Clark, Falae, Nwobodo, Gana, Yakassai top confab list

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62095

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FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

We can't carry out 9 forensic audit — AGF

Lagos Polo finals

CORRUPTION:

From left: The President, Lagos Polo Club, Hon. Habeeb Fasinro; special guests, Babajide Sipe, Ms Evelyn Oputu and the Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Larry Annetts, at the finals of the 2014 MTN co-sponsored Lagos International Polo Tournament.

FG, Amaechi trade words 15

Clark, Falae, Nwobodo, Gana, Yakassai top confab list

BY EMMA UJAH & CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

A

•See full list on Pages 5, 56 & 57 KILLER GAS

BUJA — AFTER weeks of preparations, the Federal Government, yesterday, released the names of 483 prominent Nigerians, who are expected to hammer out details of a new constitution for Nigeria at the National Conference, which will now begin on March 17.

According to the list released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, nine more dele-

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST:

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

CHEMICAL EXPLOSION—Another chemical explosion occured at Ogba Shopping Arcade, Ijaye Road Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, affecting 13 students of Ogba Junior Grammar School. Some of the affected students being attended to by medical personnel at the emergency ward of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH),Ikeja. Below right: Concerned parents and relatives besiege the school in search of their wards. Photos: Bunmi Azeez. See story on Page 10.

Osoba leads ex-governors' forum at Confab

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2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

LUCKY SURVIVORS—Some survivors who escaped the Boko Haram attack in Mainok village, Kaga council area of Borno state last Monday which claimed 53 lives, narrating their ordeals to Vanguard Correspondent who visited the scene of the attack, yesterday. Photo: Ndahi Marama.

Clark, Falae, Nwobodo, Gana, Yakassai top confab list Continues from page 1 gates are expected to make up the prime figure of 492.

Top on the list are leading statesmen and eminent persons- Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Chiefs Richard Akinjide, Ayo Adebanjo and EK Clark, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, AK Horsfall, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, General Ike Nwachukwu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Jeremi-

ounmu among others.

Remarkably, the oppo-

ah Useni and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Also on the list are Professor Auwalu Yadudu, Iyorchia Ayu, Okey Wali, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, General Zamani Lekwot, Chief Olabode George, Chiefs Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Olu Falae, Professors Anya O. Anya, Jerry Gana and Dora Akunyili, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Ray Ekpu and Senator Femi Okur-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Looking at a challenge with fresh eyes can make a huge difference to the success of your solution, take time out of your challenge.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Y

OUR encouraging word, given today, may for ever change a receptive life. I wonder who needs to hear it — Steve Goodier

At book signing, people waited in line for a guest author to autograph a copy of his latest novel. An encouraging, elderly woman at the front of the line turned around and said with obvious enthusiasm, “I just have to say – this is the BEST book I’ve ever read. Why, I couldn’t put it down until the very last page.”

Before anyone could respond, the author glanced up and said, “All right, Mother, that’s enough!” Although a mother’s praise is a bit on the biased side.

Besides, if we’re looking for more warm vibes and verbal support, we certainly can’t take our mothers with us wherever we go. That said, there is tremendous power in words of encouragement. Power to change lives. A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good. Discouraging words.

Then, one day, he met the great pianist Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of musical encouragement he ever received. “Young man,” Rubinstein said, “you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can...if you will practice seven hours a day.”

He did practice for many hours every day and his hard work was r ewarded. Years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time.

sition All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to send in the names of its two nominees. It will be recalled that leaders of the party had initially opposed the confab.

Apart from describing it as a waste of scare resources, they faulted the timing and alleged a hidden agenda on the part of President Goodluck Jonathan. However, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said the party had to make a U-turn to accommodate the interest of diverse peoples of APC states.

Meanwhile, states like Yobe, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Oyo are expected to nominate one more delegate each. They nominated two out of the three delegates required. The Academy of Social Science is yet to nominate its delegate. Also, one more delegate is expected from the Muslim com-

munity, which nominated five out of the six allotted to it.

Apart from the delegates, the president also appointed three assistant secretaries - Dr. Akilu Ndabawa (assistant secretary, Conference Proceedings), Professor Mahmood Yakubu (assistant secretary, Finance

and Administration) and Mr. Akpandem James (assistant secretary, Media and Communications).

The president had earlier appointed Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi as chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as his vice and Dr Valerie Azinge as secretary.

LIST OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES ELDER STATESMEN S/N DELEGATES 1.

Dr. Tunji Braithwaite 2.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo 3.

Chief Richard Akinjide 4.

Chief Olu Falae 5.

Erelu Olusola Obada 6.

Chief Afe Babalola, SAN 7.

General Ike Nwachukwu 8.

Iyom Josephine Anenih 9.

Senator Jim Nwobodo 10. Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN 11. Senator Azu Agboti 12. Chief Peter Odili 13. King Alfred Diete Spiff 14. Edwin K. Clark 15. Daisy Danjuma 16. Prof. Evara Ejemot Esu, OFR 17. Chief Nduese Essien 18. Prof. Ambrose Okwoli 19. Alhaji Abdulahi Ohoimah 20. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari 21. Mr. Dogara Mark Ogbole 22. Prof. Jerry Gana 23. Gen. Jonathan Temlong 24. Prof. Jibril Aminu 25. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu 26. Arc. Ibrahim Bunu 27. Amb. Yerima Abdullahi 28. Mr. John Mamman 29. Alhaji Adamu Waziri 30. Alhaji Umaru Musa Zandan 31. Prof. Mohammed Jumari 32. Mallam Tanko Yakassai 33. Senator Ibrahim Idah 34. Hon. Justice Usman Mohammed Argungu 35. Prof. Sambo Jinadu 36. Ishia Aliyu Gusau 37. General A. B. Mamman RETIRED ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE OFFICERS (RANAO) ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ARPON) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Gen. Zamani Lekwot 2.

Maj. Gen. Alex Mshelbwala 3.

Rear Adm CS Ehanmo 4.

Brig. Gen. DO Idada-Ikponmwen 5.

Group Capt Ohadomere 6.

Gen. Raji Rasaki (i) ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS OF NIGERIA (ARPON) S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES R. O. Osanaiye, AIG (rtd) Alh. Mamman Misau, AIG (rtd) Alhaji Bashiru Albasu, AIG (rtd.)

Chief Nicholas Nkemdeme, CP (rtd) Barr. J. I. Ebinum, DCP (rtd) Barr. Samuel Adetuyi, CP (rtd)

(ii) RETIRED STATE SECURITY AND NIA OFFICERS

5.

6.

S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief Jeremiah Okwuonu 2.

A. K. Horsfall 3.

Mr. Iliya Danga 4.

Chief Babatunde Ala 5.

Amb. B. M. Sani 6.

Amb. J. K. Shinkaiye

LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES

TRADITIONAL RULERS S/N DELEGATES 1.

His Royal Highness, Alh. Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri 2.

His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dutse 3.

His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha, CFR, Lamido of Adamawa 4.

His Royal Highness, Alh. Abdullahi Ibn Muhammad Askirama III, Emir of Askira 5.

His Royal Highness, Alh. Sulu Gambari, CFR, Emir of Ilorin 6.

His Royal Highness, Elder Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos 7.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ariyowonye Lim Owaoye of Okemesi 8.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Arc. Aderemi A. Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Coordinator 9.

His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Cletus I. Illomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu 10. His Royal Highness, Eze Elder Agom Eze, OON 11. His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukuro, FNSE, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom 12. His Royal Highness, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom 13. HRM Ismail Danlami Mohammed, Sarki of Karshi RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

DELEGATES Engr. Ebele O. Okeke Dr. Edet A. Ekerendu Mr. Akin Arikawe Chief Robert Audu

Ammuna Lawan Ali Dr. H. U. Sanusi

NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

DELEGATES Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar Chris Uyot Kiri Mohammed Shaibu Joe Ajaero Promise Adewusi Issa Aremu Lucy Offiong Ayuba Wabba Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson Emma Ugboaja Ibrahim Khaleel Michael Olukoya

TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Bobboi Bala Kaigama 2.

Barrister Musa Lawal 3.

Mrs. Dinatu Asibi Assani 4.

Olasanye Oyinkan 5.

Sunday Olusoji Salako 6.

Olakunle Olanrewaju Olaitan 7.

Peter Esele 8.

Augustine Etafo 9.

Maryam Jummai Bello 10. Hassan Salihu Anka 11. Bede Opara 12. Aliyu Musa ORGANISED PRIVATE SECTOR NIGERIA EMPLOYERS’ CONSULTATIVE ASSOCIATION (NECA) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief R. U. Uche 2.

Mallam Mahmud Othman M A N U F A C T U R E R S ASSOCATION OF NIGERIA (MAN) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief Kola Jamodu, OFR 2.

Alhaji Ali Madugu, mni NIGERIA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND M A N U F A C T U R E R S ASSOCATION (NACCIMA) S/N DELEGATES

Continues on Page 56

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Bus driver docked for manslaughter

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS —A 54-year old commercial bus driver, Ibeabuchi Friday, who caused the death of two people and also damaged an SUV, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court for alleged manslaughter.

The defendant, who allegedly drove recklessly and dangerously on the public high way without regards for other road users, is facing a four-count charge bordering on reckless driving, manslaughter and damage preferred against him by the Police.

The prosecutor, ASP Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the offence took place on February 8, 2014 at about 10 a.m.

He said the incident took place at Iyana-Ipaja axis along LagosAbeokuta expressway.

Nnamonu said Friday, being the driver in charge of one commercial bus with number plate FKJ 201 XH, drove same dangerously on the public high way which caused the death of two people.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant caused several damages to a Nissan Pathfinder SUV with number plate FKJ 516 AL belonging to the deceased Alhaji Al-Ameen.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him and Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

Car crushes 7 pupils to death, injures 10 others in Awka

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — THERE was pan demonium, yesterday, at Umuokpu Junction along the old Onitsha-Enugu road in Awka, Anambra State when a Toyota Camry car lost control and ran into about 30 students of Community Secondary School, Umuokpu and Union Secondary School, Amawbia, killing seven of them instantly.

Ten others, who sustained injuries, had their limbs or arms severed.

Also, an old man had his right leg broken, his right eyes cut open, with whitish substances oozing out of his forehead.

The students closed from school and were waiting in their numbers at the bus stop to catch transport to their homes when the car ran into them.

Umuokpu community was thrown into confusion as people ran out of their houses and places of work to identify the victims, most of who were returning to Awka, about five kilometres away.

One of the victims was trapped under a commercial bus that tried to avoid colliding with the Toyota Camry.

The car also crushed the stands of the people selling fruits, food items and recharge cards around the scene of the accident and left several women injured.

The entire atmosphere was charged as sympathizers, amidst wailings and sobs, scampered to rescue some victims who were still alive.

The road was littered with destroyed items, including fruits, tables and umbrellas which were being sold close to the bus stop.

The driver of the car, who was also injured, was able to get out of his mangled car, went back

Scene of the accident, yesterday. PHOTO: VINCENT UJUMADU into the car, retrieved some documents and crossed the road where he boarded another vehicle heading to Awka.

Surprisingly, sympathizers did not bother about him as their attention was focused on the littered bodies of the school chil-

dren.

Before the men of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, arrived the scene 20 minutes after the victims had been taken to nearby Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital. Members of FRSC, however, towed the Toyota car

away.

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Hyginus Omeje said he was waiting for his men who were on the spot to brief him on the accident.

Police arrest female student cultist for arranging friend's gang-rape of her cult members.

Mary confessed at the Police headquarters in Ilorin that she was also gang-raped much earlier by four boys before she was initiated into the cult group.

She said she lured her friend to be raped by her cultist friends because she refused to join

them in spite of the pressure mounted on her.

LORIN — KWARA State Mary also said she regretted Commissioner of Police, her action having been arrested Ambrose Aisabor, yesterday, paby the Police and more imporraded a female student of the tantly that she was not gaining College of Technology, Offa, Miss anything from the cult activities.

Mary Awolola, alleged to be a She said:“I did not gain anycultist, for allegedly luring her thing from cultism. I regret all my friend to be gang-raped by five actions.”

According to the CP, Awolola was arrested on February 22, 2014 at Rondo area in Offa where five boys of the same school gangraped the victim (names withheld).

He said: “Two suspects were arrested, they confessed to the crime while efforts are still on to arrest other fleeing suspects.”

The commissioner also paraded a robbery suspect, Bala Mohammed from Nasarawa State who has been terrorising the people of Kwara North with his group.

The police boss said luck ran out of him and his gang as his vehicle, an Opel Vectra with number plate Plateau BSA 24XA with four occupants, was intercepted for routine check along Tsaragi/Lafiagi/Yikpata road by Are you an eye-witness to an accident, robbery, fire outbreak, kidnap, buildofficers of Federal High Patrol ing collapse, etc? Share it with Vanguard readers. Send pix, to while the text gang or wase-mail on their way The News Editor on 08023145558, or kayodematthew@yahoo.com to rob people at the nearby A Forte Oil tanker with number plate XY 16JJJ in an accident at Berger Yard bus stop on Mile 2-Apapa expressway, Gbugbu market. yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

I

Be our eyes

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 —7

Father kills daughter for converting to Christianity

BY OLA AJAYI

I

Cameroon Republic-bound articulated vehicle loaded with goods destroyed by Boko Haram in Mafa, headquarters of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Monday. Photo: NAN.

Women in nationwide protests over killing of students by Boko Haram

BY GBENGAARIYIBI, JIMITOTA ONOYUME& MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — WOMEN from all walks of life, yesterday, came out en masse at various state capitals to protest the spate of bombings and killings in the north, especially the killing of the 43 students of Federal Government College, FGC, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State and the abduction of 25 female students of the school by the Boko Haram sect.

The protesters in Lagos defied the early morning downpour across the state and converged in Ikeja to demand that the Federal Government and the 36 states governors and the military agencies proffer solutions to end insurgency in the country.

In response, Governor Babatunde Fashola, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi William, who led other members of the executive team, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, said "I am a mother and grandmother and I share in this pain."

According to her, "I must tell you that your mission today is a very noble one. It is befitting of women to do things peacefully as you have done it.

Mrs Fayemi urges mothers to pray for peace

Also, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Deputy

Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, yesterday led a procession of other notable women in Ekiti State over the killings The women, who expressed their worry over the massacre of the innocent students,called for improved security network in all the public schools and places of job all over the country.

Mrs Fayemi called on Nigerian mothers to join forces in prayers for the country for an end to the Boko Haram menace and for peace to reign in different parts of the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Prof Adelabu, called for eternal vigilance by residence and enjoined them to promptly report any suspicious movement of persons or objects to law enforcement agents to nip these attacks in the bud.

through the popular Azikiwe Road to Government House, Port Harcourt.

Some of them who spoke to Vanguard lamented the death of the innocent students, saying the Federal Government should take steps to guarantee security of lives and property in the country.

Chioma, who received the protesters, also condemned the sad incident.

Vanguard gathered that the protest was also held in London, United Kingdom and nine other states in the country.

Rivers women denounce killings

12-yr-old remanded for murder

In Port Harcourt, about 40 women in Rivers State under the aegis of Concerned Women of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, yesterday, embarked on a peaceful protest, denouncing the recent killings.

The women, dressed in black attire, marched from Isaac Boro Park area of Port Harcourt as early as 9 a.m to Government House where they were received by a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Golden Chioma.

The Police provided escort for the protesters as they marched

We feel the pains as Nigerian mothers —Oyo women

In Oyo State, no fewer than 200 women marched through major roads in Ibadan to protest the killing of students.

Led by the President of Breast

BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

L

AGOS — A 12-year-old boy (names withheld) was remanded in Oregun Correctional Home for Boys over alleged murder of his friend, Musa Tajudeen.

The accused, who resides with his parents at 16, Akintumoye Street, Amukoko committed the act on January 31, 2013 at about 8:45pm at Townhall Street,

Be our eyes Are you an eye-witness to an accident, robbery, fire outbreak, kidnap, building collapse, etc? Share it with Vanguard readers. Send pix, text or e-mail to The News Editor on 08023145558, or kayodematthew@yahoo.com

Cancer Association of Nigeria, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the women said they felt the pains as Nigerian mothers.

According to her, "Dozens of our children were murdered in their sleep in a most barbaric manner. We have also become accustomed to sad tales of how some mindless characters have turned the northern part of our country to a huge theatre of war.

"We note with deep sadness that in spite of the declaration of a state of emergency in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno, the security agencies seem to have no answer to the attack by these people."

While addressing the women, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo commended them for sympathising with the slain innocent students and their families.

Amukoko.

Tajudeen, the deceased, had a fight with the accused where he wanted to cut him with a machete but was stopped by his friends.

The accused went to the victim’s street hours later, where he stabbed him on the left side of his stomach with a knife.

Before the victim could be rushed to the hospital, he died, the prosecutor, Inspector Nwosu George said.

After listening to the prosecutor, the magistrate, Mr. Olanrewaju Olatunji, ruled that the accused being a minor, be remanded in the special correctional centre for boys at Oregun pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and adjourned the matter till April 4, 2014.

BADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man in connection with the killing of his daughter, Miss Kaosara Isiaka, for allegedly converting to Christianity.

The suspect was identified by one Rev. Daniel Oladimeji, one of the four persons he attacked with machete.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, one Mary Oladimeji of Calvary Church, Ayekale, Ibadan reported the incident at the station at about 2: 00 a.m on February 26, 2014.

Though the police are yet to determine his culpability or otherwise, the suspect allegedly sneaked into the church premises and inflicted machete cuts on the four persons.

The victims, according to the police, are Mary Kaosara Isiaka, Aanu and the pastor of the church.

It was further gathered that the father of the deceased who is a Muslim, allegedly pleaded severally with his daughter and threatened her to review her decision.

The police stated that the girl had to take refuge in the church.

But, on that fateful day, a yet-to-be identified attacker broke in and inflicted machete injuries on the victims while they were sleeping.

Of the four victims, the police confirmed that her injuries were more severe than others.

Mary, the daughter of the suspect and other victims were rushed to Mobolaji Hospital, Oremeji, Ibadan where she later died.

DSP Ilobanafor said the police visited the scene, took photographs and moved the remains of the deceased to Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

She said: "One suspect was arrested and case transferred to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.”

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014

Progress in power reforms unprecedented — Minister

T

HE Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, has lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for the quantum of investment and turn around in the g e n e r a t i o n , transmission and distribution sections of the power sector and promised to key into the transformation agenda of the government.

Wakil, who spoke while resuming work at the ministry ’s headquarters yesterday in Abuja, described the ongoing transformation and progress so far attained in the Nigerian power sector as unprecedented and unrivaled in Nigerian history.

He said: “The quantum of investment and turn around in the g e n e r a t i o n , transmission and distribution sections of the power sector attest to the determination of Mr. President to break the jinx and provide sustainable electricity supply to Nigerians.

“I know a lot of work has been done and I promise to key into the agenda as a team player to drive better understanding by Nigerians of much landmark progress in the power sector.”

Fulani herdsmen kill 25 in Benue

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI— NO fewer than 25 persons were feared dead yesterday in Kwande, Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas of Benue State after suspected Fulani herdsmen sacked six villages in the three councils.

They also burnt down farmlands, houses and huts.

Vanguard gathered that the invaders, who had in the last few weeks attacked the southern part of the state, moved up north and were said to be heading towards the country home of Governor Gabriel Suswam in Logo and that of the former Minister of Steel, Wantaregh Unongo in

zThey 're terrorists in disguise— Suswam Jato Aka. According to a source, “18 people were said to have been killed at Tse Ibor, Tombo and Mbawa all in Logo Local Government Area, while another seven were said to have been killed at Anyiase near Kashimbila in Kwande Local Government Area.”

At press time, it was gathered that fighting was still raging in the affected communities while several houses were said to be on fire in the villages.

Reacting to the fresh crisis, Governor Gabriel Suswam

said: “As am talking to you right now, terrorists masquerade as Fulani herdsmen and use cow as cover to attack Logo, KatsinaAla and Kwande local government areas.

“The way these attacks are being carried out is like we are being encircled in the state. But despite this provocation, I have continued to plead with the people to be calm.

“Nobody is allowed to take the law into his hands. I believe the Federal Government is also not

resting over the matter.”

Meantime, three suspected soldiers who were said to be fighting on the side of the Fulani mercenaries were yesterday evening nabbed by the youths in Moon District of Kwande Local Government.

The trio, who were badly injured, were handed over to the Police Commissioner who in turn brought them to Governor Suswam, who directed that they should be given proper medical attention pending the completion of investigation into the matter.

MEETING: From left— Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali and Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Martin Uhomoihbi, at the maiden meeting between staff and the ministers in Abuja, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Why we rejected Taraba N10m gift— EFCC

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

N

IGERIA’S anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, gave reasons it rejected a N10 million donation from Taraba State Government.

The Taraba State Government offered the money to the agency in Abuja, last weekend.

The commission said it considered the gesture improper.

The Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told Vanguard that as umpire that investigates economic and financial crimes, accepting such a gift could

undermine its capacity to do its work if any official of the state government had an issue

to be investigated.

He said: “It is not in our character to accept any gift,

donation or gratification as of economic and financial an agency involved in the crimes in the country. It can investigation and prosecution undermine our work.”

DEFECTION: PDP sues Mark over 11 senators

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA— THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, dragged the Senate President, David Mark, and 11 other serving Senators that were elected on its platform but defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, asking that their seats be declared vacant.

In an originating summons

it entered through its lawyer, Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN), PDP further urged the high court to order Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to forthwith, conduct elections in the affected senatorial zones to fill the vacant seats.

The party posed three questions for determination by the court: “Whether the 1st defendant, Senate President, by virtue of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not owe a legal

duty to declare vacant the seats of the 2nd to 12 defendants, members of the Senate who decamped to APC without satisfying the conditions stipulated under Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

Other issues the plaintiff prayed the high court to determine include “Whether the 2nd to 12th defendants, having been elected to the Senate on the platform of the

1st plaintiff (PDP) can, in view of the provisions of Section 68(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and having failed to meet the conditions laid down in Section 68(1)(g) of the constitution, validly decamp to APC and retain their seats.

“Whether, having regards to questions 1 and 2 above, the 13th defendant (INEC) is not obliged to conduct elections to fill the vacant seats in the affected senatorial districts of the lawmakers.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014—9

MISSING $20BN: We can't carry out forensic audit, says Auditor General

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA— THE Auditor General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, yesterday, told the Senate Committee on Finance investigating the alleged unremitted $20 billion to the federation account by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, that his office lacked the constitutional power to carry out forensic audit on NNPC account.

The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi had raised the alarm that the $49.8 billion, which was supposed to be remitted to the coffers of the Federal Government through the nation’s apex bank was nowhere to be found.

Sanusi’s allegation and petition to the Senate Committee led to the ongoing probe of the missing fund where the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had told the committee that she was going to hire foreign experts for forensic audit of NNPC. However, the Senate Committee on Finance invited the office of the Auditor General of the Federation to make its own submission as regards forensic auditing.

The Ahmad Makarfi-led Finance Committee had asked the Auditor General to explain the link between his routine checks in NNPC and the committee’s investigation.

The Committee specifically requested Ukura to furnish it with information on whether the periodic check his office was doing in NNPC had to do with the investigation it is currently carrying out.

The constitution

However, the AGF in his submission before the committee said that the constitution in Section 85 Subsection 2 and 3 barred him from embarking on such an exercise, adding that what he could only do was a routine check of NNPC account.

Ukura said that already 20 chartered accountants had been deplored to the corporation to look into the financial records and establish if there were missing funds.

He said: “I want to refer you to Section 85 (2) of the constitution which says nothing in this section shall be construed as authorising the

Auditor General to audit the account of, or appoint auditors for government statutory corporation, commission, authorities, agencies, including bodies established by the act of National Assembly.

“But the Auditor General shall provide such bodies with a list of auditors qualified to be appointed as external auditors and from which the bodies shall appoint their external auditors and guidelines of the level of fees to be paid to external auditors.

“Subsection 4 says the Auditor General shall have

power to conduct routine checks on all government statutory corporation, commission, agencies and so on.

“Going by the Section 3 of Subsection 8 (5), the Auditor General cannot do a forensic auditing of any of the government agencies.

‘Our checks'

“According to Section 4, what we are doing is a periodic check. 20 of my staff are there to do period check.

We will provide the checklist.

“We are looking at the revenue generated and the expenditure.”

But Chairman of the

Committee, Senator Makarfi asked the Auditor General to submit in writing before close on Friday (today) whether he has the manpower to do the auditing, adding “ we will give you further directive if your letter did not cover what we are looking into.

“We want you to, in writing, confirm to us what you are checking in the NNPC accounts. Does it cover what we are looking for?

“We will only give further directives when you write letter to us to tell us whether or not what you are doing covered our own area of investigation.”

WOMEN'S DAY: From left— Mrs Morenike Taire, Mrs Yetunde Arebi, Assistant Woman Editor, both of Vanguard Newspaper; Dr. Gloria Chuma-Ibe, Director, CBAAC; Mrs Funmi Ajumobi, Children Editor, and Dr. Joe Odumakin, at Vanguard/CBAAC roundtable conference to mark International Women day. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

Tension in Ekpoma over alleged release of kidnap suspects

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—THERE are indications of restiveness in the University town of Ekpoma, administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State and its environs, over alleged sudden release of two of six kidnap suspects arrested in the town.

Inhabitants of the town, including members of the academic community, traders and businessmen, are said to be living in fear over the matter.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects were said to have allegedly confessed to the crime while in police detention.

According to an Ukpenu-Ekpoma community leader, Chief Fred Oshodin, no sooner were the duo (with one of them simply identified as Lucky) were released, than the cases of kidnapping resumed in an alarming dimension.

The community leader, who blamed the Police for "shoddy investigations" which might have led to the alleged release of the suspects, claimed that the state Ministry of Justice did not help matters in allegedly recommending their release.

Labour threatens to resist fuel price increase

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE &VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, asked the Federal Government and its agency, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to stop punishing Nigerians with fuel scarcity, warning that any attempt to increase the pump price of fuel would be resisted by organised labour.

NLC, in a statement by its President, Abdulwaheed Omar, refused to hold the marketers responsible and called on government to take full responsibility for the

scarcity and take decisive steps to restore normalcy urgently.

According to the statement, “since the last few weeks, when scarcity of petroleum products at sale stations became noticeable, workers and the Nigerian people have experienced excruciating hardship and trauma with incoherent excuses from marketers and ostensible helplessness from the Federal Government and relevant agencies responsible to rectify the deplorable situation.

The scarcity of the product and long hours at fuel stations in queues have clearly slowed

down productivity and its attendant effect on service delivery and production within the economy.

“While importers claim the unnecessary delay in obtaining import approvals from the Federal Government, which enable them import the products early enough to meet up with public demands, is the cause of the scarcity, NNPC insists the products are available.

“But the marketers are hoarding products to deliberately increase prices.

The recent announcement by NNPC that it has supplied 50 million litres of fuel to marketers and intensified its

monitoring exercise to check hoarding of the product has not ameliorated the situation, but heightened the sufferings of Nigerians as prices have continued to skyrocket with a litre of fuel selling between N500 and N800 in the parallel market.”

NLC lamented that despite the assurances by NNPC, “the tirade and buck passing between the corporation and marketers indicate an attempt to deliberately inflict hardship on Nigerians so as to accept increase in fuel prices.

“We hope this is not the case, as labour will resist any attempt to further impoverish Nigerians.”

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Lagos judiciary workers join national strike

BY ABDULWAHAB

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ABDULAH

AGOS—THE Lagos chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSAN, has directed its members to comply with the directive of its national body to commence warning strike next week Wednesday.

In a communique issued at the end of their emergency meeting in Lagos, yesterday, the body argued that the strike action will make the government sit tight and respond to their demands.

In the communique by E.O. Abioye, Segun Agboola and Bayo Gboye, the chairman, assistant general secretary and public relations officer respectively, the union said: “The exco in session hereby directs all staff to comply with the three-day warning strike commencing from March12-14, 2014.”

It advised the national body to adhere strictly to the warning given by the national body to avoid the strike.

Tinubu hosts 10th Town Hall meeting

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AGOS—SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu will today host constituents of Lagos Central Senatorial District at her 10th quarterly Town Hall Meeting.

Several leaders of her party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, party stalwarts, youth, market women and men and other supporters are expected at the event, tagged “Consolidating Our Democratic Gains”, which will hold at Rockview Plaza, Park Lane, Apapa G.R.A. in Lagos at 9:00 am.

A statement issued by her Constituency’s office in Lagos said: “Like past editions of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s quarterly meetings, she is to give constituents a report on her official duties, accept feedback from them while several of those in attendance will make inputs into how every stakeholder can contribute towards achieving lasting change in the society."

BY BOSEADELAJA, MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO & ESTHERONYEGBULA

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AGOS—THERE was palpable anxiety among parents and guardians in the Ogba axis of Lagos metropolis yesterday, after 13 students of Ogba Junior Grammah School, Ogba, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, collapsed after inhaling an unidentified poisonous fumes discharged from one of the cottage factories in Ogba Shopping Arcade.

This came four months after 25 of the students of the same school collapsed after inhaling an unidentified chemical waste discharged into drainage by a Photo Laboratory, situated in the Shopping Arcade.

When Vanguard visited the school, the management and staff were wondering which company would have discharged such hazardous fumes this time around.

Also, our correspondent observed that parents of the students raced to the scene to verify the condistion of their children. While those whose children weren’t affected by the emission rushed them back home, some were also sighted wailing over the ugly incident.

Mr. Oladokun, the father of one of the victims, who rushed to the scene immediately he heard of the incident, said: “I was in the office when my wife called me that my daughter, who is in JSS 3 was also affected.”

The incidents was said to have occurred at about 12:40 pm while the students were still in their classes.

Vanguard gathered that the leak of the dangerous gas was least expected as it enveloped the premises making the victims unconscious.

Officials of the National Emergency management Agency, NEMA and its Lagos state counterpart, LASEMA and the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU arrived the scene and rushed the unconscious victims to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja for treatment.

Affected students

Of the 13 affected students, one was a male while the rest were

DISTRIBUTION: From left: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, a beneficiary, Mrs. Veronica Ayodele, and state Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Mr. Kayode Akosile, during the distribution of cheques for car loans and laptops to best primary school teachers in the state in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

13 students hospitalised in Lagos after inhaling poisonous fumes females. Vanguard investigation revealed that one of the students was in critical condition and has been admitted at the Intensive Care Unit.

Some of the affected students were: Tijani Mariam, Subaidat Oladokun, Adebiyi Taiwo, Muiz Rodiat, Ogunbami Omolade, Onaigbe Blessing, Karimat Akiode, Rasak Gbolahan and Modupe Idowu.

Vanguard learnt that although the company responsible for discharging the chemical was yet to be identified, the state government has shut the school and the shopping complex indefinitely.

Mr. John Joshua, one of the traders in the arcade, said: “I was outside waiting for someone.

Suddenly, me and my friends, who were standing beside me, inhaled the chemical immediately it was discharged.

It maybe from the complex or outside since this is an industrial area.

“Immediately, I developed difficulty in breathing. At this moment, I am still struggling to

breath.”

On the closure of the arcade, Mrs. Tina Ikechukwu, who is an occupant said: “I am happy because if the arcade wasn’t shut, maybe the number of causalities would have increased.”

Victims responding to treatment — LASEMA

Apart from confirming the accident, General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi OkeOsanyintolu said the 13 affected students were admitted at the LASUTH and are responding to treatment, saying that the rescue operation was swift and prompt.

He said: “They are responding to treatment very well, but however, we have condoned off the school and the building associated with that area. Why we are doing that is to allow us carry out risk assessment and analysis on the place. We are appealing to our people not to panic that the state is on top of

the challenges.

School, arcade shut indefinitely NEMA information officer, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye and the Council Chairman, Mr. Julius Oloro said that the school and the shopping arcade have been shut.

Oloro said: “Until the experts are through with their investigation no one will be able to gain access into both premises. And that was why we have asked the traders and the pupils to go home because there presence will halt the investigation.”

Ibrahim Farinloye, South West information officer of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA said: “We have commenced the investigation to know the source of the emission. Since the waste was discharged last year and today (yesterday) another chemical waste have been discharged, there is need for proper investigation.”

Court begins trial of A.G Moeller boss over alleged fraud

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BY INNOCENT ANABA

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, began the trial of a businessman and Chief Executive Officer of A.G Moeller Limited, Olukemi Adeloye, who is being prosecuted for alleged attempt to defraud the Chief Executive Officer of CrossCountry Transport Limited, Bube Okorodudu.

Trail judge in the matter is Justice Okon Abang.

Adeloye, is being prosecuted by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, of the Nigerian Police on a five count charge. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing in the matter, Okorodudu, who is the first prosecution witness, was cross-examined

by Adeloye’s lawyer.

Adeloye was accused of transacting financial business

without a valid license by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, contrary to Section 57 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 59 (6) (b) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), Cap B3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Adeloye in the fourth count charge, was alleged to have

“With intent to defraud, you did obtain the sum of N80 million from Okorodudu in excess of the capital sum of N140 million advanced to him through the medium of a contract of finance lease facility induced by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a-c) and Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 11

Go out and register, Fayose tells Ekiti people

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DO EKITI—LESS than 50 days to the Ekiti governorship election, former Ekiti State governor and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has advised the people of Ekiti State to go out and register their names for the voter ’s card.

Fayose who gave this advice through his spokesman, Mr. Idowu Adelusi in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday and made available to the press, reminded the Ekiti people that it was part of their civic responsibilities, stressing, “if we shun it, we would mortgage our right to make choice.

“You never can tell that one day, this permanent voter’s card may become a bail out for you.

“Aside that, if you vote, you make a choice and make the government accountable.

“No amount of love you can have for an aspirant or party without voter’s card, you can’t make things to happen."

Confab: Okun people seek integration into S-West

BY CHARLES MGBOLU

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HE YORUBAspeaking people in Okunland of Kogi State have resolved to press for the re-adjustment of the state borders at the forthcoming National Conference to enable them join their kith and kin in the South West zone.

They also reaffirmed their Yoruba culture, values and territory which, according to them were congruent with the South-West “without any natural or ecological barrier.”

This position was made known at a special conference of the umbrella socio-cultural organisation, Okun Development Association, ODA, held at Kabba, Kogi State, and presided over by former Health Minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo, to articulate the position of the Okun people at the National Conference.

NWC sacks South West Labour Party leaders A

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

B E O K U TA — T H E national leadership of the Labour Party, LP, has removed Deputy National Chairman South, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja and Vice-Chairman, South, Hon. Ganiyu Dauda as members of the National Working Committee of the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ikpe Etokudo announced the decision of the National Executive Council of the party, saying, the affected former party leaders were relieved of their positions because of their membership at the National Assembly.

Etokudo who spoke with our correspondent in Abeokuta, on phone yesterday, said the NWC at its recent meeting has declared the position of deputy national chairman, South and vicechairman, South vacant to uphold the constitution.

Both Akinlaja and Dauda are members of House of Representatives from Ondo State and as well were deputy chairman and vice-chairman in the South West respectively which, Etokudo described as unconstitutional.

Citing article 16 (5) titled prohibition from holding dual

offices, the party spokesman quoted “ subject to the provisions of this constitution, any member holding a party office at any level shall deemed to have resigned that position if he assumes any of the following offices; President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Vice-President,

governor, deputy, Minister, member of National and State Assemblies .

“Dr. Akinlaja has seized to be deputy chairman and same goes for Hon. Dauda, it is not constitutional for them to continue parading themselves as members of NWC and NEC of

our party because they occupy political offices.”

However, attempt to get the reaction of Dr. Akinlaja and Hon, Dauda was unsuccessful.

The text message sent to the mobile phone of Dr. Akinlaja was not replied while he refused to pick his calls.

OPENING: From left: President, Federation of Construction Industry, FOCI, Solomon Ogunbusola,Vice- Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Lands & Urban Development, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Vice-President, FOCI, Aaron Nwodika, and Director General, FOCI, Alhaji T.A. Adekambi, at the opening of the Building, Construction and Mining Mart 2014, organised by the FOCI in Lagos,

Osoba leads ex-governors forum at confab

BY DAUD OLATUNJI BEOKUTA—ERSTWHILE Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba has been selected as the leader of the Former Governors Forum at the proposed National Conference.

Osoba’s emergence was announced in a statement by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Jim Nwobodo and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta , the Ogun State capital.

According to the statement, members of the delegates for the forum include; Alhaji Mohammed Goni (North-East), Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun (North-Central), Alhaji Saidu Barda (North-West), Chief Achike Udenwa (South-East), Obong Victor Attah (South-South) and Chief Olusegun Osoba, SouthWest.

The statement read. “The body had earlier met on Tuesday at number 24 Crescent, Maitama, Abuja where it was unanimously agreed that, Osoba will lead the delegation to the conference.

“The appointment of the delegates is in accordance with the guidelines released by the Federal Government on the proposed National Conference.

The former governors forum met and unanimously approved the membership.

“The delegation will be led by the renowned journalist, an

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outstanding member of the Nigeria post independence leaders and a two time former governor of Ogun State,Chief Olusegun Osoba.

“The delegates from the Forum are accomplished Nigerians,whose capacity in different areas of human endeavours cannot be doubted.

They will form a key pillar in the delibrations.”

The Forum Chairman, however, enjoined all Nigerians to pray for the success of the National Conference.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has commended the forum

for choosing its leader as the leader of the delegates for the Forum.

A member of the House of Representatives from EwekoroIfo, Adekunle Adeyemi stated this yesterday on behalf of other lawmakers under the party in the state.

2007 Osogbo bomb blast: Principal witnesses to call saying four suspect’s trial begins of the witnesses are in court.

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE SOGBO—THE trial of Mr. Abayomi Adesanmi, the prime suspect in the 2007 bomb blast that rocked the Osun State Government Secretariat, Osogbo which claimed one live would commence today at the State High Court sitting in Osogbo.

At the last hearing, the defence counsel, Mr. Pius Andrew pleaded for adjournment to allow him study the content of the substituted charge against the suspect.

Mr. Andrew had told the court after the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Afolabi had stated the state's readiness to call its witnesses quickly applied for short time to enable him study the

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content of the charge and prepare his defence.

According to the prosecuting counsel led by the Attorney-General, the prosecution has seven

However, when the defence counsel pleaded for extension of time, Afolabi pleaded the court to grant an adjournment of 24 hours to enable quick and judicial dispensation of the matter.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Foreign investors shun Nigeria bonds L

AGOS—FOREIGNERS stayed away from Nigeria’s latest Treasury bill auction, the first since the suspension of the central bank governor, in a sign that investor confidence is yet to recover after the removal.

Nigeria offered N180 billion ($1.10 billion) in Treasury bills on Wednesday, with a similar amount maturing this week.

It sold N275.09 billion with yields on the 182-and 364-day papers rising further above 13 per cent, the central bank said.

Traders said foreign buyers remained on the sidelines and demand was dominated by less risk-averse local investors drawn by the attractive yields. Foreign participation was “ very marginal,” said one analyst.

“It’s probably that as those bills mature some international investors won’t roll over the position in the new auctions, so they’ll just take their FX and leave,” he said, asking not to be named.

Further debt redemptions of at least 320 billion naira are expected in Nigeria this month, providing a barometer of foreign investor sentiment since February 20, when President Goodluck Jonathan suspended central bank chief

Lamido Sanusi, citing “acts of financial recklessness.”

Offshore investors had been pulling back from Nigeria before Sanusi’s suspension amid a broader retreat from emerging markets.

Sanusi had been due to step down in June. Jonathan has

nominated Godwin Emefiele, the managing director of Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s third-biggest bank, as his successor. With more debt due to mature in the weeks ahead and limited liquidity in the

secondary market, more outflows are likely this month as investors await the return of their money, said Ayo Salami, chief investment officer of asset manager Duet Group’s Africa Opportunities Fund.

VISIT: From left: Mr. Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Vangaurd Newspapers; Mr Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers; Dr. Dafe Akpocha, Director-General, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa; Mr. Philip Ehighale, Executive Director, Legal/Administration, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa and Mr Emeka Mamah, Deputy News Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, during a courtesy visit to Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos, by the Director-General. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Dickson signs 2014 appropriation bill of N332bn into law zCalls for expansion of state's revenue base

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday, signed the state's 2014 Appropriation Bill of N332 billion into law.

Dickson, who expressed concern over the decline in the state's monthly allocation from the federation account, called for the expansion of its revenue base.

Speaking at the occasion, which had in attendance the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson and other top government functionaries, Dickson disclosed that the allocation in the past months has dropped by about N5 billion.

He warned: “If necessary economic measures are not put in place, the situation would have serious impact on the economy of the state.

“It was in anticipation of this impending economic downturn, that this administration is taking steps to create alternative sources of income flow to boost the revenue profile of government.”

He directed members of his

economic team to work out modalities to cut down on the state's wage bills such as remunerations approved for parastatals and travel allowances for government functionaries including himself.

According to him: “Just like other states, we are also experiencing a terrible decline in our inflows. This is why we have always exercised maximum prudence particularly in approvals that are related to recurrent ex-

penditure.

“I am directing the economic team to implement an appropriate reduction of all recurrent approvals beginning with Government House expenditures. We reduced it significantly before, but in the light of the new realities, I am giving this directive that we need to review most of our expenditure patterns. For example, issues that have to do with

travels and allowances of members of the executive council.

“The Commissioner for Finance and his team should also look at the remunerations that we have approved for the part-time appointees of government. This should be done in such a way that we would be able to cope with the stress that has been induced by the reductions in our inflows.”

Uduaghan takes Delta Beyond Oil message to US

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ELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has taken the message of Delta Beyond Oil to the United States to solicit the support of foreign partners and institutions for the initiative.

Scheduled to speak at the Roosevelt Public Policy Institute in New York, on Perspectives on Sustainable Development in Delta State: Delta Beyond Oil, today, Governor Uduaghan has remained a strong advocate for the diversification of the state’s economy as being crucial for the state’s sustainable development.

Earlier, the governor was a guest to the United States Department of State and the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, SAIS, both in Washington, DC.,USA, where he articulated the vision of the current administration of the state for a Delta beyond oil.

The initiative has continued to spur substantial foreign interests in the non-oil and gas sectors of Delta State’s economy, especially tourism, health and education.

Speaking on today ’s

event, Senior Adviser (Foreign Relations) to the Governor, Mr Oma Djebah, said: “It is very reassuring to learn that foreign institutions like the prestigious Roosevelt Centre are offering their platforms to help resonate the Delta Beyond Oil message as canvassed by Dr. Uduaghan. The support of our foreign friends and partners has rekindled our hope for a sustainable future in Delta State, demonstrating endorsement for Uduaghan’s vision for a Delta beyond oil.”

2015: Edo North APC senatorial ticket tears party leaders apart

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BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—CRISIS is brew-ing in All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo North senatorial district of Edo State, ahead of the 2015 state and National Assemblies election, following the disagreement between the ethnic groups in the area over the choice of the senatorial candidate of the party.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Mr. Emmanuel Momoh, said yesterday, that only Governor Adams Oshiomhole and party leaders can endorse party candidates and not chairmen of councils.

The council boss, who denied reports that he had endorsed the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, for the Edo North senatorial seat, said: "I only received Ihonvbere like we received any other aspirant and of course, we said we have enormous respect for him.

So, I was shocked to hear that I endorsed him because I have no powers to endorse any body. The governor is the leader of the party and whoever he endorses, will be our candidate.”

The current senator representing the area in the Senate, Senator Domingo Obende, is from the Akoko Edo axis and has the backing of his people for a second term, while the Owans are backing their son, Ihonvbere, for the Senate seat.

Madam Efeturi for burial

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ADAM Roseline Efeturi of Erhowa, in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, is dead, aged 90.

A devout Christian, she is survived by four children, including the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Ben Efeturi.

Late MadamEfeturi

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—13

ACCE holds confab

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HE African Council for Communication Education, ACCE, a continental association of media scholars and practitioners in Africa and Diaspora, will hold its 16thNational Conference and Annual General Meeting from March 9 to 12, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN. A statement by the National Coordinating Secretary of the association, Dr. Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu, stated that the conference would focus on Communication, Children, and the Youths in the 21st Century.

Ekeanyanwu said Professor Stanley Ngoa, of the National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos, would present the conference lead paper, while the second paper would be presented by Professor Chris Ogbondah, of the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, USA.

Beware of crisis, Sheriff cautions APC

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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ORMER Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, yesterday, warned the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to beware of schism within the party to avoid facing the crisis presently rocking Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Sheriff made the remark at the National Summit of APC in Abuja.

He, however, said if elections were conducted today, APC would win 90 percent of the votes in the Northeast in particular and 80 at the national level.

In his remarks at the occasion, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State declared that there was a link between corruption and job creation.

He described the ruling government as one which pardons persons convicted for corruption but removes those that expose fraud.

Speaking at the summit, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Musa Kwankwaso, claimed that more governors of PDP would soon

join APC. He said: “Anybody that understands what is happening in Nigeria today would know that the people are ready for change.”

He lamented that Nigeria had never experienced this level of insecurity before.

He continued: “What happens when you make the mistake of electing the wrong person, is that those who have the responsibility

for securing the masses would only be interested in securing themselves alone.”

He further stated that as a one time Minister of Defence, he was sure the nation possessed the resources to provide security in the country but lacked good leadership and the will to fight corruption.

In his own remarks at the occasion Governor Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State

Utuama to students' leaders: Use unionism to advance education

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ELTA State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama, SAN, has charged student union leaders in the state to use unionism to enhance the individual and collective educational advancement of their members.

Prof. Utuama, who gave the charge during the 6th inauguration ceremony and Annual Lecture of the newly elected executive of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS and

Joint Campus Committee, JCC, Delta State Axis, at Asaba, urged the executives to create a peaceful environment and always open the window of dialogue to resolve challenging issues.

His words: “In carrying out your activities, you must conduct your affairs with decorum that is befitting of being students. You are the pride of our youths, therefore you must carry yourselves with dignity and grace in order to show that you are students."

said APC was committed to moving from rhetoric to action.

He said: “The change we are yearning for has already come. Let us implement true brotherhood.”

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State lamented that the nation is presently facing deficits in infrastructure, human capital development and security.

See photos of APC summit on Page 16.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Imo retirees lament unpaid pension by FG

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

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EDERAL PENSIONERS in Imo State have called on the Federal Government to pay their pension arrears, lamenting that most of them are passing through untold hardship due to the harsh economic situation in the country.

They claimed that many others are facing serious health challenges that demand urgent medical attention, saying, “but no money to attend to their medical needs."

One of the aggrieved penPRESENTATION: From left, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms Nonny Ugboma; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. sioners, Mr. Mark Amaechi, Dennis Okoro; Executive Governor, Abia State, Dr. Sir T. A. Orji; Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Chuk- an octogenarian, who retired wu, and Commissioner for Health, Abia State, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, during the presentation of the MTNF Y'ello Doctor in 1989 as a headmaster in Mobile Clinic to the state, at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Abia State.

Imo State Primary Schools, told Vanguard that the Federal Government had been owing pensioners since 2003.

The octogenarian lamented how pensioners who gave their all to the nation could be reduced to paupers while news in the dailies revealed how

BY CH IDI NKWOPARA trillions were being misWERRI — ACAappropriated by public DEMIC staff of Alofficers. van Ikoku Federal College According to him: “We of Education, Owerri, AIFare not happy at all. This

BY TONY EDIKE According to him: “It is incal- etc; and destroyed and looted CEO, have described as is 2014 and the last time culable to put a price on the death their property. “most unfortunate” the Fedwe got our pension al"It was known that over 300 of millions of Igbo who were killed NUGU — THE pan-Igbo so eral Government's alleged lowance from the Federin the civil war and on other oc- Igbo were killed, but official figcio-cultural organisation, yesrefusal to address the probal Government was in ures released by the governcasions. terday, demanded from the Federal lems hindering effective 2003."

"However the Federal Govern- ment only admitted that “36 Government N2.4 trillion as reparateaching and learning in ment should pay a token of N400 people killed and 227 tion and compensation to Ndigbo in the system. billion to each of the five states of wounded.” the five South East states and AnioBranch Chairman of ColIgboland as compensation to ma in Delta State, who lost their loved “In January 1966 some oflege of Education Academthose who lost their loved ones, ficers in the Nigerian Army ones and property during the civil ic Staff Union, COEASU, lost property and those still suf- organised a coup d’etat and war as well as those still suffering disMrs. Ukachi Wachuku, statfering dislocation and seizure of overthrew the government location and seizure of property in ed this while addressing property. the country. of nationalists and founding the protesting lecturers in "The same amount should be fathers of the federation.

It also asked the Federal Governthe school.

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH paid to the government of Delta ment to tender a “State Apology for "A carefully planned poShe maintained that the State for the benefit of Anioma grom and genocide was the wrongs the government and peomajor issue that necessitatRELATE AND Moderaarea of the state,” Amechi said. ple of Nigeria visited on Ndigbo and unleashed on the Igbo ed the current industrial tor of the General AssemThe elder-statesman, who was mainly in the North. On bly of the Presbyterian Church Igboland” in the past. action, had to do with infraflanked by members of his com- May 29, 1966 they com- of Nigeria, Most Rev. Emele These demands were contained in structural decay, lack of staff mittee, including Chief Ralph menced what they termed Uka, has called for a total war a statement entitled, 'The Atrocities motivation and poor condiObioha, Professor Uche Azikiwe, “ARABA” test riots. With the against Boko Haram to end its and Injustice Against Ndigbo and tions of service.

Dr. Chukwujama, Col. Ben Gbu- help of the police, Northern relentless orgy of senseless killOhanaeze Ndigbo: Demand for Rep“We are compelled to lie (rtd); Chief Maria Okwor, Prof. youths embarked on a su- ings of innocent Nigerians. aration,' issued by the Chairman, Ohaembark on this demonstraPaul Modum and other leaders pervised bloody 'riot' which naeze Reparation Committee, Chief tion to let Nigerians know Uka condemned the latest killof Ohanaeze, at the briefing, list- lasted for seven agonising ings including the massacre of Mbazulike Amechi in Enugu. that government has abaned some of the chilling atrocities days in which hundreds of innocent school children at the He recalled that the apex Igbo ordoned the colleges of eduagainst Ndigbo as follows: ganistion had on May 25, 2013 at its Igbo were killed all over the Federal Government College, cation in Nigeria to decay “On March 31, 1953, Tony Ena- North and their property FGC, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State by Imeobi meeting, which is the subecause students of these horo moved a motion in the destroyed or looted. preme executive organ of Ohanaeze institutions are children of the sect members, describing it House of Representatives asking Ndigbo, resolved that 'enough was "On July 29, 1966, in what as barbaric. the poor of the society,” for independence for Nigeria. enough' and that Ndigbo should now was termed “Counter RevWachuku said.

In a statement, the Prelate "Northern members of the olution and Ethnic Cleans- said the war against the insurdemand reparation and compensaShe called on the FederHouse under the leadership of Sir ing” which began with the gents should be fought at all tion and a final stop to the persecual Government to, as a matAhmadu Bello (Sardauna of killing of Major Gen. Agu- fronts including the arrest and tion of Ndigbo in their own country. ter of urgency, engage Sokoto) vehemently opposed the iyi Ironsi and over 300 mil- prosecution of all those who He said the committee, which he COEASU in a sincere and motion and threatened to break itary officers and men of directly and indirectly supportchaired, had taken the pains to docresult-oriented dialogue, away from the federation. ument some of the atrocities, injusIgbo origin escalated into ed or funded the terrorist with a view to addressing "Shortly after that, S.L. Akinto- the massacre of unsuspect- group. tice and deprivation visited on Ndigand resolving the contenla went to Kano and in trying to ing Igbo civilians, men, bo and resolved to demand that the tious issues without delay.

He wondered why the attacks explain the case for indepen- women and children in and wanton killings by the IsFederal Government should in adThe lecturers also took a dence, said something which many Northern towns on a lamic sect were on the increase dition to tendering a state apology, swipe at Governor Rochas Northerners did not like. Their scale unprecedented in any in spite of the state-of-emergenpay a token of N400 billion to each of Okorocha for allegedly deyouths took up weapons and part of the world even more cy declared by President Goodthe five states of Igboland as comlaying the ceremonial hanmassively killed Igbos in such big gruesome than the killings luck Jonathan and the military pensation for the incalculable damdover of the institution to towns as Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, of the Jews in Hitler’s Ger age done to the Igbo race. the Federal Government. onslaught against the sect.

Union decries FG's neglect of Alvan Ikoku College of Education

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Civil War: Ohanaeze demands N2.4trn reparation, state apology for Ndigbo .Asks for N400bn token to each of five S-East states, Anioma in Delta State

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Cleric calls for total war to end Boko Haram terrorism

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—15

Nigeria earned $600bn from oil in 53 years — EZEKWESILI

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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IGERIA HAS so far earned over $600 billion from oil in the last 53 years.

This claim was made, yesterday, by Oby Ezekwesili, a former Vice President of the World Bank and one time Minister of Education while delivering a key-note address at the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Summit in Abuja.

She lamented that despite this huge oil revenue which was higher than what Europe needed to transform its economy, Nigeria’s Human Development Index, HDI, still remained dismal and comparable VISIT: From left, Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, former IGP Ibrahim Coomasie, governor of to that of Chad.

Niger State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, and the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Musa Kwande, during a visit She also declared that the nation’s mortality rate to the governor, in Government House, Minna. was comparable to that of Afghanistan.

Commenting on the problem posed by corruption to the nation’s development, she said a recent survey by Transparency International indicated that 75 per cent

BY HENRY UMORU & to the door steps of those fighting remains unresolved. The Shell always personified Nigerian criof Nigerians believed that EMMANUEL ELEBEKE corruption,’’ Governor Amaechi Malabu story is a macabre dance. ses and the personification of the the government’s fight said in a speech delivered on his The response of the regime to crisis had been reduced to the against corruption was not BUJA — THE Federal behalf by his Commissioner for corruption is to imprison those person of President Goodluck effective. and Rivers State govern- Information, Mrs. Ibim Semeni- exposing corruption. The impu- Jonathan.

She also accused the naments were, yesterday, locked in tari He said: ‘‘The Nigerian politinity in corruption is extended to tion’s political class of lacka hot exchange of words followHe described the removal of the the punishment of those who fight cal class has some self-examinaing the milk of human ing accusation that the present Central Bank Governor, Mallam corruption. tion to do between now and 2015 kindness ever since terrorfederal administration had insti- Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as unconand added to that, is the obliga"The removal of the Governor ist activities escalated in the tutionalised corruption and giv- stitutional, accusing the President of Central Bank is unconstitution- tion that we should also take away Northern part of the counen the vice a human face. of total disrespect for the rule of al. Constitution means nothing to from this conference. Nigerian try three years ago.

Governor Chibuke Amaechi law. the current government. What we political class, beyond this hall, She declared that anywho was the guest speaker at the The Minister of Information, see is the re-emergence of civil- how do we get other Nigerians to body who profited from the 2nd annual Peoples Daily Confer- Labaran Maku was, however, ian dictatorship.” be fully aware of this challenge killings that had been goence tagged, 'Nigeria: The 2015 swift in hitting back at Amaechi According to him, the rate of the political class faces?" ing in the Northern part of Question,' threw the first shot as he called on the citizenry to unemployment has continued on On the role of the media, Maku, the country must face when he accused the Jonathan look at all levers of government the upward swing since Jonathan who stressed that much was exjudgement before God. administration of reversing the in checking the problems of the emerged as President. pected from the media in the demEzekwesili also stated deliberate efforts made by the country.

He said unemployment rate ocratic process, however exthat the origin of Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo administraAmaechi also said: “The had risen to 23.9 per cent up from plained the Nigerian media had many problems was locattion in fighting corruption progress made in fighting corrup- 14.6 per cent a few years ago, add- over time given undue attention ed with the nation’s elite. through established institutions. tion began to erode under Presi- ing that Nigeria was enmeshed and to reckless talks by members She advised the political He cited, among others recent dent Yar'Adua. His short-lived re- in corruption, weak institutions, of Nigerian political class. class that its interest should revelations, of sleaze in federal gime cannot be assessed in this nepotism, and tribalism with gloHe added: ‘‘The absence of fonot be just how to grab powagencies including allegations of wise. cused news has started to create rified and poor leadership, adder, adding that they needthe misuse of subsidies in petrol, ”Currently in the present re- ing that Nigerians must rise up the impression that the country is ed living people as citizens kerosene and allegations of sharp gime of President Goodluck to fight against the present state moving inexorably to a state of war in the society they wished practices in allocation of oil blocs. Jonathan, corruption appears to of corruption. in 2015, this of course, has creatto govern.

“Whopping sums of $10 billion have been institutionalised. A ed in all of us an anxiety as to Maku, who was represented by The former World Bank and $20 billion were alleged to whopping sum of 20 billion dol- his Special Assistant, Media, what to expect in 2015. There is chief also counselled the have been missing; the aviation lars is alleged to have been miss- Kingsley Osadolor, who noted that no big deal about 2015.” political class to consider bullet-proof car saga remains un- ing. The stories of both fuel and Nigerians had witnessed in the According to him, if elections addressing the structure of resolved, the subsidy saga is also kerosene subsidy are not anything past few years a great deal of should matter in Nigeria, all electhe nation since it had beunresolved and the Shell Mala- to behold. It smears of corruption grand-standing by the political tions should matter including come obvious that Nigebu story. The impunity in fight- and rottenness. elite, said that in the process of those at the local government level ria’s problem laid in its ing corruption is now extended ”The aviation bullet-proof saga grand-standing, politicians had and not just the 2015 elections and faulty foundation. accused the state governors of emasculating their states’ election commissions.

He said: ‘‘Unfortunately, the state governments have emasculated the State Electoral Commissions; hijack the local government elections, shutting up all opposihave contributed to the im- ria and at the National Assem- Mrs. Eze-Anaba dedicated the tion parties, coasting home with

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI provement of women’s access bly. award to her family and 188 99.9 per cent of the entire elecOther awardees were the women that approached her tions. This of course is not acceptto justice over the years.

Among those that bagged first female Commissioner of organisation and reported cas- able.”

BUJA — JUSTICE For the award, yesterday, was the Police in Niger State, Mrs. es of sexual violence meted The Federal Government acAll, J4A, a justice sector Managing Partner, Partner- Diseye Nsirim, former Direc- against them, even as she cused the Rivers State governreform programme funded by ship for Justice, Mrs. Itoro tor of the Nigerian Financial called for collective effort to- ment of building model schools the UK Department for Inter- Eze-Anaba, who was recogn- Intelligent Unit, NFIU, at the wards putting an end to the worth billions of naira and handnational Development, DFID, ised for drafting the first ever Economic and Financial rising cases of domestic vio- ing them over to India to manage and implemented by the Brit- Domestic Violence Bill in Ni- Crimes Commisssion, EFCC, lence against women in Nige- leading to capital flight and ish Council, yesterday, gave geria and engaging in advo- Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku and the ria. warned that people should stop awards to outstanding indi- cacy campaign for its passage Dutse Emirate Council. heating up the polity.

In her acceptance speech, viduals and institutions who into law in 12 states in Nige-

Corruption: FG, Amaechi trade words .Jonathan institutionalised corruption —-Amaechi .FG criticises recruitment of Indians to manage Rivers Model Schools A

Women’s Day Celebration: Group laments spate of rape, domestic violence in Nigeria ...as Itoro Eze-Anaba, 3 others bag outstanding achievers award

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16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

NATIONAL SUMMIT OF APC, AT ABUJA

From left, National Leader of All Progressives Party, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC chieftain, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd); Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, and Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at APC National Summit, tagged, 'A New Party for Nigeria, in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

From left, Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; Kano State Governor, Mohammed Kwankwaso; Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Senator Bukola Saraki

From left, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Alhaji Musa Yola, Mr. Inuwa Abdul-kadir, former Ogun State Governor Olusgun Osoba, former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amusun, Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamako, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole , Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Alumokura, and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

From left, South East Zonal WomFrom left, Senator Julius Ucha, Senator Olorunmbe Mamura, en Coordinator of APC, Chief Tina Adike and Alhj. Hassan Zurmi.

Otunba Seyi Oduntan, and Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

WOMEN IN BENIN, EKITI PROTEST MASSACRE OF STUDENTS IN YOBE

Women protesting, in Benin City, over the killing of 42 students of Federal Government College Yobe, the abduction of 25 girls from the school, and incessant killings in the North-East, by Boko Haram sect, yesterday. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike

From left, Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi; wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi,and Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, during a solemn procession of women groups, and professional bodies to mourn slain students of the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Women protesters in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Vanguard, FRIDAY,MARCH 7, 2014 —17

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AST week, I focussed on Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former CBN Governor who queried NNPC’s financial dealings and was subsequently suspended. I criticised Sanusi’s motives, conduct and figures; but I also complained about Mr. President’s decision to remove him…which I felt gave out the wrong signals.

Vanguard readers responded vigorously. Apologies for any emails or texts that didn’t make it onto this page because of lack of space. +2348033143664 Rosemary Dear Donu, those were the exact permutations that Sanusi and his advisers banked on. Shout thief first; continue to shout thief whether correct or debunked; afterall, he had only three to six months to hang in there, embarrass the Presidency and the government as much as possible; “weak” president will not have the liver to do anything, will ride out my few months gloriously! But alas for Sanusi! Mr. President did the unthinkable.

He took the bull head-on to expose

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+234027857318 Harry What an arrogant ingrate Sanusi is.

He who bites the finger that feeds him is in no way sensible. I stand to be corrected but it’s worth saying that over the years, Sanusi has arrogated so much power to himself in total disregard of Mr. President who appointed him. Little did he realise that he’s got a boss and that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. I hope he learns his lessons. +2348055072090 Emmanuel President Jonathan claims that Sanusi’s suspension is to make room for proper scrutiny and auditing of the

•President Jonathan

The Sanusi drama: Readers’ respond NNPC account is a charade. On my part, l charge the President with gross irresponsibility. He is fully involved in the drama. The saying goes: No one can be a judge in his own case. +2348059772540 Elvin Until the leadership of our dear county begins to acknowledge as well

Over the years, Sanusi has arrogated so much power to himself in total disregard of Mr. President who appointed him; little did he realise that he’s got a boss and that he who pays the piper dictates the tune

him for the fraud he is. I say kudos to Mr. President for calling Sanusi’s bluff and saying NO to big time blackmail and impunity. Nigerians are tired of all the lies and playing to the gallery of Sanusi. Mr. President did the correct thing for the “long term” benefit of Nigeria.

C M Y K

•Lamido Sanusi Lamido

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as rise to their given responsibilities, the music of corruption would against all odds continue. Sanusi blames it on NNPC just as Mr. President blames it on Sanusi. Who baits the cat? +2348090926930 Babra Jonathan would have allowed Sanusi to finish his tenure as CBN governor. I am sure there is more to this issue than meets the eye, just like you said that by kicking Sanusi out of his team, he has given the world the impression that he is more interested in suppressing truth and maintaining the status quo than in accepting the urgent need for oil sector reforms and ruthlessly tackling NNPC’s multiple shortcomings.. +2348056139509 Kate DK, just like you said in your Friday column, if someone dislikes the way and manner in which the organisation he or she is working, the ideal thing would have been for the person to resign instead of being an in-house

whistleblower. Nice write up keep it up. +2348032485962 Ajuma I truly believe that most of the allegations that Sanusi made are true and to shut him up our Oga at the top decided to suspend him. Now tell me, how we can fight corruption with this type of action? Well, that is our country for you. +2348053439422 Blessing In my own opinion, l think Sanusi dug his own grave; we all know that this country is being run by corrupt leaders and for one to agree to work for such leaders you have to be like them. So Sanusi should not blame anyone for what befell him. +2348100369402 Ifeoma I am not in doubt that this administration is in any way better than that of the military. Looking at the scenario painted in your last publication, one could see gross misconduct, unaccountability and misappropriation of public funds. Mr. President better sit up! +2348037234931 Ada If the suspension of the CBN governor is to allow for proper investigation over the 20 billion dollar scandal, Nigerians would as well want to know the outcome. I call on Mr. President to ensure that justice takes its course. +2348055618393 Theophilus Oriakhi Donu, very well said in your article of Feb 28. Both concerned parties should rethink their actions. Pity Nigerians don’t resign from office even when they see things going wrong like during the late Abacha

Diezani Allison-Madueke regime. They cry for sympathy when they are sacked. Resignation is a better way for protesting against bad leadership in a horrible system. Let others learn from history before they are thrown out too. Thanks

+2348060804471 Ifeka Okonkwo Donu, the suspension of SLS as CBN governor by GEJ for accusing NNPC of missing billions of dollars from crude oil sales, is a clear indication that he is not serious in the fight against corruption and that he wants the rot in NNPC that has militated against its growth to world class oil corporation, to continue unabated to the detriment of our country and its citizenry! There is no doubt that for several years, dubious Nigerians have used NNPC as their personal ATMs to become stupendously rich!

Read the article by Godwin on pg 19 of Vanguard of 28/2/14 and see the rot in NNPC.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 THE Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has decided that candidates in the 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, would compulsorily register only one university, one polytechnic, one college of education and one innovative enterprise institute. It is considered a solution to challenges with admissions to higher institutions.

Candidates formerly had a second preferred institution. Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB registrar explained, “From our experience, universities refuse to take students who make them a second choice. Last year, vice chancellors of universities, rectors of polytechnics decided that students should only pick one university, one polytechnic, one college of education and one innovative enterprise institute when applying to write the UTME. If they do not follow these instructions, they cannot apply. ” Prof Ojerinde expects the move to solve the admissions crisis. “We also hope that this will curb the admission crisis. Often, there are spaces in tertiary institutions other than universities, but everyone wants to go to the university,” he said.

What the JAMB registrar calls “admission

BY MARK EDA

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LEFT the shores of Nigeria in 1984 to “God’s own country”, the United States of America, USA, to seek greener pastures and for the actualisation of self esteem, after a few years spell as a journalist with one of the country’s top tabloids, the Punch. Deep down in me, I still remember with nostalgia the feeling of the good old days, when as a young man in his twenties, what the oil city of Warri can offer an individual with self belief.

Night clubs and hangouts were countless.

Among the pack were Gogo Room, Paradisco, Pemmy, De-Rabbit, Lido and the Lords. Others were Beach Combers, with an almost White or foreign patronage. Night life in “Waffi”, as it was popularly known, was super as there was action and fun from Monday to Monday. There was never a dull moment.

The political evolution in Nigeria with its complexities brought to the fore, issues of marginalisation, resource control, ethnic militancy, industrial unrest, religious extremism, kidnappings, assassination and a plethora of social maladies.

While in the United States, I swore (but not in the name of the ancestors) never to return to Nigeria, nay Warri, for fear of my life and those of my siblings living with me over there.

But as an African with entrenched family ties, the lure and savvy of the West did not make my sojourn complete. I still dreamt of my country, my relations in Warri and even classmates of my alma mater, United College of Commerce, UCC, Warri.

An occasion presented itself when it

Everybody Wants University Place crisis” is not the fact that only one-third of those who applied for university admission in 2013 got places. Extortion of candidates causes the empty spaces in schools while over applications, to some schools, is part of the crisis. The perceived difference in the quality of education different universities offer informs candidates’ choices.

Official discrimination against non-university graduates is the biggest factor. It starts with the admission cut off points - 180 and above for universities, 160-169 for polytechnics, 150-159 for colleges of education, and innovative enterprise institutes. The impression is that candidates for institutions other than universities are inferior. The quality of facilities and teaching staff in polytechnics, colleges of education and innovation and

enterprise institutes reflect the discrimination.

Nigeria rates teachers less intelligent than other professionals. The low cut off point says so.

Nigeria is already paying dearly for her decisions. Fewer candidates are applying to polytechnics and colleges of education. How would we fill the gaps this would produce?

According to UTME, in 2013, 1,670,833 candidates applied to universities, 28,977 candidates to polytechnics, and 28,445 to colleges of education for 520,000 places in over 128 federal, state and private universities; 76 federal, state and private polytechnics; and 63 colleges of education.

Polytechnics and colleges of education candidates were 3.4 per cent of the application received. The 57,422 candidates for all the polytechnics and colleges of education were slightly higher than 52,608 applicants to the University of Ibadan, which was the 10th most preferred university.

Candidates’ choices reflect the premium Nigeria places on university education. The appropriate response should be policies that would establish the importance of each segment of education by its contributions to society.

OPINION The rebranding of Warri, a good omen became imperative, inevitable and a compulsion for me to travel home- the death and burial rites of my uncle’s wife and to see my younger brother who lost his wife. The thought of having to visit Warri gave me, my wife and children goose pimples. I had sleepless nights as a lot of things were running through my mind, no thanks to the gory stories posted on the internet and other social media platforms.

As a typical ‘Warri boy’ with the perception of the local parlance of “all die na die”, I had no option than to book my flight to Nigeria.

While in Warri, I slept with one eye open for the first two nights while anticipating the much talked about gun shots rendering the air. I did not hear of one. Could that be a ruse? I wondered. Three days and the fourth.

No bomb blast, no kidnap story.

What looked like a semblance of peace and tranquility in Warri became a reality when on Valentine Day, I ventured into night life at a resort located in the old airport area.

What I saw was unbelievably true - couples and loved ones hanging out and enjoying themselves in the spirit of conviviality, exotic cars in the parking lot, with ushers and protocol staff on hand.

To satisfy my curiosity, I asked a guy sitting close to me if the location of the resort was outside the city of Warri. “This is Warri” he retorted. He volunteered further: “Why do you ask…? Are you new in town”? I told him of the negative impression I have about Warri. Immediately, he offered to take me to

another event centre where a valentine carnival was equally holding.

The Brownhill Events Centre was organising a show tagged "Warri Again"; the Valentine Edition, as it is called, reminded me of the first class events in Hollywood and the Grammy Awards and Oscars. The red carpet setting was unimaginable. The hall was packed full. It was reminiscent of the lovely evening of yester-years. I wondered aloud and told my new found friends that I will relish this experience for a long time to come. I immediately put a call through to my wife. In our discussion, we struck a consensus to come back to Nigeria with our children for an Easter bash of "Warri Again" at the Brownhill Centre, which I gathered has been fixed for April 18th which is the Good Friday of the Easter celebration.

My background as a journalist made me have a critical eye in write-ups authored by me in dedicated columns of Nigeria’s major tabloids of yester- years. A die-hard critic, I am not given to sycophancy and playing to the gallery.

I was stunned when a visit to the popular Enerhen Junction in Warri revealed mass transformation of infrastructure. What with the dual carriageway, the traffic light, modern bus stop, construction work going on with an overhead bridge. Just pray and hope that the incoming civilian administration will build and consolidate on these achievements.

The private sector, to my mind, are potent agents of rebranding. When professionally

managed, some corporate profile events in Warri and, indeed, elsewhere can turn around the negative hype with which some cities are synonymous. The Brownhill Events Centre is a classical example where personalities that cut across the spectrum of the society hobnob, unwind and share ideas. By my count that evening, a lot of corporate organisations key into the vision of rebranding Warri. The list is endless but not restricted to Hyundai Motors, Crown FM, Protea Hotel, Radio Delta, A&E Petroleum, Zenith Bank, Lift Tugboats, DSIR , JAD Catering Services, Python Engineering, Guinness and MTN. The array of Nigerian artistes and comedians that were on hand to thrill the audience at the Valentine bash were amazingly wonderful, to say the least. The likes of Mike Okri, Timaya, Waje, Sir Shina Peters, Sean Tizzle, Teckno, Banky W, and Selebobo took their turns to sing to the admiration of the audience while ribcracking jokes and banters were churned out by ace comedians such as AY, I-Go-Dye, IGo-Save, Baba Kome, Odogwu, Buchi, Emeka Smith and M.C. Shakara, just to mention but a few.

On a final note, I have arrogated to myself the toga of a “Warri Ambassador” as I have gone back to the States with footage of social events in the city, which to all discerning minds capture the true reality on ground. *Mr. Eda, a journalist, wrote from Los Angeles, USA.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014— —19

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HE Holy Bible gave us a principle which shall apply to all the prophecies about the break up of Nigeria come 2015.It is in a short story about the power game between Modecai, a Jewish gate man who happens also to be the uncle of the queen, and Haman, a political juggernaut in the Old Persian Kingdom, who hated Jews.

Haman wanted the Jews destroyed, while Modecai wanted to protect his people. As the game heated up, and things began to turn against Haman, his wife and advisers dropped the principle to him: “If Modecai before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him, but will surely fall before him”(Esther 6:13).Haman eventually fell before Modecai. In other words, if the people you want to kill are on the side of God, you will never prevail against them.

American CIA had predicted, or prophesied, that Nigeria would break up by 2015. Nigerians whose interest in the unity of the nation is based on their own terms claimed that prophesy, and started working for its manifestation. First, they

said they would make the place ungovernable if they lost the elections in 2011. They lost, and Nigeria remained united. Then killing of Christians started in the North East, and many of them tried to use it to blackmail the Federal Government into pleasing them. Their games continued until they lost control of the monster, and the thing ballooned into insurgency, with mostly foreign elements executing the project we call Boko Haram. Today, it is really the North East that has become ungovernable, while the unity of the nation remains intact.

They told us that Boko Haram is as a result of negligence by governments, and we wonder, which governments? The North has ruled Nigeria for 38, out of our 51 years of independence, so who neglected the North? No one. It is all part of the power game, to get back into Aso Rock, but that won’t just work because they will have to tarry a little more for power to go round the ethnic interests. We all pray that the Boko Haram be smashed and eliminated from our borders, even as they have been contained essentially.

Our citizens, who are yet to read the hand writing on the wall, continue to chant their songs. First

The South-East of Nigeria will begin to work, to produce better politicians who shall see to it that an Igbo President emerges after GEJ, in 2019, and Nigeria will not break up

they said if GEJ contests, the place will be on fire, but that did not make any sensible impact. Now, they say if GEJ contests and wins, Nigeria would break up. As a result, Niger Deltans have started to wonder, and rightly too, why it is now that their own son is on the saddle, that he would be harassed out of power? Counter threats were issued by sons of Niger Delta, and hell did not fall on Nigeria.

Meaning: in essence, that the Unity of this country is not in the hands of one ethnic power bloc.

Nigeria has changed for good, but many in the North are yet to accept that fact. They are still dancing the dance of far-reaching dreams, that they will gain access to Aso Rock come 2015, when really there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

The Lord Lugard's amalgamation treaty of 1914 that united the North and South of

Are we really fair to Sanusi?

BY MATTHEW ADEJOH

I

N his first reaction after being suspended as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi made some profound statements. In making reference to the allegations of profligacy and financial recklessness levelled against him by government, he strenuously drew a comparison between his compliance to rules and that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The kernel of his statement was that since the NNPC which allegedly spent money on kerosene subsidy in contravention of a presidential directive has not been accused of ‘financial recklessness’, it was ironical for the Federal Government to accuse him of same.

For effect, he added that unlike the CBN whose audits are up to date --even if serious queries have emanated therefrom -- the NNPC on the other hand has not been audited since 2005. Simply interpreted, he was not alone in “financial recklessness.” It follows, therefore, that if President Goodluck Jonathan must suspend Sanusi, he must first fish out all the others like him who allegedly stole their institutions blind and embarked on unapproved and unjustifiable expenditures. Let me admit here that I agree with him. Why single out only one thief from the multitude?

But truth must be told. Since his appointment as CBN Governor nearly five years ago, Sanusi may not have adhered to those outdated conservative rules in financial management, but he has expanded the frontiers of that office. He was after-all THE GOVERNOR (emphasis mine) of the CBN, and Governors –whether elected or appointed-- must live large. Should we expect him to behave like his ‘colleagues’ in the other 36 states of the Federation who have the misfortune of accounting to their respective Houses of Assembly and the electorate when he was not so encumbered?

The CBN Act which he has variously quoted in defending his autonomy leaves the decision on what to do with the billions and trillions at his disposal, at his sole discretion.

The good thing is that Sanusi has used that discretion most prudently. At the last count, he has deployed over N150 billion to

,

good works across Nigeria, like donating N100 million to victims of Boko Haram attacks in his native Kano State. Other donations his critics have labelled as ‘questionable’ include N4 billion to Bayero University, Kano; N10 billion to Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto; N500 million to the University of Benin. What cause can be more altruistic? Again, why accuse him of nepotism in donating to tertiary institutions in the North when the students in those Universities are not only of Fulani stock?

That’s unfair for a man who aspires to become the Emir of his native Kano. Why should he not use what he has to pursue his needs? It makes more sense to concentrate on his catchment area, politically and traditionally. Or, how does a donation for the control of erosion in Nsude community of Enugu State, for instance, improve his chances for, say the governorship of Kano State or the Emirship of Kano? So what if Kano got the lion’s share of those philanthropic gestures, even if Yobe and Borno states – the hotbeds of Boko Haram attacks - did not attract the same monetary consolations from the CBN governor. Haba, Charity must start from home!

Instead of commending a man who has used public funds to execute public projects, government apologists prefer to say that the donations were ultra-vires as they were outside the powers and functions of the CBN. If I may ask, can anyone in good conscience claim that he misappropriated those billions used in supporting education? No. When Alhaji Sabo Barkin Zuwo, Sanusi’s kinsman and former governor of Kano State, was arrested in the wake of the 1983 coup, a large chunk of Naira wads were found packed in cartons under his bed in Government House, Kano. His defence was simple: It was government’s money kept in Government House. Like Barkin Zuwo, Sanusi is using his discretion in the name of Corporate Social Responsibility, period. He is using public funds to execute public projects. Such defence is still as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, whether one of those concerned was a half-educated politician and the other is the nation’s foremost banker.

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BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

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Nigeria's unity and 2019 Igbo presidency

Nigeria expired on December 13, 2013.The effect is that there is no legal basis, except our 1999 Constitution, for that unity. The Federal Government came out rightly and timely with the National Confab as the way forward. Again our brethren have used that to say we need to renegotiate our basis for the relationship. The Constitution which held us as a nation was given to us by the military. So, we now need to find our own constitution ourselves; but some say we must only amend the existing one. The questions are whether we can put a new wine in an old wine skin and expect it to stay. And whether it is not better and cheaper to use this opportunity to fashion a new constitution than to patch the tear in our old cloth with a new cloth?

Nigeria will not break if we root for a completely new constitution this time. It will be good for 2015, and Nigeria, making ways for the continued unity and happiness of this country as one entity. With Goodluck, those who wanted to drum up evil sentiments against the Confab have pulled together and joined in the good work. Again that prophecy of our break up has continued to fail, as the Confab is promising to make Nigeria stronger and better.

The centenary celebrations are here, and Nigeria is showcasing unity in diversity. Many expectedly condemned it as an unnecessary jamboree. The combination of

His decision to dole out N100 million to the All Progressives Congress to open up offices across the country is not only in furtherance of our cherished democracy, it will guarantee him a respectable place on its high echelons

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Rather than address issues bordering on his allegations that the NNPC had not remitted $49.8 billion of crude oil proceeds to the Federation Account, we are busy dissipating energy over the paltry N1.257 billion he expended in the last financial year on security outfits and in providing lunch for policemen. That is one aspect of the allegation that has been blown out of proportion by those who are out to nail Sanusi, especially the self-styled human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome. In spending the sum, according to the loudmouthed Constitutional lawyer, Sanusi violated global principles of public decorum expected of holders of such office.

That’s his opinion, afterall Jonathan apologists like him told us that the allegation against the NNPC -- a figure that was first revised to $10.8 billion and recently to $20 billion -- is a deliberate ploy to portray the Federal Government in a bad light. How can that be?

H

as Ozekhome forgotten the status of Sanusi as CBN Governor, as a blueblooded grandson of a deposed Emir of Kano and, Insha Allah the Emir of Kano inwaiting? If he considers these, then N1.257 billion would not sound as outrageous as it does now. For a man who single-handed approved and is executing over 63 ‘intervention projects’ across Nigeria –with or without appropriation -Sanusi deserved all the private security he needs to protect himself. After all, when he becomes Emir, is he not going to feed the retinue of his dogaris across the vast Kano emirate and equip them

strong opposition and the Boko Haram calculations to kill in hundreds during the visiting days of Heads of States, failed to create any thoughts of a break-up in the minds of people. Nigeria is coming out of all these stronger and better, but the people are noting those who suddenly see nothing good in Nigeria, and they wonder, why now? The good news is that if GEJ contests and wins, Nigeria will not break up because of the power of the ethnic nationalities. All other ethnic groups will let GEJ remain, including the Igbos who are now coming to the realisation that all the permutations of the North is to displace Igbos from 2019, when it will be their natural turn to produce the next President.

The South East of Nigeria will begin to work to produce better politicians who shall see to it that an Igbo President emerges after GEJ in 2019, and Nigeria will not break up because they will build bridges across the ethnic spread where they will exploit their ubiquitous nature to an unparalleled advantage, tearing down all walls of hatred and distrust against them.

The realisation and acceptance of this fact and situation will be the beginning of real wisdom for the North of Nigeria, the Igbos themselves.

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

with those multi-coloured babanrigas? Why won’t he start the dress rehearsal now?

Those who also criticize him for coming to work in his accoutrements as the Dan Majen Kano also miss the point. The office of CBN Governor has moved from those sully days when its occupants were only seen and rarely heard, except on crucial financial, monetary and economic matters. They should realise that rather than diminish the institution, his traditional regalia actually added to its prestige. How, if I may ask, has his dressing affected his duty as the chief economic adviser of the Federal Government, a man who has succeeded in keeping the nation’s inflation rate at a stable seven per cent of recent?

Must he always suit up like the lack-lustre Chukwuma Soludo, or wait till his removal from office –like Soludo did - before becoming an active politician? That would be naïve in a country where almost all top public office holders are politicians anyway.

His decision to dole out N100 million to the All Progressives Congress to open up offices across the country is not only in furtherance of our cherished democracy, it will guarantee him a respectable place on its high echelons now that he is free from the scrutiny of busy bodies like Mike Ozekhome.

Finally, some people have tried to justify his removal from office when it is clear that only the Senate could remove him from office by a two-thirds vote. It is clear that President Jonathan over-stepped his bounds with an institution that our laws say is autonomous and above all other laws. Yes, the CBN Act says that the CBN is an island on its own, free from interference from the Villa, and definitely free from any form of official control and inspection. If you doubt this, ask the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives or the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation which queried extravagant expenditure by the apex bank, like the N50m claimed to have been spent for the same purpose of renovating the Governor’s official residence.

Nobody told them to stop crying unnecessarily, over an issue they have no control over.

We are simply tarnishing Sanusi’s good name, and that is very, very unfair, to say the least.

*Mr. Adejoh, a public analyst, wrote from Abuja.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

*Some of the women protesters expressing their grievances

Warri women rage over power blackout, market demolition

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, WARRI

I

T was a day of rage by aggrieved women in Warri, Monday, as scores of them took to the streets in protest over worrisome power outage in Iyara layout of the city, while market women at the Ogbuwangwe Market whose makeshift shops and wares were wrecked by bulldozers gave vent to tears as they disrupted traffic on the NPA Expressway.

The Iyara placard carrying protesters from the Generator suburb of Warri marched through McDemott Junction on to WarriSapele Road, disrupting traffic all the way to the Warri Area of-

fice of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC. Some of their placards read: “Rationing of light, estimated bills, but no light”, “We pay for NEPA bills, we do not use NEPA”, “We say no to bills without light” and “No light, no bill.”

Work at the BEDC office was disrupted till near mid-day as the women, chanting war songs, picketed the company, blocking its entrance to movement in and out of staff and customers. It took intervention of soldiers drafted in to prevent chaos as hoodlums attempted to hijack the peaceful protest.

One of the power blackout pro-

testers who simply identified herself as Ms. Ozioma said: “After nearly two years of paying bills for light we have not consumed, we have no choice than come out and let the whole world know what we are going through.”

The company, BEDC, Warri, Public Relations Officer, Edmund Gbiwen, however, dispelled the allegations, saying the issue was a case of communication breakdown.

Gbiwen explained: “What happened was that there has been a load-shedding in that area, not blackout. We ought to have fixed it the Friday before the protest on Monday. We were already fixing it while they were in protest.

The problem fixed, some of their people now even came back to apologise to the Business Man-

Communities beg Tinubu for transformers

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

C

OMMUNITY leaders of 13 local government areas and local council development areas, LCDAs, in Lagos Central Senatorial District, have appealed to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing the district in the Senate to provide transformers and other electricity installations to the communities, saying, “this will help empower more teeming residents in the area.”

The appeal was made recently, when the former First Lady of Lagos State, distributed cash gifts and food items to over 130 traditional

chiefs in the districts at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat, Zappa.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Baale of Oroke Town, Eti-Osa Local Government, Alhaji Rasak Folami, said though the gifts would go a long way in aiding the chiefs to cater for their needs, but the senator could do better.

Folami, however, urged Tinubu to embark on projects that would encompass the generality of the people in the development of the districts.

Also, Baale of Medewe Community, Makoko, Yaba LCDA, Chief Stephen Aji urged Tinubu to distribute transform-

ers and other electricity installations to the communities, adding “this will help empower more residents in the state.”

Tinubu, who was represented by the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun, noted that the African cultural system cannot be excluded from the harmonious relationship that had existed in larger part of the country, especially within Lagos State.

ager the day after.

“The allegation of electricity blackout for two years was highly exaggerated. There was a time we were doing load shedding and this particular layout was usually overloaded and the feeder pillar was always burning.

We now had to go and change it.”

Simultaneously, market women at the Ugbuwangwe Market, joined by youths of the community, moved against bulldozers which stormed the market at dawn same day, wiping out all makeshift shops on

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After nearly two years of paying bills for light we have not consumed, we have no choice than come out and let the whole world know what we are going through

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the fringe of the completed but yet-to-be commissioned lockup shops built by the State Government.

The bulldozers, Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered, were allegedly responding to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s orders to the Warri South Council to clear the sur-

roundings of the newly constructed market preparatory to its commissioning and subsequent allocation of the shops after the Governor visited the project site penultimate Wednesday.

The protesters who accused the Warri South Council Chairman, Austine Uroye, of masterminding the destruction said the action overstretched the directive by the Governor, saying Uduaghan merely called for proper sanitation in the project area towards its commissioning and allocation of shops.

When contacted, however, the Warri South Council boss, Dr Uroye, debunked the allegations, saying stalls were not demolished, adding that the market women have been assured they would be relocated behind the ultramodern market which will be commissioned soon as their services are still needed in the area.

Also affected by the demolition were several Hausa traders who have found home milling around the yet-to-be unveiled market in an escalating livestock and yam open trade in various makeshift shops which also double as their homes.

Ugbuwangue Youth Chairman, Mr. Popo Benjamin Omamgho: “We were shocked when some persons came to destroy the only market serving the community without regard to law and order.

We are using this medium to appeal to the Delta State Government to wade into the matter while I implore our people to remain calm as we are peaceloving people.

“Those who demolished the market misinterpreted the governor. Uduaghan only told the traders to trade outside the market in the next three months when he will commission the market and give it to the local government council who will in-turn work with the community.

Assistant Secretary of the community, Mrs. Mercy J. Okwetobosan said: “The impunity in the demolition could cause youth restiveness in the community because some of the youths make their living from the market. Governor Uduaghan would not do anything that would cause problem in the community. The people of Ugbuwangwe are not miscreants”.

Another youth leader, Mr. Ofoyeju Izuagie, said the “demolition of the market affected over 5,000 traders whose wares were destroyed. This is uncivilized and we urge the Government to fish out those who carried out the action.

Addressing the protesters, a Senior Aide to the Delta State Government and 2015 House of Assembly hopeful, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, appealed for calm, saying all would be done by the government to address the issue.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 21

Exporters decry absence of functional trade zones N

IGERIAN exporters a v e blamed the under investment of exportable products on the absence of functional trade zones for non-oil products in the country.

The exporters said in Abuja that pricing, loading and evacuation of export-bound goods should be given special h

consideration. The exporters said that a situation where a number of importers and import based companies were allotted concessions at the expense of exporters could negate the Federal Government’s transformation drive.

Mr Aliku Joshua, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Magnet Nig. Ltd., said that

the step toward building cargo airports in some parts of the country could be a great service to boosting export businesses.

Joshua said, “the export business is capital intensive and therefore, players must be assisted at every point because we are the ones that strive toward ensuring balance of trade for the country.

This is not to say that we are not presently enjoying a measure of incentives. In fact, we currently enjoy 100 percent free tax on some goods, but the government must widen the horizon to allow for greater investment,” he said.

Chief Ignatius Kolawole, the Managing Director of Clout Trading Enterprise, said that the high cost of pro-

From left: Mr. Adeyinka Hassan, immediate past Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), decorating the newly installed Chairman, Otunba Francis Meshioye; with them is Mr. Chryss Ayoko (middle), Assistant Financial Secretary, at the ICSAN Lagos State Chapter’s investiture ceremony in Lagos.

Turkish entrepreneurs develop business ties at ECOWAS-Turkish expo E XHIBITORS at the just concluded ECOWAS Turkish Export Expo in Lagos have expressed satisfaction at the number of trade partnerships they entered into. The exhibition was organised to increase trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey.

The Association of Businessmen and Investors of Nigeria and Turkey (ABINAT) reported that bilateral trade between the two countries has risen from $2 billion in 2012 to $2.3 billion in 2013.

Yauuz Zemheni, President of ABINAT, said that there

would be improved trade relationship between both countries in 2014 owing to the success of the exhibition.

Mr. Okan Karakurt, Foreign Trade Sales Representatives, Tekinak Food Industry in Turkey said that Nigerian businessmen who participated at the exhibition were enthusiastic about foreign collaborations to improve their businesses.

“They expressed interests in collaborating with us in terms of our technology and current international product standards. We are also ready

to share ideas with our Nigerian counterparts in order to improve the quality of their products. We are not just here to sell our products; we are here to help improve the economy of Nigeria,” he said.

Mrs Zekeriya Pehlivan, the International Trade Manager, TMD Aluminium, Turkey also said that her organisation was interested in investing in Nigeria to create employment opportunities.

“We are not going to be merely importing goods to Nigeria, but we are planning to establish our production

duction in the country was affecting the trade.

According to him, infrastructure deficit and inadequate electricity are impediments that have retarded the capacity of the Nigerian exporters to compete favourably with those of other countries.

“The other factor working against us is the absence of acceptable world standard measurement for the country.

Our products are often underpriced as a result of this,” Kolawole said. However, Chief Eze Maduka, another exporter said “I have particularly benefited from exporting the Nigerian electricity cable to other countries, especially America and Europe. That cable remains one of the country ’s best and efforts should be geared toward producing quality items for us to export.

“Touting and port congestion were negative variables associated with the trade, so the government should work harder to stop the trends,” he said. Mr Udo Etteh, an economist, however, said the export businesses could save revenue if the tariff on a final product is lower than the tariff on the raw materials used to manufacture the product.

Etteh said that businesses could also save revenue if they did not have to pay tariffs on raw materials lost during production due to waste factors.

The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) allows 100 percent exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax for some export goods.

According to him, NEPZA also offers 100 percent incentive for both foreign ownership of investments and repatriation of foreign capital investment as well as profits and dividends at any time, among others.

192.9

7.75

2,852.00

-42.00

18.22

0.48

plants in this country 108.31 -0.99 in order to provide jobs for the people 102.5 -1.08 and also enhance the productivity,” she CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING said. The exhibition, 155.25 155.75 which was organised DOLLAR 154.75

by Tukson Universal STERLING 258.6801 259.5159 260.3517 212.9824 213.6706 214.3587 Exhibition Company EURO FRANC 175.6926 176.2602 176.8279 in Turkey, showcased YEN 1.5282 1.5332 1.5381 products from Turkey, CFA 0.3069 0.3169 0.3269 Ghana and Nigeria. WAUA 238.6915 239.462 240.2339 25.2578 25.3396 The exhibition fea- RENMINBI 25.176 41.2623 41.3956 41.5289 tured products rang- RIYAL KRONA 28.539 28.6312 28.7234 ing from textile, ma- SDR 239.4292 240.20 240.9764 chinery, furniture, cosmetics and houseCBN Exchange rate as at 06/03/2014 hold materials.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

NSE names Future View Securities among top stockbroking firms

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

UTURE View Securities Limited has emerged one of the top 10 stockbroking firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, for the month ended February 2014.

The firm achieved the feat with transactions valued at N4.75 billion, thereby emerging the third among the top 10 firms.

Also featured on the list are Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Rencap Securities Nigeria Limited, Cordros Capital Limited, CSL Stockbrokers Limited, Primera From left: Mr Robert Mbonu, Executive Director, Heritage Bank; Mrs Josephine Africa Securities Limited, FBN Aligwekwe, Group Head, Corporate Affairs and Mr. Ifie Sekibo, Managing Director at the Securities Limited, Sigma media parley with Heritage Bank executives to mark the first anniversary of the bank, in Securities Limited, Partnership Lagos. Photo; Lamidi Bamidele.

Securities Limited and

Brand value of Nigerian banks increases 3% to $593m *As FirstBank maintains top 500 banking brands

By PETER EGWUATU

T

HE brand value of Nigerian banks has increased by three percent to $593 million, just as First Bank of Nigeria Limited maintained the top brand quality in the country for the third consecutive period of the top 500 banking brands in the world.

The African Editor of The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group and Brand Finance, in the United Kingdom, Mr. Paul Wallace said, “Brand value of Nigerian banks increased by three percent to $593 million. This made Nigeria to be among the top 50 countries of the world by total brand value.

The Banker Magazine stated that the top ten banking brands in the world remain in America, Europe and Asia.

According to the magazine, the 2014 number one banking brand in the world is Wells Fargo (USA) which was second last year. It is followed

by HSBC (UK), Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase (all from USA), ICBC (China), BNP Paribas (France), Santander (Spain), China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China.

It further noted that First Bank of Nigeria Limited, for the third consecutive year, has been ranked as Nigeria’s number one banking brand in the 2014 ‘The Top 500 Banking Brands Ranking’ of the world.

According to a release by the Country Representative,

Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ogedengbe, FirstBank, which was also ranked number one banking brand in 2012 and 2013, came top amongst the Nigerian banks and was joined in the ranking in second and third by Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank respectively.

FirstBank is ranked 382 in the world from 414 last year.

The brand value of the bank also increased to $228 million from $201 million from the preceding year. Guaranty Trust Bank ranked 422 from 415, while Zenith Bank is ranked 453 from 454 last year. Apart from the three banks, no other Nigerian bank made the ranking.

Reacting on the recent award, FirstBank stated: “We recognise the immutable merits of maintaining a “brand-first” mindset and culture, as a critical component of our business strategy. Our brand has evolved over the years, with strengthened brand muscles to match the constantly evolving expectations of today ’s increasingly discerning stakeholders.”

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy which advises branded organisations on how to maximize their value through the effective management of their brands

and intangible assets.

According to The Top 500 Banking Brands report, though there are numerous ways of calculating brand value. Brand Finance, which complied the ranking, used royalty relief method that values the brand based on what would be paid to use the brand if it were owned by a third party.

The method is recognised by courts and tax authorities. The valuations of the brand take into account brand-specific financial and revenue data, model the market to identify market demand and the position of individual banks in the context of all other market competitors.

Meristem Securities Limited.

The top 10 Stockbrokers, according to ranking by the NSE, were responsible for 66.20 percent of the total value from February 10th-14th, 2014.

Commenting on the performance, the Chief Executive Officer, Future View Financial Services Limited, Mrs Elizabeth Ebi, said that the company remained committed to providing first class and innovative services to its clients nationwide and globally, while achieving a high level of return for its stakeholders.

According to her, “We apply creativity and imagination in every aspect of our business.

While recognising that the standard approach may still be the best, we constantly strive to find a better and faster solution to our clients’ challenges. We strive to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of our clients and develop new services to meet those needs. We stand firm, our clients’ interests always coming first.

“In strengthening our team inhouse, while maintaining a high-level, excellent customer service, we strive to achieve more than that; a second-tonone customer experience.

Given the competitive nature of this industry, we aggressively seek to expand our clientele relationships.

A firm commitment to delivering the best results for our clients and have thus carved out a niche for ourselves in specific areas of the industry for the purpose of serving our clients faster and better.” She added that integrity and honesty have remained the heartbeat of the company ’s business, saying that staff members are held to strict and uncompromised ethical standards in everything they do, both at work and in their personal lives.

Meristem Securities unveils online stock trading platform

By PETER EGWUATU

O

ne of the leading stock broking houses, Meristem Securities Limited, has unveiled an online stock trading platform, called Meritrade.

The online platform with Mobile apps will serve as a virtual stockbroking platform, helping users to trade stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from anywhere in the world.

Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Lagos, Mr. Oluwole Abegunde, Managing Director, Meristem Securities, disclosed that the innovation will offer investors control and convenience over their investments. According to him, ‘the Meritrade app will give users a unique experience, convenience and

control over their investments. Our customers can now trade and manage their investments 24 hours daily with their mobile devices without having to come to our office.’

In a keynote address at the launch, Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE, endorsed the Meritrade app as a reliable and convenient mode of trading on equities in Nigeria. He described the platform as an innovation that he is confident will encourage people from all walks of life, particularly the youth, including students, first time employees and civil servants to invest in stocks.

Onyema said ‘In June 2013, while discussing technology and some of the NSE’s pillar for growth, I mentioned Mobile and Online trading as part of the next wave in our business

development efforts. This position is rooted on the NSE’s realisation that the securities industry is largely driven by technology. Speed, accessibility and robustness of technology systems are critical success factors of modern trading and the Meritrade platform has been demonstrated as one that provides the aforementioned.’

While presenting the product overview, Mrs. Gbadunola Sokunbi, Divisional Head Stockbroking, Meristem Securities, said the app will allow investors buy and sell shares and bonds from as low as N50, 000. She explained that “To be eligible, interested people should have access to internet, an active e-mail address, an operational bank account, a moderate understanding of the stock market and a stockbroking account with Meristem Securities.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 23

Irrigation key to national food security — Perm Sec P

ERMANENT Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr Dauda Abdullahi has said that harnessing the nation’s irrigation potential was the key to its food security.

Abdullahi, who said this in Bauchi, added that it would be difficult for the country to meet its food needs by depending on rainfall.

He said that farmers who planted after the first rains, might lose everything as their plants are withering due to the lack of rains. “This has been the trend for the past few years as the effects of climate change continue to adversely affect the country ’s agriculture sector.

With climate change, everything is uncertain. We can no longer determine when the rain will commence and when it will cease. The only way out is irrigation.

“We really need to develop our irrigation system, if we intend to explore our agricultural potential,“ he

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (middle) flanked by J. Chris Toe, Senior Advisor for Country Strategies Policy, Programme and Innovation Division of World Food Programme (left) and Felix B. F. Gomez, Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa, during the visit of World Food Programme’s team to the minister in Abuja. said.

He said that embracing irrigation would improve the nation’s agricultural output

and conveniently feed the country. Abdullahi said that Bauchi State had 182,000 hectares of land suitable for

irrigation, adding that so far, only 15,000 of that land was being explored.

“If farmers do not adopt the

FG flags off dry season farming in Niger

By WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA- In its effort to boost food production in the country, the federal government has formerly flagged of this year’s (2014) dry season farming in Niger state. The flag off took place at the Tungan Kawo dam and Irrigation project farm land.

Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe said the dry season farming more than ever before will be taken more seriously in an effort to guarantee all year farming to further boost food production in the country.

She noted that Agriculture in the country had been over dependent on rainfall adding that henceforth, government has taken a new step to revive dry season farming as a way of encouraging an all year farming and subsequently providing jobs for the jobless and also boosting food production in the country.

Mrs. Ochekpe noted that the role of her ministry in the revitalization of the Agriculture sector cannot be overemphasized saying, “ my ministry and that of Agricul-

ture are partners in progress because without water, there cannot be Agriculture and food production and that is why my ministry has decided to transform the Agrarian community into Agro base Economy.” The Managing Director, Upper

Niger River Basin Development Authority, Professor Paul Marley in his speech said the dry season farming is part of the federal government Agricultural Transformation Agenda in the area of food security and that all steps will be taken to

accomplish the task.

He described the Tungan Kawo Dam and Irrigation project as multi-purpose to farmers and inhabitants of the surrounding villages pointing out that the reservoir alone provides enough water for the irrigation of a

use of irrigation systems, then the issue of food security will always remain a thorn in the flesh for the nation. Irrigation is the way to go. If we want to talk about serious agriculture, then farmers should embrace irrigation.”

Abdullahi said that in a bid to encourage irrigation farming in the state, the Gov. Isa Yuguda ledadministration was supporting farmer with subsidised inputs.

“The state is providing farmers with subsidised irrigation water pumps, fertiliser, seeds, agro chemicals and farm machinery services as well as agricultural extension services.”

The permanent secretary said that this year, the state government approved the purchase of 60,000 bags of fertiliser to be sold to the farmers at N3,000 per bag, adding that distribution would soon commence. The Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BASDP) is also providing training for dry season farmers in the state to equip them with the needed techniques to improve their efficiency.’’

Abdullahi called on dry season farmers to always seek professional advice from agricultural extension officers and other professionals to optimise their production potential.

gross area of 900 hectares with the advantage of double cropping with not less than 1,800 hectares put to rice cultivation annually by about 900 farmers which is expected to yield 5,400 tones of paddy rice.

United Nations calls for pro-family farming policies

U

nited Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon and FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva has appealed to governments to boost support to the world’s small-scale family farmers in order to win the fight against hunger.

Ban said the International Year of Family Farming being celebrated in 2014 called “for commitments” in a message relayed by Graziano da Silva to the Global Forum and Expo on Family Farming in Budapest.

“Governments can empower family farmers, especially women and youth, by creating policies conducive to equitable and sustainable rural development,” Ban said. “This includes better infrastructure to reduce the amount of food lost after harvest when small-scale producers are unable to store, process and transport their goods.”

The UN Secretary-General also

encouraged public and private lenders to provide vital financial services such as credit and insurance. Ban warned that small-scale family farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change events such as extreme weather, droughts and floods.

Pro-family farming policies In his address to the forum, Graziano da Silva echoed the UN SecretaryGeneral in urging governments to adopt explicitly pro-family farming policies.

He underlined that family farmers, fisher folk, forest-dependent people, pastoralists and traditional and indigenous communities are key for food security in most countries but at the same time are among the world’s most vulnerable populations.

A recent study of 93 countries shows that family farms account for over 90 percent of all farm holdings, he told the forum. Family farmers also manage

most of the world’s farm land, including 63 percent in Europe, he said. “Apart from producing a high proportion of the food we eat, family farmers are by far the biggest source of employment in the world,” the Director-General stressed, adding that they are also the guardians of the world’s agro-biodiversity and natural resources.

Land grab threats Graziano da Silva underlined the importance of protecting family farmers from rising threats to their traditional access to land posed by insecurity and land grabbing.

The Committee on World Food Security ’s approved Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure as well as its Principles on Responsible Agricultural Investments currently being negotiated are of great importance to keep these threats in check, he said.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

I N S I D E

PDPGF: Mixed fortunes at one

After the centenary celebrations:

What next?

PAGE 29

PAGE 26

Edo: The stalemate in Esan Nor th-Eas North-Eas th-Eastt PAGE 28

2114: When OBJ, Atiku, Jonathan's heirs met

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

I

T was an unprecedented gathering in the pristine Nigerian capital, Abuja that Monday morning in the first week of February, 2114. President Laide Uba was flanked by all six governors of Nigeria in the newly refurbished inner office of the president. All four living past presidents of the Nigerian federation were also in attendance at the historic gathering in the presidential villa. Dr. Ifeoma Saraki, governor of Middle Belt Nigeria was the star of the gathering.

Mrs. Saraki had made Nigerians in all parts of the world very proud after leading a team of Middle Belt Nigerians on a remarkable trip to the moon that broke travel time to the lunar surface to under 18 hours. She had returned to earth in an airship that landed in Escravos, South South State, SSS, the region that was formerly known as the Niger Delta region.

Following her return, Governor Saraki had briefed President Uba on her escapade on the moon using a mobile phone for the purpose of secrecy. Though mobile phones had gone out of fashion at the middle of the last century, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, NIA had sustained a network for secret government communications even after the last mobile network in the country, Naijacom had closed shop in 2048.

As she sauntered in that Monday morning, Governor Saraki had proceeded straight to the inner office of the president where President Uba on sighting her immediately rushed to embrace her. As they held each other, Governor Saraki handed over to the president a briefcase which she had not allowed to leave her presence since her remarkable return from the moon a week ago.

As she handed over the case, the two women who were grinning from ear to ear giggled, sparking some amusement

around others in the office.

The last time a physical meeting of the National Council of State took place was more than 23 years ago in 2097 during the administration of the last female President of the country, Mrs. Augusta Atiku-Jonathan.

Following the rumpus that shadowed her tenure, it had almost become accepted that it would take another 50 years before Nigerians elected another female president. But within half of that estimated time, Ms Uba broke the taboo as she was elected in 2112.

Historic meeting Besides Atiku-Jonathan, three former presidents were also on hand for the historic meeting that also had the five other governors of the Nigerian federation in attendance.

Governor Ifeoma Saraki, originally from Biafra Nigeria had married into the legendary politically astute family of the

Sarakis 15 years ago, and quickly brought beauty and brains towards the development of Middle Belt Nigeria that was now the economic nerve centre of the country.

Lagos, the onetime commercial capital had over time lost colour and content in the economic shaping of the country. Also depreciated in economic value was the once boisterous Niger Delta region now formally known as the SSS. The region had lost its economic vitality after the drying up of her oil wells. An exception was Delta Province in the SSS which brimmed with economic activity like an oasis in the desert. One of the last men to have governed the state before the Great Restructuring of the federation, Emmanuel Uduaghan, had the foresight of pushing the state out of dependence on oil revenue with an economic and political blueprint styled as Delta Beyond Oil. Indeed, just about 80 years ago when Nigeria was more than half

dependent on oil revenue, only few would have believed that the middle belt section of the country would one day become the economic power house of the nation.

Governor Saraki was, however, not aloof to the fact that she was only part of the success story.

Natural resource was also part of the story. The Middle Belt had become the world centre for tiban production. Tiban, itself, had become the metal of choice for the viewnet, the communication system that replaced the internet in 2050.

Following Nigeria’s leading edge in viewnet technology, it had been adopted during the presidency of former President Augusta Atiku-Jonathan that all future meetings would be by viewnet given the attainment of uninterrupted power supply in the country in 2047.

With viewnet, one did not need computers, a now obsolete electronic device that was the platform upon which the internet was based. When the internet emerged from the United States about 130 years ago, it had fascinated mankind at that time with the revolution it brought in communication, entertainment, technology and many other fields of human endeavour. But all that seemed history today with the viewnet, a technology that communicated human presence in 3D without the encumbrance of software technology. One could be in one location and appear full body in another location through viewnet.

Leading lights Remarkably, Nigeria and indeed, Middle Belt Nigeria, was at the centre of the technology and scientists, business-techs as they were now called, from the United States, China, Russia, Israel were all flocking to Middle Belt Nigeria to transact business with the Nigerians who were the leading lights in the new technology. The Middle-Belt was in every way comparable to the Silicon Valley, the portion of territory in the San Francisco Bay region in the United States where several innovations that drove the technology of the internet were churned out more than a century ago. Besides her leading edge

Continues on page 28

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—25

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano).

They were also joined by 37 PDP members of the House of Representatives. And now, 11 PDP senators have also defected to the APC and the matter, which is still in court, is yet to be fully trashed out as Senate President David Mark refused to read their defection letter on the floor of the Senate.

Mixed fortunes: Looking at the

W

HEN the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDPGF) was established on February 24, 2013, it emerged on Nigeria’s political horizon as a child of circumstance facing an uncertain future.

It came at the time that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) was waxing strong as a united body and keeping the Presidency on its toes on matters affecting the states, the governors themselves and the polity.

Then, the frosty relations between the Chairman of the NGF, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and the Presidency was inching towards the frozen point. Amaechi was then bent on retaining the headship of the NGF as opposed to popular opinion in the Presidency.

Also, the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was then contending with a political tsunami with a section of the party going for the jugular of then National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The PDPGF was born amid this hay sack of challenges, raising apprehensions over whether or not it could help the party surmount the challenges.

One year after, a peep into the activities of the Governor Godswill Akpabio-led PDPGF and happenings in the PDP shows that the forum has reaped mixed fortunes.

With 23 governors at inception, Akpabio, during his inaugural remarks when he visited the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP under Tukur said the PDPGF was not formed to challenge the NGF but to strengthen the forum, make PDP governors speak with one voice and stop the forum from operating as a trade union in constant fisticuffs with the Federal Government.

Initial hurdles The first hurdles the PDPGF faced included the NGF crisis and the governors’ opposition to Tukur, which had snowballed into some PDP governors losing control of the state exco of the party in their states.

Apart from picking holes in the manner Tukur was running the party and seeking his removal through complaints to President Goodluck Jonathan, the governors’ opposition to Tukur started before the March 27, 2012 National Convention, where he was elected with Jonathan’s backing. Some governors had opposed Tukur’s election but the president had his way after much pressure. And therein the seed of discord was sown between the PDP chairman and some governors.

The discord played out in Tukur’s home state of Adamawa

•Mu'azu: Pushing for reconciliation

•Akpabio: Pledges support for Mu`azu

PDP GF:

Mixed fortunes at one where the state executive loyal to Governor Murtala Nyako was dissolved in 2012. Nyako had the support of some of his brother governors and before long the gulf widened with some aggrieved PDP governors playing the role of the opposition against their party. In fact, one of them vowed to remain in PDP and help bury the party The crises played out in the NGF leading to factionalisation of the forum with Amaechi leading a faction and Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State leading the other.

Reconciliatory meetings Apart from Amaechi and Nyako, the other aggrieved PDP governors were those of Kano, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara. They later emerged as G7 governors. Initially, their battles were being prosecuted through the NGF, chaired by Amaechi.

Thus, after its formation, the first task before the Akpabio-led forum was to quickly arrest the drift in the party by seeking cohesion among its ranks.

To show its seriousness, the PDPGF prevailed on the NWC to rescind the suspension placed on the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, took part in the series of reconciliatory meetings to resolve the steaming crises ravaging the party and helped in working out layers of reconciliation agreements.

However, it could not get a reversal of a similar suspension placed on Amaechi as the matter was already in court.

The deepening crisis reached a climax on August 31, 2013 during the Special National convention in Abuja. The aggrieved members left the

convention ground to another venue where they birthed New PDP (nPDP) and dished out a series of conditions for peace to return.

The conditions include: President Jonathan should not recontest in 2015, Tukur should be removed as PDP chairman, an order from the President stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating them, resolution of the NGF crisis in favour of Amaechi, resolution of the Adamawa and Rivers crises as well as the demand that governors must be made to control party structures in the states.

President Jonathan refused to interfere in the job of the EFCC. He promised to refer some of the requests to the party hierarchy for consideration and told the nPDP that the request to remove Tukur as national chairman could only be carried out by the National Convention.

Following a court ruling voiding the existence of the nPDP

as a faction of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) recognition of the Tukur-led PDP, the PDP hierarchy bared its fangs. It viewed the actions of the aggrieved members as anti-party activities and set up a disciplinary committee to look into the issues.

However, 24 hours to the sitting of the PDP national disciplinary committee headed by former Transport Minister, Dr. Umaru Dikko, to examine various petitions and charges levied against the nPDP’s former chairman, Kawu Baraje, former Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Deputy National Chairman (NorthWest), Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, the five former PDP governors announced their defection to APC at the Kano State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.

Governors, who defected to APC were Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa),

activities of the PDPGF so far, it is obvious that it has stopped the PDP governors from being part of the opposition to the PDP-led Federal Government even though it failed to stop five of its seven aggrieved governors from leaving for the APC. In essence, from 23 members it had at inception, there are only 18 PDP governors now. Having failed to prevent the G5 from leaving, a question on the lips of observers now is can the PDPGF maintain the required unity that informed its formation in 2013? The rash of defections also meant that the PDP no longer has clear majority in the House of Representatives.

However, the PDPGF has ensured the elevation of five governors to the party’s national caucus. Those elevated are Governors Akpabio, Theodore Orji, Gabriel Suswam, Isa Yuguda and Emmanuel Uduaghan. After a long tussle, it also succeeded in getting Tukur out of office leading to the emergence of former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as PDP national chairman.

Speaking at PDP NEC where Mu’azu emerged, Akpabio said it was the first time the party was getting a national chairman whose nomination was proposed by his home state governor. He assured Mu'azu of the governor's support and cooperation because ''we don’t want to lose more governors, instead we want to gain.''

Can the PDPGF foster cooperation and harmony in the PDP, halt the defection of governors, lawmakers and chieftains at all levels, get most of the defectors to return, etc?

These are questions that will be answered with time.

2114: When OBJ, Atiku, Jonathan's heirs met Continues from page 24 in viewnet technology, Middle Belt Nigeria had also become a leading global centre in interferon research. After decades, biochemists working from Middle Belt Nigeria had finally pierced through to prove the wonders of interferon as a panacea for most human medical problems.

Seated in the room quietly piercing through his mobile viewnet device was Senator Ojone Mark, the president of the Senate. Senator Mark and the president of the federation

shared some sort of history.

Nearly 100 years ago before the restructuring of Nigeria, the Senate President’s great grandfather, Senator David Alechenu Mark, who also occupied the post of Senate President in Nigeria had with his then politically savvy deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, been at the centre of the crisis that followed the attempt by opponents of the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to frustrate him from achieving a second term. Before his ascension as Senate President, that Senator David

Mark now long dead, had become something like a phenomenon in Nigeria, having been a successful military politician who was famed for his prowess in surviving many military purges before he met his match in the person of one General Sani Abacha, a military figure who according to records, was one of the most brutal rulers in Nigeria’s history.

David Mark, it was alleged, seamlessly flowed into the political setting and became a senator when the military Continues on page 28

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Edo: The stalemate in Esan North East CONTROVERSY arising from the election of a new Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, home base of the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih and also, the minister of works, Arc. Mike Onolememen, allegedly one of the contenders for the PDP's gubernatorial ticket in 2016 are unending. Penultimate week, the tribunal ordered a rerun sparking different reactions from the two major parties in the State, the All Progressives Congress and the PDP. In seperate reactions, the spokesmen of the two parties gave their reactions to the development.

We were robbed — PDP PDP is crying wolf— APC

PHARMACIST Matthew Urhoghide is the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this brief telephone interview, he spoke on his party’s position on the recent Edo State Local Government Tribunal judgment which ordered a rerun in the Esan North – East local government election, insisting that the PDP candidate should have been declared out right winner of the election

•Urhogide

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

W

HAT is your take on the tribunal’s judgment which ordered a re-run election of the Esan North East local government election?

The judgment that was delivered by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal following the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State was accepted by us with some mixed feelings. That was not the type of judgment that we expected because the people of Esan North –East local government came out in their numbers to vote and give their mandate to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr. John Yakubu for his brilliant past performances.

However, the All Progressive Congress (APC) using the instrumentality of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission

(ENSIEC) and its chairman, Mr. Solomon Ogor who should defend the outcome of the election awarded victory to the APC candidate, Mr. Sam Oboh. It was after this robbery that we headed to the tribunal not minding that it was the APC government that established the tribunal. We thought that the tribunal will give judgment in our favour but Edo people who heard the judgment were disappointed. Firstly, Sam Oboh in his heart of hearts knows that he did not win the local government election.

The figures declared by EDSIEC were written and announced in Benin by the APC for EDSIEC to declare because they were still collating results of the votes cast in the election in Uromi when EDSIEC announced the results in Benin. All the people that were with EDSIEC including the returning Officer abandoned their duty posts and the collating process at Uromi and unfortunately, they left behind each of the Returning Officers in the Wards.

It was these Returning Officers for the eleven Wards that went ahead to collates the votes, issued the results and certificate of Returns to the Councillors that were declared winners of the elections in the Wards.

The tribunal gave the APC and EDSIEC soft landing against the overwhelming evidence that John Yakubu won the election.

It is an injustice because Yakubu ought to have been declared the winner.

Will you participate in any future election in the local government after all due judicial process has been followed?

We are going to appeal against the judgment even if the APC said that it would.

We are going for the election and EDSIEC is not credible enough to conduct a free and fair election; it should be supervised on how to conduct a free and fair election.

COMRADE Godwin Erhahon is the interim State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State. In this brief interview on the tribunal judgment on the outcome of the chairmanship election in Esan North- East local government area, saying that the judgment has demonstrated that the government do not interfere with EDSIEC

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

W

HAT is the position of your party on the Edo State Election petitions Tribunal on the chairmanship election in Esan North – East which declared a re-run of the election?

First, as a law abiding party, as a promoter of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, we take the judgment as it is. But thank God that we have the right to appeal, so we are appealing against the judgment.

But we want to assure everybody that whatever comes out from the appeal, the final judgment, we shall obey because we believe in the rule of law.

However, what we want our people to realize is that this is a lesson for the PDP, that a tribunal set up by an APC government was able to rule against our party. This is a clear manifestation that our government does not interfere with the duties of the judiciary; this shows how law abiding we are, we accept it as it is and we promise that we shall appeal and at the end what the judgment is we shall abide.

In other words you are appealing because you are not satisfied with the judgment..

Yes, because we have doubt about the propriety of the judgment, but at the end of the day, we shall abide whatever the court decides.

The only ground of the tribunal judgment was that the results of the election ought to have been announced at Uromi and not Benin.

What is your take on this?

Those are areas that our team of legal practitioners will address at the proper time.

•Erhahon: We are also appealing the judgment Whatever that is decided, we shall abide and now that we said that we are going on appeal, we don’t want to make any comment that will be pre-judicial to the appeal that we are going top make.

What is your perception of that election generally?

As for the election, generally we believe that EDSIEC has credibility and whatever they announced; we trusted and relied upon it.

So, for now we have no cause to doubt the integrity of EDSIEC until we get to the Appeal Court.

2114: When OBJ, Atiku, Jonathan's heirs met Continues from page 25 government that took over from Abacha instituted the Fourth Republic about 113 years ago. In the Senate, Mark was reputed to have also become a phenomenon, shoveling out Senate Presidents not to his liking or that of his political leader, the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

President Uba even though a direct relation of Obasanjo, had for most of her life muddled her relationship to the former president who ruled Nigeria over

100 years ago.

Her big secret was only uncovered by her political rival just before the last election of 2112. Her rival had traced her linage to Ms Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of President Obasanjo who herself shook Nigeria at the end of 2013 with a letter where she described her father as an ego driven, self centred manipulator of men who never cared for her children or grandchildren. It was an open letter which came to light when Vanguard Newspaper, one of the

oldest surviving multimedia channels, published the letter when it still printed newspapers.

It was a scandal as Vanguard published it even before the letter got to the father.

An attempt by Uba’s rival to taunt her with the issue quickly bounced back as the public identified with her greatgrandmother’s action, calling her a patriot for severing family relations for the betterment of the country.

Now 100 years later, a descendant of President Obasanjo was president of the

country and another descendant of Senator Mark was Senate President, but then under a much more stable political entity.

Seated by herself and obviously burdened by age was former President Atiku-Jonathan 75, the grand-daughter of one of the powerful politicians who trudged the Nigerian political space almost a century ago. Though she only knew her famed grandfather, Atiku Abubakar as a toddler before he passed on, she had nevertheless inherited many of her grandfather’s famed

political skills and potentials for organisation.

Before the internet faded away at the middle of the last century, she remembered searching through what was known as the world wide web to read tales of how her father had got the better of his political contemporaries and fought her husband’s own grandfather, President Goodluck Jonathan to a political standstill in the last election before the restructuring of the country in 2017.

Continues on page 28

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 27

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

T

HE superbly organized celebrations to mark the 100 years of amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate to form Nigeria have just ended in a justified mild form. The Federal Government and the people of Nigeria should be congratulated for the success of the spectacular ‘Remembrance‘ inspite of unstable security environment and the constant threats to the stability of the Naira from the greedy importers with insatiable demand for foreign goods.

It is also to the credit of the Federal Government that certain names came out for honouring, including that of Lugard who performed the real amalgamation in 1914 and his fiancée, Miss Shaw, who coined the beautiful name – NIGERIA. The Queen of England also deserved great honour as a representative of a small nation that had managed a great country of many nations successfully for more than a century.

It is of great note that Nigeria‘s past leaders were honoured in spite of their diverse but often contradictory contributions to the unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria. The heroes of Nigerian Independence, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto; Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa were duly recognized for their heroic past. Of course, their modern successors (alive) – Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief (Gen) Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen Muhammad Buhari, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Ernest Shonekan received their certificates of Honour through the grace and good luck of President Ebele Jonathan.

It is also interesting to note that many distinguished Nigerians for political and personal reasons, could not accept their deserving honours in a politically insecure environment. Some analysts could not but recollect the peace that prevailed before amalgamation in 1914. The Sokoto Caliphate has been subdued in 1963 by the British forces which also bombarded Ijebu and Oyo towns between 1902 and 1906, thus bringing North and South under the British control.

After the centenary celebrations:

What next?

It is sad to recollect that the seeds of the current problems of disunity, especially between the Northern and the Southern parts of the country were sown decades ago by past leaders who sadly were unable to repair the damage before their demise.

The Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello was always lamenting the mistake of 1914 that, •gLord Lugard and the amalgamation were far from popular among us at that time. There were agitations in favour of succession; we should set up on our own. We should cease to have everything to do with the Southern people. We should take to our own way•h.

Also on the Federal level, Sir Tafawa Balewa who was once the Prime Minister of Nigeria harboured some fear of Southern people of Nigeria as could be inferred from his speech in the Northern House of Assembly, Kaduna in 1952. He was reported to have said that, ‘the Southern people who are storming into this region daily in large numbers are really intruders. We don‘t want them and they are not welcome in the North. Since the amalgamation in 1914, the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people are different in every way including religion, custom, language and aspiration. The fact that we‘re all Africans might have misguided the British

Government. We here in the North, take it that ‘Nigerian unity‘ is not for us.

Unfortunately, Sardaunna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Tafawa Balewa – the trusted leaders of the North were assassinated in the 1966 coup led by misguided military officers of Southern origin. That sad event that caused bitter revenges and deaths of many Southerners, especially the Ibos, was the reason for the civil war (1967-1970). Though the war ended with the slogan of •gNo conqueror, no vanquished•h the vestiges of mistrust and bitterness persist until today.

In political perspectives, the mistrust of the North (old North) against the South should be viewed against past events which the present generation of leaders (below sixty years of age) are unable to fully understand and analyse and which older generations are too involved to be neutral. Even the civil war hero, General Yakubu Gowon could not suppress the primordial view in his speech after the 1966 coup and counter coups when he said that the basis for the unity of the country was not there.

In the South, nobody would mistake Chief Awolowo for a true messiah of one Nigeria. His mission was to make the Yoruba nation united, strong and prosperous. He was successful in his chosen assignment in making the Western Region an envy of other regions in terms

of efficient administration and party organization before 1960. However, his exploits in federal arena after Independence ended in dismal failure and he was jailed in 1962 for treasonable offences.

His role as Commissioner for Finance during the Civil War cast him in the unfamiliar mould of a ‘murderer‘ in the eyes of many Ibo people. He was accused of ‘genocide‘ and even after many years of peace, he remained an implacable enemy of the ‘Biafrans‘. Chief Awolowo died in 1987 after two unsuccessful attempts in 1979 and 1983 to become President of Nigeria.

However, his advocacy of ‘Federalism‘ as the best answer to Nigeria‘s political problems remains sacrosanct.

It was Dr Azikiwe‘s oratorical talent that ignited the fire of nationalism in West Africa and his country, Nigeria. At home after toying with illusion of the concept of ‘One Nigeria‘, he became fully wedded to the principle of federalism as the best form of government in a plural society like Nigeria. Like the other two leaders, Dr. Azikiwe raised Eastern Region to a deserving height before descending into sinecure post of President in 1960 a position whose non-executive capacity was exposed during the election crisis of 1964.

The post Independent military leaders tried to enforce unity through a centralised form of government but scored little success because of entrenched ethnic and religious interests. Though the majority of military Heads of State were Northerners, they could not break the jinx of disunity compounded by economic problems, even with petro dollars flowing ceaselessly.

President Jonathan has a chance with the concept of National Dialogue to right the wrongs of the past and to engender trust between the North and the South, and also to ensure peaceful co-existence among the various nations within a United States of Nigeria. This is a greater assignment that would demand more energy than welcoming back into his party the defecting political mercenaries.

2114: When OBJ, Atiku, Jonathan's heirs met Continues from page 26 It had become a common joke between former President AtikuJonathan and her husband, Prof.

Daniel Jonathan, a lecturer at the University of Port-Harcourt, how their grandfathers fought each other over political ascendancy before the Great Restructuring.

Prof. Jonathan was a professor in the new field of POET, Post Oil Exploration Trauma, a field of psychology that focuses on the management of distresses in former oil producing areas of the Niger Delta whose oil fields had long dried up.

Anytime his wife brought up the issue, Jonathan often silenced his wife with his own anecdote of how his famed grandmother, Mrs. Patience Jonathan at the peak of the battle for her husband’s political survival commandeered presidential guards to Atiku Abubakar ’s mansion in Asokoro and personally locked up Atiku in his toilet until he called off a conspiracy by the All Progressives Congress, APC majority in the Senate to impeach her husband.

“But my grandmother locked up your grandfather in the toilet,” Prof. Jonathan would reply

with a dose of hilarity that often silenced his wife and former president. Not a few Nigerians often remarked that Prof.

Jonathan cut the image of his grandfather who according to history cut the picture of a man who could was often taken for granted. But such tales were often missed with exceptions of efficacious brutality as the case of the cavalier dismissal of a Central Bank governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who had for weeks harangued Jonathan’s government as a corrupt one.

Also present in the room was Chief Jibril Ekweremadu, governor of Biafra Nigeria whose ancestry flowed from a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Senator Ekweremadu was famed for his political wizardry a hundred years ago and was pivotal to the Great Restructuring of the Nigerian federation. The late Ekweremadu had in his time championed the single tenure campaign that finally brought a solution to the constitutional crisis triggered by the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek a second term in office 100 years ago.

•Nigeria Besides celebrating the successful return from the moon, the meeting was also called to brief the council on President Uba’s decision to apply laser beam warfare on rebels that had increasingly troubled the Nigerian federation from parts of South-South State and to brief the former leaders on plans for Nigeria’s 200th anniversary as a country.

From the creeks of SSS as the state was famously called, had emerged a terrorist group called SSS Brigade which terrorised parts of the state cutting off the tiban optic layers that was the framework for the viewnet technology.

Disruption of the transponders inevitably led to a disruption of viewnet network across parts of the SSS. A hundred years ago, the people of the region were known for their art in disrupting petroleum pipelines but following the drying up of onshore oil wells profits from such crimes had reduced. Even worse, the few oil wells available were of little value given the almost worthlessness of crude oil. With all vehicles powered by electricity, oil wells that were 100 years ago famed as an automatic step to fortune had become a burden. Those who now owned oil wells maintained them only for historic research or kept them for antiquity.

As the meeting began, President Uba brought out from beneath her desk, the briefcase she had received earlier from Governor Saraki to unfold an ash tainted flag of the United States.

“All of you gathered here hold a secret you must hold to your graves as what you see here is something that could lead to a

war between us and the United States.”

Continuing, she said: “Even though we would not like to flaunt our new powers, it would not be good for us to be seen in the international community as a bully, even though as a female president I wouldn’t mind to be seen as the president of Nigeria bullying the once powerful United States.”

The president then went on to tell the gathering how Governor Saraki in her mission to the moon had taken away the flag of the United States where it had been planted by the last U.S. Apollo Mission to the moon about 140 years ago.

In the place of the United States flag, the Nigerian green white green had been posted to claim ownership of the spot believed to be the best position to launch manned missions to outer space and other planets.

“Now, let us talk about our plans for a peaceful 200th anniversary given the fact that our country’s 100th anniversary was overshadowed with the shedding of the blood of school children by a group of terrorists in the Northeast,” the president said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—29

We'll ensure Nigerians obtain visas through right channels—Ono Okeregha, IAS Director For the Director, Immigration Advice Service, IAS, Barr. Ono Okeregha, JP, the need to reduce the likelihood of mass visa denial, through proper guidance on visa documentations, and or immigration advice to individuals who seek various categories of visas to migrate to countries of choice abroad, is essentially important. Incorporated in the United Kingdom to provide professional visa assistance to immigrants, IAS has since inception, according to Ono Okeregha, left no stone unturned in ensuring that applicants achieve their desired dreams.

A lawyer and solicitor, Ono in this interview, shares IAS’ commitment towards improved visa service delivery through his dynamic leadership. Excerpts;

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAMDURU

A

IMS and objectives of Immigration Advise Service, IAS?

IAS objectives include providing quality, competent, professional assistance to Nigerians intending to obtain visas to enter the UK either for family reasons, visits, business or to study.

We also assist them with information concerning the type of visa they seek and how to properly document their applications to suit the desired visa type prior to departing the shores of

•Ono Okeregha...no issue with touts Nigeria.

Is IAS incorporated in Nigeria?

IAS is incorporated in the United Kingdom and operates all over the world. It will be incorporated in Nigeria this year.

We are proudly working in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in London to provide advice to Nigerians in the UK to assist them to settle in the UK and also bring family members from Nigeria Embassies you process visa applications for?

Presently, we process visa applications for UK only, and other countries

ments presented by visa applicants are fraudulent?

IAS officials do not operate with such mindset and are not in other words responsible for decision taken on applicant’s visa application.

The burden of proof is on the embassy to prove that a document is fraudulent and not on the application to prove that it is genuine.

Operating hours and number of applications processed weekly?

IAS operates 24 hours and applications that we process weekly are in hundreds, owing to the fact that we have qualified and committed officials who put in their best to ensure that applicants get unalloyed service delivery.

Success rate?

I am optimistic and proud to say that IAS has over 95 per cent success rate and this we have achieved through perseverance

Recently, we paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commissioner in the UK, Ambassador Tafida and intimated our aim to assist majority of Nigerians navigate the complex UK immigration laws are in process.

Challenges encountered while dealing with Nigerian visa applicants?

One of our main objectives is to convince Nigerians that visas can be obtained through the right channels by applying directly through IAS to the British High Commission rather than using dubious agents.

Do you also experience issue of touts?

No. We never had any issue of touts parading our environs and trying to pose themselves as IAS officials to defraud applicants.

Our clients are safe and we ensure utmost protection.

Do you operate with the mindset that most docu-

and dedication. IAS services are affordable and more likely to achieve a visa than those of dubious agents and touts that abound in Nigeria.

Recently, we paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commissioner in the UK, Ambassador Tafida and intimated our aim to assist majority of Nigerians navigate the complex UK immigration laws. IAS would be undertaking a monthly immigration clinic at Nigeria House to commence in February 2014 where people with immigration issues in the UK will receive free consultation on their matters.

The IAS and the High Commission pledged to continue to work together and will continue to explore avenues to improve information and access to decent, competent and profession.

Interestingly, Ambassador Tafida was delighted to involve IAS in his planned Town Hall Meetings with Nigerians in major cities in the UK where he intends to attend to immigration queries from Nigerians in the UK.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 31

I N S I DE: Fire on the mountain:

Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Jegede on same set

My hubby can marry more than one wife if he wishes — Foluke Daramola B

usty Yoruba actress, Foluke Daramola remarried last year amid controversy after her first marriage to her exhusband, Mr Sobowale crashed. Though, she was accused of being responsible for the sudden collapse of the marriage of a female pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Olubunmi, as she went ahead to get married to the woman’s husband, Kayode Salako. But in this interview, Daramola, set the record straight, wondering why any man would want to drive away his ex-wife because of another woman. She also explains why they are not in a hurry to have more children.

AYO ONIKOYI You recently celebrated one year of your marriage, how has it been?

I can’t just thank God enough for bringing my ‘crown’, Olukayode Ezekiel Salako to my life. He has made me a contented and complete woman.I feel the best I can feel in life, I am very delighted and happy for having one of the best men of our time as my hubby.

•Foluke Daramola

C M Y K

In one of your Blackberry posts, you said people could not believe your marriage would last a year: why?

Yes. That was what I posted. The reason for that is simply because of the controversy that surrounded our marriage and another reason is the general belief that celebrities, especially the ladies, don’t

sustain their marriages. So, our marriage lasting a year is a sign that haters and critics got it all wrong about us and are shocked and surprised to see us growing stronger everyday.

What’s the difference between this marriage and your previous one?

Firstly, I was very naive and immature in my first marriage. I will say, I was desperate because many of my friends were getting married then and I thought marriage was the ‘in-thing’, so, I guess I didn’t really know who and what I was going into.

But this one is based on spiritual conviction,true love, deep and mature understanding between two adults in love, ready to be together forever. We have both been married before and I guess that helped us to love and appreciate each other.

What do you love most about him?

What I love about my hubby most is his generosity,his heart and the fact that my husband is very clean in all he does. My hubby doesn’t do shady deals or things that would not dignify a responsible man, and Kayode has conscience in all he does.

He’s the definition of the kind of man I will love to have in my life again and again. He’s also a very intelligent and hard-working young man and he’s an expressionist. When you offend my hubby and he’s upset with you,he just spills it out and that’s it, he will even forget you guys ever had issues in a matter of hours.

Though Kayode can assert himself sometimes like most men do or tend to Continues on page 32

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

My hubby can marry more than one wife Continues from page 31 nag but in all, I thank God because he’s very kind-hearted and a good man.

Our readers will want to know how you and Mr Salako met and got hooked?

We never started out as lovers. We are both activists,my platform is called AARA, Action Against Rape in Africa,and he runs Fasholamania platform and Change Agents of Nigeria, he was just starting Change Agents of Nigeria and he needed a popular face to identify with the platform and I was introduced to him by a casual friend of both of us that knew what we both do in activism. We met and we discovered we have a lot in common, and the rest is history.

There is, or was a general notion that he chased his wife away because of you?

It’s not something I want to discuss, because my husband has told me sternly not to discuss his former marriage on the pages of newspapers.

He’s capable of marrying more than one wife if he so wishes, so, I don’t see how or why he has to chase his wife out for me. Besides, did he chase her or she left of her own volition? or then, should I say the person my ex hubby is married

to chased me out of my former home as well? Well, I decided to walk out of my former matrimonial home for personal reasons. I don’t know much about my hubby’s ex wife’s issue, he is in the best position to talk about that, though, sadists and people that are just out to look for people to join them in their misery will always want to drag my name in what’s not my business and can never be my business.

My hubby is very capable of taking care of his personal business and he is doing that to the best of my knowledge.

He has a perfect relationship with his ex and his children and we have a wonderful relationship too,so people should just mind their business and leave us alone.

Are you going to have more children after your own two kids and your husband’s children?

We are both not in a hurry, because we have five already; my hubby has three and I have two and they go to quite expensive schools. We are not under any competition for kids, even if we are going to have kids, it’s not an immediate plan,it will be later when we are both good and ready for it. For now, our focus is to give the ones we have quality lives and expand our businesses and do our humanitarian works which we believe very much in. Furthermore, I have to further my education with a doctorate degree.

*Foluke Daramola with hubby, Kayode Salako

Ho w KS A, D’Banj, Y emi How KSA Yemi Sax dazzled at Glo Evergreen Series

BY AYO ONIKOYI

I

t was a night of regal performance as Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA), Koko Master Dapo ‘D’banj’ Oyebanjo and Sax Specialist, Yemi Sax thrilled Lagos socialites and other premium guests to a grand 7-star performance at the KSA edition of the Glo Evergreen Series on Friday at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos.The KSA edition of the Evergreen Series was anchored by ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, who set the tone for the evening with his hilarious, rib-cracking jokes.

Yemi Sax was the first artiste on stage, and he amply serenaded guests with classic tunes as he blew away on his golden saxophone.

KSA was next, and his band members did a good job of paving the way for the Juju music king. They blended their rhythmic drum beats, guitar strings, and firm, yet melodious percussion to produce splendid vibes that evoked some African spiritualism.

He started with “Eku Ikale” a track which formally welcomed guests to the show before running through his popular numbers. Joined by sexy female dancers, KSA launched into a thanksgiving song, “Mafowo yin e logo,” in appreciation to God for his colourful career. He cruised smoothly into his next song, “Great to serve the Lord,” with himself and the rest of his ensemble giving a salute, before moving on to “I have a very big God.” “Alade ma Gbo,” “Call me, that’s my number,” were some of the other hits delivered by the legend.

Yemi Sax, picked up the show from where KSA stopped and he didn’t disappoint as he blew the saxophone dexterously, and played soothing, classic oldies to the immense delight of guests.

Even before he appeared, there were different chants of ‘Koko Master,’ ‘Entertainer,’ ‘Banga Lee,’ ushering unto stage D’Banj, who strode gallantly to the stage. Ever the showman, D’ Banj flowed seamlessly into his performance with glitz and swagger, and some ‘kokolettes’ in the hall immediately joined him by swaying to his groove. From “Olurun maje o” to “Suddenly,” and “Mobolowo won,’ which KSA joined him to perform up stage, he performed several of his hit tracks in quick succession.

When his allotted time was drawing to an end and stage managers were signalling him to exit, D’banj asked for more by performing “Oliver Twist”. King Sunny Ade got a befitting ovation from the appreciative crowd as he came back on.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 33

Day Flavour shut down Gambia BENJAMIN NJOKU

R

eigning Nigeria’s highlife musician, Flavour Nabania recently shut down the neighbouring country of Gambia in a concert tagged, “Independence Flavour Concert” which held at the Banjul National Stadium in Gambia. The concert which was part of celebrations for Gambia’s 49th independence had about 7,000 people in attendance including Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie – Said, the Vice-President of Gambia and top government officials who thronged the venue to catch a glimpse of Flavour’s performance.The philanthropic musician did not stop there but seized the opportunity to make a donation to the Jammeh Foundation For Peace Orphanage where he donated education materials including exercise books, mathematical sets, stationery and school pack refreshments.

Flavour was received and hosted in an earlier ceremony by the Vice-President of Gambia.

Fire on the mountain:

Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Jegede on same set

By AYO ONIKOYI

S

usan Peters, who is having her first shot as a producer, may have made a big technical error by casting Yvonne Nelson alongside Yvonne Jedege on the set of her upcoming movie ‘Blind Promises’, presently shooting in Lekki area of Lagos. The two Yvonnes who have shown publicly they have no love lost for each other may find it hard working together on account of their beef and the resultant hot twitter exchanges they had last year. Reports have it that it was Jegede who drew the first blood when she tweeted “ Nothing annoys me more than when people see me and they start to sing ‘Yvonne Nelson, here is your medicine’, Get the name correct, it is Jegede”. She then threw the punchline in another tweet, saying “ When you say a good actress, you say Jegede; when you say attention-seeker; you say Nelson” Nelson got her pound of flesh by simply tweeting “Beautiful Little fool” Now, Susan Peters has got the Attention-seeker and the Beautiful Little Fool on set, working togetherto make her film a great one. The director of the movie is Desmond Elliot and he may have on his hands more than he can handle.

Wh on’t marr Whyy I w won’t marryy an ent er tainer —Chidinma enter ertainer

By KEHINDE AJOSE

C

hidinma Ekile , the self proclaimed Miss Kedike who clinched the winning prize at MTN’s Project Fame West Africa in 2010 is not a rookie when it comes to serenading her fans with her soulful voice. Chidinma who recently got herself another automobile opened up in a recent interview on why she won’t marry someone in the entertainment industry. In her words: “I can’t never marry an entertainer because we can’t be doing the same thing. It can’t be possible because I would rather date someone outside the industry’ she says.

Eldee loses new artiste ‘K9’

By IYABO AINA

L

anre Dabiri known as Eldee is one of Nigeria’s best artistes who has contributed to the growth and development of the music industry with his musical talent .

Though currently living between Nigeria and the United States, Eldee is still a household name both in Africa and in the African communities abroad. Latest news that went viral online disclosed that one of the artistes ‘K9’ who was under his Trybe Records has left the label. The multi-talented R&B artiste, and a terrific pop male vocalist, who was recently discovered in a Trybe Records’ talent hunt competition tagged ‘Top Talent’ where he emerged first runner-up, has apologised to his fans for being quiet for a while.While with the Eldee-led label, he released a hit single, ‘Kokoma’. He reportedly dumped Trybe Records because things were •Eldee allegedly not working out.

I can ne nevver

bleach my skin — Emma Nyra

By KEHINDE AJOSE

S

ensational and stunning artiste Emma Nyra signed on to Tripple MG recently revealed to WG her opinion on bleaching: “I can never bleach because I don’t believe in skin lightening. Entertainers who do it put themselves under serious health risks such as cancer” she declares. She also opens up on the reason why she featured Davido O in her new song ‘Elele’. According to her: “I featured Davido in ‘Elele’ because I wanted someone young and fresh like myself. Someone that would spice up the track and that’s exactly what he did”. On the reason why she supports female artistes like herself, she says :

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

I

With Isabella Akinseye

hope you have been enjoying your weekly dose of trailer reviews and hopefully, that has made you more interested in w a t c h i n g Nollywood movies.

From the look of things, 2014 is going to be a good year for the industry. Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in April while the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) will be back for its second edition in March. I can’t wait!

Our trailer for today is Udoka Oyeka’s Living Funeral which he coproduced with Orode Ryan-Okpu whose Pink Pearl Foundation has been quite active in the past few years in raising awareness of breast cancer.

For starters, the name ‘Living Funeral’ is not your everyday movie title. It is an oxymoron because for you to have a funeral, the person must be dead, right?

Well, we found out from our protagonist, a young girl in her early teens (Stephanie Wilson) early on in the trailer that her sister came up with the idea of a living funeral.

She is battling breast cancer and her sister thinks a living funeral will give her family the opportunity to celebrate her life and ease the shock of eventually losing her to the disease.

Novel! The way young people think these days.

This alone makes the movie different. It is not candy coating the realities. It is in-yourface-got-to-deal-with-itnow!

The cinematography and use of lighting further drives home the sadness associated with a disease like breast cancer as well as child loss. There is a black and white scene where we see the young girl head shaven and looking straight into the camera.

Her eyes are piercing and arrest you to listen to her and hear her story.

Another scene, this time in colour, we see her crying and the other half of the frame darkened.

These creative choices make for a more

•Tonto

Tont ans: ontoo ttoo ffans:

Stay away from tattoo!

Stories by AYO ONIKOYI

E Tr ailer R Reeview view::

Udoka Oyeka’s Living Funeral interesting viewing.

Thankfully, we get to see her when she looked different – like a normal girl and all made up. We also see the different stages of the disease including a scene where she is getting her hair cut (makes the whole thing authentic for me) and when she is wrapping a bandage around her chest (symbolising the loss of her breasts).

From the heart shattering dialogue to the medical props, the sense of loss and foreboding is clearly communicated. The hospital scene shows a sense of helplessness felt by her family. The background music is subtle and creates the right atmosphere.

Talking about music, we see a snapshot of Nigerian singer Omawumi on the microphone. It is hard to fault this piece of work, the only thing I would have done differently was to completely delete the quotes on loss or let

ffervescent actress, Tonto Dikeh, voted by Saturday Vanguard’s readers as the sexiest woman in Nollywood 2013 took to Instagram on Tuesday to warn her fans to stay off having tattoos.

Recounting her own ordeal, Tonto says “I am so addicted to the pain of tattoos. The fact is: stay away

… And Adokiy ants ttatt att oo so bad! wants attoo Adokiyee w

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them stay on the screen longer.

Kudos to the team Living Funeral for a good job well done and all the best at the 2nd AMVCAs, eight nominations is not a piece of cake. Good luck guys!

Verdict – Watch Living Funeral because it is different – technique wise and it also takes the dreaded subject of breast cancer from the eyes of a dying child.

Do you agree with me on this review? Let me have your thoughts, comments and suggestions. Send me an email isabella.akinseye@live.com Are you a filmmaker?

Do you want your trailer reviewed? Get in touch and keep reading; your work might just be next.

Isabella Akinseye is the founder of www.nollysilverscreen.com – a one stop shop for all lovers of Nigeria’s cinematic industry. We feature trailers, reviews, interviews, cinema listings, articles, videos and red carpet fashion.

from tattoo and don’t bother to have any, not even little because the moment you do, you keep on going for more”.

She posted pictures of herself writhing in agony and in tears as a tattoo artist worked mercilessly on her. ”I shed tears but at the end I knew I was doing something that means a lot to me, so I took the pains like it is nothing” she concluded her lamentation.

•Adokiye

avishingly sexy singer, Adokiye who once tacitly declared in a recent interview that she would never get a tattoo, saying “my mother will kill me if I do”, highlighting her Catholic background as part of the reasons why having a tattoo is out of the question for her has gone back on her words.

Just like Tonto, Adokiye chose the Instagram to express her desire, stating: “ I want to have my first tattoo! Please any idea on the part of my body to have it fixed on? Neck, wrist, back, ankle, arm, where?

Please your opinion is highly needed” When she was contacted by WG, why she is having the tattoo after telling the whole world her mother would kill her if she gets a tattoo, the singer jokingly said: “ I am a big girl now” in spite of the fact she gave the interview just some six months ago. What a time to have grown so big on your mum.

Adek ey e’s son se Adekey eye’s sett ttoo marr marryy T

he son of the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral GTA Adekeye (Rtd), Idris Olabode is set to walk his beautiful sweetheart, Aminat Aderonke, down the aisle very soon.

The first journey into matrimony began on Saturday, March 8th with a family introduction ceremony where the Admiral will lead his people to the Are’s residence at Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State to formally seek the hand of Aderonke in marriage to Olabode. Aminat Aderonke is the daughter of Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Rtd.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 35 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

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IGERIA based Digital Media Agency, Terragon Group, is part of the mobile revolutionists who are currently converging in Barcelona Spain, predicting the size and shape of the new world to come.

As different predictions are flying on what to expect with the bursting mobile revolutions, the Nigerian company through its Group MD, visitors at Terragon stand at the ongoing Mobile world congress in Barcelona, Spain visitors at Terragon stand at the ongoing Mobile world congress in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Elo Umeh has added its own voice.

It says that Mobile technology would be the next step in the marketing evolution and a definitive medium that would redefine the way brands interact and engage their target audiences in Africa.

Incidentally, Africa is a continent where over half of its inhabitants will access the internet for the first time on the mobile device.

Umeh’s prediction is based

Mobile tech changing Brands, consumer relations

•Mobile technology on his observation that the industry is experiencing a tremendous shift in media consumption by the mass market to mobile like never before, especially in Africa which currently accounts for

the highest growth of smart phones globally.

He said that “Mobile penetration in Africa is stipulated to be about 80% in 2013 and growing. Right now there are more mobile

devices than there are television sets. Mobile and digital services have the potential to generate significant earnings and boost the economies in Africa”.

He added that a recent research by Gartner Inc, specifically predicted that African Telecoms firms would generate over $1.3 billion in mobile advertising revenue alone by 2016.

His deduction was that “the global market for mobile advertising will reach $18 billion in 2014 and grow to $41.9 billion by the end of 2017, which goes to show the potential that mobile advertising has, not only in Africa but globally”.

Terragon is making its debut appearance and is showcasing its three business units at the Mobile World Congress with the aim of

T

RADITIONALLY, Disc Jockeys, popularly known as DJS are known to spot a pair of hefty pads around their heads when selecting or preparing tracks on a portable music player, personal computer or music switches.

However, it does not take even high-end earbuds to strike specific audio needs of today's digital pancake turner.

So when next you see a DJ that is not wearing heavy headphones, but spot just a tiny rope that connects right into his ear buds, do not think that he could not give you that rhythmic edge. He is even the trendy DJ because Pioneer's latest technology is funkynising the way DJs look. It's Professional Sound and Visual Division has developed some enclosed inner-ear headphones specially tuned for mixing and playing on the move.

The company said that the reason for the new tech is because many DJs feel regular headphones are too big to carry around while on the go. Pioneer said it wants DJs to get the best of both worlds, obtaining the same DJ quality sound found in the HDJ headphones but in a much smaller form.

The company's flagship DJE2000 earphones have a hybrid 2way driver system in each

Galaxy gear for fitness tracking

S

•DJE-2000 earphones

New headphone for DJs come funky earpiece for precision audio reproduction across the whole frequency range. The 9.4 mm driver positioned at the back of the housing delivers low end thunder, while another at the front concentrates on the pronounced mids and highs.

The frequency response is reported to be 6 Hz to 22 kHz, with remaining audio specs being an impedance of 30 ohms, 103 dB sensitivity and a maximum input of 500 mW Three Comply foam tips are included to help cut down on background noise so that the

DJ can concentrate on the beat.

There are also four silicone tips and one triple-flanged silicone tip to ensure a snug ear canal fit. The 1.6 m (5.25 ft) textilecoated, detachable cable promises reduced tangling and extended life, but can be quickly replaced by the user in the event of failure. The cable can also be secured over the ear for stability thanks to the inclusion of memory-shape resin material.

The DJE-2000 earphones come in black or white and carry a suggested retail price of US$299.

showing the Global community the business potential of the African market. Terragon’s focus is on Digital Media Marketing, Mobile Content Aggregation and Marketing as well as Mobile Advertising.

Terragon Group boasts of Africa’s first indigenously owned mobile advertising network Twinpine, which provides a platform for owners of mobile platforms including mobile sites, mobile apps and social networks, to make money from advertisers by serving ads on their various platforms for the African audience. Part of the exhibition from Twinpine includes a demonstration of the first mobile advertising platform custom built for the African consumers with unique value add and specific market solutions for the African continent.

AMSUNG at the just concluded Mobile World Congress expanded its industryleading wearable device line with Samsung Gear Fit. The new device is a breakthrough and futuristic fitness tracker that offers the convenience of comprehensive fitness tools that empower consumers to stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity.

The wrist-worn device incorporates a built-in heart rate monitor and a lightweight swappable strap, alongside its signature curved AMOLED screen. The Gear Fit will also be available globally from April.

Speaking of the Gear Fit, Samsung's Manager Handheld devices Mr Emmanouil Revmatas said: “Samsung understands that the next generation of wearable mobile solutions must directly reflect the diverse interests and needs of consumers. In response, our Gear product portfolio continues to expand with unique devices for a wide range of lifestyles, including the new Gear Fit, which is designed to help consumers live fit and active lives without forfeiting their ability to stay connected on the go.”

•Galaxy gear fit

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

DISCOURSE

National dialogue: The woman agenda WHILE Ethnic nationalities are the major driv ing force of the upcoming National Dialogue/Conference, the matter of gender must as a matter of course also take precedence. While this fact was not on the front burner at the pre-conference of Ethnic Nationalities in the nation’s capital, Abuja,last week, where diverse groups gathered led by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, professor Ben Nwabueze, Chief Kuforiji Olubi and Alhaji Isa Burka, amongst countless others, women were partly represented at the historic event, with Bola Kuforiji Olubi chairing an interactive session. Renown feminist and don at the Obafemi Awolowo University professor Olabisi Aina ensured the matter was not far from the heart of the discourse, with a paper titled: the Intersection of Gender and Ethnic Identity in Nigeria: A Development Discourse

W

Multiple identities Further, it is defined as much about the processes through which multiple identities interact and evolve over time as it is about what these interactions imply for well being outcomes at a point in time.

Intersectionality as a framework helps to understand how a variablegender, class, ethnicity, religionintersect in sometimes unusual ways resulting in either women’s empowerment, their discrimination and/or vulnerability in very distinctive ways.

More importantly intersectionality helps to acknowledge differences amongst women based on their structural placement in the society: class, ethnicity, religion, and even heightened by lapses in gender biased/ neutral policies and

macroeconomic frameworks.

The cultural ethos which governed gender role relations and which intricately guided women status in our society have implications for the role women play in the development process and indeed on the overall national development agenda.

The Gender Agenda Revealing research findings that placed Osun state as the Nigerian one4 with the lowest rate of unemployment of women (at 3%) and Zamfara as the one with the highest, Aina convincingly links socio cultural view of women’s role in the society with discriminatory practices by employers of labour who prefer working with men because of perceived optimal efficiencycomparedtowomenwho, in their view, have to cope with multiple roles of production and reproduction; relatively low education status which forces women to take low paying jobs and minimal participation of women in the Nigerian formal labour market.

In the federal civil service- the highest employer of labour in the country- women employees accounted for 31.28% of all employees between 2001 and 2006, while men accounted for 68.72@ according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Other statistics NBS confront with as much dismay: Although women constitute over 60% of the agricultural labour force and contribute about 80% of the total food production, only 14% of women own the land they cultivate.

Other issues include Women’s

education, where Nigerian women are still disadvantaged based mainly on socio cultural factors.

National statistics shows that the proportion of girls in total primary school enrolment rose marginally from 43.9% in 2001 to 44.5% in 2006.

In 2008, literacy rate was lowest in the North West (22% female; 58%, male ). In the North 3% complete secondary school and more than 50% are married by age 16. And while education is said to remain a veritable tool for achieving gender equity, social justice, poverty reduction and improved socio economic development of families, the education of women is tied to

,

Lone but Loud HILE the ethnic nationalities are fully on board to propagate their ethnic interests, a gender agenda for the upcoming National Confab per se would have been muffled but for this lone but loud voice.

It defines intersectionality as a phenomenon based on the notion that individuals are simultaneously situated in multiple social structures, which interact in complex ways to influence their experiences, social relations and well being. Also as the interplay between individuals, identity at the micro level and the institutions with which they interact at the macro level.

Yoruba ethnic group having a 58% prevalence, followed by 51% among the Igbos.

And though women are breaking through the ceilings and moving into leadership positions traditionally held by men, the gender gap in public offices remains unacceptably high. In 2010, female Permanent Secretaries constituted 16.2% while male were 83.8%. NBS 2012 data presented that there are 3 female judges out of 14 judges of the Supreme Court. Also, there are 17 female judges out of a total of 65 Federal court judges. In earlier gender studies, Professor Aina had

In the healthcare sector the statistics are more gruesome, with maternal mortality rates (MMR) at 630 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly double of the global average

their ability to provide intergenerational transfers of knowledge and the substance of long term gender equality and social change.

In the healthcare sector the statistics are more gruesome, with maternal mortality rates (MMR) at 630 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly double of the global average.

A 2008 National Demographic and health survey put the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at 30% in Nigeria, with the

,

established, while many of the Nigerian socio cultural practices are averse to female leadership roles, a link between gender responsive governance and anti corruption practices, in the belief that most women may have higher ethical behaviour than men and therefore be more concerned with the common good due to the way they have been socialized. That particular study had concluded that when women enjoy equal

rights in governance and leadership , they become instrumental in passing gender responsive policies, laws and programs which promote the welfare of all citizens, especially women and children.

It would appear, therefore, that while the Ethnic question is no doubt of burning importance in a constitutional review, the Gender question calls for an urgent constitutional overhaul.

W

omen and the constitution today Aina explores the constitution as it stands today in detail to the effect of pointing out clear contradictions in provisions and laws affecting women in Nigeria today. Defining the normative framework for the promotion and protection of gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria are Constitutional; Legislative; Judicial; Policy and International human rights and Humanitarian Law Treaties, she purports that the combination of Federal and a tripartite system of civil, customary and religious laws makes it difficult to harmonize legislation, set standards and remove discriminatory measures.

Adding that the constitution itself is “shrouded in ambivalences and contradictory messages”, she further argues that the constitution exhumes “patriarchal undertones

Continues on page 37

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

— 37

BY ANINO AGANBI Nigeria’s adolescent girls hold the key to the well being of their families, neighbourhoods and the nation .If given quality basic education and skills the confidence and opportunity to grow and prosper, their contributions to the society will be multiplied many folds.

A movie show on empowering outof-school girls, held in Yaba, Lagos .

The event was graced with prominent men and women some of whom were partnering with Action Health Incorporation.

Following an in depth research held by “Action Health Incorporated” (AHI), to understand the needs of adolescent girls in Lagos, a multi dimensional empowerment project was launched in Iwaya, one of the slum areas in Lagos.

About 75 out of school girls were registered to benefit from the pilot phase of the scheme of which 48 of them just graduated.

The stories told by these young ladies in Iwaya spoke of abject poverty and deprivation. A lot of them who wanted to have a formal education could not in as much as education was made free by the government. Their parents and guardians just could not afford to pay any added costs for books and miscellaneous. Instead, they prefer to give these girls out in marriage. By doing this, these young women became prey to unhealthy sexual relationships.

In most cases, they were raped by these older men who came to their parents for their hands in marriage. Some of these girls who became mothers lost their infants to death.

Empowerment scheme The empowerment scheme for out of school girls has given them a reason to smile again. They now have a beacon of hope where before there was none.

A lot of them had resigned their fates to hawking as petty traders in their locality. The scheme has made them become better girls and mothers because they now have a focus. They no longer have to be forced to marry men old enough to be their father.

During the discussion of the films that were shown on ‘Empowering out of school girls’ Dr Paul Onu of Ford Foundation commended Action Health Incorporated for the work well done and said that ford foundation is solidly behind them. He applauded the media for bringing these things to the public’s notice since not everybody can get across to Iwaya. He also made comment about the increase of slums in Lagos because it is a mega city. He said if we let these young people fall through the cracks, we wonder what Nigeria will look like in future.

Mrs Antoinette Falomo said she is happy that others are joining hands with them to push sustainable drive to the society. For the media, it’s a too prompt thing. Getting information out often needs a sponsorship. Besides, even female children from rich urban areas are exposed to these issues as well because they are being left to the whims of those surrounding them even at home.

Nigerians do not feel responsible for the plight of these girls because it does not affect them directly, so they ignore these happenings around them. We all need to take greater care because even

Building our future leaders children from well to do homes could also fall victim to such happenings.

The question being asked is where the boys are in all of this? The boys should also be considered because they would grow into men.

When it comes to issues of children in the society, it has been discovered that Nigerians are preventive and not curative. If the root of the problem is not checked, the whole cycle continues.

If these are not checked now, these boys would grow up to became these same abusive men we have there today.

Mr. Uwem Esiet, one of the co founders and director of action health incorporated concluded that out of school girl’s scheme started in 2010; the organization has been involved in such young women right from its inception.

He stated that they have been working hand in hand with other organizations

in different parts of Nigeria. “In as much as the government has a role to play in such matters we cannot leave this for them to do alone. There are different departments which handle girl child welfare and they are working together to see that these children get the best of care. Young people can shape their tomorrow and this can only happen if they invest in themselves and are willing to make sacrifices”.

National dialogue...

Continues on page 36 and principles, evident in the language it utilizes”.

Examples abound.

Section 26 of the Constitution discriminates outrightly against women in the area of residency rights. For example, Nigerian men are allowed to the right to transfer citizen ship to their foreign husbands. Section (29)(4)(b) provides that “any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age”, thereby stamping the practice of Child Marriage in its borders.

Also, although the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of individual to own movable and immovable property, customary laws and practices in some ethnic communities do not support this right, particularly with respect to immovable property. ; while the Sharia penal code which is operational in over 13 Northern states in Nigeria is misunderstood to mean the same as culture and tradition.

An example is the Sharia provision for stoning and flogging of those who commit fornication and adultery. Furthermore, Section 55 of the Penal Code, which operates in northern Nigeria, allows a man to beat his wife T0 Divorce, or to strengthen the marriage?

The ethnic nationalities movement, in their submission presented by Solomon Asemota SAN, drew an analogy between the Nigerian union, if it can be called that, and what he referred to as the Forced Marriage of 1914. The 10th of February 2014 is 100 years and 41 days after the event of 1914. The portrayal of the amalgamation of 1914 as metaphor was provided by Lord Harcourt, the secretary of state, when at a colonial service dinner in 1913 , the secretary of state summarized The marriage of 1914 cannot be said to have been fruitful, or to have produced many useful results. This explains why the dissolution of the Nigerian union cannot be discussed at the National Conference for fear of its actualization.

Surely, we cannot have a nation of only males or only

females. The union, in this case (i.e. along gender lines), cannot be altered by divorce. The only other alternative is to strengthen it.

Professor Aina recommends building gender equitable social order, building bridges and partnerships with a variety of interest groups including the executives, the legislators, the judiciary ; law enforcement agents, policy makers, health and social workers leaders of industry, civil society organizations and the development partners.

Ingredients for success The key ingredients for success are also identified to consist technical skill in gender analysis on gender mainstreaming, investing in gender statistics i.e. providing evidence for gender equity engagements, bridging gender gaps across sectors through appropriate macro-economic framework and plans and institutionalisation of gender responsive budgeting in key sectors to ensure that gender equity commitments are translated into realities through appropriate funding.

Others include reawakening of political will for gender equality and women empowerment mandates in the country, the first step will be to review the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from a gender perspective; instituting an enabling environment for gender equality engagements across Nigerian ethnic groups through intensive media engagements; gender equality value orientation and massive social mobilization of rural communities to imbibe gender equality standards and practices.

Recommendations to building a truly democratic Nigeria include an inclusive process of governance both in theory and practice and imbibing a national identity for Nigerians which transcends ethnic interests and divisions. At the core of this progression is giving a rightful place to gender equality and women empowerment principles to thrive.

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—39

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

How pursuit of freedom inspired black artists

By PRISCA SAM-DURU & VERA SAM ANYAGAFU

T

HE level of appreciation being accorded visual artists and of course, their works, has continued to rise by the day just as the global community has begun utilising this genre as tool for socio-economic and political transformation of nations.

Here in Nigeria, grand artists in the likes of Professors Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onabrakpeya, Dr. Kolade Oshinowo, Demas Nwoko, etc, have in addition to the impact of works by rested art patrons such as Ben Enwonwu whose works have maintained a reverred position of always stealing shows during art auctions, wood carver Lamidi Fakeye, etc, given the society enough reason to believe that visual art can do a lot to turn a nation around culturally, politically, economically as well as socially. It is from the works of these legends that thousands of present day crop of talented artists have found their footing and are competing favourably with their foreign counterparts.

In spite of the giant strides made by both late and living leg-

ends in the Nigeria art industry towards the promotion of African art, a whole lot still needs to be done especially in the area of political transformation, insecurity, as well as artists’ welfare.

Issues revolving round the need for freedom from woes bedeviling Nigeria which ultimately, would lead to socio- economic as well as national transformation, were the main thrust of the celebration of the 2014 AfricanAmerican History Month held at the US Consulate, Lagos.

Artistic renderings The event which was organised by the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate, featured Charles Bibbs, an internationally acclaimed African-American artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, most recognised for his exquisite artistic renderings that convey deep senses of spirituality, majesty, dignity, strength and grace.

In a very interesting, edu cating and interactive session moderated by the president, Gallery Owners of Nigeria, Frank Okonta and US Public Affairs Of-

ficer, Rhonda Watson, Bibbs first took the audience through a journey that encapsulated the genesis of his art which commenced in the early 60s, impact of art works he saw on famous Bill Cosby show, and president Barrack Obama’s election as the first black man to govern America.

Obama’s election Bibbs noted, rekindled the African-American art business.

,

The Weight of Freedom by Charles Bibbs

Be it freedom from how he became a philanthropist an oppressive gov- through visual art, which is someernment, mental sla- thing lacking in the Nigeria art very, terrorist attacks industry. and poverty etc, To be successful, Bibbs advoCharles Bibbs main- cated that artists should get edutained that art has the cated first. According to him, he capability to address and other black artists had to go the situation, if Nige- back to school in other to erase rian artists can chan- slavery that stripped the identity nel their efforts to- of African-Americans. He further wards transformation stressed the need for reproducrather than being tions. His words, “don’t just put preoccupied with a price tag on your work, first dehow to make profit. termine your audience and don’t The African Ameri- try to convince them on what they can art wave began should buy but give them what for Charles Bibbs they want. In other words, conwhen he saw “The duct a thorough research. It is imCosby Show” in 1984 portant that the artist sells origiwhich was the first nal works to the upper class who time, African Ameri- can afford to pay for them and can art was being then, reproduce for the middle shown on national class and others. That way, evTV with its bold col- eryone would be satisfied”, He ors, dignity, and explained. strong cultural roots.

The African-American artist “Up until then, most warns artist of the danger of leavblack houses in ing out the middle class who are America had three in multitudes and have the cathings on their walls: pability to spread the message in a portrait of Martin the works faster than the upper Luther King, a por- class. “I succeeded because I trait of President John wasn’t interested in reaching the F. Kennedy and a one percent who could already white portrait of afford art,” Bibbs says. “I wanted Jesus Christ,” says to reach the 99 percent.”

Bibbs. The Civil Museums he said, should exRights Movements was for plain to young artists the power Bibbs, a motivator as it inspired they wield which can be passed Black artists to fulfill their inten- on to generations."Stay focused tions. “Everything we painted on servicing people and commuwas Africa because Africa was our nity since they make you viasource of inspiration. We only had Be it freedom from an oppresknowledge about slavery and so, sive government, mental slawe had to study very, terrorist attacks and poverthe history of Africa which ty etc, art has the capability to helped reveal our address the situation culture and identity. Africa in general, influenced ble."“It’s important to teach them the African-American art.” Bibbs about the business of art,” says commented on his relationship Bibbs, “They have to look at art as a product and themselves as with Africa.

Raising the issue of what can the manufacturer.” African-Amerbe done to ensure Nigerian art- ican art tells stories and through ists received well deserving re- the works, we bridged gap of racmuneration for their works, one ism and we were able to explain of the Nations largest art collec- what our culture is all about by tors, chief Sammy Olagbaju im- spreading black culture in Amerplored Charles Bibbs to share ica.

,

Flower Girl celebrates one year on screen

‘F

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

LOWER GIRL, a movie directed and pro duced by Michelle Bello which hit the big screen last year, will this month, celebrate one year of remarkable achievements owing to the amazing recognition it has been accorded with, in terms of nominations and tour round the globe.

Aside its box office success, the film has been well received by diverse audiences in not less than 15 cities in six countries and three continents around the world.

Flower Girl, a romance comedy film tells the story of a young florist Kemi played by Damilola Adegbite, who works in her parents flower shop. who is dying to get married to her boy friend Umar (Chris Attoh), who on his own part, is dying to get ahead in his career. Their relation-

ship goes sour when rather than propose, Umar breaks up with her leaving her heart broken.

Kemi seeks the help of movie superstar, Tunde (Chuks Chukwujekwu) and together, they plot to get her what she wants.

Released on 2013 Valentine’s Day, across all major cinemas in Nigeria, the film went straight to the number one spot. The movie got a nomination in the African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA in March before it made waves in Ghana in April. In July, the filmmaker signed an international distribution deal and Flower Girl was released in October across selected UK cinemas only to get an official selection at Hollywood Black Film Festival, Los Angeles in November. The same month, it became an official selection at the Black Film Festival UK, where it won the Best African Film Award as well as at the Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, with

two nominations.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

TREBLE CHANCE West Brom Colchester AFC Wimbldn

v Man Utd. v Coventry v York

Exeter

v Dagenham

Arbroath Barnet Dartford Macclesfid

v East Fife v Gateshead v Chester v Grimsby

Guest Forecaster BAYO AKINWAMIDE BET ON – 4, 28, 31 CUP & CUP – 2014:English Football Association Cup 2013/ 2014 Season and the amazing discovery, guaranteed perfection for 6-times. # # #.Programmed –A&B.( Section-B)* Fourth Round F.A.CUP – Fixtures Saturday January25,2014; >> Fifth Round F.A.CUP – Fixtures Saturday February15,2014; >> Sixth Round F.A.CUP – Fixtures Saturday March8,2014.With the multiplication of 1,3,5 used respectively. Simply, have the Date-Matches-Played multiplied, as that multiplication made subtracted the last Coupon-Number of English Matches Setting for a distinctive draw automatically. Research by Bayo Akinwamide. 08035317164.

Facebook: bayodusports@yahoo.com WEEK28- Fixtures Saturday January25,2014 – Fourth Round Football Association CUP 2013/2014 Season. And last English Football Coupon-Match Setting being-21. That’s 25x1=25-21=4banker. Checked for Week28 matches played Saturday January25,2014,Napped-4.

WEEK31- Fixtures Saturday February15,2014 – Fifth Round Football Association CUP 2013/2014 Season. And last English Football Coupon-Match Setting being-44. That’s 15x3=45-44=1banker. Checked for Week31 matches played Saturday February15,2014, NAPPED-1.

WEEK34- Fixtures Saturday March8,2014 - Sixth Round Football Association CUP 2013/2014 Season. And last English Football Coupon-Mach Setting being-38. That’s 8x5=4038=2banker. Checked for Week34 matches to be played Saturday March8,2014 to NAP-2.

Amazing results though, Saturday March1,2014, but nothing spectacular was celebrated. And with that, its compensation galore this week to fans nationwide with high rating on Sixth FA Cup. Saturday March8,2014 appears matches as draws: Porsmouth vs Cheltenham, Wycombe vs Hartlepool, Macclesfield vs Grimsby. TIPS << >> NAP:2,3,16.

NAP:2,12,23. NAP:2,7,18. NAP:15,18,33. NAP:4,28,31.

NAP:5,14,15,16.

HIBERNIAN – 48 – AWAY

FOUR HOMES LATE

CLASSIFICATION. English Football, Scotland and The HIBEES ! With simple appearance of TIPS Hibernian on away game Coupon No.48 made Jackpot, that by multiplication of 4. And, DoubleMultiplication: 4,3,2,1 respectively. Have first and last letters its opponents subtracted, as fraction added ‘14’ for Point. And Point by multiplied, as that multiplication made subtracted “49”, and fraction made subtracted the DateMatches-Played for Pointer. Finally, Pointer be multiplied by Double-Multiplication for a sure draw automatically. Research and presentation

by Bayo Akinwamide. 08035317164. Facebook: bayodusports@yahoo.com WEEK16- Fixtures Saturday November2,2013 appeared Hibernian at an away game Coupon No.48 tie Motherwell as a match. That’s M-L/N. =13-12=1+14=15point. Therefore, 15x4=60-49=112=9pointer.And 9x4=36banker. Checked for Week16 matches played Saturday November2,2013, Napped-36.

WEEK32- Fixtures Saturday February22,2014 EXCELLENT appeared Hibernian at an away game Coupon 2 WestBrom 7 No.48 tie Kilmarnock as a match. That’s K-K/N. =11-11=0+14=14point. Therefore, 14x4=56-49=72 Colchester 7 22=15pointer. And, 15x3=45banker. Checked for 2 AFC Wimbl'dn 7 Week32 matches played Saturday February22,2014, NAPPED-45.

3X16X 19 X23 FOUR AWAYS PAIR 26 2X7X 8 X X9 PERMUTATION 44 1 X 5X11X 13 AVOID X 22 X 33 14 TIPS RISKY 36X38X 47 15 CREDIT

Nerenberg Valencia R. Bertis Espanyol 3 Wrexham 3 Tamworth 3 Macclesford 3 DartFord 3

Exeter 5 Queen O'South 5 Arbroath 5 E. Stirling 5 Barnet 5

Give us your views about our Guest Forecaster

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS WEEK 34 Barclays Premier League 1 West Brom

v Man Utd.

XX

Sky Bet Championship 2 Blackburn 3 Derby

v Burnley v Millwall

2 1

Sky Bet League One

4 Brentford 5 Colchester 6 Gillingham 7 Notts Co. 8 Shrewsbury 9 Stevenage 10 Walsall

v Bradford C. X1 v Coventry XX v Crawley X2 v Leyton O. 2 v Bristol C. 2 v Tranmere 2 v Wolves 2

11 AFC Wimbldn 12 Accrington S. 13 Exeter 14 Mansfield 15 Portsmouth 16 Scunthorpe 17 Torquay 18 Wycombe

v York XX v Chesterfield 2 vDagenham XX v Newport Co 2 v Cheltenham 2 v North'pton 1 v Fleetwood 2 v Hartlepool 2

Sky Bet League TTw wo

Scottish Championship 19 Dundee v Raith 1 20 Falkirk v Livingston X1 21 Queen O'South v Hamilton XX

Scottish Division One

22 Arbroath

v East Fife XX

Scottish Division Two 23 Berwick 24 E. Stirling 25 Elgin 26 Queens Pk

v Montrose 1 v Stirling A. XX v Peterhead 2 v Clyde XX

27 Alfreton 28 Barnet 29 Braintree 30 Dartford 31 Forest Grn 32 Hyde 33 Macclesfid 34 Nuneaton 35 Salisbury 36 Tamworth 37 Woking 38 Wrexham

v Lincoln 1X v Gateshead XX v Hereford 1 v Chester XX v Cambridge U.2 v Halifax 2 v Grimsby XX v Welling 1 v Luton 2X v Aldershot XX v Southport 1 v Kid'minster XX

English Conference League

VA La Liga Spanish BB BBV

39 Almeria 40 Celta Vigo 41 Espanyol 42 Granada 43 Osasuna 44 R.Bertis 45 R. Sociedad 46 Real Madrid 47 Valencia 48 Valladolid

v Sevilla 2 v Atl Madrid 2 v Elche XX v Villarreal 2 v Malaga 1 v Getafe XX v R.Vallecano 1 v Levante 1 v Ath Bilbao XX v Bacelona 2

German Bundesliga

49 Nurenberg

v W. Bremen XX

5 13 24 36

Revised Pairs 1 x 5, 11 x 13 24 x 33,41x 47

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 41 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the needed opportunity to look through windows of the world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or magic days is predicted for lovers today.

LEO: Even if you continue to work under pressure via increased workload, you will have good results to show for your efforts today. Be steadfast.

VIRGO: Better than yesterday. And the more co-operative you are today the better for you. Those of you travelling for love are in for an exciting day.

LIBRA: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of your finances.

Let go yesterday, move ahead.

SCORPIO: Once again, you’ll have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of others. Both love and financial success can be yours with efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

S there a city specially suited for success? Is there a village where success is a regular currency? Is there a place where success is an easy ride?

Honestly, any form of success is a

Succeed Anyway — 5 function of the inner mind (the inside).

The decision to do or not to do a particular thing, to locate or not to locate in a particular place is driven by the inside.

To cooperate with or

conquer the local elements that could ensure success or failure is determined by the inner self.

For example, if you decide to locate a bookshop in a village where there is no

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

school the logical conclusion is that you will fail.

No city, no town and no village is specially marked out for easy success. But if your mind is determined to succeed, you will succeed, anyway.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS: You can make it a successful day with positive approach on your part. You will be in a better position to defuse tension within your working arena. Try to be more ambitious.

CAPRICORN: Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when opposition and/or competition come your way but, if you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better today.

AQUARIUS: Pressure that came your way suddenly will give way unexpectedly, today, to the betterment of your course.

The more financially ambitious you are today, the better for you. Be steadfast.

PISCES: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic come to play today, you’ll be better for it. Enjoy your love life.

ARIES: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive to the administration of others. Then those who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and become excited.

TAURUS: Even if opposition persists, supports you are getting from the influential people will be enough to see you through. Yet, the more cooperative you are the better.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI: Your creativity quotient within your working arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if you keep official issues secrets from your challenges at work.

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,

What’s my Horoscope?

Dear Joshua, Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.. Please tell me my full horoscope Anonymous. Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Sunday. The Sun was placed in early degree of Scorpio together with many other heavenly bodies. Then with the Moon in Libra when you were born Libra will equally be influential in your characteristics build up but, you are mainly a Scorpio born person YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Day of Birth = Sunday Sun Sign = Scorpio. Sun in Zero Degree of Scorpio Moon Sign = Libra: Moon in 5th Degree of Libra Mercury in 12th Degree of Scorpio Venus in Zero Degree of Sagittarius Mars in 1st Degree of Aquarius Jupiter in 29th Degree of Cancer Saturn in 10th Degree of Scorpio Uranus in 27th Degree of Cancer Neptune in 25th Degree of Libra Pluto in 26th Degree of Leo North Node in 8th Degree of Capricorn South Node in 8th Degree of Cancer No planet in earth spar sign, one in available, two in fire, three in air, four in cardinal, fixed and water star signs hosted five planets each.

PHYSICAL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PHYSICAL INFLUENCE =50% PLANET AT HOME = NONE ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA You are both an intelligent and emotional person. And as there was planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your inner-self is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

One major challenge you have been battling for a very long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily and the other time, uncalled for, as indicated by conjunction Mercury and Saturn formed when you were born.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Meal time should unite families — Chef Valter V

ALTER Belli, the Italian Chef at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, like other Europeans had heard several negative stories about the country and its people before coming to work here, but today the perception has changed.

“Before I came here, I had a different view about Nigeria like other Europeans, but now I tell my people I got a nice surprise about the people I work with, it is completely new for me. The attitude of Nigerians here is completely different from what the media portray in Europe.

The man from Bologna in Italy is in a good position to rate the work attitude of people as he has worked in several countries in his 32years as a chef.

“I have spent 32 years as a chef and 15years as an Italian chef. I have travelled widely from Dubai to Bahrain and Egypt to Caribbean island among other places.

“I have also worked as a private chef for a wealthy family in Czech republic and all around Italy in different restaurants and hotels for experience and now in Intercontinental Hotel Lagos.”

Belli said one of the reasons he decided to be a chef at a tender age was because he wanted to explore the world.

“I love this job as it affords me opportunities of travelling round the world. It was one reason I chose the profession and going to culinary school the interest developed. Later as I grew in the job the rea-

son changed as I came to love the job more than travelling.

He added that the love for the profession began early in life “I started cooking at the age of 15 before going to culinary school in Italy. It was a boarding school and the training was difficult as you wake up as early as five in the morning to start preparing breakfast for the school. Life was regimented in the school, just like a military school.”

Asked if his travelling round has influenced his cooking skills, he said to a great extent as he has been able to fuse experiences from different culture into his cooking,

*Chef Valter Belli blend in the Italian food. You will like the taste of the fish.

The chilly has to be in the back of your tongue not in the

,

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

I like family sitting together eating, when you have a family where meals are taken differently there is something wrong in that family

“but for the Italian food it is difficult as the concept of Italian food does not change much as you need the traditional Italian flavour.”

Having spent 15years as an Italian Chef, he has this to say on Italian food “Italian food is not complicated, it is very simple because Italians like the flavour not spice. Indian food has lot of curry, Nigerians like lot of spicy, but for the Italian, if they order a stick, they want to taste the meat and not the sauce.

“We like eating simple, if you order fish you want to taste the fish not the curry or something that will drive the taste down. Everything has to

Area Public Relations Manager, Starwood Hotels in Nigeria, Nanji Tyem; Regional Director of Human Resources, Africa & Indian Ocean Region, Mr. Heineke; Brand and Director of Human Resources, Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Dauda Shaibu during the Roundtables Conference in Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel.

,

front. The main flavour in the dish has to be in the front and if not, it means you ordered the chilly not the fish.

He added “This is the Italian mentality and it comes from a long tradition because if you mention the Bolognese sauce, it was invented 300 years ago and the sauce has not changed over time, it is always simple.

“It contains oil, onion, celery, tomato and cheese sauce, some are meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy.

S

haring his food philoso phy, Belli said his philosophy is rooted in the belief that food should unite the family. “For me food is the centre of the family. I like family sitting together eating, when you have a family where meals are taken differently there is something wrong in that family.”

Asked if this will be put to test as the Italian Chef at Intercontinental hotel, he said “I don’t know more about the Nigerian market. I am trying to learn now to understand what the Nigerians like. Even as an Italian chef who loves traditional food, the Italian restaurant here is a business for the hotel. So I tried to prepare my dish to satisfy the local customers and interna-

tional customers.

“What I want to do is to try to prepare menu with traditional Italian dish but twist for the local customers because I want the local customers here to enjoy it too. I am ready to change as I don’t want to stick to traditional thing. At the beginning I will not try to give the real taste of Italian, if the market asks me to change I will.”

The Italian Chef explained that that restaurant like the Milano in Intercontinental hotel can be used to grow hotel business, “It can increase business for the hotel, but you need to create an atmosphere of ambience for the clients. The name of the hotel does not attract but services like food we talk about and the staff ” On what he will be offering

his guests, “first is the Italian taste of the food. But we try to mode the restaurant with the Italian atmosphere in the look, we try to create a sensation that once you are here, you are like in Italy with the smile of Nigeria.

“The combination of the two is nice because I really like the staff here with lot of smile.

In Italy they smile with their mouths but here they smile with their eyes. And the eye is the soul.

“If you combine the Italian ambience and the smile of the people here, I think it will give a good result.

The chef disclosed that he loves working with fish as you don’t need too much work, “Fish is just perfect. You can take the fish from the sea and put in the grill it is perfect, but for meat, for you to get the perfection; it depends on the cow, the growth of the cow and what they eat.

Speaking on a good chef, he said a good chef must love what he does. “My teacher asked me when I made a mistake if I serve you this food will you eat and I said hummm. Then he said if you will not, why do you expect a customer to eat it?

“That is the mentality. You must give your best no matter what is in the kitchen because everything a chef does can affect the life of whoever eats.

If I give you spoilt food, you can land in the hospital.

“For me, a chef has to be serious with what he is doing, enjoy what you are doing and this must be with the staff in the kitchen. No matter how good a chef you are, you can not work alone in the kitchen.

If you have good team behind you will succeed.”

NTDC promises friendly policies for hospitality industry

By CALEB AYANSINA

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he Director General of Nigerian Tourism Develop ment Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo has promised to promote friendly policies to protect the interest of hospitality industry in the nation’s political capital.

Mbanefo, who stated this at the official opening of Casalinda Hotel and Gallery Resort, Abuja, described the Hotel as the replication of exquisite tourism model in the FCT. She said hospitality industry was one of the major employers of labour, therefore, government would do all it could to support their stay in business.

The Chief Executive Officer of Casalinda Hotel and Gallery Resort, Mr Gandi Obiefule said the idea behind Casalinda was to maximize the richly endowed tourism potentials of Nigeria, with a view to ensure diversification of the country’s economy.

Gandi expressed determination to maintain the high standard of excellence in décor and service that are the hallmarks of the Casalinda vision, adding that, “this will result in the establishment of Casalinda in every state of the federation.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 43

NEPC, BATN support review of EEG scheme

I'm not eying senatorial seat —Elumelu

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

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BY DANIEL GUMM

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ESPITE the uncer tainty trailing the implementation of the Export Expansion Grant, EEG, scheme, a postshipment incentive scheme for exporters of locally manufactured goods, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has expressed support for its review, for enhanced performance as recently directed by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, if the country hopes to genuinely remain an exporting country.

Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, who spoke while receiving the Area Director, West Africa, British American Tobacco, Mr. Keith Gretton, in his office, noted that scrapping EEG may kill some surviving manufacturing industries in Nigeria, which had over the years provided jobs and created wealth along their respective products value chain.

He was reacting to a media report that the Federal Government may likely scrap the scheme. He said that while there were contending issues regarding its operation, exporters should brace-up for the challenges ahead as the scheme would not last forever.

Awolowo maintained that for the scheme to be sustained, government must assess the successes and achievements recorded by beneficiaries over time, in terms of contribution to growth, progressive expansion of operations as well as job creation.

Mr. Gretton, on his part, said: “There is need to exercise caution on decisions that have to do with the incentive scheme as it has over the years contributed significantly to the growth of various manufacturing companies.”

He said that though BATN was established in 2003 to cater for the local market, it now exports to more than 14 countries.

COMMISSIONING: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (middle); his wife, Unoma (2nd left); SSG, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel (2nd right) and other stakeholders, during the commissioning of the House Officer's quarters at Emmanuel Hospital, Eket.

Abduction: Kidnappers reject N30m offer to release Jonathan’s cousin

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—KIDNAPPERS of Chief Inengite Nitabai, cousin to President Goodluck Jonathan, have reportedly rejected the N30 million offered by his family for his release.

Chief Nitabai, a former lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, was abducted penultimate Sunday from his Otuoke country home in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, by 10 gunmen.

The kidnapped chief is the traditional head of the compound where the President hails from.

The alleged rejection of the family's offer is coming on heels of Ijaw Youth Council's warning to the embattled Nitabai family that no ransom should be paid to the

kidnappers.

The abductors, it will be recalled, had contacted the victim’s family four days after he was whisked away, demanding N500 million as ransom to set him free.

A source close to the Nitabai family told Vanguard that the troubled family instead offered to pay his abductors N30 million, which they rejected.

“They (kidnappers) rejected the N30 million offer which they described as laughable coming from a family linked to the President,” the source said.

Also, a security source who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development, saying, “ we are aware that the family is negotiating with the kidnappers and that they are

demanding N500 million, which the family described as outrageous. They, instead, offered to part with N30 million, which the kidnappers were said to have rejected.”

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he was not aware of the demand, adding that operatives deployed in the creeks were making progress in their search for the kidnapped chief.

Meanwhile, IYC has warned the family of Chief Nitabai not to pay any ransom to the kidnappers.

It said the three-man committee it set up to work with security agencies to fish out the kidnappers of Chief Nitabai was making progress to secure his release.

BEDC frustrating disengaged PHCN staff —NUEE, SSAEAC

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—MEMBERS of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, have accused the Management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, of frustrating disengaged staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN of the Benin Zone by refusing to settle their entitlements.

Vice President (West) of NUEE, Mr. Alamu Oloyede, who briefed newsmen after a joint meeting of the unions in Benin, yesterday,

also accused the BEDC management of using money meant for disengaged staff to run their business after using part of it to settle only the retained workers.

It will be recalled that Edo State Government had recently warned the BEDC management to avoid any action that may cause labour unrest in the state.

The warning, which was contained in a letter by the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Didi Adodo, said: “Be informed that Edo State is a labour friendly state, which is why the gov-

ernment has been averting industrial crisis from labour unions and would be happy if your management could do the same.”

He informed the BEDC management that the unions, in a letter to the state government, had complained of non-remittance of the check off dues from its members in its (BEDC) employment.

Meanwhile, NUEE VicePresident (West) accused the management of BEDC of non-remittance of the check off dues from its members, who, he also said, were not allowed to belong to unions.

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, has described as “deliberate falsehood and diversionary,” reports that he is to contest for Delta North senatorial seat in the 2015 general elections.

Elumelu, in a statement in Asaba, said the report was the handiwork of some interested politicians, who want to confuse millions of well meaning people of Delta State that he was now interested in going to the Senate.

Elumelu said: “I am still consulting with stakeholders in the three senatorial districts in the state and a formal declaration of my intention shall be made known in due course. Apart from being a complete lie, the report sought to misinform the good people of Delta State, especially, the people of Delta North, of my aspiration come 2015.

“I have never discussed with anybody or group of persons at any time of my alleged intention to run for the senate. What I am doing now, is consultations with the people of Delta State including opinion leaders, just like other aspirants, on the way forward ahead of 2015."

Police urged to adopt FBI's technique

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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SECURITY expert, Mr. Michael Emachina, has urged the Nigeria Police to ensure thorough intelligence gathering in order to effectively combat crime in the country.

Emachina, during his visit to Vanguard corporate office in Lagos, where he spoke on the security challenges in the country and how to effectively combat crime, noted that the Nigeria Police Force ought to adopt the United State’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI’s intelligence gathering technique if they must successfully tackle the security challenges confronting the country.

“The police should engage in proper information gathering. If it requires them to recruit people to do that, recruit them and recruit those who have background in security to help in getting this information," he said.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY 7, 2014

No going back on teachers' assessment, says Oshiomhole

Transition

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said that there was no going back on the conduct of the assessment for teachers in the state.

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RINCE Augustine Gomeromo of Agbodobiri-Ogbolubiri Mein Kingdom in Burutu LGA of Delta State, 74, is dead.

Saturday, March 22, is interment and and entertainment of guest at his family compound at Agbodobiri town. This is followed by social wake keep.

Sunday is thanksgiving service.

He spoke when he had a meeting with the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, AUSS, in Government House, Benin.

Oshiomhole said: “We are not re-inventing or breaking a new ground. It is not a new

Leaders will go, but the people will remain.

“I will be surprised that those whose profession is teaching, organising examination and writing examination regard assessment as something degrading.”

He explained that many mistakes had been made in the past, adding that it cannot be allowed to continue.

He reminded AUSS leaders that some states have done the test and the teachers that sat because we have a major for them belong to Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, and challenge in the sector.”

He warned against any act ASUSS, adding that there was that was capable of truncating nothing new in what Edo State Government was about to do. the nation’s democracy. chapter. We are firm that the state cannot possibly continue to leave the children in the hands of those who will destroy their future.

“The country is bigger than any individual and the state is bigger than the individual.

Dickson, IYC vow to step up fight against kidnapping, oil theft

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA— GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and the leadership of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, have vowed to step up the fight against kidnapping and other related vices in the state.

Addressing Ijaw youths on an occasion, with the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta matters, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, in attendance, Dickson in a statement

Passage

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KONYE Asua of U t e - O k p u Kingdom, Ika NorthEast LGA of Delta State, Chief Reuben Mekwunye, 90, is dead.

He died on February 16. Wake keep will hold by 5pm Friday, April 18 at Ute-Okpu Grammar School, Ika North-East.

Funeral service, and reception is on Saturday 19, followed by outing service on Sunday.

stressed the need for them to channel their energies to useful ventures that would better their lots and project the interest of the Ijaw nation.

He restated his administration’s commitment to work for the maintenance of security and peace in Ijawland and the entire country.

He said: “Let me remind all the youths of this state and Ijaw nation to desist from piracy, kidnapping and oil bunkering that is destroying our already fragile and compromised environment,

FUPRE DVC advocates research on environment

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ARRI— THE deputy ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun,

Community petitions IG, Jonathan, Senate President over police interference

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HE Abijo community in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, over alleged unlawful use of Police authority and incrimination of innocent citizens by some officers in DIG’s office zone D Department.

Counsel to the community, Mr. Ademola Koko in the petition, urged the police boss to call some officers in the

Chief Mekwunye.

DIG’s office to order.

The community also petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark, Chairman Police Service Commission, Director General, Department of State Security Service and the Attorney General of the Federation, among others.

The community accused some officers in the Zone ‘D’ DIG’S office of taking sides in a land dispute that had

already been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, adding that their ownership had been given judicial backing in a judgment delivered by Justice Kazeem Alogba of the Lagos High Court in suit No LD/ 3023/1999.

In the said October 18, 2002 judgment, the community said the court restrained members of Oniwonlu ruling house from disturbing the possession of the petitioner.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Professor Olatunde Damisa, has urged relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to fund research works aimed at finding solutions to the perennial challenges of environmental pollution.

Prof. Damisa spoke on E n v i r o n m e n t a l Biotechnology: A Novel and Effective Tool for Crude Oil Contamination Monitoring and Bioremediation at a special lecture organised by the university in collaboration with Lancaster University.

He noted that the damage to the environment due to pollution and contamination resulting from oil activities had created enormous hazard and concerns in various communities, adding that any effort at resolving the problems would be embraced by all.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On suspension of two justices for misconduct

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ANY of our judges are indolent. Being clever to pass examination is one thing, being intelligent is another. Some wrong appointments make matters worse and easier for the judges to misbehave and operate with impunity.— Mrs Morayo IyokeHousewife.

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O what happens to the judgments these judges gave? What about the victims of the these judges' misconduct? How far should we go in disgracing these bad eggs in our judiciary and make it the real last hope of the common man?— Mr. Ben Onyekachi, Student.

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NTIL our justice system is cleansed, Nigerians will continue to lament. Proverbs 28:21 says prejudice is wrong, but some judges will do wrong to get the smallest advantage. Proverbs 20:7 says the righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.— Mr. Chibuzor Ogbonna, Officer.

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S there really anything to say about the National Judicial Council, NJC, asking two High Court judges to retire? All I can say is that your today will determine who you are tomorrow. Always be good in all situations for your better tomorrow.— Mr. Dauda Ali, Worker.

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ONE of the judges ever handled high profile political cases.

Luckily, we know the ones deriding Nigerian laws, EFCC and the masses. They offer justice to the highest bidder in all impunity.

Billions are chicken change for them.— Ms. Comfort Akinyokun, Businesswoman.

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OR every judge suspended, at least 20 have been overlooked. They are untouchable. We do not have many competent, intelligent and civilised judges hence the indolence, rampant corruption and huge backlog of cases in our judicial system.— Ms. Chioma Ani, Model.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 45

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

UPDC, others to sponsor Music Festival

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

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AC PROPERTY Development Company, UPDC, owners of Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC Lagos, has agreed to sponsor this year’s edition of Music Festival, Lagos.

According to the Managing Director of UPDC, Hakeem Ogunniran, the decision to sponsor the event did not only align with the company’s commitment to extend its services to the entertainment industry, but also a way of developing new talents in the music industry.

"What we are trying to do with this festival is to bridge the gap between the old generation and the new generation music artistes.

We have the likes of Sir Shina Peters, Blacky, Daddy Showkey, Chidinma among others to perform at this year’s event," he said.

NTI to continue Science, Maths teachers’ training

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HE SPECIAL training of science and mathematics teachers under the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education, SMASE, project will continue in the country, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute, NTI, Kaduna has assured.

Sharehu, who spoke at the opening of the Cycle Two, Second Cohort workshop of the SMASE in Kaduna, noted that although the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, partnership with NTI under which the project had been receiving funding, had closed, the mathematics and science teachers would continue to receive training on modern techniques in the teaching of the subjects.

He said, “NTI will continue to partner with SUBEBs on the sustenance of the project, “adding that States Universal Basic Education Boards would play very critical roles in the SMASE workshops in the months ahead.

The Director General commended the chairmen of the SUBEBs for their commitment in partnering with the Institute in this regard but said that more challenges lay ahead.

Massacre of innocent students in Yobe, senseless... — Gov Okorocha, Onuoha

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — ANGRY reactions have continued to trail the mindless killing of innocent students of Federal Government College, FGC, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State, by the Boko Haram sect as Gover-

nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and the Anglican Bishop of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha, have described it as “senseless, mindless, dastardly, horrifying and ugly to extreme.”

Similarly, the leadership of a nongovernmental organisation, Move

On Nigeria, MON, called for urgent solution to the Boko Haram menace.

Governor Okorocha, who made his feelings known during an interactive session with Imo traditional rulers in Owerri, also wondered why anybody or group would rise, for whatever reason and brutally murder a fellow citizen.

“The mindless killing of several students of Federal Government College, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State, by Boko Haram, is condemnable,” Okorocha said.

In his own reaction, Bishop Onuoha said: “There cannot be any justification for this dastardly act. The

morbid spectacle is reprehensible and horrifying.”

He recalled with grief that “the youngsters had finished their work for the day and were actually sleeping in their hostels when the messengers of death unleashed unimaginable terror on the hapless students.”

He reminded traditional rulers in all the states of the federation that they had roles to play in securing their domains, adding that no meaningful development could be recorded in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity.

Court adjourns case against Union Assurance

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — JUSTICE Oyejoju Oyewunmi, of the National Industrial Court, sitting in Ikoyi, has adExecutive Director/CEO of NEPC Mr. Olusegun Awolowo (left) & Mr. journed the case of Union Assurance Company Limited, Keith Gretton Area Director West Africa, British American Tobacco a subsidiary of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, to March 26 during a courtesy visit to NEPC, Abuja and 27 2014, for continuation of the case of the retrenchment and non payment of the benefits of 12 of its workers.

Justice Oyewunmi, adjourned the matter, after the counsel to the claimants, Silas Udoh told the

BY VICTOR AHIUMA“The Contributory Pension built control mechanism to prevent court that some of his witnesses YOUNG were unavoidably absent.

Scheme, CPS, was created by the fraud.

Udoh asked the court for an "Under the CPS pension, funds Pension Reform Act of 2004. The ATIONAL PENSION reform came into being when it are not left with employers but adjournment to enable him Commission, PenCom, became obvious that the Pay As credited ab initio directly to the present the witnesses before the has denied media report that some You Go pension system could no individual Retirement Savings court at the next adjourned date. of its junior employees were in- longer fulfil the expectations of re- Accounts, RSAs, of beneficiaries The claimants, who dragged volved in the alleged looting of tirees in the country as it was and neither the employer, the Union Assurance to court are pension fund, stating that no of- fraught with irregularities and Commission nor the Pension Fund Chika Rich Njoku, Maureen ficial of PenCom was involved in fraud that led to non-payment of Administrator has access to the Omonzobhie Osoiye, Hyginus any form of looting of pension benefits to pensioners who had money.

Lekwuwa Uchenna, Otah Sunnie fund.

"There are safeguards to protect Mgborie and Stella Don Abadom, hitherto served the nation meriThe commission in a statement toriously. the pension funds from all forms among others.

by Emeka Onuora, Head, Com"The CPS is based on individu- of misappropriation with the funcmunication Unit, said media re- al Retirement Savings Accounts tions of custody and administraport quoting the Independent that is managed by Pension Fund tion of the funds clearly delineatCorrupt Practices and Other Re- Administrators, PFAs, and super- ed. lated Offences Commission, vised by the National Pension "While the PFCs are in custody ICPC Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, Commission. Its funding is on of the pension funds, the PFAs as saying that there were serious monthly deductions from employ- manage and administer the cases of fraud running into bil- ees’ salaries and the equivalent funds.

NO FEWER than 49,000 perlions perpetrated by junior offi- contribution by the employer. The "Furthermore, the PFAs and cials in the Pension Commission, pension fund assets are held by PFCs are mandated by the Com- sons applied to study various but that only top officials were Pension Fund Custodians, PFCs, mission to maintain high levels of courses at the Federal Polytechgiven attention in the chase for licensed by PenCom. transparency and accountability, nic, Oko, Anambra State, in the corrupt officers.

“The CPS is predicated upon such that enable individual RSA 2013/2014 academic session.

The Public Relations Officer of According to the statement: structures that have adequate in- holders to have full access to any the institution, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, said that 25,000 actually took part in its post-Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinahad always been available in court tion, UTME, with less than 5,000 to an amended 40-count charge

BY INNOCENT ANABA filed by the prosecution on Jan- at all times in his trial, was al- admitted. uary 24, on the alleged offence. lowed to continue on the earlier He said the number of appliORMER AVIATION MinAfter his plea, his counsel bail granted and adjourned the cants rose from 45,000 in the ister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kay- prayed the court to allow the ac- case till March 10 for trial.

2012/2013 academic session to ode, yesterday, pleaded not cused continue with the terms of Fani-Kayode was first ar- the current figure. guilty to a 40-count money- bail earlier granted by the court. raigned in December 2008 before According to him, the devellaundering charge, following The prosecution, did not object Justice Ramat Mohammed on a opment is an indication that the his re-arraignment before a Fed- to the application for bail.

47-count charge. institution is on a steady eral High Court sitting in LaHe pleaded not guilty to the growth.

Trial judge, Justice Rita Ofiligos.

Ajumogobia in a rulling, granted charge and Justice Mohammed He urged the Federal GovHe was re-arraigned by Eco- the prayers of defence counsel. granted him bail in the sum of ernment to increase the capacnomic and Financial Crimes The court held that the accused N200 million with two sureties in ity of the polytechnic to accomCommission, EFCC. being a senior member of the bar, like sum. modate more students willing His arraignment was sequel and a traditional title holder, who to study there.

PenCom denies looting of funds by junior employees

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'49,000 applied for admission into Oko Poly in 2013'

Fani-Kayode pleads not guilty to money laundering charge

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Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 - 47

CONSECRATION: From left: Bishop of Ika Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Peter Onekpe, Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt Rev. John Usiwoma Aruakpor, his wife, Peace and retired Bishop Jonathan Edewor, during the thanksgiving SIGNING: Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (middle), signing the service for the consecration, enthronement and 30 years in marriage of Bishop 2014 Appropriation Bill into law, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi (right) and Aruakpor, at St Philip Anglican Church, Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Deputy Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Emiola watch, at the Government Area of Delta State.

Governor's Office, in Akure.

From left: M. Mutabazi, Director General, Ugandan Communications Commission, UCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Ambassador Bramwel Kisuya, Ambassador of Kenya to Spain, Hon. Jean Philibert Nsengima, Communications Minister, Republic of Rwanda, and Mamadoun Kolade of Airtel, Kenya, at the Ministerial Programme, during the just concluded MWC in Barcelona, Spain.

LAUNCHING: Eexecutive Director, Jeft Efekoha Foundation, Mr. Jeft Efekoha and Chief Abudu, at the official launch of the new office complex.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Osama Debs, Alhaji Umaru Ali Shinkafi, former Director General, Department of State Service, DSS, the special guest of honor, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, presenting trophy to Mr. Obafemi Otudeko, one of the winners, during the 2014 Lagos Polo tournament, at the Polo field, Ikoyi, Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

AGM: From left: Chair man, Dr. Dele Makanjuola, MD, Mr. Joel Ajiga, Directors, Mrs. Adeola Adewakun and Mr. Sam Okagbue, at the Annual General Meeting of Vitafoam Nig. Plc in Lagos, yesterday.

COMMISSIONING: From left, Dr. Rachael Adebayo, Ag. Registrar; Professor Yemi Nathaniel, Pro Chancellor; Professor Mathew Ajayi, Vice Chancellor, and Mr. Tim Akano, MD/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, after the commissioning of the New Horizons-Landmark University International IT Resource Centre, at Omu-Aran, Ilorin, Kwara State.

UNVEILING: From left: Ben Akaneme, MD, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Ltd, Admiral Albert Macaulay (rtd), Chairman of the occasion and Mrs. Salamatu Aderinokun, Director , at the unveling of former GT Homes Ltd to Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Ltd, in Lagos.

PROTEST: Bini youths protesting Federal Government's failure to appoint a Commissioner for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The protest brought to a halt activities at the NDDC complex in Benin, Edo State, Wednesday.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Yero signs 2014 Kaduna Budget into law

Benue commissioner, Wergba, is dead

BY PETER DURU AKURDI — BENUE State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Conrad Wergba is dead.

Wergba’s death was announced on state radio, yesterday morning in Makurdi, by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. David Salifu.

Salifu said, that Wergba died, Wednesday, in an Indian hospital where he had been undergoing treatment, in the last few weeks, for an undisclosed ailment.

The late Wergba who was a one time Commissioner for Information, hailed from Ushongo Local Government Area.

He also served as Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Policy just as he served as Special Assistant on Special Duties to Suswam’s predecessor, Senator George Akume. Left to mourn him are his wife, Mrs. Theresa Wergba and two children.

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Navy to review strategies for combating insecurity

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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OKOJA –AMID in cessant cases of insurgency in the North Eastern region, the Nigeria Navy has said it will review its strategies for combating insecurity.

The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, the Central Naval Command, Admiral Peter Agba dropped this hint in Lokoja, yesterday, while on a familiarization tour to all units and bases under his command.

Agba said though most of the insurgencies were taking place on land instead, the military would not completely abandon the possibility of the sect attacking from the waters too.

He said Kogi State was important to the security of the country as there had been plans in the past by some militant groups to bomb both the Ajaokuta Bridge and the Niger Bridge in Jamata.

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From right: The National President, Association of Medical Lab. Scientists of Nigeria, MLSCN, Dr. Godswill Okara with the National Secretary, Prince Robert Ashi and MLSCN Board Chairman, Dr Nathaniel Shidani at the 187th National Executive Council Meeting in Kaduna.Photo: Olu Ajayi.

BAD WEATHER: NiMET warns pilots to avert plane crash A

BUJA—THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, yesterday, advised pilots to take necessary measures to avert plane crash due to some cases of bad weather to be experienced this year.

The advice was contained in the NiMET Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, 2014 edition, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.

NiMet advised flight operators to always avail themselves of its daily weather forecasts and alerts regularly issued for all airports, aerodromes, air strips and helipads.

“Pilots are advised to take additional measures during takeoff and landing to avoid weather hazards caused by wind shear, slippery runways and reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall,” it said.

NiMet also said that the projected above normal rainfall in the North-West and inland south could pose threat to road transportation, saying visibility in storms and lightning could cause accidents.

It said that marine and fishing operators were expected to enjoy hitch-free activities based on the predicted normal rainfall around the major areas of Lagos, Port Harcourt and other coastal areas.

According to NiMet, coastal marine transport activities will be enhanced due to the predicted rainfall.

On Health, NiMet said that warmer conditions predicted in the North were expected to cause

some levels of discomfort, particularly in areas including Yola, Yelwa, Maiduguri, Nguru, Sokoto and Potiskum.

The agency also predicted that heat-related ailments were expected to be prevalent in the areas during the hot season.

It said that air-borne diseases usually triggered by harmattan dust haze were likely to be prevalent in most parts of the north.

NiMet said the prospect of cold weather-related diseases such as pneumonia, catarrh and cough were likely in Yelwa, Jos, Abuja and Minna where minimum temperature could be colder than normal in April.

NiMet advised that health practitioners and governments in the states should make contingency plans in the event of outbreak of diseases.

A D U N A — K A D U N A STATE Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, yesterday, signed the 2014 budget of N200 billion into law.

Yero proposed N198 billion but the state House of Assembly increased it to N200 billion.

Performing the ceremony, the Governor said that the Executive would cooperate with the Legislature in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring that the people get value for their money through efficient budgetary spending.

According to Yero, the oversight function of the Legislature "does not amount to witch-hunting but a process of ensuring due diligence and accountability in public spending."

Yero said a retreat will soon be organised for members of the Legislature, the Executive and civil servants to find ways of ensuring that the budget was fully implemented for the benefit of the people.

He also praised the House over the efficient way it considered the budget.

About 63 per cent of the budget tagged, “budget of peace and continuity,”

Coast clear for PDP to sweep 2015 polls — Niger Gov

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

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INNA— NIGER State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has predicted a resounding victory for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, during the 2015 general elections in the country.

Aliyu said that all the problems bedevilling the party had been resolved, adding that the coast was now clear for the ruling party to win the forthcoming polls.

He spoke at Government House, Minna, while receiving both the Head of the European Union to Nigeria and the executive members of the Bayero University, Kano Alumni Association, who vis-

ited him.

The Governor lampooned party members who defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, thinking that the PDP was finished, saying that such defectors missed the point because, the PDP was now stronger, better, more democratic and transparent.

“Some people think that they have wounded us (PDP) by defecting from the party but I am glad to tell you today that we are stronger, better, more democratic and transparent,” he said.

On Saturday’s visit to the state by President Goodluck Jonathan, Aliyu said that the

aim was not for the President to declare his 2015 presidential ambition, since it was not a political campaign but a unity rally.

According to the governor, Jonathan would declare his interest to run for the election any time he was ready to do so, because it would not be a hidden event.

“President Jonathan is not coming to Niger state to declare his intention to run for 2015 elections neither is he coming to the state to campaign. If he is campaigning, he will announce it. The President is coming to Niger state for a solidarity and unity rally for the North Central,” he added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 49

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 51

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Vanguard CLASSIFIED EYINDAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinenye Eyindah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinenye Uwajeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GEORGE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Chijindu Okafor George, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Glory Chukwujindu Adeleye.

All former documents remain valid. Badore Model College, Federal Polytechnic, Ede; Caleb University, Lagos; Federal Marriage Registry, Lagos and general public please take note.

EFFIONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Effiong Edet Umoren, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel E. Umoren.

All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and general public please take note.

OFFIONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Affiong Offiong Anita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Affiong Precious Emmanuel Umoren.

All former documents remain valid. Oak Pensions Ltd and general public please take note.

OYIBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eseoghene Maryjane Oyibo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eseoghene Maryjane Moritan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ige Babajide Joshua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Akosile Babajide Joshua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEKWEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndidiamaka Emilian Ezekwem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndidiamaka Emilian Agada. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWUTO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Favour Chinyere Nwuto, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Favour Chinyere Iberi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMEWOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emewogu Margret Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. SolomonMathew Ibukun Margret. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIEDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiedu Ifeoma Theresa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dada Ifeoma Theresa.

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MOMOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aminatu Momoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aminatu Jafaru. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OHWODUADJEKE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ohwoduadjeke Kesiena Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kesiena Christiana Ekuahorovwe. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

JENLE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Oluwaseyi Jenle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Oluwaseyi Ogbeide. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKHANJIANGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikhanjiangbe Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emokpae Mercy. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

O K PA N M A H — I , formerly known and addressed as Okpanmah Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Okafor Ebele Mercy.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eni Angela Nneoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onwuemezie Angela Nneoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEYEMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemo Aisha Subuola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onatunde Aisha Subuola. All former documents remain valid. West African Examination Council, Veterinary Council of Nigeria; NYSC Board and general public please take note.

N N A M D I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss P e r p e t u a l Chinnaemeka Nnamdi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Perpetua Chinalurum Ibe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Change of date of birth OHARISI—I am Eric Oharisi, owner of the West Africa Senior School Certificate (December 2008) with candidate No 5112003084; certificate No NGWASSCP 5522288.

And that in the said certificate my date of birth was wrongly written as July 4th, 1982 whereas my actual date of birth is June 11 th 1975. The general public and concerned authorities should please take note.

N WA B I A N K E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Nwabianke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Emeke.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Abia State Polytechnic and general public please take note.

OSHARE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oshare Omuero Tracy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aloba Omuero Tracy.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMEKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salvation Chinenye Emeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Salvation Chinenye Oghate. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBUENYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jane Mma Ogbuenyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jane Mma Okoro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINYOMI—I, formerly known as Miss Titilayo Sarah Akinyomi, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs. Titilayo Sarah Tene.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UJENE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ujene Justina Obi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Akohamen Justina Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public please.

OKOLOBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoloba Eseoghene Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Idjerhe Eseoghene Mercy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMADOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omadoye Ese Happiness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edun Ese Happiness.

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ODAFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Odafe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Egbegbadia.

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ORAKPOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orakpor Kestine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekpenisi Kestine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOSE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Ufuoma Onose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Ufuoma Miyerijesu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EFAY E N A— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Omamerhi Efayena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Victoria Omamerhi Ajeje . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPORHUARHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Akporhuarho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith N. Ayiwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KITTO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kitto Ayebatari, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akpuruku Freedom Kitto Ayebatari. All former documents remain valid. Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission and general public please take note.

OPREH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Opreh Beauty Eru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esieke Beauty Eru. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPORHERIERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akporheriere Ese Judy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adjarho Ese Judy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJUEYITSI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aleghemi Rebecca Ajueyitsi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aleghemi Rebecca Umunna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWEIBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emillie Oweibi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emillie Ndoni. All former documents remain valid. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State; NYSC and general public please take note.

ONUKAFOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O n u k a f o r Chinonyerem Innocencia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dowi Oporomuo Chinonyerem Innocencia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GBORHOHWO—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gborhohwo Ese Sophia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oboh Ese Sophia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOFIAEFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Onofiaefe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evelyn Toweh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of name I, formerly known and addressed as Haruna Preye, now wish to be known and addressed as Zibai Haruna Preye. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

ADIBE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Njideka Chinwe Adibe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Njideka Chinwe Ani. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 53

Vanguard CLASSIFIED NJEMANZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Chiatuogu Njemanze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Chiatuogu Emeruem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Chinonyerem Ako, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Chinonyerem Ferdinand Iheasirim.

All former documents remain valid. Arik Air and general public please take note.

OGBUKAGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adora Ogbukagu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adora OkogbuleWonodi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UDOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uforo Edet Udoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uforo Victor Okezie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA D I N O B I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwadinobi Ugochi Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amadi Ugochi Fidelis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEPEGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adepegba Aminat Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Durowoju Aminat Olanrewaju.

All former documents remain valid.

MAPOLY, NYSC and general public please take note.

IHEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iheme Gloria Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egwumba Gloria Kelechi. All former documents remain valid. Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri and general public please take note.

JOHNSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Johnson Johnson Benjamine, now wish to be known and addressed as Johnson Oviawe Benjamine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ITEGBOJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Josephine Omonigho Itegboje, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Josephine Omonigho Asamaigor. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ASABO —I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Asabo Bukola Rhoda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Samuel Bukola Rhoda. All former documents remain valid. NMCN, Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria and general public, please note.

PRECIOUS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Echekpewa Isimhape, now wish to be known and address henceforth as Miss Precious Echekpewa Isimhape.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MONYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Monye Blessing Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Afamefune. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABADA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abada Joy Oghogho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akpukpu Joy Oghogho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O H W O T U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejiro Augustina Fisayo Ohwotu, now wish to be known and addressed henceforth as Mrs. Ejiro Augustina Fisayo Okotie. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka and general public should please take note.

OBINWOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obinwogu Maureen Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeude Maureen Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNDEPO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundepo Grace Oluwafunke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Samuel Grace Oluwafunke.

All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank, FBN and general public please take note.

GBELELA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbelela Omowunmi Oluwashola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omojuwa Glorious O m o w u n m i Oluwashola.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGUNYOMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Egunyomi Samuel Olawale, now wish to be known and address henceforth as Mr. Daniel Samuel Olawale. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ODEGUA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyere Florence Odegua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imadojemu Bruno Florenece Odegua. All former documents remain valid. Word of Faith Group of Schools and general public please take note.

OKOLIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Okolike John Tochukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Okolike John Petro Tochukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBARAKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbarakwe Maureen Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onunwa Maureen Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGORI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igori Imuetinyan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. O h o n b a m u Imuetinyan Justina.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G B O R U — I , formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Love Ogboru, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Paticia Love Uloho. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education and general public please take note.

SUNDAY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emem David Sunday, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emem Nsikak Amos.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINBONI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinboni Ebunola Bolatito, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbetuyi Ebunola Bolatito. All former documents remain valid.

Code of Conduct Tribunal Abuja and general public please take note.

OKOROJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinazor Ezinwanne Okoroji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinazor Ezinwanne Okonkwo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

MA’AJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Nana Ma’aji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nana Bintu Ma’aji. All former documents remain valid. National Centre for Women Development Abuja and the general public please take note.

JAMES—I, formerly known and addressed as Anastasia James, now wish to be known and addressed as Kate Onuh. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public please take note.

EMELI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Celestina Omerebere Emeli, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Celestina Omerebere Ofodum. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

IKPANG—I, formerly known and addressed as Irene Asian Ikpang, now wish to be known and addressed as Irene Pere Abinabo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name NJOKU—This is to certify that the name Njoku Okechukwu, Njoku Okechukwu Josephat and Njoku Okechukwu Josephat Kelvin is one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Njoku Okechukwu Kelvin.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWODO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Charity Chidiebere Nwodo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Charity Chidiebere Eneh. All former documents remain valid. N.Y.S.C. and general public please take note.

ADEDEJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Adedeji A d e d a y o Oluwabusayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Aliyu A d e d a y o Oluwabusayo. Royal Exchange PLC and general public please take note.

EZEABASIH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeabasih Oluomachi Lillian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Samuel Oluoma Lillian. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ADENUGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss A d e n u g a Oluwabunmi Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olumoroti Peters Oluwabunmi Mercy.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Akpabio commissions 20 projects in Eket

G

OVERNOR God swill Akpabio has inaugurated 20 people-oriented projects worth billions of naira in Eket Federal Constituency to fast track the uncommon transformation agenda in the state. The projects include Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Awa Iman, Onna, a two-storey buildings of 15 flats at Immanuel Hospital, Eket; renovation of fourclassroom/laboratory block, library/ICT unit/canteen block and four-bedroom bungalow (Principal quarters) at School of Nursing, Eket.

Others are the construction of administrative block and hostel block at School of Psychiatric, Eket; renovation of four-classroom block at Government School, Iwuokpom, Upenekang Mkpanak in Ibeno and renovation of a two-storey classroom block at Holy Cross Lutheran School, Uquo.

Inaugurating the various projects Wednesday in Onna, Ibeno, Esit-Eket and Eket Local Government Areas of the state, the Governor remarked,”The present administration has to do with the uncommon transformation of the state through development”.

At the completed fourclassroom and office at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Awa Iman, Onna, Akpabio congratulated the Directorate of the InterMinisterial Direct Labour in the state for the quality of the job, stressing that his administration is focused in massive development of the state.

The state Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Albert Akpan who is in-charge of the inter-ministerial projects, said the briefing was to commence the first phase of inter-ministerial projects in the constituency, with the inauguration of 85 projects and 11on-going projects, stressing that the various projects in the state were to bring governance closer to the people.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, an indigene of the area, thanked the Governor for siting the projects in his hometown and for carrying all sections of the state along in his administration.

At the commissioning of the house officers quarters at the Immanuel Hospital, Eket, involving construction of a brand new two-storeys made up of 15 flats for house officers, Akpabio said the quarters would accommodate house officers and pharmacists to enable them have clinical experience.

54— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 EXT week March 11, will be observed as another World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace and Dialogue.

This day was created in 2010

by Javed Mohammed of San Francisco who proclaimed the day as a special observance to share and discuss Muslim culture. I do not want to go into whether it is accepted by some Shi’a or Sunni Muslims.

But the fact that as innovative as it is, it is aimed towards using culture, art and film to create bridges of dialogue and understanding among people of different faith which ultimately can lead a more peaceful world.

Again, understanding Islam through its culture, dialogue, and Christians are being and film in a way that will give killed by enemies of Islam the world an in-depth and foes of other religions; knowledge of the Islamic there is need to use the world based on correct opportunity the day offers to information, facts, and true extend the hand of fellowship analysis of the course of to all for peace to reign. Last events. year, it was done in London, At a time when Muslims US, and other parts of the and non-Muslims are seen as world. enemies rather than allies, For us who who make no when many erroneously see distinction between the the issue of Boko Haram as a secular and the sacred, Islam religious ideals, albeit, it is becomes our lives and we will now crystally clear that it has not accept anything that will absolutely nothing to do with tarnish the image or bring the religion; when both Muslims religion to disrepute. We

N

World Day of Muslim Culture:

For peace to reign

We're not happy with this carnage—Sultan •Urges govt to rise up against insecurity, herdsmen/farmers clashes

T

HE Sultan of Sokoto, his eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar has called on government to rise to the challenge of insecurity bedeviling the country, saying that Muslims are not happy with the carnage going on in the country.

The Sultan who made the call during the closing ceremony of the National Qur’an recitation Competition held in Dutse, Jigawa State recently said over 95 percent of victims of this insurgency are Muslims.

“We are not happy with what is going on. We must rise up to the challenge and find solution to unemployment, poverty, disease, illiteracy among other issues that are bedeviling this country."

He lamented that politicians are mainly the problems of Nigeria. They go to any length to ensure that they either retain the office they are holding or they want to take up a new one forgetting the masses who are suffering. He urge all the three tiers of government to provide succour and stability to the country.

“You must continue to pray for your leaders irrespective of religion. When you pray for your leader and God leads them aright, the society will benefit. But on the other way, the community will suffer if there are bad leaders. Let both the Muslims and Christians continue to pray for the nation, We should not be tired, we should endeavour to pray

Members of Elders Council of Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fathi Society of Nigeria, Igbogbo Branch during a special monthly prayer held at the group's permanent site, Igbogbo recently.

harder for our leaders and the country. “ While calling on the leaders to lead very well with the fear of God, the Sultan expressed great concern over the insecurity situation in the North-East and other parts of the country. He urged government to provide security to the citizenry, adding that 98 per cent of victims of insecurity are Muslims. He advised that both the government and the insurgent group should consider dialogue as a way of ending this impasse.

On the incessant clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers in some part of this country, the Sultan said: “It is neither the issue o f religion not ethnicity, but rather, it is economic problem associated with cattle and the grazing routes.

"A Fulani man knows only his cow and nothing more. I am proud to say I’m a Fulani man. He cares for his cow more than any other thing in the world. That is why we must look at the issues of herdsmen grazing route and farmers. The issue is already creeping into the South West of the country.

We have offered our advice on this issue long ago, but till moment nothing has been done. Some of the governors recently reached me on this issue and I told them we must find a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.

misconception of violent, intolerance, the wrong notion of jihad, the raging hijab issue among others. Much as we would always show greater sense and desire for personal liberty and freedom to practice our religion, destructive criticism, phony conjectures, pernicious statements that are capable of causing religious uprising should be avoided especially from the non-muslims who always feel their religion is superior.

We all need peace to live and realise not only our potentials but our God-given abilities and service for our hereafters. On our own part, practicing Islam through the Quran and the hadiths is the only way that will give the world an in-depth knowledge of the Islamic world based on correct information, actual

,

know what Islam is and we know what enemies of Islam are putting before the people in order to decimate all the traces of Islam. But we will never relent in bringing the true teachings of Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to all those who care to know.

More younger Muslim groups and individual should also show boldness, courage, and willingness to reposition the image of Muslims, visavis the myraids of controversies facing the ummah. We have the

activism, and that is why we need to exert more energy towards achieving peace at all areas of our lives than being violent. According to a Hadith, “God grants to gentleness what He does not grant to harshness.” Come to think of it, an atmosphere of peace enables good relationship between people. It makes it possible for feelings of love and friendship to prevail; it engenders constructive activities to flourish. It is my passionate appeal and that of other concerned Muslims to engage in a campaign for peace nation-wide. It is time that leaders, scholars, and other well meaning Muslims in the country come together without any regional sentiment to send out messages of peace and practically showcase our resolve for enthroning lasting peace in the country. Islam is peace.

The Mischief Makers Some people are wont to quoting out of context some of the injunctions of the Quran like: ‘Kill them wherever you find them.’ (2:191) are those who are ignorant of the context and circumstance to which some of these verses were revealed.

They only claim to read the Quran but they don’t understand it, yet they give the impression that Islam is a religion of war and violence.

This is totally untrue. Such verses relate in a restricted

For us who who make no distinction between the secular and the sacred, Islam becomes our lives and we will not accept anything that will tarnish the image or bring the religion to disrepute

facts, and a true analysis of the course of events.

Undoubtedly, to take of any action that will contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of Muslim culture and in initiating dialogue with people of other faiths that may result in a more just, peaceful world, is another form of ibadaah.

Message of peace Although many Muslims are unaware of this day but it is not out of place to consciously reflect on the need for exchanging the messages of peace in and around our immediate society and continue to spread the message of peace to all and sundry. By this, we will not only be teaching Islam, we will be correcting the misrepresentation the nonMuslims have about Islam.

That is the the best Jihad we would have done in our life time. As Muslims, we should know that peaceful activism is distinctly superior to violent

,

sense, to those who have unilaterally attacked the Muslims. The above verse does not convey the general principle of Islam. It was only giving direction to those Muslims who were persecuted, maimed and killed because they accepted Islam and Allah told them to stand up and defend their faith.

Again, the Quran was not revealed in the complete form in which it exists today. It was revealed from time to time, and under different circumstances, over a time span of 23 years. If this is divided into years of war and peace, the period of peace amounts to 20 years, while that of war amounts only to three years. The revelations during these 20 peaceful years were the peaceful teachings of Islam as are conveyed in the verses regarding the realization of God, worship, morality, justice.

Those who want to know will know while those who flunder their ignorance to cause mischief will only end up in hell. Ma sallam.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014— 55

Wh en tto o bur Whyy Muslims hast hasten buryy the dead?

BY ADERONKE QDEYERI

E

VERY man has two special days, the day of good which signifies the day we were born and the day of evil which signifies the day we will die. Hence, no one can remove or add a second to the time he was born and the day he will die.

Ustaz Mhikail Shittu, an Islamic Teacher in Marcaz Shababul Islam, Lagos in his own view said:

Many people, especially, the non Muslims, have a wrong notion about how we bury corpses in Islam. They believe we hasten to bury our corpses in Islam without following due process as laid down by Allah, which is totally untrue. There are procedures to follow in Islam before funeral is announced and carried out. In a case where a person dies suddenly, maybe as a result of heart attack (almaut fijihat) in Islam, the first thing we do in Islam is to get a doctor to confirm if the person is dead. If the doctor confirms that the person is dead, then we must close the person’s eyes and

render prayers thus: “O’ Allah, forgive [name of the person] and elevate his rank among those who are guided. Send him along the path of those who came before,and forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds.

Expand for him his grave and shed light upon him in it.” And inform his relatives and friends about the person’s demise. The next line of action is to undress the corpse and begin to say good things about the dead because the angels will be there to say Amin .

We also have to know if the dead person has any debt or anybody is owing the dead before hastening to bury the person. Then we give the dead a special bath before it is laid to rest. All these put together shows that we do not totally hasten to bury our corpses in Islam.

However, in Islam starting from the time of Prophet Adam, the dead are buried on the same day they die except when the person dies at night because it is wrong to bury the dead at night in Islam. Leaving a corpse for long before burying is

another way of suffering the dead and increasing the pains of their loved ones because the more they see their loved one lying lifelessly, the more they feel bad. The teachings of Prophet Mohammed explains that there are three things we do not postpone in Islam.

Asalat, najazat and almout according to hadeeth fiquiwathe page 380.

From left: Ustaz Mukadas; Sheikh Somori during the naming ceremony of Imam Tirimizhi Olawale's baby held in Mushin recently

Imam Musbaudeen, Olawale, (2nd right) Alhaji Ajisafe (right); Alhaji Animasaun, Sheikh Abdul Rasaq during the occasion.

•Ustaz Mhikail Shittu

It may cause more havoc — Ustaz Akintoye Ismaeel Adewale (An Islamic Instructor, Engineer)

I

SLAM has taught us the best way to care for our dead ones. When a person leaves this world, he or she does not belong here anymore and so should be given the ticket to board on the next journey which is burying his body.

Aside this, leaving a corpse among the living can cause more havoc to the health of the living especially a dead person that has spent many years on the sick bed. Burying a corpse almost immediately when he or she dies will not make the dead become a terror to his loved ones

as many people get scared and run away from the corpse. It will

•Ustaz Akintoye Ismaeel Adewale

make the dead rest peacefully.

When the news of death in the family reaches the relatives and friends, the first thing that they should say is Qur ’an verse (2:156): “Inna lil-laahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon [Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.]”. This du’aa is known in arabic as al-Istirjaa.

Also, the hadeeth of Bulugunuromi babajunasat page 105) says not burying a dead person on time means increasing the suffering of the dead especially who has encountered one hardship or the other.

Alhaja Oritoke Olawale Hammed, (mum) and other members of the family during the special prayer and naming ceremony

It's the teaching of the prophet— Alhaji Alabi Jamiu Orelope (Islamic scholar and Pilgrims Co-ordinator, Abeokuta)

I

T is not permissible for Muslims to delay the burial in order for the maximum number of relatives to see the deceased, which is common practice among other communities. Once death is evident, the body should be prepared and taken out of the house for prayer and burial as soon as possible.

In this way, contact with the dead body is minimised, which keeps the grief and hurt of seeing the dead down to a minimum. Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet (May

Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said “Hasten the funeral rites” hadeeth Sahih Al-Bukhari vol.2,p.225.

Also, the Prophet made us to understand that the dead should be buried in the same area where they died.

Transporting the body to another area or another country is not permissible if it will unnecessarily delay the burial or cause financial or other hardship. The Qur’an made us to understand that when a man dies, he is entitled to either paradise or suffering

and some angels are already available after his death to give him which ever he is entitled to. Delaying the burial of a corpse will delay his enjoyment in Paradise and in a case where he is entitled to suffering, the angels will begin to punish him right there in the house and this could affect the living around him negatively.

Another reason we bury our corpse on time in Islam is to adhere to the teachings of Allah.

L-R: Imam Jamiu Abdulkadri (Omo Anobi),Chief Imam Gambari, Ilorin, Kwara State, Fadilat Sheik Usman Saanu Shehu (middle) welcoming Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Hakeem Alobo-Bakare to the Maulud Nabiyy/Symposium tagged: “ Politics in Islam” organized by Omo Anobi Islamic Foundation, held at the Surulere Local Government secretariat, Lagos, last Sunday.

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

LIST OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES Continues from Page 5 NIGERIA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCATION (NACCIMA) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Alhaji Mohammed B. Abubakar, MON 2.

Chief Bassey E. O. Edem, MFR NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP (NESG) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mr. Bukar Kyari 2.

Mr. Frank Nweke II NIGERIA YOUTHS ORGANISATIONS NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Comrade Henry Nwabueze 2.

Ajani James Olawale 3.

Abdullahi Abdulmajeed 4.

Mallam Hamma Bello Bilkindo 5.

Charles Ibiang 6.

Ben Duntoye NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Yinka Gbadebo, GCNS 2.

Sylvester Okoh 3.

Abdullahi Ali-Kano 4.

Chinonso Obasi 5.

Clifford Abur 6.

Olayinka Dada (JP) OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Hassan Rilwan 2.

Yadomah Bukar Mandara 3.

Yakubu Shendam 4.

Kasim Akande 5.

Mosunmola Umoru 6.

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu WOMEN GROUPS NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S SOCIETIES (NCWS) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Okemini Mba 2.

Mrs. Love Ezema 3.

Mrs. Remi Kuku 4.

Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Ogbonnaya 5.

Chief (Mrs.) Anthonia Balogun 6.

Chief (Mrs.) Temitope Ajayi 7.

Hajiya Ramatu Usman, mni 8.

Chief (Mrs) Hannatu Lohor 9.

Mrs. Princess Rabi Ibrahim 10. Mrs. Safiya Ibrahim Ogo 11. Hajiya Miriam S. Mohammed 12. Mrs. Princess Hadiza Ibrahim MARKET WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mrs. Sheila Tamuno Abiye 2.

Hajiya Alina Usuma 3.

Hajiya Marvyatu Iliasu 4.

Mrs. Sarah Benjamin 5.

Mrs. Felicia Sanni 6.

Mrs. Ifeayinwa Ezenwa INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS (FIDA) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Ms. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau 2.

Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor NIGERIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JOURNALISTS (NAWOJ) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Asabe Baba Nahaya, JP 2.

Brenda Akpan WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICES (WINBIZ) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe 2.

Hajiya Bola Shagaya POLITICAL PARTIES ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief Chris Ejike Uche

2.

Dr. Sagir Auwal Maidoya

ACCORD PARTY S/N DELEGATES 1.

Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja 2.

Hon. Muhammad Lawal Nalado LABOUR PARTY S/N DELEGATES 1.

Chief (Barr.) Dan Nwanyanwu, mni 2.

Comrade A. A. Salam (Baraden Paiko) PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Dr. Ahmadu Ali 2.

Commodore Olabode George (rtd.)

ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) S/N DELEGATES 1.

Yet to forward nominations 2.

MUSLIM LEADERS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali 2.

Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede 3.

Hajia Amina B. Omoti 4.

Mal. Muzzammil Sani Hanga 5.

Alh. Nurudeen Lemu 6.

Nomination yet to be completed CHRISTIAN LEADERS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Bishop Joseph D. Bagobiri 2.

Prof. Andrew Haruna 3.

Elder Barr. John A. Achimugu 4.

Pastor Emmanuel Bosun 5.

Dr. Mrs. Kate Okpareke 6.

Barr. Godswill Iyoha Iyoke CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS S/N DELEGATES STATE/ZONE 1. Rev. Nnimmo Bassey Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) 2. Mahmood Aminu Public Interest Lawyers League 3. Dr. Isaac Osuoka Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) & Pan Niger Delta Conference (PNDC) 4. Joe Okei-Odumakin Women Arise for Change Initiative & Campaign for Democracy 5. Ezenwa Nwagwu Par tners for Electoral Reform 6. Festus Okoye Human Rights Monitors 7. Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organization 8. Ebuchukwu Ezike Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) 9. Femi Falana, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organizations 10. Dr. Abiola Akiyode Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre 11. Wale Okuniyi PRONACO 12. Bisi Olateru Olagbegi Women Consortium of Nigeria 13. Kyauta Giwa Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) 14. Steve Aluko Civil Liberties Organization 15. Jaye Gaskiya United Action for Democracy 16. Rommy Mom Lawyers’ Alert 17. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani C i v i l Society Legislative Advocacy Centre 18. Mallam Naseer KuraBasic Rights Action - Kano 19. Dr. Emma Shehu International Institute of Journalism 20. Dr. Maryam Abdullah Women for Peace in Nigeria 21. Hajia Shetu Alfa FOMWAN 22. Y. Z. Ya’u Centre for Information Technology & Development 23. Abubakar Saidiq Ibrahim C a m paign for Democracy & Development 24. Dudu Paloma Responsible Citizenship

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EUROPE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Adebayo Oladimeji 2.

Christian Chukwudozie Udechukwu

AMERICA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mr. Gabriel Okoye 2.

Hon George Anibowel AFRICA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Abdulahi Abubakar 2.

Amb. Vincent Okobi ASIA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Dr. Jonathan Obaje 2.

Dr. Balarabe Yushau PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Dandeson Hart Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh Kenan Mamman Esther Andrew Zainabi Argungu

NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS ASOCIATION OF NIGERIA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mr. Nduka Obaigbena 2.

Mal. Kabir Yusuf NIGERIA GUILD OF EDITORS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Isaac Ighure 2.

Is’haq Modibo Kawu NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Alhaji Mohammed Sani Zoro 2.

Mr. Lanre Ogundipe BROADCASTING ORGANISATIONS OF NIGERIA S/N DELEGATES 1.

Abubakar B. Jijiwa, MFR 2.

High Chief (Dr.) Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, PhD, OFR SOCIO-POLITICAL/CULTURAL AND ETHNIC NATIONALITY GROUPS SOUTH SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Okon Osung 2.

Idongest Nkanga 3.

Ray Ekpu 4.

Amb. Lawrence Ekpebu, OFR 5.

Prof. Kimse Okoko 6.

Sen. Musa Adede 7.

Ntufam (Dr.) Josephat Okey 8.

Hon. Orok Otu Duke 9.

Chief Joshua B. Fomudo 10. Gen. Paul Omu 11. Chief Paul Enebeli 12. Sen. Yisa Braimah 13. Barr. Chris Agbonmwanegbe 14. Chief Sergeant Awuse 15. Dr. Silas Eneyo SOUTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele 2.

Supo Sonibare 3.

Sir Olaniwun Ajayi 4.

Dr. Adetokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu 5.

Chief Ajibola Ogunsola 6.

Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN 7.

Mr. Yinka Odumakin 8.

Senator Anthony Adefuye 9.

Senator Femi Okunrounmu 10. Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood 11. Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa 12. Dr. Amos Akingba 13. Chief Gani Adams 14. Dr. Femi Obayori 15 Pastor Tunde Bakare SOUTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Gary Enwo-Igariwey 2.

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu 3.

Chief Chukwu Wachukwu 4.

Prof. I. C. Madubuike 5.

HRH Igwe (Amb) L. O. C. Agubuzu 6.

His Excellency, Amb. Fidel Ayogu 7.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike 8.

Dr. Dozie Ikedife

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Chief Chris Eluemunoh Chief Uzoma Nwosu Iheme Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba Dr. Joe Nwaogu Dr. Sam Egwu Dr. Clement Mgbada Prof. Nnenna Oti

NORTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim 2.

Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia 3.

Mr. Paul Bassi 4.

Amb. Ibrahim Mai Sule 5.

Dr. Abdu Bulama 6.

Mr. Bar Abubakar Samo 7.

Amb. Adamu Aliyu 8.

Dr. Sale Dauda 9.

Dr. Daniel Madu 10. Sen. Saidu Kumo 11. Amb. Hassan Adamu 12. Kashim Ndjida 13. Chief B. Leonard 14. Barrister Chris Abongaby 15. Alhaji Isa Mafindi NORTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

DELEGATES IGP Ibrahim Coomassie (rtd) Amb. Yaro Yusuf Mamman Prof. Auwalu Yadudu Alhaji Magaji Danbatta AVM Mutari Mohammed Sen. Bello Maitama Yusuf Ms. Fati Eunice Ibrahim Sen. Mohammed Kabiru Jibrin Sen. Saidu Musa Dansadau Col. Bala Mande Gen. Tanko Ayuba Hajiya Maria Waziri Bilkisu Magoro Hajiya Laraba Dattijo Sen. Ladan Shuni

NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

DELEGATES Elder Bulus Dareng Lt. Gen. J. T. Useni Sen. Ibrahim Mantu Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma Mr. Anthony Sani Prof. Onje Gewyedo Prof. Iyorchia Ayu Prof. John Uko Dr. Philip O. Salawu Bayo Ojo Prof. (Mrs.) Mariatu Tunuche Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi Engr. Mustapha Bello Sen. Gbemi Saraki Mr. John Dara

PROFESSIONAL BODIES S/N DELEGATES NOMINATED BY 1.

Okey Wali, SAN Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) 2.

Engr. (Senator) Adefemi Kila, FNSE The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) 3.

Dr. Segun Aina, OFR Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIB) 4.

Dr. Osahon EnabuleleNigerian Medical Association (NMA) 5.

Dr. Nelson U. O. Uwaga, mni, FNIM Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) 6.

Arc. Waheed Niyi Brimmo, fnia, pnia Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) 7.

Senator (Chief) Felix Kolawole Bajomo, FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) 8.

Mr. Johnson Oludeinde Oluata, FCNA Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) 9.

Dr. Rotimi Oladele, FNIPR Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 10. Mrs. Bunmi Oke, frpa Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAPN) 11. Mr. Emeka D.Eleh The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) 12. Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu N i g e rian Environmental Society 13. Prof. Olu Ajakaiye Nigeria Eco-

Continues on Page 57

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—57

LIST OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES NATIONAL ACADEMIES

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

STATE GOVERNMENTS AND FCT

S/N DELEGATES 1.

Prof. Oyewale Tomori, FAS, NNOM

ABIA STATE

Continues from Page 56 nomic Society 14. Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu H i s torical Society of Nigeria 15. Alhaji Musa Isiwele Road Transport Employers Assocation (RTEAN)

ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING S/N DELEGATES 1.

Engr. V. I. Maduka, OFR THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF EDUCATION S/N DELEGATES 1.

Prof. U. M. O. Ivowi NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF LETTERS S/N DELEGATES 1.

Prof. Munzali Jibril ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES S/N DELEGATES 1.

Yet to be nominated JUDICIARY S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Hon. Justice G. A. Oguntade Hon. Justice F. F. Tabai Hon. Justice Abdulahi Mustapha Hon. Justice Adamu Bello Hon. Justice Veronica Ngozi Ume Hon. Justice Baba Alkali Ba’aba

FORMER POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS FORMER GOVERNORS S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Chief Achike Udenwa Chief Olusegun Osoba Obong Victor Attah Alh. Saidu Barda Amb. Fidelis Tapgun Nomination not completed

SENATORS FORUM S/N DELEGATES 1.

Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe 2.

Senator Abdullahi Bala Adamu 3.

Senator Muhammed Ibrahim 4.

Senator Nnamdi Eriobuna 5.

Senator John K. Brambaifa 6.

Senator Iyabo Anisunlowo HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FORUM S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, CFR Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, CON Hon. (Chief) Obi Anoliefo Hon. Umar Kareto Lawan Hon. Musa Elayo Abdullahi Hon. Sheik M. Sekoni

ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SPEAKERS S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Rt. Hon. (Chief) Anayo Nnebe Rt. Hon. Abdussalam Taofig Olawale Rt. Hon. Ignatius Kevin Edet Rt. Hon. Habu Isa Ajiya Rt. Hon. Mohammed Yaro Rt. Hon. Terseer Tsumba

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

DELEGATES General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) Prof. Olawale Albert Prof. Anya O. Anya Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia A. Anohu Annkio Briggs Col. Tony Nyiam His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Kure Group Capt. Jeo Orji Ibrahim D. Waziri Mrs. Binta Ibrahim Musa Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar

S/N 1.

2.

3.

His Excellency, Adamu Aliero Hajiya Hauwa Bukar Senator Mimibariya Amange Dame Virgi Etiaba Chief Asara A. Asara Mrs. Eunice Igwe Damian Dodo, SAN Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme Atedo Peterside

DELEGATES Senator Adolphus Wabara Prof. J. C. Ogbonnaya Mrs. Victoria Akanwa

ADAMAWA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Jimeta Mrs. Binta Massi Garba Mr. Moses Ngbale

AKWA IBOM STATE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Senator Anietie Okon 2.

Prof. Nsongurua J. Udombana 3.

Her Excellency (Mrs.) Atim Etim Okpoyo ANAMBRA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu Prof. Dora Akunyili

BAUCHI STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. Garba Ibrahim Prof. Isa B. Mohammed Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi

BAYELSA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Chief Francis Doukpolagha Dr. (Mrs.) Ngieriwagha

BENUE STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Senator Jack Tilley Gyado Dr. Magdalene Mba Dura Maj-Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga

BORNO STATE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Kashim Ibrahim Imam 2.

Hajiya Fati (Dongonyaro) Ali Monguno 3.

Hon. Dr. Haruna Yerima CROSS RIVER STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Gen. Anthony Ukpo (Rtd.) Dr. Pius Tawo Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

DELTA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Prof. Godini G. Darah Chief Benjamin S. C. Elue Female nominee expected

EBONYI STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Nwuzor Senator (Dr.) Offia Nwali Prof. Chigozie Ogbu

EDO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Mr. Charles Edosomwan, SAN Prof. Sylvanus Oboh Female nominee expected

EKITI STATE S/N DELEGATES

1.

2.

3.

Prof. Akin Oyebode Prof. (Mrs.) Bisi Aina Bishop Felix Ajakaye

ENUGU STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES H.E. Ken Nnamani Prof. Mrs. Rose Onah Monsignor Obiora Ike

GOMBE STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Alhaji Usman Faruk, NPM, CON Barr. Zubairu Mohammed Umar Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim, MFR

IMO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu Chief Bob Njemance Chief (Mrs.) Chidinma Uwajumogu

JIGAWA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu Umaru Mohammed Hadejia Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufa’l

KADUNA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Prof. Yusuf Turaki Senator Ahmed Mohammed Aruwa Hajia Nafisatu Babajo

KANO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Alhaji Sule Yahya Hamma Dr. Junaid Muhammed Hajiya Aishatu Isma’il

KATSINA STATE S/N 1.

2. med 3.

DELEGATES Justice Mamman Nasir (Rtd) GCON Dr. Abubakar Saddique MohamHajiya Talatu Nasir

KEBBI STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. Bello Haliru Muhammad Amb. Isah Muhammed Argungu Dr. Fati Lami Adamu

KOGI STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Prof. Sam Egwu Hajia Ladi Ibrahim Chief Olusola Akanmode

KWARA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Alhaji Yusuf Kawu Daibu Senator Ahmed Mohammed Mrs. Wosilat Marcarthy

LAGOS STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN Prof. Tunde Samuel Olufunmilayo Osinowo-Bashorun

NASARAWA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. Mohammed Hassan Lawal Alhaji Muhammed Othman Mrs. Lydia J. Viko

NIGER STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Hajiya Dije Bala (F) Abubakar Adamu Chika Barr. Halidu Ibrahim (Ph.D)

OGUN STATE S/N DELEGATES 1.

Mr. Fola Adeola

2.

3.

Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi Prof. (Mrs.) Titi Filani

ONDO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Dr. (Mrs.) Yemi Mahmud-Fasominu Prof. N. Oluwafemi Mimiko Barr. Remi Olatubora

OSUN STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji Chief Femi Akande Mrs. Bola Ogunrimade (mni)

OYO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Chief Adeniyi Akintola Prof. Ganiyu Raji Female nominee expected

PLATEAU STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Prof. Dakum Shown Prof. Ganyir Lombin Mrs. Esther Gonda

RIVERS STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Prof. Amakievi Gabriel Justice Peter Akere (Rtd) Female nominee expected

SOKOTO STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Engr. Bello Suleiman Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi Prof. Aishatu I. Madawaki

TARABA STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Justice Adamu Aliyu Ambassador Suleiman Zubairu Hon. Dr. Mrs. Salome Jankada

YOBE STATE S/N 1.

2.

3.

DELEGATES Khalifa Hassan Yusuf Dr. Garba Abari Female nominee expected

ZAMFARA STATE S/N DELEGATES 1.

HRH, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, Emir of Gummi 2.

Brigadier Gen. Muhammad Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd) 3.

Hon. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu FCT S/N DELEGATES 1.

Barr. Musa Salihu FORMER LGA CHAIRMEN S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DELEGATES Hon. Felex Akhabue Barr. Nasiru Ibrahim Junji Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed Barrister Igberi Nweme Hon. Emmanuel Tsamdu Chief Shola Ebiseeni

CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIR AND SECRETARY 1.

Justice Idriss Legbo Kutigi — Chairman 2.

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi — Deputy Chairman 3.

Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge — Secretary 4.

Dr. Akilu Indabawa — Asst. Secretary, Conference Proceedings 5.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu — Asst. Secretary, Finance & Administration 6.

Mr. James Akpandem — Asst. Secretary, Media and Communications

58 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 NEWS BRIEF

Tunisia president lifts state of emergency

Crimea parliament opts to join Russia T

HE Crimean parliament has voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia, with the region’s deputy prime minister saying the decree was effective immediately and that Russian soldiers were the only legitimate forces in Crimea.

The parliament yesterday unanimously adopted a motion for the strategic peninsula to join the Russian Federation, even as its plans referendum in 10 days’ time to endorse the move Crimea’s deputy prime minister, Rustam Temurgaliyev told Reuters: “The Ukrainian armed forces have to choose: lay down their weapons, ... accept Russian citizenship and join the Russian military.”

“If they do not agree, we are prepared to offer them safe passage to their Ukrainian homeland.”

Ukraine’s prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, said the vote was “illegitimate”, while the acting president, Oleksander Turchinov, said the vote dictated by fear by MPs working “under the barrel of a gun”.

The Crimea parliament also said a referendum on the region’s status was being brought forward from March 30 to March 16. Temirgaliev said there

would be two questions on the ballot, the first asking whether Crimea should be part of Russia.

However, Al Jazeera’s Hoda Hamid, reporting

A

HE president of Tunisia, Moncef Marzouki, has lifted a state of emergency in force since the 2011 uprising that triggered the Arab Spring.

“The president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces... issued a decree lifting the state of emergency in the whole country from Wednesday, March 5, 2014,” a statement from his office said.

The state of emergency had kept security forces on alert and gave troops and police authority to intervene in protests. Troops have arrested dozens of protesters and killed others during raids over the past few months.

It has also affected tourism, which was a major part of Tunisia’s economy. Almost seven million tourists came to the country in 2010, a few months before the uprising. A million less visited in 2012.

5 Afghan soldiers killed in air strike by NATO-led force

F

A man holds a Soviet Union flag as he attends a pro-Russian rally at the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol yesterday.

UN chief calls for more troops in CAR

T

HE head of the United Nations has asked the Security Council to bolster foreign forces in the Central African Republic by another 10,000 soldiers to protect civilians caught in ongoing violence

between Christian and Muslim fighter.

Ban Ki-moon said he wanted the extra soldiers in CAR on top of the foreign troops already there, as the UNSC yesterday held talks on the situation in the country.

Amid carnage of war, Syria ready for Assad re-election FTER three years of grinding conflict, the destruction of whole city districts and an exodus of refugees all triggered by an uprising against his rule, Bashar al-Assad is quietly preparing to be re-elected.

The Syrian president has not yet announced whether he will stand for a third term, in defiance of protesters, rebel fighters and Western foes who have demanded he

from Sevastopol, said there were serious questions about the legitimacy of the parliament, the prime minister, and the decrees.

T

go; but in state-controlled parts of Damascus preparations for his candidacy are unmistakable.

Public gatherings have become platforms to urge the president to nominate himself, despite a continuing civil war that has killed more than 140,000 people, fractured the country and destroyed any chance of a credible vote being held.

Authorities are once

again organizing demonstrations in support of Assad, accused by opponents of massacres of civilians. Shopkeepers are encouraged to show their support by painting national colors on their store fronts.

Some express their loyalty in general displays of patriotism, while others explicitly call on the 48year-old president to announce he will stand in the vote, which is due to be held by July.

Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor James Bays, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, said Ban’s report suggested the troops should be given the right to use force if necessary.

Herve Ladsous, the UN head of peacekeeping, also made it clear that this force would be in addition to the 6,000-plus soldiers from the African Union and the 2,000 French troops already there.

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attend a rally to support him and the army, at the coastal city of Jableh in Lattakia yesterday .

HE Libyan government says former leader Col Muammar Gaddafi’s son, Saadi, has been extradited from Niger and is now in custody in Tripoli.

Saadi Gaddafi, the former head of Libya’s football federation, fled

Oscar Pistorius found praying over Reeva Steenkamp body

A

neighbor of Oscar Pistorius has told his murder trial he found the South African Paralympic star praying over the body of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp as she lay dying.

In the trial’s first account of the moments after the shooting, Johan Stipp said he tried to revive Ms Steenkamp.

During Dr Stipp’s testimony, Mr Pistorius cried and seemed to retch.

The double amputee denies intentionally killing her, saying he mistook the 29-year-old model for an intruder.

If found guilty, the 27-year-old, a national sporting hero dubbed the “blade runner”, could face life imprisonment.

Ex-president of France Sarkozy and wife seek injunction

F

•Ban Ki Moon

Niger extradites Gaddafi’s son Saadi to Libya

T

IVE Afghan soldiers were yesterrday killed in an air strike by the NATO-led force in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Logar, Afghan officials and the coalition said.

Coalition airstrikes on friendly targets have helped widen a rift between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the United States, cementing his resolve not to sign a bilateral security deal to let U.S. troops remain in the country after 2014.

“We condemn the attack on the Afghan National Army in Logar,” said Aimal Faizi, a spokesman for Karzai. “The president has ordered an investigation.”

The airstrike, at around 3.30 a.m., seriously wounded at least eight other soldiers, said district governor Khalilullah Kamal.

after his father was killed in the 2011 revolution.

The 40-year-old is best known for a brief career in Italian football as well as his playboy lifestyle.

Saadi, one of Col Gaddafi’s seven sons, is accused of shooting protesters and other crimes committed during

ORMER French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni are to launch legal action after secret recordings of them were leaked online.

Lawyers for Mr Sarkozy say they will file a request for an injunction to prevent more from being published.

They say the recordings were made by a former aide, Patrick Buisson, without the couple’s knowledge.

Though embarrassing, the transcripts are unlikely to cause political damage, correspondents

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014—59

Sacking of heads of Aviation agencies : Was the timing wrong?

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

T

HE removal of the heads of aviation agencies last Tuesday by President Goodluck Jonathan came as a shock to many aviation stakeholders.

Many have been asking if the timing was wrong against the backdrop that the aviation industry is witnessing monumental changes in terms of infrastructures and safety. And will the incoming heads be able to continue the momentum and drive But the question is : are the replacement for these heads of parastatals capable replacement ? A look at those to replace the sacked Managing Directors shows they are those who have worked closely with the erstwhile Managing Directors and understand the vision and mission of the agencies.

It will be recalled that last Tuesday the Federal Government removed the heads of aviation agencies. This is coming three weeks after the Minister of Aviation, Princess. Stella Oduah, was removed as minister. T h e Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,, FAAN,, Mr George Uriesi ,the Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency,, NAMA, , Engineer Nnamdi Udoh, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, and the Rector of Nigerian College of Aviation technology. ,NCAT Captain Chinyere Kalu., were removed Aviation experts and stakeholders have expressed fears that the removal of the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA few days to the visit of Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, of United States Inspectors to Nigeria to recertify the country’s category 1 status may send wrong signals to the Inspectors, and consequently affect the country’s chances. They further contend that the DG of NCAA is supposed to have a

receive assurances that the high standards that gave us the certification are sustained” Captain Akinkuotu further said “ Let me also correct a misconception in certain quarters, where some people believe erroneously that Cat 1 is about NCAA in isolation. This is far from the truth. I have stated previously how Cat 1 certification ushered in the positive growth we are all witnessing today. “ “As a matter of fact, all facets of the industry and all the stakeholders are part of the process. The continued success is the foundation for good business for both local and foreign direct investors.” Nobody can put the answer better.

A look at those to replace the former Managing Directors shows that Saleh Dumona, the Director of Projects in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, is to replace Mr. George Uriesi as the Managing Director of FAAN. Mr Dumona has been part of the remodeling of the airports projects by virtue of his position and so, there will be continuity. Also, the General Manager, Procurements, in the Nigerian Airspace Management

Former NCAA DG: Captain Fola Akinkuotu

Agency, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, is to replace Nnamdi Udoh as Managing Director of the agency. Mr Abdulsalam worked closely with Udoh in the TRACON project. The Rector of the N i g e r i a n All the replacement for the former heads College of A v i a t i o n are tested hands who have been part of Te c h n o l o g y, the vision and mission of the various C a p t a i n Chinyere Kalu is agencies to be replaced by tenure after been cleared by the the Government Safety Inspector and senate. This is to create stability in the International Civil Aviation system, and allow the DG concentrate Organisation Focal Point for Nigeria on on his job of providing safety for the line Aircraft Safety Information delicate aviation industry. But a former Systems, Capt. Akinyele Caulcrick .

Maintenance Engineer of Nigeria The Commissioner, Accident Airways. Engr. Sheri Kiare reacted to Investigation and Prevention Bureau, this position and said “ the removal of Capt. Muhktar Usman, is to replace NCAA DG could have an impact but Capt. Fola Akinkuotu as Directorthen FAA is not coming to audit the General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation DG, they are coming to audit a Authority subject to confirmation by the process.” “It is a system so whoever is Senate. Benedict Adeyileka is to act as there if the system is working fine, FAA DG, NCAA pending Usman’s will not have problems with confirmation by the Senate.“The such, they are not coming for an Director of Licensing in NCAA, Dr. individual. We only need to make Felix A. Abali is to replace Capt. sure that our system is working Muhktar Usman as Commissioner perfectly so that when they come to (AIPB). All the replacement for the audit, they can audit.” former heads are tested hands who Yes, it is the system and process in have been part of the vision and place that the United States FAA mission of the various agencies. They Inspectors are interested in. In the worked with the former Managing words of the former NCAA Director Directors to achieve the remarkable General, Captain Fola Akinkuotu “ feats the various agencies have The Reassessment is to ensure that our attained. processes are right. They want to

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60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Eagles get Code of Conduct booklet in Atlanta •Team return today T

HE Nigeria Football Federation is taken nothing to chance as it seeks a decent performance at this year’s World Cup in Brazil and better conduct by players and officials of all national team in the future.

Towards this end the federation during the week in faraway, Atlanta Georgia, United States handed out the muchhyped hand book on code of conduct while in the national team to players and officials of the Super Eagles. The 18-page document clearly outlines what is

expected of players, officials and even the federation during camping and major tournaments.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in the company of Chairman, Technical Committee Barr Chris Green and NFF Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme came with the documents and handed them over to the team through Team Adminstrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who has since distributed them to the players and officials of the team.

“The document is done

in good faith and to ensure that players and officials know their obligations and how to properly conduct themselves, while the NFF will ensure that it also fulfills its own part of the bargain during major tournaments”, Maigari said.

The Nigerian delegation to the United States is expected back in Nigeria on today evening after playing a goalless draw against the El Tri of Mexico in an international friendly preparatory to Mundial 2014 in Brazil. The team will arrive through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Maigari hands over Imoke’s land deeds to Eagles LAYERS and over to them, something special for all P officials of the Certificates of you Super Eagles were Occupancy (C of O) of if you do Nigeria and AERIAL TUSSLE......Super Eagles’ midfielder Michael Uchebo jumps for a header with Diego Reyes of Mexico during their friendly match at Georgia Dome on March 5. It ended goalless. Photo: AFP

overjoyed on Wednesday in Atlanta, USA as President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, handed

We didn’t really play our style — Keshi A

FTER watching the Eagles play out a goalless draw with Mexico in an international friendly played yesterday morning in America, Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi has been reflecting on the exciting encounter, conceding however, that the north Americans gave his team a good test.

Keshi said, “ “We didn’t really play our style because we’ve been out for about four or five months ... with different teams ... different styles.

That’s why I’m glad we played a team like Mexico (that keeps the ball on the ground).”

His Mexican counterpart, Miguel Herrera also blamed the short time for camping before the match made

things difficult for the team to blend. “We have to be more together.

“With one day of work, it’s very difficult. ... We were not able to generate a lot of opportunities. There just wasn’t time to prepare.

Too many players were in Europe, and they like to play a certain way.” He said the team that played against the Eagles is not Mexico’s final squad for the World Cup.

*Continued from BP

Balogun

rule him out for up to eight weeks. That may give him enough time to quickly bounce back and rejoin the national team ahead of preparation for the World Cup in May if invited.

The medics explained that if he does not carry out any surgery, it will take him a longer time to return to action (up to 4months) hence the surgery option. His club medics have already been briefed about the development even as Keshi says his immediate concern for the player is about his health.

Balogun was involved in a horrific fall with a

Mexican striker near the dug house of the El Tri midway into the second half of the encounter and hit his legs against objects in the technical area, forcing the Nigerian bench to replace him even when he came on only in the second half of the game.

The player himself said it was painful that he copped the injury but added that he has no regret making a decision to play for Nigeria. “I am a Nigerian, my father is from Ijebu Ode and my mother is half Italian and half German so I chose to play for my fatherland and I am enjoying it so far. The

only thing at the moment is that I don’t understand Pidgin English, which many speak in camp but I will soon catch up because I like the atmosphere in the Eagles camp”.

The players who bonded faster with Balogun in camp include John Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi. “But am in tune with all my teammates and I’m happy the way I was received as if I have been with them for a very long time meanwhile I never met any of them till now. I pray my injury heals on time so that I can return to playing football for my club and country”.

*Keshi *Continued from BP Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh was one of thousands of Nigerians that stayed awake in the early hours of Thursday to watch the Super Eagles take on fellow World Cup qualifiers, Mexico in Atlanta, USA. The encounter which Umeh described as “fierce and frenetic” ended goalless after 90 minutes. Although the NFF chieftain expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Eagles, he felt the attack was not potent enough.

“They missed a couple of one-on-one chances with the Mexican goalkeeper. I think Emenike was not in the

plots of land promised them by the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, CON , for their triumph at last year ’s Africa Cup of Nations. ”It is my pleasure to present to you the Certificates of Occupancy of plots of land promised you by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, a true lover and supporter of Nigeria football, for your victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. ”Governor Imoke has once more demonstrated that he is a man of his words. He has also told me that he has

Africa proud at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. He will be there in Brazil to support you,” Maigari told players and officials at their W. Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, following the impressive 0-0 draw with 19th-ranked Mexico in an international friendly at the Georgian Dome.

Sports-loving Governor Imoke made the pledge when he hosted the players and officials at the Government House, Calabar where the team had presented him with the glittering trophy. He also gave out cash reward.

Umeh

attacking options. But the buck stops on Keshi’s desk,” he said.

Back to the friendly between Mexico and Eagles, Chief Umeh said he was impressed with the performance of Germany based Leon Balogun. “Before he was injured he did very well in the defence. Our problem was the right back where Efe Ambrose was manning. He was running too deep and at times forgot his defensive duties.”

He said the tempo of the match was high.

“The speed was something else. The two teams played as if it was more than a friendly encounter. It was a good match,” Umeh summarised.

game or he was marked out. He should have got at least a goal from the numerous chances he had,” Umeh said.

Could Ike Uche have made a difference if he were in the team? Chief Umeh who spoke through the telephone said he could not give a direct answer to the question. “Coach Keshi should provide the answer, not me. On a personal note I think he(Keshi) should reconsider his stance on Ike Uche. No matter how bad a child is, you cannot throw away the baby with bath water. Ike Uche’s inclusion will give the Eagles enough

A

FTER the goalless draw against Mexico in Atlanta yesterday I sent Stephen Keshi a text , praying God to grant him the wisdom to sort out the confusion Austin Ejide and Vincent Enyeama may be creating for him.

The two keepers (Enyeama in the first half and Ejide in the second) were brilliant. They may pose selection problem for Keshi and his crew. They did in the past.

Remember that Ejide had displaced Enyeama during the 2013 Nations Cup preparation in Portugal but an injury in one of their friendly matches retained him on the bench and Enyeama manned the post in South Africa and did well.

Remember also that at a time during the Nations Cup qualifying matches Enyeama had poor runs especially in Liberia where he conceded two cheap goals and all the assistant coaches including goalkeeper’s trainer preferred Ejide to man the posts in the return leg in Calabar. A last minute change of mind in Calabar saw Enyeama retaining his place. Enyeama is a home boy in Calabar. He adds to the support Eagles enjoy in the town. It was same in the World Cup qualifiers. Enyeama gifted Malawi their equaliser in the stoppage time when he dropped a harmless ball for an attacker to nod in.

In Ethiopia, he conceded two cheap goals but Nigeria were lucky the referee did not allow the first one, which had crossed the line. Emenike rescued Nigeria with a brace and pressure was on Keshi to change Enyeama. But he is never one to take risks and held on to Enyeama. Enyeama did not disappoint this time. He is the Phoenix in Eagles.

Nigeria qualified for the 2014 World Cup. And watching the performance of the two keepers yesterday I know what Keshi would be going through as the World Cup approaches. As it was in the beginning, so shall it be at the end, some may say. Knowing Keshi, I may so predict but I strongly feel that Ejide covers the goal more and commands the defenders better. It is just that Keshi, by nature, does not quickly make changes. He is never a risk taker. And Enyeama is good in falling and quickly returning to life like the Phoenix. And Keshi prefers to stick to the one he knows otherwise the likes of Brown Ideye would have no place in Eagles any more.

The match against Mexico was good for the coaches. A picture of the World Cup team is getting clear in some positions. The new boys, Michael

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 61

08053068728

What I saw of the Eagles in Atlanta Uchegbu of Cercle Brugges who played in the midfield, Ezekiel Imoh, the striker from Standard Lierge and Leon Balogun who came in as a right back substitute, all showed good sparks although Balogun hurt his leg when he jumped so high to head out a ball that he fell out of the pitch. The first half was good especially in the early minutes. Eagles created some chances but couldn’t make hay. Mikel Obi, as usual, was not quick on the ball. There were times he opted to shield the ball when his team mates were free but he would not quickly pass to them. It is a style I’m hoping that the coaches would make him change. Sometimes he loses such balls and he is never fast in recovery. Victor Moses appeared to be playing for himself. He should be less selfish. I counted about four times that his mates were on the run with him and rather than pass to better positioned mates, he would continue his dribbling runs and would eventually lose the ball. I’m also hoping that the coaches will check this. Emenike also opted for some solo runs when his mates were around the ball. I’m in no way against solo runs. All I’m saying is that there are times they are not necessary especially when your team mates are in good position to attack and you decide to run against three or four defenders and eventually lose the ball. It hurts the mind of any technocrat.

Eagles marked well although I didn’t like the space they allowed Mexicans in vital areas close to our goal area. They will be better if they close-marked more. Omerruo, Obaobona, Efe and Echiejile all did well. However, I would have loved to see Yobo back

in action again to assess him. The Yobo I saw in few games for Norwich would have a place in that team I saw against Mexico. Onazi was outstanding as usual. Ahmed Musa played his usual game. Obinna Nsofor looked heavy when he came in. His features confirm that he has not been playing top class football. Emenike played some power game but also made some unnecessary solo runs that never yielded anything. The individualistic tendencies of the Eagles contributed to the greater possession Mexico enjoyed. But on a general note, I would score the Eagles well and ask Keshi to do more in the area of collective play from defence to attack and shooting skills. I think that Keshi is gradually getting his acts together and needs the support of all to shine in Brazil.

V

Goodluck Bolaji Abdullahi

ETERAN sports journalist and our revered columnist Paul Bassey once asked Solomon Ogba if he was getting any assistance from the sports ministry. Ogba is the President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

“Well, Bolaji Abdullahi is the only sports minister who has attended almost all our events.”

It meant that even if Bolaji lacked the funding to assist track and field, he showed morale support.

Bolaji appeared a show man when he came on board about three years ago. But on a closer watch, I found out that since the late Anthony Ikazoboh, no minister of sports had genuinely worked to improve our sports the way Bolaji Abdullahi did. He erred here and there but he genuinely wanted to reform our sports, although funding remained a major problem. I saw him hold meetings with our athletes at the World Championships in Moscow. He was sounding them out on the way forward for Nigeria. He had taken notes from many quarters and was hitting the road running when President Goodluck Jonathan disengaged him on Wednesday. Bolaji was nominated for ministerial appointment by former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki who is now in APC, the opposition party. Bukola had, for long, fallen out with President Jonathan and Bolaji has joined the list of sacked ministers whose “godfathers” are now in opposition. Pity. Bolaji’s removal could, therefore, be political. I wish him well wherever he goes. In Nigeria, there are other things that keep people in political office other than merit.

Bolaji should now know better. Goodluck, young man.

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 — 63

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

Eagles get Code of Conduct booklet in Atlanta •Team return today

Maigari hands over Imoke’s land deeds to Eagles Details inside

Balogun’s debut ends in surgery •Suffers a fractured foot •Out for 8 weeks

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PAINFUL WALK.....Eagles defender Leon Balogun in crutches after his injury during the match against Mexico in Atlanta.

EWLY invited F o r t u n a Dusseldorf of Germany right back, Leon Balogun, will undergo surgery in Germany, when he returns to his base by this weekend after he suffered a fractured foot in the highly explosive international friendly between Nigeria and Mexico on Wednesday in Atlanta Georgia, United States.

Super Eagles doctor , Ibrahim Gyaran told Head Coach Stephen Keshi, that it was the best option open to the young defender and the surgery will effectively

•Continues on Page 60

PUZZLE

BY JACOB AJOM

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IRST Vice President of the Continues on Page 60

AGAINST ALL ODDS.......Super Eagles midfeilder John Mikel Obi (centre) battles for the ball with Mexico’s Hector Herrera (L0 and Javier Aquino during the friendly match at Georgia Dome on March 5. Photo: AFP

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

8 pages of Sports Vanguard inside

We need Uche in Eagles — Umeh

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 1 Brawl (6) 5 Column (6) 8 Trade (8) 9 Group (4) 10 Timid (3) 12 Wrath (5) 15 Abroad (3) 17 Tavern (3) 18 Sprite (3) 19 Imitate (3) 20 Surly (5) 21 Because (3) 22 Untruth (3) 23 Stretch (3) 24 Finish (3) 26 Seam (5) 29 Din (3) 33 Thought (4) 34 Disturbed (8) 35 Plague (6) 36 Character (6)

Down 2 Crude (5) 3 Cot (4) 4 Strict 95) 5 Adhesive (5) 6 Oaf (4) 7 Farewell (5) 10 Frighten (5) 11 Cede (5) 12 Seraph (5) 13 Flashy (5) 14 Allude (5) 15 Tender (5) 16 Hurl (5) 25 Elbow (5) 27 Viper (5) 28 Enlist (5) 30 Fat (5) 31 Hypocrisy (4) 32 Tangle (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Area 4, Rot 6, Feel 8, Closed 9, Sudden 10, Eft 12, Creep 14, Penal 15, Rebel 18, Revere 20, Eraser 24, Treat 26, Seedy 28, Thorn 30, Spy 32, Puppet 33, Exempt 34, Meet 35, Pup 36, Eddy

Down: 2, Ruler 3, Austere 4, Ride 5, Test 6, Fudge 7, Elevate 11, Fee 12, Cur 13, Per 16, Bet 17, Lee 19, Execute 21, Rat 22, Athlete 23, Run 25, Rip 27, Depot 29, Rapid 30, Stop 31, Yelp

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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