Emma Mbamalu V. PDP. “The plaintiffs/applicants have done everything “illegal” and have engaged in anti-party activities, organised a parallel congress against the constitution and guidelines to election on the association they are members. I know as a fact that the plaintiffs are aware of the rules of the political party they belong.

“The plaintiffs/applicants by conducting an exercise which they called PDP gubernatorial primary election on 24/08/2013, in which the second defendant purportedly emerged as gubernatorial candidate of PDP, by unlawfully using PDP name, logo, symbol and sensitive materials for that exercise without authority and in defiance of the party’s constitution and the law, has committed an illegal, invalid, criminal, unconstitutional

act under our laws and also serious party offences under the constitution of PDP 2012 as amended.”

PDP further told the court that it did not deny the plaintiffs their right to fair hearing, saying it suspended them after they refused to honour an invitation to appear before it to explain alleged divisive roles they played in Anambra State, The party said: “The applicants do not want to be subjected to the rules, constitution and guidelines of the party and are taking laws into their hands.”

Besides, the party said it had filed a formal complaint to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, “to investigate where the plaintiffs/ applicants obtained the sensitive materials with which it conducted primary election in Anambra on August 24, 2013, at Emmaus House.”

Meanwhile, sequel to an agreement between counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Taiwo Abe, and that of the PDP, Gadzama, SAN, Justice Ahmed Mohammed struck out both the ex-parte application and motion on notice earlier filed by the plaintiffs, which the court had relied upon to quash their suspension from the party, even as the court fixed September 17 to hear the substantive matter on its merit.

More so, Justice Mohammed ordered all the parties to maintain the statusquo, pending the determination of the suit before the court.

This was even as PDP told the court that it will today file a preliminary objection to seek the dismissal of Andy Uba’s suit on the premise that it not only lacked in merit, but bordered on an internal affair of a political party.

Auto crashes claim 1,437 lives in 6 months — FRSC

BY CHRIS OCHAYI BUJA—CORPS Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, has said the nation lost 1,437 persons to road accidents involving buses between January and June this year.

Chidoka, who disclosed this at the sensitization programme on speed limiting devices in Abuja, said 1,397 buses were involved in the crashes which injured 6,831 persons.

He also raised the alert over the rise in road crashes involving Toyota Hiace buses, saying the brand of vehicle had been involved in 1,844 highway crashes in six years.

He said: “From extensive investigations and analysis of commuters vehicles carried out by FRSC over a six year period, 2007-2012, it was found that the frequencies of crashes involving Toyota Hiace buses was total of 1,844 crashes."

A

Nigeria to assist Kenya in managing its oil

BY BEN AGANDE

LECTURE—Bishop Mike Okonkwo (left) presenting a trophy to the winner of the essay competition, Miss Folatomi Alli-Balogun of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, at the 14th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture at Muson Centre, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

We 'll unseat PDP in 2015 — PDM chieftain

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—DEPUTY National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Bode Ajewole, yesterday, said the party had not only come to stay in Nigeria’s political terrain but will wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the next presidential election.

He said the failure of the ruling party to give Nigerians a new lease of life, coupled with lack of internal democracy necessitated the formation of PDM, insisting that his party was the one to beat in the coming poll.

He described the party as “the greatest and most successful political family force in Nigeria” given that since its formation in 1987, it had not only produced many parties but also successful politicians in the country.

Ajewole, a former House of Representatives member, faulted those insinuating that the pressure group founded by the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, was not supposed to be registered as a political party.

He said: “Some people are just being economical with the truth. Twice in the past, under the military regimes of IBB and

Abacha, we struggled to register the PDM as a political party but we were denied the chance.

This time around, in a civilian setting, we got it right and all welcome its birth.”

Ajewole lamented the roles of those, he noted, did not want the young party to survive.

He said: “History can bear us witness that PDM had in it great politicians like the late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lai Mohammed, Atiku Abubakar and a host of others who are now members of different political parties."

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BUJA—THE Federal Government is to offer assistance to Kenya in the management of its newly discovered crude oil.

Nigerian High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Akin Oyateru, who disclosed in an interview ahead of the three-day official visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Kenya, said with the comparative advantage Nigeria had over Kenya in the oil sector, the Federal Government had a lot to offer its Kenyan counterpart.

According to the envoy, the visit of President Jonathan which is focused on expansion of co-operations between Nigeria and Kenya would be utilized in achieving this.

He said: “Kenya just discovered oil, so we have a lot of comparative advantages there, which we can actually impact in them."

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

ASUU strike becoming political —Suswam

BY PETER DURU

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FROM RIGHT: Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jibril Aku; MD, First Bank Nigeria Plc, Bisi Onasanya; MD, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Segun Agbaje; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo during a courtesy visit of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and bank executives in Aso Rock, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Taraba Crisis: Danjuma in secret meeting with Suntai zShuns Ag Gov, Garba Umar

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & JOHN MKOM

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ORMER Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, yesterday, held a secret meeting with recuperating Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, at the Government House Jalingo, in a renewed bid to douse the political crisis in the state.

The return of Suntai, who is regarded as Danjuma’s political godson, has created ripples in the state’s political circles and split the loyalty of the leadership and members of the state House of Assembly between the governor and his deputy, Garba Umar.

While majority of the members, led by the Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa, are in support of Umar to continue to act as governor pending when Suntai will be fit enough the take over the mantle of leadership, the minority, spearheaded by the Majority Leader, Joseph Kunini, want Suntai to resume work without further delay.

The minority group insists that the ailing governor could lead by proxy even if he is not fit enough to run the state on a daily basis.

But apparently fearing that the fragile peace in the state could further slip, Danjuma flew into the state yesterday and went straight to the Government House, Jalingo,

where he held a closed-door meeting with Suntai, who has been indoors since returning to the state on August 25, 2013.

Although Danjuma described his visit to Suntai as private and declined to talk to journalists, it was learnt that he threw his weight behind Suntai and pleaded that the law should be allowed to take its course regarding the crisis in the state.

He is said to have listened carefully to the position canvassed by Suntai that he had assumed duties in earnest having transmitted a letter of resumption and fitness to the House of Assembly, as stipulated by the law and wondered why there was a furore over the matter.

Danjuma, who was received

by Suntai’s wife and led to the governor, said he was in the state in a private capacity and did not visit the acting governor, Garba Umar, after meeting briefly with Suntai, even though the latter was in his office at the time.

Attempts by journalists to talk with him or follow him to see Suntai were rebuffed by security agents, who claimed the visit was a private one and did not require public attention.

But minutes after meeting with Suntai and his wife, Hauwa, Danjuma came out.

Hauwa was sighted beaming with broad smiles, something that had been very rare since the return of her husband from the U.S.

From the governor ’s office, Danjuma went straight to the TY Danjuma Foundation Office in Jalingo, from where he left for his private residence.

However, there were fears that the majority of the members of the House of Assembly, who feel that Suntai was unfit to govern the state, might move to impeach him, having secured two thirds of the signatures of the members.

It was learnt that the move by the pro-Umar lawmakers was responsible for the rejection of the peace deal brokered by the PDP and released by the Senator Hope Uzodinmaled Fact-finding Committee, which visited the state on Tuesday.

Steer clear of PHCN facilities, Labour warns ..says their safety can’t be guaranteed investors

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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RGANISED Labour in the nation’s Power sector, has advised new investors who bought Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, assets especially the distribution and generation companies, to steer clear of the facilities, saying their safety cannot be guaranteed in those facilities.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government through the Minister of Power, Profes-

sor Chinedu Nebo, had directed the investors to take over the facilities from September 21, having fully paid for them.

However, under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, in a petition to the Power Minister, alleged breach of agreement reached between the Federal Government and unions in the sector in November last year, saying workers were very restive over the development.

In the petition to the Min-

ister dated September 2, 2013, titled, Investors Steer Clear of PHCN Facilities, NUEE, through its General Secretary, Joe Ajaero, said: “We have patiently observed the actions and inactions of the Federal Government in relation to the privatisation process of the Power Sector, especially as it affects the resolution of Labour issues; we regret to state that the Government seems to be unwilling to prove her genuine willingness to conclusively address the issues.”

AKURDI—GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, is becoming a political action other than an agitation for the welfare of university lecturers.

Suswam, who spoke yesterday, when he played host to the leadership of the National Union of Benue Students, NUBES, insisted that the leadership of ASUU was not being realistic with its demands.

According to him, “ASUU has no business continuing with this strike because the Federal Government has met virtually all of their demands. There is nothing in the list of their demands that government has not touched.

The Federal government has released N100 billion to upgrade infrastructures in the universities and that money has been distributed among all the universities in the country and most of them have commenced their procurement process. While the sum of N30 billion has also been released to take care of the Earned Allowances of lecturers in federal universities, pending the verification of the number of those that are entitled to it.”

2015 A-Ibom guber: Akpabio tips Eket district

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OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, officially declared that for equity and fairness to reign in Akwa Ibom State, the next Governor will no doubt come from Eket Senatorial District. The governor who spoke on the Akwa Ibom State (AKBC) Radio and TV stressed that all the parts of Akwa Ibom State were stakeholders and it was unfair to jettison one part of the state when comes to political power play in the state.

He said, “Akwa Ibom State has three senatorial district of which Uyo has produced a governor and I am a governor from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district. Therefore, we need to be fair with action to ensure unity in prevailed in our dear state and make the other senatorial district got it fair share as a stakeholder and potential contributor for the sustainability of growth and peace which we are very well noted for.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 17

Mismanaging relationships

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Closest cronies The aspect of the escalating PDP crisis that upsets me most is the fact that it would never have happened if Mr. President, his subordinates and their closest cronies had paid more attention to relationship management issues.

When it became obvious, earlier on this year, that Amaechi and Mr. President were at loggerheads, Chief Edwin Clark, the most prominent Elder in the SouthSouth, furiously confronted me about my pro-Amaechi stance.

I love Chief dearly and would rather not offend him, not least because he was one of the few VIPs from our geopolitical zone who staunchly backed me up when I resigned from a Committee that was chaired

by Dr. Rilwanu Lukman (who was then Petroleum Minister), because I felt that Lukman C M Y K

*Governor Rotimi Amaechi

*Abubakar Kawu Baraje

*Atiku Abubakar was not sufficiently concerned about the welfare of my brethren from oil-producing areas.

My preference is for me and Clark to be on the same side in every argument. But I could not, unfortunately, agree with Clark on the Amaechi issue.

Why? I don’t agree with everything Amaechi says or does, but my own personal experiences with Jonathan’s crowd have led me to believe that they are not interested in keeping or making friends…and don’t have a clue how to conduct themselves like the competent, credible, charismatic politicians they should be.

When Jonathan became Head of State in 2010, I was living in Abuja. And all I wanted from the people around him was access to a few media-related events.

Since I regarded many of them as pals and had been one of the journalists who had provided them with moral support during their sometimes traumatic ascent to the dizzying pinnacle of Nigerian public life, I assumed that they would

gladly treat me like a respected professional from time to time. But they didn’t.

I didn’t assume that they owed me any major favours. I hardly ever called them and never pestered them for money or positions. I just quietly contacted them very

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ATCHING the PDP fall apart is like watching a car crash in slow motion. At the time of writing, 26 senators and 57 House of Representatives members have decided to defect to the “New PDP” splinter group that was formed last weekend and is headed by Alhajis Atiku Abubakar and Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

Rotimi Amaechi, the Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, was - alongside six Northern colleagues – one of the founders of this “New PDP” that is making the “Old PDP” look like a sinking ship.

As a Niger Deltan advocate who enthusiastically campaigned for Dr Goodluck Jonathan and literally knelt down by my bed, night after night in the months following his acquisition of the top job, to beg God to make my Big Brother ’s Presidency a resounding success, I am very sad and angry about the status quo.

This huge contribution did not stop the party leadership from trying (because of a few disagreements and misunderstandings that could have been resolved) to deprive Amaechi of the NGF role…or from suspending him from the party.

They put him in a situation whereby he had nothing to lose. They shoved his back against the wall and gave him good reasons to rebel and

But Jonathan, tragically, is surrounded by bad-mannered characters who are more focussed on their interests than his…and have tarnished his image and undermined him on so many levels - by choosing to be insular and offensive

occasionally to ask for small benefits like invitations to press conferences.

But they went out of their way to humiliate and exclude me, so nobody should blame me if I sympathise with Amaechi…whom they have also treated shabbily!

Largely thanks to Amaechi’s dogged electioneering efforts in 2011, President Jonathan and the PDP did fantastically well in Rivers State.

,

disgrace them.

I’m convinced that most of the problems that Jonathan is now having with Amaechi and the many other opponents who are giving him serious headaches at the moment - boil down to an arrogant, crude, myopic, lazy, inept failure to form and nurture relationships with useful or potentially useful individuals.

It is actually pretty easy to

stay on amicable terms with folks who have displayed loyalty towards you in the past…or to form new alliances with folks who are neutral/ undecided or not pathologically hostile.

But Jonathan, tragically, is surrounded by bad-mannered characters who are more focussed on their interests than his…and have tarnished his image and undermined him on so many levels - by choosing to be insular and offensive.

There are always exceptions to every rule, so let me say now that some of Jonathan’s selectees are pleasant, intelligent, etc. But there simply aren’t enough positive elements on Mr President’s team, so it’s no wonder that he’s attracting multiple assaults on his dignity and struggling to survive politically.

Having said this, the buck ultimately stops on the Boss’s desk and Mr. President should take responsibility for the disasters that are befalling him and the PDP. An Oga who cannot inspire and control his troops should ask himself where he is going wrong…instead of foisting the blame for his woes on external factors.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 or 081 1675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 , 2013 FURORE over the abortion law in Imo State raises many issues about legislative processes that led to the law. The main grouse of the people, according to reports, was that they were not consulted before the law was passed. How could a law have been passed without a public hearing? Can the State Assembly explain this aberration?

The public say the bill was in State Assembly since last year, but Governor Rochas Okorocha assented only last week.

The series of denials that followed the existence of the law, as well as its content, generated the controversy.

Yet the defenders of the law said it was meant to cater for women whose pregnancies threatened their lives, and rape victims. Were those to be the purposes of the law, it would not have easily been faulted by pro-life campaigners. Fears that the law could be abused and the secrecy surrounding its passage whittled down whatever benefits it held.

What Imo people, like their compatriots elsewhere are asking for, is involvement in

Imo’s Abortion Law the running of their lives. The scant attention politicians pay the people percolate the entire system as evidenced in the quality of services in government offices.

The more people keep quiet, the more they are taken for granted. The voice of the people is important, it is up to the people to make their voices count. Nigerians have to make their voices heard, more often, on issues that affect them. There are too many other issues where it is important for the people to wield their power.

Using their churches as platform, the people in Imo kicked against a law they believed was against their moral and

cultural values. There are other non-violent platforms that can serve the people in this regard. The people must be commended for not resorting to violence, angry as they were.

Governor Okorocha listened to the people.

He has asked the legislators to repeal the law. Of course, he should know that there are processes for repealing laws, and they are not verbal “executive orders”.

Elected officials, in particular, have a responsibility to listen to the people. The people would be failing in their part of the contract if they are not making their positions known. Once representatives derail from acting for the people, they erode their position, and become clogs in the people’s involvement in their government.

Democratic governments are peoplecentred – government of the people, by the people, for the people. The people must find their places in their governments. As has been seen in Imo, it would not come without a shove, yet the bigger point is that matters can be resolved peacefully, away from the pomposity politicians court.

OPINION

BY OLIVER OKPALA

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HE founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, envisioned a strong and virile political association which will stand the test of time and serve as vehicle towards the propagation of a liberal and republican democracy in Nigeria.

The circumstances of the conception and birth of the PDP are fresh in the memory. The idea behind the formation of the Party was mooted by a group of Nigerian patriots and nationalists who dared the former military regimes. The records of the former military regimes are now history.

Suffice it, however, to say that despite the readiness and willingness of some military administrations to clamp Nigerians who disagreed with the government into prison, a group of brave Nigerians stood out and challenged the anti-democratic status quo. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was one of them.

As Nigerians feared for dear lives, these patriots stood their ground and demanded the return to constitutional democracy and republicanism. They midwifed the PDP which has blossomed to become perhaps the largest and strongest political association in Nigeria’s political history and the Black world.

Dr Tukur mounted the saddle in the PDP at a time when the experience, unique nature, wisdom, maturity,

C M Y K

PDP, Tukur and democracy ambience, commanding stature and sheer grit of a composite and complete leader was needed to give the party a wholesome direction and a positive sense of purpose.

As a man who had seen it all before, Tukur rose to the occasion. The position of the National Chairman of the PDP was not just another post or office. It is not the run-of-the-mill political job. It is a seat occupied by the Chief Executive of the Party which produced the Federal Government.

A party which produced more than 70% of the elected governors in the country and which returned more than 70% of the members of the National Assembly. Needless to say, these achievements were replicated in the state Houses of Assembly all over the Federation.

What stands Tukur out as the National Chairman of the PDP is that he came to serve and to help the party to live and fulfill its dream. He did not come to make a name or to build a curriculum vitae or to indulge in crude materialism. Prior to his election for the PDP job, Alhaji Tukur was already a household name in Nigeria’s business and political circles.

On assumption of office, Tukur enunciated the policy of three cardinal Rs – Reconciliation, Reformation and Rebuilding. As a great politician with

an even greater vision and mission, Tukur resolved to sanitize the party and to instill discipline in its ranks.

Those who do not appreciate the need for change are definitely bound to oppose it. This was what happened in the PDP because many people were used to doing things their own way regardless of whether it was in sync with the rule of law or due process; they resisted Alhaji Bamanga’s clearly defined agenda to root out impunity.

This led to some differences in the ranks of the party.

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ow, there is a new way of thinking in the party. He has institutionalised the true creed of due process and rule of law in the party. It is now beyond dispute that the party is supreme. Every member of the party is bound by the decision and constitution of the party. Nobody, no matter his position, is above the party for, afterall, it was the party which gave its members the platform upon which they were able to stand and win electoral offices and positions across the country.

Tukur effectively brought to an end the practice whereby certain persons felt they were greater than the party.

Tukur ended the era when some people took delight in dictating to the party or imposing their views on the

party.

It is of importance to allude that Tukur ’s administration in the PDP has elevated reconciliation to an art. As a big political family, party members are bound to hold divergent views on certain issues. Differences will certainly arise. There will be disagreement every now and then. It is in the area of resolution of these differences that Tukur has excelled tremendously. There are various organs within the party for the resolution of conflicts. There are also various means and modalities for the ventilation of grievances within the party by aggrieved members.

This conflict resolution mechanism in the party runs down the line. In the party, there are ways of resolving differences. In all branches, there are internal mechanisms for the crossfertilization of ideas and ventilation of perceived differences. In fact, the Tukur administration has established a reconciliation committee in the party.

This committee has performed its task with immense results as many members are now back in the fold following the peace committees peace overtures and dexterity in handling conflicts.

* Mr. Okpala is SA on Media to the National Chairman of the PDP.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013— —19

IGERIANS suffer in many N countries, to which they ran to for asylum, during the military reign of terror in the mid-1990s.

Many are denied asylum and subsequently face deportation.

Some of them die in the course of resisting deportations, because they have bedded into the culture and society of the host nation, have nothing to come back to here in their country. Our government and people have no plans, no policies, no arrangements for them.

In March 2010, a 29-year-old Nigerian went on hunger strike in Switzerland to resist deportation. He was stayed with 15 others whose asylum bid failed, and subsequently died at the airport tarmac. Reports say that Nigerians filed 1,303 applications for asylum in Switzerland in 2011, while more than 180 illegal Nigerian immigrants were deported from Switzerland in 2012.

In 2010, America deported 33 Nigerians for various reasons. In the same period, 46 Nigerians were deported from Ireland. In September 2012, the nation of Israel threatened to start mass deportation of Nigerians. The conditions of these Nigerians are not assessed with a view to assisting them, and same year,

Saudi Arabia deported more than 170 women who entered without a male escort. About 1,000 Nigerian women intending to make the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca were to be deported, but for the firm and urgent intervention of Vice President Sambo, which averted that embarrassment. Often, these nations just wake up and breach their agreement with Nigeria and nothing is done. Our government is yet to come out with clear and realistic policies on how to handle Nigerian detainees in many countries, and how to handle deportees upon their arrival in Nigeria.

Nigeria recently was reported to have signed an MoU with Austria which includes that any Black person whose identity in Austria is in doubt would be deported to Nigeria.The effect is that Nigeria will soon be the destination of all Black deportees from Austria, while about 1,000 Nigerian asylum seekers in Austria may be deported following the signing that MoU! In the same Austria, letters or documents emanating from the Nigerian High Commission there are sent back to Abuja for authentication, at a cost as high as N130,000 excluding the travel cost for the authentication! All in the name of investigating their victim. The Nigerian Embassy in Germany are more ingenious,

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they charge Euro 500 per harassed and distressed deportee for paper work!

The Austrian MoU, assured that Nigerian government through the National Agency for the Prohibition of traffic in Persons and other related matters, NAPTIP, has pledged to look after the deportees, but can NAPTIP honestly take care of 1,000 Nigerians, knowing that millions here find it difficult to have three square meals in a day? he UN Refugee Agency T Report stated that some 10,500 Nigerians sought asylum

in industrialised countries in 2011. Most, if not all these will not be granted asylum, but they will not return because there is nothing for them to fall back on at home, and there is no government effort to provide for them upon their return. They are

NIMASA and the ISPS implementation ef ts efffor orts

BY PATRICK AKPOBOKEMI

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HE United States Government recently issued a 90-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Government requiring its Designated Authority, DA, for International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, code implementation, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to ensure nationwide compliance, failure to do so resulting in a possible sanction for Nigeria. However, recent misinformation being peddled in the media has necessitated that NIMASA should set the records straight by highlighting what the Agency is doing in its capacity as DA to address the United States Coast Guard, USCG, report and to explain the successes of the ISPS Code implementation at this stage.

The ISPS Code was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation, IMO and became mandatory for implementation by all contracting governments in July 2004.

The objective was to establish an international frame work that would help ensure the global maritime domain was better secured from the threat of terrorism.

The code was to apply to vessels above 500 gross tonnage engaged in international voyage as well as the Port Facilities, PFs, that service them. Nigeria being a signatory to the IMO charter was among the member states that ratified the code and thus set out to implement the code in order to ensure the nation’s compliance by the due date.

Consequently, the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 inaugurated the Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Safety and Security, PICOMMS, to act as the country’s DA and to ensure the nation’s compliance as required by the ISPS Code. Nigeria was able to meet the deadline and was confirmed by the IMO as compliant C M Y K

that same year. PICOMSS continued to function as the DA until the committee was formally wound down late 2012.

On May 21, 2013, the DA mandate was formally transferred to NIMASA following an official letter issued by the Ministry of Transport. Upon receipt of the letter, the Agency immediately set out to institute a fresh implementation programme as needed. A General Stakeholders Conference was convened to announce the new arrangement and to sound off the public on the imminent activities and programme to accompany this new ISPS implementation.

Upon assumption as DA, NIMASA encountered several challenges, one of which was the December 2012 expiration of all Statement of Compliance for Port Facility, SoCPF, which is the mandatory annual certification every PF must have in order to be deemed compliant by the IMO. The Agency had early in the year proactively issued a Marine Notice extending the validity of these certificates till July 2013.

With this fast-approaching deadline, a solution to recertify these facilities was required. Another challenge was the issuance of the US diplomatic note indicting some PFs in the country for having deficient security measures/arrangements. The report went on to issue a 90-day ultimatum within which the country was to have addressed the observed deficiencies. It must be mentioned that the USCG inspection exercise that led to this report was carried out months and in some cases years before NIMASA was appointed DA. Nonetheless, NIMASA has taken up the challenge in ensuring that the country does not suffer the embarrassment of such sanctions as contained in the report.

Consequently, an action plan was developed and immediately activated to aggressively close the reported gaps. This effort included dispatching competent

,

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

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The shame and dilemma of Nigerian deportees

Our government is yet to come out with clear and realistic policies on how to handle Nigerian detainees in many countries, and how to handle deportees upon their arrival in Nigeria

detained instead in prisons, with no clear plan to resettle them; hence they would rather die than be deported.

Nigeria spends billions to print new notes, distribute mobile phones to farmers, when our sons and daughters are shamed in countries where they have lived for as long as 15 years with wives and children, and deported often so suddenly that these families are thrown into hardship and trauma and no one blinks. Rough handling of deportees overseas and here, remain part of the shame of our nation.

Nigeria has a prison exchange treaty with Thailand, but that treaty is implemented according to the whims and caprices of the combined efforts of Nigeria Prisons and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Today we have deportees held in Kirikiri Prison that were deported from Thailand. The first batch had no difficulties in being released to their families, but this batch that arrived Nigeria since last year are languishing in Prison in Kirikiri and other locations. This same batch has been detained in Thailand, for over two years after they were due for deportation due to the death of President Yar Ardua. They have arrived and still detained till now!

The Nigerian authorities either ignored or jettisoned part of the signed document that stipulated the length of time a deportee from Thailand should stay, giving ground for these deportees to resort to litigation to gain their freedom in their own country.

They are now exposed to different physical and psychological problems, in prison, including paralysis, some with emotional distress bordering on insanity.

In order to establish the number, location and nature of operations of all PFs and jetties in the country, NIMASA has commissioned a stocktaking of the nation’s coastal maritime assets

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recognized security organisations to conduct security surveys and assessments aimed at identifying and correcting these deficiencies and any other observed vulnerabilities. Whilst focusing on these facilities listed in the USCG report, measures are already underway to address the generality of PFs in the nation’s maritime domain. This action plan has been given a nod by the USCG and it has pledged to support the efforts of the DA in ensuring the issues raised are remedied. The DA has outlined its implementation framework in the form of a handbook to enable the public understand its agenda with respect to this new implementation regime.

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he Management of NIMASA has since approved an ISPS Code Implementation Committee to help oversee the implementation mandate. Aside from key NIMASA personnel who form part of this committee, membership has been drawn from other key government stakeholder agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Nigeria Police, State Security Service, SSS, Customs and Immigrations, among others.

This committee has since resumed sitting

The Thai Police has been reported to be very prejudiced in the use of their power, and this ought to guide the attitude of our government in the implementation of the treaties.

Government must evolve ways to achieve quick release of these deportees, while not granting instant pardon to undeserving detainees upon returning home, but ensuring that those who have really changed or were unfairly detained are released. The real pain and trauma lies in the subjection of these families to forced separation from their bread winners, in such countries, and that should be given adequate consideration by our officials. How would our officials feel if they were suddenly plucked out of their own families without their children?

The deportees conditions are complicated by the shame, degrading conditions of our prisons, and the lack of government arrangement towards restoring human dignity to them upon their arrival here.

Our prisons are nothing to write home about and will remain so, until the correct leadership is installed.

Deportation is a thing that is in every country, as nations have their right to deport unwanted individuals, but the absence of means of sifting the cases of prejudicial deportation form the rest, compounded by the lack of any known policy on how deportees must be handled, upon arrival here, shows how this nation can abandon you at any time!

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

and is fully attending to the task it has been assigned.

In order to establish the number, location and nature of operations of all PFs and jetties in the country, NIMASA has commissioned a stocktaking of the nation’s coastal maritime assets. This audit will help the DA capture and catalogue all port/berthing facilities as well as verify their ISPS Code compliance status. All PFs –including those mentioned in the US diplomatic note to Nigeria – are also currently undergoing security assessments as a step towards preparing security plans that are ISPS Code compliant. The DA has just recently concluded Verification Inspection Exercises, VIE, on all shore-based PFs in the country.

The report of this VIE will form the basis for re-certification of these PFs in line with ISPS code requirements. PFs deemed noncompliant will not be recertified and in extreme cases, attract added punitive action.

One of the problems that had plagued PFs, jetties and terminals is lack of understanding of the ISPS Code, its relevance and application. This was roundly captured in the US diplomatic note as security personnel were found to be ignorant of the code. To address this, policies and measures are being put in place to ensure more training and capacity building among not just security personnel but all personnel in the maritime sector as everybody has a role to play in the ISPS theatre.

Security companies that provide guard force personnel to companies operating in the maritime domain will now be required to provide ISPS training for their personnel seeing that they are functionally the primary custodians of the ISPS protocol. These security companies as well as vendors and infrastructure service providers in the maritime sector are undergoing registration with the DA in order to ensure better regulation and to streamline their activities in the maritime security arena.

*Mr. Akpobokemi, is Director General NIMASA.

20— Vanguard ,

FRIDAY FRIDAY,, SEPTEMBER 6 , 2013

Preparing for prisoners:

A passing out parade of pain

BY FREDRICK OKOPIE

T

HE occasion was the passing out ceremony of the 219 Basic Recruit Course at the Prisons Training College Kirikiri, PTCK, the morning of August 23, 2013. Just before the ceremony commenced, the visibly excited young recruits were seen beaming with smiles as they put finishing touches to their ceremonial kits.

For them, it was goodbye to the years of marking time on the “labour market” as they prepare to contribute their own quotas to the development of their father land.

Soon the march past was on. The

Asulu Raphael, who doubled as the master of ceremony, called out the prospective prisons personnel to showcase what they had been taught since they were enlisted into the service on March 15, 2013.

The two pavilions were filled to capacity. The right hand side of the stand was occupied by the top brass from the military, para-military and their orderlies and distinguished invited guests from the civil society, while the left part was over crowded with family members, friends, well wishers and curious individuals. In his welcoming address, the Controller General of Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim thanked the Commandant of

,

Let your training impact positively on the prison inmates under you; you should treat them humanely and transform them to better and useful citizens

foot beats were precise and blended with the beat provided by the Prisons Band. As the recruits displayed their dexterity with the switch over beats, the whole fanfare was intermittently interrupted by applause and cheers from the audience. At a point, when the ground commander, Mr. Ekunboyejo Najim from Osun State Command, gave a thunderous shout for halt, the simultaneous stamping of feet on the sand field sent the crowd into another round of cheers. In the event a particular recruit got carried away: he was caught in a left-right miss-march for eight seconds. This immediately attracted a jeering ‘aaaaaaaaaa’ from the crowd.

Just at the nick of time, the Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons 1, Mr. C M Y K

,

PTCK, Mrs. Patricia Omene and her members of staff for their commitment and dedication that have produced the success stories of the Service, adding that the efforts and achievements are commendable and worthy of emulation.

Mr Ohinoyi-Ibrahim who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General, DCG, in charge of Administration, Dr. P.E Ekpendu, admonished the graduating students thus: “Now that you have been trained, let your training impact positively on the prison inmates under you. You should treat them humanely and transform them to better and useful citizens through your exemplary conducts.

You should also avoid trafficking and other illegal acts that will put you into trouble.”

The day ’s event was almost

marred by tragedy as one of the recruits collapsed while the DCG was still reading his welcoming speech, a development that was attributed to the scorching heat of the mid-day sun.

Luckily a stand by medical team was at hand to save the situation by reviving the stricken young man.

Parade ground But not quite long, precisely 11 minutes after, another fellow also went down and was promptly taken out of the parade ground. However, top Prisons officials dismissed the incidents as not uncommon at parade grounds, saying: “That is why we have medical personnel and facilities here”.

But the development provided female prisons officials at the pavilion stand an opportunity to taunt their male counterparts, as they asked rhetorically: “Why is it that only you men are falling and kissing the ground while women are standing gidigba?”

The men only responded with self-conscious chuckles.

At the end of the exercise, awards were given to some outstanding students. These included the Best in Parade, Ekunboyrjo Najim; the most well behaved student male, Okosun Itoya; the most well behaved student female, Abah Patience Ladi; the most hardworking student male, Onyelisi Ike Anthony; the most hardworking student, female, Emoakemeh Norah; the best in academics, Egwemi Peter; excellent performance in swimming, Moses Ese Faith.

From Catholic Church, a message of goodwill to the Onigando

T

By AZEEZ SANUSI

HE celebration of the 35th coronation anniversay of His Royal Majesty, Oba Lasisi Gbadebo Gbadamosi, Onigando of Igando, Oro Otan 111 on August 29, 2013 was indeed an elaborate affair filled with fun and merriment, with the numerous guests that graced the occasion being well entertained. As expected, wellwishers came from far and near to felicitate with the king and to offer their prayers and goodwill to him on his 35 years on the throne.

Among the early callers were officials of St. John Catholic Church, Igando Parish, led by Reverend Father Gabriel Udoh who represented the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Cletus Anyanwu. After the king was ushered in with a flourish of trumpets, the church delegation presented him with a message of appreciation read by the PPC Vice Chairman, Mr Dennis Odimkpa, on behalf of the parish priest and the entire parishioners of the church.

“We have come to pay Your Majesty homage in recognition of your exalted position as the Traditional Ruler and Custodian of the custom of Igando Kingdom and primarily to offer prayers to Almighty God to give you protection, wisdom, understanding, good health, long life, success and prosperity in all your endeavours,” Odimkpa told the king.

He also used the opportunity to complain to the king that the church is presently one-third of its original size due to encroachment by indigenous elements. But the king was quick to refute this, arguing that the land was given to the church by an unauthorized person even as he assured his guests that no attempt would be made to tamper with the land belonging to the church.

Reverend Father Gabriel Udoh offered prayers for the king, the community, the state and the entire nation and afterwards presented an art work with the king’s portrait to His Royal Majesty. This was among other gifts presented by other members of the congregation.

While thanking the Oba for his kindly gestures towards the church and for fostering peace in Igando community, Reverend Father Udoh who is the Associate Priest in the church said: “The Kabiyesi has used his good office and influence to promote peace in Igando. The Oba recognises the Catholic Church in Igando. On Sunday, he is coming... for thanksgiving, so we just want to rejoice with him, pray for him and to wish him more years on the throne for peace to reign in our community.” r

*Rev. Fr. Udoh presenting a gift to the Onigando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi

*Rev. Fr. Udoh flanked by parishioners of St. John Catholic Church, Igando

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 21

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the rail transportation sector are gearing up towards a more efficient freight system in the country.

The stakeholders, which include Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA and Inland Container Nigeria Limited, ICNL have all expressed their readiness to partner with the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, to explore better ways to make the rail freight system more efficient.

The stakeholders, who spoke at an event to flag off container transportation from Apapa to Kaduna and Kano recently, said the move by the NRC to resume container transportation after seventeen years was a welcome development as it would result to port decongestion and make for easier distribution of goods within the country.

According to the Public Relations Officer, NPA, Capt.

Ebube Iheanacho, the railway would among other things exploit its track monopoly to drive the freight system.

He said, “The road transport is encumbered by city’s poor road networks but rail is a very jealous mode of transport, having its own tracks.

This monopoly is what we are going to enjoy now if we have this rail traversing to Lagos city without hindrance because we need this to complete the logistics which forms part of the global supply chain which the port represents.

And that is why we are happy that this inter-modal connectivity is now coming to be.” He explained that the entire system besides aiding port decongestion would result to efficiency in business activities within the port if all

VISIT: From left: Senator Ken Nnamani, Chairman, Governing Board, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC); Senator Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister; Engr. John Obinna Chukwu, FCTA Permanent Secretary; Mr. Aminu Diko, Director General, ICRC during a courtesy call of the new governing board of the ICRC to the minister, in Abuja.

Rail transportation: Stakeholders to promote efficient freight system

By JONAH NWOKPOKU challenges are taken into proper consideration and taken care of.

“It will lead to port decongestion if other encumbrances are out of the way. I had always said that the port is wearing tow caps.

One is the logistics side that has to do with the supply chain; the other is that it is an

international border post where customs and other agencies check that whatever you are importing does not go foul of the law of the land. If that one is out of the way, of course, it will enhance efficiency,” he said.

On his part, Chairman, Inland Container Nigeria Limited, Tope Borishade said the return of container transportation by the rail will

bring huge relief for them since the halting of container transportation had significantly impacted on their output. In his words, “After the last container train left Apapa port in 1996, ICNL’s container output reduced drastically. This made our customers in the northern parts of the country experience challenges in receiving imported containers from Lagos. Undoubtedly, this

marks a turnaround for the better. This determination by the transport stakeholders in the country has now ensured that containers would start leaving Apapa once again after seventeen years,” he said.

He however noted that there are still twin challenges facing smooth operations and would likely affect efficiency of the recommenced container freight operations if not addressed.

Manufacturers seek speedy implementation of industrial incentives

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

M

ANUFACTURERS, under the auspices of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, have called on both the federal and state governments to accelerate the implementation of the recently reviewed industrial incentives.

They also appealed to the government to gear more effort towards the development of the small and medium scale enterprises, saying that the promotion of the sub-sector holds the key to inclusive growth of the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the 2013 Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors’ business luncheon at Ota, Ogun State, the association’s chairman, Mr. D.B Ogutuga, represented by the Vice-chairman,

Mr. Wale Adegbite, said there is need for Ogun State government to provide an enabling environment that is conducive for industries in the state to thrive, while decrying constant harassment by government agencies.

“Government should implement investment incentives like tax holidays, tax reduction, location incentives. Government should also harmonise taxes and implement Joint Tax Board Act 21 of 1998.

“These will provide investment guarantee packages for specific industries, particularly for those in the small and medium enterprises categories. The implementation of these incentives in Ogun State should be accelerated,” he said.

He added, “There are unchecked and arbitrary introduction of new taxes and levies by the state and local government councils, thus cre-

ating a situation of uncertainty and ambiguity. These taxes and levies are contrary to the constitution of Nigeria.

Our businesses are constantly being disrupted and we are constantly under the threat of closing down our factories for nonpayment of illegal taxes and levies.”

Ogutuga stated that Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole require a lot of fine-tuning in order to reduce the tardiness being witnessed in the manufacturing sector and the consequent prevailing high cost of production, which renders Nigerian industries uncompetitive.

In his words, “Government must speedily take actions aimed at boosting production and subsequent generation of employment to check the increasing discontent in the society, which have manifested in different forms of social malaise.”

0.8

112.9

2,478.00

+81.00

16.37

-0.1

115.00

-0.68

107.21

-1.33

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.76 241.5494 203.8034 165.0597 1.5555 0.2918 233.2105 25.3268 41.2616 27.3225 234.0745

SELLING

155.26 155.76 242.3298 243.1102 204.4619 205.1203 165.593 166.1263 1.5606 1.5656 0.3018 0.3118 233.9639 234.7174 25.4091 25.4914 41.3949 41.5282 27.4108 27.499 234.8308 235.587

CBN Exchange rate as at 05/09/2013

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

BRIEFS

Flour Mills Q1 profit weakens on high import duties

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

A

EGM: From left: Company Secretary, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Olalekan Sani; Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Makanjuola and Managing Director, Mr. Joel O. Ajiga during the Extra-Ordinary General meeting, in Lagos.

Vitafoam shar eholders endorse N4bn capital raising

By PETER EGWUATU

S

HAREHOLDERS of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc have given approval to the Board of Directors of the company to raise additional N4 billion capital to enhance its operations.

The shareholders on Wednesday at the company’s Extra Ordinary General Meeting, EGM, unanimously approved that the company can raise the sum by issuing securities such as equities or debt via public offering, rights issue, debenture, special placing and other options or combination of any of these methods and offering same for sale on such terms and conditions as the directors may deem fit in the interest of the company subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.

Other resolution approved by shareholders include: That the directors be authorirised to make supplementary allotment of securities issued in the event of oversubscription, and that the directors be further authorised to enter into and execute any agreements, deeds, instruments, notices, and other documents pursuant to the resolutions including appointment of professionals parties.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Vitafoam, Mr. Joel Ajiga, who spoke to newsmen said, “I am delighted that the shareholders gave their approval for the company to raise additional fund. They understand the potentials inherent in the company and ripple effect it will have on the C M Y K

stakeholders. On the method of raising the fund, we are planning a right issue in the first instance, which will be one for one ordinary share. We hope the existing shareholders will pick their rights because they are supporting the offering.’

On the issue of bonus and dividend being demanded by shareholders, he said,” We will give bonus based on performance. This is the essence why we want to raise the capital to improve productivity and in turn

improve the bottom line that will make the company declare higher dividend in the future.

The Chairman of Vitafoam, Dr. Bamidele Makanjuola, assured shareholders at the EGM that the company will strive to improve on its dividend payment. According to him, “Most of the money the company earns go to the banks in form of higher interest expenses. So, that is why the company had decided to put a stop on banks’ borrowing and go into long term borrowing from the capital market. We

will revisit the bonus issue based on performance.”

Specifically, Mr. Boniface Okezie, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, Mr. Owolabi Peter and Gabriel Adebayo, all shareholders, who spoke at the meeting, commended the board and management of the company on its decision to raise additional capital said “Proactive measures should be taken to reward shareholders in terms of bonus issue and dividend payment.”

Standard Chartered, GTBank, nine others finance Dangote refinery

BY PETER EGWUATU

G

UARANTY Trust Bank and Standard Chartered Bank led nine other local and international commercial banks in the provision of a loan facility to Dangote lndustries Ltd to the tune of $3.3billion for the purpose of constructing the biggest Petroleum Oil Refinery & Petrochemical/ Fertilizer Plants in Nigeria.

This first facility was jointly coordinated by Standard Chartered Bank as the global coordinator, and Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank Plc as the local coordinator.

The plants, which will cost a total of $9 billion will generate up to 9,500 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, in addition to reducing current volumes of refined fuel imports by around 50 percent and effectively stopping the importation of fertilizer.

The US$9 billion project will be financed by US$3 billion equity and US$6 billion loan capital. Yesterday’s signing ceremony commits the first tranche of loans secured by Dangote, comprising a US$3.3billion term loan facility supported by a consortium of 12 local and international banks.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said: “This plant will further entrench Africa’s role on the global map as not only a valued contributor for natural resources, but also a competent manufacturer of refined products and fertilizer.

As a result, several African nations will be less reliant on importing fuel and fertilizer from foreign markets, reducing the negative impact of negotiating terms within increasingly turbulent international markets.”

In the same vein, CEO of

Standard Chartered Bank in Nigeria, Mrs. Bola Adesola, added: “Standard Chartered is proud to support the Dangote Group in a project which will significantly boost Nigeria’s economic productivity and create valuable jobs with specialist skills from key growth sectors. This project is an historic example of selfempowerment and leadership for the continent as a whole – and is made possible through effective partnerships between the Nigerian private sector, Government and international financial institutions. Standard Chartered remains committed to being here for good in Nigeria, and the region.

According to Mr Segun Agbaje, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, “This landmark project reinforces Dangote’s commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.

NALYSTS at FBN Capi tal have attributed the contraction in Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc gross profit for the first quarter ended 3oth June, 2013 to high import duties and a spike in input costs of the company’s animal feds business.

They, however, said that the company’s top-line growth is expected to remain strong on the back of new investments, , “We forecast sales and earning per share, EPS, growth of 32 percent year-on-year, y/ y, and 67 percent y/y respectively for 2014.”

In their analysis of the first quarter financial performance of the company, they said, “Although sales of N101billion were up 43 percent y/y, gross margin shrank by 676basis points, bps, to 10.4 percent, weighing on profits. To a lesser extent, a 40 percent y/y rise in finance charges also negatively impacted earnings.

Oando pays N5.1bn dividend to shareholders

O

ando Plc, with a primary and secondary listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has made a total dividend payout in the sum of N5.1 billion to its shareholders on September 2, 2013.

Shareholders have expressed satisfaction with the disbursement, as the substantial payout represents a 61 percent increase from the last dividend payments made by the company.

The company successfully completed a N62.6 billion oversubscribed Rights Issue between December 2012 and February 2013.

This further highlights shareholder confidence in Oando’s ability to continue to generate sustained earnings and increased value for its shareholders.

According to Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, “The centerpiece of our overall growth strategy remains focused on steady and progressive value creation for our shareholders. With a business such as ours that guarantees steady returns on investments, we are positioning ourselves to ensure that our shareholders continue to enjoy an exemplary dividend payout year after year.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 23

24— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

CASON frets over exploitation on roads

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

N

IGERIAN traders and exporters of shea nut/ butter and sesame seeds from Nigeria has began to acquire modern skills of handling them and advanced processing methods to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that accrue from them to the nation.

Speaking at the opening session of the training,organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii and Mrs. Omowunmi Osibo, the former project coordinator of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), called on federal and state governments and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts at improving both quality and processing of both products in line with international standards so as to boost their economic yields for individuals and the governments.

The duo spoke in Lagos at the workshop for traders and exporters and standard enforcement officers, organised by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), among others.

The training is aimed at expanding Nigeria's export on sesame seeds and shea nut/ butter through improved San/itory and Phytosanitary (SPS) Capacity Building for private and public sectors.

While highlighting the poten-

T

SUMMIT: From left: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State; Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State during the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit, in Abuja, Wednesday.

‘Shea butt er butter er,, sesame expor exportt ttoo gener at or Nigeria yyearly’ early’ generat atee $500m ffor tial of shea butter in terms of generating income towards the GDP, Osibo who was a former staff of the NEPC, said that "shea butter is not generating as much as what it ought to because Nigeria produces over 326,000 metric tons of shea nuts annually.”

However, she noted that quite a good number of the 326,000 metric tons of shea nuts produced in the country is smuggled out

BoI, NAFDAC to assist SMEs prepare goods for export

BY DANIEL GUMM

B

ANK of Industry (BoI) has siad that it is partnering with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on free training of local producers on the specifics of regulatory requirements for exports to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The AGOA was signed into law on May 18, 2000 as Title 1 of The Trade and Development Act of 2000.

The act offers tangible incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets.

Speaking at a seminar organised for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) operators at BoI in Lagos, Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, NAFDAC, Mrs. Ogochukwu C. Mainasara, advised participants to comply with regulatory standards, stressing that the only difference between Nigeria made products and imported ones was compliance with standards.

Describing food safety as the assurance that any food is safe, Mainasara regretted that Nigerian SMEs do not reap full benefits of the AGOA Act, adding that a lot of food products exported to Europe and America suffer rejection due to non-compliance to regulatory standards as spelt by the agency.

She explained that Sam and Sara, a firm into garment production has already keyed into the AGAO initiative and had commenced export of its products to the US and with a target to employ about 3,000 over the next five years.

She therefore urged local manufacturers to obtain certification from NAFDAC before exporting their products to save them losses arising from product rejections in foreign markets.

She sid that a potential exporter requires about five free export certificates from the agency covering: combined certificate of manufacturing and free trade; health certificate for semi-processed and processed commodities; export approval for personal items among others.

of the nation into the neigbouring states for processing. "This is what this project sets out to address — to improve the quality, the processing and increase more job generation," she said.

Similarly, concerning what will accrue to the country from this product, Osibo put it at over $500 million yearly.

In his speech, Orhii said with the advent of globalisation and need to expand the non-oil agric based trade, it is of paramount importance that the benefits of international collaboration and cooperation are harnessed.

According to him, the central theme of the training: Robust Systems for Safer Products and Exports of Sesame Seeds and Shea

Butter, aims to inform participants on the trade and regulatory requirement of the production, exportation, sale and use of the products.

"The training is a segment of the WTO/STDF Project 172 in collaboration with Nigeria to improve SPS capacity for private and public sector," said Orhii, adding that the WTO/STDF Project 172 generally seeks to improve the quality and expand the export of Nigerian Sesame seeds and Shea nut/butter.

Speaking further, Osibo, said the market for shear butter is expanding because of the market from the North.

Besides, cosmetics industries use shea butter, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

Arewa Cotton, FG, Ogun sign MoU to inS UBSEQUENT creased cotton and lint

demands from local textile industries as well as exports, Arewa Cotton, a Nigerian natural fibre company, based in Abuja, has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government and Ogun State government on the improved production and marketing of cotton.

The tripartite agreement, which is targeted at the cultivation of 20,000 hectares cotton farmland at Iwoye-Ketu, a rural community in ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State and the production of 100,000 metric tons of lint for local textile manufacturers and exports, according to report, will cost Arewa Cotton between N1.5 billion and N2 billion at a start.

Having considered the commitment of farmers in the state

towards cotton farming, coupled with the enabling factors provided the state government as regards cotton production and trading, Arewa Cotton is planning to relocate its ginnery — a cotton processing plant located in the Northern part of the country to Ogun State, in order to start as part of the agreement.

Speaking at the official rollout of Growth Enhancement Support (GES) for cotton held at Iwoye-Ketu, recently, Adebayo Olayemi, financial controller of Arewa Cotton, noted that the company had signed MoU with the Federal Government to develop cotton in South-West and North-Central, as part of Arewa Cotton and government’s joint efforts to create wealth, generate jobs and meet up with the local and foreign demands.

HE Community of Agricultural Stakeholders of Nigeria, CASON, has said that it would not spare any law enforcement agent caught in the act of exploiting transporters/ suppliers of farm produce on major highways in the country.

CASON Chairman,Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, who dropped the hint in Lagos, explained that the Northern part of Nigeriais the highest producer of farm produce and most states depend extensively on the North for supply of farm produce such as tomatoes, pepper, onions, potatoes, rice, millet, cassava, date palms, cotton, fruits, vegetables, sorghum, wheat, sweet potato, sugarcane, groundnut, just to name a few.

He said that the North accounts for over 70 per cent of the total food consumed in the country.

“Road transport is the general means of transporting farm produce across Nigeria and the most cost effective means of getting produce from farms in the North to other parts of the country.

“The government with the support of the private sector is determined to transform the agricultural sector of the economy.

Effort has been made to increase food production in the country and several initiatives has been launched, such as the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES). In year 2012 food production rose by about 8 million tons, i.e. about 40 per cent of the four-year objective, this implies a 70 per cent above the target that was set for year 2012.

“The flood food recovery production plan also revealed that at least 1.1 million MT of paddy rice was harvested from 264,000ha of dry season rice in 2012 across the 10 Northern states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Bauchi, Katsina and Gombe.

“To make matters worse is the huge sums of money suppliers of farm produce have to pay at strategic roadblocks across the country to get their produce down to its destination which is unbearable and cannot continue,” he stated.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—25

Countries call for closer tourism, air transport policies

By CALEB AYANSINA

T

HE Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke has called on countries around the world to accord greater respect to Nigerians, who travel around the world for several legitimate reasons, describing them as high net worth tourists.

Duke stated this at the Ministerial Roundtable of the 20 th General Assembly of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) being jointly hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe with the theme; ‘Visa Facilitation, Connectivity and Relations between Tourism and Air Transport Policies’.

Top on the agenda of the meeting was how to improve tourism development globally, by facilitating entry visas, especially, with regards to Africa and other places, to ensure unhindered connectivity for tourists, thereby promoting youth tourism.

The Minister said that Nigerians’ contributions to tourism globally were an indication that they deserve greater respect.

Duke, who led the Nigerian delegation to the General Assembly, decried the situation where some countries come up with visa policies that impinge on connectivity by making it difficult for some nationals to travel for tourism, business and education.

“I was emphatic because many countries at the Roundtable spoke about using the benchmark for certain countries as yardstick for endorsing tourism in other parts of the world. For instance, you have countries that are not subscribed to the UNWTO Convention, but they are the preferred countries for many tourists, and it is now said that, when you have visas to those countries, you will have nonencumbrance access to those countries.

“My question is what about countries which are members of the UNWTO and are big source markets for Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America, and tourists from these are tourists spend big for the economies of the preferred countries.

Why are they also not given visa facilitation and treated with great respect,” the Minister asked.

“Often times because of our adventurous spirit and because of our desire to enhance knowledge by traveling to different parts of the world, Nigerians are C M Y K

T

Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke (left) and Director of Tourism, Johnson Odekina at the 20th General Assembly of UNWTO hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe in Livingstone, Zambia.

Nigerians, high net worth tourists — Duke …as UNWTO places emphasis on youth tourism regular travelers around the world.

This keeps embassies of foreign countries in Nigeria busy and thousands of flight seats are also filled by Nigerians traveling for different purposes including business, education, holiday, shopping and for other legitimate reasons.

“It is therefore, important to treat Nigerians with greater respect, because they contribute significantly to tourist arrivals in very many countries”.

The Minister maintained that the new tourist visa regime put in place by the Federal Government would be diligently pursued, to remove all encumbrances hitherto associated with obtaining the visa to visit Nigeria.

Earlier, at the opening ceremony, the SecretaryGeneral of UNWTO, Dr. Taleb Rifai said though the last two years were marked by slower than expected global economic recovery, a lingering recession in the Eurozone and remarkable geopolitical changes in many parts of the world, international tourism continued

to grow, reaching an all-time record.

According to him, “ international tourists arrivals grew by 4% in 2012 and by 5% in the first half of 2013, thus exceeding the UNWTO’s initial forecast for the current year of a 3 -4% growth. On the political level, 2012 reflected our collective efforts to improve tourism’s recognition on the global agenda. World leaders at the G20 Summit in Mexico and Rio+20 UN Decade of Sustainable Development Conference, for the first time, singled out tourism as a driver of economic growth, development and job creation”.

Relating these developments to Africa, the Secretary General revealed that international tourist arriv-

als in Africa grew from 15 million in 1990 to 52 million in 2012, while exports from international tourism reached US$34 billion in 2012 from a mere 6 billion in 1990, and by 2030 international tourist arrivals to Africa would reach 134 million, almost three times the current number.

Dr. Rifai said: “This 20th General Assembly of our organization is therefore holding at a moment of continued growth in the tourism sector and of increasing political recognition of the role of tourism in contributing to a more sustainable growth.”

PUBLIC NOTICE PEARL ORPHANAGE HOME This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are; 1. Rev. Dr. Monday Otobo - Chairman 2. Evang. Samuel Otobo - Founder 3. Pastor Mrs. Faith Otobo - Co-Founder/Secretary 4. Bishop Daniel Azenabor - Member 5. Mrs. Vera Onuoha - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY. (2) TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS IN THE SOCIETY. (3) TO ERADICATE POVERTY FROM THE SOCIETY. (4) TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY (5) TO BUILD IN THE CHILDREN, YOUTHS & WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY, A GODLY CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. (Mrs.) Rosemary Otobo 08037535059

HE General Debate of the 20th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly has put a spotlight on the link between tourism and air transport policies. Countries attending called for closer coordination between both policies highlighting that too often these interlinked sectors are dissociated (Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe, 28 August).

Delegations from the 120 UNWTO Members States intervening at the 20th Session of the UNWTO Assembly discussed air transport policies in their respective countries and called for measures and initiatives to increase connectivity. Countries further called for closer collaboration between tourism and air transport policies. Issues such as visa facilitation, the need to make airports more visitor friendly, taxation, open skies and the impact of low cost airlines were among the issues in debate.

UNWTO has defined connectivity as one of its policy priorities alongside visa facilitation and fair taxation and is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on advancing these issues as well as those related to addressing climate change, the modernization of aviation regulations and the development of convergent rules for traveller and enterprise protection.

More than one billion tourists crossed international borders during 2012, over half of who travelled by air to their destinations.

26— Vanguard,

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6,, 2013

Anorexia nervosa:

When you are too afraid to eat

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

I

N the European countries, slimness is seen as the in-thing. This means that anyone who is perceived to be too fat for what the fashion community sees as normal, stands the risk of being castigated. In fact, it could be said that anyone who wears dresses above a size nine, is considered a misfit.

This is especially so for the entertainment industry which parades skinny models and entertainers as the sexiest as against those who are big in size. Hence, the craze to lose weight has skyrocketed, making fitness centers one of the most viable businesses, and nutritionists smiling to the bank.

Aside exercises which are recommended, diet doctors have come up with items like flex belts, weight loss calculators, operations and surgeries where excess body fat are removed from the body.

There are also cases where models, entertainers and even young people deliberately starve themselves to look fit and sexy. But how far is too far when it comes to skipping meals or starving oneself to be acceptable by a beauty obsessed society?

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa comes from two Latin words that mean nervous inability to eat. It is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an unrealistic fear of weight gain, self-starvation, and conspicuous distortion of body image.

The individual is obsessed with becoming increasingly thinner and limits food intake to the point where health is compromised.

The disorder may be fatal as in the case of Nana Karagianni, one of the most famous and loved journalists in Greece. She used to be a model and later a TV presenter until struck by the disease.

Nana Karagianni, who has been suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, seems to have spread great concern not only in the Greek media, but the Turkish as well.

Reporters and journalists recently made a special tribute with an extensive

anything other than food.

Someone with anorexia nervosa strictly controls what they eat. For example, by strict dieting counting the calories in food excessively avoiding food they think is fattening eating only low-calorie food missing meals (fasting).

They avoid eating with other peopleand take appetite suppressants, such as slimming or diet pills They may also drink lots of fluids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and low-calorie fizzy drinks. Some people with anorexia also use illegal stimulant drugs known to cause weight loss, such as cocaine or amphetamines.

When to see the doctor

You may think about food all the time, and exercise to exhaustion. You also may have a host of physical problems that make you feel generally miserable, such as dizziness, constipation, fatigue and frequently feeling cold. If you think you may have an eating disorder, get help.

Fear of weight gain: Nana Karagianni before (left) and after. story on Nana and her eating disorder.

The beautiful and successful journalist has lost so much weight over time that she has now become unrecognizable.

aerobics. Some people will use any available opportunity to burn calories, such as preferring to stand rather than sit.

Symptoms

Eating and food

The main symptom of anorexia is losing a lot of weight deliberately. By eating as little as possible, making yourself vomit,over-exercising – burning more calories than you consume in a day A person with anorexia will want their weight as low as possible – much less than average for their age and height.

They are so afraid of gaining weight that they cannot eat normally.

Even after eating, they may try to get rid of food from their body by making themselves sick.

The need to obsessively burn calories usually draws people with anorexia to ‘high-impact’ activities, such as running, dancing or

Although anorexia means ‘loss of appetite’, people with anorexia nervosa do not usually lose their appetite – they like food and feel hungry.

However, they do not think about food in the same way as others. This is apparent in various ways. They may tell lies about eating or what they have eaten, give excuses about why they are not eating, pretend they have eaten earlier or find it difficult to think about

Society holds Fair for the needy

BY KOSISO UDEMBA

T

HE Society of St. Vincent De Paul holds its annual Charity Fair on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at St. Brigids Catholic Church, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos.

Provision of free medical services and other benefits to the less privileged is the focus of the event which is part of effort to make this year ’s fair an improved success.

The society also desires to draw the attention of the elite to the plight of the poor and seek assistance in anyway possible, while assuring that they are a credible platform to help reach these destitute members in our society.

HOPE Ambassadors takes malaria campaign to Enugu

BY EBELE ORAKPO

H

OPE Ambassadors & Child Care Organisation, a faith-based non-profit, nongovernment organisation with a calling to bring hope to the needy and poor, recently took their anti-malaria campaign to Enugu State.

Tagged Conquer Mosquito, Conquer Malaria, President of Hope Ambassadors & Child Care Organisation, Mrs. Mandy Olowu while delivering the anti-malaria awareness talk, said the organisation has been in the forefront of a na-

C M Y K

tionwide anti-malaria campaign to reduce infant and maternal mortality in the country.

The team demonstrated the proper use of mosquito nets, followed by the distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets and other household items to over 300 people at the event which took place at Ugbo Okpala in Awgu LGA of the state.

Also present were people from the surrounding autonomous communities, local government officials and the Councilor who represented the

The abandoned girl.

Child with cerebral palsy abandoned at Igbobi

A

N unidentified child diag nosed with Celebral Palsy, CP, has been reportedly abandoned by persons suspected to be the parents at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

Information from the hospital management showed that the baby girl was abandoned in the

Physiotherapy Department of the Hospital by an unknown woman on Thursday 29th August, 2013.

A statement signed by the Protocol Officer of the hospital, Mr. Adewumni Adetoba, said the matter had been reported to the Nigerian Police, Onipanu Division. According to Adetoba,

presently, the child is under the care of the Hospital awaiting identification and possible discharge home.

The hospital is calling on the general public who may have useful information about the child to contact the public relations unit of the hospital for necessary action.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—27

Fame has

favoured me in so many ways

— Doris Simeon

By AYO ONIKOYI AND JULIET EBIRIM

B

eautiful Nollywood actress, Doris Simeon isn’t a scandalprone person but the issue of separation between her and her former husband, actor and director, Daniel Ademinokan got her name dragged around in a mesh-work of gossips and rumours that hasn’t really panned out. She was chatted up by Juliet Ebirim at a recent event and here is the conversation that ensued. Excerpts: Tell us about yourself?

My name is Doris Simeon. I’m from Edo State, Igbila to be precise.

I’m from a family of five, though I am an orphan now.

What was growing up like for you?

It was really fun for me. Those days when my mum sent me on an errand and I didn’t it deliver well, she would flog me and I would wonder “Are you sure this is my mother? But now when I think back, I realise she was only trying to make me a better person. Especially, when I do the same to my son. It dawned on me that all those scolding was out of love.

It was really fun. I grew up in a face me, I face you kind of house where you have lots of drama. When I think about it, I laugh a lot. Funny enough, I used to tell the “Ajebutter” children that they didn’t have as much experience about life as those of us who lived in the ghettos.

What’s your take on actresses who sleep their way through for roles?

It’s their choice, they weren’t forced into it. They wanted to, that’s C M Y K

why they did it, or probably because they are desperate.

Have you been sexually harassed since you started acting?

I’ve not since I started acting. I’ve had the experience of people or producers toasting me and as far as I am concerned that is normal. Any man can like any woman. It is not peculiar only to Nollywood, It is either you want it or you don’t want it.

•Doris Simeon

Would you say that fame has robbed you of anything?

No, fame has really favoured me in so many ways. I thank God for that.

So you don’t have any regrets?

I don’t, in any way.

I want you to talk about the recent happenings, your exhusband and another actress, Stella Damasus?

I have nothing to say about it.

Aside your son, what else makes you happy?

Putting smiles on people’s Continues on page 28

I N S I D E:

Pornography makes our movies confirms abuse more real

Beverly Osu

Nigerian invents

Bamboo Tablet

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Synopsis If you have to change anything about yourself, what would that be?

I don’t want to change anything.

I just thank God for creating me the way I am. If I have to come back to this world again, I want to come back as me.

What is your greatest physical attribute?

I’ve never thought about it, but I think it’s my eyes.

If you weren’t an actress, what would you have been?

I would have been a presenter or newscaster because I love entertainment.

Besides acting, what else do you do?

I have a cosmetic store. I sell cosmetics and perfumes.

With the break-up of your marriage, do you regret ever getting married in the first place?

No. Are you officially divorced from your husband?

I grew up in the ghetto Continues from page 27 faces, especially children. I love children a lot.

Define your style?

Simple and comfortable What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

Having to present a TV talk show ‘Faaji Extra’. It’s a Yoruba talk show.

I was a little bit nervous at first. But it was a dream come true for me, because I always wanted to be a TV presenter as well. When the opportunity came, I just embraced it because it was like a prayer answered. I loved the idea and I really enjoyed the experience on that particular set.

,

How much were you paid for the job?

A lot of money.

A lot enough to make me smile.

No comment! I like it when my lawyer answers such questions.

There was this rumour that you were having an affair which led to the collapse of your marriage?

When I read about all these rumours, I just laugh.

So, You mean none of that is true?

None at all, there was a time some journalists even told me that I was a lesbian, that they took my picture, a side view. I told them, I wanted to see the front view of me in the hotel with the lesbians and then I laughed. I told myself, “this is what I chose (my career), so I have to accept it that way”.

Have you moved on?

Me? I’m after putting smiles on people’s faces.

I would have been a presenter or newscaster because I love entertainment

What is the worst rumour you’ve heard about yourself?

I think it had to do with a story that reported I attended a Fuji show. The story also claimed I was dating Saheed Osupa. It was about ten years ago and was published on a full page. The funniest thing was the writer sounded like he was so sure. I just laughed because it was so funny; I’ve never been to a Fuji show. The only way you could catch me at such gatherings are on rare occasions when my colleagues invite me to functions where a Fuji band happens to be on stand. And to say I was dating Saheed Osupa was a big lie that could only be laughed at.

What’s your vision and where do you see yourself in the next five years ?

I want to really affect people’s lives, put smiles on their faces. There are street kids out there suffering, we need to go out there. I like the courage of Iyabo Ojo, Halima Abubakar for all those NGOs and the rest of them.

Putting smiles on people’s faces is what I’m aspiring to do and I think that’s the only way your prayers would be answered and God would put a smile on your face too.

,

What’s your advice to upcoming actresses?

Don’t be desperate. Be yourself. If you have that gift and you think you can still go out there to learn, do it.

Go and learn from the professionals and God will put you through. If God says it is your time, he will definitely lift you up.

A

fter moving his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids, Lenny finds out that between old bullies, new bullies, schizo bus drivers, drunk cops on skis, and 400 costumed party crashers sometimes crazy follows you. Starring in the movie are Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK TWO GUNS ELYSIUM WORLD WAR Z

Exhibition Schedule from Sept. 6th -12th , 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Grown Ups 2: 12:00pm, 2:05pm, 6:30pm, 8:45pm 2 Guns: 4:10pm, 6:20pm, 8:30pm Elysium: 1:50pm, 6:45pm, 8:50pm World War Z: 11:00am, 4:00pm Smurfs 2: 12:00pm, 2:10pm Red Hot : 1:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Grown Ups 2 : 12:55pm,4:40pm,6:45pm,9:10pm 2 Guns: 1:45pm, 6:15pm, 8:35pm Elysium: 3:55pm 7:10pm Dead Man Down: 11:20am, 4:00pm World War Z: 11:25am, 8:50pm Smurfs 2: 10:45am, 12:40pm, 2:40pm Red Hot: 11:15am, 2:55pm House of Gold: 1:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Grown Ups 2: 12:40pm, 2:40pm, 4:50pm, 7:00pm, 9:10pm 2 Guns: 12:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 7:20pm, 9:30pm Red Hot: 12:00pm, 4:10pm, 8:15pm Elysium: 12:20pm, 2:30pm, 4:45pm, 6:55pm, 9:05pm World War Z: 12:05pm, 2:20pm, 4:40pm, 6:55pm, 9:15pm Dead Man Down: 1:45pm, 5:55pm Smurfs 2: 11:40am, 1:45pm, 3:50pm Despicable Me 2 : 11:30am,1:30pm White House Down: 4:10pm, 9:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA 2 Guns : 2:30pm,4:40pm,6:50pm,9:00pm Elysium : 4:30pm,6:40pm,8:50pm Smurfs 2 : 12:20pm,2:25pm, Red Hot : 11:00pm,12:45pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT 2 Guns : 11:40am,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Red Hot : 12:50pm,4:50pm Elysium : 2:10pm,6:45pm,9:00pm World War Z : 11:50am,4:20pm Dead Man Down : 11:20am,1:40pm,6:30pm,8:45pm Smurfs 2 : 12:20pm,2:25pm,4:35pm,6:40pm Torn : 12:10pm,2:10pm House of Gold: 2:50pm,6:50pm,8:55pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Elysium: 12:20pm, 2:30pm, 4:40pm, 7:00pm Dead Man Down: 1:50pm, 4:20pm, 6:40pm Red Hot: 12:10pm, 2:00pm, 6:50pm Smurfs: 12:35pm, 2:45pm, 4:35pm House of Gold: 12:30pm, 4:45pm After Earth: 11:30am OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Grown Ups 2 : 2:20pm,4:25pm,6:30pm,8:35pm 2 Guns : 2:00pm,4:10pm,6:15pm,8:25pm Elysium : 4:55pm,7:00pm,9:10pm World War Z : 2:20pm,5:30pm Dead Man Down : 10:20am, Smurfs 2 : 12:35pm Despicable Me 2 : 10:00am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, LAGOS Grown Ups 2: 10:00am, 2:30pm, 7:00pm, 11:30pm 2 Guns: 10; 50am, 1:05pm, 4:40pm, 7:00pm, 9:15pm, 11:40pm Elysium: 12:20pm, 2:40pm, 5:00pm, 7:20pm, 9:40pm Smurfs 2 : 10:15am,2:30pm GENESIS CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Grown Ups 2: 11:05am, 4:05pm, 6:10pm, 10:35pm 2 Guns: 9:40am, 1:55pm, 4:05pm, 6:15pm, 8:25pm Elysium: 9:10am, 11:00pm Smurfs 2: 9:50am, 11:55am, 2:00pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Grown Ups 2 12:30pm,4:40pm,6:45pm,8:50pm 2 Guns : 10:00am,2:45pm,4:55pm,7:05pm,9:15pm Elysium : 10:20am,2:50pm,7:20pm Smurfs 2 : 10:25am,2:35pm Despicable Me 2 : 10:25am,12:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, SURULERE Grown Ups 2 : 10:10am,4:20pm,6:15pm,8:15pm 2 Guns : 2:20pm,4:25pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Elysium : 12:15pm Smurfs 2 : 10:05am,12:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Grown Ups 2: 10:10am, 2:10pm, 6:20pm, 8:20pm Continues on4:05pm, page 28 2 Guns: 11:50am, 2:00pm, 6:10pm, 8:15pm Red Hot: 10:15am, 2:10pm Elysium: 6:00pm, 8:20pm, Smurfs 2 : 10:30a FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR 2 Guns: 2; 20pm, 4:25pm, 6:30pm, 8:40pm Elysium: 2:15pm Dead Man Down: 4:25pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm House of Gold: 12:10pm •Laide Bakare Smurfs 2: 10:00am

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—29

Pornography makes our movies more real

– Benson Okonkwo

BY AYO ONIKOYI

B

enson Okonkwo is a ris ing actor who has arr ive d the sce ne lik e a fas t tra in wi th bounty of goodies to off er. Since his foray into the industry, the En ugu-based sexy actor ha s ha d ho no ur s loo mi ng ab ou t hi m jus t as controversies would no t steer clear enough fro m him. No thanks, to the gay role he played in on e of his most successful mo vies till date “Pregnant Hawkers” In a recent chat with We ekend Groove, the actor opened another ca n of worms when he openly supported injec tion of pornography into Nollywood movies, say movies more real and the ing it makes the sex scenes more believable His words: “My dear, it’s only a movie and make-believe, you know. We watch movies like that in Holly wood. Nigerians are hypocrites. I think pornography

•Benson Okonkwo

makes our movies more real. And for that reason I am in support of it. If you take a good look at Hollywood movies for ex ample, you will notice that it is rampant and it means nothing to them.

Its like acting normal rol es, first and foremost.

It’s a movie and you ac t exactly what is in your script. Or you can say tha t you are interpreting the script given to you. An d there are restrictions, beside kissing and tou ching here and there.

What we do in Nollywo od is not porn. Nigerian movies are not made for everyone, besides, the regulatory body gives ap proval before such films are shown. Also there are age restrictions to viewing such films” When asked if he could marry a girl who has exposed her nudity in a a sex scene, he retorted “Love is blind. It can tak e you anywhere as long as the chemistry is the re. So I can marry any lady as long as the love is there. Yes, I can. And I am ready to spend my life with her” he said.

Glo X FFact act or contestants rekindle actor memories of African legends

T

he final battle for the unprecedented prize money of N24 million in the ongoing Glo X Factor reality singing show is now up for grabs among the last five surviving contestants; Pheel, Princess Pat, Vicky, DJ Switch and Eshun.

At the seventh gala show each contestant put up a glowing performance to canvass more votes before the grand finale which comes up September 21st and it was a night of the African legends as each contestant chose a track by an African legendary singer to woo the audience and voters.

Princess Pat opened the night’s performances by singing “Omo mi seun rere,” by late Christy Essien Igbokwe. Next was Vicky who performed “Umqombothi” by Yvonne Chaka Chaka and she did justice to the song with her smooth delivery. DJ Switch took the stage after that and she sang Brenda Fassie’s “Voom Voom Daylight.” In an amazing blend of traditional African music with hip-hop, she did an inspiring synchronisation of Brenda Fassie with homegrown hip-hop.

The last man standing in the competition, Pheel, went down East of Nigeria to unearth Oliver de Coque’s “Ibiri ka m biri.” On why he chose the song, he said, “The song has a strong message and I’ll like to pass it across in my own way.”

Waje adopts baby elephant

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

seem s oul sing er, Waje ’s love for wild life she when fans her unquenchable. The singer wowed ant! eleph baby a t adop to a recently made a trip to Keny gift from According to her, the mammal was a birthday mal, mam the just get ’t didn Waje obi.

Nair in her friends the and er, moth ted she also got a certificate as the adop This d. worl the in here right to carry it with her anyw name of makes her the foster parent of Barsilinga, the rship owne her new pet, written on the certificate of presented to her.

David The songstress made the adoption from The adi Mag , Gate n Boga at ed locat Trust Sheldrick Wildlife a.

Keny onbi road, Nair soft spot For the records,Waje has been known to have when it type ess fearl the for animals which makes her most scare to n know als anim with comes to frolicking a pet is who r singe the me, pasti a as ly most people. And . zoos to freak, usually makes out time to visit

S

•DJ Switch performing

Beverly Osu confirms abuse

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

T

his is no longer a rumour.

It’s official because it’s co mi ng fro m the ho rse ’s mo uth . On e of Ni ge ria ’s representatives at this yea r’s Big Brother, Beverly Osu, has confirmed that she once dat ed

rapper, 2shotz and that he wa s violent to her during the ir time together. Since she got into the BBA house, she has been trending in the ne ws esp eci all y be cau se of he r esc ap ad e wi th fel low housemate, Angelo.

And it was during one of their sessions in the house

that Bev let the cat out of the bag and told the whole wo rld about how 2shotz had abused her. Upon hearing this, the rapper involved, including his wife took to social netwo rks to de ny the tal e, mo st esp eci all y tha t he , 2sh otz never dated Beverly.

As if wa itin g to exp lod e, im me dia tel y Be v go t ba ck fro m BB A, sh e wa s by inv ita tio n a gu est of Channels Television’s Rubbi n Minds.During the chat wit h Eb uk a Ob i-U ch en du , she confirmed that she’d dat ed 2shotz.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Branding and scandal prone Nollywood N

o doubt Nollywood has grown in leaps and bounds, and while there is still no discernible structure in place, this growth is not about to end.

With massive, never-beforeseen endorsements being handed out by big corporations such as Globacoms and actors earning more money

than they ever have, branding of actors is the new fad in town.

Actors are no longer actors; they are brands now. They need to be created- or is it recreated. They need to be tweaked every so often, and they need to be managed to be over and above the personalities of the actors in-

Tonto Dike

L

Buy clean meat

ast week, officials of the Lagos state ministry of Agric discovered an illegal abattoir from which cattle suffering from the dreaded tuberculosis disease were being slaughtered, carved and sent for onward transportation into the market for sale. The onus then remains on the hapless consumer to decipher which meat is disease free and which is infected.

Buy from open Market Buying beef from the open market is the most natural way to buy meat. If you have found someone you ‘trust’ for stocking clean beef, stick to them.

Never ever buy from passer-by vendors.

Be time Conscious

C M Y K

Buy beef early in the afternoon or a little late in the evening. Beef is rarely ever available for sale early in the morning, unless it is yesterday’s beef. Avoid buying beef in the dark. Ideally, look out for fresh blood. Dark, clotted blood can be indicative of a lack of freshness.

Look for spots and Blotches Also, look out for dark spots and stains, particularly in lungs, livers and other organ parts. Dark patches are definitely the sign of disease.

Boiling will not make it alright- some of the germs cannot be destroyed at boiling point.

Look for lean meats.

The less the fat on the beef, the higher the chances that

volved.

By far the most outstanding female brands we have now are Funke Akindele and Tonto Dike, but while these two have a lot in common and other brands have a lot to learn from them, they definitely have a lot to learn from each other.

What they have in common Both brands are professionally managed at the moment, creating a trend that will enrich the value chain. If every Nollywood star uses a brand manager and other staff, Nollywood would be better for it.

Mid-level careers.

Both brands are at a crucial stages of their careers- established, but not peaked. They both recognize that whatever happens now will set the tone for the rest of their careers, with thousands of younger, talented actresses waiting to step into any gaps.

Scandal prone Both brands are scandal prone, being constantly in the public eye and both favouring habits that are less than savoury. And like most creative people, both are disposed to eccentricity.

Confident brands Both brands are confident ones, and this is reflected in the way they go about their various engagements.

Funke Akindele

What can they learn from each other?

Brand Funke is organic brand Tonto dramatic While brand Funke appears

natural, even organic with her natural gift for colloquialism and leadership, brand Tonto appears not to be able to explore other gifts beyond the dramatic.

Brand Funke is not better behaved but appears to be.

Funke’s marriage last year to socialite Kehinde Oloyede did not rub off on most of her fans the right way, as she was perceived to have married beneath her. She denied rumours of divorce after a year until it was no longer possible to deny it. Yet, she has had

teeming public support and sympathy, thanks to good branding. On the contrary, brand Tonto has not been able to overcome her bad image in the past, signifying bad damage control.

Brand Funke is credible/ classic while brand Tonto is floundering. While brand Funke continues to garner goodwill and endorsements into the kitty, Tonto is struggling and has even been dropped by the Red Cross for bleaching her skin. Only last week, she endorsed bleaching on national television.

the cow was grazed rather than artificially fed; and the cows that are grazed are necessarily more healthy. The less fat in the beef, the lower the chances of infection and disease.

Look for Clean Make sure not to buy meat that is covered in flies. You are

an African woman, but dysentery is not a prize- it’s a disease.

Supermarket Beef If not buying from the open market, make enquiries from supermarkets and other sources of cold food where you are buying your beef from about the source of their beef.

Questions to ask include whether or not they were grown with antibiotics or hormones.

Due to overcrowding and increased opportunity for disease, antibiotics are added to cattle feed to prevent such diseases. However, the large amounts of medicine that are fed to these animals increase the risk of passing the chemicals to those that consume such meat.

What can you do to guard against taking in these chemicals? Look for antibiotic-free meats – they are often available in conjunction with hormone-free meats and are available in many mainstream supermarkets and butcher shops.

Look at your labels and know what is in your foods before purchasing!

Beef

Beef

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 —

31

Supermodel beauty secrets A

few tears back, they hooked up to share gist and do one last photo shoot for Vogue. Unknown to them, it would mark the beginning of a brand new phenomenon, not the end of an old one. Linda, Naomi, Claudia, Christy, Stephanie, Cindy and Ellelast name unnecessaryrocked the world’s most glamorous fashion runways for a decade and a half, showcasing the designs of the world’s most prestigious designer and running lifestyles envied by most women of every age with their partying, fat checks and free wardrobes. Now all mostly in their 40s ( the eldest is Linda Evangelista, now 48) with very many children between them, Campbell, Schiffer, Crawford, Macpherson, Turlington and Seymour have attained the position of living legends, icons of a non too distant era when modelling was what modelling was supposed to be: very glamorous and very profitable.

Now every single fashion magazine worth their salt want them, again, making them come out of their shells more and more often (though Naomi and Kate Moss, the youngest of the lot, are still ‘ working) Their latest outing is for Interview Magazine.

For Cindy Crawford, it is not to trust department store mirrors when buying a foundation.

Make sure your foundation matches your skin. If you can, sample it and then go outside with a mirror because a lot of times we get something in a store and then in real life it’s too orange or too yellow or too gray.

Claudia Schiffer.

Use a great concealer, it can hide a multitude of sins. Apply a small amount over blemishes before you add founda-

Super models

tion… A highlighter along the cheekbones gives a pretty youthful glow.

Naomi Campbell, perfectly shaped brows Get your brow shaped right, it can make a real difference to the structure of your face and help make your eyes pop too. Twist up your hair after you’ve washed it and let it dry like that. When you let it down, it will have a gorgeous natural wave.

Kate Moss, Rimmel products My favourite Rimmel products are their mascaras, their eyeliners, and lip glosses. I can’t live without black eyeliner – it’s my absolute essential Elle Macpherson I eat organic and I’d encourage everyone to give it a go,’ says Elle of the secret to her fab looks, adding that she also enjoys working out when she can.

I’ve never been fanatical about sport but I love to run – I try to do six miles three or four times a week.’ The leggy blonde beauty, who made the relaxed beach babe look her own, is laidback about the need to look great as she gets older Christy Turlington Yoga is the absolute best set of tools I can recommend to help one feel and look one’s absolute best at any age,’ says Christy, who is clearly proof that her lifestyle is doing her good.

After being hooked on yoga since her first class at the age of 18, she has gone on to study Ayurveda and eats to reflect her dosha. My diet has gradually changed. I sincerely feel that beauty largely comes from within. When you are balanced and when you listen and attend to the needs of your body, mind and spirit, your natural beauty comes out.

Statistics : NIGERIA FAMILY PLANNING AT A GLANCE F

or the Government of Ni geria to fulfil its population’s unmet need for family planning (FP) services in support of the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), it would need to reach a contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of 35% by 2015. Achieving this goal is fundamental to slowing the nation’s population growth, meeting national development goals, and helping its citizens achieve their reproductive health (RH) intentions. However, Nigeria faces a daunting FP challenge.

37.3 Million An estimated 37.3 million Nigerian women are of reproductive age as at 2010.

5.7 Nigeria’s total fertility rate is 5.7 lifetime births per woman.

14.6% 14.6% of women of reproductive age who are married or in a union currently use some form of contraception.

9.7% of women who are married or in a union use a modern FP method.

20% of married women have an unmet need for contraception.

Addressing unmet need for FP can avert nearly 22,000 maternal deaths and nearly 230,000 child deaths by 2015.

4% Only 4% of the total demand for FP is met by use of the most effective methods.

11% of all pregnancies are unintended 20% The unmet need for FP is now 20% among married women, and the population continues to grow. By 2015, there will be 5.1 million more women of reproductive age than there are today. To meet the CPR in support of the fifth MDG, more than 10 million women will need to be served in 2015

17.4% Yet if the trend from 2003 to 2008 were to continue, by 2015 Nigeria would achieve a prevalence of 17.4%, with just over 5 million FP users—only half of what it would take to fulfil the fifth MDG. 10% Long-acting methods (IUDs and implants) and permanent methods (female sterilization and vasectomy) are the most effective of all FP methods. However, use of long-acting and permanent methods of contraception (LA/PMs) in Nigeria remains low, at

10% of the overall method mix.

12% If only 12% of current oral contraceptive users (50,000 women) were to switch to the IUD or implant, more than 12,500 unintended pregnancies could be averted over a five year period

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Nigerian invents Bamboo Tablet N

igeria’s top rating in technological advancement is not a fluke. Just as we presented on this page a few weeks back, a Nigerian that developed a social network site meant to give others like facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn a run for their popularity, another Nigerian is in the news again after inventing a bamboo tab specially designed to solve problems associated with people living in the emerging markets.

The inventor, Mr Adebola Omololu, said the tablet is a direct response to products coming from the outside world to make big sales in Africa even when they have no features that can take care of specific problems of the emerging markets.

For the first time with tablet computers, the Bamboo D700 comes not only with radio features, but also TV features that allows the user watch terrestrial television without any additional hardware. The television feature in the new tab was designed with an internal aerial that surrounds the device to receive signals.

37% in some conditions.

weather

44hours talk time

The Bamboo tablet is said to be developed to run on the optimal combination of the right CPU speed, memory size and battery type to provide the longest lasting tablet computer device on a single charge. As a result, it allows for about 44 hours of talk time on 2G networks, 25 hours of talk time on 3G networks and about 1048 stand-by time.

With a variety of over one million apps ranging from games, educational, productivity from the google

play store free of charge, the user has a lot to choose from.

Point of Sale Terminal

To support growing businesses, the Bamboo tablet has special features to support small and medium sized businesses such as a preloaded retail point of sale terminal that tells you everything that’s happening in your business even when you’re not there.

Besides supporting the growth of small & medium scale business, some specific preloaded apps in the tab

tackles Youth unemployment, Female empowerment, Government: Security, Education, Agriculture and Local contents

Dual-SIM

The Bamboo tablet also comes with a dual SIM which allow the user to make phone calls on one and browse with the other.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of this device is its

Technical Support .

Omololu said that his Debonair Devices Limited has designed its technical support in a way that should anything happen to the device, there’s always someone to come to your home or office to pick up the Bamboo tablet and return it well serviced without you having to leave the comfort of your house. This is in addition to 12 months warranty provided on the Bamboo D700.

New DVD home theatre

Pla atc h video in one bo Playy music, w watc atch boxx

GripGrooves

The new product also considers that most emerging markets have extreme weather at some points during the year which means that many users at some point may experience damp conditions on their hands that may reduce the amount of grip on devices. As a direct response, the new device comes with grip-grooves technology on the back of the device which increases the amount of grip by as much as

Bamboo tab

LG DH

W

as LG electronics thinking convergence in the new DVD home theatre system it debuted recently? If so, the product is reacting to yearnings of the future.

With a portable DVD player and surround sound for watching movies and

listening to music, the new LG DH 6535 home theatre explains what convergence is all about-the coming together of different technological systems for common good.

Perhaps that is why LG branded the product a complete home entertainment system. The product boasts of a 2.1 channel speaker system with two Premium stand alone horn speakers and 1 sub woofer delivering a powerful P.M.P.O output of 8,000 watts with excellent sound quality.

Also, its Vertical and Bass speakers produces crystal clear sound that makes consumers enjoy movies in the comfort of their living rooms. General Manager,

Galaxy Gear:

Samsung gives IFA a new smartwatch

As the IFA consumer electr onics fair in Berlin German y, begins today, the over 240,000 gadget fans expected at the huge electronics fair would behold a new smart watch which can allow the their calls, text messages m monitor and other phone services without actually bringing their phones fro m the pocket.

It’s the Galaxy Gear, fro m the stable of Samsung; one of the 1400 exhibitors at the show. Already the com pany had by Wednesday night unveiled the price and release da te of the hotly-anticipated gadget.

The Galaxy Gear is an ext en alerting users to incoming sion to a smartphone by discreetly messages and calls on its 1.63-inch screen. Users can even ma ke calls, the secret agent-sty le, without getting out their phone.

Samsung smartwatch

Media Division, LG Electronics, Mr. Jae Sang Lee, while unveiling the system, said that “life is more than just having the latest technology. It’s about the experiences this technology creates. The system, going by its avant-garde features, enables users to embrace life, preparing them for its greatest moments to experience high audio-fidelity and immersive sound” Besides, the system also enables USB recording with MP3 file creation from

Audio CDs. Stylishly designed with an Advanced horn tweeter, Xmetal bass speaker unit that produces powerful sound, the receiver, screams high-end performance and stands tall.

It also comes with one subwoofer to enable consumers get more while enjoying their favorite movies and music. In addition, it has USB contents playback option which allows consumers to re-play movies, films and photographs.

Ring Watch

What’s the time on your finger?

Yo u a re so watch? Bu u se d to th e w ri st Ring Clock have the w t now, be ready to That is whe atch on your finger. never let yore technology makes th next you areu sit on one place for e difference. It would look embarr asked what the time a long time. So when devices ha assed. The evolutionaon your finger is, don’t finger watcs shifted from pocket ry path for time telling watch that h. The Ring Clock as watch, wrist watch to yo it It was originu wear as a ring rathes name suggests, is a r than a bra a ll y designed in as part of celet 20 impossible a competition to crea11 by Gusztav Sziksza years after for now, but feasible inte a product that wasi already be the Ring Clock is bec 10 years. But just two oming reali ahead of its ty, it might time.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

— 33

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: THE Moon fluctuates as it moves out of your star . That is why you will need to guard against confusion likely to be caused by others.

GEMINI: THE Moon makes an ingress into your star sign and INFLUECES YOU TO BE COME AGGRESSIVE which is capable of bringing unnecessary argument and avoidable confusion. To before warned is to be fore armed.

CANCER: EARLY morning blues will affect many people today (yourself inclusive) but luckily for you, things will go according to your plans. And you will need to be more careful with money.

LEO: THE moon fluctuates early in the morning. And if care is not taken you would promise more than you can actually deliver to the resentment of others. Yet, you’ll win.

VIRGO: BEHIND-the-scene-activities are sources of avoidable trouble especially before mid-morning period when influence of the moon’s fluctuation will last. Avoid inordinate ambition.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

LISTENED to a motor mechanic being interviewed in a radio programme sometime ago and this was what he said: “I went to a would be customer in his house sometime ago, and immediately I

Do you see yourself less? got to his compound and he saw me in my Jaguar car he shouted ‘mogbe” meaning simply ‘I am in trouble’ in apparent reference to how he would pay a big man

mechanic”. And this attitude runs through every of our national life. We expect the mechanic to be a wretched person, living a miserable life.

That should not be so.

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

Are you a mechanic? Are you a trader?

Or you are a housewife? You are not less human than the lawyer, the engineer, the accountant etc.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: IT’S important you don’t allow your thought for and/or about the future derail your plans for the present so that success will not elude you. Romantic attractions along your career/business lines may become stronger sooner than you think.

SCORPIO: EARLY morning blues will affect many people around you meaning that not everybody-morning period especially along your career/business lines.

SAGITTARIUS: MAKE sure you perfectly understand what you are doing within your working arena before mid-morning period or else costly mistakes would be made. Be tolerant.

CAPRICORN: TOMORROW is your day. Therefore you are advised to leave some important decisions and/or action till tomorrow when the heaven will smile at you. Your love life is favoured.

AQUARIUS: TOMORROW will prove more challenging.

Thus, if there are things you should do now, you better don’t contemplate procrastination as you are likely to be fully stretched tomorrow. Watch with you tell others early in the morning.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic”

By Andy Akman

PISCES: AS the moon fluctuates early in the morning some people may promise more than they can actually deliver.

And if you take them for granted, you would be disappointed.

ARIES: CERTAINLY some people will get on your nerves yet you must not over-react at least because of the immediate future. Truly thus is the wrong time to gamble with love.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

How do I succeed?

Dear Joshua, KINDLY analyse my star and tell me about myself especially my luck. I want to know about my love life, social life and how to become successful in life. I have seen people who are close to me became big success without much struggle from them. Would my own be like them too?

Titilayo, Kaduna.

Dear Titilayo, You are different to those you said came by success: in your own case you will need to work hard and earn success.

It is important you watch and take practical precaution about inability to hold on to your gains for long. Some times unexpected assistance use to come your way at 11th hour.

Your being friendly with the influential personalities especially WOMEN will help your finance greatly speculative (and) venture is not the best for you.

Your magnetic personality makes it difficult for members of your opposite sex to the betterment of your love life.

Luckily for you, you know how not to allow your rugged/ rigid personality to harm your love life; you are a sweet lover, although can be argumentative some times. Love happiness indicated for you.

If you can analyse both your environment and social situation, you will have more to gain from social activities more than it’s attendant pressure.

You will need to drop unnecessary rebellious approach when dealing with your social life; although what looks like radical approach can earn you a few number of friends who may not be in position to assist you.

Many people love your gentle approach and will be willing to assist you especially the more influential personalities. Once again women can be helpful here.

YOUR LUCK If you expect easy success, you would be frustrated because Saturn-the planet of delay, frustration but greater reward after much struggles, was with the sun (basic-selfhood) when you were born. Thus it will not allow easy success. And at the same time will not deny you whatever you deserve.

The same Saturn will reward you with RECOGNITION WOMEN, children and younger people can enhance your prospects. Colours RED, WHITE and pink are good for you. Sleeping North/South axes with your head to the North is good for you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

34 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

N

OT many in position of authorities really know the implication of holding position of authority. They only seek power by whatever means in order to actualise their self interest. When Allah offered this trust- amanah to the heavens; earth and the mountains, they refused just because they knew if they failed, they would be punished.

Man, as the leader of other creatures accepted the offer ignoring the punishement of Allah even when he knew he would fail to discharge the duties of amanah as required.

“We did indeed offered the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it.” (Quran 33: 72).

That is why politicians and others in authority abuse power, betray the word “trust” (Amanah) with reckless abandone. The servant betrays his master just as master lets

The lust for power to Shakespeare); suspicion becomes the norm in the corridors of power with the readiness to axe the least critic. We know that every move of our politicians is never to fulfil their amanah; constitutional duties of delivering the dividends of democracy but bulgarize our patrimony; and when their self

,

O Allah our Lord, choose for us good leaders that will remove us from the depths of darkness, retrogression and illusion, unto the lights of erudition, knowledge, progress and righteousness and from the muddy shallows of lusts unto the heavens of Thy throne

down his servants and importantly becomes unfaithful to his country. Even though he swore by the holy books to discharge this amanah faithfully, as he would have sworn to Almighty Allah at the point of accepting the trust, he never bothered about the consequence of his misdeed.

The followers also at the slightest opportunity, become desperate for power undoing everyone to get the baton; and the mischief continues. A deputy governor is always pre-ocupied with the decoy to remove his boss just to take over the position. Since there is no art to find the mind’s construction in the face (thanks

•The Holy Kaaba

,

interest is threatened; then democracy is threatened. The Quran says Whoever desires glory and power,- to Allah belong all glory and power. To Him mount up (all) Words of Purity: It is He Who exalts each Deed of Righteousness. Those that lay Plots of Evil,- for them is a Penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void (of result). (Quran 35:10) Another chapter of the Holy Quran says:”Say: O Allah, Lord of power! You give power to whom You please, and You remove from power whom You please. You give honor to whom You please and You disgrace whom You please. In Your hand is all Good. Indeed, over all things You have

power.” (Qur’an 3:26) Allah instructed us to fulfill our pledges, our promises and commitments. If we make a promise, we have to fulfill it. In Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers), Allah says “Those who are faithfully true to their trusts and to their covenants; and those who strictly guard their prayers. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit Paradise.”

(Qur’an, 23:8-11) We should remember that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was called “Al-Amin”: The Trustworthy.

He fulfilled all of his promises from his childhood until his death. He never betrayed anyone, and he never lied in his life. He was the best example of a human to all of mankind.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) explained to us that weighing, measures, deposits, private talks, advising, just to name a few are some of the amanah we have to fulfill. In one Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) informed us to fulfill Amanah even if the other party is not trustworthy. “Discharge the settlement to those who entrusted you, and don’t betray even the one who broke his promise.” Ahmad and Abu Dawood.

Allah in his infinite wisdom created among his servants the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the handsome and the ugly. We just have to appreciate that differences and never to take advantage. If

people trust one another and if they act accordingly, we will live in peace and harmony. The vaulting ambition of some and fraudulent activities of those in position of authorities will only create a state of anarchy, confusion and restiveness in the society.

Since this life is ephemeral, Allah only created power and position we are struggling to kill ourselves over as trial and affliction for the gifts of the Hereafter. Allah gives power just as He humbles; He made some the servants just as He relegates. He gives to take, and tests to reward.

Prayer: We beseech you Allah to make us do the right thing, and give us good health,

together with those whom You have healed; and be our Protector, together with those for whom You have protected; because He whom You protect shall never be humiliated and he whom You make enemy shall never be exalted. O Allah!

Make us safe on the Day of Judgment for it is our final destination. Make life the store of all good things and make death the rest from every evil.

O Lord of all the Worlds, please associate me with what You have made lawful and make necessary to me what You have made unlawful, and by Your Mercy make me independent of all others.

O Allah! guard us against Your trials. Allah our Lord, make this country safe for us and let us dwell in peace. O Allah advance us in knowledge and let us be among those who listen to the Word and follow it. O Allah our Lord, choose for us good leaders that will remove us out from the depths of darkness, retrogression and illusion, unto the lights of erudition, knowledge, progress and righteousness and from the muddy shallows of lusts unto the heavens of Thy throne. May the peace and blessings of Allah continue to abide with Prophet Muhammad and his Companions. Amin.

What yyou ou need tto o kno w about know Hajj rites

BY HARUN RAZAQ

T

HE rites of Hajj can be categorised into three parts namely pillars, compulsory, and Sunnah. An intending pilgrim must seek the knowledge of Hajj rites and must understand each part and their positions in the completeness of the rites of Hajj.

Pillars of Hajj: (i) Intention of starting the rituals (by assuming Ihram); (ii) Standing in Arafat; (iii) Tawaf-al-ifadah; (that is perform on the 10th of Dhul hijjah or after leaving Muna) (iv) Sa’y between As-Safa and al-Marwah. It must be noted that: whoever omits any pillar of Hajj, his Hajj is incomplete until he does it.

Compulsory aspects of Hajj: (1) Entering Ihram from the Miqat; (2) Staying in Arafat till sunset; (3) Staying overnight in Muzdalifah; (4) Staying overnight in Mina during the days of al-Tashriq; (5) Stoning the Jamarat in order; (6) Shaving or shortening of the hair; (7) Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf) except for the menstruating woman or woman experiencing the flow of blood after childbirth. It must be noted that: Whoever omits compulsory aspect of Hajj must make up for it by offering a sacrifice or fast for ten days-three days in Hajj and seven days after returning from Hajj.

Sunnah of Hajj: According to fiqh scholars is the aspects of Hajj that if pilgrim do it he/she will have great reward and if he abandons it, he/she does not

need to atone for it.

The Sunnah of Hajj is meritorious and is encouraged. But, it is very important to understand that Allah made certain acts fard (obligatory) and others non-obligatory. And Allah does not accept the Sunnah from him who violates the fard. Some pilgrims ignore this fact and you see them injuring others in their attempt to kiss the Black Stone, or during circumbulation around the Ka’abah, or make Salah behind the station of Ibrahim, or to drink from ZamZam, and similar practices. These practices are Sunnah and injuring the believers in the process is haram (prohibited). How can you commit a crime haram while doing a Sunnah act.

Pillars of Umrah: (i) Intention of starting the Umrah (by assuming Ihram) (ii) Tawaf (iii) Sa’y. It must be noted that: whoever omits one of the pillars of the Umrah, his Umrah is incomplete until he does it.

Compulsory Aspects of Umrah: (i) Entering Ihram from the Miqat (ii) Shaving or cutting the hair (for existing or ending Umrah). It must be noted that: whoever omits one of the compulsory aspects of Umrah must make up for it by offering a sacrifice.

Sunnah of Umrah: According to Fiqh scholars is the aspects of Umrah that if pilgrim do it he/she will have great reward and if he abandons it, he/she does not need to atone for it.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—35

Strange images of Suf Sufii leader leaderss in mosque cause pandemonium B

ARELY a year after a child was reportedly born with a copy of the Holy Quran in Lagos and another born with an Islamic rosary, (Tesbah) in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Last Tuesday, another amazing event occurred at Owode Onirin, Ikorodu, Lagos; as images of some clerics who died decades ago were believed to have made sudden appearances on the walls of Dawiz Central Mosque in the area.

When Vanguard visited the mosque, thousands of people and passers-by storm the mosque to have a glimpse.

The images were identified as that of late Sheikh Ahmada Tijani, (Algeria) Sheikh Ibraheem Niass, (Senegal) Sheikh Jamiu Bulala. (Nigeria) Although the images were not clear as at the time Vanguard visited, but those who spoke to Vanguard said the images were clearer on Tuesday when they were first noticed.

According to Eye-witness: "The images were noticed on Tuesday September 3, on the walls of the mosque which was constructed a few months ago and owned by Sheikh Musa Alegbeleye."

It was gathered that four months ago, the image of Sheikh Jamiu Bulala Islamic Cleric, who had died two decades ago appeared first faintly to the consternation of Muslim faithful and they decided never

to make it public to creat any doubt.

The strange occurence has turned the serene Owode Onirin area into a Makkah of sorts as people thronged the area not only to see but to also offer some prayers. Right inside the mosque, people were seen holding bottles/satchets of water muttering prayers and shouting Allahu Akbar (God is great). Some were even seen bowing to the

My thought was that the image would eventually disappeared but on the second day, it brightened more and started showing on all sides of the building which made us to still cover it untill it became public

•Perceived image of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (not confirmed by Vanguard

,

image.

Efforts to speak with the founder of the group and leader of the mosque, Sheikh Alegbeleye, was futile, as we were told he was sleeping after observing several vigil prayers.

Speaking on the development and an eye-witness, the President of Islamic society of Nigeria, Lagos State Mukadam Alhaji Samodu Onikoyi confirmed the appearance of the images. “We started noticing a very faint image which came with intermittent brightness on the inside wall of the mosque which were replica of the portrait of

About SheikhASK Tijani and IMAM Niass YOUR Shaykh Tijani 1735-1815 Shaykh Tijani was born in 1735 in Aïn Madhi, a small village in western-central Algeria. An orphan at the age of 15, and applied himself to his studies. Having learned the Quran by heart at age seven, he studied the fundamentals of Maliki jurisprudence and other texts. For nearly 50 years Shaykh Tijani was the main active propagator of the doctrine of Toriqah. Shaykh Tijani his passed on Thursday 22 September 1815. After he performed the Subh prayer, he laid down on his right side while he asked for a glass of water then he returned to his bed and died. Even in the coffin, people were rushing and trying hard to hold his coffin and it was a scene full of deep emotions where tears and sorrows constituted the landmark of this great funeral. Shaykh Tijani was buried in his blessed Zawiya.

Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, Sheikh Jamiu Bulala and Sheikh Ahmaa Tijani engraved on the walls of the building.”

How it Happened: “A member of the mosque Alhaja Idayatu Idera Afolabi first noticed it and she rushed out to inform everybody and when we saw it, we decided to cover it, because we thought if we announce it, people will think

,

BY IYABO AINA

•Perceived image of Sheikh Jamiu Bulala outside the mosque (Seen by Vanguard)

He is followed today by over 300 million disciples worldover.

Sheikh Ibrahim Niass (1900–1975) Born in 1900 in the village of Taïba Niassène between the Senegalese city of Kaolack and the border of Gambia, the main representative of the TijaniyaSufi Order, often referred to as Tariqat al-Tijjaniyyaa. During his youth, Sheykh Ibrahim relocated with his father to the city of Kaolack, where they established the zwiya (religious center) of Lewna Ñaseen.

Shaykh Ibrahim’s role as principal Imam of the Medina Baay mosque has been carried out by the Cisse family. While serving as Medina Baay’s Imam, he took his teachings to the United States, United Kingdom and many other western countries. He was regarded as Leader of Tariqa al-Tijaniyya after the late Ah,ada Tijani. He died in August, 2008.

it is ruse that one is trying to play on their intelligence. But when I also saw it, I was greatly terrified, wondering how such thing could have happened”.

“My thought was that the image would eventually disappeared but on the second day, it brightened more and started showing on all sides of the building which made us to still cover it untill it became public“.

An eye-witness also disclosed that attempt was made by some individuals to wash off the images but to no avail; adding that the more they try to rub it off, the more the images become clearer.

•Crowd trying to gain entry into the mosque

Non-Muslims’ comment I don’t believe it — Mrs Oluranti Jonson For me, that image is not real and it’s an evil imagination.

Because the Bible says Jesus will come down with the Holy Saints and Prophet at the last day. And I will advice those clerics to stop deceiving people because I don’t understand what that means and I have not seen such before.

•People scampering to see the image inside the Mosque

It’s a sign of end time — Mr Mike Nwoha This is unbelievable, although as a Christian, I’m not trying to say this is evil but to them they believe; it’s a sign of end time and some of them said it is stated in the Koran. So, I cannot judge, only God knows the truth about it. All I can say is that we are all serving the living God, there should not be anything like the Muslims are idol worshipers but to me this is a sign of end time. So, people •People bowing to the obscure image should mend their ways.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Church studying autopsy of late Catholic priest

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE remains body of the Parish priest of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, Sobe, Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Rev. Father Peter Ayala, were laid to rest Wednesday, at Ivianopodi, near Agenebode Bishop of the Auchi Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, who led the funeral service, said that the church was studying the report of the autopsy to ascertain cause of death.

The 46 year-old priest was found dead in his room penultimate Sunday, and there were indications that he might have been killed.

His death shocked the parishioners because the deceased was being awaited to come and say the Sunday Mass, when the news of his death was announced.

Delta monarch, activists for US confab on resource mgt

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activist and President of Youth and Conflict Resolution Initiatives, YCRI, Pastor Alex Kenerekedi; HRM, Ebenanaowei of Obotebe Kingdom, Delta State; Izuwe Akemotubo Samuel, are among dignitaries to attend the 2013 international conference slated for October 28-30 at Valencia College, Orlando, Florida, USA. According to the facilitator and Head Department of Politics and International Relations, North West University, South Africa, Professor Victor Ojakorotu, the conference is on Beyond the Resource Curse: Exigencies and Promises.

He said it will discuss the upsurge in violence in Africa as a result of unequal distribution of resources and lack of good governance in African states.

From left: Sir Wendell Ogunedo, Director of Security Services; Mr E.C Walers, Leader of the team; Mr George Uriesi, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; Mr. James Plasman, and Hon Yakubu Dati, Corporate Communication, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, during the United States Economic Team visit to Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Multinationals do not work with oil thieves, says Shell

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—SHELL Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNEPCo, has said that multinational oil companies do not collude with oil thieves to steal crude oil at loading terminals.

Regional General Manager, Communication of the company, Mr. Philip Mshelbila and Asset Manager, Swamp, West, Mr. Nesh Maichibi, at a seminar on oil theft in Warri, Delta State, described the allegation as false.

They also said that Nigeria never lost 300,000 barrels per day to oil thieves as speculated by some top government officials recently. They said it was 60,000 barrels, when illegal oil bunkering was at its peak in the operational areas of SNEPCo. Mshelbila explained that oil multinationals could not afford to conspire with any cabal to siphon oil at loading terminals because their payment from the

Joint Venture comes only from product duly loaded and exported from the loading terminal.

He said that when the company observed pressure drop due to illegal oil bunkering and

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Benin zone, yesterday, alleged that the Federal Government wants to break their ranks with the purported disbursement of the N130 billion to Universities Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors.

Rejecting what it described as arbitrary imposition of money from government on them, the zone noted that “the strike has indeed moved into a critical phase where government is now applying the instrument of

HE Senate arm of National Assembly of Delta Students, NADESSTU, will meet today and tomorrow to deliberate on ways of promoting peace and unity among the 1.8 million

intimidation and blackmail and other gimmicks to undermine the struggle.”

Addressing newsmen at Delta State University, Abraka, Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Sunny Ighalo, said: “ASUU has been on a nationwide indefinite strike action to express its frustration over the continuing reluctance of government to fully implement vital aspects of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement as captured by the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, of January, 2012.

“This struggle is to stem the continuing trend with successive governments of Nigeria to

Ex-militants back Jonathan for 2nd term

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—EXmilitant commanders in the Niger Delta have vowed to re-

Deltan students in the country, at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Asaba temporary site.

A statement by Mr. Richard Ochei, and Uti Osakwuni, NADESSTU Senate President

more light on the alleged oil companies/cabal conspiracy, noting that it was not true that there was no metering process that records the crude oil pumped to the various loading terminals.

FG attempting to break our ranks— ASUU

sist any move to deny President Goodluck Jonathan his constitutional second term in office.

In a statement under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and

NADESTU Senate meets

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stopped production, about 300,000 barrels would be shut in for everyday until it was lifted, as same does not mean that 300,000 barrels was lost daily to oil thieves.

Maichibi, on his part, shed

Senate and Clerk, respectively, said in addition to deliberating on peace at its first legislative meeting, it would also discuss bursary and other issues affecting Delta students nationwide.

Cultural Development Initiative, the ex-militant leaders said they would apply all lawful means to stop those scheming to rob President Jonathan of a second term in office.

The statement, by president of the group, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson and others, said those behind the formation of a factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were scheming to stop the second term bid of President Jonathan.

systematically destroy public education through neglect and near total abandonment.

‘No fresh demand'

“For the avoidance of doubt, our union is not on strike to make fresh demands, neither is it ready to renegotiate the existing agreement, rather we are calling on government to implement the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement it willingly signed with the union in 2009.

“At this juncture, it is important to let you know that the government is desperate to break our resolve on the ongoing struggle.

“As part of government strategy to force the union to end the strike, the Committees of Pro-Chancellors and ViceChancellors were summoned to a meeting in Abuja, where there was a unilateral disbursement N130 billion to them without recourse to the recommendations of the report of the Technical Committee on the Needs Assessment.

“The money is not only at variance with the letters of our 2009 Agreement as captured by the MoU of 2012, but a total negation of all honourable means of respecting an agreement."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—37

I 'll work for success of APC in Delta — IMEGWU

Group tasks N-Delta elders, youths on peace

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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SABA—FORMER Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Dr. Olisa Imegwu, has said that he would work hard to ensure that the new All Progressive Congress, APC, in the state becomes a major player in the political terrain.

Speaking to Vanguard, Imegwu, who was a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, member during his tenure as the Speaker, said that he went to where his worth would be valued.

He said: “The question of whether I won’t return to my former party PDP does not arise because I had since left them to join Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, before this current APC. How can you remain in a place where you are neither loved nor valued, that is why I am here. I am a grassroot politician and my people know my worth. I stand for the truth always and represent the interest of the people, no matter whose ox is gored. I fight for justice.”

Dafiaghor joins Delta Central senatorial race

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Governor Godswill Akpabio (2nd right), Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebeh (1st right), Prof. Ben Nwabueze (2nd left) and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo at a state banquet for participants of the National Political Summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

We 'll encourage stowaway boy to achieve his dreams—Edo govt

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY—EDO State Government has expressed its readiness to ensure that the stowaway teenager, Daniel Oikhena, achieve his dreams by sponsoring the boy’s education up to university level.

Meanwhile, the mother of the boy, Mrs Evelyn is at war with the husband, after she was accused of depriving the husband, Osaigbovo access to members of the public since the stowaway saga started, but the family of the woman described the attitude of the husband as disappointing “because he decided to appear now

thinking that money is involved but he abandoned the children all these while, it is shameful.”

However, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louise Odion, said that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was determined that ensure that Daniel gets the best education, regretting that the seeming crack between the mother and the father affected the upbringing of the boy.

Odion said: “Edo State Government is already taking steps to ensure that Daniel gets not just material but also psychological support to enable

him achieve his God given potentials. As a doting parent himself, Governor Oshiomhole has followed the development closely. As a matter of fact, he personally engaged Daniel.

“From his interaction with him and his parents, who unfortunately are separated, it is obvious that there is a deficit in terms of parental care, even though he sounds quite intelligent. We will ensure that Daniel benefits first of all from the intervention of clinical psychologists. His psyche needs to be weaned off destructive anger."

BY FESTUS AHON

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G H E L L I — IMMEDIATE past President of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, North America, Dr. Abel Dafiaghor, has indicated his interest to run in the forthcoming bye-election in Delta Central senatorial district.

Dafiaghor, a chieftain of Peoples Democracy Party, PDP, had in the early part of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, served in the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

He had also served as a member, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Technical Committee.

In a statement, he said: “I have been called upon to run for the Senate and as a servant representative, reflected in my previous national and international assignments given to me by the presidency, I am obliged to answer this call.”

Dafiaghor, a medical doctor, hails from Edjophe, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Rights group asks govt to reduce cost of governance

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BY LAJA THOMAS

ONSUMER Rights Project, CRP, has called on the Federal Government to liaise with labour to implement the Steven Oronsaye report on the rationalisation of ministries, department and agencies of government with a view to bring down the high cost of governance.

Executive Secretary, CRP, Mr Onu Uche, who briefed newsmen, yesterday in Lagos, listed challenges confronting the country’s economy to include corruption, insecurity, extra-judicial killings, abuse of rights of Nigerians, abandonment of governance by elected leaders and incessant strikes among others.

He said: “High cost of governance is one of the greatest problems facing us today at all levels. For instance, a situation where the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has many permanent secretary and aides with the attendant high cost of governance is uncalled for.

Likewise, the office of the Senate

President and others, which have over 10 aides with stupendous budgetary allocations allotted to such offices is a wasteful one.

“We, therefore, call on the President to curtail the creation and existence of unnecessary political offices, as well as curb the way and manner ministers, head of ministries, department and agencies spend

unnecessary public funds on frivolities such as escorts, travels aides, among others.”

The rights activist lamented the spate of insecurity in the country, noting that same was alarming.

“The immediate and remote causes, obviously are joblessness, lost of values, greed, avarice and the culture of impunity.”

'Co-operative project 'll ameliorate suffering of Nigerians'

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G H E L L I — COORDINATOR of the Ethics and Values Cooperative Federation, EVCF, in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Sunday Feke, has said that the cooperative project was an initiative of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration aimed at ameliorating the suffering of poor Nigerians.

Urging members in the area to remain committed to its ideal, Feke who spoke during the maiden meeting of the group with registered cooperative presidents in the council, noted that the project under the office of the Presidential Adviser on Ethics and Values, Dr. Sarah Jubril was meant to contribute to the process of rebuilding Nigeria.

ORT HARCOURT— YOUTHS and elders in the Niger Delta region have been urged to see themselves as stakeholders for peace in the region.

Speaking at a one week peace meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for youths and repentant militants, Executive Director, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, PIND, Mr. Sam Daibo, said that his body was organising a programme, Partners for Peace, P4P aimed at bringing stakeholders together to pursue enduring peace in the region.

While appealing to Niger Deltans and those doing business in the region to take steps to promote lasting peace, he charged residents in the region to be part of the peace process.

“Whether we work in the private sector, civil society, or leadership, whether you are man, woman, or youth, we are all peace builders. We will only succeed if we work together, talk to one another, learn from each other.

"P4P network will help provide a region-wide support system you can engage others with on peace building and dialogue facilitation," he added.

Chief Olise for burial

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HIEF Thomas Okwuguni Olise, aged 95 years, of Umutu in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State is dead.

Service of songs takes place today at his residence, Eleh Street, Umutu while lying in state and interment will take place tomorrow. Thanksgiving service is on Sunday at Church of God Mission, Umutu.

Late Chief Olise

38—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Clerics move to unite Ndigbo

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AGOS—A group, Igbo Council of Christian Ministers of Nigeria, ICCM, has lamented level of disunity among Ndigbo, pledging to promote unity among Igbos in the country and in the Diaspora.

Speaking at the inauguration of Ojo chapter of ICCM, Archbishop Chukwuemeka Iheanachor of Orthodox Anglican Church, Ojo, stated that the idea of ministers of Igbo extraction coming together was to have a common voice to project the idea of uniting Ndigbo.

Archbishop Iheanachor observed that the wall of Igboland was falling apart as many things were going wrong with the Igbo.

Consequently, he said there was a need to unite to rebuild the fallen city through the ICCM forum, and therefore called on all Igbos to support the group.

The cleric lamented that the major problem confronting the body of Christ at the moment was the issue of charlatans who had infiltrated Christiandom in the name of God, flaunting all titles and deceiving the gullible faithful.

APGA sets up caretaker c’ttee in Imo

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

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BUJA—THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has inaugurated a 29-man caretaker committee for the Imo State chapter who will oversee the affairs of the party in the state after the dissolution of the former executive committee on August 3, 2013.

At the brief inaugural ceremony, the party ’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, said the committee would be in charge of the party’s affair in the state, pending when a state congress was conducted.

Umeh also declared the All Progressives Congress, APC, dead in Imo State in reaction to a recent comment made by suspended governor of the state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who had earlier pronounced APGA dead after his defection to APC. C M Y K

Abortion law: Imo Govt moves against whistle blower zRevokes land meant for N50bn specialist hospital

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—IMO State gov ernment has visited its anger on the Chairman, Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr. Phillip Njemanze, who blew the whistle on the obnoxious abortion law foisted on the citizenry by Rochas Okorocha’s administration.

Already, Dr. Njemanze’s plot of land meant for the building of a N50 billion modern specialist hospital in Owerri has allegedly been revoked by the state government.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the 5.5-hectare piece of land, where construction work started before Okorocha’s administration came on board, has been taken over by the state government.

Confirming this ugly development to Vanguard in Owerri, Dr. Njemanze said the land, which has Certificate of Occupancy Number 46 Page 46, Volume 308, assigned to Chidicon Medical Centre, was situated in Plot C, Parcel B, Naze Road and New Naze Industrial Layout.

“Since I broke the news on the abortion law foisted on Imo people by the state government, the Director of Lands was ordered to revoke the land for the construction of new mega hospital complex,” Njemanze said.

While explaining that the

new multi- billion Naira medical establishment was one of the six mega hospitals in Nigeria, Dr. Njemanze also said that the project was to be partially funded by the Federal Government.

“Although I am the coordinator of the project, other doctors from the United Kingdom and the United States of America are involved.

“Fidelity Securities, an affiliate of Fidelity Bank Plc, is pro-

viding the fund,” Njemanze said.

He explained that project would initially gulp N5.5 billion, adding that the total cost was worth N50 billion.

He said: “When completed, the hospital complex will have a helicopter landing pad, which will assist in moving patients in and out of the establishment at the required speed. It will also have state of the art facilities.”

Some concerned citizens who spoke on the issue, pleaded that the abortion law saga should not be used to truncate or damage what ordinarily should be of benefit to the people.

Efforts to get government’s side of the story failed as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Imo State governor, Mr. Chinedu Offor, failed to reply the text message sent to him on the issue before press time.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Samuel Okosa, winner; Mrs. Maureen Nwokoji, Retail Advisor, Experience Centre, Etisalat, Ikeja City Mall and Miss Omowunmi Akande, winner, during the presentation of cheques to the winners of Etisalat FC Barcelona promo 2013, in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

LG official, UNIZIK lecturer in N8m contract scam

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BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—THE Director of a construction firm, Chrisbech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dominic Emeka Okika, has accused officials of Awka North local government area of Anambra State of defrauding him of N1.5 million, which was the balance of an executed N8 million contract.

The state government had, through the local council, awarded his firm contract for construction of a mini bridge/double cell culvert at Ugbenu for N8 million, and was paid N3.6 million mobilisation fee.

Okika alleged that during the first instalmental payment of the contract sum, the local government town planning enigneer/ head of department of works gave him a voucher of N6 million to sign, released only N3.6 million to him and then took N2.4 million, with an explanation that N1 million would be given to the state commissioner for local government.

He also said the council official spoke of sharing the remaining N1.4 million among himself, his staff and traditional ruler of Ugbenu, a community in the local government area.

He alleged further that midway into the job, the local government authorities did a variation which led to the increase of the contract sum from N8 million to N9.5 million, which did not reflect his own contract.

Okika said he was compelled to sign the variation, alleging further that although he was given the N.5 million he signed for, the payment

was N1.5 million short of the amount due him.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Onitsha, Okika, in company of his counsel, Obiora Muojeke, complained that he decided not to object to all the deductions and variations made by the local government because he was hoping to get more contracts from them should he execute that one suc-

Enugu council poll: PDP dismisses alleged imposition of candidate

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Enugu State chapter, has warned some of its members in Nsukka local government accusing the Vita Abba-led leadership of imposing a certain chairmanship contestant on the council to desist forthwith or risk severe sanction.

The party said it was very unfair to accuse the state party chairman of imposing his Personal Assistant, Mr. Louis Amoke, as Nsukka local government chairmanship candidate for the November 2, 2013, election when the primary elec-

tion had not taken place.

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Okey Eze, who gave the warning while reacting to yesterday’s protest by some youths from Opi community in Nsukka local government area against the purported imposition of a chairmanship candidate by the state party chairman, dismissed their protest as uncalled for.

He said there was nothing like imposition of candidates on any council as both the ward and local government congresses, from where the candidates for the November 2 council poll would be elected by the delegates, were yet to be held.

cessfully.

He said his main concern now was how to pay the labourers and artisans as well as dealers who supplied materials for the project, stressing they had been piling pressures on him daily to pay them their money.

Okika said the only way he could pay his creditors was to have his N1.5 million balance paid by the local government authorities.

On the reason for holding on to the N1.5 million by the LG, he said the town engineer directed him to a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, to sort out their differences as it was the lecturer who pleaded with them not to release the money.

He, however, admitted that the said lecturer introduced him to the state government for contract awards and agreed that he (lecturer) would have a share of any contract awarded to the company.

But Okika insisted that this particular contract was not awarded directly to his company by the state government but to the local government whose officials took a large chunk of the contract sum.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 , 2013 —39

CONFERENCE: From left, Agele Alufohai, President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS; Mr. Sani Gidado, representing the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Mallam Husaini Dikko, President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, at NIQS First Research Conference, in Abuja.

FLAG-OFF: Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (right), presenting identification tags to one of the Master Trainers, Alhaji Tajudeen Adio, during the flag-off/ interactive session of the Accredited Master Trainers, at State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

CONFERENCE: From left, General Overseer, Victorious Army Ministries International, Rev. Joseph Dominic Agboli; Dr. Bill Winston of Bill Winston Ministries; and Pastor Blessings Agboli, during the arrival of Dr. Winston for theVictorious Army Ministries' two-day conference, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, in Lagos.

AWARD: From left, Mr. Adedeji Ademigbuji, Chief Information Officer, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN; Mr. Coddie Ofose, Chairman; Mrs. Evelyn Femi-Paul, CEO, Imagepro Consulting, and Mr Akinwunmi Dickson, Treasurer, BJAN, during an award presentation to Mrs. Evelyn Femi-Paul by BJAN, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Lekan Oganla, CEO, Taxi-Ad Advertising Nigeria (middle), flanked by Ralph Nells, Managing Partner, Taxi-Ad Advertising International, Germany (right), and a TaxiAd Uganda Representative (left), at the Taxi-Ad International Headquarters, in Hamburg, Germany.

SERVICES: From left: Dr. Stella Dorgu and the representative of the governor's wife, Hon. Serefina Othazi, member representing Sagbama and Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives, during free medical services given to Dr. Dorgu's constituency for five days.

MEETING: Chief Andrew Oru (middle) flanked by Mr. Charles Edjekota (6th right), Chairman of Ughelli-South PDP Ward Chairmen; Mr. Sylvester Oru (5th left), and all PDP Ward Chairmen of Ughelli-South Council shortly after meeting with them in Ovwian.

PRIMARIES: From left, National Chairman, Independent Democrats, Hon. Edozie Madu; governorship candidate, Mr. Christian Ikechukwu, and the National Vice Chairman, North, Alhaji Danjuma Yahaya Bida, during the Independent Democrats' Anambra State governorship primaries, in Awka.

EDITION: From left, Marketing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Africa, Reuben Onwubiko; Head, Marketing, Nokia West and Central Africa, Deborah Shepard; President, Junior Chamber International Eko, ’Jide Adeyemi, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Noah’s Ark Communications, Lanre Adisa, during the 3rd edition of JCI Eko's 'BrandMasterClass'

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

APC blasts PDP over Offa LG poll results

Utuama not corrupt —UMP

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RHOBO Media Prac-titioners, UMP, has debunked the media report that Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Agbe Utuama, (SAN) is corrupt, describing the report as the handiwork of political detractors aimed at tarnishing the image of the Deputy Governor.

A newspaper (not Vanguard) had, earlier in the week, allegedly published a malicious story accusing the Deputy Governor of corruption.

The chairman and Secretary, respectively, of UMP, Dr. Prince Orhomonokpaye and Gabriel Choba, in a statement, noted that the Deputy Governor was not corr u p t a n d he would "never be because he knows the rules of governance."

NUJ eulogises Peter Obe

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INAUGUARATION OF NAOWA COLLEGE: From left: President, National Council of Women Societies, Mrs. Nkechi Mba; wife of Senate President, Mrs. Helen Mark; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; President, Nigerian Army Offficers Wives Association, NAOWA, Mrs. Nnenna Ihejirika and Minister of State, Erelu Olusola Obada, at the inauguaration of NAOWA College, in Abuja.

Dangote refinery's job prospects thrill labour

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

of installed capacities, this bold initiative by the Dangote Group was a giant stride at re-industrialising Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

According to the statement, “African organized labour and working people are excited about the bold corporate decision of the Dangote Group, the African conglomerate, for blazing the trail in re-industrialising Africa through an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Nigeria.

“Millions of private sector workers organised in national and global unions in Africa identify with the investment, the singular patriotism and pan Africanism of t h e President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group of industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

"Labour is excited that Dangote Group is changing the narrative of the continent from that of ‘resource curse’ to resource beneficiation, value addition and mass

employment through industrialization and internal articulation of African economy. Industrialization is it for Nigeria if it must be part of the leading economies of the world, get millions of youth to work out of violence and crime and above all out of poverty.

“We commend Aliko Dangote for working the talk that a shift is needed; that natural resources of Africa should be for the welfare of all Africans, not the profits of a few, mostly foreign capitalists.

This refinery will definitely decrease Nigeria’s scandalous unacceptable dependence on oil imports. It is refreshing to note that this historic signing of investment patriotism is made possible because the Federal government under President Goodluck Jonathan promotes backward integration policy. This means government has business in business through appropriate policies to protect domestic industry and provision of infrastructure notably uninterrupted electricity supply.”

HE All Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned perceived "daylight vote robbery" by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last Saturday’s rerun at the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, saying "it shows that the PDP, whether old or new, is irredeemable."

Rising from its NEC meeting in Abuja, the APC claimed that everyone who witnessed or monitored the election confirmed that it was won convincingly by APC, according to a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The party said the impunity allegedly perpetrated by the PDP had started hunting it, after its candidate in the Shawo South West Ward, Mr. Afolabi Jimoh Olawole, repudiated his so-called victory, just like one of the presiding officers, Mr. Oyetunji Akeem, said the APC won the Councillorship and Chairmanship in Shawo central ward.

The statement said: ‘’This is a damning evidence that should make it clear to the PDP that its impunity cannot stand, that there are still Nigerians who have conscience and would sacrifice even their political and other careers for their integrity.

"In view of this, the APC calls on the PDP, which has been working in cahoots with the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, to regurgitate the victory it willfully swallowed, and from which it has now become so constipated and uncomfortable.’’

APC hailed both Mr. Olawole and Mr Akeem for their decency and honesty, which it said were very rare attributes in today’s Nigeria under the watch of the PDP.

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HUCC holds silver jubilee service

Insecurity won't stop transformation agenda —Maku

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, has described the late veteran photojournalist, Peter Obe, as a thoroughbred professional.

The council, in a statement by its Chairman, ‘Deji Elumoye, eulogised Pa Obe who died last weekend in Lagos at the age of 81.

According to the union, Obe was a committed photojournalist who devoted all his time towards the practice of the profession in which he excelled.

It said: “His wealth of experience will be missed by up and coming photojournalists as he died at a time when the younger generation of photojournalists ought to cash in on his experience spanning over five decades.”

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HE Holy Unity Church of Christ, HUCC, New Bethlehem Zion, holds its silver jubilee anniversary service this Saturday. It will take place at the church premises, 35, Ogungbe Street, Ojo Road, Okoya, Ajegunle, Lagos, under the chairmanship of the spiritual founder/head of church, Dr. M. A. Kalejaiye Com D.D JP.

ADUNA—AFRICAN region of IndustriALL Global Union, has commended the Dangote Group for the $9 billion loan agreement signed, Wednesday, to set up an oil refinery/petrochemical and fertilizer complex in Nigeria, saying its job creation potentials are very gratifying.

Chairman of African region of IndustriALL Global Union and General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Issa Aremu, in a statement, said it was significant that the refinery located at Olokola, between Ogun and Ondo States, Liquefied Natural Gas, OKLNG, Free Trade Zone in Nigeria would be Nigeria’s first private and Africa’s largest petroleum refinery.

Aremu, who is also a Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said with a projected daily production output of 400,000 barrels, the same capacity of the four Nigerian government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, operating at less than 30%

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INISTER of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said the Federal Government will not be deterred by the security challenges in some parts of the country, but remain focused on implementing its transformation agenda to grow the economy and create wealth and employment.

The minister spoke in Abuja when he received a delegation

from the International Leadership Conference of Ministries College of Bishops on a courtesy visit.

He noted that the transformation agenda of the Federal Government was aimed at transforming Nigeria into a modern economy, through strategic policy implementation and reforms in critical sectors, which had begun to yield positive results.

Maku urged the religious leaders to continue to pray for peace, stability and unity among Muslims and Christians in the country, to create the needed environment for development to thrive in the country.

He said: “Nigeria has come a long way because of our prayers, because people are always crying to God concerning our nation and

God has been listening to our prayers as a country. And because of God’s strong hand in this nation, we have continued to move from crisis to crisis and the world is amazed.Sometimes, people predict that Nigeria is finished, Nigeria will collapse, there is nothing the world did not predict in our country, but they are always disappointed because there is the hand of God in this country and Nigeria will continue to endure.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 41

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42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6,

2013

Emergency rule (for chartered accountants)

BY BASHORUN JK RANDLE

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Ukut, in this discourse, examines the constitutional and legal provisions for the removal of a public officer Akwa Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio

BY VICTOR UKUT ECENTLY, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State removed Mr. Umana Okon Umana, former secretary to the state government, from office. While tongues were wagging on the reasons or motives for the sack, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, in a paid advertorial stated that the former SSG was sacked because he refused to resign even while nursing a political ambition or campaigning to contest the Governorship election of Akwa Ibom State in 2015.

On page 62 of The Nation newspaper, paragraph 7 of the said advertorial, the commissioner states thus: “Following the declaration of Mr. Umana’s gubernatorial ambition for 2015 election and commencement of campaigns as widely reported in the media on July 25, 2013 and his non-refuttal of same, Governor Akpabio sought advice from relevant electoral and constitutional experts.

He was advised that he was duty bound by his Oath of Office to defend the Constitution (which includes the provisions of the Electoral Act which forbid public officers from declaring for

VICTOR UKUT electoral office while still in office). He, consequently requested for Mr. Umana’s resignation to enable him (Umana) [to] pursue his stated interest in the 2015 Governorship Election.”

In far away United States of America, Governor Akpabio, while addressing a town hall meeting of Akwa Ibom indigenes in Washington DC as part of Akwa Ibom Day Celebrations, used the occasion to inform the Akwa Ibom in Diaspora that he sacked Mr. Umana Okon Umana in order to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended).

NWLR Pt. 1161 pg.

207 @293 answered these posers. In that case, the Abia State Government election took place on April 14, 2007 and in the results that were declared, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the 1st and 2nd appellants Map of Akwa Ibom State as winners of the said election as According to the governor, the governor and deputy governor 1999 Constitution prohibits of Abia State respectively. public servants/officers like the The 1st respondent, the Peoples former SSG from campaigning Democratic Party and her for elective office while in office governorship candidate and without resigning prior to such running mate at the election were campaigns. According to dissatisfied with the election Governor Akpabio, he swore to results and they filed separate defend the Constitution when he election petitions against the took the oath of office and oath of results. allegiance.

The petitions were identified as As clearly gleaned from the ABS/GOV/EPT/4/2007 for the direct statement of the governor, candidates and ABS/GOV/EPT/ his defence of the sack was his 9/2007 for the 1st respondent. The

,

According to Governor Akpabio, since the former SSG had violated the Constitution as a public officer/servant he had to ease him out of office

,

R

own need to defend the Constitution. According to Governor Akpabio, since the former SSG had violated the Constitution as a public officer/ servant he had to ease him out of office.

Although the governor has the right to hire and to fire, the question for our discourse in this treatise is whether the former SSG was a public officer/servant within the context of the 1999 Constitution as amended or whether the former SSG was mandated under any law or the 1999 Constitution as amended to resign from office before he could indicate a political interest into the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in the 2015 Elections.

For the purpose of this treatise, Section 182(1) (g) and Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution shall be relevant for determining whether the former SSG was a public servant/officer who needed to resign his appointment before he could declare his interest in, campaign or contest in an election to the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The Court of Appeal in the case of Orji v. Ugochukwu (2009) 14

two petitions were consolidated upon the order of the election tribunal. One of the grounds upon which the petitions were premised was that the appellants were not qualified to contest the questioned election because of their non-resignation from public service of Abia State, one month before contesting the election.

It should be noted that as at the time of the election, the 1st and 2nd appellants were the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State and a Commissioner in Abia State respectively.

The election tribunal, in its judgment, allowed the 1st respondent’s petition and nullified the return of the 1st and 2nd appellants. It further proceeded and returned the candidates of 1st respondent (petitioners in Petition No. EPT/ 4/2007) as governor and deputy governor, respectively of Abia State. Aggrieved by the decision, the appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The golden rule of interpretation is that words of a statute must prima facie be given their ordinary meaning.

To be continued

,

Akwa Ibom’s defence of unlawful acts

T is all over the internet that the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, has called on the President of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to declare a state of emergency over the accountancy profession in Nigeria. It is a bombshell!! It has some viral.

What prompted me to doublecheck with the Presidency of Nigeria is that Mr President has a huge pile of problems to contend with - not the least of which is that this year, our universities will graduate about 600,000 students; and when you add those graduating from technical colleges/polytechnics as well as other tertiary institutions, the figure is approaching one million without adding those from unregistered/ unapproved colleges. But where are the jobs and who is going to employ them - even after they have completed their Youth

which recognizes that local firms must be given some element of priority. This is an issue on which the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) should focus. That support must be duly accorded. Indeed, it will be given top priority under my administration (and tenure) as President of ICAN.” We have a choice - to check with the Presidency of Nigeria or the website of the ICAN presidency or await a rebuttal.

In the meantime, what is selfevident is that a great deal of grievances have been simmering for a very long time - on the part of local firms of chartered accountants against the pre-dominance dominance, and overdominance of the four largest international accountancy firms in the Nigerian market almost to the exclusion of all others in key segments: •Banks

It is not fair for the Institute not to give local firms the support they require. The support would be rendered in a way that would confer the same kind of statutory recognition which prevails in other countries Service Corps programme?

On top of that we have lawyers and chartered accountants who have no jobs at all or are merely hanging on to precarious employment. Anyway, according to Julie Assange of Wikileaks and Edward Snowden (The CIA” Leaker”), what the President of ICAN actually said was as follows: “The National Assembly should promulgate a law to ensure that Nigerian auditing firms (e.g. JK Randle Professional Services) are given priority in the market. It is important that Nigeria should emulate countries such as India and South Africa which have legislation that give priority to local firms (as opposed to the “Big Four”) in the auditing of organizations, especially multinationals and listed companies. I agree that ICAN should make concerted efforts to encourage auditing firms who are not within the “Big Four”

J.K. RANDLE largest firms.

It is not fair for the Institute not to give local firms the support they require. The support would be rendered in a way that would confer the same kind of statutory recognition which prevails in other countries. In South Africa, they have a strong administration

,

•Oil and Gas •Telecommunications •Pension Funds •Insurance •Multinationals •Publicly quoted companies •Major government agencies To further compound matters, local firms allege that all the regulatory agencies for banks; insurance; oil and gas; telecommunications, capital market, etc. are audited by the “Big Four”. The local firms have drawn my attention to the distribution and allocation of consulting assignments. It is really murky to say the least especially when it would appear that some firms are rendering both auditing and consulting services to the regulators and those they are required to supervise.

Rather than be drawn into the turbulent fray, many of us feel obliged to limit our intervention to offering advice and counseling for voluntary restraint but to no avail. Here, I must declare my interest as I served with KPMG for thirtyfour years but received neither, gratuity nor pension!! That is a story for another day.

What is far more relevant is that during my eleven years as Chairman & Chief Executive of KPMG Nigeria as well as my stint as Chairman of KPMG Africa and member of KPMG International Council, my colleagues and I were very sensitive to the plight of the local firms and the need to assist them with regard to capacity building as well as technical skills.

To be continued

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 —43

Syria's crisis divides G20 summit in Russia W

ORLD leaders from G20 began their summit in St Petersburg, Russia, yesterday amid sharp differences over possible US military action against Syria, in response to what the US administration calls a deadly chemical weapons attack by the Syrian government.

The summit comes hours after a US Senate panel voted to give President Barack Obama authority to use military force against Syria - the first time lawmakers in that country have voted to allow military action since the October 2002 votes authorising the invasion

of Iraq.

The US and Russia, which is a key Syrian ally, remain t odds as Obama has tried to build his case for military action. The US president has vowed to continue to try to persuade his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, of the need for punitive strikes against President Bashar al-Assad for using chemical weapons when the two meet in St Petersburg.

As Putin opened the summit, he spoke exclusively about the global economic crisis, which forms the primary agenda of the summit, stressing the need for co-ordi-

subject of Syria “during dinner ” on Thursday night, so as not to take away from the summit’s primary economic agenda.

Earlier, Putin had again questioned Western evidence justifying a military

Pope warns military action against Syria From left: US President Barack Obama shakes hand with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the G-20 meeting in Russia yesterday nated international policy making in order to combat continuing vola-

tility in economic markets.

He suggested that world leaders discuss the

Egypt's Interior minister survives bomb attack E

GYPT’S interior minister escaped an assassination attempt yesterday when a suspected car bomb struck his convoy in a Cairo neighborhood, in the first attack on a senior government official since the country’s Islamist president was toppled in a coup two months ago.

The assassination attempt against Mohammed Ibrahim, who is in charge of the police force, fueled concerns over a possible wave of violence in retaliation for the July 3 ouster of Mohammed Morsi and the ensuing crackdown on Islamists.

The blast wounded at least 22 police and civilian bystanders and heavily damaged three vehicles in Ibrahim’s convoy though he survived unhurt. Security officials said initial investigations showed it came from a parked car loaded with explosives in the trunk.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because the probe was not yet complete.

The attack echoed the sort of insurgency-style methods that Islamic militants have increasingly used in Egypt’s tumultuous Sinai Peninsula. Last month, militants there attempted a suicide car bombing but were killed by police before carrying

HE UK has fresh ev idence of the use of chemical weapons in Damascus, David Cameron has told the BBC as he arrives in Russia for the G20 summit. Scientists at the Porton Down laboratories have been “examining samples” from Syria’s capital, he said.

Mr Cameron denied claims he had “no hand to play” over Syria after losing a vote last week on

it out.

The bombing also harkened back to the insurgency waged by Islamic militants in the 1980s and 1990s against the rule of now-ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

At that time, militants targeted several senior

officials, killing the parliament speaker and attempting to assassinate at least four successive interior ministers, the last in 1993. Mubarak himself survived an assassination attempt in 1994, when militants attacked his convoy in Addis Ababa, Ethi-

P

OPE Francis , yes terday urged the Group of 20 leaders to abandon the “futile pursuit” of a military solution in Syria as the Vatican laid out its case for a negotiated settlement that guarantees rights for all Syrians, including minority Christians.

In a letter to the G-20 host, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Francis lamented that “one-sided interests” had prevailed in Syria, preventing a diplomatic end to the conflict and allowing the continued “senseless massacre” of innocents.

“To the leaders present, to each and every one, I

make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution,” Francis wrote as the G20 meeting got under way in St. Petersburg.

Francis has ratcheted up his call for peace in Syria amid threatened U.S.-led military strikes following an Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus. But he has also been careful not to lay blame on any one side, exhorting world leaders instead to focus on the plight of Syrian civilians and the need to end the violence.

Kenya votes to withdraw from ICC

K

From left: Russian President , Viadimir Putin with Chinese President XI Jinpin at the G-20 meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia yesterday

ENYA’s parliament has voted to back a call for the government to pull out of the International Criminal Court, where the country’s president and his deputy are facing trial for crimes against humanity.

The motion “to suspend any links, cooperation and assistance” to the court was overwhelming approved by the National Assembly yesterday.

Iran’s President shifts nuclear talks to foreign minister

I

RANIAN President Hassan Rouhani says the foreign ministry will take charge of nuclear

Cameron insists UK has new evidence on chemical attacks

T

strike against Syria, accusing US Secretary of State John Kerry outright of lying when, in urging Congress to approve strikes, he played down the role of al-Qaeda in the rebel forces.

UK military action.

He said the UK would lead calls for more action on aid for refugees and push for fresh peace talks.

In an interview with BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson, Mr Cameron said he took “full and personal responsibility” for the decision to recall Parliament and could not have guaranteed MPs a say in whether Britain should take part in US-led action had he not acted so swiftly.

negotiations with the West.

The move will give him more direct control over the talks, which have until now been conducted by the Supreme National Security Council.

The council is appointed by and answerable to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Correspondents say the change could herald a less hardline Iranian stance in the talks.

The change had been rumoured for several weeks. Iran’s new president is sending clear messages to the West that he is keen to solve deadlock in the nuclear talks.

He has reshuffled top officials dealing with Iran’s

controversial atomic programme and appointed seasoned Western-educated diplomats who are known for being pragmatic technocrats.

That was why many were eagerly awaiting who would be appointed by the president as the Secretary of the National Security Council to lead the nuclear negotiations.

But Hassan Rouhani surprised many by saying that the foreign ministry would take over future talks with world powers.

That means Mr Rouhani believes Iran’s nuclear stand-off with the West is simply a diplomatic rift that should be solved under his direct supervision.

•Kenyatta Parliament is dominated by the alliance that brought President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to power in a March vote.

The two men are accused of orchestrating post-election bloodshed more than five years ago.

Both deny the charges.

Many Kenyan politicians have branded the ICC a “neo-colonialist” institution that only targets Africans, prompting the debate on a possible departure from the Rome Statute of the ICC. “Any law in this country or internationally like the Rome Statute can be repealed and can be amended,” said Asman Kamama, one of the lawmakers supporting a pullout, ahead of the vote on

Thursday.

“It is not cast in stone and we want to be the trail blazers in the continent.”

Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi, reporting from Nairobi, said that Kenya had the support of African Union in this matter, and that other African countries could now follow suit.

“This motion and what comes after is very significant in many ways.

Not only is it a show of defiance against the International Criminal Court, it also sets a precedent for other African countries that would feel aggrieved enough to start processes of their own,” she said after the vote.

The Hague-based court was set up in 2002 to try the world’s worst crimes, and countries voluntarily sign up to join.

Any actual withdrawal requires the submission of a formal request to the United Nations, a process that would take at least a year.

A withdrawal could however preclude the ICC from investigating and prosecuting any future crimes.

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Anambra Guber:Court vacates order on PDP to recognize Uba

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

Justice Nganjiwa had upon a motion filed by Oguebego on behalf of himself and

others in his faction ordered the PDP and INEC to recognize the winner of the primaries conducted by the Oguebego faction as the genuine candidate of the party.

That primary was won by Senator Uba. The order was upon an originating summon filed by the Oguebego-led faction of the party. The court also barred the PDP and INEC from recognizing whosoever emerged in the primaries conducted by the Emeakayi led faction pending the determination of a motion to set aside the order.

Last wednesday, following arguments presented by counsel to the defendants, the court set aside its earlier order freeing the INEC to recognize the outcome of the primaries conducted by the Emeakayi led mainstream of the PDP.

is not the only one in this kind of arrangement. Many of the political parties that have nominated candidates may go

into an arrangement with other candidates and we will direct our supporters to vote for those candidates.”

T

HE Federal High Court, Port Harcourt has vacated its order compelling the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to recognize Senator Andy Uba as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming elections in Anambra State.

Justice H. A. Nganjiwa vacated the order earlier given on August 27 following parallel primaries conducted by the Ken Emeakayi led mainstream PDP and a faction of the party led by Chief Ejike Oguebego.

The fresh order frees the way for Comrade Tony Nwoye who emerged the candidate in the primaries conducted by the Emeakayi led PDP which was

•Nwoye

*Uba supervised by the national secretariat of the party to be adopted as the recognized

candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Candidates prepares to sell their tickets

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HERE are indications that some of the candidates who picked their parties’ tickets for the November 16 governorship election are actually not planning to participate in the race.

In fact, some of them may, before the election proper, announce their support for other candidates who have

been bankrolling their activities in their political parties.

One of the candidates, who secured his party’s nomination last week, said yesterday in Awka that he is negotiating with a serious contender in the November 16 election for the purpose of becoming his running mate.

His intention, he said, has been made known to the hierarchy of the political party,

PDP crisis: The way forward, by Uchem Obi

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

CHIEFTAIN of the PDP, Chief Uchem Obi has said that the only way to resolve the crisis in the state branch of the party is by appeasing the former governor of the state, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who governed the state between 1999 and 2003 for alleged wrongs done to him.

Except for Dr. Andy Uba who ruled the state for 17 days before the court removed him in 2007, Mbadinuju was the last PDP governor in the state despite the party’s popularity in Anambra State.

Obi said: “PDP lost Anambra to APGA in 2003 and again in 2010 and with the present crisis, we are worried that the party may lose again in November and such loss may be counter-productive to President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition in 2015.

“Despite the many irregularities of PDP, it is still C M Y K

*Mbadinuju the only party with some national coloration and Anambra State would be better off in a national party than in a tribal party, with presence in only a small region of the country.

This is why we are worried about the lingering crisis in Anambra PDP because if it remains unresolved, the tragedy of 2010 may repeat in the state.”

adding that the issue is being considered at top levels of the two political parties.

The candidate said: “My party

Uchendu gets NNPP flag

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

T

HE New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, yesterday presented its certificate of return to the winner of its governorship ticket, Prince Leonard Uchendu for the November 16 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the party’s National Secretary, Major Gilbert Agbo proclaimed the party’s governorship primaries as credible and therefore the presentation of the flag to Uchendu.

Agbo said, “Today, our great party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is carrying out a historic, memorable and epochmaking event as the party’s leadership presents its Certificate of Return to the Winner of our Anambra State Governorship election primary, our distinguished flag bearer and next Governor of Anambra State, Prince Leonard Uchendu.

“Our great party is ready for the Anambra Governorship election.

NNPP is a party to beat. The good people of Anambra State desire and deserve a change in government. Together we shall win the 16th November gubernatorial election.

“As a mass movement, NNPP has the best people-orientated manifesto in Nigeria. The party’s blueprint for the transformation,

development and advancement of Anambra State will be unveiled soon “NNPP commends INEC for liberalizing the political space by registering new political parties.

We urge politicians to imbibe issue-based politics and eschew do-or-die politics that has impeded our democratic process.

“We enjoin INEC to provide a

level playing field for all political parties and sanction any political party or politician that violates the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

He urged the Anambra electorate to resist any form of electoral malpractice and ensure that their votes count as they go to the polling stations to cast their votes on November 16, 2013.

USA-APC backs Ngige

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

T

HE New York chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has thrown its weight behind the nomination of Senator Chris Ngige as the party ’s candidate for the forthcoming election.

Speaking through their spokesperson, Mr. Okey Ukekwe, the chapter affirmed that returning Ngige to the Government House would be a way of completing the projects he initiated before his exit from power in 2006.

The American chapter as such cautioned Anambra voters to be wary of moneybags and their acolytes as they urged the electorate to put primary consideration to development above all other matters.

“It is a historic victory for

Senator Ngige has a blueprint which opened the infrastructural development of rural communes in Anambra State and given another opportunity he will advance the development of the state to the next level,” the American chapter of the party asserted.

“Our study shows how Ngige implemented only 20% of his blueprint, does not share money and needs this opportunity to take Anambra to the higher level”.

On the issue of money bags who might hijack the process, the chapter said,“ we need to plead with our people to beware of those candidates who will distribute money today and forget tomorrow, for tomorrow belongs to future generations”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 45

•Mark:Time to keep quiet

•Emodi:Please lets maintain cordiality

•Tambuwal:Unmoved

PDP Crisis:

Mark, Tambuwal dancing on the ceiling THE crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has dire consequences for the legislative agenda of the administration. It is as such not surprising that the National Assembly has become a battleground in the emerging crisis within the self proclaimed largest political party on the continent.

L

AST Sunday, a day after seven governors of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP walked out of their party’s national convention in Abuja, to establish a parallel faction of the ruling party, Senator Joy Emodi, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly commenced a circuit of the homes of the principal officers of the National Assembly.

As she went round the homes of the principal officers of the National Assembly that Sunday, the message was unchanging: we must not break ranks, we must put our patriotism above the grievances and difficulties of the day.

The import of the tour became apparent just a day later when 26 senators belonging to the PDP made a joint statement throwing their support for the new PDP as led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje. It even became more urgent when a day later, 58 members of the 202 members of the PDP in the House of Representatives made a public declaration in support of the nPDP. The 58 members who made the declaration, however, fell short of the number of members that were expected. Vanguard sources in the National Assembly revealed

that the 58 who assented to the announcement were only the members that their colleagues could reach as at Tuesday evening when they issued the declaration.

Rep. Ogbonna Nwuke, a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State was pointed in asserting that the 58 were just a fraction of the number of House members waiting to jump ship.

,

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

and the presidency, the development last weekend is bound to be of very serious effect to the administration’s legislative agenda.

The effect of the development is that the PDP under the control of the national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is left with a minority in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

In the Senate, the PDP which before last Saturday commanded

It is not for nothing that Senator Mark who is always prompt to respond to national issues has...been totally quiet on the biggest political development to have rocked the seventh Senate

“It is obvious that what you heard is a mass movement (and) there will be more defections from the old PDP to the new PDP because the new PDP offers a ground of freshness,” he told Vanguard in an interview.

By the time the House of Representatives resumes from break later this month, many more members of the House of Representatives are expected to join the bandwagon supporting the nPDP. Given the touchy relationship that had in the past existed between the National Assembly

,

73 seats is left with 47 loyal senators in the 109 member Senate.

The nPDP with 26 members could in combination with the APC which has 33 senators frustrate the administration’s goals and where not, even force on the administration, the policies of the opposition.

The situation in the House of Representatives is even more dangerous for the ruling party.

Members who threw up a leadership against the desire of the PDP have since inauguration in 2011 almost been on constant

warfare with the administration.

In the view of many stakeholders what has held back open warfare is the pragmatic and level-headed approach Mrs. Emodi employed to her duty of relating with the National Assembly members.

Mrs. Emodi who is a former senator has been able to through experience worm her way into the love of the legislators in both chambers to the extent that hardliners in the House have often pulled back from pulling punches at the administration.

But not always.

The members have despite her entreaties not compromised on their insistence on withdrawing funding for the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC and only softened in their opposition to the 2013 budget amendment bill only after entreaties from the National Assembly leadership and Emodi.

But with the establishment of the Kawu Baraje led parallel faction of the PDP, neither Emodi nor the presiding officers are believed to be in position to douse the angst of the members.

Sources in Abuja yesterday revealed that the nPDP members who with their colleagues in the All Progressives Congress, APC now have the majority in the two chambers have sent out signals to the presiding officers to play

cool or otherwise suffer the consequences of aligning with Tukur. Indeed for the first time since the advent of the leaderships in the two chambers, the impeachment word is even being bandied about by some members.

In the Senate where its leadership had in the past been regarded as being too cozy with the presidency, there were indications that both Senator David Mark and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu may have decided to play below the radar in the ensuing struggle for the soul of the party.

Ensuing struggle Senator Mark who has achieved the feat of steering the Senate for an unprecedented six straight years, and skipped all the banana peels that regularly brought down predecessors, is undoubtedly facing the biggest crisis of his leadership.

An overt attempt by the Senate President to side with the party could lead to a rebellion among the ranks of the opposition senators who now have a majority. It is not impossible that rivals of Senator Mark in the loyal PDP camp could use the opportunity to foment the kind of trouble that the Senate president had all the while fended off.

It is not as if Senator Mark has not had issues with the presidency himself. Sources

Continues on page 46

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Expect more NASS members in Baraje’s new PDP — Rep Nwuke

PDP crisis:

HON. Ogbonna Nwuke is representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is one of the members who defected to the Abubarkar Baraje’s led faction of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP). In this interview, conducted on the phone with Vanguard, he explained the idea behind their decision and said it will be a mass exodus from the old PDP to the new PDP. Excerpts:

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU NIGERIANS are yet to fully know why 58 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, including you, chose to pitch tent with Baraje’s new PDP. I think what is clear to us all is that we want democratic principles within our party and we want to ensure that what was left by the founding fathers of the party are restored and respected. Basically, those are the major prongs upon which we are agitating.

And you know that we have had situations where the so called Tukur and those who have run the party behaved like dictators, where opinions were not respected, where platforms were thrown out over night under whatever guise. And those are actions that were not worth the while.

They became too powerful and acted with impunity with disregard to the party’s constitution and it was becoming unbearable and so, something had to happen. And

threat by Tukur to declare your seats vacant?

This is the point that we have been making that the chairman is totally out of thoughts with democratic realities.

The issue is that at the time that well-meaning elders of the party, even the Presidency is considering discussions with the new PDP in order to restore normalcy within the party, how can a man who claims to be the father of the party think in the manner that he has thought?

It tells you clearly that many people who have said that the National Chairman is the problem within the party are correct. It is not the attitude of a father.

It is not the attitude of an administrator; it is not even the attitude of a well grounded politician. It is the attitude of somebody who has totally lost thought, who doesn’t even appreciate the modus operandis as it is now. This is the point.

In your declaration statement, you said there were other members whose names couldn’t make the list for reasons of distance and absence. Does that

,

It tells you clearly that many people who have said that the National Chairman is the problem within the party are correct, it is not the attitude of a father

true democrats within the PDP who were not happy with the way things were going kept on urging for some understanding, kept on urging for some caution but no body listened to them.

Would it be right to say that your own case in Rivers was to give solidarity to Governor Chubuike Ameachi who was among the seven defecting governors?

Now, the point is why is Amaechi being persecuted?

Ameachi is being persecuted because of his sound belief in democratic tenets. In some quarters in this country, he is seen as a symbol of democracy.

Amaechi wasn’t fighting a cause that was unique to himself but to many Nigerians including those whoa are within the PDP. So, that must be understood.

The issue of solidarity you can take for given, but it goes beyond that. What we are talking about here is the expression of our belief in the principles upon which our governor has fought.

We have decided to carry on with the original principles upon which the PDP was founded.

So, how do you react to the

,

mean that Nigerians will still witness more exodus of members from the old to the new PDP? It is obvious that what you heard is a mass movement. It is a mass movement fuelled by acts of political highhandedness by people who claim to be exercising power on behalf of the party.

Break in communication

If you have been following trends within the polity, you should ask yourself, how come PDP has the majority in the National Assembly and some of the policies that are coming down from the presidency are not sailing through?

It shows you that there is a break in communication. There is an attitudinal problem within the party with some persons thinking that they are up therefore others are children in the classroom and must take instructions from some persons whether they are right or wrong.

It does not show that those who are holding on to the reins

•Nwuke: It is a fight between the old and new of power have bothered so much about inclusive politics and so to answer you straight, there will be more defection from the old PDP to the new PDP because the new PDP offers a ground of freshness.

Aren’t you afraid that what is current happening might slim down the chances of the party in 2015 elections?

The battle in the PDP is between the old ways of doing politics and the new ways of

doing political business. And those who are asking for some level of transparency, some level playing ground, some respect for each other in the way we conduct ourselves are the ones with fresh, new ideas.

Those who are talking like totalitarian leaders, like Tukur belong to the old chip and they don’t understand that there should be a mix between the old people and the new.

What is constant in life is change but it’s unfortunate that the man who parades as our national chairman, who insists that he is the only one who thinks that political matters are settled by security agents going by what he said.

What should Nigerians expect from the leadership of the House of Representatives on this?

What is certain is that the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker have demonstrated some level of maturity and I am sure they appreciate the fact that there is a PDP caucus within the National Assembly and to rally the caucus, they would need to wait until the House reconvenes.

Now, the action that you have seen thus far shows that people have the right to choose and those who have chosen to go along with the new PDP have taken their destinies into their own hands.

Now, whether or not the PDP caucus in the House will deliberate on these issues and decide on the best way forward is another matter. I am aware that the speaker and perhaps, his deputy, all are considering options that are open to them.

My take, is that they are perhaps, consulting at the moment in order to know what steps to take but those steps might only become manifest when the House resumes sitting.

I think also that our leaders in the national assembly will respect the rights of legislators to take decisions that only them and their conscience can defend.

PDP Crisis: Mark, Tambuwal dancing on the ceiling Continues from page 45 disclose that the one time cordiality between Senator Mark and the presidency may have hit the rocks. Some allege that the inclination of presidency minders to incline towards Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State on issues and appointments concerning Benue State instead of Mark as the presidency did before may have contributed to the sore.

So in navigating the difficult current between the mainstream PDP and the nPDP in the Senate, Senator Mark is bound to always watch his back to ensure that he does not draw the wrath of the aggrieved legislators.

It is not for nothing that Senator Mark who is always prompt to respond to national issues has through this week

been totally quiet on the biggest political development to have rocked the seventh Senate.

So presidency minders expecting Senator Mark to heed the suggestion of Tukur and declare the seats of the nPDP senators vacant would be greatly disappointed.

Decision to break PDP Presidency officials would even be more wary of developments in the House of Representatives.

It is no news that the House and most elements in its leadership have for most of the last two years navigated different courses on issues affecting the polity.

With Speaker Aminu Tambuwal regularly accused of hobnobbing with opposition forces, the decision to break the PDP would

strengthen his resolve for more relations with the opposition elements within and outside the House.

Remarkably, the governor of Sokoto State where Tambuwal comes from, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko is one of the prominent members of the nPDP. It would as such be foolhardy for presidency officials to expect any sort of comfort from Tambuwal.

However, Speaker Tambuwal has consistently played the matured role in his dealings on issues relating with the administration. That is despite the tag of suspicion that some presidency officials have consistently placed on him.

In the unfolding development, Speaker Tambuwal is expected to firmly ride out the storm irrespective of how and in what direction the PDP breaks.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 47

I

T has become the habit of the old politicians of romanticizing the past golden age of positive politics when viewing the present dispensation of “everything goes”. Perhaps former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was right recently when he expressed disappointment on the political rascality or naivety of some young political leaders.

Many observers would attribute the immaturity of some of our political leaders to lack of link with the past. There is a notable lack of detailed records of the country‘s past political activities to guide the young but ambitious few that could be called leaders.

At present, many of the political leaders in the country are below the age of sixty years; some were born around the year of Independence (1960) and some were just toddlers by the year 1960. It must be agreed that though young in age, most of the present leaders are well educated.

Thanks to great improvements in education and greater opportunities to study abroad after Independence.

In retrospect, sophistication in politics should be traced to the people of Lagos at the turn of the 20th century. The Peoples‘ Union of 1910 was perhaps the oldest political party formed to influence, ‘but not control‘ the government of Lagos which was firmly in the hands of Britain. One of its unsuccessful agitations was to oppose the collection of water rate.

The subsequent collection of water rate signified the death of that movement in 1926 following the loss of confidence by members. The offence was failure to deliver a promise freely made.

Looking for a superb organization, perhaps the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) of the 1920s would rank very high. It was described as the best organized political party in West Africa between 1923 and 1933.

The NNDP was a party of the cream of Yoruba society in Lagos and its founder, Herbert Macaulay was described as ‘Napoleon of Nigerian politics‘ Though NNDP was a party of many – Lawyers, Doctors, White-cap chiefs and have won many local elections and legislative seats, its actions were limited to Lagos alone.

The leader, Herbert Macaulay saw the weakness and founded the National

Kogi at 22:

Lessons of politics of the past Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) in 1944 with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, then a rising Nationalist.

The formation of Nigeria Youth Movement (NYM) in the 1930s was a serious challenge to the NNDP for the control of Lagos politics. The NYM was a party of young nationalists of the time – Dr Azikiwe; H. O. Davies; and Obafemi Awolowo. The heydays of NYM were in 1938, 1940 and 1941 when its candidates were successful in the Legislative Council elections, beating the NNDP hands down. The NYM as a political party broke into two on account of electoral candidate dispute for the legislative seat for Lagos – Ernest Ikoli (Ijaw) defeated Akinsanya (Yoruba).

The problem of NYM was that of supremacy of the Executive over all others in the party. The Executive nominated, who they thought was a better candidate, Ikoli (though not a Yoruba) while the body of the party, including Dr Azikiwe supported Akinsanya. Incidentally, late Ernest Ikoli was reported to be the stepfather of Chief Remi Fani-Kayode (the father of Femi Fani-Kayode). After the victory of Ikoli at the election, Dr Azikiwe and others (mainly Ijebu) left the party.

Thus, choice of candidate will always be a problem for any political party.

The schism in NYM gave the NNDP the opportunity to bounce back to the winning posts in 1945, 1946 and 1947 Legislative Council contests. The successful NNDP candidates in 1945 were Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr Ibiyinka

Olorun-Nimbe. Both became Members of the Western House of Assembly under the NCNC (NNDP was merged with the new party NCNC). The lesson is that no matter the organizational ability, a divided party would always lose any election (without rigging).

The post 1950 scenario was the emergence of three strong political parties – Northern Peoples‘ Congress (NPC) led

by Sir Ahmadu Bello; the NCNC, led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and the Action Group (AG) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Though the three leaders were Nigerian nationalists (fought for Nigeria‘s freedom), their political operations were based mainly in Northern, Eastern and Western Regions respectively. Both Dr Azikiwe (Zik) and Chief Awolowo (Awo) made efforts to penetrate the North through allies, Sir Ahmadu Bello stayed put in the North.

Though many analysts rated the Action Group (AG) as the best organized party of the 1950s, yet the party was regarded as a tribal party by some with little knowledge of Nigerian politics. A cursory look at the 1959 elections would show an interesting picture. In the election to the House of Representatives, the NPC won all its seats (134) from the North; the NCNC/NEPU won 89 seats (North 8, East 58, West 23) and AG/Allies won 73 seats (North 25, East 14, West 34).

From the spread of the votes, Action Group could not have been a tribal party.

The betrayal of Nigerian unity was the inability of the three parties to form a

A poser Since Independence, the political alliance has always been between the North and the East (Hausa/Fulani and Ibo). Akintola was daubed a traitor by suggesting otherwise. The past alliances have failed to prevent the Civil War (196770) or provided peace and prosperity, would the East (Ibo) look at the other options without ingrained sentiments?.

From those halcyon days of principled politics to the present active period of turbulence, times have changed for bad, leaving behind vestiges of ethnic bitterness and insurgency.

Wada’s MoU appr oac h approac oach

BY RALPH AGBANA & MIKE ABU

A

07059197616

genuine National Government as expressed by voters who did not give a single party the clear mandate.

The military reign and the civil war paralyzed political activities until 1979 provided another opportunity. The new strong parties were National Party of Nigeria (NPN); Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN led by Chief Awolowo) and Nigeria Peoples‘ Party (NPP led by Dr Azikiwe).

Sir Ahmadu Bello was killed in the 1966 military coup.

The results of 1979 (first after civil war) federal elections under a new Federal Constitution were significant. The NPN (old NPC and other renegades from other parties) had 169 members, 36 senators; UPN (old AG) had 111 members and 28 senators; NPP (old NCNC) had 78 members and 16 senators.

It was funny that another opportunity for a genuine national government was missed and the UPN, the second largest party in Nigeria was consigned into opposition like in 1960.

The democratic experiment after 1999 has been witnessing the dominance of a single political party in capturing power and distributing the dividends to its own accredited share-holders (not all Nigerians).

As a bad manager of the national economy, the party could not manage itself fairly or justly. In spite of ‘patch-patch work‘ the edifice appears tottering. I hope somebody remembers the Action Group Jos Conference of 1962. That great party could not recover until its death in 1966.

T last, Kogi State, blessed with agricultural, mining, industry and tourism potentials, yet rated among the poorest in the country, is on the verge of getting it right as an investors’ haven. Created August 27, 1991, Kogi is ranked as the 13th most populated state in Nigeria. The state is richly endowed in natural and human resources and has the potentials of the food basket of the nation and also a tourist destination. According to a report published by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in 2009, Nigeria has commercial deposits of a total of 37 minerals, up from 33 minerals in 2008.

The report indicated that Kogi State alone has deposits of a total of 29 mineral resources available in commercial quantities. These include coal, dolomite, feldspar, bauxite, iron ore, tar, limestone, gold, tantalite etc. Each of the 21 councils in the state is said to have deposits of at least 2 minerals.

Curiously, despite the amazing depth of her human and mineral resource and tourism endowment, over the years, Kogi State had placed last in all Nigeria’s social and economic indices.

Determined to rewrite Kogi’s story, Governor Idris Wada, on assumption of office in January, 2012, raised a think-thank comprising illustrious sons and daughters of the state, to prepare a development blueprint, which was to serve like the road map for his government. While it has been tough adhering to the spirit and letter of the blueprint in the face of fresh challenges, it is safe to submit that the administration is not too far away from the blueprint.

Undaunted by the several months of election related litigations, challenging the authenticity of his election and the initial funding challenges, Wada traversed Nigeria and foreign countries, while his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi ran errands on the domestic scene.

This style had brought the

germinate.

Indeed, Kogi is presently undergoing an agricultural and industrial transformation and this has been made possible through the influx of foreign investors to stimulate the state’s economy, as a result of which, Kogi now plays the role of a catalyst, culminating into the signing of about 12 memoranda of understanding running into billions of Naira.

Enabling environment

•Wada governor under criticisms from the opposition who labeled him an absentee governor.

However, 18 months in the saddle, there are sufficient signals to suggest that Wada had made haste slowly as the seeds of the benefits of his silent trips overseas and outside the shores of the state, are beginning to

The attraction of foreign partners into the state’s economy is anchored on the political will of Capt Wada and the creation of an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

A consortium of investors from Saudi Arabia, including the Alkatani Group, a Saudi family business with 73 years experiences in oil and gas, steel plant development and pipeline, led by its Vice Chairman, Sheik Salla Alkatani, in attestation, said it was lured into investing in Kogi because of the confidence

they had in the leadership.

In addition to creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, there is the backward integration advantage to accrue to the communities where the projects are located and the state as a whole.

A proportion of the profit is also earned by the state thereby enhancing its revenue generation profile.

Aside incentives as Tax Holidays, Access to land with necessary titles, the state also facilitates exploration of minerals through the necessary federal agencies as support to investors.

The creation of an Investment Promotion Desk by the state government ,a one stop shop for information and detailed discussions, serves as an investment maternity ward for the safe delivery of investment projects in the state. *Ralph Agbana is Media Assistant to Governor Idris Wada on Research & Documentation *Mike Abu is Chief Press Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Lokoja.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Kwara:The Offa battleground OFFA, the hotbed of political opposition in Kwara State is again manifesting itself following the release of local government election results which the opposition claims were rigged.

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

T

HE sight of the “ winner ” of an election denouncing the results proclaiming him a councillor in Offa Local government area of Kwara State could not have been anything but bewildering.

“I did not win that election.

In all the eight polling units, APC won convincingly, we didn’t win. I’m a loyal member of the PDP, but first and foremost I’m a Muslim and as a person I won’t allow anyone to take what belongs to me neither will I take what belongs to another person,” Mr. Jimoh Olawole, who claimed to be candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the Shao South West Ward councillorship election in Offa declared.

His denunciation was about one of the highlights of the rerun election in Offa Local government area which held last weekend. It was an election of ego of sorts.

Offa has until now sustained its legacy of opposition to the ruling class in Illorin. It was as such not surprising that when the PDP successfully caused the annulment of the earlier election won by the ACN that eyes turned on how the party would fare in the area.

Indeed, the ancient town of

•Ahmed: Governor of Kwara State

•Mohammed: APC leader

Olanipekun of the PDP. Olawore was boisterous ahead of the election. “I know our people will vote for me, I have gone round and I have paid my dues and I’m confident that I will win “he quipped after voting at a polling unit in front of the palace.”

The residents in Offa were determined and the turnout was very impressive just as security was at its best and the

Offa local government area of the state on Saturday; the results were announced at the polling units; the results were collated in all the twelve wards. And we approached the local government collation centres where we expected that the results collated at the wards would be collated for final announcement of the winner of the election.

“Unfortunately, the returning officer who is the local government electoral officer of the Kwara state Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) just disappeared.

He absconded and we waited there till about 10pm before the materials were moved to the headquarters of KWSIEC here in Ilorin that night.

,

Many eyes were focused on the rerun election including some natives based outside the state who came from as far as Lagos to in the words of one observer, to “Stand against the Saraki machine

Offa, has since the time of Chief Josiah Olawoyin maintained its culture of political rebellion against the status quo in Illorin from where the Saraki political machinery projects its influence.

Offa, is also the ancestral home of Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, the wife of the governor of Osun State which according to some sources drew the governor and his associates into projecting the election as a must win for the APC. Indeed, many eyes were focused on the re-run election some natives based outside the state came from as far as Lagos to, in the words of one observer, to “Stand against the Saraki machine.”

The main candidates were Saheed Popoola of the APC and Alhaji AbdulWaheed

,

election was crisis free. But after that, the crisis.

True to his words, chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Uthman Ajidagba on the following day after the election, Sunday declared Olanipekun, candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Chairmanship seat with a total vote of 35,937 against the 20,161 votes polled by the APC. The declaration was done in Ilorin the state capital, many kilometers from the venue of the election.

He also said that all PDP councillorship candidates won in all the 12 wards in the Local Government area.

But in his swift reaction, the Protem Chairman of All Progressives Congress in the state, Comrade Shola Iji

rejected the result saying that the result declared by the state Independent Electoral Commission was not the original result of the election.

Comrade Shola Iji while rejecting the result said, “We are not accepting the result because it was not an honest result of Saturday election conducted in Offa, “ The following day, Monday the protest gained momentum as people suspected to be members of APC and sympathisers of Popoola poured to the streets in Offa.

The protests in Ilorin were led by former chairman, Caretaker Committee of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the State, Comrade Sola Iji, campaign director of the governorship candidate of ACN in 2011, Dr Sa’ad Omoya, Otunba Iyiola Oyedepo, Mohammed Dele Belgore’s running mate, Joshua Adeyinka, Rev Bunmi Olusona among others.

Peaceful rally The peaceful rally commenced around 10am at the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)’s office, Offa Road, Ilorin.

Speaking with reporters, Comrade Iji said the protestors had come to the KWSIEC headquarters to register their rejection of the results.

Said he: “If you have been following events of Saturday up till yesterday and this morning, you will discover that the local government election that was held in Offa,

Executive chamber But Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of kwara state amidst the raging controversy on Tuesday swore in the PDP candidate Olanipekun.

Performing the swearing-in the Government House Executive Chamber, Governor Ahmed charged Olanipekun to tackle the daunting security challenges facing the people of Offa and its environment.

Responding, the newly sworn-in Offa local government council chairman, Hon. Olanipekun promised to use all his experience towards the development of the council and also called on the people of the council to join hands with him in the task of uplifting the socio economic growth of the council.

The development however took a twist on Wednesday at a press conference in Offa where Olawole denounced his victory as a councilor.

He said his denouncement of the victory awarded him by KWASIEC became necessary because, as a true son of Offa, he stands for equity and justice stressing that one day everyone will account for his deeds before God Almighty.

The embattled APC chairmanship candidate, Popoola also said that he will do everything possible,” within the ambit of law and our democratic rights to retrieve this mandate and exercise it to the benefit of the people of Offa and the glory of God” “We shall not rest, we shall not sleep and we will not be tired until the people’s mandate is respected and the rightful candidate is sworn in” But the chairman of PDP in Offa local government Engineer Goke Rabiu, however, denied that the acclaimed councillorship candidate Olawole was the PDP candidate in the last election.

He explained that when the party took the then ACN chairmanship candidate and the councillors to court, he did not join in the suit, stressing that all those who joined the suit excluding him were returned the ticket.

Engr Goke also said that the PDP couldn’t have given him the ticket because he has already joined APC and was sighted in many of their campaign rallies.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013—49

Continues from page 5

We must avoid open confrontation —Anenih

Chief Anenih, in a statement he issued in Abuja entitled: “A Call for Caution” said: “Following the walk-out staged by some aggrieved members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the special convention of August 31, 2013, there have been genuine efforts by the leadership of the party, including the president himself, to reach out and reconcile with the aggrieved members, using the numerous mechanisms for conflict resolution that exist in the party.

"A series of meetings have been held and more are scheduled to hold in the next few days.

“It is unfortunate that while the reconciliation efforts are being made, some of our members are making inflammatory statements, intimidating one another and issuing threats of court actions.

"Such actions do nothing but harm the efforts at reconciliation. Like a good family, we must avoid open confrontation and allow the leadership of the party to effect genuine reconciliation.

"Conflict is not new to the PDP and, as in the past, I am confident that, in spite of the differences, the current one will be resolved, with the party coming out even stronger and more united than ever.

“To make pre-emptive statements while the process of reconciliation is still on, is disrespectful not only to the President but also to the party leadership. Such statements undermine the party and the enormous efforts being made under the transformation agenda of the Mr. President.

“I, therefore, call on all members of our great party to exercise restraint throughout this trying period.”

Clark, Jemibewon, others berate Anenih

Meanwhile, elder statesmen, Chief Edwin Clark, Gen. David Jemibewon, Ameh Ebute and Gen. Ibrahim Haruna have urged Chief Anenih to distance himself from former Vice President Atiku and the aggrieved governors who stormed out of Eagle Square, venue of last

Saturday’s Special National Convention of the party.

Chief Clark and others made their position on Anenih under the aegis, Congress for Equality, after a meeting at the Asokoro residence of Chief Clark.

According to the statement which was signed by its chairman and former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, it was wrong for Anenih to say that the aggrieved governors had genuine complaints, just as Chief Anenih was asked to join hands with Tukur to support the party and President Goodluck Jonathan.

The statement said: “Chief Tony Anenih should distance himself from the demands of these so-called ‘aggrieved governors ‘ and join Tukur to work for the party in truth and spirit.”

The group alleged that part of the demands of the aggrieved governors were that President Jonathan should denounce his 2015 ambition and restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from harassing them. ...back Jonathan for

2015

Reiterating its support for 2015 presidency for President Jonathan, the group, however, said every past Head of State or President had weaknesses, but such weaknesses were not sufficient to deny them their constitutional right to vie for a second term. The group, however, did not say that President Jonathan has any weakness.

Anenih had, Tuesday, explained why the peace talks with the aggrieved PDP governors that began Sunday night and ended Monday morning could not continue after the party leadership and presidency had resolved to continue their talks with the aggrieved governors that day.

He said the aggrieved governors had sought for more time to consult more widely, explaining that the party leadership and the presidency too were disposed to more time for wider consultations.

You‘re a drowning man, nPDP Reps tell Tukur

Also, members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) in the

LECTURE: From left: Prof. Toye Olorode, guest speaker; Comrade Ayodele Akele, Chairman, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG); Mrs. Ganiat Fawehinmi, special guest of honour, and Dr. Yinusa Tanko, National Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), during the 4th Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Why we fight Tukur, by Kwankwaso, Aliyu House of Representatives, yesterday, described as unfortunate, threats of arrest attributed to the national chairman of the old PDP, Alhaji Tukur, over their defection to Abubakar Baraje’s camp, calling the chairman a drowning man.

Qualifying Tukur as erstwhile national chairman of the PDP, they called on the relevant authorities to call him to order and wondered when political disagreements within a political party became a state offence such that the chairman should ask the security agencies to harass and arrest his opponents.

In a statement entitled: “Our response to Bamangar Tukur ’s uttrances” signed by Hon. Sekonte Davies on behalf of the members, they said it was such utterances and dispositions that prompted their action in the first place, stressing that they will contend with those who were bent on destroying the party.

The statement read: “It has been brought to our attention the statements credited to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the erstwhile National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Indeed, it is unfortunate if he really made the comments credited to him.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we state that it is this type of garrison attitude that has brought the PDP to where it is today

and that is why we shall spare no effort to redeem it from those who are bent on destroying it, like Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“You know, it is easy to destroy a thing and since Bamanga Tukur was not a founding father of the party, he does not understand the underlying principles and reasons why it was founded in the first place.

How Jonathan can overcome PDP crisis —Jibril Aminu

Meantime, founding member of the PDP, Prof Jibril Aminu, yesterday, advised President Jonathan to play down on his re-election bid and face the task of tackling the nation’s mounting problems, as a means of winning the support of Nigerians against those rebelling against him.

Aminu, who was reacting to the formation of a parallel PDP by the former vice president and seven PDP governors, noted that the undue attention being given to the re-election bid by the president and his handlers was responsible for the revolt by Atiku and his group.

He said: “President Jonathan appears to be too concerned about his second term and there are some persons who are making a capital out of that obsession, which provides a very good menu for others to capitalise on.

“If Mr. President continues to put too much emphasis on the 2015 election, he may lose focus on the job he was elected by Nigerians to deliver.

"My advice to him is to concentrate on the work that Nigerians gave him to do. He will certainly get his second term if he does the work well.

“As long as he continues to work towards resolving the contentious issues in the education and health sectors as well as the security challenges facing the north, he will certainly be reelected when the time comes.

“My fear is that some people are taking advantage of Jonathan’s second term ambition to cause more avoidable problems in the country and distracting him in the process.”

Actions of Atiku & co mischief —Jibril Aminu

While kicking against the action of the former vice president and the seven governors, the former Education and Petroleum Minister, said the rebel members could not be acting in the interest of Nigerians but for their personal interest.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard last night, the former Nigerian envoy also described the action of the governors and Atiku as a mischief aimed at promoting their ego and asked President

Jonathan not to bow to them.

Aminu said: “I don’t support what Atiku and the seven governors are doing because I don’t think that what they have done is right. I don’t think that they are motivated by altruism but I suspect that they are just trying to protect their ego.

“I strongly suspect that what the governors and their backers are doing is a bit of political gambling aimed at settling scores, distracting the PDP or pure mischief."

Urges Jonathan not to succumb

While advising Jonathan not to be scared by the antics of the governors and their backers, Aminu asked him to focus more on what would take the nation to the next level.

The former minister said: “Nigerians should not be jitter over what these people are doing because Nigeria can never break up on account of what is going on in the country. We have passed the worst moment in our history and none of these actions can tear it apart."

"The provision of the constitution forbids you from forming a tribal party. As you know, there was no notice given for the application. No one was aware until it was announced by INEC. You saw the brit-bat by the action."

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 20 13 2013

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AMADI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amadi MaryRose Chizaram, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikechukwu Mary-Rose Chizaram. All former documents remain valid.

ABSU, NYSC and general public please take note.

OKOLI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoli C h i n w e n d u Constance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. S e b - E b i r i m C h i n w e n d u Constance. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKON —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bassey, Iniko Okon, also known as Mrs. Ekanem, Iniubong Theophilus, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iniubong Theophilus Bassey.

All former documents bearing the former name remain valid.

General public please take note.

IGWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwe Love Oroma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Love Oroma Glory Joe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOME —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onome Oghenekevwe Lucy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E k p e w u Oghenekevwe Lucy.

All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKUPA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikupa Helen Oghenegharovwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojo H e l e n Oghenegharovwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYIRE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyire Nneka Lucy, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. Okafor Nneka Lucy. All former documents remain valid. IMT, NYSC and general public take note.

UDO —I, formerly known and addressed as Ekanem, Theophilus Udo, now wish to be known and addressed as Theophilus Daniel Bassey. All former documents bearing the former name remain valid. General public please take note.

NTIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eka Ita Ntia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eka Emmanuel Okon.

All documents remain valid. Delta Afrik Eng. Ltd and general public please take note.

KALU —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kalu Racheal Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onoh Racheal Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, ABSU and general public please take note.

ORJI —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Adaku Orji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther OrjiOkoli. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education, The Presidency, Ministry of Police Affairs and general public please take note.

NWOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchechi Glory Nwoko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchechi Christopher Owujie. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan and general public please take note.

BASSEY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekanem Marie Bassey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekanem Marie Nabena. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

N WA B U G W U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Olachi Ezinwa Nwabugwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olachi Ezinwa Chimdi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIMA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chima Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agoha Beatrice Chima. All former documents remain valid. FCT UBEB, First Bank of Nigeria and general public please take note.

INNOCENT—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gloria Innocent, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gloria Christopher Opene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

INOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Regina Timinipiri Inola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Regina Jones Olele.

All former documents remain valid.

Department of State Services and general public please take note.

OFFORDILE—I, formerly known and addressed as Offordile Odera Jessica, now wish to be known and addressed as Dugo Odera Jessica. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASINGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Asingba, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Blessing Egba.

All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and general public please take note.

IHUOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mirian Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchendu Mirian Chinyere. All former documents remain valid.

Georgian College, Immigration of Canada and general public please take note.

ONOME-IRIKEFE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elohor Ochuko Onome-Irikefe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elohor Ochuko Omeru.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UDENSI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnenna Dike Udensi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnenna Enweliku.

All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

ALARE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Alare, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adenike Owie (Nee Alare). All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED N WA B U E Z E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Silverline Onamaka Nwabueze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Silverline Onamaka Omorogbe. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

BIRTHDAY: L-r: Director General, Advance Legal Studies, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, Okailolo of Asaba; the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion and Chief Executive Geodetic Group of Companies and Okwuoluha of Asaba, Chief Anthony Ashiofu during the 80th birthday of Iyese of Asaba, Chief Isioma Onyeobi in Asaba

EMORHOKPOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ann Oroyovwe Emorhokpor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ann Oroyovwe Etaghene. All former documents remain valid.

National Lottery Regulatory Commission and general public please take note.

OKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Okeoghene Okoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Okeoghene Idama. All former documents remain valid. Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that the name Faka U f u o m a n e f e Valentina, refers to one and the same person as Faka Gloria Ufuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Faka Gloria Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwendu Juliet Omumaebuka Madu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwendu Juliet Omoti. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirmation that the name Tamaraukekemebimor Brawaide Godwin, refers to one and the same person as Headmam Brawaide Brass, now wish to be known and addressed as Headmam Brawaide Brass. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Claire Chioma Ogochukwu Okoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Claire Chioma Ogochukwu ShittaBey. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Gov. Oshiomhole in a handshake with the president of the National Association of the Medical Students Mr. Maru Bashir Government House Benin City yesterday. after the presentation.

Kalu, Nwachukwu, Okonkwo blame insecurity on bad governance

BY SAM EYOBOKA

F

ORMER Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, erstwhile Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu, and the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, were unanimous, yesterday, that absence of good governance, equitable and just distribution of national income and the rule of law were factors responsible for growing insecurity in parts of the country.

Speaking at the 14th annual Mike Okonkwo Lecture at the Muson Centre, Lagos, the threesome argued that the worsening security situation including terrorism, kidnapping, robbery and other social upheavals may drag for a while longer for as long as there is inadequate dispensation of justice and stifling economic productivity.

Nwachukwu said, “we have become a leadership group unable to stand by our convictions and shy to tell the truth! I believe that leaders have the responsibility to determine the objective but how to achieve it and the path leading to it should be combined efforts of the followers, especially those appointed into positions of trust and responsibility.”

Dr. Kalu who delivered a lecture entitled, ‘Overcoming the Nigerian Security Challenges: A panacea for national growth and development,” also fingered faulty political process,

bloated personnel structure, intractable corruption and avoidable bureaucratization as other factors heightening the security challenges.

He said, “security is not necessarily about keeping a large army or police force.

We have to nip in the bud situations that could degenerate to strife and violence. In a situation where the shrinking job market is filled by nepotism and man-knows-man syndrome; there would always be violent reactions. When people cannot actualize their economic goals within reasonable means, the temptation to resort to violence becomes inevitable”.

The celebrant, Bishop Okonkwo in his speech advocated a political administration that would respect its agreements with unions, saying that a nation where its federal lawmakers earn much more than the most powerful president in the world, President Barack Obama should honour its obligation to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. He said the place of education cannot be overemphasized in a nation that is desirous of growth and genuine development, noting that the political class delights in making the populace uneducated so as to perpetually keep them under subjugation. Okonkwo appealed to the Nigerian people to rise above mediocrity and ensure that any leader that is not performing is shown the way out through their ballot.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2013

TREBLE CHANCE Bradford C Milton KD Tranmere Wolves Hartlepool York Alfreton.

Braintree Luton Tamworth

v Brentford v Swindon v Stevenage v Walsall v Wycombe v AFC Wimbldon v Woking v Forest Green v Grimsby v Southport

SOCCER TIPS

Ronaldo is the boss sa sayys Bale DESPITE being the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale realises that Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘the boss’ at Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old was unveiled at the Bernabeu on Monday morning when the record £86million deal from Tottenham was finally completed.

But even though Bale has cost such an astronomical fee, he was gracious during his first outing as a galactico.

‘Cristiano for me is the best player in the world and he was a factor for me in deciding to come here,’ Bale said.

‘I don’t think I need to help Cristiano to be the best player in the world because he already is.

‘Cristiano is the boss here - he is the best player in the world. I want to learn from him.’

And the Welshman revealed frustration at the time it took to seal a move to the Spanish capital. Madrid had been keen all summer long but it took until the last possible day to rubber stamp the biggest transfer in history.

‘Regarding my transfer, I wanted to come here even if it was for a penny. Daniel Levy is a hard business man but I thank him for reaching an agreement with Real Madrid,’ Bale continued. .

‘I want to win the 10th European Cup for Real Madrid and their fans.

‘I’m very happy and excited to be here. I’m speechless. I can’t wait to start playing for the team.

‘It hasn’t been easy not to have a full pre-season but when I knew Real Madrid were interested, I wanted to come here.’

FOUR HOMES LATE TIPS TIPS

2X 7 X 14 X PAIR 16 40 FOUR AWAYS X 3 X 15 X 27 45 X 30 PERMUTATION AVOID 2 8 X 10X11 X 17 X 23 X 25 RISKY 7 TIPS 32 X 34 X 37 CREDIT Aldershot 2 Bishop's S. 2 Vauxhall M 2 N.Ferriby 3 Guiseley 3 Barrow 3 Tamworth 3 Luton 3

EXCELLENT Bradford C. 7 Milton KD 7 Tranmere 7 Wolves 5 Hartlepool 5 York 5 Alfreton 5 Braintree 5

Cardif est Cardifff rescue W West Brom Osaze

CARDIFF City have signed Nigerian striker Osaze Odemwingie on a three-year deal after he became an outcast at West Brom.

Osaze has completed a medical to become Malky Mackay’s latest signing.

Promoted Cardiff City paid £2.5m to West Brom for the Nigerian forward, WalesOnline reported.

Odemwingie was in Cardiff on Monday undergoing a medical and has now put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Cardiff beat Swansea City and Stoke City to the 32-year-old’s signature, with Michael Laudrup instead opting to bring in Alvaro Vazquez on loan from Getafe.

Cardiff’s latest signing can play up front or out wide and boasts a superb record of one goal in every three matches for West Brom.

Odemwingie hit the headlines in January after famously driving to QPR’s Loftus Road ground on deadline day to close the deal.

The Nigerian becomes Mackay’s eighth summer signing following the captures of Gary Medel, Steven Caulker, Andrea Cornelius, John Brayford, Simon Moore, Kevin Theophile-Catherine and Uruguay youngster Maximiliano Amondarain

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS .WEEK 08 Sky Bet League One

1 Bradford C 2 Bristol C. 3 Carlisle 4 Coventry 5 Crawley 6 Crewe 7 Leyton O 8 Milton KD 9 Rotherham 10 Tranmere 11Wolves

v Brentford XX v Shrewsbury 1 v Port Vale 2 v Colchester 2 v Gillingham X1 v Peterboro 2X v Notts Co 1 v Swindon XX v Sheff Utd 2X v Stevenage XX v Walsall XX

Sky Be wo Bett League TTw 12 Burton A v Oxford X2 13Cheltenham v Portsmouth 1X 14 Chesterfield v Accrington S 1 15 Dagenham v Exeter 2 16 Fleetwood v Torquay 1 17 Hartlepool v Wycombe XX 18 Newport Co v Mansfield 1 19 Northh'pton v Scunthorpe X1 20 Plymouth v Bristol R X2 21Rochdale v Bury X1 22 Southend v Morecambe 1 23 York v AFC Wimbldon XX

Skrill Conference Premier 24 Aldershot 25 Alfreton.

26 Braintree 27 Chester 28 Gateshead 29 Halifax 30 Hyde 31 Lincoln 32 Luton 33 Nuneaton 34 Tamworth 35 Welling

v Macclesfield X2 v Woking XX v Forest Green XX v Dartford 2 v Hereford 2 v.Barnet 2 v Cambridge U. 2 v Salisbury 1 v Grimsby XX v Wrexham X2 v Southport XX v Kidderminster 2

8 25 32 34

Skrill Conference North 36 Barrow 37.Guiseley 38 Histon 39 Leamington 40 N. Ferriby 41 Oxford C. 42 Stalybridge 43 Stockport 44 Telford 45 Vauxhall M 46 Worcester

v Gloucester v Brackley v Workington v Altrincham v Hednesford v Colwyn Bay v Solihull M. v Gainsboro v Harrogate v Boston v Bradford PA

XX XX X2 2 XX 1X X2 2 2 XX 2

Skrill Conference South 47Bishop's S 48 Eastleigh 49 Ebbsfleet

v Havant v Bromley v Bath City

2X 1 X1

Revised Pairs 8 x 25, 32 x 34 36 x 37, 40 x 45

Vanguard, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 53

Academy for stars will produce stars — Ewruje

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

F

ORMER Julius Berger midfielder, Elvis Ewruje has tipped products of the Academy for Stars to dominate the national teams in the future.

The Academy for football Stars, started operating last year in Sapele, Delta State, and is being run by Ewrujie, a UEFA licenced Grade B coach, which he acquired last year in England, after undergoing rigorous tutorials and tests conducted by the English Football Association.

Currently in the process of obtaining his UEFA pro-licence, Ewrujie said with his wealth of experience and practical knowledge of modern-day football, that the boys in the academy were destined for the top.

Speaking yesterday to Sports Vanguard, the former Yeovil Town creative forward, said that he chose to situate the academy in Sapele because of his roots to the area, promising that the future plan was to have

•Moses

branches in all States of the federation.

He said that his burning desire was to mould the next generation of soccer talents that would not only excel for the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles teams but also shine in European leagues, which he says is where Nigerian players can actualise their full potentials.

While noting that the problem of football development was the failure of management, Ewruje said that with proper coaching from competent and internationally qualified coaches that Nigerian players will peak again.

“What a player urgently needs is a qualified coache who would be responsible for transforming them into world-class products. I have received the training and I am still in the process of obtaining my UEFA pro-licence and believe that I have a lot to contribute to our football development.

“Right now we have about 140 players in our academy and they pay

Eagles, 15 teams chase World Cup places

A

FRICAN champi ons, the Super Eagles, Ghana and South Africa are among 16 nations hunting seven playoff places this weekend when the African World Cup qualifying group reach a climax.

Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, CongoBrazzaville, Ethiopia, Gabon, Libya, Malawi, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia complete the line-up of hopefuls.

The top two teams in the table square off in five groups, and in two others there are three sides battling to join alreadyqualified Algeria, Egypt

and Ivory Coast.

A seeded September 16 draw in Cairo will create five home-and-away ties with the five winners representing the continent at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

In a 20-fixture schedule over five days, nine encounters count toward play-off places, starting with Group D leaders Ghana against secondplace Zambia in Kumasi on Friday.

Midfielders Andre Ayew, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Michael Essien are available again, giving coach Kwesi Appiah an embarrassment of riches to select from.

Injury-prone Essien, who has returned to Chelsea from a loan spell at Real Madrid, said he wanted to prioritise his club career before returning to national duty.

A groin injury has ruled out goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, but star striker Asamoah Gyan says he will be fit to face the ‘Chipolopolo’ (Copper Bullets) despite a heavily strapped right thigh.

“Qualifying will not be easy because Zambia also have a very good team,” warned Appiah, “but I am confident because the boys are really psyched up.”

Nigeria have their destiny in their own hands with a home draw against Malawi in Calabar enough to move them within 180 minutes of a fifth World Cup appearance.

The Super Eagles boast a powerful squad with midfielder John Obi Mikel of Chelsea and striker Emmanuel Emenike of Fenerbahce available after missing a friendly win in South Africa.

Coach Stephen Keshi has branded Malawi “dangerous opponents” despite the central African ‘Flames’ losing to the Angolan Olympic squad and Botswana in warmups.

“It is great to have some stars for the first time since winning the Africa Cup last February and we must hit the ground running,” stressed 1994 World Cup captain Keshi.

•Ewruje N1000 per month but what they receive in terms of training is of the highest standard because of my training. We have players in the U-10, U-12 to U-18 at the Academy for Stars and the results from the matches we played against teams like Warri Wolves, Nembe City and Bendel Insurance have been encouraging.

“I see these players becoming stars that will dominate our national teams, if they stay on track and continue working hard. Most of the facilities at the academy in Sapele are from Europe and we plan to expose these players to the international scene so that they can become better”, added Ewruje.

SHIELD..... Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o (right) shields the ball from Zambia’s Jacob Mulenga, during a past match. Both sides are in action this weekend as World Cup qualifying matches hold across the world. Photo: AFP

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Eagles in las ew ar ffor or shir ts lastt minut minute war shirts …Keshi keeps list close to chest

A

LL 23 members of the national team were in full flight at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar yesterday evening despite a down pour, with no one sure of which of them will be on the start list on Saturday in the World Cup qualifier against Malawi.

Nnamdi Oduamadi and John Ogu were the last two players to arrive and they showed no sign of fatigue at the wet pitch of the Calabar ’s prime sports arena.

Among the crowed who came to catch a glimpse of the African champions were NFF Security Committee, Effiong Johnson, who discussed security issues with State’s Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe and FIFA Security chief in Nigeria ACP Gideon Akinsola.

There was alsoNFF Marketing Committee boss, Deji Tinubu, who has been trying to market Nigerian football on the world wide web and several officials too numerous to mention.

At the training proper, which was the first full house ahead of the game against Malawi, Mandela Challenge hero, Uche Nwafor was splendid, so was Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, Obinna Nosfor, Ahmed Musa and Shola Ameobi.

When asked about his selection concerns,

Head Coach, Stephen Keshi simply said he will pick only the best players for Saturday’s game. .

Fans at the stadium took nearly half of the arena, admiring their national team heroes.

After the training they invaded the pitch, desperate to catch a glimpse of their stars.

This did not quite go down well with the security men on ground in Calabar. “We will get over the situation before Saturday, because I am working in tandem with the Eagles Chief Security Officer, CSP Baba Nara”, said ACP Akinsola.

C M Y K

S

UPER Eagles’ number one goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has said that he would have to celebrate his birthday after a victory against the Flames of Malawi in the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar on Saturday.

Enyeama was born on August 29 1982 in Kaduna and he started his football career at defunct Ibom Stars.

Enyeama, who has been Nigeria’s firstchoice since making his debut against England at the Korea/Japan World Cup in 2002, deliberately shelved his birthday celebration aside to focus on the crucial qualifier

•Enyeama

Malawi get $500 bonus to beat Eagles M

ALAWI will receive $500-aman as bonus if they upset Nigeria on Saturday to qualify for the final round of the World Cup qualifiers.

This is over 500% increase from the usual $85 dollars win bonus the Flames receive.

Malawi Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet disclosed to MTNFootball.com on arrival in Abuja on Thursday: “My boys would be going home with a winning bonus of $500 compared to the $85 they received before. ”I don’t think the motivation for the players is the money but national

pride. I am surprised when I hear that players of your Super Eagles are discussing money and winning bonus.”

Malawi could not stage a proper training camp before this match because of the financial problems facing Football Association of Malawi (FAM). Saintfiet said he remains bullish about his team’s chances on Saturday in Calabar despite the 1-0 loss they suffered in their final warm-up game.

“We made many changes (in that game) and really we are not worried about that result,” he defended.

RIGAN 2013 to hold in December The 14th edition of the Research Institute Games tagged RIGAN 2013 will now hold from the 6th to 15th of December this year.

This was the resolution of the National Executive Council meeting of RIGAN HELD AT THE National Institute of industrial Research, Oshodi, host of the Biennial event.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, The President of RIGAN, the umbrella body of the research institute games, Dr. Eddie Okolo said the body was satisfied with the state of preparedness of the Federal Institute of

Enyeama puts Malawi before birthday

Industrial Research, Oshodi to host the over 35 research institutes from across the country. He commended the management of FIIRO for putting machinery in motion for a successful event and believes that Lagos will live up to the billing of “Eko for show”.

Responding, the chairman of the Local organizing committee “RIGAN 2013” Sesan Akinwusi, thanked the National Executive committee for the confidence reposed on the institute and pledged that Lagos will put up the best

show in the history of the RIGAN Games,” We have put in place different strategies to ensure that athletes and officials have the best memories when the games are over because Lagos indeed is ready to provide an experience of a life time for all involved.

“We are looking forward to the support of corporate Nigeria that can leverage on the games that have continued to evolve into a mini Olympic and which serve as a platform for all institution involved in research in Nigeria to come together to celebrate the best of sports”

against Malawi.

“We have come a long way and anything short of victory against Malawi would not be good enough considering our status in Africa,” he said.

The former Enyimba shot-stopper stressed that even though his birthday remains one of the milestones in his career, but for the Eagles game against Malawi, he had to defer it until victory is sealed.

“Saturday will be the best day for me to celebrate my birthday after the Eagles must have demolished Malawi and we would have to put smiles on the faces of all Nigerians.

“Honestly, the tension that the game has already generated has further placed the task of beating the Malawians a must for us,” the Lille goalkeeper

Supersport ‘Follow Ya Mouth’ starts search in Lagos

T

•Ayew

Eagles miss Y obo Yobo

S

UPER Eagles assistant captain, Vincent Enyeama has revealed that players of the Nigeria team miss captain, Joseph Yobo.

Yobo, Nigeria’s most capped player, has not played for the Super Eagles since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Enyeama, who has been deputising with aplomb in the role as team leader, has now revealed that players of the squad still have fond thoughts of the centre half who has been in

impressive form for Turkish club, Fenerbahce.

“It’s a big honour to wear the (captain’s arm) band for this country. It’s also an honour to stand in place of Yobo. Yobo is a great guy and an amazing person. He’s a great human being,” Enyeama exclusively told supersport.com on Wednesday.

The LOSC Lille Metropole goalkeeper then expressed sadness at Yobo’s absence from the squad that will face Malawi on Saturday.

HE SuperSport ‘Follow Ya Mouth’ Pidgin-English commentator search which was recently launched with the aim of discovering passionate individuals who tend to have the ability to run football match commentaries in PidginEnglish language took of with the first of the auditions in the garden city of Port Harcourt from 23 rd & 24 th of August 2013.

The search panel of judges storm Lagos today for the Lagos auditions slated for 6th and 7th of September, 2013 at Hall 2, National Arts Theatre Iganmu, Lagos The Port Harcourt auditions information had rented the airwaves when the audition train stormed the Garden City announcing the dates, time and venue to all and sundry. As early as 8:00 am of the two day event, talents trickled into The Atrium at Stadium Road, venue of the Port Harcourt auditions in Rivers State for formal registration and accreditation.

Vanguard, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 — 55

Nadal to face Gasquet in US Open semis T

HERE’S video evidence out there that Rafael Nadal did, indeed, lose a tennis match to Richard Gasquet.

OK, so it was half a lifetime ago, and it was at a tournament in Tarbes, France, for kids 14 and under.

“Last time I beat him, I was 13,” Gasquet said. “It was a long time ago.”

Reminded of that match, Nadal smiled and said, “I lost 6-4 in the third. Yeah, I remember.”

As professionals, it’s been a different story: Nadal is 10-0 against Gasquet heading into their U.S. Open semifinal Saturday.

When Gasquet looks up a clip of that long-ago encounter on YouTube, he said, “I can see I’m winning against him, so I don’t believe it sometimes.”

Based on the way Nadal is playing at the moment, it is hard to believe many players could beat him. A year after skipping the U.S. Open because of a bad left knee, Nadal powered his way back to the semifinals by overwhelming 19th-seeded Tommy Robredo 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday night.

•Nadal “I’m sure that’s the way I have to play to keep having chances to be successful in every surface, but especially on this one,” the second-seeded Nadal said after improving to 20-0 on hard courts in 2013. “I was able to do it today. I hope to be able to do it in two days.”

•Azarenka

He never faced a break point and has not lost a set through five matches.

Hasn’t even lost a single service game so far, a run of 67 holds.

This latest win lasted 1 hour, 40 minutes, and it really was over after 22 minutes. That’s how long it took Nadal to dominate the first set, not only winning every game but also 24 of 29 points, including all seven that lasted 10 strokes or more.

“I played great the first set,” Nadal said. “It’s my first set so far this year 100 percent.”

That’s really saying something, considering that he is 58-3 this season with nine titles, including his record eighth championship at the French Open in June.

...As Azarenka slugs it out with Pennetta

V

ICTORIA Azaren ka prevented the first over-30 women semifinal lineup in Grand Slam history, ripping Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-3 Wednesday to secure a US Open last-four match with Italy’s Flavia Pennetta.

The 24-year-old second seed from Belarus took only 76 minutes to defeat the 48th-ranked Slovakian while 83rd-rated Pennetta reached her first Grand Slam last four by ousting 10th-seeded compatriot Roberta Vinci 6-4, 6-1.

World number one Serena Williams, seeking her 17th Grand Slam title and fifth US Open crown, will meet Chinese fifth seed Li Na, the 2011 French Open champion, in Friday’s other semi-final at C M Y K

Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Williams, Li or Pennetta would become the oldest US Open women’s champion by winning the title at age 31. Australian Margaret Court owns the mark, having been 55 days beyond her 31st birthday when she captured the 1973 crown.

Azarenka, who lost to Williams in last year’s final, has won the past two Australian Open titles and beat Williams in the final of a tuneup event in Cincinnati, making her a big threat to dethrone her on the New York hardcourts.

Hantuchova would have made this the first women’s Grand Slam final four in history with every participant over age 30 had she beaten Azarenka.

After an exchange of breaks to open, Azarenka broke on a forehand winner for a 2-1 lead and broke again in the seventh game for a 5-2 edge, then held with a forehand volley to claim the first set after 31 minutes.

Hantuchova broke Azarenka’s first service game of the second set for a 2-0 lead but Azarenka won the next five games to seize command. She handed the Slovak a break on a double fault in the eighth game but broke back to win.

Basketball Final Four Results Union Bank Dodan Warriors 68 Mark Mentors Kano pillars 71

89 76

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 , 2013

Sports pull-out — Inside

Eagles in last minute war for shirts •Keshi keeps list close to chest Stories inside

Malawi on $500-aman to beat Eagles Muntari urges Black Stars to beat Zambia

G

HANA midfielder Sulley Muntari has backed the Black Stars to beat Zambia in Friday ’s World Cup qualifier in Kumasi.

The AC Milan ace was dropped for the crucial tie after failing to apologize to coach Kwesi Appiah in time following his tirade against the trainer during the qualifier in Lesotho.

World Cup fixtures The 29-year-old has sent a goodwill message to his teammates to ditch the Zambian in front of a partisan Kumasi crowd.

“Good luck Black Stars.

Let’s get the 3 points,” Muntari tweeted Thursday morning.

Muntari will be available for selection if the Black Stars advance to the final stage of the qualifying round.

Zambia

5 p.m

Tomorrow CAR v South Africa v Burkina Fano v Nigeria v Angola v Sierra Leone v Gambia v Niger v Ivory Coast v Tunisia v Senegal v Zimbabwe v

Ethiopia Botswana Gabon Malawi Liberia E'Guinea Tanzania Congo Morocco Cape Verde Uganda Mozambique

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2.30 p.m.

4.30 p.m.

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4 p.m.

5.30 p.m.

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4.30 p.m.

6 p.m 7.45 p.m.

8 p.m.

2 p.m.

Sunday

Namibia Lesotho

2 p.m.

6 pm.

6/09/2023

READY FOR MALAWI — Mikel

Ghana

Kenya Sudan

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN ACROSS 1 Slander (6) 1 Tyrant (6) 2 Appeared (6) 5 Joined (6) 3 Due (4) 9 Whimper (5) 4 Pitch (5) 10 Antenna (6) 5 Beneath (5) 11 Wreckage (6) 6 Want (4) 12 Drugged (5) 7 Yarn (6) 14 Modest (4) 8 Cleaner (6) 17 Conflict (3) 13 Basket (7) 18 Naked (4) 15 Go in (5) 20 Finished (5) 16 Sail-boat (5) 22 Command (5) 18 Wide (5) 23 Hurricane (7) 19 Allude (5) 24 Respond (5) 26 Old-fashioned (5) 21 Spot (3) 22 Queer (3) 29 Roguish (4) 24 Elevated (6) 30 Charge (3) 25 Deed (6) 32 Dreadful (4) 27 Slanted (6) 33 Virtuous (5) 28 Erased (6) 35 Tremble (6) 30 Foundry (5) 36 Subside (6) 31 Soothed (5) 37 Concur (5) 33 Food (4) 38 Signify (6) 34 Ogle (4) 39 Slave (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Foray 7, Easing 9, Cut 10, Top 12, Shame 13, Area 15, Arise 17, Critic 19, Rank 20, Fetid 22, Vet 24, Decided 27, Ail 28, Night 31, Trio 33, Tender 35, Siege 37, Down 38, Tacit 39, Eat 41, Eel 42, Tunnel 43, Charm.

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DOWN: 1, Behalf 2, Aspect 3, Ant 4, Fuss 5, Other 6, Admonish 8, Goat 11, Privilege 14, Arid 16, Iced 18, Idea 21, Encroach 23, Tend 25, Cite 26, Died 29, Ground 30, Tangle 32, Osier 34, Neat 36, Item 40, Tub.

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lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

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