We're not after Jonathan's job - 5 Northern govs by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 61941

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

GODOGODO:

Police nab armourer, stolen goods receiver

P.7

P.5 NNPC to enforce N50/litre kerosene price; allays fears of scarcity BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

We're not after Jonathan's job

BUJA—FIVE gov ernors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who have been consulting on the state of the party and the nation, yesterday, dismissed speculations that they were after President Goodluck Jonathan's job, insisting they were on a mission to salvage Nigeria. The five governors spoke through Governor Murtala Nyako of

— 5 Northern govs

•Say they are on mission to rescue Nigeria

Continues on Page 5

Father beheads 5-yr-old son for N1m 6 COLUMNISTS:

ROTIMI FASAN •P.19 OGAGA IFOWODO•P.19 DEAR BUNMI •P.40

Mr & Mrs FOR PA FASHOLA —From left: Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Raji Fashola of Lagos State; Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, during the Islamic funeral rites for Late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, father of Governor Fashola at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor. More pictures on Pages 14&15.

N150M FRAUD:

Ex-NSA Azazi's ADC bags 7-yr jail term

Charity Uzoechina to remain with Etsu Nupe till Sept 17 8

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POCKET CARTOON

CONDOLENCE—President Goodluck Jonathan (R) receiving the executive members of the IBB Golf Club during a condolence visit over the death of mother of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

We're not after Jonathan's job — Five Northern govs Continues from Page 1 Adamawa State, who has been having a running battle with the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, over control of

party structures in Yola. The governors insisted yesterday that they were propelled by greater national interest to go round the country and discuss the best ways to arrest the drift in the

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Greatness is going against the unusual or the ordinary.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

EFEAT is for the valiant. Only they will know the honour of losing and the joy of winning. I am not here to tell you that defeat is a part of life; we all know that. Only the defeated know Love. Because it is in the realm of love that we fight our first battles – and generally lose. I am here to tell you that there are people who have never been defeated. They are the ones who never fought — Paulo Coelho From the writings “Fountain Head” Ayn Rand wrote beautifully: “Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common- that the step was first, the road new, the vision not borrowed, and the response they received was hostile. The great creators, the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors — stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor car was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible. The power loom was considered vicious. Anaesthesia was considered sinful. But the men of un-borrowed vision went ahead. They were focussed, they endured and they paid a price of victory. Yes! They won.”

leading party and Nigeria, rather than seek personal gains, as insinuated by the Presidency. They were reacting to allegation by Political Adviser to President Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, that they were heating up the polity unnecessarily in a bid to get at Jonathan. Gulak also upbraided two of the governors for being ungrateful to the PDP after clearing the way for them to contest and win election on its platform.

No hidden agenda But Special Adviser to Nyako on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Ahmad Sajoh, told Vanguard in an exclusive interview that Gulak missed the point by accusing them of hatching a hidden agenda. Sajoh said: “It is a pity for the Political Adviser to the President to portray the governors as selfish people with hidden agenda, when they are actually trying to draw the President’s attention to the drift in the party and the nation he is leading. We believe strongly that what we are doing by consulting

widely with eminent Nigerian leaders and stakeholders with a view to drawing attention to the problems facing the nation and finding a holistic solution to the challenges does not qualify

us as selfish people in any way. “We have no ulterior motive other than drawing the attention of the President and the party to what is going wrong to enable them adjust in the overall interest of our great country. We are doing that conscious of the fact that if Nigeria slips beyond redemption, it would affect all of us. It is wrong for any right-thinking Nigerian to misconstrue the patriotic action of the five governors and label them as self-seeking because they are simply sounding the alarm that there is danger lurking around and that we need to do something urgent to arrest the drift. “The five governors have brought to the attention of all Nigerians that all is not going well

within the ruling PDP and that efforts should be made by all well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that the situation is remedied without further delay." Reminded that the governors did not seek or obtain the support of either the President or the PDP before embarking on the ‘peace mission’, the governor ’s spokesman said that there was nothing wrong with the governors' move and that they did not need such permission as leaders in their own right to seek peace. He said: “The governors' membership of the PDP does not deprive them of their right to come together and discuss their common interest or consult the elders of the country on matters of national interest.”

NNPC to enforce N50/litre kerosene price; allays fears of scarcity BY MICHAEL EBOH

AGOS—THE Nige rian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, yesterday, threatened to sanction marketers and other stakeholders engaged in the sale of kerosene above the approved price to Nigerians. The NNPC, in a statement signed by Mrs. Green, Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, also allayed fears of alleged scarcity of kerosene in the country, saying that about 11 million litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, were being supplied across the country

daily, far above the national demand of eight million litres daily. Green maintained that the NNPC and the PPMC will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure even distribution of kerosene to all nook and crannies of the country, and also advised members of the public against panic buying of the product. “We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to ensure that petroleum products including kerosene get to the general public at government approved prices as severe sanctions await any defaulter,” she said. Continuing she said: “This clarification has become necessary due to reports of scarcity of the product in some parts of

the country. For the avoidance of doubt, the NNPC, through its subsidiary, the PPMC supplies between 10 and 11 million litres of kerosene daily, which is distributed through allocations to licensed marketers such as Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN), Depot And Petroleum Products Marketers Association, (DAPPMA), Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and NNPC Retail Limited who sell to the general public through their retail outlets. “It is, therefore, a surprise to receive reports of scarcity in spite of the fact that NNPC/PPMC supply above the eight million litres national daily consumption."

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Kidnappers demand N50m for 3 teachers' freedom

EBIN CITY — KIDNAP PERS of the three primary school teachers who were abducted at Orhogbua Primary School at Ekenhuan village, a suburb of Benin City, capital of Edo State, are demanding N50m ransom. The abducted teachers, Patience Osadolor, Momodu Aisha and Patience Oroghene, were taken by gun-totting men at gunpoint during school hours on July 30 after shooting sporadically to scare away bystanders. Following the abduction of the three teachers, academic activities have been grounded at the school as other teachers have refused to report for duty until their colleagues were released unconditionally. State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr. Patrick Ikosimi, confirmed that the kidnappers opened dialogue with families of the victims on Saturday. Ikosimi who described the incident as unfortunate, complained that primary school teachers have not been paid their salaries for the past two months.

Police arrest 4 drivers over attempt to dump toxic waste BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA —FOUR truck drivers have been arrested over alleged attempt to dump toxic waste within the Kwale axis of Delta State. Vanguard gathered that the arrested persons were intercepted along Ogwashi-Uku/ Kwale road while conveying the suspected toxic waste substance in their trucks to the destination. It was further gathered that following the intervention of police, in collaboration with some community leaders, the suspects were arrested and taken to the Ogwashi-Uku police station. At press time, the suspects were still detained at the station. Confirming the incident, the state police spokesman, Mr. Lucky Uyabeme, told our reporter in Asaba, yesterday: It is true the truck drivers were arrested on Monday evening with suspected toxic waste. The arrest was made possible through the effort of our (police) patrol team on routine patrol duty. The vehicles have been impounded and investigation is on.”

Father beheads 5-yr-old son for N1m in Adamawa BY UMAR YUSUF

OLA —DETECTIVES at tached to the homicide unit of the Adamawa State police command have commenced investigations to unravel the circumstance that led a 24-year-old man to behead his five-year-old son. The dastardly act occurred last Wednesday in Ganji suburb of Gombi Local Government of Adamawa State, when Baffa Alti, 24, a cattle rearer, lured his biological son, Buba, to the farmand beheaded him. Adamawa State police command where the suspect alongside his accomplice were paraded gave a vivid account of how the suspects were arrested. The command's Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ibrahim Mohammed, a DSP, told newsmen that the father of the prime suspect, Alhaji Guza, had earlier reported to the police in Gombi that his grandson was missing. Guza also told the police that the boy went to the farm with his father, only for the father to return home without him. According to the police, when Alhaji Guza accosted his son, asking for the whereabouts of his grandson, he told his father that he left him behind in the farm and that he would return later. Days rolled by and the boy did not return from the farm which

made Guza to lodge a complaint at the Gombi divisional police station where a search party was commissioned. The search led to the discovery of the beheaded decomposing body of Buba under a tree in the farm covered with leaves. The suspect was later arrested

and on interrogation, he said one Alhaji Sange Hassan, 63, told him to bring a human head for N1 million. Baffa Datti confessed to committing the act, saying he intended using the money to raise the status of his father, mother and his family.

Alhaji Sange Hassan who is now cooling his heels in the cell of the state CID with Baffa Alti however, denied ever telling him to bring a human head. The suspects, according to the police, will soon be charged to court after investigation.

The father of the beheaded child, Baffa Alti (left) and Alhaji Sange Hassan, the accomplice.

Cultists machete female NYSC member in Bayelsa BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA — A 26-yearold National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Bayelsa State, Miss Folakemi Akinbode, is now struggling for her life at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, following a brutal attack from suspected cultists. The incident occurred, Monday, at about 8.30pm at Obunagha community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. Miss Akinbode, an indigene of Ondo State, a graduate

Miss Folakemi Akinbode... before the attack

Nurse of the Madonna University serving at NDU Teaching Hospital was returning from work when she was ambushed by two suspected cultists along a lonely bush path leading to the corpers’ lodge where she resides. Her right hand was almost chopped off by her assailants who are now at large. It was learnt that but for the hand she raised to defend herself the attackers could have killed her as the machete was aimed at her head. The victim was said to have ran to the lodge with her in-

juries shouting “help, help, help...” after which she collapsed and lost consciousness due to excessive bleeding from the almost severed hand. A source told our correspondent that “though she had been given three pints of blood, she is yet to regain consciousness.” Troubled by the development, the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Apoh Godgive, the Ibolou XI, was said to have ordered the immediate setting up of vigilante group in the community with a view to fishing out the per-

Miss Akinbode...on her hospital bed.

petrators of the crime. Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the incident, saying the command has launched manhunt for the fleeing attackers.

Police nab A

BA— THE Aba Police Area Command has arrested a 40-year-old Prophet/Pastor, Benjamin Ndubuisi, for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 23-year-old man. Investigations revealed that the prophet whose church is located at 89 Ukaegbu Road, Ogbor Hill has been involved in the unholy act with the victim since he engaged him as a worker in his church. Trouble started for the prophet when his victim who gave his name as Ndukwe took ill two weeks ago and worried by his continued deteriorating health condition, confessed to his family about the secret love affairs between him and the gay prophet. Residents of the area hinted that Ndubuisi, who is a prophet in one of the white garment churches in Ogbor Hill, engaged his victim as a worker in the church as a ploy to always have him around

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Godogodo: Police nab armourer, stolen goods receiver BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, are said to have arrested the mother of a gang member, who also served as the amourer to the group led by the notorious one-eyed robbery kingpin, Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka Godogodo, arrested in Lagos, last week She was said to be the keeper of the rifles they used in raiding banks in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states. Also nabbed, yesterday, was the

key receiver of goods stolen by the gang. The arrest resulted from the deployment of operatives to some South-Western states to track down members of the gang. According to a usually reliable source, “all the suspects are now in custody and we are bringing them to Lagos. “Godogodo confessed that Odun’s mother was the one keeping their arms in Ekiti and we have arrested her. He also gave us the details of the man who received their stolen goods including gold jewellery also in Ekiti.”

Victims storm police headquarters Meantime, at press time, some of the victims who survived Godogodo’s gruesome robbery attacks in Lagos State, were at the police headquarters in Ikeja to state their cases. Some of the victims told Vanguard that they were grateful that the law finally caught up with Godogodo. Also, the Ogun State Police command has refuted claims by the notorious South-West robbery czar, that he was arrested and incarcerated for a minor crime of fighting in 1999 which made him to spend seven years in prison.

Godogodo nabbed in 1999 for robbery, murder Sources from the Ogun State command told Vanguard, yes-

terday, that Godogodo was actually arrested in 1999 for robbery and murder, adding that he was charged to an Abeokuta court which remanded him. The source at the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, also told Vanguard that Godogodo spent less than the time he claimed in the prison in Ogun State, where he was remanded. The source said: “He was arrested for robbery and murder and not fighting as he claimed when he was interviewed. “Our records showed that Godogodo was never arrested for fighting, rather he was arrested for a more heinous crime and I doubt if he spent up to seven years in prison. “He got bail few months after his arrest and he jumped bail afterwards. As I speak with you, the command’s legal department is investigating how Godogodo got his bail.”

Policeman kills one, injures pregnant woman, 3 others BY UJU MBANUSI

Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka Godogodo

gay pastor in Aba to satisfy his sexual urge. The gay prophet is alleged to have administered oath to Ndukwe to stop him from divulging the details of the love affair between them to his relatives and members of the church. Worried by the shocking revelation, Ndukwe’s parents alerted

The suspect, Benjamin Ndubuisi.

policemen leading to the arrest of the homosexual prophet. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Galadima Rubies, told the court that the accused committed the offence at Ogbor Hill in Aba on July 28. According to him, Benjamin had a carnal knowledge of a man’s son through the anus. Rubies said the offence contravened Section 214 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Abia 2005. When the suspect was arraigned in court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 with a surety in like sum. Magistrate K. I. Udo said the surety should be resident within the court’s jurisdiction as part of the bail conditions. The accused may be sentenced to 14 years imprisonment on conviction. The case was adjourned to September 9 for further hearing.

AGOS— THE Police in Festival town, Lagos, yesterday, arrested a mobile policeman for indiscriminate shooting and killing of a barber, while inflicting injuries on four others at AmuwoOdofin area of Lagos. When Vanguard visited the scene of the incident, sympathizers were seen in groups discussing the incident. An eye witness who spoke on terms of anonymity, said he was lucky to have escaped being killed by the policeman. “I had retired for the night when I heard gun shots outside. I hurried out to know what was happening only to come face to face with an incident that nearly got me killed. I saw one of the mobile policemen attached to a house in Chief Sunny Ebere Close shooting all over the place and staggering in the process. We all ran for cover. “I and one Emeka who resides here ran to the gate of one of the buildings close to the gate of the hotel, but before we could enter, the policeman fired another shot, which hit Emeka on the leg. “I fell down, pretending I was dead. That was actually what saved me, because when the policeman got to where I was, he left me and went after the other people. After he left, I got up and ran towards the estate gate. Surprisingly, Emeka got up and ran too. “In the process of shooting indiscriminately, he went to a barber’s shop and asked Bright, the barber, who was attending to a customer, to come out. Not suspecting anything serious, Bright

obeyed after which the policeman shot him at close range. “When the policeman saw that everyone was running for safety, he fired shots sporadically, in the process a pregnant woman called Ebere was hit on the hand by bullet. “Another victim, Nonso, was hit on his right eye and yet another victim simply called Tayo was hit on his thigh.” It was gathered that when the policeman discovered the gravity of his action, he escaped through the Golden Tulip Hotel but was later arrested by the Festac Police. Meantime, Bright’s corpse was deposited at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, IdiAraba morgue, while three of the injured are receiving treatment at the hospital and the forth victim is being treated at a private hospital in Festac Town, Lagos.

Bright...before his death

Scores injured as Alaafin son’s loyalists, Oyo lawmaker clash BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN — SOME peo ple were injured, yesterday, in Oyo town when supporters believed to be sympathetic to Mr. Akeem Adeyemi, son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and a lawmaker representing Oyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Khamil Akinlabi clashed. During the period that the fracas lasted, dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, bottles and other items were said to have been freely used by the feuding parties. The crisis, according to a source, was triggered when a group of people, last Friday, marched to the palace of Oba Adeyemi allegedly pleading with the monarch for the recall of Akinlabi whom they accused of not making any remarkable improvement in the lives of the people in his constituency since he assumed the seat in 2011. Instead of the lawmaker, they clamoured for Prince Adeyemi to assume the seat in the National Assembly. But, a counter protest was staged, yesterday, in Oyo with loyalists of Akinlabi from Oyo-East, Oyo-West, Afijio and Atiba local governments, faulting the earlier allegations against the legislator. They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Stop politics of bitterness”, "Kamil, man of the people”, ‘Kamil, hero of our time’ and went through major streets in Isale Oyo. Leader of the Akinlabi’s group, Mr. Waheed Ajagbe said it was not fair to say the lawmaker had not done anything, noting that “about 175 boreholes were provided by the lawmaker across his constituency. "He has distributed 16 vehicles to party leaders and Oyo Mesi (kingmakers). Akinlabi has also facilitated the construction of Erelu water project. "In the area of education, he has facilitated the rehabilitation of Olivet Baptist High School, Isale-Oyo Community Grammar School, distributed textbooks and notebooks for pupils at Primary School level.”

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Charity Uzoechina to remain with Etsu Nupe till Sept 17 BY WOLE MOSADOMI

INNA—MISS Charity (Aisha) Uzoechina, the lady that was allegedly forced to convert to Islam and kept in the palace of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, for the past four months, will remain with the monarch until September 17. Charity cannot be released by the Emir to either the parents or anybody until the case instituted by Charity is vacated by the Sharia court in Bida, Niger State, Vanguard has learnt. A suit filed by father of the girl, Pastor Raymond Uzoechina, before a High Court in Bida, seeking to stop the Sharia court from listening to his daughter ’s case, last week, has been adjourned to September 17 for hearing. The hearing could not hold on August 1 because of the ongoing conference of lawyers holding in Minna, which made the courts go on their annual vacation from August 5, to resume on September 15. Charity, whose new name is Aisha, has equally dragged her father before the Sharia Court, Bida, praying the court to give her protection from her father after converting from Christianity to Islam. The Sharia court, which was to give its ruling on the prayer of Charity (Aisha) last Wednesday, August 1 in Bida could not also sit. No date has been fixed for the ruling. The parents of the girl, especially the father, have alleged foul play and demanded for the immediate release of their daughter. While the case is still pending, Niger State Government waded into the crisis so that it will not degenerate into religious crisis, which the state may not be able to contend with.

Jonathan never planned Ramadan visit to IBB — Presidency BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, denied media report that his request to break the Ramadan fast with former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), was turned down by the latter. In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said there was no such request and so the issue of being turned down does not arise. He demanded a retraction of the story by the newspaper (not Vanguard) and an apology to the president. The statement read: “The mis-

chievous lead report in the daily today (yesterday) that President Goodluck Jonathan sought to visit former President Ibrahim Babangida in Minna to show him ‘the spirit of comradeship’ during Ramadan is completely untrue. “Although President Jonathan participates in the Ramadan fast every year in solidarity with Nigerians of the Islamic faith, he has never as Vice President or President visited the residence of any individual to break his fast. “Rather, it has been the President’s custom to regularly invite Muslims from all strata of society to break their

fast with him at the Presidential Villa, during the month of Ramadan. “In keeping with that established practice, President Jonathan has been busy hosting Muslims, most evenings of the current Ramadan season. “As much as he respects and holds Babangida in high regard, President Jonathan has never indicated any interest in visiting him at Minna during the current Ramadan. “Therefore, there could not have been any ‘turning down’ of a visit by President Jonathan by the former president. “We condemn the decision of the editors of the daily to publish such arrant falsehood

in spite of our vigorous rebuttal as a further manifestation of a continuing effort to sow the seeds of discord in the polity. “Although the newspaper cites a phantom ‘ reliable presidency source’ and ‘a source close to the former president’ to buttress its fictitious report, the editors of the daily know fully well that they can never prove the veracity of the false claim that President Jonathan either offered to break fast with Babangida in Minna or was turned down by the former president. “We, therefore, demand a full retraction of the totally false report, which demeans the office of the President and an apology by the newspaper.”

APC MEETING: From left— Chief Bisi Akande, Interim National Chairman; Alhaji Tijani Tumsa, Interim National Secretary, and Alhaji Aminu Masari, Interim Deputy National Chairman, North, all of All Progressives Congress, APC, at a briefing during the inaugural meeting of the party's interim executive committee in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

APC's door open to Jonathan, says Akande BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BUJA—THE Interim Na tional Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday, said that the door of the party was open for any disenchanted member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, including President Goodluck Jonathan, if the crisis in the party became unbearable for them Chief Akande stated this while briefing newsmen after the first executive meeting of APC, following its registration by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last week. He said: “We don’t close our door to PDP and if Jonathan is

tired of the crisis in PDP, he is welcomed in the APC. “From now on it will not be difficult for Nigerians to know which party has been inflicting pains on them for the last 14 years and which party is poised to relieve them of these pains. “The ideology APC represents is the ideology of existing for the sake of the people and not for selfish aggrandisement of a few leaders. “So we are going to make that clear very shortly and even by the attitude of our 11 governors in their various states. By what they are doing you would have seen that there is a division between APC and PDP.” On what would become the

fate of All Progressives Congress if the court rules in favour of one of the political associations, African Peoples Congress, which was in contention of the acronym APC, he said: “In Nigeria today we don’t know any other APC apart from this All Progressives Congress and we don’t contemplate anything. “Nothing will happen to move this APC out of place. We remain a party and we shall remain a party for ever to rule this country Nigeria.” Meanwhile, APC has also asked African People’s Congress to seek a new name and apply for registration if it was keen on being a political party. Chairman of APC Merger

Committee, Chief Tom Ikimi, who spoke to Vanguard in Abuja, said that the group was being propelled by forces within Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to thwart the registration of APC for selfish reasons. Ikimi, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, said that with the formal registration of APC by INEC, the issue of who was real or fake had been laid to rest and that it was left for the group to seek a new name. He said: “With the registration of APC, it is very clear who is fake and who is not. “The fake APC should seek a new name and go for registration if indeed it wants to be registered as a party in the country.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 9

job opportunities, reduce capital flight, encourage capacity building and support gasbased industrialisation aspirations.”

‘We’re winning war against oil theft, vandalism’

POWER SEMINAR: From left— Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Non-Executive Director, Performance Specialist Limited; Mr. Peter Butt, CEO, Integrated Resources Project Power and Energy Construction; Prof. Barth Nnaji, Guest Speaker and former Minister of Power; and Ms. Bukola Oyinloye, CEO, Performance Specialist Limited, at a three-day seminar on Understanding the Dynamics of Power Industry and Maxismising the Opportunities, in Lagos.

NNPC disagrees with Shell on $700m loss zPuts production at 2.4 m/bpd BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

BUJA—NIGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has disagreed with claims that Shell lost $700 million to oil theft in the second quarter of the year. NNPC said in a statement by the corporation’s Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Ms. Tumini Green, in Abuja, yesterday, that Shell’s claim was “defective” and that the loss the multinational oil firm claimed to have suffered was not based on

its operations in Nigeria. NNPC described Shell’s argument that its current divestment was due to harsh operating environment and absence of leadership in the oil industry as defective and rooted on weak syllogism. According to NNPC: “Mergers, acquisition and divestment, MAD, is a global portfolio management strategy employed by mostly big corporations to restructure and reposition companies for better and efficient revenue growth and competition.” It wondered anybody

“could canvass such position when the multinational oil companies themselves, especially Shell, have repeatedly stated that part of the reasons for divestment of its assets was a deliberate measure to encourage and promote indigenous participation in the upstream oil and gas industry.

On Shell's report

“With regard to claims by Shell that it lost $700 million by the second quarter of 2013 to crude oil theft and other disruptions in Nigeria,” NNPC said “the loss claims are not localised to Nigeria as reported. “Shell’s acquisition of Shale oil and gas assets in North

America has also proven not to be good investments and as such programmed for divestment to minimise risk. “In order to further buttress the global challenges, Shell’s current tight oil output is 50,000 barrels per day, bpd, as against an estimated 250,000bpd in the United States. “Furthermore, ExxonMobil’s Q2 2013 earnings were down substantially by 57 percent year-on-year primarily due to prior year gains, Japanese restructuring and divestment.” NNPC said that Shell’s divestment were a blessing in disguise for the nation as they “have in fact increased indigenous participation which will in turn create new

Ex-NSA Azazi's ADC bags 7-yr jail term over N150m fraud BY EVELYN USMAN

HE General Court Martial, GCM, of the Nigerian Army, yesterday, sentenced Lt Col Robert Ahangba, former Aide De Camp to late General Azazi, to seven years imprisonment for using the name of his former boss to collect N150 million from the former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to facilitate his second term as governor. The court also ordered that the sum be refunded to Bayelsa State Government and empowered the Military Police and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to ensure the amount is paid. The court, after sitting for 10 hours, found the accused with service number N9827 guilty on two counts out of the four

he was charged with. The officer was charged for obtaining money under false pretence, disobedience to standing order and conduct of prejudice to service discipline. Chaired by the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Edward Nze and the Judge Advocate, Captain Chukwudi Okonkwo, the court discovered that the accused lodged the said money in his account. Nze said as a rule, ex-convicts don’t serve in the Armed Forces and so if the superior authorities enforce the decision of the court, it automatically means that the officer has been dismissed. The entire sum to be returned, according to the court, was N142,345,654, “in

accordance with Subsection 2 of Section 174 of the Armed Forces Act and laws of the Federation of Nigeria. “This court, after thorough evaluation of evidence before it, the service record of the convict and allocotus of the defence, also considered the grave effect of the serving officer, which is an act of indiscipline in the NA and came to certain conclusions. “But the court frowns at the convict’s conduct as a serving officer, who had the golden opportunity to work with one of the finest generals this country has ever had. “But instead of taking the advantage, he decided to embrace the disgraceful get-richquick syndrome. “Worse still, he had abandoned his earlier line of de-

fence because during investigation he attempted to paint the late General black. “The court, therefore, sentences the convict to seven years imprisonment for obtaining money under pretence subject to confirmation from superior authorities.” On the monies to be returned, the court listed the sum as N25 million, N30 million and N29 milliom to be retrieved from Union Bank account and N48 million deposited at First Bank in the account name of Roberta Nigerian Limited. The sum of N11 million was also traced to Living Faith Church, which was paid in two installments: N9 million and N2 million as well as other monies given to some messengers. However, Nze said the decision of the court was subject to superior authority, which in this case is the Army Headquarters.

It claimed that the nation was winning the war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which was being led by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke and the leadership of the corporation. Consequently, the conglomerate disclosed that daily crude oil production had increased to an average of 2.4 million pbd. It said: “Suffice it to say that some vandalised pipelines and flow stations have been repaired and re-opened such that average current national daily production stands at 2.4 m/bpd compared to the average year to date figure of 2.13 m/bpd as at June 2013.” The corporation traced the current success to the minister’s directive to NNPC to constitute an industry-wide committee on Security Strategy Against Crude Oil and Product Theft. That committee’s members include representatives from NNPC, all IOCs, NPDC, security agencies and Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI.

Production projections

NNPC said: “In a fortnight, repair works on the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, which has a daily capacity of 150,000 bpd is expected to be fully completed. “On completion, daily average crude oil production is expected to increase to 2.50 m/ bpd which will exceed the national daily target of 2.48 m/ bpd. “Our expectation is to increase production from the 2.48 to 2.55 m/bpd (both crude and condensate) for the rest of the year. We have the capacity and potential to maintain production above 2.55 m/bpd in the country. “All that is required is to continue the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft to achieve this target. This will increase our 2013 average production to about 2.34 m/bpd if the current fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft is sustained.” The corporation restated its determination to work with all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to ensure effective management of the nation’s vast hydrocarbon resource base. NNPC expressed gratitude to security agencies that have been collaborating with its team and assured that it was determined to sustain this tempo to free the nation’s oil resources from every form of criminality.

10—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Jonathan, governors, others pay last respects to Pa Fashola .He shaped my life — Gov Fashola BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, TAYE OBATERU, HENRY UMORU, DAPO AKINREFON, GVENGA OKE & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

RESIDENT GOODLUCK Jonathan, yesterday, in Lagos, led other eminent Nigerians to pay their last respects to Pa Ademola Fashola, father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State. Pa Fashola, who died at his residence, in the early hours of last Monday, after a brief illness, was buried at about 3.45p.m. at the conclusion of ‘dust to dust’ rite by his children, dressed in white flowing traditional attires. The body was earlier laid-instate at his No. 31, Oladipo Olabinjo Street, Off Bode Thomas, Surulere. Alhaji Garuba Akinola, Chief Imam of Lagos State led the prayers at the Lagos Central Mosque at about 2.45p.m. and the burial at Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos Island stared at about 3.45p.m. Six pall-bearers from MIC morticians (undertakers) brought the corpse in a brownish raffia casket (typical of Muslim coffin) into the luxurious cemetery.

Roll-call Also in attendance were Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF and Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; Governor Kayode Fayemi and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ekiti and Ogun states, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who represented President Jonathan; President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former governor of Cross River, Donald Duke; Justice George Oguntade (rtd), Sam AmukaPemu, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers and General Manager Publications, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye. Others were Mr. Ricky Tarfa, SAN; Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Ernest Shonekan, former head of Interim National Government; Akin Disu, chairman Eagle Paint; former National coach, Tunde Disu; Alhaji Musibau Alebiosu, Tunde Folawiyo, Alhaji Rasak Okoya, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Babatunde Ojodu; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Justice Fatai Adeyinka. Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission LASIEC, Wale Edun; former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, members of the State Executive Council, members of

the State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress Party, APC, stalwarts were equally in attendance.

Fashola speaks Speaking after the interment, Governor Fashola, in a solemn voice, described his late father as a father of all as he did not discriminate among different shades of people he came across. According to him: “I think for all of us, I like to say ‘thank you’ very much to everybody who has rallied round from yesterday (Monday) morning before I returned from Saudi Arabia; the pouring of love

from all Nigerians, from Mr. President who called persistently until he got through to me. He sent his representative today (yesterday0, the Minister of Sports and my brother governors, the imams, the ordinary men and women and everybody. Thank you very much. ”This is a painful way for us and for you to show how much you love us, but we really appreciate you. Our gratitude is deep and immense and we can never fully express it. “As for my father, I think for all of us his children, he was first and foremost our friend, he was our best friend, so that is what we will miss really.

“Our father was a very loving friend, who allowed us to be the best that we could. He allowed us to be what we wanted to be, guiding and nudging, but never discriminated and that’s why he had children that are Christians, Muslims; children who are Europeans, children who are married across Nigeria. ”I think these have fully captured his life. I doubt if there is any person who did not have enemies, it must be my father because he just got on with life. “He didn’t discriminate in any position he found himself, good, comfortable, painful, he just moved on.

“I learnt so many things from him and most of these things shaped my life today. I try to be and I hope that I can be as rounded in integrity, humble in his attitude to life and fully committed in all situations as he was. He died in the month of Ramadan, he died on the night of majesty. ”We had just finished ‘Lailatul Quadri’ prayers in Mecca, and for me, God is great because if God gave him the opportunity to choose how he would go, and when, he could not have chosen the day he went. “It was such a great time. We thank God.”

....PDP, NGF, Oshiomhole, others commiserate with Fashola

EANTIME, MORE condolence messages have continued to pour in for Governor Fashola over the demise of his father. Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF; national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, among others, yesterday, commiserated with him. Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi said: “We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray especially for you, your family and the entire people of Lagos State at this very difficult period of grief. “God will comfort you and grant you the grace to bear this loss and strengthen you to remain steadfast.” NGF in a statement by its Director-General, Asishana Okauru said: “We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray that God will grant you the strength to bear the loss.” On its part, PDP in a statement by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Tony Caeser Okeke, said: ‘’A devout Muslim, community leader and philanthropist, Pa Fashola until his passage remained a shining example of humility and a source of inspiration for the younger generation. “He was well known for his forthrightness and candour in handling issues which earned him the love and respect of all who came around him.” For Governor Oshiomhole, his condolence letter read: “I received with great shock the news of the passing on of Your Excellency’s beloved father

FUNERAL: From left, Mr. Lanre Babalola, Chief of staff to Gov. Fashola, Mrs. Arinola Fuwa, Lagos State governor, Mr. Raji Fashola, Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady, and Yemisi Tinubu, during the Islamic funeral rites for late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of Governor Fashola, at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez and mentor, Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola. “I offer the heartfelt condolences of the Government and good people of Edo State as well as my personal commiseration over the sad loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear brother, at this very difficult moment. From accounts of your father’s life and times, we learnt that he was a man of character and valour, a man with a keen sense of fairness, equity and justice to all that crossed his path. “It, therefore, needs no guessing the extent to which Pa Fashola helped shape the successful man, professional and administrator that you are today. “It then becomes easier to appreciate the bond that existed between your good self and the significant imprint he represents in your inspiring story. Also, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, in a statement by his Director of Press Affairs, Mr. James Mannok, described the death of Pa

Ademola Fashola as sad. He said Pa Fashola must have died fulfilled having an accomplished family and a son who had been a two-time governor and prayed for divine comfort for the family.

Lagos APC, Senator Ashafa mourn For Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, in his statement through his Head, Media and Strategy, Mr. Babatunde Adegunju, said: “We all are going to miss Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola for his fatherly advice at all times, and if not for this untimely death, we would have celebrated his 80th birthday next month; above all, God knows best. Similarly, Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a statement by its Interim Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said that Pa Fashola left an indelible footprint in the quality of son he gave Nigeria and said that his memory would always

resonate whenever Nigerians recall the superlative effort his son had made to lift Nigeria from the pith of decay and bad governance. The party said: “We mourn a disciplined, honest and strict father, who deployed all noble and honest means to train his children and kept them strictly on the paths of decency, honesty and integrity. “We mourn a man of exemplary character who devoted all he had to train his children in the ways of the Almighty. “His was a life of full accomplishments, which finds great expression in the wonderful son he gave to Nigeria as an exemplar in transparent and result-oriented governance. “In Governor Fashola, we know that Pa Fashola breathed his last, confident that he had had a permanent positive denture in the Nigerian progress history and Lagos APC feels honoured to identify with the great result of the positive life Pa Fashola led while on earth.

Vanguard , WEDNES DAY,

Lagos deports Osun indigenes too — Govt BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO — OSUN State government has declared that it was also a victim of the Lagos State government's policy on evacuation of destitute to their various states and cautioned the Anambra State government against politicising the issue. Also, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state asked the Anambra State government to bury its anger on the matter and stop turning the issue into a serious political matter because of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. At a joint press conference by the officials of the state government and APC in Osogbo, yesterday, the government claimed that between April 27, 2010 and now about 135 indigenes of the state that were destitute have been moved from Lagos to the state. Similarly, the state government had equally received two persons each who were indigenes of the state from Ogun and Ondo states on April 16, last year while four persons

were also sent from Oyo State to the state in June this year. Both the Acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Hon. Biyi Odunlade and other government officials spoke at the press conference. “There is no bitterness or any

sensation about this. It is routine administrative process, that when you have a destitute on your hand, without home or family, and after doing your best for them you send them to their people,” “In Osun, we have similar programme of clearing the streets of beggars and the destitute. Those that can be em-

DO EKITI — THE rec-onciliation committee set up by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has finally reconciled supporters of the former governor of the state, Mr. Ayo Fayose with Makanjuola Ogundipeled State Working Committee, SWC. It may be recalled that the chairman of the committee and the governor

LYING-IN-STATE: From left, Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Mrs. Titilola Ayinde, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, and Rev. Samuel Ogedengbe, at the lying-in-state of the father of Lagos State Governor, late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, in Lagos, yesterday.

of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson had in the first leg of the reconciliation move called all the affected members of the party at Abuja to a truce meeting The issue of modality of picking consensus gubernatorial candidate of the party had pitted Fayose against some members of the SWC Briefing newsmen shortly after meeting with the stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the leader of the four-mem-

ber delegate, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed pleasure over the progress made. He said the party will wax stronger to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forth-coming governorship battle. “I am happy and confident that the issues in Ekiti PDP will be resolved after this meeting, so that we can take what belongs to us in 2014,” he said.

Ports security: AMES urges govt to parley with Americans

HE Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors, AMES, yesterday, advised the Federal Government to discuss with the American Government on ways to improve security in Nigerian ports. President of AMES, Mr Charles Uwadia, who gave the advice at a news conference in Lagos, said: “It is just 21 days left to the ultimatum given by the American Government for Nigeria to implement the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. We strongly suggest that the Nigerian Maritime

24 hour curfew imposed on Potiskum

OTISKUM— M I L I TA RY authorities said, yesterday, it has declared an all-day curfew and was conducting house to house searches amid fears that Islamic extremists armed with explosives had infiltrated the Yobe state capital. Capt. Eli Lazarus announced the 24-hour curfew and ordered people to stay home. There was an eerie silence and empty streets in the normally bustling city as Muslims prepared to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan today.

PDP reconciles Fayose, SWC members BY GBENGAARIYIBI

powered are given the needed assistance to be on their own. We are also going to resettle them one way or the other,” they argued. They described the condemnation of the Lagos State government policy on the relocation of the destitute by the Anambra State government as unfortunate.

AUGUST 7, 2013— 11

Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) takes full responsibility.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. gave the 90-day ultimatum in June. Uwadia said that NIMASA should discuss with the International Port Security Liaison Officer Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mr David Gates, to ensure a satisfactory level of compliance. He noted: “While the discussion is going on, NIMASA should embark on accelerated reforms that will not only demonstrate its au-

thority but provide the foundation for sustainability. AMES believes that a well-fashioned process from the evolving changes occasioned by the U.S. Coast Guard intervention will assist in the reforms.” Uwadia said that the reforms by NIMASA should include sponsoring legislation or developing appropriate regulations to check unlawful acts against maritime navigation. He said that the reforms should also include identifying and designating contact authority in accordance with the ISPS Code.

A security official, who insisted on anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said the army was acting on information that extremists had infiltrated the city with munitions and explosives. Potiskum has been the target of previous attacks by extremists. A state of emergency was declared in Yobe and two other northeastern states mid-May.

12 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Oshiomhole approves N500m grant for AAU BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has approved N500 million for Ambrose Alli University, AAU, to upgrade its facilities. Speaking at the inauguration of an eightmember Governing Council of the university, chaired by Professor Greg Akenzua, Governor Oshiomhole said the money will be paid in instalments, beginning from August and spread over a couple of months. He said the Governing Council will decide how best to put the money to use, but that he expects value for every kobo spent. He said “there are a lot of challenges in AAU which is why I appreciate your acceptance of this appointment. There are issues of funding, management, transparency and accurate record keeping. I am aware that the Vice Chancellor had been dealing with these, but some of them are beyond the competence of a Vice Chancellor.

Lulu Briggs medical mission in Akwa Ibom

HE 20th edition of the five day free medical mission programme of the O. NB. Lulu Briggs foundation holds in Enwang community, mbo local government area of Akwa ibom State, Monday August 5 to Friday, August 8. A statement from the organisers said that 60 medical professionals will be available to attend to eye, dental, surgery and general ailments, mothers, fathers, youths and children.

Rivers House Leader pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

HE Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder preferred against him before a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt. He was also charged with wounding, assault, and malicious damage. Trial judge, Justice Latan

G H E L L I — S AT I S FIED with his peopleoriented projects across the state, Forum of Delta State Special Project Directors, SPD, has passed a vote of confidence on the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

the six-count charge preferred against him as each count was read to him. The Attorney-General of Rivers State announced his appearance and took over the case. The Police counsel, Mr Donald Demwigwe, SAN, told the court that since the accused had been properly arraigned and his plea taken, he was not opposed to the Attorney-General taking over the case. Mr. Beluolisa Nwofor, coun-

sel to Lloyd, said that he had applied for his client’s bail through a motion, which the court allowed him to argue. But the Rivers AttorneyGeneral prayed the court to strike out his counter affidavit to the bail of the accused persons, which the court granted. The court, meanwhile, adjourned till today, to rule on the bail application of Lloyd and ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody.

VISIT: The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe (middle), flanked from left by Eka Iban Mkpat Enin, Obonganwan Maria Oton, and the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor on General Duties, Mrs. Imeofon Udoh, during a courtesy call on Lady Ebe at Government House, Uyo, yesterday.

Edo invites 1,300 primary school teachers to defend certificates BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—EDO State Government has invited 1,300 primary school teachers, who have irregularities in their certificates and age records to appear before a verification committee to defend themselves. The order was given by Governor Adams Oshiomhole at a meeting with the leadership of the state Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led by Mr Emmanue Ademokun and Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, led by Mr. Patrick Ikosimi. Insisting that the exercise

was not to witch-hunt anybody, Oshiomhole noted that it would not be business as usual and that those who have become too old to teach would have to give way. He said “It is not my wish to preside over dismissals. In the first place, it is not cheap. Secondly, I have a responsibility to keep Edo going and ensure that our children are in good hands of teachers, who are not senile but still strong to stand and competent to teach. “If the facts reveal that there

In a statement after a twoday retreat, the forum said: “Governor Uduaghan is one governor that is committed to the development of his state. His projects are scattered across the state. He is committed to the human and infrastructural development of Deltans.”

are teachers in the classroom who do not have the requisite qualification, you cannot insist that they remain in the system. The good news is that those who are not too old, who are capable of being training, if we find that they are deficient and it is possible for them to benefit from trained, we will give them training. What is not acceptable is to say it is business as usual. “We can mismanage everything in our country, but if you mismanage education, you are killing our tomorrow, our col-

lective future. “I have asked the Ministry of Education to invite these categories of teachers, numbering about 1,300, who, from their records, appear to have started primary school before they were born, to come and clear the discrepancy because we are not assuming that those documents are ironcast.” The governor said primary school teachers would be paid their salaries which were withheld when they embarked on strike.

Troubled IYC may produce parallel presidents BY EMMA AMAIZE

Delta SPDs pass vote of confidence on Uduaghan BY FESTUS AHON

Nyordee, said the plea of the accused could be taken on the ground that he had been properly arraigned before his court. The judge also said that the earlier oral announcement of the Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Nwogu Boms, to take over the case was premature. “Now that the accused is properly arraigned, he can take his plea,” the court said. Lloyd pleaded not guilty to

ENAGOA—IJAW Youth Council, IYC, an umbrella body of Ijaw youth in Niger Delta region, may produce parallel presidents, this year, following the insistence by the warring members to hold parallel elections, this week, without resolving the crisis rocking the council. The electoral committee, headed by Niger Delta activist, Ann Kio Briggs, has reportedly fixed election into the na-

tional leadership of IYC for August 10, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while the parallel electoral committee, led by Jeremiah Oba, has scheduled same election for August 8, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A source told Vanguard: “There is tension everywhere as some youth groups have armed themselves, threatening to disrupt the convention in Yenagoa because they are not satisfied with the happenings and actions of those who want to hijack the council.”

Efforts by Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Bayelsa State, Mr. Felix Tuodolor, to resolve the crisis hit a brick wall, as leaders of the disputing factions stuck to their positions. However, president of National Association of Izon- Ebe Law Students, NAILS, Mr. Waya Ebi, who is contesting for the position of national speaker, dismissed the claim that IYC was factionalised, saying “There is no faction in IYC and the Oba-led electoral committee is the authentic IYC.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 13

14â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

BURIAL OF LATE PA IBRAHIM ADEMOLA FASHOLA IN PIX

From left: Mr. Ademola Fashola, master Olayinka Fashola, Gov. Babatunde Fashola and other members of the family, during the Islamic funeral rites for Late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, father of Lagos State Governor at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday. Otunba Subomi Balogun, Founder, First City Pix: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor, Biodun Ogunleye, Lamidi Bamidele and Bunmi Azeez. Monument Bank PLC arriving at the occasion.

From left: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Governor Raji Fashola and Mr Aigboje Imoukhuede, MD, Access Bank.

Chief Razak Okoya; Engr Bolaji Fashola, Olori Ebi; and Chief Molade OkoyaThomas.

From left: Mr Tunde Folawiyo; Mr Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State and Mr Segun Sebanjo.

Mr. Ademola Fashola and Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State, performing dust to dust.

From left: Justice Ishola Olorunnibe (Rtd); Governor Raji Fashola; Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Head of Interim Govt and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun.

From left: Alhaji Femi Okunnu and his wife Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson (middle) and other sympathisers.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;15

BURIAL OF LATE PA IBRAHIM ADEMOLA FASHOLA IN PIX

From left: Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and Mrs Cecilia Omolara Fashola, Widow. Alhaji Garba Akinola Ibrahim leading Muslim prayer; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, (back row) at the Lagos Central Mosque, during the Islamic funeral rites for Late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, father of the Governor.

From left: Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State and Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, Minister of Sport.

Lagos White Cap chiefs showing last respect to the Late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola.

Governor Raji Fashola and Alhaji Mustapha Fashola.

From left: Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers and Mr Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief/GM, Publications.

Crowd at the Lagos Central Mosque, venue of the Islamic prayer for Late Ibrahim Ademola Fashola yesterday.

Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi and his mother, Mrs Ganiat Fawehinmi.

From left: Temidayo Adeyemi and Mr Kunle Odufunwa.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

EFCC declares two subsidy fraud suspects wanted BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared two oil subsidy suspects, Seun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, wanted. The two men are the Managing Director and General Manager, Operations, of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, one of the numerous firms implicated in the multi-million naira subsidy scam that rocked the nation in 2011. Although the two men had been standing trial for the alleged scam of close to N1 billion, they nevertheless jumped bail, forcing the EFCC to raise the alarm about their whereabouts. The commission said in a statement made available to Vanguard on Tuesday that the two men were wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining the sum of N976, 653,110.28 from the Petroleum Support Fund by false pretence. The statement signed by the EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said that the two

men disappeared into thin air after being granted bail by a Lagos High Court and that all efforts to trace them had failed. “Light complexioned Ogunbambo speaks English and Yoruba, while Theck is fluent in English and Hausa. “Ogunbambo’s last known address is 2 Olamiyuyan Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos, while Theck’s is 89, Buck Field,

Yaba, Lagos,” the commission said. Last May, the two had claimed that their statements were obtained under duress and asked the court to quash all allegations made against them, as the EFCC violated their fundamental rights in the course of interrogation. Their lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar

Association, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), filed an application praying the court to quash some charges of fuel subsidy fraud instituted against Mr. Seun Ogunbambo. Agbokoba, in his application filed before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, argued that the EFCC had violated his client’s right to Miranda rights.

According to him, by Miranda rights, a person arrested or detained, is entitled to have legal representation immediately on arrest and before making any statement. Miranda rights, Agbakoba argued, were to prevent coercive and involuntary extraction of statements by law enforcement agencies from suspects.

Jonathan assures on 7.2 per cent economic growth rate before year’s end BY BEN AGANDE

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said the economy would achieve a 7.2 percent growth rate before end of year. President Jonathan, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the growth currently stood at 6.7 percent. He said: “ The level of Foreign Direct Investment is running into trillions. In terms of growth, our economy is grow-

ing at over 6.7 per cent and our projection is that by the end of the year, it could even be as high as 7.2 per cent. “This economic growth is linked to inclusive growth, job creation, empowerment of the youths, creating opportunities within the economy. I can tell you with great confidence that the economy is doing very well indeed.” Dr Abati called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that under his watch, the country had

continued to witness peace and sustained growth in the economy. Abati said on a Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria news programme yesterday that the decisive action by the President on the security challenge in the North Eastern part of the country through the declaration of a state of emergency in three states, had not only restored peace and order in those states but also decimated the threat posed to the territorial integrity of the country by the insurgents.

The Presidential spokesman, who spoke extensively on the successes recorded by the country’s security services as a result of the declaration of the emergency, called on Nigerians to continue to support the security services. He said: “Before the declaration of state of emergency, the situation in the affected states was really bad, socioeconomic activities had practically ceased. There was anxiety in the communities and beyond the affected part to all parts of Nigeria.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 Tuesday, July 30th 2013 will go down in the political history of Nigeria as the day three political parties – Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) succeeded in their merger bid as the All People’s Congress (APC) was announced registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Also, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha’s faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is part of the new political party. The INEC also consequentially withdrew the certificates of registration of the merging political parties. It was a milestone for our democracy in that all previous attempts at mergers of registered parties and political associations in our political history were truncated mainly due to the inordinate political ambitions of their leaders. It also signaled the return of a dominant twoparty system in Nigeria, the first being between 1989 and 1993 when the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) were created out of various political associations by the military regime of President

As APC joins the fray Ibrahim Babangida. The difference is that while the SDP and NRC were the only registered parties, the APC is going to share dominance with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while other smaller parties will continue to play. The success of this merger is a great bonus for our democracy because Nigerians will now have clearer choices before them at the polls. It is coming into the arena with eleven states while the ruling PDP commands 23 states. APGA has one, and Labour Party one state. We call on political practitioners to seize the opportunity of the stronger political environment to develop healthier political

attributes that will make Nigeria’s democracy richer and enhance our national development. Our political parties should begin to broaden their ideological bases and present the electorate with clear choices. The situation obtaining at the moment is not satisfactory because there is no clear-cut APC or PDP way of conducting governance as we witnessed in the days of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the Great Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP). Since each of the major political parties is controlling government at various levels, they have something to show for their ability to deliver. This should be the basis of competition, rather than emphasising undesirable politics of violence, impunity, rabid propaganda, deceit and electoral malfeasance. Two-party dominant democracies are usually very vibrant and exciting. Democracy can be a powerful tool of development if political parties play by the rules. We hope this will be the shape of things to come as we look forward to the 2015 political season.

OPINION BY BONAVENTURE MELAH

HE advent of social media has no doubt provided additional platform for people to share information and knowledge about things happening in their immediate communities and around the world. But social media has equally exposed the beast in humans, at a level never experienced since creation. In Nigeria, people now use the social media to peddle all forms of lies and outrageous allegations against anybody they wish to attack without fear of what such baseless and unsubstantiated stories would have on their victims. The tragedy is that there is no law that controls the proliferation of the social media which is fast eroding the journalism profession. The situation is so bad that anybody can own a blog and publish whatever they want without care in the world. Most of the stories peddled by some bloggers have no by-line and there are no addresses of their promoters. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, was an obscure government department some years ago until Prof. Dora Akunyili was appointed to head the place. Her exploits exposed the Agency to the world and Nigerians saw NAFDAC as a reference point for quality service. But Dora was severally attacked in the media with spurious allegations. When she left NAFDAC, Nigerians were afraid that achievements recorded by the Agency may be reversed if the right

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NAFDAC, Paul Orhii and the tragedy of social media successor was not found. But NAFDAC under Dr. Paul Orhii’s leadership has recorded even greater successes than was the case. And this was achieved through the use of modern technologies and other innovations introduced by Dr. Orhii. The result of these innovations has been awesome. There has been unprecedented reduction in the number of unwholesome drugs and food materials coming into the country. Local manufacturers of inferior drugs are facing the worst battle of their lives in the present dispensation under Dr. Orhii. In retaliation, the thieves are now unleashing several lies against the Agency and its leadership, especially Dr. Orhii. And the social media has yielded itself as a willing tool. A faceless blogger recently dropped a report that accused the NAFDAC boss of having affair with his former aide. The report also claimed that Dr. Orhii has hand in a corruption scandal involving the former aide. But the report failed to say how the alleged money was linked to Dr. Orhii. The worst part of the allegations is the suggestion that Dr. Orhii is facilitating the importation of fake drugs into Nigeria. This falsehood is simply despicable in view of the commitment with which Dr. Orhii has waged the war against fake drugs. Although the NAFDAC boss himself has

addressed a press conference in which he told reporters about the online report. There is a need for Nigerians to rise up and condemn this act of reckless impunity by social media practitioners against otherwise very patriotic citizens working tirelessly to address the social malaise in Nigeria. According to Dr. Orhii, the report was the handiwork of mischievous drug counterfeiters and disgruntled elements to paint him black, having failed in their assassination attempt against him.

t would be recalled that attempts were made in 2010 to assassinate Dr. Orhii when some hoodlums said to have been hired by a drug baron shot at him. Before the shock of the assassination attempt would fade, some people went to town in his home state of Benue circulating papers that alleged he was having affairs with his former aide. To show how desperate they were, copies of the paper were sent to the Minister of Health and some other top government functionaries. The aim was to get Dr. Orhii out of office by all means because they knew that by his enviable track- record of achievements in NAFDAC, his reappointment was as sure as night and day. This was exactly the tactics they deployed while trying to tarnish the image of Prof. Akunyili while she was in office. They had

equally shot at her but did not succeed. NAFDAC under Dr. Orhii is currently spearheading the global efforts in the use of cutting- edge equipment and instruments by regulatory agencies across the world. One of such novel ideas is the use of TRUSCAN, a hand-held device using Roman Spectroscopy to detect counterfeit products. The use of this new and modern device has led to tremendous successes at borders and within the country in detecting counterfeit drugs on the spot. Others are the Black Eye, the deployment of a mobile system that works with the use of text messages by consumers to ascertain genuineness of drugs before purchase called Mobile Authentication Service and the use of Radio Frequency Identification, among many others. To ensure that enforcement and monitoring personnel of the Agency catch up with prevailing circumstances and challenges, taking cognisance of the readiness of drug dealers to circumvent every existing strategy, NAFDAC has embarked on aggressive upgrading of facilities at their various laboratories across the country. There is presently more and closer collaboration between NAFDAC and foreign countries and international agencies in the campaigns against substandard drugs. It is, however, re-assuring to hear Dr. Orhii say that the fight against these evil drug dealers will not be compromised, no matter the level of attacks on him. *Mr. Melah, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013— —19

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HERE are yet no accurately verifiable figures on the number of casualties from last week’s terror attack by Islamic terrorists in Sabon Gari area of Kano. This has become the pattern in the last four years since the terrorists masquerading as God’s warriors in different parts of the North embarked on their campaign of infamy. Usually after such attacks the Police and other security agencies provide grossly conservative figures of casualties while playing down the severity of the entire event. The one undeniable thing is the gruesomeness of the attacks and the general belief that the figure of the maimed and dead is high. This can always be deduced from the extent and severity of the attack and independent reports from eye witnesses and medical personnel who invariably have to care for the casualties. In the latest incidence, the Police and Army put the number of dead at 12 while independent reports put it at nearly 50- between 40 and 47. It may be more. The fact that the attack happened in Sabon Gari, a settler-dominated area, makes

clear the intention of the attackersto foment ethnic strife. So far they’ve not been very successful. But where does this leave the committee set up by Abuja to address the matter of insurgency in the North? The Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North imagined it had successfully discharged its remit when it announced a breakthrough in its talk with the terrorists. Not a few Nigerians thought peace at last! But as the Bible warns, when many thought it’s peace and safety then comes sudden destruction. For the decibels of praises for the Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led Committee had scarcely risen when mouths were left agape with the report of yet another attack by the terrorists. Soon the so-called leader of the marauding bandits would issue a disclaimer that his group reached an agreement with Abuja’s committee. Thus did the terrorists, like the proverbial abiku child of Yoruba lore, make liars of the Ifa priest that are members of President Jonathan’s committee. Yes, some Nigerians urged caution,

warned against hasty acceptance of the so-called ceasefire. Was the Committee too hasty in announcing a ceasefire? Was it too eager to work within the threemonth duration allotted it to execute its brief? Could this be the reason Abuja has extended the Committee’s mandate by two months? Only Abuja and the Committee know. But did the Committee jump the gun? The point we must all remember is that with the terrorists divided into many cells and factions, as is now commonly believed, it would be nearimpossible and indeed very lucky to make all the factions speak with “ one voice on the question of ceasefire. Not now that many of the terror leaders and their followers have known the pleasure of undeserved wealth and riches from their anarchist enterprise. We saw this with the Niger-Delta militias. Until Abuja under Obasanjo and Yar’Adua ‘settled’ him and he took a back seat from the frontline, Asari Dokubo was the face of Niger-Delta militancy. Now when the expired warlord speaks hardly anybody pays

The hapless surrender of the states to the Federal Government T HE cry of a colossal central government that has arrogated unto itself every important executive and legislative power and reduced the states to mere administrative appendages in our false federal republic can be heard from all corners of the country. When state governors are not loudly denouncing Abuja’s forceful seizure of more than half of the nation’s revenues, they can be heard complaining about this or that overweening action of the President. In law and in fact, whoever sits atop Aso Rock holds untrammelled sway over the states. In law: by the replacement of the 1960 Independence Constitution with the hodgepodge 1979 Constitution drafted under the withering gaze of a retreating military dictatorship, followed by the late General Sani Abacha’s literally hand-written revision of the same currently in use. In fact: by the cold truth that state governors are at the beck and call of the President, and are ever ready to grab toothbrush and comb and scurry off to Abuja at a flex of his index finger. Ah, to know that the late Ahmadu Bello could not be persuaded to leave Kaduna for Lagos, the then federal capital! The short but treacherous road to this appalling state of affairs began with Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s calamitous unification decree of May 24, 1966. Although abrogated by General Yakubu Gowon a mere three months after, its lethal venom had by then so completely damaged every social cell and sinew of the new “nation” that before long Nigeria had become a federation-in-name-only,

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FINO. Ironsi had sought to eliminate the“intense regionalism” he saw as a major cause of the January 1966 coup and to replace it by fiat with national unity. And so he declared: “Nigeria ceases to be what has been described as a federation” and “now becomes simply the Republic of Nigeria.” Just as blithely, he designated the hitherto autonomous regions as“territorial areas” to be called “provinces”. His military rascality marks the birth of states as mere administrative units and of governors as prefects with a budget. Military governors were to be assigned to the provinces and could only exercise their powers “subject to the direction and control of the Head of the National Military Government”. By one fell swoop, a newly independent “nation”, founded on treacherous grounds with hardly a firm leg to stand on, was reduced to an “administrative machinery ”, a system of taking orders from the centre and executing them in the provinces. Orders issued pursuant to the centre’s assumption of “all legislative powers throughout the Republic” and codified in the Exclusive Legislative list of the 1979 and 1995 constitutions. The consolidation of this treasonous act by all subsequent governments has radically altered the national psyche, causing us to accept a FINO identity as given, as a law of nature. Nothing demonstrates this appalling reality better than the absurd political drama currently playing in Rivers State. The National Assembly has not only hastily and haughtily arrogated to itself the power to

f as Jonathan seems bent, his committee must talk with faceless terrorists, they should do so expeditiously with those willing to and thereafter unleash every force at their command on any other bandits making life unbearable for other Nigerians. Then no argument about attack on people of particular faith or religion should be entertained. It must be realised that patience is wearing thin among those most affected by the activities of these terrorists and their bottled anger might boil over in a manner that might be fateful for Nigeria’s existence. The era of using religion to foment trouble or excuse abominable acts against innocents should no longer be tolerated. Nigerians must begin to ask searching questions about the place and role of religion in national existence, especially in its regulation of inter-ethnic and interfaith relations. Although it’s clear to all that the deployment of

religion in such instances of execrable conduct is merely political and self-serving but it’s high time we realised such excuses can and should no longer be tolerated. Only recently Senate President, David Mark, asked for the understanding of Nigerians after his conclave of timeservers came under justifiable attack from Nigerians for capitulating to people bent on taking under-aged girls as wife. Although the issue that prompted that debate on the appropriate age for Nigerian women to get married was merely incidental to the actual matter before the Senate, yet the manner the Senate buckled leaves one wondering when we’ll begin to address our ethnic and religious differences as Nigerians in the manner of people desirous of honest solutions. The Senate President’s explanation was that they were blackmailed into supporting the untenable stand they took on the issue because some people inserted religious sentiments into the debate and since religion is a sensitive issue in Nigeria, his explanation goes on, the Senate had no option but to capitulate. If even those entrusted with the task of effecting changes in the law of the country find it so easy to kick the can down the road in this manner, what is the purpose of having law makers? We have had too many wasted opportunities to speak truth to one another. We always want to maintain this façade of cheerfulness that is a big lie. But when two brothers come out smiling after a heated argument, there’s no better sign to show they’ve not told each other the truth. In many aspects of out national existence, Nigerians need to tell one another the ugly struth. If we must live in peace, the time to talk is now. Not later.

legislate for the people of Rivers State but, also— and this is the more troubling thing —has been applauded by many! According to Messrs Leyii Kwanee and Onari Brown, deputy speaker of the house and chairman of its committee on information,

Islamic terrorists and the Presidential Committee on Security Challenges

In many aspects of out national existence, Nigerians need to tell one another the ugly struth; if we must live in peace, the time to talk is now; not later

attention. He is too rich to risk death. The creeks of the Delta can no longer be familiar terrain. Abuja now is the place to be. But ‘settling’ Dokubo only opened the door for other militia leaders to step forward and before Dokubo’s signature was dry on whatever he signed his agreement on with Abuja, Nigerians had been inundated with the Henry Okahs, Ateke Toms, and the exoticallynamed Boy Loaf. Even at that the Niger-Delta militias were more coordinated than the marauding groups that the Northern terrorists appear to have broken into. And the group(s) President Jonathan’s committee had a pact with apparently did not include that which is led by the bandit-in-chief who mostly spoke in the name of the terrorists and who, press reports recently said, was cornered but escaped in the hills of Borno.

It is time the states took themselves more seriously; time we all thought, spoke and acted more like citizens of a federal republic

respectively, the National Assembly ’s power grab is valid because it will save lives. This species of specious reasoning is often masked by a resort to the bland claim that the action is in accordance with the Constitution, as Mr Onueze Okocha, a senior advocate of Nigeria, argues. Yet, the solution to the crisis, Okocha says, can only come when the warring legislators “resolve their differences”. After which they would “be able to convince the National Assembly to allow them resume their legislative duties and other functions”. This is a reasoning borne of the psychic violence wrought by the unbroken militarisation of our polity, which in turn has produced a structure of thinking that

unquestioningly accepts the centre as the fons et origo, the source and origin, of our national existence. It prevents us from insisting on better interpretations of the Constitution or questioning its premises; from seeing that Section 11(4) of the Constitution is best read in conjunction with Section 305 which lays out the conditions for the exercise of emergency powers by the Federal Government. At any rate, it is clear that the events of June 9 could have been prevented by a Commissioner of Police intent on maintaining law and order rather than subverting it by taking orders from the “centre”. It causes us to forget the crucial fact that on that same day, 27 of the 32 members of the house did sit to carry out an important legislative duty: passing an amendment to the state’s budget. The solution to the Rivers House of Assembly crisis ought not to be more than subjecting to the rule of law the five members bent on trampling majority rule through violent and other unconstitutional measures. Certainly, it does not lie in its members meekly surrendering their legislative autonomy to the Federal Government and “convincing” it to restore same after they might have resolved their differences. For what, then, would be the point of the take-over? It is high time the states took themselves more seriously; high time we all thought, spoke and acted more like citizens of a federal republic than like denizens of a conquered land.

20— Vanguard ,

WEDNESD AY , A UGUS T 7 , 20 13 WEDNESDA AUGUS UGUST 201

Debate of the masses

What is wrong with us? BY EBELE ORAKPO

‘W

*Placard-carrying protesters. INSET: The late Kalu Ogbu

Murder of youth: Over 500 protesting indigenes cry for injustice •Lawmaker appeals to IGP

HE Peoples Democratic Par ty, PDP, councillorship primaries in Ebonyi State has come and gone, but the state has not known peace since then. This is on account of the killing of a youth, Kalu Ogbu, in Edda, Afikpo South LGA during the primaries. The murder had immediately sparked off a peaceful protest by over 500 indigenes of Ekoli Edda in Abakaliki, the State capital. The protesters, mostly aged women and men, were seen outside the State police Headquarters carrying placards with the inscriptions “Police stop covering the truth”; “Let the truth prevail, arrest the killer now...”; “Murder is a crime,...”; “The killer shouldn’t be given opportunities to head and rule”; “Stop playing politics with the life of our people”; “Killing of innocent citizens must be stopped now or never”, among others. It should be recalled that the victim was killed on July 23,2013 as he came out with other friends to participate in the PDP Councillorship primaries in the area. The protesters who cried out for justice alleged that one Stanley Okoro Emegha was the person that killed Mr. Kalu Ogbu during the election and accused the police of arresting innocent persons who had nothing to do with the ugly incident. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs. Ugo Nnachi and Nze Nnachi Nkamaiye called on the police to make effort and arrest the

alleged suspect to avoid crisis in Ekoli Edda community. “The brother of the victim took the lifeless body of his brother to their compound and later retrieved it because some stakeholders decided to offer him N2 million and also make him the next councillor of his ward,” they further alleged. Meantime, the lawmaker representing Afikpo South West Constituency, Eni Uduma Chima has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar to take over the murder case. The

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talking about the shooting and killing of Kalu Ogbu in Ogbaja ward on 23rd July 2013 in broad day light witnessed by a thousand people who have come to volunteer their statement to the police. The police are sweeping it under the carpet. Like I keep saying, you can bend the truth, twist it, distort it but you can never destroy it. The truth will always surface. “The man they are accusing, Nnachi KC, was with me when the incident happened in another ward. He never left his ward to the ward

We ‘re talking about the shooting and killing of Kalu Ogbu in broad day light; the police are sweeping it under the carpet

lawmaker who disagreed with the police report on the killing also accused them of trying to protect the real killer (names withheld) of the late Kalu Ogbu. His words: “I call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar to take over the matter and assign it to officers who are honest and of unimpeachable integrity; one who will look at issues dispassionately, conduct investigation and charge the prime suspect to court for murder. “I’m not satisfied with the investigation being carried out by the Police in Ebonyi State. They are covering up the suspect. The actual person who did the shooting is not in police custody despite overwhelming evidence from those at the scene of the incident. We’re

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BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

where the incident happened”. But in quick reaction, the Command spokesman, DSP Sylvester Igbo, charged that people should desist from making statements they cannot prove. He said the police arrested and released the alleged suspect because nobody from the community came to the police station to indict him (suspect). “It is not good for the people to make statements which they cannot prove. Somebody was shot at the venue of the PDP primaries but nobody came to tell the police that the person arrested was the person that committed the crime. We are still investigating the matter and as we get overwhelming evidence against the suspect, he will be rearrested and prosecuted according to the law”.

E have really gone nuts in Nigeria,” sighed Mary this Monday morning in the Ikeja-bound commuter vehicle as the issue of child marriage was raised. “Oh, that was a very long time ago. Are you just realising that? We are oldies in the crazy business. We are experts at majoring in minors,” replied Abel. “For heaven’s sake, we have more pressing issues. The house is on fire and our leaders are busy chasing rats. Incredible!” exclaimed TJ “Bros, I disagree totally with you. The issue of child marriage is a serious one. We are talking about the life of the girlchild here. It’s like someone else running the life of the hapless child, determining what happens to her and whatever pains and deprivations she will have to endure in the process is not their business,” said Ngozi.

Unfairness to the girl child She continued: “To be honest with you, they are being very unfair to the girl-child, giving her out in marriage to someone old enough to be her father or grandfather. Did they think of the thousands suffering from Vesicovaginal fistula, VVF, as a result of carrying pregnancy and giving birth at a very tender age? Once it happens, the poor girl who must have lost the child also loses her husband, family and friends because no one wants to be close to her as a result of the terrible odour oozing out of her. Most of these girls were suffering in silence until some White missionaries came to their rescue. With the assistance of some Nigerians, they worked round the clock treating and rehabilitating these girls. Now some insensitive law-

makers want to add to their job?” Replied Abel: “Our leaders should lead by example. All those who voted in favour of the motion should first give out their underage daughters in marriage, then others can follow their lead.” “If I may ask, at what age is a person considered an adult?” asked Moyo. Oh, different ages – from 16-21 and sometimes 12-17 for juvenile offenders. So I think the law should be clear on who is an adult,” answered Ibrahim. “Imagine some saying that once a girl starts menstruating, she is an adult. Today, some girls start at nine years of age; so is a nine-year-old girl an adult?” asked Feyi. Asked Uche: “What laws are really governing a sovereign nation like Nigeria?” Replied Tunde: “The Nigerian Constitution, customary and Sharia laws and as long as the three run pari-passu, there will always be this kind of problem.” “But why should the Senate even entertain such motion? The Senate governed by Sharia law?” asked Mary to which Tunde replied thus: “Someone raised the issue and so they had to tackle it.” “I think we are missing something here. They were not talking about marriage, they were talking about the legal age at which a Nigerian can renounce his/her citizenship,” said Becky. “So how did the marriage thing come in?” asked Moyo. “May be because Yerima was involved,” replied Abel tongue-incheek. “Anyway, whatever it was, is the legal age for renouncing citizenship the most pressing issue in Nigeria? There are more pressing issues that need to be amended in the Constitution for crying out loud!” said Mercy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 21

IFC to invest $2bn in Nigeria by 2014

From left: Dr Ayegbeni Peters (rtd), Director, Mainstream energy Solutions Limited; Colonel sani Bello (rtd), Chairman; Mr Segun Agbaje, MD/CEO, GT Bank PLC and Dr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, Executive Director and General Counsel, Africa Finance Corporation during the signing of 170 million US dollars medium term facility to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited by GT Bank Plc held in Lagos on Friday. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

BoI disburses N56.48bn from CTG Revival Fund By NKIRUKA NNOROM

HE Bank of Industry, BoI, said it has disbursed not less than N56.48 billion out of a total of N100 billion mapped out by the Federal Government as Cotton, Textiles and Garmenting Revival Fund todate. Presenting a paper, Bridging the Gap between Manufacturing and the Bank of Industry, in a forum with manufacturers in Lagos, the

Managing Director, BoI, Ms Evelyn Oputu, represented by Mohammed Alkali, Executive Director, Operations, said the amount was used to fund a total of 70 projects. Giving a breakdown, she said that textiles industry was funded with the largest chunk totalling N38.66 billion, which was used to support 30 projects, while cotton/ginning followed with N10.62 billion, used as support fund for 14 projects. A total of 25 companies in garmenting

1.35

119.6 2,362.00

+71.00

16.58

-0.21

108.62 -0.33 106.48 -0.46 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.75 237.4329 205.183 166.0586 1.57 0.2925 232.5887 25.2648 41.2623 27.5131 234.3689

155.25 238.2001 205.846 166.5951 1.575 0.3025 233.3402 25.3469 41.3956 27.602 235.1261

SELLING 155.75 238.9672 206.5089 167.1317 1.5801 0.3125 234.0917 25.429 41.5289 27.6909 235.8834

CBN Exchange rate as at 06/08/2013

sector were funded with N3.703 billion, while support and logistics gulped the remaining N3.5 billion. She noted that in a whole, a total of two million jobs has been created through BoI’s various interventions, saying that they hope to double it b y the end of this year. Oputu noted that the support has seen an increased capacity utilisation of 60 percent in the sector, as against 30 percent when the fund was launched in 2009, while a total of 8,070 jobs were saved as a result. “Additional 3,472 jobs, comprising 2,197news jobs, 1,197

male and 1,027 female, were created, while 1,275 workers previously laid off were recalled. There has been improved industry employees’ welfare because of improved salaries and improved industry efficiency and competitiveness as a result,” she stated.

Speaking further, Oputu said that out of N236 billion set aside for refinancing and restructuring SMEs and the entire manufacturing sector, the BoI has disbursed N232 billion to over 550 beneficiaries through commercial banks cutting across all key sectors of the economy.

HE International Finance Corporation, the World Bank’s privatelending arm, plans a 25 per cent boost in Nigeria investments to $2 billion by next year, said Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, IFC country manager. Funds to be raised directly by the IFC or mobilised from other sources will be targeted at industries that offer competitive advantage to the West African nation, said in Lagos. “We are partnering with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and also looking at institutions to work with for activities in banks, power, gas, transport and agriculture,” he said. Power will be an important industry for IFC investment “as it is identified as largest constraint to private-sector growth” in Nigeria, he added. The IFC signed an agreement with the sovereignwealth-fund authority last month to cooperate in developing financial plans to fund investments in target areas such as power generation and distribution and gas-to-power projects, through equity participation and selling debt, according to Adegbie-Quaynor.

FG targets N464trn to meet infrastructure gap over 30 years …pays N699bn interest to banks BY PETER EGWUATU

HE Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, Monday, disclosed that the Federal Government has come out with a National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) which has been estimated to gulp $2.93 trillion (N464 trillion) for over 30 years. The minister also lamented that the Federal Government paid N699 billion as interest to banks in the last one year. He further stated that state governments were carried along in the development of NIIP, in which hybrid financing options are being considered in order to meet the infrastructure need in the country from 2014- 2043.

According to him, “The capital market vehicle is key in mobilizing both domestic and foreign investors in investing in long term capital project of $2.93 trillion, so government is trying to tighten its expenditure and that is why it is planning other financing options. The Federal Government is also blocking leakages. Nigeria is expected to be among the top 20 economies in the world with a minimum GDP of N144 billion ($900b) and a GDP per capita income of no less than N640,000 ($4,000) per annum by 2020.” Speaking at the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC’s infrastructure round table, the Minister of State for Finance, said “The

federal governments along with other stakeholders have worked out national integrated infrastructure master plan which will require N464 trillion in 30 years.” He noted that the initiative to develop a 30 years integrated infrastructure master plan for Nigeria could not have come at a better time because infrastructure is the life blood of any economy. In his own presentation, Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, said , the Federal Government cannot provide the entire funds needed to provide infrastructure, hence has incorporated the states and private sector to provide the needed funds.

22—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

insurance operates.

Let insurance carry your risk

By Dr. Wole Adetimehin, Immediate Past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN

NSURANCE is the transfer of risk from people & corporate institutions to professional risk carriers, bearers – the insurance companies. Every one of us is exposed to one risk or the other because life is full of risks and all these risks can be identified, quantified and handled by insurance transfer mechanism. So when risks materialise, they lead to financial losses, and if risks are not managed in a scientific manner, it could ruin anybody, any business, any nation, and any economy. That is why all over the world people have come to accept that the best way to handle risk is by way of insurance transfer mechanism. In life, there are risks associated with business and all endeavors, and the cost of transferring the risk

and contribute money to help. The way insurance works is such that a homogenous group that is exposed to unforeseen contingencies or risks are put together with the understanding that it is not in all cases that all of them will suffer a loss. By the theory and science of probability, insurance operators have been able to calculate to arrive at the average number within that homogenous group that will suffer a loss, and from the contributions of every member that make up that pool, insurance can compensate the few of them that have suffered a

loss. So from the pool of fund, insurance can build up reserves and make investments because the group will keep growing and expanding. Sometimes skeptics come to say ‘You pay premium of N10 and if anything goes wrong insurance will pay you N1000, is that not gambling?’ No, it is not gambling but scientific and it is based on the law of large numbers. The number must be relatively large because if it is large the pool of fund will be huge and insurers can always pay handsomely to compensate anybody who suffers a loss. That is the way

to a risk bearer is the premium that people pay. The risk bearers The risk bearers are the insurance firms of different brands, some insurance companies specialised either in life or general business, while some operate as composite firms. These insurers offer a guarantee to compensate insured persons or corporate body for their losses under their insurance policies. How insurance operates nsurance is different from the Esusu, which is the local traditional insurance that entails that we have the spirit of being our brother’s keeper, so that when any of our family or friends suffers a loss, all of us will rally round

oor perception of insur ance The poor insurance perception in the country has to do with the literacy level to a great extent. What is the level of education and knowledge that people have? That is why the insurance industry will need to do a lot more in educating the Nigerian public. Even the so called elites hardly can appreciate how insurance works or the benefits. This may be peculiar to our environment because when some of these elites travel abroad, they comply with insurance requirements. Poverty could also be a factor but cannot be a tenable excuse because the poorest class would be the ones that need insurance most. This is due to the fact that should anything happen to them or should they suffer any loss, the chances of their recovery are slim. But if they have insurance, their hopes are high. In essence, from whatever income you earn, there must be a planned pattern of managing and spending, and such plans must include a level of saving from which you can always do some investment or do so many things. It is not ideal that somebody will be waiting for manner from heaven or until he can access loan or facility from the bank or a finance house before he could start a business or any venture. So for emergencies, there must be a reserve. Hence, poverty shouldn’t be an excuse, rather we should be preaching to people to get better organised and be operating a plan in whatever they do.

•Continues next week

Law Union & Rock improves household insurance with compac policy

AW Union & Rock Insurance Plc has said it is improving household insurance with COMPAC insurance policy to give more protection to buildings and occupants. The Managing Director of the firm, Mrs. Toyin Ogunseye said that the policy was designed to provide compensation for losses that house occupants may suffer. “The COMPAC insurance policy provides compensation for losses that can occur to the buildings, occupants, and other house contents as a result of damage or theft,” She said. According to her, the policy covers buildings, household goods, furniture, fixtures and fittings, equipment, utensils, personal effects and properties as contained in the policy documents. The managing director said it also covers damages to personally owned building as a result of fire, lightning, explosion and allied perils. The COMPAC policy, she added,

C M Y K

covers loss and damage to contents covered in the policy. Other additional benefits in the policy, she noted include providing a Group Personal Accident cover for the nuclear family as well as insurance cover for personal liabilities of the policyholders to neighbours and domestic workers. The Managing Director stressed the relevance of insurance to individuals and corporate bodies. According to her, insurance institution had been established to help other organisations to remain in business through claims settlement when they incur losses. Ogunseye said that Law Union & Rock has been undergoing restructuring and was being strategically repositioned to become a leading underwriter in the country. She noted that the firm had remained innovative and was developing policies to make insurance more attractive to the insuring public by meeting the various needs.

Ogunseye said that the firm had continued to respond promptly to claims because that is its main purpose of being in business. “Steps are being taken to optimally manage assets held,

grow premium, and reduce cost thus building financial power to cover clients’ risks and ensure financial security for all stakeholders,” She said.

Grassroots soccer championship gets official insurer By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

TACO Insurance plc has been signed on as the official insurer of MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship Season six and has thrown its weight behind the tournament. The insurer had provided cover to the Season five of the football tournament last year while it will also be providing group personal accident insurance cover for all the footballers and officials during the competition which kicks off on August 18.

The company’s Managing Director, Sakiru Oyefeso, stated that Staco will always be a part of such a tourney especially as the company is always poised to give back to the community where it is generating its income from. He noted that the insurance company agreed to provide insurance cover to the tournament taking into consideration that the yearly competition is designed to ensure grassroots sports development, as well as youth empowerment.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 23

Govt targets poverty reduction through insurance STORIES BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

N a quest to reduce pover ty in the economy, the Federal Government is putting finishing touches on the insurance industry bill for onward transmission to the National Assembly. It was gathered from a source in the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, that the bill is almost on its way to the National Assembly. The source assured that the bill will receive urgent attention when it gets to the National Assembly, adding that the relevant committee of the Assembly with oversight functions on insurance has promised to do what is needful to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in the passage. According to the source, the National Assembly is very eager to do anything to support insurance growth and development, stressing that

the legislators are very willing and waiting to support the growth of insurance. “The proposed bill has been done in a way to support the government’s quest to reduce poverty in the economy. As to time line when the law will be out, we do not have control over when legislation is passed. I can say that very soon the executive should be in a position to send the bill to the National Assembly. “When it gets to the National Assembly, how long it will take, we do not know. I can say that the insurance environment is lucky. The relevant committee of the National Assembly that has oversight function on insurance is very eager to do anything to support insurance growth and development. “And if one of the tools to ensure rapid development is the review of the law, they have assured us that as soon as they see the bill, they would do what is needful to ensure that there is no unnec-

essary delay; and I believe them. That is why I said we are lucky. The executive is

eager to ensure that insurance occupies its rightful place. The legislators are very willing and

From left: Mr. Wale Banmore, MD, Royal Exchange Prudential; Mr. Gbenga Olawoyin, MD, Wema Insurance Brokers and guest speaker, and Mr. Chike Mokwunye, GMD, Royal Exchange Plc, during the Royal Exchange Prudential Life Retreat.

NIA, IMF to harness insurance potentials for economic growth

HE Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are exploring means to harness and turn the potentials of the insurance industry into economic growth for the country. Director-General of NIA, Mr. Sunday Thomas, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the representatives of the association’s Governing Board led by Professor Joe Irukwu, has met with the representative of the IMF, Dr. Rodoyo Wenrhan to discusse how the nation can maximise greatly from the enormous insurance potentials. He said the parties hope to work out how to sustain stability on insurance contributions to the economy. He said, “The representatives of our Governing Council led by Professor Joe Irukwu, has met with the representative of the IMF, Dr Rodoyo Wenrhan, to explore the potentials of the insurance industry as an economic growth driver in Nigeria. “Among the objectives of the mission was to ensure stability is sustained within the system. The representative of the IMF stated that the outcome of the meeting is expect-

ed to be published with recommendations made on how to move the insurance industry forward” Insurance industry is said to have within the last three years, recorded a growth of

waiting to support the growth of insurance in our environment,” the source said

one million subscribers. According to the Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel, the number of insured in Nigeria was 500,000 as three years ago, but presently stands at about

1.5 million, out of a population of over 165 million. Daniel noted that the Gross Premium Income (GPI) has also increased from N157 million in 2010 to N250 million in 2012, adding that the increase in the

ratio of premium to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) moved from below 0.5 per cent to nearly one per cent. He said increase in local capacity has moved from less than 10 per cent to 48 per cent, adding that the commencement of implementation of Section 50 of the insurance Act 2003 has improved financial assets of operators.

Greenberg, others to buy Tokyo building for $1bn

GROUP, including former U.S. insurance magnate Maurice R. Greenberg and an Abu Dhabi sovereign fund has agreed to buy a prominent Tokyo office building for $1 billion, the biggest property deal in Japan since February, people with direct knowledge of the transaction said.

The decision by the foreign and Japanese investors to acquire the aging but distinctive structure in central Tokyo highlights expectations that real estate values will revive as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s progrowth economic policies boost investor sentiment and

risk appetite. It will be Japan’s biggest property investment including foreign investors since the 2008-09 global financial crisis. The group, led by property investor by Asia Pacific Land, includes Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Japan’s Secured Capital Investment Management

Motor, home insurance premiums fall in Q2 2013

OTOR and home insurance prices “plummeted” in the second quarter of 2013, according to the most recent AA British Insurance Premium Index. The average Shoparound index quote for an annual comprehensive car insurance policy fell to £594.86, dropping 9.8% from £659.53 in the same period of 2012. On average, all ages saw significant premium falls over the past year but those between 23 and 29 years old have seen the biggest fall, at 12.8% to £738.93. Meanwhile the smallest fall was among drivers aged over 70 at 3.9% to £407.70.

Co. and C.V. Starr & Co. Inc., which is run by Mr. Greenberg, the billionaire former chief executive of American International Group Inc., the sources told Reuters. For the purchase for more than 100 billion yen ($1.01 billion) of the 14-story Shiba Park Building, the investors will inject about 10 billion yen ($101.1 million) in cash, said the sources, who asked not to be named because the deal is not public yet. Lenders including Mizuho Bank, Shinsei Bank and Commerz Japan Real Estate Finance Corp, a real estate lending unit of Commerzbank, will extend a combined 90 billion yen ($909.9 million) in loans, the sources said.

Welcome news Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “This fall, the biggest the AA’s Index has recorded since it started in 1994, is the sixth successive quarterly drop in premiums. “It will be welcome news for hard-pressed motorists facing sharp fuel price increases.” Douglas stated that reductions in premiums were expected to continue, but added that the cost of car SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND insurance is “still around COMMENTS TO double what it was six years insuranceandyou@yahoo.com ago”.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Access Bank Plc in 2012 and 2013

ROUNDTABLE: From left: Director-General, Securities and Exchange

Commission (SEC) Arunma Oteh; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama and Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Solomon Adebgie- Quaynor at the commission’s infrastructure roundtable, Monday.

SEC urges operat or o operator orss tto de o devvelop instruments tto finance infrastructure projects BY PETER EGWUATU

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has challenged operators in the Nigerian capital market to develop products tied to financing infrastructure needs of the country. Director General of the Commission, Arunma Oteh, who made a remark on Monday, during the SEC’s Infrastructure roundtable in Lagos said, “This roundtable is both timely and important considering the magnitude of the challenge and the importance of immediately unlocking and accessing cheaper funds through the capital market to finance infrastructure projects across the length and breadth of our great country.” According to her, “The statistics about African infrastructure deficit give an idea of the enormous resources that must be invested in infrastructure on the continent. Research by the World Bank shows that sub-Saharan Africa needs to spend about $93 billion a year or 15 percent of the region’s GDP, with the poorest countries needing to spend more, about 25 percent, of their GDP annually on infrastructure. “In the case of Nigeria, the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) estimates Nigeria’s infrastructure needs at $2.9 trillion over the next 30 years, beginning from 2014. The African Development Bank’s Infrastructure Action Plan (IAP) for Nigeria estimates $350 billion of investment in infrastructure for the next 10 years implying yearly investments of $35 billion in infrastructure equivalent to 13 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and over a third of SSA’s annual infrastructure needs.” Oteh, stressed that the existing sources cannot cover half of this requirement, adding that between 2011 and 2013, the Federal C M Y K

Government of Nigeria allocated on average a third of its budget to capital expenditure but only about 35 percent of this was for infrastructure.

Alex poised on delivering improved performance By NKIRUKA NNOROM

he chairman of Aluminum Extrusion Industries Plc, Alex, Dr. Pacsal Dozie, has said that the company is determined to deliver better performance for the benefit of all stakeholders despite daunting challenges in the operating environment. Addressing shareholders at the 26th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Dozie said, “Even in the face of challenges that seem daunting, we are determined to press on and be more innovative in our operations and dealings with customers. “With the resilience of our work-force, we will definitely come out of the present difficulties stronger and more profitable.” He explained that despite the adverse situation under which the company operated in 2012, it still remained afloat, adding that the turnover was sustained at N1.72 billion in line with that of the previous year. According to him, the profit for the year reduced to N45.11 million after taxation as against N50.54 million in 2011 due to stiff competition from import of profile from China. “On the other hand, the net worth of the company increased from N331.94 million in 2011 to N944.19 million in 2012 based on the revaluation of the company’s assets,” he added.

HE 2012 annual report and accounts of Access Bank Plc show that the merger of Intercontinental Bank Plc with Access Bank Plc was completed during 2012. The process of acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc started in 2011 when Project Star Investment Limited, acting for Access Bank Plc, invested N50 billion in Intercontinental Bank Plc as 75% of the share capital of Intercontinental Bank Plc. The absorption of Intercontinental Bank Plc has improved the fortunes of Access Bank Plc significantly. The bank’s customer base has grown from about 1.5 million in December 2011 to about 6.0 million in December 2012. The total number of the bank’s shareholders has increased from 425,581 at the end of December 2011 to 841,397 at the end December 2012. Of the total at December 2012, the annual report at page 92 shows that 1716 shareholders each of whom owns 500,001 units and above account for 78.07% of the issued shares, 19,283 shareholders each of whom owns between 50,001 and 500,000 units of shares account for 10.63% of the issued shares while 820,398 shareholders each of whom owns 50,000 units and below account for 11.3% of the issues shares. Significantly, Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited in its capacity as custodian holds 26.03% of the issued shares while Blakeney GP holds 6.45% of the issued shares. The absorption of Intercontinental Bank Plc by Access Bank Plc is fallout of the market crash of 2008 and the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in some banks in 2009. How should we access the performance of Access Bank Plc post the 2008 market crash? Access Bank Plc had a public offer in 2007 at a price of N14.90 per share. Net assets per share at time of the 2007 offer were N4.07 while net assets per share at 31 December 2012 were N10.53. There has been a bonus share issue of 1 new share for every existing 10 shares held by each shareholder in June 2010 while there was a special distribution of 4 new shares for every existing 25 shares held by an Access Bank shareholder at the merger with Intercontinental Bank Plc. The effect is that a purchase of 1000 units of shares for N14, 900 in 2007 would currently give 1276 units of shares worth about N14, 036. Access Bank Plc also intends to distribute the shares it holds in Wapic Insurance Plc. One wonders whether 800,000 plus shareholders would not be too many for this insurance company. From the analysis of shareholding shown earlier, 11.3% of the shares to be distributed will go to 820,398 Access Bank shareholders. A large number of shareholders in this group do not have investor’s accounts with the Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, Plc. Wapic Insurance Plc will therefore have to issue physical share certificates for such shareholders.

There was a noticeable drop in the bank’s profits when its first quarter 2013 results were announced. The bank did not offer any explanation for this drop. However, there have been reports of a default in respect of one of the bank’s loans to the oil and gas sector. There has been reported litigation in respect of one particular loan and one suspects that the bank has had to make substantial provisions for this loan. Judgment has been given at the Federal High Court in respect of a fundamental human rights enforcement action brought by one of the persons involved in the loan saga. An examination of the court processes and documents filed in respect of this fundamental human rights enforcement action would lead one to conclude that resolution of the issues arising from this loan would take some time. There exists an opportunity now for Access Bank Plc to make an effort to reach all its shareholders. The bank at page 99 of the annual report states that

There exists an opportunity now for Access Bank Plc to make an effort to reach all its shareholders

all shareholders are treated equally, regardless of the size of their shareholding and social conditions. The bank has in the past two years indicated it would send annual reports to shareholders in CD-format. My family interests have not received the annual report in CD-format and the bank has not sent me the report in paper format which I filed a request for. The savings deposits held by the bank leapt from about N20 billion to about N150 billion at the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc. The pronouncements from the CBN after the recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting suggest that the CBN may be moving towards the position of the 1970s when all government deposits were kept in accounts at the CBN. Banks would now be required to raise deposits from sources other than the government. Access Bank shareholders should be encouraged to open savings accounts with the bank at an interest rate that carries a premium. Shareholders should be asked to bring in other depositors to open savings accounts at the same premium rate for shareholders.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 25

DIARY

Select ICT events z ITEXPO West 2013. Holds 27-29 Aug 2013 in Las Vegas, USA.

EDITED by Adekunle Adekoya

zDesign & Manufacturing Midwest 2013. Holds 10-12 Sep 2013 in Chicago, USA.

Professionals seek renaming of CommTech Ministry to reflect IT

z Middle East Telco World Summit 2013. Holds 23-24 Sep 2013 in Dubai, UAE.

zP & T EXPO COMM CHINA 2013. Holds 24-28 Sep 2013 in Beijing, China. z CRM-expo 2013. Holds 24-26 HACKATHON: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (3rd right); Chris Uwaje, President ISSep 2013 in StuttPON, (left); Team 2, winners of of Hackathon-Tinapa 2013; Dr. Ashiru Daura, Acting DG, NITDA (right) gart, Germany. and Deputy Governor,Cros River State during Hackathon Tinapa 2013.

New inventions shaping life and living

Handy metre measures salt in foods

UN report scores Nigeria low in e-governance BY EMMA ELEBEKE

Keep track of your salt intake with the Handy Salt Meter, a sort of salt-content thermometer for hot, liquid foods. Offered by Thanko of Japan, the device is designed primarily for aficionados of salt-prone soups like ramen or udon noodles. It can be inserted into any semiliquid food with a temperature between 140 and 176 degrees F, and the results are displayed in less than a second on the LED screen. A bit of math is required to come to the final reading, with a reading of 1 percent on a 100 gram ounce serving of soup equaling one gram of sodium.

United Nations eGovernment Survey for 2012, says Nigeria has dropped in e-government global development index. According to the report, Nigeria dropped from 0.2687 in 2010 to 0.2676 in 2012, which indicates a decrease in the level of the acceptance by both government and private individuals in the country. The report, which centered on e-government development in the largest population countries of the world, also indicated that Nigeria with a population of 158 million people is the least developing country among the top 11 most populated countries of the world, in terms of usage and application of e-governance by both the government and the citizens. For instance, countries like Japan and Mexico with lesser populations of 127 million and 113 million advanced from

I N S I Whither the rural D telephony project? E C M Y K

0.7152 per cent in 2010 to 0.8019 per cent in 2012 and 0.5150 per cent in 2010 to 0.6240 per cent in 2012 respectively, while countries like China and India with higher populations of 1,341 billion and 1,225 billion people, also advanced from 0.4700 per cent in 2010 to 0.5359 and 0.3567 per cent in 2010 to 0.3829 per cent in 2012, respectively. E-government refers to the use of information technologies such as the internet and mobile computing as a platform for exchanging information, providing services and transacting with citizens, businesses, and other

Preview

BY EMEKA AGINAM he dust on the name to be given to the Communications Technology Ministry appears not to have settled with stakeholders in the Nigerian IT sector since creation of the new ministry. The stakeholders before now had clamoured for the creation of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministry, given the speed of developments that convergence has brought into the world economy. This is even as the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, (ISPON) has again called for the urgent creation of an IT Commission to address needs of the industry. While supporting the call for renaming of the Ministry, ISPON President, Chris Uwaje who was among the key champions in the development of the Nigerian IT sector, said that there was an urgent need for the creation of a National Software Commission to hasten national software development. Recently during the IT professionals assembly 2013 under the aegis of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, (CPN), held in Abuja, the forum revisited the creation of ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

arms of government. It is a mechanism to provide government services, through innovative channels, in a Customer-Centric manner. With this development, the report further indicated that lesser Nigerians can boast of internet connection due to unaffordability of access. It also showed that most Nigerian government and public websites are not known to the citizens, which also negates frequent visit of such websites by the people. According to the report, most public websites in the country are usually not relevant or up to date with the infor-

The report urged Nigeria to adopt the standards of Dubai, Sweden and France. For instance, 90 per cent of government services in Dubai have been streamlined to their centralized, online portals

Toshiba out with USB docking station

Innovation on parade as 26 software developers gather at Tinapa

mation available and also lack adequate IT infrastructure and skilled staff, as a result of low acceptance of the system. It therefore suggested four operating models for e-government, which could aid Nigeria’s aspiration of ensuring full implementation of e-governance. These are: Government to Citizens — It urges Nigeria to establish the G2C communication link between a government and private individuals or residents to offer filing, drivers license or e-voting services. Government to Businesses — The G2B model is the online non-commercial interaction between government and the commercial business sector that grant licenses, permits or business registration to the applicants. Government to Employees — Under the G2E model, the report is urging the country to inContinues on page 29

The missing link Although the new ministry was said to have been created following recommendations of a stakeholder ’s forum chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, stakeholders faulted the Continues on page 34

Tech-savvy Nigerian youths battle for Etisalat Geek Force Internship

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Whither the Rural Telephony project?

OT many peo contract to execute the ple still remem project. As of today, the ber that there only thing that is clear was a project called the about the project is that it National Rural Telephony is not live, rural folk are Project. Laudable at con- talking on GSM lines, ception, the project was while the CDMA sub-secgiven life during the Oba- tor of the telecoms indussanjo administration. try is flat on its back. Ab initio, was it right to Having licensed GSM firms to do business, the have attempted to set up thinking was that rural a CDMA business for rufolk in the countryside all ral folk to provide servicover the nation might not es expected to compete be able to afford GSM with offerings from the rates and thus might be GSM operators? Now, we have used shut out of the benefits that improved telephony $200 million borrowed will bring to life and liv- from the China EXIM ing. Thus the project was Bank, in addition to anconceived to cover 218 lo- other N5 billion countercal government areas in part funding from the the first phase and pro- Federal Government to fivide over 636,256 Code nance the project to purDivision Multiple Access chase equipment that more or (CDMA), less now lines in the The only thing has only 774 LGAs that is clear scrap valand Federal ue, given Capital Terabout the rate at ritory (FCT) project is that it the w h i c h in the secis not live, rural technoloond phase. gets With GSM folk are talking gy obsolete dominating on GSM lines, in the ICT the urban industry. landscape while the Even govand CDMA CDMA subernment lines ruling sector of the has said, the countrylast side, notelecoms indus- since year, that body would try is flat on its feel left out it may — there have to back was, at abandon least, something for eve- the project. rybody. Or so the thinkBut the Nigerian Coming went. munications Weekly reThe status of that project ported recently that “the now has all the indices inability of the Ministry of that make us Nigerians Communications Tech— a people so unique in nology to secure certifitheir way of doing things cate of concurrence from the way most other na- the Infrastructure Concestions will not and achiev- sion Regulatory Commising zip. sion (ICRC) is delaying Available information the conclusion of the Naindicate that three Chi- tional Rural Telephony nese firms — ZTE Corpo- Project (NRTP).” I pray ration, Huawei Technolo- that journal is right, or gies and Shanghai Bell else, we have spent $200 jointly won a $200 million million to buy zero value.

FEEDBACK On Lagos as a smart city Dear Mr Adekoya, Thanks for the serial which you headlined "Can Lagos be a smart city?" I missed the first two parts. You are correct in stating that not much is on the ground to support the creation of a smart Lagos City. However, let me state that the transport unions shall remain a big issue

till the government adopts the right economic model for public transportation. That is why our governments lack funds for road rebuilding or construction. It also explains the terrible congestion on the badly designed and constructed roads. Thanks and God bless. Abayomi Alao, Lagos.

OSHIBA's digital products division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., last week announced new addition to its line of award-winning universal docking stations, the dynadock V3.0. Docking station transforms Laptop into comprehensive desktop experience through single cable connection providing faster speed and improved graphics. The dynadock V3.0 is the ideal one-cable connection that instantly and effortlessly docks any Windows based laptop to an extra monitor and multiple devices at any given time. The new product provides users with faster speed and improved graphics than its predecessor due to the addition of USB 3.01 ports and HDMI out support. "The dynadock V3.0 really shines because its USB 3.0 connection creates a workstation that any user can easily connect/disconnect and even share with other users" Phil Osako, Senior Director PC Marketing, Toshiba America Information

Toshiba out with USB docking station Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division, explained. According to him, "This versatile product makes using all of your devices simple and even helps to clean up the user's desk space with its compact size."

Features

Toshiba's small and sleek dynadock V3.0 hosts an HDMI out supporting both video and 5.1 channel audio. In addition it has six powerful USB ports, including two front USB

3.0 ports with Toshiba USB Sleep & Charge2 and four rear USB 2.0 ports to significantly boost sharing and productivity, creating a fullservice workstation wherever a user chooses to set it up. With a tiny footprint, the dynadock V3.0 is a command station that transforms your laptop into a comfortable and convenient desktop experience free of cables and clutter. One convenient hub expands your possibilities--allowing you to access six powerful ports: two front USB 3.0 ports and four rear USB 2.0 ports.

Compatible with large-screen HD display

It is compatible with a large-screen HD display, variety of USB powered gadgets, including full-size keyboard and mouse, external storage, printer, optical drive, and more. The unit's USB 3.0 connection and built-in HD graphics cards support up to 2048x1152 resolution, delivering faster frame rates and higher-resolution image than would normally be seen on a PC. This elevates the movie watching, gaming and media streaming to a richer level. Whether users are turning to their laptop for work or play, the dynadock V3.0 has the ability to transform their computing system into a comfortable and convenient desktop experience. — Emeka Aginam

ETISALAT'S GEEKS: Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye (3rd left); Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans (5th left) with the Top 10 Etisalat Geek Force Interns, at the unveiling of the Interns, in, Lagos.

Innovation on parade as 26 software developers gather at Tinapa BY EMEKA AGINAM

O fewer than 26 Nigeria youth software developers made up of undergraduate and post-graduate students who gathered at the Tinapa Knowledge City have set perhaps a new record in accelerated knowledge development, shooting at innovation and creativity in conformity with international standard. The Software Hackathon event was the pre-stage activity set to create awareness for the commissioning of the knowledge incubator project promoted by the Ministry of Communication Technology and the National Information technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Information Technology Development En-

trepreneur Accelerator (iDEA) is a non-government organization established to establish and promote knowledge Incubation in the country. This ISPON/iDEA Hackathon in Tinapa was a corporate technology event, held as an idea hunt competition to help bridge the innovation gap that exists between the Nigeria software developers and their Institutions. The aims and the design principles of the innovation competitions will include the following: zTo encourage young Software Developers to participate in an open innovation process, to trigger off their potential and inspire their creativity with the aim of increasing their quality of their works.

zThat constraint constitutes an invaluable tool for fostering creativity. Idea Crossing’s contestants bound by rules strive to strategize optimal solutions to meet a competition's goal zTo generate innovations, process and product ideas for Development through an IT-enabled ideas competition and accommodating lapses. zTo acknowledge that Innovation competitions are useful in generating radical ideas for the development of new products and solutions. Chairman of iDEA Incubator Chief Dotun Sulaiman was in Tinapa to motivate the participants. The select seven panel of judges, ncluding Mr. Stanley Okotie, the President of National Association of Computer Science

Students (NACOSS) delivered a very impressive mission in selecting the final winner and runners up and first runner up. The highlight of the event witnessed the appearance of the Executive Governor of Cross River State – Senator Liyel Imoke who gave a very remarkable speech of encouragement . Le-Media from Team 2 made up of Aboluwarin Olaoluwa David , Banjo Mofesola Paul and Oladapo Oluwadara Glory won the first prize of N450,000 with 3 Nokia Lumia Phones. Similarly, EduCare from Team 5 made up of Kester Uwaje and Tiamiyu Mubarak, won the second prize of N250,000 and two Nokia Lumia phones; Continues on Page 29

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 27

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Ericsson to give video backbone to Prime Media Stories by PRINCE OSUAGWU

S Consumer demand for high quality, personalized video services increases by the day, there seems to be greater pressures on operators to provide exceptional quality across multiple applications. In recognition of today’s consumers who want the highest possible quality in their user experience, frontline telecom equipment provider, Ericsson, powered an inhouse programmable video processing chip tagged AVP 4000 compression platform. Having spotted the uniqueness of the platform, Prime Media, an Aussie TV service provider, developed interest and has selected it to deliver new channels and improved efficiency.

Prime said the deal will help it in ongoing focus to deliver expanded TV services to Australian viewers. Ericsson, said that with the deal, Prime has become the first publicly announced customer in the Asia Pacific region to deploy it’s AVP 4000 compression platform.

The announcement builds upon Ericsson’s presence as the leader in video compression technologies in Australia, where it provides systems for 4 out of 5 national TV networks plus other noteworthy regional networks in addition to Prime.

Prime will deploy the AVP 4000 in both MPEG4 AVC contribution applications as well as MPEG-2 for digital video broadcasting. The AVP 4000’s first-class encoding capabilities enable Prime to optimize its workflow and minimize operational costs while delivering a

high level of resilience. Ericsson’s AVP 4000 high-performance compression platform eases integration, expansion, repurposing, training, repair and upgrades, considerably lowering the overall cost of ownership by addressing all applications, codecs, resolutions and profiles. It offers the highest performance and broadest capability in the industry on a single platform across all applications, from SD to HD, 1080p50/60, 3DTV and Ultra High Definition TV (UHDTV), and all codecs, including MPEG-2, MPEG -4 AVC and JPEG2000, with 4:2:0 and 4:2:2, 8-bit and 10-

bit all supported. Head of Asia Pacific, Business Line Compression, Ward Hansford commented of the deal: “our deep understanding of our customers’ requirements enables us to remain at the forefront of broadcast technologies so media organizations like Prime have the necessary equipment they need to roll out new services. The demand for new services places considerable pressure on the bandwidth requirements necessary to deliver high quality video, but the flexibility of the Ericsson AVP 4000 delivers an unmatched level of encoding efficiency that well exceeds these requirements.”

Tech-savvy Nigerian youths battle for Etisalat Geek Force Internship

EN Nigerian techsavvy youths are at the moment slugging it out in Etisalat technology house meant for its ongoing technology innovation contest tagged Geek Force Internship contest. The Contest which focuses on two core areas of innovation and customer satisfaction according to the company, was a result of Etisalat’s commitment to provide a platform for Nigerian

youths to develop career opportunities in a creative and exciting way. Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. explained that the contest started as an online competition designed to recruit innovative and technologically savvy individuals. He however said that five out of the ten contestants would become winners of the contest and will have the

Steven Evans opportunity of a one year paid internship with Etisalat Nigeria. Evans also disclosed that the competition was designed in the model of

a social media reality show that required contestants to upload 2-3 minute videos showing how geeky they were, adding that “we received over 1,000 interesting videos and went through a rigorous selection process to select 41 videos which we uploaded online for voting. The top 20 videos were then selected based on viewer ‘likes’/votes on our Facebook/Tumblr page, and the 20

contestants went on to face a panel of judges who made the tough decision of selecting the final 10 contestants we have here today. “The Top 10 finalists will work in five departments in our organization; they will be assigned with a variety of tasks and tests as well as mentors from our senior management team. After six weeks, the top 5 will be the winners of a one year Geek Internship at Etisalat,” he added.

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UN report scores Nigeria low in e-governance Continues from page 25

troduce the model for online interactions between government units and their employees. The model guarantees: epayroll, e-training and erecords management. Government to Governments — The report also advised Nigeria to adopt this model, G2G for electronic sharing of data and information systems between government agencies, departments or organizations. It however, noted that e-

government is usually based on interoperability, information security and elimination of duplication of functions. On the challenges of eGovernment standards and models, the report identified poor funding as a major threat to the growth of e-governance in the country, insisting that funding financing is a key enabler for initiation and long-term operational success. It however, noted each new funding source brings added risk. It goes further to fault the poor

data sharing among government agencies and individuals, which it said does not encourage the entrenchment of e-governance. According to the report, implementation of sharing data through collaboration requires the creation of new relationships and interorganizational processes, and often requires changes in participants’ internal processes. While, calling for security consciousness, it however, pointed out that security govern-

ments around the world participate in a globally interconnected ecosphere, which has become an attractive target for information theft and other security threats. Delivery of public information It also made case for government portal for provision of regular services, government wide integrated portals and service delivery through partnership with private sector. In addition to adopting best practices in the world, the report urged Nigeria to adopt the

standards of Dubai, Sweden and France. For instance, 90 per cent of government services in Dubai have been streamlined to their centralized, online portal. In Sweden, all government agencies have been handling invoices electronically since July 2008, while in France, there is a portal which enables the filing of personal income and corporate returns and online payment of taxes. Also in France, several pub-

lic authorities are notified at once in the event of a change of address for a citizen. The report believes that e-government initiatives would not solve all the problems in the country, but with the right standards and models, it would surely help improve efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, foster development of the people and leapfrog the country.

Phase3 Telecom deploys network to real estate lacking. The decision to industry deploy fibre high speed BY EMEKA AGINAM

ATIONAL long distance operator, Phase3 Telecom has begun the deployment of model network to enable high speed connectivity in the Nigerian real estate market as an off-shoot of its upgraded fibre-based wireless telecommunication infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Stanley Jegede, in a statement made available to Vanguard Hi-Tech said in expanding its infrastructure, the company was committed to driving a first of its kind advanced Wi-Fi network based on the enormous demand for reliable Wi-Fi services not only in the real estate sector but in the country. He assured that the network operator was consistently refining its Wi-Fi strategies and deploying Wi-Fi networks in greater numbers to ensure wireless coverage for estates in Nigeria and rollout fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) which uses optical cables to deliver ultra-fast broadband services with network interface speeds of more than 100Mbps. He informed that Phase3 Telecom is currently working on facilities which would greatly compliment 3G – 4G towards the end of this year. This, according to him, would significantly boost voice, IP, data, internet, telecommunications services and value added services (VAS) to residents. “The combination of FTTH and WiFi will give seamless access to all residents in these estates. Our focus is to ensure a high-speed and affordable fibre-to-the-home network that will be delivering even more services and applications in the future”he further said, adding that, “the company is deploying this fiber high speed solution to help Phase3 Telecom better position its services against competitive offerings and to expand its offering into areas where competition are currently

solution to the real estate industry in Nigeria is a direct response to the customer’s desire for bandwidth speed and affordability.” Similarly, the company’s Director of Engineering, Ajibade Momolosho, also explained that the network solutions for these estates provide the convenience and flexibility of wireless with the power of direct fibre connection to homes that comes with plenty of performance for more demanding applications such as high speed broadband access and lives video surveillance.

Innovation on parade Continues from Page 26 while HealthLaunch Pad from Team 8 made up of Mark Olofu and Temitope Oguntade.won the third price of N150,000. However, Keep Nigeria alive from Team 6 made up of Junior Pius Ekeh and Eyinka Iheanyi won the fourth position and was rewarded with a BlackBerry Z10 Phone. Me-Explorer from Team 3 made up of Okwu Marcus Eke, Anyadike Iheanyi and John Nnanna Oji won the 5th Position and was rewarded with a BlackBerry Z10 Phone. The Cross River State Governor motivated the participants to gear up for the national software competition organized by ISPON. The event is scheduled for 22-23 October in Tinapa Knowledge City, Calabar, Cross River State, where Professor Tapio Varis, the UN Chair of e-Learning is billed to deliver the Keynote. At the event, the Minister of Communication Technology was represented by Dr. Ashiru Daura , the Acting Director General of NITDA. Chris Uwaje, the President of ISPON was the Lead Resource for the Hackathon.

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alawi coach Tom Sainfelt after much tinkering has finally named the squad that he prays will beat them in Calabar. The bad blood between the Belgian and his former would be handlers at the NFF, is as we know - documented fact. This comes after things almost fell apart or him without his team even leaving for West Africa. His demand for USD 10,000.00 should the Flames burn the Eagles, was met with open criticism and much scorn from players, fans and the local press alike. Extra precarious for him considering the coach had once said he would coach for free just to tame the African champion and prevent them from going to Brazil in 2014. His own captain Joseph Kamwendo who ply ’s his trade in Mozambique was most vocal with his annoyance especially as he pointed out, considering that each Flame regardless of how brightly they burned, would only get a miserable USD 85.00. The coach has since back tracked saying “For me money is not the motivation. I came here as a volunteer. I want to bring Malawian football to the next level and try to qualify them for the World Cup. I think if we win the money must go to youth development.” This seems to have soothed ruffled feathers and returned the team’s main focus to the challenge at hand, namely beating Nigeria in Calabar. Even though it is something no one has done since the 1940’s and the Flames have

Sainfelt names ‘killer’UP Mata ‘ve squad for Eagles WORLLDIFCIER at Chelse UA Q

*Tom Sainfelt

uan Mata insists he is “very happy ” at Chelsea and was never worried by speculation that he could be sold by returning manager Jose Mourinho this summer. The Spain international was Chelsea’s Player of the Year last season, but reports claimed he could be included in the club’s bid to sign Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Mata has discussed his situation with Mourinho and he has been reassured that he has an integral role to play for Chelsea this season. “I was relaxed about the speculation because I spoke to the club and the manager, who said I was important to them. That was good to hear,” Mata is quoted in

*Luis Suarez

never beaten the Super Eagles in all previous seven attempts, the coach is unfazed and is sure he can complete this Mission Impossible. To do this he has named the following squad : Goalkeepers: Owen Chaima (Big Bullets), Charles Swini (Silver Strikers) Defenders: James Sangala (Free agent), Moses Chavula(CD Costa de SolMozambique), John Lanjesi (

Blue Eagles), Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards-RSA), Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic-RSA), Lucky Malata (Silver Strikers), Foster Namwera ( Ferroviario de Nampula) Midfielders: Joseph Kamwendo (Liga de Malcumana-Mozambique), Chimango Kayira(Big Bullets), Robert Ng’ambi (Platnum Stars-RSA), Phillip Masiye (Blue Eagles),

Anichebe ‘fantastic’ hails Everton boss

verton boss Roberto Martinez has described the pre-season form of Nigeria international striker Victor Anichebe as “fantastic”. “As a squad of players, you always look to have as many dimensions as you can,” he told the club’s official website. “We had Victor Anichebe playing against Juventus and he did a fantastic job. Arouna Kone played well against Blackburn and Nikica Jelavic exactly the same.” Anichebe has so far shunned African champions Nigeria, insisting he wishes to focus on his club career. He also said he is pleased with the striking options he has available to him at Everton ahead of the new season having added Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu to the ranks at Goodison Park to bolster his forward line, which has Kevin Mirallas, Jelavic, Anichebe and Apostolos Vellios.

Miciam Mhone (Blue Eagles), Peter Wadabwa (Thanda Royal Zulu-RSA) Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya (Liga de MalcumanaMozambique), Robin Ngalande (Wits UniverstiyRSA), John Banda (Kamuzu Barracks), Gabadhinio Mhango (Big Bullets), Esau Kanyenda (Polokwane UnitedRSA). The cracker will hold on September 06 2013.

Newcastle confirm Remy loan N

Anichebe ‘fantastic’ hails Everton boss

*Victor Anichebe

*Loic Remy

ewcastle United have announced the signing of Loic Remy from Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan. The French international scored six goals in 14 appearances for the R’s last term, after moving to Loftus Road for £8 million from Marseille at the turn of the year. And Remyis delightedwith the switch to St James’ Park as he is keen to carry on plying his trade in the Premier League following QPR’s relegation. “It will be a huge honour to play for such a big club. I was very flattered by the club’s interest in me back in January and also very happy that they showed interest in me again this summer,” he told the club’s official website. “The Premier League is the best league in the world and that’s where I want to play. “I am very motivated this year to get into the World Cup squad for my country. I know in order to do that I need to have a big season and a successful campaign with Newcastle United.

Igiebor save Betis N

igerian midfielder, Nosa Igi scored for Spanish Primera club, Real Betis in a pre-season frie against Barclays English Prem League club, Fulham at Craven Cot on Monday. Igiebor netted from close range i 52nd minute following intricate w from Joan Verdu on the right as earned a deserved 1-1 draw agains Premier League club. Steve Sidwell had earlier given Cottagers the lead with a header in ninth minute. Apart from the goal, Igiebor impre in the game with his pace, penetra and intelligence. The 22-year-old, who moved to Eu in 2009, has scored 17 goals Lillestrom, Hapoel Tel Aviv and B the three clubs he has so far playe on the old continent. Igiebor made his Nigeria debut in and has scored twice in his se appearances for the Super Eagles. He was part of the Nigeria side won the Africa Cup of Nation February.

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Igali joins o ther tteam eam other members for the final battle for wrestling

ery happy’ ea several newspapers. He added on Chelsea’s official website: “We’re really looking forward to starting the season with him and we are all excited about it. Jose did a really great job here a few years ago and I think that we can do it again. “It’s very good, everyone wants to feel important for the club, I feel it, I’m very happy and enjoying training with the new manager, and I hope I can improve on the last two seasons.” Mata returned for pre-season training later than the majority of his team-mates after representing Spain at the Confederations Cup. He has featured against Inter Milan and AC Milan during Chelsea’s current tour of the United States, and he is pleased.

iebor Liga endly mier ttage

n the work Betis st the

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BY SOLOMON NWOKE

*Juan Mata

Arsenal ‘playing game’ over Suarez

iverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has taken a swipe at Arsenal over their ongoing pursuit of unsettled striker Luis Suarez. Rodgers says the London club have been playing “a wee bit of a game’’ by bidding £40million plus £1 in the hope of activating a clause in the Uruguay international’s contract. The Anfield club remain adamant Suarez is not for sale and Rodgers said in quotes reported by a number of national newspapers: “I was surprised. “I’ve got to say I’ve always associated Arsenal as a club with class and so there was a wee bit of a game there. “For us, it’s about moving on and doing our own work. There will come a point where they understand our position.

*Nosa Igiebor

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) and Technical Director of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Dr Daniel Igali is continuing the fight to ensure that the sport that brought him fame and dignity is reinstated among the Olympic Sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as he flies out at the end of the month to Buenos Aires to meet with four other members of the team for the final presentations. Dr Igali, a former wrestler who won a gold medal for his adopted country, Canada in the 2000 Sydney Games was one of the five panelists selected for the Sports Accord Conference in St Petersburg Russia, where they addressed the International Olympic Committee Executive Board on the need to reinstate wrestling in the Olympics. He said, “ I will be leaving for Buenos Aires by the end of August to meet up the other

four members of the team to make a final pitch to the IOC executive commission to retain wrestling as an Olympic sport in 2020. There are two other sports, softball/baseball and squash were also shortlisted for final consideration in September in Buenos Aires.”

Igali’s team members include, the International Wrestling Federation President Nenad Lalovic from Serbia, Jim Scherr from the USA, Carol Hunyh from China/Canada, and a lady from France He also expressed a strong belief that other IOC members from every wrestling nation would vote against the proposal of the executive committee.

Over 20 foreign players enter for Akpabio Scrabble Classics BY PATRICK OMORODION

o fewer than 20 foreign players have indicated

Etisalat, FC Barcelona un 7 Sc hools’ Cup unvveil U-1 U-17 Schools’

*Adibo in action for Nigeria

interests to participate in the 7th edition of the Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from September 25 to 29, 2013, President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, NSF Chief Toke Aka has confirmed. Among the top foreign players expected, Chief Aka said, are the current world champion, Nigel Richards, Jason Katz-

Brown, Austin Shin, Komol Panyasonpholat and Pakorn Nemitramansku, winner of the last edition. The NSF, the president said, is still considering the inclusion of the female category but disclosed that “four male categories will be played namely Opens, Veterans, Intermediate and Masters. Our national ratings will be used in deciding which category players can play. All foreign players will play in the Masters category.”

tisalat Nigeria have unveiled the Etisalat FC Barcelona U-17 School’s Cup; a 5-A-Side football competition for secondary schools in Lagos. The programme which started on August 1, 2013 with sixteen secondary schools participating has a star prize of one million naira educational award to the winning school and an all expense paid trip to the United Arab Emirates. The runner-up schools will win N750,000 and N500,000 respectively. The individual players from the first three placed schools will also receive cash prizes. Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye speaking at the media briefing explained that the Etisalat FCB Under-17 Schools’ Cup is an innovative platform created by the company to provide an opportunity to football lovers to express their passion for the game. “Since signing a partnership deal with Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona in 2009, we have provided our customers with the best of both worlds, apart from providing our primary service we also support the best in football, FC Barcelona”, Denloye explained. Participating schools in the competition have been selected by the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Lagos State Football Association. The sixteen schools gearing up for the competition represent each of the six Local Education Districts in the state. The winning school will get a N1million educational award and an all expense paid trip to the United Arab Emirates Etisalat Fc Barcelona U-17 School Cup press conference held (UAE) to play a friendly match with a local school football in Lagos. team second.

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Microsoft takes X-Gen solution to capital market BY EMEKA AGINAM

Professionals seek renaming of CommTech C Ministry to reflect IT Continues from page 25

Federal Government on should be Information Technology. On why the Ministry should be called Information Technology, Uwadia argued that because IT subsumes Computing and Communications. “IT conveys the message of convergence more appropriately,” he said. Lending voice to the issue, CEO of Sigma-

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Beta Alpha Limited, Mr. Tunde Ejichi, told Vanguard Hi-Tech that the issue bordering on the name the Ministry should be called has not been settled ,adding that the acronomy ICT is a misnomer. “Let us call it a proper name. IT is applied science and not ICT. When we talk of information activity, it is storage, transfer, retrieval. IT is the thing and not ICT.

People have been so used to Communication ministry. When we say IT Ministry , people said that it is confusing. Ministry of Communication Technology should not be the name because of convergence issue. Similarly, the earlier position of Dr. Jimson Olufuye, the Chairman of African ICT Alliance and Vice President of WITSA was not different from others who have

thrown their weight behind renaming it Ministry of IT. “What we are saying is the issue of convergence. We have looked at other markets around the world. We have to look at best practices. Creation of Communication and Information Technology Ministry should be the proper thing the government should do. That is what we have said before. That is what we are still saying, ” he said.

OMMITTED to growing its businesses in the Nigerian market, devices and services giant, Microsoft Nigeria has taking its new cutting-edge technology solution , X-Gen to capital market operators at the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) organised X-Gen Expo. X-Gen is a new electronic trading platform that allows stockbrokers and other stakeholders access the market anywhere, anytime. Accordingly, the expo also provided an avenue for market shareholders and solution providers to further discuss the functionalities and usage of the X-Gen. On display at the Microsoft exhibition stand was the Microsoft Office 365, a cloud service which requires no hardware investment. For one thing, the expo provided market operators the opportunity to learn more about the potential business impact of Office 365 and explore its power and functionality during a hands-on demo by officials of Hashem Network Services Limited, a Certified Microsoft Gold Partner. The Microsoft Office 365 has the potential to fuel business and economic transformation by delivering cost-effective, flexible access to enterprise-class IT and also provides the productivity backbone for modern businesses. Office 365 also brings together Microsoft Of-

fice, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Exchange Online and Microsoft Lync Online in an always-up-to-date service, at affordable cost. These tools put email, voicemail, enterprise social networking, instant messaging, Web portals, extranets, video conferencing, web conferencing and more at everyone’s fingertips. Earlier in his remarks, Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE described the X-Gen Expo as the first of its kind since inception of the NSE in 1960 , adding that the “X-Gen symbolises NSE’s untiring commitment to delivering a first rate technology platform that will enable our members build and grow their businesses, and the investing community experience a more efficient market when they buy and sell securities.” For Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology at the NSE, the new trading models will support algorithm trading, customer driven electronic trading, direct market access and high frequency trading, amongst others. “The system when introduced is expected to improve transparency, market access, audit trail and provide efficient price discovery in the market, thereby enabling investors to realise their investment objectives by using products currently offered at the Exchange in more meaningful ways” he explained.

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Edo teachers protest, threaten strike over kidnap of colleagues BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—MEMBERS of Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Ovia North East Local Government Area branch, Edo State, yesterday, marched on some major streets in Benin, demanding the release of three female teachers abducted by unknown gunmen from Orhogbua Primary School, Ekekhuan. Besides, the teachers, who said that they were embarking on a work to rule action effective, yesterday, said that they would not go to the classrooms until their colleagues were released safely and unconditionally. They said all the 23 primary schools on the Ekekhuan axis of the local government area where the kidnapping took place would be affected by the work to rule exercise. Spokesman for the teachers, Mr. Edema Noroh, Chairman of NUT, Ovia North-East council, appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, traditional rulers in the area, Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of Department of Security Service, DSS, to do all

Edo trader petitions IG over alleged shooting by Police Inspector BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—A 39-year-old trader, Simeon Idele, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar and the Police Service Commission, to investigate his alleged shooting by his inlaw, Police Inspector Ben Ogiozee, who is serving with Rivers State Police Command. He narrated that trouble started when the said Police Inspector and his family had a disagreement which prompted the intervention of other family members. The petitioner alleged that rather than allow for amicable resolution of the misunderstanding, “Igiozee angrily intercepted me at 11am on Boundary Road in GRA, Benin City, with a pump action gun and shot me on my two legs. “And since the incident, I have undergone several surgical operations to keep me alive at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.” He appealed to the police authorities to urgently come to his aid in order to ensure he gets justice.

within their powers to effect the release of the teachers. He said: “Just two days ago, information reached us that the kidnappers were demanding N70 million. We don’t have that kind of money. That is why we are here to appeal to journalists to help us appeal to those who kidnapped our female colleagues to re-

lease them immediately. Enough is enough” He said that the recent kidnapping of the teachers was the fifth time that teachers had been abducted in Ovia NorthEast council. He accused the state government of spreading information that teachers in the state were earning fat salaries, saying

that ‘’this is the impression that kidnappers are now latching on to kidnap teachers” Also speaking, another member of NUT in the area, Mr Victor Uwagboe blamed what he described as the porous security situation in the state for the spate of kidnapping in the state.

MEETING: From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Mr. Emmanuel Ademokun, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State and Mr. Patrick Ikosimi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Edo State, at the Governor's meeting with NLC and NUT executives in his office, yesterday.

Fashola, Akiolu warn monarchs against land grabbing

AGOS State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu I, have again warned traditional rulers in Lagos State to steer clear of land grabbing and the settlement of disputes relating to land through the use of force. Oba Akiolu, who is the Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas, warned traditional rulers in the state to desist from getting themselves involved in disputes relating to land. Oba Akiolu, also warned those dropping his name as having interest in various disputed cases relating to land to desist forthwith or face the

full weight of the law. The Lagos monarch was reacting to recent publications, especially an advertorial in a national newspaper, wherein some people were alleged to be dropping his name over certain disputed land in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos State. In a related development, Governor Fashola, in a letter addressed to Oba Akiolu, entitled Incidence of land grabbing in Lagos, called on the monarch to “quickly address this emerging trend with a view of nipping it in the bud promptly.” Fashola, in the letter, said his attention had been drawn to

the high incidence of armed land grabbing and attempts to settle disputes relating to land through the use of machetes and other dangerous weapons in various communities in the state. He said: “I am, therefore, writing to enlist your support to urgently convene a meeting in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and all Obas in the state, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, all local government chairmen and chairmen of community development authorities.”

Delta retirees beg Uduaghan to restore pensions BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—NO fewer than 257 retirees of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Delta State, have appealed to the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to come to their aid by restoring their monthly pension stipends suddenly stopped in November 2012 after their retirement in April 2011. The retirees, cutting across the 25 local government are-

as of the state, urged the state government to also “treat us on the same platform as they are treating our counterparts in the Local Government throughout the state, who are enjoying their monthly pension stipends regularly.” Briefing newsmen in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Humphrey Uneuro, who spoke on behalf of the pensioners, enjoined government to listen to them as senior citizens, adding, “we are going through se-

rious economic hardship.” Appealing to the state government to follow due process, Unuero said: “It was also agreed during our meeting with government that the Director of Pension should not reject or stop processing our retirement benefits and that the Director of Pension should equally commence the processing of our benefit papers to include the payment of gratuity and monthly pension from September 2011 to October 2012.”

Atako emerges NDDC Ag MD BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT—DR. Christiana Atako has been appointed Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Until her appointment, she was Director of Education, Health and Social Services in the commission. A statement by the Commission, yesterday, said: “Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, conveyed the President’s decision to the Chairman of NDDC Governing Board, Dr. Tarilah Tebepah, in a letter he read at the Board’s valedictory session last week.” The statement said that Dr. Atako’s appointment takes effect from August 7. Her appointment comes on the heels of the expiration of the tenure of Dr. Chris Oboh as Managing Director/CEO. Dr .Atako, one of the pioneer staffers of NDDC, was Assistant Director and Acting Head of Community and Rural Development Directorate at the inception of the Commission. Before then, she was Assistant Director and Head of Public Affairs Department of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission from 1995 to 2001.

Randle family assures on community devt

HE Randle family has held its annual thanksgiving and remembrance eucharist, with a pledge to continue its service and devotion to community development and patriotism. Speaking at the service, held at the Chapel of Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, United Kingdom, Very Reverend Robert Grimley, Chaplain of the College, enjoined the Randle family to continue to follow the footsteps of their illustrious ancestors.

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He lied about his background

Is cannabis as dangerous as we think? Dear Bunmi, I am in my late 40s and have been a moderate user of cannabis (Indian hemp) for over two decades now. I don take alcohol and I’m a moderate user of the stuff. I have a wellpaid job and I am happily married. My wife knew I took the stuff when we got married and when she realised I wasn’t that dependent on it, she begged me to do it away from home. I’m not writing you because I want to stop. I have read in the papers that some foreign countries, Britain inclusive, have relaxed the legal restriction of consumption of the stuff as they are aware of its medicinal benefits. Why do we still think the stuff is lethal in the third world? Nathaniel, by e-mail.

port, they include cancer of the lungs, mouth and tongue, mini stroke and heart disease. It is also believed that regular cannabis smokers are four rimes more likely to develop schizophrenia and major depressive illness.

You have seen a lot of the erratic and scary behaviour of the Area Boys in their varied euphoric states to know that long-term abuse of cigarettes and cannabis takes its toll on your health sooner or later.

‘

Dear Nathaniel, It is a fact that cannabis has been used as a herbal medicine for some 500 years and it is only a few years ago that doctors started to research its power for good or bad. The result of a study into cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis, MS, have so been widely published. Most sufferers were given cannabis oil to see whether it could reduce symptoms such as painful spasms and jerky movements. Other researchers are testing whether cannabis can be used to stimulate appetite in people suffering from AIDS or cancer, can reduce brain damage resulting from stroke, ease glaucoma and reduce agitation in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Knowledge about how cannabis boost the appetite is being used in the development of a new diet drug. But the researchers also identified the risk for those who smoke it. The fact is that cannabis is much more dangerous than tobacco and medical experts have kicked against the free use of cannabis as this might give users the impression that it is a benign substance, whereas cannabis is harmful to the lungs because of the way it is smoked. When you draw in cannabis, you don’t see much being puffed out and one condition in which large holes appear in the lungs is caused by smoking cannabis. Damage caused by cannabis? According to medical re-

Dear Bunmi, I’ve been married for over five years and the marriage is blessed with two children. Sadly, I’ve just discovered that my husband lied to me about being a university graduate. In a recent conversation with a close friend of his, he let it slip that he dropped out of the university in his second year. When I confronted my husband, he admitted he felt inferior as I had a really good university education, but I can’t get over the fact that he lied to me. Even after five years together and two children, he didn’t trust me with the truth until I found out the hard way. He runs a very successful business but that doesn’t excuse his deception. Sheila, by e-mail.

Dear Sheila, Has your husband lied to you a lot over the years you have been together? Has he kept trying to pull the wool over your eyes? If he has, then you’re right to be angry and upset. From your letter, your husband doesn’t sound like an irresponsible man. It sounds much more as if he was so bowled over by you, he altered the truth to impress you. Later, he didn’t like to admit his lie because he didn’t want to lose you. I think he’s a man who made one stupid error and has paid the price by the embarrassment of his being found out. In my opinion, one mistake doesn’t cancel out five years of love. Besides, he’s proved his competence by running a successful business.

Dear Bunmi, Some few years ago, I started in the buying and selling business and I made very comfortable profits. I came from a wealthy family and have always been used to the good things of life. Now my business has gone bust due to the inability of debtors to pay up. My dad died a couple of years ago and couldn’t now bail me out as he used to. Unfortunately, I’ve kept up with my spending life-style as I find it embarrassing to let on to friends that I’m broke. Instead, I’ve continued to indulge in buying expensive Aso Ebi from close friends whenever there are weddings or funerals. Because they believe in the buoyancy of the old me, they let me have all these things on credit. Now, I’m neck-deep in debts, I have no clue as to how to pay. Please help. Folake, VGC.

debt, and so on. This is some sort of addiction. You are not obsessed with material things: you are hooked on the momentary lift it gives you to buy or acquire them. Don’t be so quick to blame your problem on bad business judgment or the loss of your father. You are what is known as shopaholic. Your problem hurts now because you can no longer pay the bills. You and you alone can put an end to this ugly spiral. First, you once made a success of business and there is no reason why you couldn’t try again. Make your debtors realise you’re down on your luck for now and some of them might feel sorry for you enough to pay up. Alternatively, why don’t you look for paid employment until you decide what you really want to do with your life and save enough for it? Say ‘no’ to the purchase of any Aso Ebi, for now. They are nothing but a burden on your finances as friends try to outdo each other on the make and expense of materials chosen. True friends shouldn’t care about what you wear; they should care about who you are.

In my opinion, one mistake doesn’t cancel I’m sinking too out five years of love. deep into debt! Besides, he’s proved his competence by running a successful business

’

Why do I wee during orgasm? Dear Bunmi, I’m in my mid-40s and a mother of three. I’m a single mother but I have a partner I love so much and he’s very good with my children, who are in their teens. My problem is that I pass what I think is urine whenever I have an orgasm. I want to please my man, though he says he could live with my problem. But can I be cured? Olayinka, by e-mail. Dear Olayinka, When you have an orgasm,

the body releases chemicals into the blood stream that relax your muscles. In your case, it looks as if the ones that control the bladder are being affected. Having had children, it could be a womb or bladder prolapse that is causing these symptoms. There are tests available to show if you’re passing urine or whether you are releasing a quantity of normal secretions at orgasm. Whatever the case, talk to your doctor as soon as you can.

I don’t like the way he kisses! Dear Bunmi, I am a professional banker and have a boyfriend I think the world of. However, whenever we’re making love, I try to avoid kissing him because he keeps thrusting his tongue in my mouth and I just don’t like the way it feels. He complains I’m not kissing him properly or putting any passion into it. Can’t we simply kiss without chewing tongues? Motola, by e-mail. Dear Motola, You certainly can! Lips are

known to have sensitive nerve endings and that makes kissing them a very arousing experience. You can vary the pressure and the rhythm or use teeth to gently nibble. Try all these things, but also talk to your boyfriend about this so he knows what is going on. He probably thinks you don’t want his tongue in your mouth because you don’t fancy him. Reassure him that you find him sexy and that you are passionate, it’s just that you don’t want to use tongues when you’re kissing!

Dear Folake, You buy things to make yourself momentarily forget your troubles and, pretty soon, you run into debt, so you shop some more to make yourself momentarily forget the troubles, and you get deeper in

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos. or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 —

42 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

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Ex-militant leader tasks youths on peace HONOUR: From left— Jan-

ice Hahn, American Congresswoman; Dr. Paul Orhii, DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Food and Drug Aministration and Control, NAFDAC, and his wife, Eugenia, at Dr. Orhii's award of Special Congressional Recognition at James Madison Hall, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, USA.

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT— EX-militant Commander in the Niger Delta, Sobomabo Jackreece, has appealed to youths in Rivers State to shun acts of violence. Speaking in Degema, where he received an award from the state chapter of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Sobomabo said youths should resist offers from the political class to indulge in political thuggery. Assuring that he will continue to fight for the interest of the region and the state, Sobomabo thanked PMAN for the honour, adding that he will always encourage young musicians to actualise their potentials. He said that the award would spur him to greater service for the region.

Donation

HE Soroptimist International of Eko, a worldwide organisation for women professionals, has donated off-the-counter drugs to St. Leo Medical Centre, a Catholic hospital in Lagos. According to Mrs. Cordelia Barber, President of the organisation, the donation, which was in partnership with Afrab Chem Limited, was necessitated by the need to support the medical centre. She said St. Leo had become famous for rendering free and affordable medical services to the indigent, without religious barriers. The donation, which was received by Reverend Rita Ogidan, Sister-in-Charge of St. Leo, include boxes of paracetamols, multivitamins, among others.

Postponement

AGOS—THE maiden edition of the Nigeria International Children Expo, NICE, scheduled to hold from August 27 to 31 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, has been postponed. According to the Expo Coordinator, Mr. Paul Adeogun, the postponement became imperative as “most stakeholders and brands will require more time to enable them give their best to parents and children.”

Aniocha Caretaker C'ttee Chair, members in free-for-all over funds BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—THERE was exchange of punches in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, following the alleged refusal of the Chairman of the Transition Committee to brief members of the committee on the position of the funds that accrued to the council. A member of the transition committee, who pleaded for anonymity, told Vanguard, yesterday: “Things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold. “As I speak to you, we are still at the police station over the matter.” Vanguard learnt that there had been a cold war between the Transition Committee Chairman and some members of the committee, who alleged that the chairman was not carrying them along. Trouble broke out, Monday evening, when the aggrieved

committee members insisted that the chairman must call for a budget meeting. However, the chairman allegedly turned down the request and commotion broke

BUJA—NIGERIANS have been urged to rally round President Goodluck Jonathan in his effort to transform the country. Special Adviser to the Executive Director, Finance and Administration in Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Mark Ikpuri, made the call while receiving a delegation of Niger Delta youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Youths Frontiers, in his office. Ikpuri said that the President had already made the Niger

The aggrieved committee members trailed them to place, where decency was allegedly thrown to the wind as the warring parties began to throw punches at each other.

APC's registration, PDP's loss — ACN NASS members in Edo BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—ACTION Congress of Nigeria, ACN, National Assembly members in

Edo State, have said that the registration of All Progressive Congress, APC, despite alleged attempts to scuttle it, will create a democratic environ-

Proper Inheritance endorses Obielum for Delta guber BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—A political pressure group, Proper Inheritance Political Associates, PIPA, in Warri North, Warri South and

NDDC aide advocates support for Jonathan BY SONI DANIEL

out. The quarrel degenerated as the chairman and few of the accounts officers allegedly moved to a hotel in the outskirts of the town.

Delta and Nigerians proud by his people-oriented projects and policy and deserved commendation and more support given the recent score card of his administration in the last two years. Thanking the youths for embracing peace in the region, Ikpuri urged them to be patriotic and unite for the President in the coming years. Ikpuri advised the youths to shun campaign of calumny against the President, assuring them that the President would deliver on his electioneering promises to Nigerians.

Warri South-West councils, has endorsed Chief Godswill Obielum as the next governor of Delta State come 2015. The group a statement by its Chairman, Chief Sam Eyengho, urged the people of the state to be united in their support for the ambition of Obielum in the 2015 gubernatorial election. It said: “Chief Obielum is capable of providing people-oriented leadership in the state. “The call on him to contest for the governorship position and for Deltans to support him is necessitated by the need for a knowledgeable and experienced achiever. “Somebody that can build on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan's enviable legacies. “He is detribalised, matured, peace-loving, experienced and a seasoned security guru. He is the person who can bring unity to the different political divides and ethnic nationalities in the state.”

ment where ideas rather than few powerful individuals will dominate the politics of the country. The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Mr. Samson Osagie, Rasaq BelloOsagie, Pally Iriase and Senator Domingo Obende all noted that Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s decision to register APC will help sustain the country’s democracy and end what they described as the arrogance of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nigerian politics. They boasted that APC will win the presidential election in 2015. Osagie said: “Nigerians now have a golden opportunity to make informed choices between a ruling party that has, for almost 16 years, pauperised its citizenry and overrule rather than govern the country in line with international best practices of democratic governance.” On his part, Senator Domingo said: “For too long, anti-democratic forces have held us back in the quest to bequeath the much needed good governance and democratic dividend to our people. “But this development has shown that when a people are ready for change, no matter what opposition confront them, they will get their way.”

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FUTA, US varsity collaborate on academic devt, staff training

Abia govt warns Ukwa East indigenes against sabotaging palm estate

HE Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, and Howard University, Washington, United States of American have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on academic development and staff training. This was indicated by FUTA's Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola when he received James Momoh, Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, from Howard University. The erudite professor, who is also a Director in Howard, was in Akure to give effect to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed between both institutions. Receiving the visitor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola said the visit of Momoh indicated a final seal of approval from the authorities of Howard University and the commencement of collaboration that would further deepen the development of FUTA and position it in a vantage position among its peers in the world.

Man, 23, jailed for impersonation BY ANAYO OKOLI

BA—AN Abia State magistrate's court, sitting in Aba has sentenced one Kelechi Uche to three years imprisonment for impersonation. Uche, 23, from Okposi in Ebonyi State was arraigned on two counts. In the first count, he was accused of falsely presenting himself as Second Lieutenant Isaac Atuma, while in the second count; he was accused of being in possession of two Nigerian Army badges and one Army insignia. When the charges were read out to him, Uche pleaded not guilty to both charges and agreed to have his case tried at the magistrates court. In the judgment, the presiding Magistrate, Senior Magistrate Chijioke Nwogu, sentenced the accused on the two charges.

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U SIGNING—From left: Mr Doyin Adewunmi, MD, Creativexone; Sir Edwin Mmuoemanem; MD/CEO, Clarion Medicals Ltd and Mr Evans Okeke, Marketing Manager, during the signing of communication agreement between Clarion Medicals Ltd and Creativexone in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

NHRC faults FG's cautious approach on Egypt crisis BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU ABUJA—CHAIRMAN of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, yesterday, described the Federal Government’s cautious position on what it called army coup d’etat in Egypt unacceptable. Odinkalu, who stated this position in Abuja, also threw his weight behind the agitation of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt to restore the government of ousted president, Mohammed Morsi, insisting that as a constituted majority that won election under a democracy, the party could only be removed through the ballot box. Odinkalu, also the senior legal officer for the Africa Programme of the Open Society Justice Initiative, warned that the mass movements and push against a democratically

elected government in the Nile Basin has the capacity of affecting the political super structure of Nigeria. Speaking on the theme, “Egypt Crisis: Lessons for Nigeria” during the annual Feast of Barracuda lecture organised by the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, Professor Odinkalu said the Nigerian government only paid lip-service to a development that offered Nigeria an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the rest of Africa. The lead discussant at the event, Chief Emeka Okengwu, said it would be dangerous for Nigeria to ignore the security implications of Egypt crisis. Okenga said: “If the discoveries that Boko Haram escalated from the ruins of the Libya revolution, then Nigeria cannot pay ordinary lip-service

to the event in the horn of Africa”. Chief Okengwu said the current insurgency in some parts of northern Nigeria was being fuelled by movement of arms and fighters from Libya through the desert, Mali, Niger and Chad. The chapter president of the Association, Mr. Clement Anizor, explained that NAS was worried about the crisis in Egypt, adding that explained the decision to choose it as theme in the 2013 lecture. Anizor condemned the decision of the Africa Union to accommodate popular movement/mass action in the process of changing democratically elected governments on the continent, stressing that the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi from office portended danger for the rest of Africa.

Ekweremadu hails late Yar' Adua, Jonathan over upgrading of Enugu airport BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

BUJA—DEPUTY Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan and his predecessor, Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, for upgrading the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State, to an international status. His commendation came as the airport prepares to launch its first international flight operations, beginning with Ethiopian Airlines on August 24. Ekweremadu said but for the President and his predecessor, the

dream of the people of the South East geo-political zone to see the airport elevated to international status would have remained a mirage. Describing the development as a “major milestone in the infrastructural renewal of the South East and a monumental boost for both trade and direct foreign investment for the entire country”, Ekweremadu noted that the development would alleviate the challenges faced by business persons travelling to the South East. He said: “For many decades, the people of the South East,

the local and international business community have waited seemingly endlessly for the commencement of international flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the people of South East will remain ever grateful to President Jonathan for the breakthrough.” He commended late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he said, took the initial practical steps towards making the airport an international facility and a subregional aviation hub.

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Theodore Orji, has read the riot act to the people of Ukwa East local government area over the sabotage of the state’s Palm Estate at Ohambele, warning that the government will deal decisively with any person from the area disturbing the foreign investors managing the plantation. Governor Orji warned traditional rulers from the area, some of who were accused of being behind the acts of sabotage against the progress of the plantation, that he would not only dethrone but also prosecute them for economic sabotage. Orji, who invited stakeholders in the area, led by the member representing Ukwa East/West in the House of Representatives, Mr. Uzoma Abonta, lamented that the people could sabotage the palm estate which was revived with over 500 youths from the area being employed. He warned of the consequences of the plantation being shut, noting that youths currently engaged to work there could resort to kidnapping and other crimes to survive.

Obsequies

member of Ogun State chapter of Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Mrs. Mary Olateju Anidugbe, is dead, aged 35. She died in Lagos on Sunday, August 4, 2013. A statement signed by head of the family, Mr. Israel Asigbe, said burial date for the deceased would be announced later. Mrs. Anidugbe is survived by her husband, two children and other relations.

zLate Mrs Anidugbe

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VISIT: From left, MD, Insight Communications, Mr. Jimi Awosika; Miss Nigeria 2013, Ezinne Anyaoha; Project Coordinator, Miss Nigeria Organisation, Konnie Nnachetan-Agu, and Head, Marketing Insight Communications, Franklin Ozekhome, during a courtesy visit by Miss Nigeria to the Management of Insight Communications, in Lagos.

ELIMINATION: From left, Janet Ayoka, Oluchi Israel, Leonard Massaquoi (Sierra Leonean), Simon Ekechukwu, and Rowland Ricketts, the four contestants placed on probation, after the first MTN Project Fame's elimination night.

COMMISSIONING: From left, traditional ruler of Itiigidi Community, His Royal Highness, Edward Esikong Imong; Executive Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, BATNF, Mrs. Soromidayo George, and Director, Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cross River State, at the commissioning of palm oil processing cottage industry and donation of bore hole constructed and equipped by BATNF, to members of Itigidi Farmers' Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Itigidi, Abi Local Government of Cross River State.

CONVENTION: From left, Public relations officer, Mrs. Chioma Uwom; chief whip, Mrs. Nneoma Nwangwa; Director, Lagos Mainland Conference of Adventist Women Ministries; Mrs. Olusola Adebiyi, Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Godsdesire Chikezie, Young WM Coordinator, Mrs. Olusola Ogunyemi, and Treasurer, Mrs. Foluke Agboola, during Lagos Mainland Convention of Seventhday Adventist Church,in Lagos

DEFECTION: Prince Buruji Kashamu, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, (right); Deputy State Chairman, Elder Sola Soledolu (left), and another chieftain, Otunba Ola Kukoyi, during the defection of Labour Party, LP, members in Ota, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area.

HONOUR: From left, Retired Justice. O. Eweriavwe, the Otota of Okpe; Mrs. Christiana Erhuero, wife to the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, (Delta), who was bestowed with the title of Ohovwore of Okpe Kingdom; Engr. James Erhuero, former SSG, (Delta), honoured with chieftaincy title of Afure of Okpe Kingdom, and Chief P. Omuvwie, (oldest chief in Okpe Land), at the award.

INAUGURATION: From left, out-going Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Public Relation, NIPR, Lagos Chapter; Mr. Jide Ologun; in-coming Chairman, NIPR, Mr. Joe Okonmah; Justice Deborah Oluwayemi-Alli, and representative of the National President of NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, during the Institute's inauguration of new executives of NIPR, Lagos Chapter, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

VISIT: President General, Elder J.A. Okoro (middle) flanked by Mr. Gabriel Awala, Warri branch chairman; Mr. Jonathan Ighowueuetan, secretary and other prominent politicians, during the visit of Dr. Meyiwa Erewa and his entourage to declare his intention for House of Representatives to Dibofun Descendants Union, in Warri.

INITIATIVE: From left, Mr. Chidi Okoro, MD, GSK Consumer Nig Plc; Mr. Lekan Asuni, MD, GSK Pharmaceuticals; Mrs. Bolaji Sanyaolu, Engagement and Communication Manager, during 'Walk to Save the Children Initiative' by GSK Nigeria Plc, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi C M Y K

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

RAMADAN TALK BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Goodbye Ramadan!

PRESENTATION—From left: Head, Business Market Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo; presenting an Etisalat Easybusiness prepaid package and a smartphone to Jemima Angulu of Krump Dance Studios, Abuja, while Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Nneka Okekearu looks on at the Abuja edition of the Etisalat Market Access held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

2015: Oritsejafor urges politicians not to overheat nation's polity BY TAYE OBATERU

OS—THE Presi dent, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has urged politicians to avoid actions and utterances capable of overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 elections. Oritsejafor who was in Plateau State yesterday,

Passage

A D A M Josephine Nwokei of UmunomaUmudim, Okohia in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State is dead. She died last month after a brief illness. Funeral service holds today at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Okohia. Interment follows immediately at Nwokei compound. She is survived by children, grand children, brothers and sisters among whom are Mr. Martin Nwokei and Frank Nwokei.

said the activities of some politicians were not in the best interest of the country. He spoke to journalists after an interdenominational service, cautioning that nothing should be done to rock the boat of democracy. He said: “I am not impressed with the way politicians are going about their activities. “Politicians are giving a lot of Nigerians sleepless nights because they are heating up the polity. I find this unnecessary because 2015 is far from here, yet politicians are behaving as if 2015 is next month. I will advise politicians to stop distracting current leaders from doing their jobs. "Politicians should be very careful not to make the nation ungovernable. Politicians should realize that if power is about the people, they should calm down and allow the people to take the lead in the activities. They should not create problems for citizens due to their selfish ambitions.”. Delivering a sermon earlier during the service held at the Assemblies of God Church, Hwolshe, he blamed the country’s woes on the lack of the fear of God among the leaders and citizens of the country and urged

Christians to continue to pray for the country. He said : “I have taken a critical look at the entire problems facing Nigeria as a nation in this 21st century and I have discovered that the major problem of the country is that we don’t fear God. We do all sorts of things deliberately and carelessly because we don’t fear God. We say one thing and do the opposite. We lie, we deceive people and do all kinds of things because we don’t fear God. ”Those in position of authority will steal from public fund and we try to justify stealing because there is no fear of God in our hearts. We kill at the

slightest provocation and we try to justify the killing of human beings because we fear not the Almighty God. "How can a man that fears God sit down comfortably to watch pensioners slump and die of hunger when you are sitting on billions of fund meant for the upkeep of these pensioners? "Yet we try to justify our actions. It is this lack of fear of God that makes a man of 50 years and above to marry a girl of 13 years. Yet we bring all sorts of reasons to justify our actions. All these are signs that we lack the fear of God in our hearts.”

It has been a rewarding 29-day spiritual activity: a period of recompense, a period of closeness to Allah, a period of illumination by the Glorious Qur ’an, a period of re-direction of destinies and possibilities, of charity, of divine blessings. It is indeed a memorable period. Having passed through this spiritual exercise, we are no doubt a better being. It is time to celebrate, but an important part of the celebration is to express warm wishes to your neighbours and invite them for a meal. One could chose to celebrate it with the poor to make them happy. Remember your Zakatul-Fitr, a man has to pay on behalf of himself and his wife— even if she is wealthy on her own— and his children and parents, if they are poor, and his daughter, if she is married but the marriage has not yet been consummated. If his son is rich, he does not have to give Zakatul-Fitr on his behalf. A man has to give Zakatul-Fitr on behalf of a divorced wife, whose divorce process (Talaaq) is not yet concluded (i.e., she is still in the ‘iddah of a first or second talaaq). But not in the case of one whose divorce is finalised. A son does not have to give Zakatul-Fitr on behalf of a poor father’s wife, because he is not obliged to spend on her. A Muslim traveller is also enjoined to pay his Zakat where he spends the last two days of Ramadan. If a person dies before Maghrib, on the last day of Ramadan, Zakatul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he fasted all the other days of the month. But if a child is born after Maghrib, it would be obligatory to pay Zakatul-Fitr on his or her behalf. It should be given on one of the foodstuffs which is commonly consumed in the society. The popular measurement of it is four handfuls on behalf of one person. If it has to be given in money, although this is not encouraged but the societal demands and circumstances sometimes call for it, it has to be well-calculated that the appropriate money equivalent is given in accordance with the existing price of the desired foodstuff in the market; and at the right time too, to meet the immediate need and purpose to which it was given. I have tried to explain this on Facing The Kaaba a few days ago. In essence, the rationale behind it is to make others happy during the festive period; it purifies the fasting Muslim from any shortcoming during the fast. And since every Muslim needs this, it is therefore obligatory on him whether rich or poor to pay Zakatul-Fitr. Before I end, I seek forgiveness over my inability to touch other areas you would have wished, as well as my inability to reply to all mails, text messages, calls and comments. May Allah forgive us all and accept this as an act of worshipping HIM. I also wish to remind us that we can keep the spirit of Ramadan alive every day for the next 11 months Insha Allah. On behalf of the Publisher, the Editor, and the Muslim Community in Vanguard Media Limited, we wish you all Eid-il-Mubarak.

Wogu, TUC, Shehu of Borno commiserate with NUJ BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & NDAHI MARAMA

BUJA—THE Min ister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC and Shehu of Borno, have commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, over the death of three of its members in a motor accident last Fri-

day. Chief Wogu in his condolence message, described the accident as unfortunate, saying “I received with shock the sudden death of active journalists cut down in their prime ages by the cold hands of death through a ghastly motor accident in Ilesa, Osun State. I share in the pains and identify with NUJ and the families of the deceased in this mo-

ment of grief.” TUC on its part in the message by its President and Secretary General, Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal said: “It is with great shock and sadness that the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria received the news of the untimely death of members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists who died in a ghastly motor accident that occurred in Ilesa, Osun State, at the

weekend. Indeed, the deceased can best be described as heroes, who dedicated their professional lives towards the progress of the country. Similarly, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, in a letter by the Secretary of Borno Emirate Council, Zanna Laisu Kazalma, described the incident as a great loss to the journalism profession and in-

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013—49

ANNID moves to integrate Nigerians abroad BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N a bid to effectively address the challenges Nigerians encounter while residing in foreign countries, a non governmental organisation, NGO, known as All Nigerian Nationals In The Diaspora, ANNID, has been established. The NGO with the primary mission of assisting the Federal Government to achieve sustainable development through

various programmes is relentless in its efforts to ensure that Nigeria transforms from brain drain to brain gain. Established in Houston Texas, ANNID is interested in the welfare of all classes of Nigerians in various countries abroad, including the elite, middle class as well as those at the grassroot, assisting them to galvanize their skills and expertise in all spheres of transformation that are needed both at home, and foreign abode. This also is to ensure that Nigeria attains the position of one

of the 21st century emerging economies. With the objectives of providing Nigerians in the diaspora with information and resource centres for diaspora and investors, mobilizing Nigerians in the diaspora to facilitate and accelerate continued growth and dispora institution that would effectively concluded Diaspora week, 2013. ANNID is also interested in matters relating to overseas Nigerians, which comprises persons of Nigerian origins

(PNOs), overseas citizens of Nigeria (OCNs), nonresident Nigerians (NRNs) and overseas Nigerians who are not PNOs, OCNs or NRNs. • Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, House In other of Representatives Committee on Diaspora w o r d s , Nigerians who are intending to migrate these NGO’s integrate to choice countries abroad should endeavour to associate strongly for progression. themselves with the All To be honest, we do not Nigerian Nationals In the even have the data of in the Diaspora organization, so Nigerians Diaspora." as to register their In a similar presence in countries they have migrated to for development, President onward integration with Goodluck Jonathan, in his address fellow compatriots in keynote presented by Vice pursuit of ideas that would facilitate continued President Namadi Sambo, transformation in all areas assured Nigerians who were in the country for the of national development. sixth Diaspora Day igerians in the celebrations, tagged Diaspora day: At ‘Diaspora Nigerians: the event of the sixth Agents of Investment and anniversary celebration of Development’, of his Nigerians in Diaspora, a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ' s the Chairman, House of commitment in ensuring R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s that each and every Committee on Diaspora, Nigerian in various Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa countries abroad become noted that Nigeria has part of the developmental some of her brightest in processes in Nigeria. He further urged them various countries across the universe. She said that not to relent in their efforts despite the sad news that to make valuable some of them are contributions toward languishing in various national development. He said: “Like most prisons across the world, developing countries in majority of them are well the world, Nigeria must behaved and contributed leverage on the huge more to development of human capital of our their host communities. According to Dabiri- nationals living abroad to on the Erewa: "Our brothers and impact development process at sister in diaspora are some of the best you can find home. Our ultimate goal anywhere in the world. is to engage Nigerians Yes, there are those that are with the requisite in prisons but there are knowledge expertise and more who are doing financial acumen to join in brilliantly in many areas in the development of the the world and we would Nigerian state irrespective be glad to have some of of countries of abode.”

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 51

C M Y K

52—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Anglican Women kick against child marriage By CALEB AYANSINA

RCCG ordains 2,000 assistant pastors BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

N the second day of its 61st annual convention at the Redemption Camp on LagosIbadan Expressway, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, responded to challenges of rapid expansion by the ordination of additional 2,402 assistant pastors into the mission. The over 2,000 new assistant pastors were commissioned at the morning session of the second day of convention, with a charge to intensify the evangelization of a perverse world in accordance with biblical injunction. The General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, prayed a short prayer for men and women, saying: “What you bind on earth would be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” and they chorused a resounding A-M-E-N. In a sermon, Rev. Joe Olaiya from Kaduna who released the power of the Holy Spirit upon the new ordainees, charged the assistant pastors to go out there preach the gospel with assurance of signs following. The minister outlined the keys they require to success in ministry which included obedience,

faith and a commitment to preach the undiluted counsel of God no matter the circumstances. He said: ”You have been given the power in the name of Jesus to set captives free and in doing this, signs and wonders will follow your ministry,” he said, adding that they must not be discouraged while urging them pray passionately for God’s support for their individual ministries.

Ordained pastors react A newly ordained assistant pastors, Pastor Vincent Udi of Lagos Province 8 expressed delight that he was counted among those ordained to contribute his quota to development of the church as it prepares people for God’s Kingdom. According to him, the exercise represents a call to a higher and serious responsibilities, “one has been given a new challenge in the vineyard of God—a new chapter has been opened for those of us who were ordained today. We’ve been empowered or endued with power to pull down the strong holds of the enemies.” To AP Adeleke Samson Adetunji of Lagos Province 39, who

came from Epe for the ordination, the exercise has provided him with an opportunity to do exploits for the Lord, healing the seek and even raising the dead in His name, maintaining that he couldn’t do these before now. For AP Ufort Helen Nse-Obong of the same province, the ordination is a dream come as she had prayed and looked forward to a day she would be privileged to be ordained in the mission. Mrs Helen Ademola of Lagos Province 29 said: “It is the grace and mercy of the Lord that counted me worthy to be among those ordained today. I know there are great tasks ahead but I know through the anointing we will all succeed in Jesus’ name.” AP Igbiti Alex of Lagos Province 24 also agreed that it was call to service “and by God’s grace we have all been endued with power to do as Jesus has commanded us to do. Judging by today’s anointing, I am delighted that God counted me to be among the chosen ones.” Mrs. Afolayan Adetola of Lagos Province 10 also saw her election as a work of grace, adding that it is an added responsibility because “I have to do more exploits for the Kingdom of God.”

HE President of Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guide and Wife of Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh has stated categorically that Anglican women will not support legalization of underage girl marriage, currently being championed by some quarters. Vice president of the Union, Mrs. Grace Oluwaro-hunbi also described the recent violence on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a show of shame, urging all parties to the dispute to bury their hatchets for the sake of peace in the state. The duo was speaking at the Cathedral Archdeaconry Women’s Conference titled; ‘Looking unto Jesus’ organized by the women's wing of the Cathedral

Church of the Advent Archdeaconry, Gwar-inpa, Abuja. Mrs. Okoh said hiding under the pretence of religion to canvass for child marriage would not do the society any good, noting that Anglican women believe in training a child to build a better tomorrow. “We have always been emphasising that girls should be trained, when they are trained, we are influencing not only their home, but the wilder community, that is my belief and I know that, that is what our women believed,” she said. Mrs Oluwarohunbi, in her address, said leaders in Rivers state should bury their hatchets and concentrate of service to the people, rather than dwelling in frivolities.

Prayer League holds love feast

T was all celebration and praises to God Almighty at the Church of Annunciation, Festac Town, Lagos when members of the Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos celebrated their 91st annual thanksgiving, reception of new members, investiture of patron/ patroness and fund raising for school projects. Speaking on the occasion, president of the group, Sir Geoffrey Nebeolisa, said the event was a confirmation of their love for Jesus Christ, noting: “we are propagators of sacred heart devotion. “As we celebrate the 91st anniversary of our darling society in Nigeria this year of faith and welcome with open arms new members into our midst, we continue to implore our Lord Jesus to increase our faith.

“I felicitate with members who have been recently consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Most Holy Redeemer, I wish them all the satisfaction for which they have come this far." On his part, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, advised the inductees to defend and propagate the faith they were inducted into. He said the occasion was to celebrate love feast. He urged them to continuously engage in prayers, adding: “Prayer can never be too much. It will continue to unite instead of dividing us. Our prays have always been lip service, no action. Prayer implies action. Prayer without action will have no effect.” He berated the recent policies of our political leaders.

Keep hope alive, Cleric tells Nigerians

EAD of End-Time Apos tolic Global Network (ETAGN), Dr. Tola Olukilede has urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the nation, arguing that Nigerians will experience God's favour if they put their faith and hope in God, reports OLAYINKA LATONA.

*REVIVAL: L-R: Pastor Emeka Izeze, an unidentified security operative, General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi and Pastor Segun Babatope at the 2-day revival programme titled: "The God that cannot Fail" organised by the Deeper Life Bible Church at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-lbadan Expressway.

19 babies delivered at RCCG convention BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

S at 3.50 p.m., yesterday, 19 babies became the first fruits of the ongoing convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God taking place at the Redemption Camp on LagosIbadan Expressway. The boys appeared to have taken an early lead, as the nurses at the Redeemed Clinic and Maternity revealed that 10 boys have been born in two days as against nine girls. According to the health officers

on duty who want to remain anonymous, the mothers and their babies are in sound condition and some have already been discharged. One of the mothers who spoke with Vanguard, Mrs Elizabeth Oluwakemi, who travelled from Akwa Ibom State for the convention, said she gave birth to her fourth child in the morning of the first day of the convention. She said: ”I didn’t plan to give birth during the convention but I was a date that fell within the convention period and I am pretty happy that I am one of

those lucky women to give birth during the convention,” adding that her first choice name for the baby would have been Emmanuel if she was a boy. Mrs. Mary Abosede of AdoOdo area of the church gave birth to a baby girl. She was among the first set of women to have done so during the ongoing convention. She said: ”I give God all the glory because this is also my first child. Despite various health challenges during the pregnancy, God saw me through. Doctors told me my pelvis was

too narrow and that the baby can only come through a caeserian session but at the camp I delivered safely without any operation or complication.” Mrs. Philomena Okoh of Lagos Province 30 was delivered of a baby boy, the second in her family, explaining that her due date was actually last month but delivered on Monday. She said: ”I am wonderfully blessed because this is Daddy Adeboye’s son. God will contribute to bless him in Jesus’ name.”

Dr. Olukilede made this known through the General Secretary of the ministry, Apostle Michael Adebayo ahead of the 2013 annual ministers/leadership national conference tagged; “Go forward” scheduled for August 1-3 at the national headquarters of the ministry in Ota, Ogun State. He urged leaders to use the country’s resources to meet the needs of the masses, adding that Nigerians should not be deterred by the present challenges confronting the nation. Highlighting the activities of the ministry, chairman planning committee of the conference, Apostle Mike Okofu-Newman explained that the ministry is a network of Christian churches and ministries with the principal purpose of forming a united body of Christ to spread the good news of Christ across nations and cities.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013—53

L-r: Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati; Information Officer, Embassy of the United States of America, Rhonda Ferguson-Augustus and the US Embassy Public Affairs Specialist, Mr. Sani Mohammed at a meeting at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

2013 Budget: Fresh showdown looms over constituency projects BY OKEY NDIRIBE

HERE are indications that due to the non-implementation of constituency projects, the protracted disagreement between the National Assembly and the Presidency over the 2013 budget may escalate when members of both arms of the federal parliament resume from their on-going vacation next month. Investigations by Vanguard have revealed that constituency projects contained in the 2013 budget may never be implemented this year as all the relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government had been directed to refrain from executing them. It was also gathered

that permanent secretaries and directors of various MDAs were directed not to execute constituency projects as that responsibility had been handed over to the Ministry of Special Duties. However, it was further

learnt that despite this directive, which was said to have emanated from the Federal Executive Council, no allocation of funds was made to the Ministry of Special Duties to carry out this assignment.

AP defends Lanlehin over Ajimobi’s criticism

BADAN — AC CORD Party, AC, in Oyo State has come to the defence of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, who represents Oyo South senatorial district in the National Assembly over alleged criticism of the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Senator Lanlehin reportedly said Governor Ajimobi was running a government

of a clique that excluded majority of stakeholders. The party, in a statement signed by its media director, Prince Dotun Oyelade said that Ajimobi had “no moral right to accuse Lanlehin of hopping from one party to the other when he himself left AD for ANPP, to ACN and now APC.”

Allow Nigeria to tackle Boko Haram, Anglican Primate tells ICC By CALEB AYANSINA

BUJA —The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, yesterday, appealed to the International Criminal Court, ICC, to give the Federal Government a chance to use its internal mechanism to solve the Boko Haram insurgence in the country. ICC had on Monday, released a report through its Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, and indicted Boko Haram leaders on crime against humanity, stating that it was now assessing whether the national authorities were conducting genuine proceedings in relation “to those who appear to bear the greatest responsibility for such crimes, and the

gravity of such crimes”. Bensouda was said to be considering issuance of warrant of arrest against the leaders of the sect, if government failed to take action through its own judicial system.. Okoh, who reacted in an interview with newsmen, shortly after declaring open a three-day Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers of the church at the Basilica of Grace in Abuja, said the internal mechanism employed by the government to resolve the matter was gradually yielding result. The Primate explained that this was not to conclude that the church did not recognize the role played by the international community to curb the menace of the dreaded

Islamic sect, which had killed and rendered thousands of Nigerians homeless, or did not sympathize with the victims of the violence. He said: “The Federal Government has a way of handling Boko Haram, and until the federal government decides to externalize the issue, it remains an internal affairs. So, if they said they want to take it to the international court, then, the federal government should initiate that, and if they want to handle it in our theirown way, I think the country should handle it.”The cleric maintained that the country had courts of competent jurisdiction to try any case, adding that the issue remained domestic until the government decided otherwise.

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Iran’s new president vows to solve nuclear crisis I

RAN’s incoming President Hassan Rouhani yesterday offered an olive branch to the United States in talks on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program, raising hopes of progress after years of stalemate. Rouhani, seen in the West as a relatively moderate leader, told his first news conference since taking the oath on Sunday that he was “seriously determined” to resolve the dispute and was ready to enter “serious and s u b s t a n t i v e ” negotiations. Hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue have risen with Rouhani’s victory over conservative rivals in June, when voters chose him to replace hardliner M a h m o u d Ahmadinejad with a

cleric whose watchword is “moderation”. Western countries and Israel have said in the past that they believed Iran was trying to achieve nuclear weapons capability, but Tehran says its program is purely for peaceful needs. Rouhani said Iran would not abandon its nuclear program, which it would uphold “on the basis of international law”. “We will not do away

interaction. We are prepared, seriously and without wasting time, to enter negotiations which are serious and

HE United States has evacuated 75 embassy staff from the Yemeni capital, after both the US and United Kingdom told their citizens to leave due to the threat of “terrorist

•President Rouhani

Hassan

with the right of the nation,” the 64-year-old said. “However, we are for negotiations and

attacks.” The US citizens were flown out of the country on military aircraft on Tuesday, according to the Pentagon, which declined to comment further, citing

Protests persist in Benin over Yayi's reforms

VERY Wednesday since the middle of July, hundreds of Beninese have turned out wearing red. This is not a fashion statement but a new way of protesting against the constitutional reform proposed by President Yayi Boni. The Movement “Citizen’s Alternative” launched the “Red Wednesday” campaign on Wednesday 17 July to bring together all their gripes against Yayi Boni from over the past 7 years.

Their main complaint is the proposed constitutional reform which would allow the outgoing president to stand for a third term in office after the end of his mandate in 2016. The movement is mainly organised through Facebook and via SMS. And it is getting large enough to annoy the government. On 31st July and 1st August, the commemoration of Benin’s independence, several hundred people

that the concerns of both sides will be removed through negotiations within a period which will not be very long.”

US senators wants Egyptian Brotherhood members released

WO U.S. senators urged Egypt’s military-backed government to release detained members of the Muslim Brotherhood before starting negotiations with the group, warning of

US, UK evacuate citizens from Yemen over Al Qaeda threat

substantive with the other side.” “If the other party is also prepared like we are, then I am confident

descended on the streets of Cotonou wearing red T-shirts, baseball caps or other red clothing. Several people were arrested for disturbing public order at the heavily supervised protests. The most notable person to be arrested was one of the leaders of the movement, former Communications Minister Gaston Zossou, who described on his Facebook page how his house was surrounded by police before his arrest.

Thousands of Benin Republic citizens wearing red T-shirt as symbol of protests in Cotonuo yesterday

security concerns. The new US measures, announced in a statement on Tuesday, followed a heightened security warning from Washington on Friday that prompted the closure of several Western embassies in Yemen and several US missions across the Middle East and Africa. It also came after at least four suspected al-Qaeda members were killed in what local tribal leaders said was a US drone strike in central Yemen early on Tuesday. “The Department urges US citizens to defer travel to Yemen and those US citizens currently living in Yemen to depart immediately,” the statement posted on its website said.

worsening relations “if Egypt is not moving to democracy.” But Egypt’s interim presidency denounced “foreign pressure” in a sign of its growing impatience with international mediations. Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham spoke after meeting with top military and civilian leaders in Cairo as part of a flurry of international efforts to resolve a standoff

between the government and supporters of the ousted president, Mohammed Morsi. McCain said “we urge the release of political prisoners,” referring to Brotherhood members who were detained after the military ousted Morsi, an Islamist, a month ago. “In democracy, you sit down and talk to each other,” Graham said, adding, “it is impossible to talk to somebody who is in jail.”

George W Bush undergoes heart operation

ORMER US President George W Bush has undergone successful heart surgery in Dallas, Texas, after doctors found an artery blockage, a spokesman has said. Mr Bush had a stent inserted yesterday morning, a day after the blockage was discovered during a routine check-up. The 67-year-old was in “high spirits” afterward and would be discharged today , the spokesman added. Mr Bush planned to return to his usual

schedule on Thursday and encouraged everyone see the doctor regularly. “President Bush is in high spirits, eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday,” his office said after the procedure. The Republican held office for two terms from 2001-09, and before that was the governor of Texas. Since leaving office, Mr Bush has retreated from public life. He lives in Dallas with his wife, former First Lady Laura Bush.

Tunisia suspends constitution body

UNISIA’s embattled Constituent Assembly has been suspended indefinitely, ahead of planned mass protests calling for the body to be dissolved, its speaker said. The assembly was only weeks away from finishing a draft constitution and electoral law that would move the country closer to new elections. The head of the Constituent Assembly and Secretary General of the centre-left party Ettakatol Mustafa Ben Jaffar announced to the nation yesterday that the constituent assembly or parliament would be sus-

pended. “I assume my responsibility as president of the ANC [assembly] and suspend its work until the start of a dialogue, in the service of Tunisia,” he said on state television. He was referring to a crisis sparked by the assassination of an opposition figure that has already prompted many opposition members to boycott the assembly’s sessions. The announcement came hours before what was expected to be a huge protest organised by the opposition. The country’s secular opposition is trying to oust

the Islamist Ennahda-led government and dissolve the transitional Assembly. Protests have been held daily since the killing of leftist politician and Assembly member Mohamed Brahmi on July 25, nearly six months after another leftist figure was gunned down. More than 70 members of the assembly withdrew two weeks ago in protest at the two killings and organised a sit-in outside the assembly headquarters. The Constituent Assembly met on Tuesday morning despite the absence of protesting lawmakers.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 —

56 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Akwa Ibom 2015:

Uncommon uprising

THE immediate past Secretary to the State Government in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Umana wielded unprecedented powers for the six years he held that office. His sway fed speculations of a secret agreement on transfer of power between him and Governor Godswill Akpabio. Last week the Umana myth unfolded in uncommon umbrage BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & TONY NYONG

T was an uncommon partnership that ended in a spectacularly unusual manner. As Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Mr. Umana Umana was one of the major figures that shaped what has been dubbed by devotees of Governor Godswill Akpabio as the uncommon transformation of the state. The quiet speaking Umana wielded an unprecedented influence in the government and politics of the state so that when his end came last week, it left many bemused. For almost one week, Umana was at the centre of deep intrigues over his removal cum resignation from the office from where he called the shots in Akwa Ibom. The drama ended in yet an uncommon way last Wednesday, when Umana sat among the fazed spectators that watched, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, until then an executive director of Zenith Bank, take the oath of office as the new SSG. Meanwhile, there has been no record of Umana's resignation or dismissal as SSG at press time. Not since 2007 when Akpabio grabbed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial ticket against the vicious opposition of the then

•Umana: Forced out

•Akpabio: I am in charge as they helped the duo to wax mutually beneficial synergy that laced financial prowess with political dexterity to outfox Attah. Attah had in a seemingly quixotic gesture, guided the PDP in the state to enthrone the principle of zoning of the

But for Team Umana, the uncommon development is only a little setback as it was gathered that the gubernatorial project is to remain on course

governor, Obong Victor Attah had Akwa Ibom politics been gripped in the sort of intrigues that enveloped the state for most of last week. Remarkably, it was in the midst of the political scheming in 2007 that the partnership between Akpabio and Umana was formed. Both men were in the Attah cabinet and held two of the most powerful positions at the time of the 2007 gubernatorial nomination exercise. Umana was commissioner for finance, while Akpabio held the local government affairs portfolio. The positions were significant

governorship and determined that the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial zone where Akpabio comes from should produce the governor after him. But Akpabio was not his desired successor. Attah was rather focused on his son-inlaw and cabinet member, Bob Ekarika as his successor. Attah’s past political wrongdoings in the eyes of then President Olusegun Obasanjo, however, provided an opening that Akpabio exploited to check Attah, ensuring that Attah was compelled to accept Akpabio’s candidacy on the ticket of the PDP. Attah was, nevertheless,

compensated with the gift of producing Akpabio’s deputy for which he chose the loyal commissioner for information, Mr. Patrick Ekpotu. In that grudge war with Attah, Umana was said to have provided the financial leverage that sustained the battle, tapping both his personal funds and the connections gotten from his position as commissioner for finance. It was in the thick of that battle that the rummoured understanding that Akpabio would pass over the baton to Umana was said to have been made. It was no surprise that after Akpabio came to power Umana was named Secretary to the State Government, SSG and became an institution in government for the six years he lasted. The fear of Umana was said to be the beginning of wisdom and many who were seen as potential contenders in the 2015 gubernatorial project were quietly eased out from the political scene. Ekpotu was the first to be eased out. Despite his loyalty to Akpabio, he was not returned in the second term as

deputy governor. In his place, Nsima Ekere who was said to be Akpabio’s original choice for a deputy before the détente with Attah, was brought on board as gubernatorial running mate in the 2011 election.

Political figures Senator Effiong Bob, one of the most influential senators and political figures from Uyo Senatorial District, the same district as Umana's, was also edged out from returning to the Senate in 2011 despite what was claimed as the support of the governor. The perception that Bob was deliberately stopped arose from the suspicion that allowing Bob to remain in the Senate till 2015 would have ensnared the Umana 2015 project, given the popularity of the senator at home and influence in Abuja. After Ekpotu, Ekere who stepped in lasted barely17 months and resigned following conspiracy theories that he had fast-tracked his own gubernatorial ambitions to a level that he could even replace

Akpabio before 2015. Many, especially from Ekere's Eket senatorial district pointed suspicious fingers at Umana as the architect of the downfall of Ekere who they had looked up to, to become the first governor of the state from the zone. In choosing Ekere’s replacement, Akpabio fetched the elderly retired female civil servant and former commissioner, Mrs. Valerie Ebe. A widow, Mrs. Ebe was seen as a perfect fit who would satisfy the desire of putting an Eket person as deputy governor, albeit someone who would not jeopardise Project Umana. If Team Umana thought it was on rollercoaster with Ekere’s exit, it probably did not consider the resilience of the agitation of political stakeholders from Eket. Sources said the agitation against Umana by the Eket political leaders went as far as the presidential villa. Akpabio it was learnt was as such asked to quietly call his SSG to order. The kite to blow away the Umana phenomenon was the proposal for him to take over Continues on page 57

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 57

Later that night the governor met with stakeholders from Eket Senatorial district and introduced them to Udom Emmanuel from Onna local government area within Eket Senatorial District as the new SSG.

Akwa Ibom 2015:

Uncommon uprising Continues from page 56

the juicy position of managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a position that is about to become vacant. Being that it is the turn of Akwa Ibom to produce the nominee, Akpabio reportedly offered Umana the position, but Umana was said to have out rightly rejected it. But following persisting persuasions from Akpabio, the former SSG allegedly promised to consider the offer, but his political associates reportedly told him to reject the offer leading to a stand off. There were insinuations that

Drive and capacity

the stand-off created tension even within Akpabio’s home with some associates of the first lady, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio alleging that Mr. Umana was out to damage the family’s cordial relations with the first family in Abuja. It was against the background of these speculations that rumour mongers in Uyo, the state capital, alleged that Mrs. Akpabio personally led the security operatives that closed down the SSG’s office in the early hours of Monday, July 29. The truth of Mrs. Akpabio’s involvement, however, could not be confirmed. The following day, Governor

•Attah: Tackled the united forces of Akpabio and Umana Akpabio who was outside the state arrived Uyo and proceeded straight to Umana’s

residence and for more than one hour the two men sat down for a heart to heart talk.

Obong Akpan Ikwang: Tribute to a pathfinder BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

HEN late Pastor Henry Ikwang Udoikpong of Odoro Atabong Ekid and late Madam Umodok Inwang Ukpong Otonkwa were blessed with a big bouncing baby boy on October 13, 1931, their joy knew no bounds as they quickly named him “Akpan” (first son). To them, the one who would continue the family tree had been born. Little did they know that they have sired more than a first son; on their laps was a pathfinder, who would not only continue the Ikwang lineage but also help in building the foundation of old Cross River State, which also includes today’s Akwa Ibom State. Pastor

Calabar (1946 – 1947) and Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar (1947 – 1949) where he obtained his Secondary School Certificate. He did his Higher School at Hope Waddell Training Institute in 1950 and attended Technical College – School of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (1951 – 1952) before proceeding to University of Ibadan (1954 – 1959) where he graduated with BA (Hons) and later London School of Economics and Political Science (1959 -1960). Upon graduation, Akpan had interesting job offers from the likes of Shell BP, UAC and others but he elected to join the Nigerian Federal civil service because he wanted to join hands

He was fondly called Henry by his friends and ‘Bulldozer’ by his colleagues and superiors because in his role as a pathfinder he had the indefatigable ability to open up any jungle or space and erect monumental structures

Henry Ikwang loved his son so much that he also named him Henry after himself. Bright, intelligent and promising, the young Akpan did not disappoint his loving parents. He passed through all tiers of education seamlessly. He was educated at Government School, Eket (1937 – 1939) and Duke Tune Primary School, Calabar (1940–1945) where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate; and Duke Town Secondary School,

in developing the Nigerian nation.

Completion of training He felt there was a lot of work to be done in the period after Nigeria’s independence. His choice paid off. He was to meet and be mentored by great men like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Malam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Nuhu Bamali. His first posting was to The West

•Late Amb Akpan Ikwang African Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City (1953 – 1954). He later joined the Nigerian Foreign Service and was sent to the newly established Training School for diplomats. On completion of his training, he was posted to Ministry of External Affairs, Lagos and deployed as the first Nigerian Consul to Cameroon (1961 – 1963). His next posting was as Nigerian Charge ‘D Affair to Bonn, Germany and Dublin, Republic of Ireland in 1964. Later, he returned to Nigeria and was deployed to Federal Ministry of Communication, Lagos (1965 – 1968). Following the creation of South Eastern State under the leadership of Brigadier U.J Esuene as Governor, Chief A.H. Ikwang was posted as Permanent Secretary. He served in the Ministry of Trade and Industry; Ministry of Works and

Housing and, his work was said to have transformed the face of what is now known as Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, an accomplishment that earned him numerous chieftaincy titles from both states. Along with other great men and women, he worked tirelessly to develop South Eastern State. Henry as he was popularly called opened roads, built houses, provided necessary infrastructure to turn the area into a state. He quickly established a reputation as a trailblazer and a pathfinder with the ability to transform any space into visible infrastructure. He was fondly called Henry by his friends and ‘Bulldozer’ by his colleagues and superiors because in his role as a pathfinder he had the indefatigable ability to open up any jungle or space and erect monumental structures. Some of the projects executed under his direct supervision included: Government House, Calabar; State High Court complex; State House of Assembly; Old Secretariat Complex; Local Government secretariats in Eket, Ikot Abasi, Uyo, Ikom, Ogoja, Obudu and Obubra; Federal Housing Estate, Calabar; Veneer & Plywood Ltd (Calvenply); and Calabar Cement Factory (Calcemco). Chief Ikwang, who later served as board chairman in Calvenply, Calcemco and South Eastern State Marketing Board, also supervised the construction of many roads such as Calabar – Itu Highway; Calabar – Ikom Highway;

Akpabio was said to have informed the caucus that Udom who has spent all his life in the corporate world had the drive and capacity to drive the programme of his administration especially the Ibaka Deep Sea port project. The following day with Umana seated, Udom was sworn in as the new SSG. But for Team Umana, the uncommon development is only a little setback as it was gathered that the gubernatorial project is to remain on course. But there is no doubt that the momentum that put a shadow on other aspirants has been emptied of its power. Albeit for now.

Calabar – Mfamosin Highway; Marian Road; Ikot Abasi Road; Etinan Road; and Eket-Oron Road. Other projects that had his imprimatur were: Chief UJ Esuene Stadium; Metropolitan Hotel; Cultural Centre, Calabar; University of Nigeria Campus which is now University of Calabar; College of Technology which later became The Polytechnic Calabar, now Cross River University of Technology; Comprehensive Secondary School Complex, Eket which was earmarked to be a University; Qua River Hotel, Eket; several Hospitals spread across the two states; transport/ ship services from Calabar–Oron, MV Helen, MV Obudu; and Pontoon services from Itigidi-Ugep among others. A Christian and married with children, Chief Ikwang, who died on April 16, 2013, at 81, was a blessing to those who knew him, as he touched the life of everyone around him. Widely travelled, he was a go-getter and was ready to do what was right for the masses. The late Ikwang was deeply interested in the politics of the Nation. In 2011, he refused to travel out of the country for medical surgery and insisted he must vote in the election that brought President Goodluck Jonathan to power. He was actively involved in the struggle to emancipate ethnic minorities in the Niger Delta and was a founding member of the Southern Minorities Movement which was made up of intellectuals and political heavyweights from the Niger Deltawhose sole aim was to ensure that the rights and resources of the ethnic minorities were protected.

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

education. The constant privatization of education over the past few years has made it difficult for a lot of parents to sponsor their children through school.” But a former Deputy ViceChancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Munzali Jibril said the nation does not need to agree with the figures to know that the issue has assumed alarming dimension. “The out of school kids issue is a well known one, whether we agree with the figures given by UNESCSO or not, you only have to walk round the streets of Northern Nigeria to find hundreds of Almajiris begging, and the girls hawking. enrollment statistics are appalling, there are some states who are small in total population, but have large number of out of school kids,” he noted.

Resistance to western education

TEN MILLION OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN:

Facts behind the figures I

F the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, were to be asked what national problem is the least likely to be addressed in the next five years, the agency would perhaps point at the near absence of the a vibrant, progressive and qualitative educational system in Nigeria. This is because the United Nations agency believes that the nation accounted for almost a fifth of the world’s out-of-school children. This startling revelation, was made known by Kate Redman, Communications Specialist, Education for All Global Monitoring Report, EAGMR, of UNESCO. According to her, the amount of aid to basic education Nigeria received in 2011 was 28 per cent lower than it received in 2010. She said new statistics showed that 57 million children were out of school globally in 2011, which was a drop from two million in 2010. Redman further said that assistance to basic education had decreased for the first time since 2002, adding that the world must move beyond helping children enter school to ensuring that they learn the basics. While this

did not come as a surprise, following the undisputed consensus on the level of decadence in the sector, many are worried that a nation with an unbroken history of educational reforms, could be ranked as having the highest out-of-school children globally. For instance, findings by VaguardFeatures,VF, showed that educational reforms predated the nation’s independence, as the then colonial government of Sir John Macpherson, initiated reforms in 1954.

A national crisis Buttressing this, a report by an educationalist at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau, Dr. Bello Gusau, titled: Educational Reforms in Nigeria: Successive Years of Inconsistences and Confusions said: “Nigeria has witnessed several educational reforms which started at preindependence. It was to the credit of Nigerians notably agitators for self- rule that led the British colonial rulers to change the educational system in operation in 1954 from 8-6-2-3 system that is eight year primary,

six year secondary, two year higher school certificate and three year university to a new system 6-5-2-3 that is six year primary, five year secondary, two year higher school certificate and three year university.” Notwithstanding this history, it is the believe of many that the UNESCO report has succeeded in bringing to global attention the need to regard the issue as a national crisis. Though the statistics does not appear generally acceptable, the Federal Government has said that it would not challenge the data. “We will not challenge such statistics. What is most important to us is to address the main issue and that is let every Nigerian child be in school, that is our target,” Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i said when she received a UNESCO delegation in Abuja. She said the ministry plans to reduce the number of out-ofschool children significantly between now and 2014 as Nigeria has the highest number of such children in the world. The FG’s position notwithstanding, the matter has continued to dominate contemporary discourse among stakeholders, who are saddened by the comatse state of the sector,

particularly basic education. The National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign, ERC, Mr. Hassan Soweto described the statistics as an understatement, adding that the number is much more than data presented by UNESCO. Accordingly, he told VF that, “10.5 million is an understatement. We at the ERC believe that the number is much more than that. This is a country that is not even sure of its total population. Even states that claim to give free education don’t do so in a natural sense. There are

The report that Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children in the world, has once again buttressed the need for the Federal Government to address the issue as a national emergency, so as to reverse the dangerous slide to illiteracy. CHARLES KUMOLU & LAJU ARENYEKA report

Continuing, Jibril said: “Historically, there has been resistance to western education in the north, especially in rural areas, so that could be one of the reasons for this predicament. Another reason could be the high rate of unemployment in the country. I find it quite ironic that the figures have been rising since 1999 when we entered the democratic era, because I think that these politicians are doing better for education than the military.” However, the Director of Whitefield High School, Mr. Luke Onyeanula, who operates a thriving private school in Lagos, questioned the statistics, adding the advent of private schools has been a boost to the education sector. Private schools bridging the gap: “I don’t agree with the statistics because if you go to the various communities, you will find schools beings established and the fees are being brought down so that people can afford

I find it quite ironic that the figures have been rising since 1999 when we entered the democratic era, because I think that these politicians are doing better for education than the military

a lot of fees that students still have to pay. In Lagos State for example, teachers keep two registers for one class, so that it won’t be too obvious that there are more than 40 people in each class. The first threat to education is the fact that most parents are so poor that they need their children to do menial jobs just to keep body and soul together. In the former South west region, we were able to win the war against illiteracy 50 years ago. It is such a shame that in this time and age, we are struggling with an issue as important as basic

it. With that the level of illiteracy is being reduced. We have tried the much we can to ensure that students are not scared away by school fees. So, how does the report reflect the reality in the education sector, when the private sector is establishing schools in every nook and cranny of the country. The government needs to give proper attention to basic education in order not to give room for this type of report. Individuals , should be encouraged to establish schools in order to provide affordable Continues on page 58

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 59

Senate has committed an aberration on child marriage – Hauwa Shekarau, President, FIDA After witnessing events on the floor of the Senate over the proposal to remove age limitation on marriage as provided in the 1999 Federal Constitution, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria, has not rested on its oars. Prior to the proposed amendment, interpretation of Section 29 (4) (a) and (b) was that “a woman shall not be qualified for marriage until she attains 18 years of age.” The contentious resolution of the Senate to delete the sub-section (a) of the Section 29 (4) which defines “full age” as the age of 18 years and above, and the Senate’s decision to retain the sub section (b) - which states that “any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age” - quickly drew the ire of FIDA Nigeria’s President, Hauwa Victoria Shekarau, In an encounter with SOLA OGUNDIPE, the charismatic firebrand lawyer and human rights activist, opens up on the lingering child marriage issue: Excerpts: country? Some of these people talking about religion, none of them can give out their daughters in marriage at an early age, That is because they are affluent, they are elitist and they are empowered, but the people who really suffer the most are those in the lower rung of society; people who live below $1 per day. For them, their main focus is finding food to put on the table for their families. So the issues are a lot deeper than we may think or feel. Clarification: People tend to misunderstand that section of the Constitution. It doesn’t really talk about the age of marriage. That section talks more about the

N the gallery: We were there in the gallery when it happened. We were privy to all the discussions that happened on the floor of the Senate. As an organization we are meeting. We are discussing our next steps and will be taking measures if the Senate does not do anything about this issue. We are also monitoring what is happening at the House of Representatives and have agreed that when the harmonized position on the Constitution goes to the State Houses of Assembly, our members in the States will be alerted. We are already mobilizing our states branches to also rise to the occasion to ensure that some of those issues on gender and women’s rights issues can be professionally taken up. Position: Anyone who has not come in contact with child marriage or under-age marriage may not appreciate the magnitude of the problem. There are so many issues involved and for us in FIDA, we cannot wait. We speak for the voiceless. These are issues we come in contact with regularly and we’ve taken position on them. They are issues that come to us because of our line of work. They affect women and children. Beyond religion: The issue of the girl-child marriage is more predominant in the northern part of the country. They keep talking religion, religion, but don’t we have people of diverse religion even in the South? Why is it that early child marriage is not a problem in the southern part of the country? Why is it that we see it more in the northern part of the

the alpha and omega in Nigeria and any law that is contrary to it is null and void. So if you put that kind of position into the Constitution, what it means is that you have legitimized underage marriage and people would go ahead to do what they want to do on the argument that even the Constitution allows it. Smuggled in: If you check the previous Nigerian Constitution before the one of 1999, the contentious sub-Section isn’t there. It was smuggled in when the 1999 Constitution was put together and we are saying it shouldn’t be there. If you recall, the 1999 Constitution was the handiwork of a few people who just came together and drafted it. That was during the military era. It is steeped in controversy. It was based on criticisms of this Constitution that the National Assembly, for the first time, decided to consult their Constituency that they decided to go round the entire Nigerians,

Nigerians want it removed. So why would the Senate now refuse to heed what the voice of the generality of Nigerians is saying?

capacity of renunciation of citizenship. It says that only people who are 18 years and above have capacity of renunciation of citizenship. But an exception was created - the Section 29 (b) - which states that a woman who is married is deemed to be an adult even if she is not up to 18 years, she is deemed to be an adult and thus has capacity of renunciation. So even though the Constitution doesn’t come out clearly to say it approves underage marriage, it actually legitimizes underage marriage. But the point is if you are not up to 18 years, you are not up to 18 years. It doesn’t matter whether you are married or not. The Nigerian Constitution is

so that they could get legitimacy for whatever constitutional review they wanted to do. Nigerians say no: I need to stress that the collation of the results of the Constituency Consultation showed that Nigerians want that Section of the Constitution deleted. The voice of the people has stated: ‘delete this Section’. Nigerians came out to say the Section should be deleted. Nigerians want it removed. So why would the Senate now refuse to heed what the voice of the generality of Nigerians is saying? Why would they decide to subject the people’s wish to their own personal and selfish inclinations? For me that is the crux of the matter.

Aberration: Nigerians came out clearly to make that statement. Why would the Senate turn around the wish of the people? It is an aberration. A vote was

cast and the result showed that the Senate members wanted that Section deleted, only for Yerima to stand up and start talking about religion. The Senate President then called for a second vote. If you asked me, that second vote was unnecessary and is an aberration. Admonition: My admonition to Nigerians is that this country belongs to all of us. All those people in government, whether at the Executive arm or the Legislature, they are people we elected to serve us. And so they are not supposed to serve their personal interest but the interest of the people. It behooves on us as citizens to hold them accountable to their mandate. We must learn to speak out. We must learn to condemn what is wrong and support what is good. It is counter-productive to say because it doesn’t concern us directly, we will not take action. We must appreciate that this country belongs to us all and that when we get out of this situation, our hope is to have a country that will be better for generations yet unborn.

Facts behind the figures Continues from page 58 education, “ he added Onyeanula is not alone in this regard, another educationist and a retired Principal of Federal Government College, Gwandu, Dr. Sylvanus Okoto, is angry that the FG calmly accepted the statistics, with an ‘unrealistic’ pledge to tackle the issue. “We should not accept everything that emanates from these agencies. Though I am not too concern about that I am worried that the government has once again made bogus promise of addressing the issue, when it is obvious that the state of the sector today is because of government’s insincerity. All over the world, the ability to allocate sufficient resources for a programme remains the greatest challenge that a programme can have. This is also the case with the funding of basic education in Nigeria. When the system is not properly funded to encourage mass enrollment, what do you expect in a country where a greater percentage live on less than one dollar a day?” he said This however, implies that there is a nexus between proper funding and the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country,’’ he noted. Strengthening this, a 2009 by report S.O. Labo-Popoola, A.A. Bello and F.A. Atanda, titled: Universal Basic Education in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward, said: “It is evident that the Federal Government has not spent up to 15% of its total budget on education in the last 10 years of uninterrupted democracy. The highest allocation so far was in 2008, when it allocated 13%.

This pattern of allocation, as mentioned-above, which is below the UNESCO’s threshold that is 26% of the total budget is certainly affecting the implementation of government’s policy on education and in particular the Universal Basic Education since its inception.” Issue as national emergency: Nonetheless, further checks showed that across the nation, stakeholders want the government to address the issue as a national emergency. ‘’On solutions, Jibril said: “UBE already requires compulsory education for primary school children. It is not enough to simply pass these acts, such acts must be fully implemented. State governments especially should continue to expand facilities to accommodate students. Even though the public sector has no excuse not to provide quality education, the private sector also has a role to play too. Private schools do this in two ways: they contribute financially with the tax to the education trust fund, as well as provision of alternative facilities for children of the elite to pay their fees, thereby creating better opportunities for others in the public schools,” Jibril told VF. Soweto also shared same view on the way forward. He said: “The only solution is for the government to see basic education as a priority, as an indispensable tool for economic and social development. What really is the purpose of government?

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

N-a-r-r-o-w

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

e-s-c-a-p-e!

We were ordered to spread ourselves on the express road, faced down to be searched. They warned us pronto “if I search you and see any money, I kill you”. This was a command that nobody in his right mind would disobey. Promptly, we undressed; men and women, with only boxers and panties on. As we did so, we were lashed with the rod they used to shepherd their cattle. Each lash of the whip was greeted with the shouts of “blood of Jesus”. As if the pains from the long stick was not scotching enough, a slap with the blade side of the machete landed on my back, wham! One of the co- travellers warned me: “Oga if you no shout them go shoot you O!’. That warning was well taken as another blow from the machete landed on my back wham!, I screamed as much as I could, to convince them that I was really feeling the pain.

My encounter with Fulani herdsmen in Delta • Our 30 minutes ordeal— Vanguard’s Foreign Affairs Editor

Oncoming trailer

•President Googluck Jonathan BY EVELYN USMAN

EPORTS of Fulani herdsmen attacking members of their host communities with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons have often been treated as a fairy tale by those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizenry. Recently,Crime Alert pub-

•IGP MD Abubakar

reason for the order, he was attacked from behind with matchet cuts all over his head and was abandoned in a bush part apparently to die, while his motorbike was taken away by his assailants. It would also be recalled that the Obi of Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State, Agbogidi, Victor Chukwumalieze, had three months ago, raised alarm over atrocities of Fulani herdsmen

As if the pains from the long stick was not scotching enough, a slap with the blade side of the machete landed on my back, wham

lished a story of 23-year-old Ogbonna Eze , a commercial motorcyclist from Opi Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, whose life was almost snuffed out by two Fulani herdsmen whom he had conveyed from Opi Junction along Enugu -Makurdi Expressway , to their camp at Idodo Agu Ekwegbe, Igbo Etiti local government area on a special drop. But midway into the journey, Eze got the shock of his life following an order from the men for him to stop, on reaching a market close to the camp. But before he could fathom the

whom he alleged ravaged farm lands, raped women and attacked farmers who dared to challenge them. The Fulani herdsmen said to have fled their home town following activities of Boko Haram sect in some Northern parts of the country have reportedly diversified into armed robbery in their host communities with security agencies accused of looking the other way. At Ogume, in Ndokwa Local Government Area of Delta State, about 27 persons were reportedly killed in April after the herdsmen were confronted by Ogume youths. There has

also been reported clashes in between the herdsmen and youths in Ibusa. Although vigilante groups have been formed in the various communities around Delta State and other areas bedeviled by these attacks, unfortunately, they seemed not to be able to match the fire power of these herdsmen. Worried by this development in Delta State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan established a constitution responsible for the protection of lives of Deltans from these criminal group that disguise as herdsmen. Even with this on ground, there seemed to be no end to the attack of Fulani herdsmen.

Merciless beatings A recent attack occurred July 21, 2013 when five armed Fulani herdsmen wielding fully loaded AK 47 rifles, ambushed a 14 seater Hiace bus, travelling from Onicha-Ugbo to Asaba, Delta State, dispossessing the occupants of their belongings. One of the occupants of the bus was Vanguard’s Foreign Affairs Editor, Mr Hugo Odiogor, who escaped death by the whiskers,following the merciless beatings they received from the herdsmen.

•Eze attacked along Enugu-Makurdi Expressway recently

Narrating his ordeal, he said: “ It started like a dream as staccato of gun shots shattered the early morning peace and silence penultimate Sunday. I had attended the funeral of late Steve Osemeke, former Director of Public Affairs of Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC who died on June 24, 2013 in Abuja. The funeral rites began on July 18th and ended on 20th, after he was committed to mother earth. Thereafter, the visiting parties began to depart. I had planned to return to Abuja enroute Asaba International Airport. From Onicha-Ugbo junction, I boarded a Delta coloured Hiace bus heading towards Asaba/Onitsha at about 7.05am.The journey had lasted only twenty minutes when five Fulani herdsmen carrying AK 47 rifles jumped out from the bush at the Ubulu Okiti-Otulu end of the Asaba-Benin Expressway. They shattered the

peace of this dewy Sunday morning with staccato of gun shots into the air to warn the driver and the occupants of the bus of their intention to kill anybody that tries to offer resistance. The gun shots elicited a general shout of “blood of Jesus” from the terrified occupants of the bus. Each round of shootings was accompanied by a corresponding response of “blood of Jesus”. With their patched up English language they ordered everybody to “bring out ya Money or i kill you”. They had their faces covered with charcoal, while their dresses and language obviously tells you that they are cattle rearers. They carried with them their sticks and machetes. Without a whimper, we all handed over whatever money we had on us. I gave them N45,000 which was to cover my flight ticket and other expenses.

As they ransacked our luggage and searched our pockets, they held us to the ground faced down, with gun shots ringing out intermittently. We were half dead. The thought in my heart then was either that they would open fire on us or allow on-coming trailer to crush us all. Fortunately, their gun shots had warned other vehicles to stay off from the scene of danger. It was a 30 minutes ordeal which ended with a command from one of them who said, “let’s go”.We waited for about three minutes to be sure our tormentors were gone before we got up from the ground and scampered to find our clothes from where they were flung. Confused, scared and traumatized we picked ourselves together but our telephones and cash were gone. My suitcase containing my

mini lap top, tape recorder, ATM cards, cheque books, shoes, clothes, documents and other valuables, were gone. I was cashless in the real sense of the word that going forward was as difficult as going back. Drama of Police Report: The police arrived five minutes after the criminals had gone. Graciously, they assisted some of the wounded passengers to Agbor while those of us going to Asaba were asked to continue with the ill-fated vehicle.

60 — Vanguard,

were from Northern part of the country. But I objected to that. After much trouble, I was referred to Okpanam police station because the scene of the incident was not within Asaba jurisdiction. On Monday, July 22, 2013, I went to a police station at Okpanam which also declined to enter my report. Instead, I was referred to Isele Uku. On stating my case, a police officer asked me to lead him to the scene of the crime. This

But at the station, I was warned not to say that the robbers were of Fulani extraction, that there was a serious effort by security agencies to conceal the fact that the perpetrators of the crime were from Northern part of the country

Reporting the incident to the police became another tug of war. At first the reaction of the victims was to get out of the scene of torment, even when the police came, we were not interested in reporting our ordeal to them. On reaching Asaba, my immediate reaction was to get across to my family but this became a difficult task getting to recall telephone numbers in a confused and traumatised state of mind. When I eventually got through to my family, my next task was how to get access to funds to keep things going. It was not until 6 pm that Chief Akaeze Ibonye took me to the police station to make an official report of the loss of my identity cards and other items which could be found on the crime scene, as this could make me a suspect instead of a victim. But at the station, I was warned not to say that the robbers were of Fulani extraction, that there was a serious effort by security agencies to conceal the fact that the perpetrators of the crime

sounded idiotic as it means that I could as well lead the police man to the camp of the criminals. The Ozah of Onicha Ugbo Chief Azubukwu Mosindi, told this reporter that several reports have been made concerning these Fulani boys but nobody seemed to care. This was further collaborated by Chief Patrick Onwochei who said the activities of these herdsmen who terrorize the entire length and breath of Delta State with impunity. From Isele Uku, I was further referred to Ogwashi Uku, where for the second time, I was asked not to describe the robbers as Fulani herdsmen. Of course, I refused, but made my report all the same”, he said.. Residents of the area have therefore, called on the Federal and state government, as well as the Inspector-General of Police to wade into the matter with a view to checkmating activities of these Fulani herdsmen whom they described as emerging terrorists.

Three teens docked for arm ed robbery By BARTHOLOMEW MA DUKWE

HREE teenagers and a 20 -year-old man, Yusuf Lateef, have been arr aigned before a Lagos State High Court in Igb count-charge of conspirac osere, over a threey and armed robbery. The teenagers identifie d as Jamiu Saka(18), Chukwudi Onwuharanye (18 (19), and Lateef , according ), David Onokpise to the charge, entered a church during a vigil ser vice and robbed people of their valuables. They were said to have robbed the General Overseer of the church, Apostle Nelson Opara, of his handset and mone y and one Okon Esther of two Visafone and on e Blackberry Curve 3, during the vigil service. Count one of the charge reads: “Jamiu Saka, Yusuf Lateef, Chukwudi Onwuharanye, and David Onokpise, on 19 Ma y, Ministry International, situ 2012, at Sowers ated at number 64A

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Kirikiri Road, Olodi Apap a, Lagos State, in the Lagos Division conspired to commit felony to wit: armed robbery.” All the defendants live in Ajegunle, and had the ch arge read to them in english and yoruba langu ages. The plea of 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants was taken in English languag e, while the plea of 2nd defendant was taken in yo pleaded not guilty to the cha ruba, which they rge preferred against them by the State . The prosecutor, Mr O. Soetan, informed the court that the alleged off ense was contrary to Section 295 (2) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 and therefore , asked the court for a trial date to enable his wi tness to be in the dock for his evidence. The presiding judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, subsequently adjourned to September 29 and 30 for continuation of trial.

•The victim: Precious Adeboye

Commercial bus driver docked for attempted murder and rape! BY UJU MBANUSI

COMMERCIAL bus driver was Wednesday, arraigned before the Yaba Magistrate court for attempted murder and rape. The driver identified as Taiwo Balogun who pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him reportedly attempted to strangle a lone female passenger, following the latter’s resistance to be raped. The victim, a trader at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, Precious Adeboye, was just discharged from the hospital following injuries she sustained from the driver,on June 5, 2013. Precious, told the court that she boarded a commercial bus that fateful day at Iyana-Orile bus-stop , heading to IyanaIpaja. “ It was raining that evening and I was in a hurry to return home when a bus stopped in front of me. Though I noticed there was no passenger in the bus, I assumed it would be filled by the time we got to the next bus-stop. But on reaching a petrol station around old Ipaja road, just before the Lagos State exams board office, the driver told me that due to the heavy traffic at the Iyana Ipaja under bridge, he would go through a short cut around Orile Agege LCDA office at Arigbanla to connect Iyana Ipaja through Aboru junction.. I was however petrified when we spent several minutes navigating through inner streets without emerging anywhere. I complained that I was afraid as I no longer understood where we were and where the driver was heading to. At a point I asked him to stop so that I could alight and find my way back to Iyana Ipaja bus stop. But he reassured me that we would soon get to the expressway where I would alight. On getting to a dark area, the driver stopped and told me he wanted to collect something. He got out and went behind the vehicle. Before I realized what was happening, he entered the vehicle from behind and grabbed me on the throat , trying to choke me. I struggled to free myself but he tightened his grips and started hitting my face with a wheel spanner and in the process, inflicted grave injuries on me. He also, grabbed one of my breasts and attempted to cut it off with a knife , wanting to strip off my clothes. When he saw I was not giving in, he went back to the steering and drove on. On reaching Pleasure area, the bus suddenly stopped and refused to start despite his efforts. By that time, I had gained some strength and ceased the opportunity to open the door and shouted, thereby attracting passers-by. But he abandoned the vehicle and fled” Policemen at Iyana-Ipaja who were contacted reportedly traced the driver and charged him to court. But Taiwo was granted bail to the tune of two hundred and fifty thousand naira with sureties in like form. He was however, retained in prison pending when he would meet the bail condition and the case adjourned to a later date.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

N-a-r-r-o-w

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

e-s-c-a-p-e!

My encounter with Fulani herdsmen in Delta • Our 30 minutes ordeal— Vanguard’s Foreign Affairs Editor

Oncoming trailer

•President Googluck Jonathan BY EVELYN USMAN

•IGP MD Abubakar

As if the pains from the long stick was not scotching enough, a slap with the blade side of the machete landed on my back, wham

•Eze attacked along Enugu-Makurdi Expressway recently

60 — Vanguard,

Three teens docked for arm ed robbery By BARTHOLOMEW MA DUKWE

—61

•The victim: Precious Adeboye

Commercial bus driver docked for attempted murder and rape! BY UJU MBANUSI

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013

Dollar rain for Moscow 2013 winners •More than 7 million dollars on offer

ITH the 14th edition of the IAAF World Championships in Moscow set to burst out of the blocks on Saturday 10 August for nine days of scintillating competition, the athletes are fine tuning their final preparations for the premier athletics event of the year. A galaxy of stars are set to descend on the Russian capital, led by the incomparable Usain Bolt, who two years ago at the 2011 edition in Daegu retained his 200m title and landed back-to-back 4x100m titles as part of the Jamaican team. For the latter performance, Bolt – running alongside Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake – set a World record of 37.04 and his team was rewarded with an additional World record bonus of US$ 100,000, presented with the support of two of the IAAF’s partners: TDK (for the men’s events) and Toyota (for the women’s events). Once again, the IAAF is proud to present its World Record Programme at the Moscow World Championships where athletes achieving a World Record will be eligible for a special World Record Award of US$ 100,000 offered by Toyota and TDK. The performance must be an improvement on the existing IAAF World Record. Performances which equal the existing IAAF World Record will not be eligible for a World Record Award. Think of any second of men’s action over the entire 30-year history of the World Championships and TDK knits together all of these memories. From Mike Powell’s epic Long Jump competition against Carl Lewis at the 1991 Tokyo World Championships to Bolt’s awe-inspiring sprint World records back at the 2009 edition in Berlin, TDK has supported every run, jump and throw as bib sponsor (to the men’s events) over the past three decades.

PRIZE MONEY

ORE than 7 million dollars on offer in Moscow A total of US$ 7,194,000 in prize money will be paid* by the IAAF in Moscow 2013 as follows: Individual Events Gold: US$ 60,000 Silver: US$ 30,000 Bronze: US$ 20,000 fourth place: US$ 15,000 fifth place: US$ 10,000 sixth place: US$ 6000 seventh place: US$ 5000 eighth place: US$ 4000 Relays (per team) Gold: Silver: Bronze: fourth place: fifth place: sixth place: seventh place: eighth place:

US$ 80,000 US$ 40,000 US$ 20,000 US$ 16,000 US$ 12,000 US$ 8000 US$ 6000 US$ 4000

*The payment of prize money and bonuses is dependent upon athletes clearing the usual antidoping procedures.

•Bolt The Japanese multinational electro-nics company became involved as an Official IAAF Partner since the inaugural championships were staged in Helsinki, Finland and has established a long and successful association with one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Another Japanese company – Toyota Motor Corporation – offers the

•Okagbare same sponsorship package for the women athletes. An IAAF partner since the Paris World Championships of 2003, it has been the Toyota name emblazoned on the bibs of the female athletes at such moments from Blanka Vlasic’s epic High Jump gold at the 2007 Osaka World Championships to Sally Pearson’s stunning 100m Hurdles success at the

2011 edition in Daegu. Toyota will also supply more than 200 vehicles to support the transportation of athletes and staff across the city of Moscow during the event. They will also provide the ‘Prius’ – the timing and lead car for the Marathon competitions. Meanwhile, a range of Toyota vehicles will be displayed near the stadium.

•Semenya

PAN OCEAN golf classics tees off

HE Golf session of the Benin Club was last weekend in Benin city a beehive of activities as golfers from all walks of life and different parts of Nigeria converged for the first PAN CEAN

Four European clubs scramble for Oboabona

•Oboabona

S reports suggesting Sunshine Stars captain Godfrey Oboabona took a swipe at Arsenal FC for inviting him to the Emirates Stadium for trials continue to generate heated arguments, Mike Idoko, the Executive Director of Ondo State Football Agency, has opened up on what actually transpired. Idoko claims the Super Eagles new kid on the block never for once used foul words on Arsene Wenger or the club in an exclusive with Goal.

“It’s so disheartening that some people went about cooking up stories that Godfrey insulted Arsenal after they requested for him to come on trials. “All he frowned at was the club going for trials after his hectic time at the Nations Cup and Confederations Cup which he believes is not proper. “We have gotten about three to four offers for him. In fact, Godfrey and I are looking into it in conjunction with the management.''

Benin Golf Classic solely sponsored by the oil and gas company. The tournament teed off as early as 6:30am with different categories of three golfers each taking their turn to out-do one another with all dexterity to emerge winner. Commenting on the tournament, the Assistant General Manager, External Relations of PAN OCEAN, Edith Njideka Okujagu, who is a debutant golfer, expressed great pleasure, adding that “I feel great. I have never been in golf before. Holding the golf kits is so interesting and exciting.” Also, the Operations Base Manager, PAN OCEAN Benin, Monday Ikhureigbe described the tournament as fantastic especially as it was the first time the oil and gas operator was sponsoring golf all alone.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2013 — 63

Yobo: I’m a fighter

UPER Eagles' captain Joseph Yobo says he is a fighter who does not like sitting on the bench, but enjoys competition for places. “I’m the kind of player that doesn’t like sitting in the bench, not at this level of my career because I know I’ve worked very hard,” the defender says. “I’m a fighter, I like giving everything and I like to compete. So where I don’t have that competitiveness in me, I cannot be at that place.” The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away to Cardiff City from Fenerbahce, the club he joined for £2.5million from Everton two years ago. “I’ve heard a lot of speculation about my future and it’s been ongoing. Really, there is no difference. I don’t know what is going on. “We were not in the Champions League before and two weeks ago we were back in and I have already played my first game. I started my first game and we drew 1-1. “The speculation will go on because Fenerbahce have not yet confirmed if it is guaranteed that we will definitely remain in the Champions League. If that doesn’t happen then obviously some

OLLOWING the confirmation of African Champion, Egypt’s Omar Assar, for the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics, Nigeria’s national champion,

Hammed Adeyinka has dismissed the threat the Egyptian would run over other players at the tournament. Adeyinka, who will be featuring in his first international tournament at this

weekend’s Cameroun I n v i t a t i o n a l Championship holding in Yaoundé, said he was confident that the Egyptian would not find it easy at the competition.

Brila fm grabs La Liga, Copa del Rey matches

•Yobo foreign players will have to leave.” Fenerbahce now have 12 foreign players on their books, with Turkish

League rules restricting the number of foreign players on the pitch at any one time to six places.

PORTS Radio Brila FM scored yet another first yesterday when it announced that it had secured exclusive rights to bring the Spanish La Liga commentaries and live Copa Del Rey matches to its numerous listeners starting from August 17. The cheery news was unfolded by chief Executive Officer, Dr Larry Izamoje in a briefing at Eko Hotels. “I’m pleased to inform that 83 years after La Liga started, the Spanish football authorities are for the first time putting La

Liga and their Rup tournament, the Copa Del Rey on radion in Africa. As it was in 2002 when we pioneered sports radion in Africa, we have acquired the exclusive commercial radio rights for both La Liga and Copa Del Rey on August 17. Spread the word. It is another first from our stable’’, Izamoje who excelled as a print Journalist before hitting the roof with his must-listen Brila FM said in a hall that was brimming with exinternational soccer stars, distinguished journalists and captains of industries

among others. It was not only that. Izamoje also informed that given the achievements of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Brila FM were in talks with organisers of the Bundesliga for the German league to, rightly and legally be on radio in Nigeria soon. “Indeed, a test-run has been approved for us for Friday August 9, 2013 and if it goes well, both parties will formally sign a contract’’, he said amidst sporadic applause from the audience.

250 golfers for Software Solutions tourney

O fewre than 250 golfers drawn from around the country will be taking part in the 2013 edition of the Software Solutions Limited (SSL) Annual Golf Tournament. The week-long event which holds between August 20

Mourinho Continues from B/P iconic goalkeeper Iker Casillas an especially sore point, as well as falling out with some of the club’s hierarchy, while fans jeered the manager in the final weeks of last season. However, Mourinho’s exit and the arrival of the more affable Carlo Ancelotti as his replacement has been the trigger for the kind of spending spree that the out-spoken 50-yearold would have relished. While Mourinho was always given fairly substantial funds for signing during his time at Madrid, since his exit Real owner Florentino

Adeyinka dismisses Assar’s threat •Lagos Int'l T/Tennis Classics

Perez has given the green light to a spending spree that is likely to approach £150 million (US $230 million, €170 million) by the close of the transfer window. In a bid to make a fresh start after Mourinho’s divisive spell, Perez has already splashed out £63 million on Asier Illarramendi, Isco, Daniel Carvajal and Casemiro. But the biggest purchase is still to come, with the nine-time European champions on the verge of signing Wales winger Gareth Bale from Tottenham for a world record fee of around £85 million.

and 24 at the 9-hole Ikeja Golf Club According to sponsors, apart from the tourney providing an atmosphere for participants to have fun and keep fit, is also aimed at bringing together world-class information technology solution providers, business partners and their clients in a relaxed environment. It would also provide a unique opportunity to gain key insights in a gathering of people who are responsible for driving Information Communication Technology (ICT) investment in Nigeria.

L-R: Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Ikpeba, Larry Izamoje and Peter Rufai at the media event yesterday. Continues from B/P keep on making everybody happy as long as I am happy on the

Bafana Bafana Continues from B/P three days after the clash against the Super Eagles. South Africa will face a strong Nigerian squad in Durban, which includes the likes of Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses,

Spartak Moskow ’s Emmanuel Emenike and Africa Cup of Nations hero Sunday Mba. Following their showdown against Nigeria, South Africa will play Burkina Faso on August 17th during the Nelson Mandela Sports day.

Emenike pitch. It means a lot to me scoring another goal,” Emenike told MTNFootball.com ”This is just the tip of the iceberg, I am ready to keep on improving every day. It is great proving so much at this point, I will keep doing my best to score goals whenever I have the opportunity. I am on a high, I want to do better this season. ”I have said it earlier that I want my

performance to speak for me this season and that is happening because that is the way I can repay the team and my fans for the time lost due to injury.” He also said the first league goal boosted his confidence. ”My first league goal gave me so much confidence after going a long time not scoring for Spartak, I am fully concentrating on how I can help my club. We are poised to challenge for the title,” he said.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2013

Chelsea vs Madrid

Mourinho ready for Real match-up

Emenike to earn 2.4m Euros at Fenerbache S

UPER Eagles hitman, Emmanuel Emenike will earn 2.4 million Euros a year as a Fenerbahçe player. Both Russian club Spartak Moscow and Fenerbache have agreed a transfer fee of 13 million Euros for the 2013 AFCON top scorer. The former Karabukspor of Turkey forward will be unveiled today.

He is returning to the Turkish club after he left without kicking a ball two years ago. The 26-year-old Emenike has scored three goals in four games for Spartak Moscow this season. ”It is expected, and I am happy to be living up to the big expectations of the club and fans. I am ready to give more, I will

Continues on Page 63

OSE

Mourinho has a golden opportunity to make a point to R e a l Madrid when the •Mourinho Chelsea manager faces his old club in Miami tonight. Mourinho will go head to head with Madrid in the final of the International Champions Cup just three months after his acrimonious departure from the Spanish giants. After feeling unloved for much of his time in Madrid, the Portuguese coach is enjoying his second spell at Chelsea, where he is treated with

total respect following his Premier League title triumphs in 2005 and 2006. The hero worship that follows his every move in the Premier League is a far cry from the hostile reaction to his presence in Spain. By the time he departed Madrid, Mourinho had made numerous enemies among the squad, with his decision to drop Continues on Page 63

Bafana Bafana name squad for Eagles T

HE Bafana Bafana squad which will play Nigeria in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on August 14 has been unveiled by coach Gordon Igesund. Igesund has brought

•Emenike

back Orlando Pirates midfielder Andile Jali into the national set-up and five other Buccaneer ’s players have also been included. However, Igesund will need to wait for

confirmation on whether or not Roger de Sa will release his players, due to the Buccaneer ’s Caf Champions League match against Zamalek Continues on Page 63

•Keshi

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN ACROSS 2 Tardy (4) 1 Smack (4) 3 Bucket (4) 4 Expire (3) 4 Corrupt (8) 6 Dossier (4) 5 Whirlpool (4) 9 Expert (3) 6 Sham (5) 10 Divested (8) 7 Freeze (3) 11 Guide (4) 8 Hire (5) 14 Conflict (3) 12 Swoon (5) 16 Drain (5) 13 Encourage (5) 14 Network (3) 19 Attained (8) 21 Contradict (5) 15 Memento (5) 17 Fret (5) 23 Differ (8) 18 Bolt (5) 24 Trunk (5) 20 Calamity (8) 27 Feline (3) 22 Consume (3) 31 Mature (4) 25 Think (5) 33 Outwit (8) 26 Dulcet (5) 34 Born (3) 28 Booty (4) 35 Left (4) 29 Portent (4) 36 Hill (3) 30 Boast (4) 37 Near (4) 32 Enclosure (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Scared 5, Thrive 8, Maltreat 9, Sore 10, Set 12, Greet 15, Per 17, Air 18, Ail 19, Oar 20, Ideal 21, End 22, Dam 23, Lea 24, Try 26, Entry 29, Too 33, Dire 34, Calamity 35, Seethe 36, Rotund.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2, Craze 3, Rate 4, Drear 5, Title 6, Rash 7, Verse 10, Short 11, Tardy 12, Crime 13, Erect 14, Tally 15, Pleat 16, Radio 25, Raise 27, Niche 28, Ruler 30, Often 31, Test 32, Omit.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

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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