Buhari begins total probe of Jonathan's govt

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62466

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Anti-graft war: PDP senators tackle Buhari 12

NEMA raises alarm over imminent flooding in states along River Benue

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Buhari begins total probe of Jonathan's govt zOshiomhole's committee hires 2 firms for forensic audit to probe revenue inflow and expenditure

zAudit covers period beginning January 1,2010 to June 1, 2015 zRevenue agencies like NNPC, NIMASA, NPA, SEC, DPR, CBN, FIRS, in focus

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief, & Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA — A total probe of the administration run by immediate past president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is underway as the National Economic Council, NEC, Ad-hoc Committee on the Management of Excess Continues on Page 5

Naira depreciates

by N7 14 Mr & Mrs VISIT—From left: High Commissioner of Kenya in Nigeria, Tom Amolo; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and the Embassador of Saharawi Republic in Nigeria, Oubi Bachir, during the audience the President granted Conference of African Ambassadors at the State House in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

COLUMNISTS:

Good and bad critics •P.17

The Story of Ooni

Mullah Omar is Okunade Sijuwade, dead, the See inside Taliban lives•P.19 Olubuse II

Sophisticated weapons we acquired made us degrade Boko Haram — Dasuki 9

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—3

NEMA raises alarm over imminent flooding

By Kingsley Omonobi & Favour Nnabugwu

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HE National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday, raised an alarm over the danger of heavy flooding in states and communities along the River Benue following information from Cameroon that it plans to release excess water from the Ladgo dam.

A statement signed by a senior information officer of the agency, Mr Sani Datti, quoted the Director General, Muhammad Sani Sidi, as saying that “the Cameroonian authorities in Garoua have indicated that between now and November 2015 there would be routine release of water from the Lagdo dam due to excessive amount of water presently contained in the dam”.

Sani Sidi, therefore, warned “all those living around the dam and along River Benue in Garoua up to Nigeria side to be alert and be ready for evacuation in case of possible flooding.” To this effect, governors of the affected states, state emergency management agencies, first respondents and relevant authorities have been enjoined not only to alert communities at risk, but also make adequate preparation for possible evacuation of such endangered communities.

Seasonal release of water from the Lagdo Dam in the past led to the death of several Nigerians and the destruction of properties by the resultant heavy flooding of some communities. A case in point occurred in 2012 when flood arising from the release of water from the dam wreaked havoc in the Nigerian states of Kano, Kogi, Adamawa, Taraba and Benue. Several lives were lost and many communities sacked by the devastating flood.

Devastating flood The development had prompted Nigeria to send a highpowered delegation to Yaounde in 2013 to confer with the Cameroonian authorities and to demand a commitment from them on how to arrest the worrisome situation, especially as the downstream areas of the dam in Nigeria had been experiencing periodic flooding. Then Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, who led the delegation, said that 49 Nigerians had lost their lives as she painted a graphic, but disturbing statistics and profile of the devastation which periodic flooding arising from the release of water from the dam had caused Nigeria.

According to her, “As at December 14, 2012, the total number of Internally Displaced Persons in Adamawa State was 949 while 45, 253 structures were destroyed. The devastating flood in Taraba State, which affected C M Y K

about 37 communities claimed 27 lives and displaced 34, 393 persons amongst others. Three persons were reported dead and more than 25,000 were displaced, property worth billions of naira in Makurdi, and seven local government areas in Benue State were lost.

“Persistent torrential rainfall

and compelling release of water from Lagdo, Kainji and Jebba dams led to massive flooding of 335 communities in nine LGAs of Kogi State including Ajaokuta, Bassa, Lokoja, Kogi, Omala, Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela and Ofu. The flood affected 72,725 people in the state, 19 lost their lives, 30, 709 were displaced and

disruption of businesses and livelihoods brought down infrastructure and public institutions.”

The meeting between the Nigerian delegation and the Cameroonian authorities eventually led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two

nations. A key point of this was that the two countries have agreed to share information on rainfall and how to manage excess water without leading to flood disasters.

The agreement also entailed that before releasing water from the dam, Cameroun was to give early warning to enable Nigeria put in place proactive measure to prevent destruction of lives and properties.

Reps, Peterside, CEPEJ laud Buhari over clean-up of Ogoniland •FG’s effort to clean up Ogoni’ll fail, unless••— Amnesty Int’l •Shell declares force majeure on gas supplies

By Emma Amaize, Gbenga Oke, Emman Ovuakporie, Michael Eboh & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his approval to fast track the long delayed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, in sanitising the environment of Ogoni land in Rivers State.

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, have commended President Buhari for his courage in initiating the process of implementing the UNEP report on the restoration of the devastated Ogoni environment. However, Amnesty International, has warned that the attempt by the Federal Government to clean up oil spills in Niger Delta will fail unless Shell Petroleum Development Company, improves its mechanism and show increased commitment in tackling the issue.

This came as SPDC, yesterday, said it had suspended gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, with the declaration of a force majeure on gas supplies to LNG, export terminal on Bonny Island in Rivers State due to a pipeline leak. At the plenary of the House of Representatives and speaking on the floor of the House, Mr Kingsley Chinda, (PDP, Rivers State), noted that the environmental degradation of Ogoni land due to the exploitation and exploration of crude oil has brought untold hardship to the people.

He said that the implementation of the UNEP report should be done on the grounds that the constitution of Nigeria (S. 20), which states that, “The state shall protect and

improve the environment and safeguard the water, air From left, Managing Director, Smile Communications, Michiel Buitelaar; Chief and land, forest Executive Officer, MainOne, Funke Opeke; and Vice President, Regulatory and and wild life of Corporate Affairs, Etisalat, Ibrahim Dikko, at the 2015 edition of MainOne/ Business day Broadband Summit in Lagos Nigeria” of which the commitment in tackling the issue.

Ogoniland in the state.

Niger Delta is inclusive.

Amnesty International, in a Peterside who spoke in Abuja, Chinda also expressed worry statement from its headquarters, that the Hydro Carbons Pollution expressed happiness over the said Shell must match the Federal President’s actions, saying it Restoration Project ,HYPREP, was Government’s renewed will eventually address all placed under the supervision of commitment to tackling oil environmental issues in the Ministry of Petroleum pollution in the Niger Delta by Resources, which he described as Ogoniland. dramatically improving how it He said, “Once again, Mr. a major polluter of the area. “The cleans up spills.

“It is scandalous President has demonstrated that Ogoni people and indeed the that Shell - which now wants the entire Niger Delta continue to he is a man of honour. During world to trust it to drill in the Arctic drink contaminated water and sea his campaign stops in Rivers - has failed to properly implement State shortly before the election, food is being scourged from the the UN’s expert advice on oil spill he promised our people that his polluted water and the people of response after so long. President government would look into the the community still process their Buhari’s initiative will fail, and the UNEP report and the foods in crude coated creeks.”

Ogoni people will continue to challenges facing the people of In the motion also sponsored by suffer, as long as Shell fails to make Niger Delta and less than three 58 others, Chinda urged the significant changes to the way it months into his administration, House to fully cooperate with approaches oil spill clean-up,” President Buhari who has he has already taken a giant Mark Dummett, Amnesty step in this regard.” approved $2 billion in the International’s Researcher on On his part, CEPEJ in a implementation of the UNEP Business and Human Rights, who statement by its national report. He said, “We are indeed has just returned from the Niger talking about the entire world not coordinator, Sheriff Mulade, Delta stated. said “The President’s gesture is just Nigeria only. I urge this Dummet stated that Ogoniland an indication that he has a House to support the motion, so has been devastated by years of listening ear and was poised to that Nigeria will join the comity oil spills and Shell’s clean-up of nations which is pro active to develop every part of the operations have been utterly country.

The President has environmental hazards.” ineffective, despite the UNEP shown by this directive that he report on the issue. means well for the country.

Environmental On the suspension of gas From the look of things since he hazards supply, spokesperson for Shell, mounted the saddle, Buhari’s Mr. Precious Okolobo, stated that keeping to his avowed The House resolved to the company declared force commitment to work for the commission an environmental majeure on gas supplies from development and well-being of audit of the entire Niger Delta SPDC to Nigeria Liquefied all Nigerians.”

Region as well as order SPDC, to Natural Gas, NLNG, effective He urged the President to urgently carry out a joint August 4. He, however, stated that draw up a holistic plan for the environmental pollution audit of the company was investigating the total restoration of the whole their areas of operation and come cause of the leak.

Niger Delta region to its pristine forward with an interim report to Also commenting on the issue, nature, bemoaning the degree the House within 30 days for Tony Okonedo, a spokesman for of degradation caused by over further legislative action.

NLNG, said that exports had so 50 years of oil exploration and The APC, governorship far been unaffected but that the exploitation activities in the candidate in Rivers State, Dr company was discussing region. Meanwhile, Amnesty Peterside, has commended potentially rescheduling some International, yesterday, President Buhari for his courage shipments with its customers. warned that the attempt by the in fast-tracking the long expected NNPC holds a 49 per cent stake Federal Government to clean implementation of the United in NLNG and the rest is owned up oil spills in Niger Delta will Nations Environmental by oil majors Shell, Total and fail unless Shell improves its Programme, UNEP, on the Italy’s Eni. mechanism and show increased environmental restoration of

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

War against terrorism: I inspired, rekindled fighting spirit in troops —Minimah zSays ability of B'Haram terrorists to confront military now non-existent

By Kingley Omonobi

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BUJA — IMMEDIATE past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah (rtd) has declared that his actions of sanctioning hundreds of soldiers who reverted to deserting the force, running away from battle and playing the roles of fifth columnists in the wake of the operations to dislodge Boko Haram terrorists from Nigeria territories during ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’, helped inspire and rekindle the fighting spirit in the Nigerian military.

He said: “I am happy to state that the story is different today and the situation much better than I met it. Today, the country is more secured and stable. The ability of Boko Haram terrorists to confront our security forces in open combat is virtually nonexistent. Its leadership is in hiding, afraid for their lives and no longer intimidating the public with their propaganda videos.”

Recalling that the situation of the Nigerian Army when he assumed office on January 16, 2014, was one that called for concern, Minimah, who spoke at the pulling out ceremony in his honour said: “As I settled down to work, I was confronted with the decay in the service due to long periods of neglect the army had suffered.

“As you would recall, my appointment came at a time our army and indeed the nation was going through one of its worst crises in our history. The level of violence and insecurity unleashed on innocent citizens

by Boko Haram terrorists had reached unprecedented heights. There was spate of bombings across the country.

Attacks on soft targets such as civilians, and vulnerable communities were on the increase.

“The armed forces and security agencies appeared helpless to address the situation and sadly, the nation began to lose confidence in its army and military. The situation was no less grim in the North Central and North Western zones where armed bandits, cattle rustlers and ethnic militias held sway.

The nation seemed to be heading towards the much publicized disintegration many had predicted would occur in 2015.

"An assessment of the situation revealed that the Nigerian Army needed to harness its capabilities and optimize its capacity to deal with the challenges that bedevilled the nation. I, therefore, prioritized efforts towards enhancing our overall C M Y K

VISIT: From left, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Professor Bem Angwe, presenting a gift to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Buratai, during a visit to the COAS, yesterday. operational readiness through the three pillars of improved training, modernization of equipment and enhancement of troop’s welfare. Above all, I inspired and rekindled fighting spirit in troops backed by military sanctions.

“Sensing imminent defeat, Boko Haram has resorted to targeting innocent and vulnerable civilians. I am convinced that this also would soon be a thing of the past as the days of terrorism and

insurgency are numbered. In the same vein, I can confidently say that the security threats in the North Central and North Western zones have been sufficiently addressed.”

Threat of terrorism rapidly expanding

Warning that the threat of terrorism is rapidly expanding across the globe and demands the collective action of all

nations, Gen. Minimah said: “Boko Haram may have its greatest impact in Nigeria but its ability to hurt other nation’s interests no matter the distance, is real. In the last decade, we have seen the extent to which people who habour evil against their fellow humans can go to inflict pain and death on innocent people.

Thanks media

While thanking the media

for its support in the fight against insurgency, Minimah said: “Though our relationship was not always smooth, due to what we perceived to be media insensitivity to our operations and national security, I am glad to note the change in attitude especially when the tide of war changed in favour of our forces in the field.

"While inviting the Nigerian media to be an all-weather ally of our armed forces, I would implore them to always exercise caution and restraint when reporting on national security issues. The call is for the media not to promote the activities of terrorists over those of the security forces or join some foreign adversarial media to castigate or malign our troops who sacrifice their lives to bring peace, stability, security and development to our nation, as no foreign national can love Nigeria more than Nigerians.”

On his advice for the nation, Minimah said: “For long, our nation has toyed with the health and vitality of its military. This is the time for our country to reinvigorate the armed forces by investing in the armed forces.

"Government must provide the necessary resources and right political environment to recruit, train, equip, kit and remunerate our servicemen. We all have a role to play to make our armed forces great again.

"Sometime, all it takes is a simple thank you and encouraging words to the men and women who watch over our freedom and liberty. Never; Never Again’ should we allow ourselves to walk this path.

Never Again.”

Tribunal admits N15m bribe exhibits against Yobe REC

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — DETAILS of two bank accounts of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of Yobe State, Mr. Abu Zarma, which showed that N15 million was lodged into his accounts few days before the April 11 election, has been admitted into evidence by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

Two officials of Diamond Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, tendered the exhibits before the tribunal currently conducting its proceedings in Abuja.

The bankers were subpoenaed to appear before the tribunal as witnesses in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Adamu Waziri.

The PDP and its candidate are praying the tribunal to annul the election of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The petitioners alleged that the

election that produced Gaidam was marred by several electoral malpractices and substantial non-compliance to the Electoral Act. The PDP insisted that it could prove that the REC for the state, Zarma, was paid N15m bribe by the APC candidate, governor Gaidam.

Sequel to an application by the petitioners, the Justice Mojisola Dada-led tribunal summoned the banks to adduce proof of the cash lodgements, which it has admitted into evidence.

Among the exhibits tendered and admitted by the tribunal were documents of Diamond and Zenith Banks, including account statements, photocopies of tellers used for the lodgements of the funds and account opening forms, all bearing Zarma’s name.

Joined as respondents to the petition before the tribunal are Gaidam, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the REC of Yobe State and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Zakari Deba (Aide-de-

Camp to Gaidam).

The petitioners alleged that the Aide-de-Camp to Gaidam, Deba, paid N8 million into the Diamond Bank account of Zarma and N7 million into his Zenith Bank account on the same day.

The transactions were said to have been perfected on April 8, 2015, three days before the governorship election.

The Diamond Bank official from Damaturu Branch, Mr. Bamaji Kukawa, told the tribunal that the REC only had about N28,000 in his account prior to April 8 when the sum of N8 million was lodged into his account with the bank.

Led into evidence by counsel to the petitioners, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, Kukawa said: “Before the April 8, 2015 entry, the bank account had N28,143.60k,” He identified Aide-de-Camp to the governor, Deba, as the person that deposited the money.

However, the witness told the court that the money was in April 13, two days after the

election, withdrawn from the account in favour of Saleh & Hanif Company.

He said N25,011.45 was left as balance on the account as of the end of the period covered by the statement of the account.

Likewise, the Head of Operations, Damaturu Branch of Zenith Bank, Mr. Umar Alkali, in his testimony, told the tribunal that N7 million was also deposited in Zarma’s account with the bank on April 8.

He added that as at the end of the period covered by the statement of account, the account was left with the balance of N1,345,503.38.

Meanwhile, lawyers to the respondents did not oppose the tendering of the exhibits into evidence by the tribunal.

They, however, indicated their readiness to contest the relevance of the exhibits to the subject matter of the petition before the tribunal, in their final written addresses.

Counsel to the governor and the APC, however, cross examined the witnesses with a view to ascertaining if any of the bank documents tendered before the tribunal, had the office of the REC of Yobe State as the owner of the said bank accounts.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 —5

POCKET CARTOON

ACCIDENT—A Trailer that had a brake failure crashed into a container carrying drums of chemical (inset) along Lagos Ibadan Express road, yesterday. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU

Buhari begins total probe of Jonathan's govt Continues from Page 1

Crude Account Proceeds and Accruals into the Federation Account, headed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, is to hire two international forensic audit firms to probe revenue that accrued into the Federation Account and

how it was spent under former Dr Goodluck Jonathan as President.

Mr. Oshiomhole told journalists at the end of the first meeting of the committee in Abuja, yesterday that the auditors would cover the period January 1, 2010 to June 1, 2015.

It put paid to calls by the opposition Peoples’

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

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ACK of belief has aborted more destinies than all the hospitals in the world combined. You will never rise beyond the level of your belief. It takes guts to succeed and to believe you can is to conspire with the universe to work in your favour.

Paul Kagame came into office with highly ambitious goals, to boost GDP by 7 folds, find paying jobs for half of Rwanda’s subsistence farmers, quadruple per capita income and turn his country into an African centre for technology.

Today a country that lost millions of its citizens in genocide has become a model for economic development because its leader, Paul Kagame, dared to believe. It is up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Sometimes good things will fall apart so that better things will fall together — Mack & Angel Hack

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IFE is amazing, but sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge because of all the sticky situations and constant challenges on one’s path. Sometimes you think that something great is happening and then all of a sudden it feels like you are beginning all over again. How come it seems like some people have no problems at all. Do they really? The grass is always greener on the other lawn it seems but life is balanced. We all walk our moccasins; the only difference is our attitude to change and how we adapt to it.

Sure things may not be better overnight but don’t give up. Change will come, a better outcome. Just keep on believing and doing your part in actualizing your dreams. You can make it through unexpected situations; you can come out stronger than ever and better equipped for the storms that will inevitably come your way in the future. But every step of the way, if you’ll open your heart to divine guidance and everyday intelligence, life will see you through in all concern.

Democratic Party, PDP, that Buhari should extend his probe to the administrations of Jonathan’s predecessors, Alh. Umaru Yar ’ Adua.and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Already, some revenue generating agencies have been invited to brief the committee which will take detailed briefings from all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the Federal Government that deal directly with revenue.

The focus will be on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Central bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, among others.

Other members of the committee included Gov. Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom.

He said that the committee did not want its actions to be bogged down by political interpretations and that the members were not professionals. Even if they were professionals, he said that their duties as governors would not allow them the time to do a thorough work.

His words, “We held our first primary session today here with some of the revenue generating agencies that are supposed to remit funds to the federation account.

We had a successful session with Customs, NPA, NEITI, SEC, FIRS, and quite a number of others and next week we will also hear from CBN, Ministry of Finance, Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation.

For the remaining ones, we agree we are going to meet on Thursday next week, NNPC, NPDC, DPR, NIMASA and other remaining agencies.

We have started the work, with the idea to hear them out, what they have been doing, with particular emphasis on revenue accruing from these organizations and whether or not these have been remitted to the Federation Account for judicious distribution.

His words: “We realised that this is a task and given our mandate, even if we were professional accountants because we are sitting governors, we would not have the time to do a forensic audit which this assignment entails.

“Therefore, we have agreed in line with our mandate to appoint two reputable international audit firms to carry out a thorough forensic audit, not only of NNPC, which is more of excess crude, but other monies that accrued to the Federation Accounts. We have other revenues like bonuses, royalties, taxes, VAT that flow into the Federation Account.

“We are taking a holistic review of the entire process, looking at all the agencies that make contribution of funds to

the federation account.

We are convinced that by appointing audit firms, we will allow professionals to carry out this exercise, so that it will be free of any political colouration and also we will ensure the outcome of the investigation will.

“We have learned, we have listened and asked questions. I think we all have a clear picture of what is happening in those organizations before now.

Some have information to supply and we have drawn attention to those areas, they are willing to oblige. We believe in the end, we will be able to not just establish what had happened over the period but much more important, going forward with the changes the President has promised the country.

“It is not going to be business as usual. He started on a clean slate and everybody knows the new rules of the game and in particular as the laws apply to the various institutions are implemented in full. So I think we started very well.

We are very confident that we are going to come out with something that is going to be of immense benefits to the Nigerian people”.

On the rationale for embarking on another audit report with regards to the alleged missing funds, he said “Some reports were produced by PWC but in that report the PWC expressed their frustration and pointed to the fact that they were not able to access all the information they needed and that what they were able to produce was to the extent of information that was made available to them.”

He added: “Audit can only be credible as much as information that was made available to auditors. The good news now is that with President Buhari, all the books will be open, no agency has any protection. Any

agency that refuses to open the books then is ready to go on confrontation with the authority.

“The forensic audit will act on the whole truth and nothing but the truth so that all stakeholders will have basis to formulate good policies and that Nigeria will never find itself in this circle where huge sums of money are allegedly diverted and unaccounted for. Audit has become a way of life for all public institutions.”

On the duration of the audit exercise, Oshiomhole explained that the committee had looked at it professionally.

"We are focusing on a five year circle. What we have agreed is that we are going to carry out an audit for five years from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2015.

"If the audit report reveals that we need to go backward, then we can do that. But for the first instance, this is the period that we consider good.

"We can’t impose a time frame on them but will engage them and by Thursday we will be able to make it public. We need to listen to them and agreed with them on how much time will be okay for them. We are all in a hurry to ensure that the right thing is done. The emphasis is not on time but doing thorough job.

"By next week we will meet with the big ones and we will then be able to tell you the audit firms that we have appointed.

They are firms I am sure Nigerians will have confidence in.

“At the end of the audit we will hear them out and reconcile them with what the laws says and arrive at a position. Given the volume of work and complicated nature of issues, we agreed we need professionals to carry out the audit. It is only the professionals that can handle it. It is not good to compromise”.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Court remands truck driver over dead mechanic

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—AN Akure Magistrate's court, yesterday, ordered that 43 years old truck driver, Alex Nayade, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing Oladokun Sunday, 40, on Ilesha-Owo Expressway in Ondo State.

The accused person, who lives in Lagos, was alleged to have caused the death of Oladokun, a mechanic, through reckless driving along the expressway.

The suspect, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was not represented by any counsel.

In his ruling, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Bunmi Dosumu, ordered that the accused be remanded in Olokuta Prison custody, pending the determination of his case.

Chief Magistrate Dosumu ordered that the case file of Nayade be forwarded to the state Ministry of Justice for legal advice, and adjourned the case till August 20.

30-yr-old man nabbed for robbery

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—POLICE in Lagos have arrested a 30-year-old man (names withheld) for robbery.

He was arrested while escaping from a robbery scene.

It was learned that early last Friday morning, the suspect reportedly broke into the house of a resident at Millennium Estate at Mile two with a dagger.

The victim said: “While we were asleep at about 4a.m., I noticed a strange sound and movement in the house, unknown to me that one of my neighbours, who saw the armed robber breaking into my house, had alerted the police at Festac Division.

“I raised alarm and he fled. Fortunately, he was arrested while attempting to escape.

Vanguard learned that the suspect is a one-man squad, which specialised in breaking into people’s homes.

I won’t die alone, kidnap suspect sings

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—A kidnap suspect, Linus Nlemadim, from Egbelu Obube in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, shocked his captors yesterday when he expressed readiness to reel out the names of his colleagues in crime.

Nlemadim was allegedly arrested in connection with the recent kidnap of one Eziopara Ben Anyanwu, an American-

based indigene of the same autonomous community.

Vanguard gathered from a source that the suspect, who made the promise soon after his arrest, vowed that he would not die alone.

“The suspect said he was ready to mention the names of members of the gang that were involved ing the crime, and that there was no way he would die alone,” the source recounted.

The source also said that the suspect hinged his position on

the fact since his associates, who were earlier arrested, had leaked their secret, he would not keep quiet and die alone.

He said: “True to his threat, the suspect released the name of another colleague of his. This led to the arrest of his accomplice from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

“I believe they will be telling the police all they know about the alleged crime.”

A community leader told Vanguard that the two suspects,

who linked Linus Nlemadim to the deal, were natives of Upe and Umunam in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

The source said one of the kidnappers was caught when he went to Umuovum, Ulakwo to sell an i-Pad they stole.

“The man, who indicated interest in buying the gadget unlocked the equipment, saw the images of the kidnapped Ben Anyanwu and quickly brought the police into the picture,” the source said.

This hippopotamus, alleged to have killed five persons and destroyed farm crops at Dadinkowa, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, was killed yesterday. INSET: Its head and rear.

Man dumps suspect's toddler at Lagos airport police station L

AGOS—A 40-year-old man, Abdulhamid Yunus, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly dumping a child at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Police Station.

The accused, who resides at Anifowose in Ikeja, Lagos State, is facing a three-count charge of child abandonment, disorderly conduct and disobedience to lawful order issued by a constituted authority.

He pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the accused had on July 31 at 9p.m., brought an abandoned toddler to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Police Station.

The prosecutor told the court that the baby that Yunus brought to the station belonged to an alleged female-suspect that had been in police custody.

Yunus, who allegedly claimed to be a relative of the female suspect, said he had been

zSays he's tired of catering for baby zPolice charge him with disorderly conduct; granted N50,000 bail responsible for the upkeep of the baby till then.

Nurudeen said: “The accused abandoned the toddler at the police station with the excuse that he could no longer care for the child, while the mother was in police custody.

“Yunus, in a disorderly manner and without regard for

the safety of the child, flung the child on the floor at the station.

“He, thus, disobeyed the police order not to abandon the child at the police station; thus causing a scene in the station’s ‘charge-room’ and disrupted police processes.”

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections

123, 166 and 247 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, in her ruling, granted Yunus bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to September 17 for mention.

3 escape death as truck crashes into parked cars

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—IT was pandemonium, yesterday, as a truck belonging to Rivers State Waste Management Agency crashed into three cars parked at Chindah axis of Ada- George Road in Port Harcourt, but the owners escaped by the whiskers.

Although no life was lost, the three cars were damaged

beyond repair.

The truck was reportedly returning from carrying waste bin from Choba area, before the driver lost control on the busy highway and swerved into the cars parked along the road.

One of the persons, who narrowly escaped death in one of the cars, Mr. Cosmos Maduneme, told Vanguard that it was only the grace of God that saved them from

being crushed along with the cars.

Maduneme said the van was on the speed lane when the break failed and the truck ran out of its lane and rammed into the three parked cars.

He said: “I almost lost my life today. I was in the car when my phone rang and I went out to take the call. I had taken few steps away, when the truck crashed into my car.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—7

3 girls kidnapped in Enugu during prayers in forest

By Austin Ogwuda

E

STUPIDITY: Pedestrians dashing across Oshodi-Apapa Expressway at Cele Bus Stop, beaneath a footbridge.

PHOTOS: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

How thugs attacked residents' association chairman

By Esther Onyegbula

C

ONTRARY to reports that Chairman of Harmony Landlords and Tenants Association in Ijanikin area of Lagos State attacked a resident in the community, Chief Nzenagu Umezugha, alias Ikegburugburu, has revealed that hoodlums, led by one of the landlords in the community (names withheld), attacked him on his way from church.

Umezugha said: “Early this year, I was elected chairman of the resident association.

Sometime this year, the association took a unanimous decision to clear and make the only access road on Victor Okpana Street in the community motorable.”

He said trouble started when the landlord in question, who initially supported the idea, converted the road into a farmland.

It was learned that the community task force told him to stop farming on an access road that was approved by Ojo Local Government, but that he refused and subsequently dug a gully in the access road, which he claimed as his land, thereby blocking the road from vehicular movements.

Task force destroys farm

Angered by the development, officials of the task force were said to have, on July 18, uprooted the crops planted on the road to make way for vehicles.

The 72-year-old Umezugha, indigene of Ezinifite in Aguata, Anambra State, told Vanguard: “On that Sunday morning, at about 8a.m., I was coming back from church with my family when I was attacked by hoodlums, led by the landlord.

“The hoodlums, armed with dangerous objects, attacked me and my wife and made away with our valuables, jewellery, phones and N36,000 cash.

“They also damaged my vehicle. While I was protecting my wife, the hoodlums used broken bottles to cut my face.

Ikegburugburu.

They hit me several times with a two-by-two plank till I became unconscious.

“But for my children, they would have lynched me. My children carried me to the police station to report the case, before taking me to the hospital— Era Medical Centre.

“From there, the doctors referred me to Badagry General Hospital, where I was admitted. X-rays that were carried out showed that one of my ribs was fractured.”

Umezugha wondered how a

sane person could farm on a street approved by the local government council and called on the appropriate authorities to intervene.

Efforts made to reach the landlord in question proved futile as several calls put through his mobile phone went unanswered.

Contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Patricia Amadin, said she would get back to Vanguard.

At press time, she was yet to do so.

Robbers kill 2 security guards in Rivers' hospital raid

By Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT— UNIDENTIFIED hoodlums, suspected to be robbers, yesterday, invaded Government Primary Health Centre in Port Johnson Street, Borokiri area of Port Harcourt, killing two security guards attached to the health facility.

The deceased were identified as Tom Adoki and Dabelema Ada. The hoodlums, who invaded the healthcare facility in the early hours of yesterday, were said to have entered the

government-owned facility with dangerous weapons and severely injured three people, killing two on the spot, while the only survivor is now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Vanguard gathered that the killers dispossessed the staff of the hospital of their phones and other valuables, before taking the attack to the residential quarters of the staff located within the premises.

The victims could not make distress calls to security men for help, having lost their phones to the hoodlums.

A source privy to the incident, who spoke at Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, where the corpses were deposited, said the bandits met the three guards sleeping in the security room.

The source revealed that the hoodlums broke into almost all the rooms at the quarters and collected phones from all the residents.

It was learned that the guards were discovered in the pool of their blood after the robbers had left the scene.

At press time, police were yet to comment on the matter.

5 in critical condition as Customs, smugglers clash in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—FIVE persons were feared dead, yesterday, following a shoot-out between men of Ogun State command of Nigeria Customs Service and suspected smugglers of Tokunbo vehicles at Oju-Oore, Ota, Ogun State.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that the Customs officers were on the trail of the smugglers from Owode area in Yewa South Local Government and caught

up with them at Oju-Oore.

It was gathered that the smugglers had successfully smuggled in three expensive cars, including a 2014 model Range Rover, but were intercepted at their base in Ota. According to the source, the smugglers alighted from their vehicles in the denselypopulated Oju-Oore bus stop and attacked the Customs officers with dangerous weapons.

The gun battle, which

reportedly lasted for about 45 minutes, left five people critically injured and were rushed to the general hospital at Ota. It was also gathered that one of the vehicles conveying the Customs officers hit a passerby, who was taken to the same hospital.

However, state Public Relations Officer of Customs, Usman Abdullahi, said he was unaware of the incident, but would revert after investigation.

NUGU—THREE girls, whose identities are still unknown, were last Saturday allegedly abducted at Iheagu Nru, Nsukka by a four-man kidnap gang, while they were conducting prayers in a forest.

However, luck came their way as they have been let off the hook, following the intervention of antikidnapping police squad which stormed the forest and rescued them.

Enugu State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said another lady was rescued unhurt at a different location.

He added that the abductors had demanded for N2 million and were waiting for the payment when the operatives struck and took them off guard.

3 jailed 91 years over N114.6m bank fraud

By Ifeanyi Okolie

J

USTICE Ibrahim Mairiga of Kebbi State High Court has sentenced Suleiman Ibrahim Musa, Bilyaminu Usman and Lawal Suleiman to 91 years imprisonment for defrauding a bank to the tune of N114.6 million.

While Suleiman Ibrahim Musa was convicted for 55 years, Bilyaminu Usman was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

Similarly, Lawal Suleiman was convicted for 29 years, bringing all sentences to 91 years.

The trio were convicted on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, theft and criminal breach of trust brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The convicts, who are former members of staff of FinBank Plc (acquired by First City Monument Bank Plc in 2011), BirninKebbi branch in Kebbi State, were first arraigned on July 21, 2010, and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

1805 intending lawyers failed final Bar Exams — Council of Legal Education

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BUJA — THE Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions has decried the alleged involvement of the Department of State Service, DSS, in election petitions in Rivers State and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call officials of the service to order.

Members of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East) insisted that the DSS involvement in post election matters portrayed grave danger for the nation’s democracy, saying it should rather focus on how to end insurgency and other security threats confronting the country at the moment.

They spoke when the Director of Operations of the DSS, Mr Godwin Etim, representing the DirectorGeneral, Mr. Lawal Daura, appeared before the committee to defend allegations of intimidation and harassment of Independent National Election Commission, INEC, officials in Rivers State by the state House of Assembly.

Lawal had submitted before the panel that the agency acted according to the provisions of its act, to forestall threat to national security.

The committee had summoned Daura to appear before it, yesterday, for interrogation over allegation of interference in the affairs of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal based on a petition before it from the 31-member state legislature.

Allegations unfounded — DSS

The petition alleged, among others, that the DSS had arrested some officials of the INEC and members of the Election Petition Tribunal.

But Daura, through Etim, said that the allegation of interference against the service as contained in the petition was “unfounded, spurious and frivolous as there is no truth in it whatsoever.”

He said the operatives of the DSS in Rivers State acted based on a voluminous petition received by the agency on July 15 from the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, alleging that staff of the INEC in the state had refused to release relevant documents needed to prosecute their case before the election petition tribunal.

Don’t try charitable interpretation —Senate

Speaking during the committee’s sitting, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Alla said: “We all love this country, I am saying this C M Y K

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

EGM: From left: Mr. Dominic Bruynseels, Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc; Chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Sola David-Borha during the Extraordinary General Meeting of Stanbic IBTC Holdings in Abuja, yesterday.

Senate c'ttee queries DSS over interference in Rivers election petitions zAsks Buhari to call officials of the service to order zAllegations unfounded, spurious —DSS with all sense of responsibility.

“Your interpretation of the provisions of the Act establishing the DSS is the most charitable interpretation of the law.

When power is conferred on an individual, the interpretation should be done restrictively.

“The power is conferred on an institution not on an individual. There is the restriction in the provision which has to do with the threat to national security.

“The constitution recognises the Rivers State, the commissioner of police and the army formation.

“The most charitable interpretation of the law does not give you the power to do what you did. What is wrong with somebody to rain fire and brimstone? The attention of the police should have been brought to this.

“But if you have received an information that some people would converge on Abuja to prevent National Assembly from sitting or to ensure that the President of Nigeria will not pass through a particular route, that is strictly threat to national security.

“You cannot take a localized issue that has all the interregnum to take care of it and begin to act as a big boss and tell people that you are acting on a provision that

is a derivative of the Act and cannot be more powerful than the act.

“We cannot continue to be where we are because if care is not taken, someone can just approach the court and claim gross abuse of office.

“Nigeria is a democracy and we will continue to march towards the freedom of individuals. Don’t try the charitable interpretation you are doing and think you are comfortable.”

There was no arrest, we only invited them

But Etim said: “With all due respect to the distinguished members, there was no arrest made by our officers. They were invited and we carried out our investigation. We did not also keep anyone overnight.

We also carried out investigation before we invited people for questioning. Rivers State is highly volatile.

“We don’t have members of Rivers INEC under our custody but we invited them but not in custody."

He acknowledged that although the DSS had on July 15, received a petition from the Rivers State APC alleging sabotage of tribunal, the service had not arrested anybody in that regard.

Mr Etim said that the APC

petitioners had in their petition, threatened to resort to self-help which may lead to breakdown of law and order unless the DSS intervened.

He said: “The service instituted investigations into the petition to ascertain the veracity of the allegations while prevailing on the petitioners not to take laws into their hands.

“Mindful of being drawn into partisan political dispute, the service has confined it investigation to purely ascertaining whether or not there had been a criminal infraction.

“At no time did the service invite any judicial officer or member of the Rivers State Elections Petition for questioning concerning their handling of election petition before them.”

He explained that although the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner,REC, and staff were orally invited to aid the investigation, none of them was arrested nor detained.

Members of the Senate committee individually berated the DSS for their action.

The committee said it would come up with a final position on the matter after it has heard from all other parties.

BUJA —— The Council of Legal Education, yesterday, released the results of the Bar final examinations it conducted in April and May, 2015 which a total of 1805 candidates failed out of 5588 that sat for the exams.

The Council, in a statement it issued in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that whereas only four candidates made First Class, a total number of 109 candidates made Second Class Upper.

The two exams participated by a total number of 5588 law school students, recorded 64.8% failure .

Giving a breakdown of the results, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Mr. O. A. Onadeko, revealed that a total number of 2,736 students participated in the Bar final resit examinations for the 2014/2015 school year.

Out of a total number of 1,648 students that were declared successful at the exams, 98 students secured conditional pass, while a total of 990 students failed.

The April results according to the law school DG translates to 60% pass, 3.6% conditional pass and 36.2% failure.

Similarly, the May 2015 Bar Final examinations for Regular Students which had a total of 2, 852 candidates, recorded 815 failure, with four candidates graded in First Class.

Names of the four First Class candidates were given as Sani Fatima Bombom from the Abuja campus of the law school, Mbonu Genevieve Chinyeaka (Lagos Campus), Olowu Adetutu Abisoye ( Lagos) and Abajuo Reason Emma from the Enugu Campus.

A total of 109 candidates made Second Class Upper, 418 were graded in Second Class Lower category, 1,422 got Pass, while 83 others secured Conditional Pass.

Onadeko said the May 2015 Bar Final Examinations results translated to 68.5% Pass, 2.9% Conditional Pass and 28.6% failure.

“The call to the Bar ceremonies for the successful candidates will hold from October 20 to 22, 2015, in Abuja “, he added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—9

Sophisticated weapons we acquired made us degrade B'Haram before polls —Dasuki zSays ‘we ensured Shekau never issued threats again’ zAs troops discover IEDs materials, kill 8 terrorists zNab Boko Haram fuel, food suppliers

By Kingsley Omonobi

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ensure that the elections were peaceful, Shekau has never spoken to threaten anyone again since then.”

Responding to critics of the past administration on security issues, he said: “In an attempt to rubbish individuals for whatever reasons, political or otherwise, we should be careful not to rubbish sensitive institutions and their personnel that might still be in active service.

“It is unfortunate that some elements hide under the cover of anonymity in the media to rubbish some of the sacrifices we made. They should have the courage to come out publicly by identifying themselves with their baseless allegations. “

Meanwhile, Nigerian troops, yesterday, made startling discovery of IEDs raw materials while combing and clearing terrorists in and around Dikwa, Borno State just as soldiers killed eight terrorists in Dumbuluwa village, Fika in Yobe State.

During the painstaking operation, the troops discovered a pile of street lamp poles cut into pieces by Boko Haram terrorists which they use in making Improvised Explosives Devices.

TCN moves 101,088 MWH of power

BY Chris Ochayi

have since been handed over to their identified legitimate owners. The rustlers were apprehended and are currently undergoing investigation."

A

BUJA— The Tr a n s m i s s i o n Company of Nigeria, TCN, announced, yesterday that it has attained an all-time maximum energy of 101,088MWH wheeled across the national grid in a day.

The TCN in a statement signed by the General Manager (Public Affairs), Mrs. Seun Olagunju, said the achievement was made on Wednesday.

The statement added that, the company, under the MHI management team, had articulated short, medium and long term grid expansion plans aimed at growing and sustaining improvement in the nation’s transmission grid and that TCN has continued to pursue these plans vigorously to ensure that its grid expansion goals and timelines are met.

It noted further that it is in line with this that the company has been able to comfortably wheel 101,088MWH, the maximum energy ever moved along the nation’s transmission line on August 5, 2015. This development, TCN noted, is indicative of the networks growing capability to evacuate even more energy.

The previous highest energy wheeled of 99,450MWH was attained on 31st October, 2014.

Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a robust and reliable transmission network, TCN assured that it will continue to work hard to build on the gains of its improved wheeling capacity.

BUJA — THE immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has revealed that the acquisition of hitherto elusive weaponry in the last one year enabled the troops to have an upper hand against Boko Haram terrorists and the recovery of many local government areas that had been occupied by Boko Haram terrorists.

Sambo, whose homes in Abuja and Sokoto were invaded by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, in the week he left office named some of the deciding acquisitions to include Alpha jets, APCs, MRAP vehicles, advanced artillery pieces, assorted arms and ammunition, highly sophisticated surveillance drones, T-72 tanks and modified F7 supersonic jet fighters.

Speaking with PRNigeria, an information unit that co-ordinates activities of the security agencies, Dasuki said: “The armoured tanks have comprehensive NBC protection system, just as we deployed Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicles that we bought and could withstand improvised explosive device, IED, attacks and ambushes. The vehicles had protected our troops from landmine threats.

“We are glad that we also provided assorted Armoured Personnel Carriers to transport troops to the battlefield. They are armed for self-defence and to provide protection from attacks from shrapnel and small arms fire.

“All these were acquired in the last one year after years of frustration by Western powers who denied us the equipment and sabotaged our efforts to acquire same from other sources which are reasons for some delay in delivery.”

Britain to assist Nigeria in fight against terror

We ensured Shekau did not disrupt polls

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According to him, some other arms already paid for by the previous administration are due to be delivered soon.

He said: “It was unfortunate that some elements are frustrating the efforts as we even had to query some suppliers for delay in delivery of arms and ammunition. We utilised some of these equipment to recover more than 22 local governments under Boko Haram terrorists and ensured that Shekau did not disrupt the 2015 election as he had threatened. Not only did we

Troops discover IEDs making materials, kill 8 terrorists

...recover 15 cows, 174 goats, donkey from rustlers

In another development, during a cordon and search operation in Jakana village the troops of 7 Division Garrison recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers.

A statement from Army headquarters said: “The animals

Boko Haram fuel, food suppliers nabbed

Similarly, troops have at Jehu near Jakana, arrested Mai Mustapha, a fuel supplier to Boko Haram terrorists and Madu who coordinates buying of food items from neighbouring villages for the terrorists.

“Additionally, early this morning Nigerian troops blocked elements that attacked Dumbuluwa village in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State and had encounter with the terrorists.

“The gallant soldiers killed eight terrorists. Unfortunately, 2 vigilantes were wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices fragments.

VISIT: Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (left) and National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd) during the Emir's courtesy visit to NSA's office, in Abuja, yesterday.

BUJA — BRITAIN, yesterday, re-affirmed its resolve to help Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

The British Deputy Chief of Defence Staff on Military Strategy and Operations, Lieutenant General Gordon Messenger, gave this assurance when he led other senior British military officers to pay courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Gabriel Olonisakin at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Lt Gen Messenger stated that the essence of the visit of the senior British officials

to Nigeria was to broaden the deep relationship and reenergise the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Britain.

He pointed out that they came to Nigeria for deliberations towards identifying the ideal area of collaboration to be adopted in the fight against insurgency and the best way to make it work.

He stressed that the fight against terrorism is a multifaceted problem that demands strategy and careful exploration of grey areas in order to re-appraise the best

support the British could offer.

In his remark, Major General Olonisakin thanked the British officials for the visit and the determination of the Britain to assist Nigeria.

The CDS acknowledged all the assistance the Nigerian Armed Forces had enjoyed from Britain, especially in term of training and retraining of our personnel for capacity building to crush the insurgents, Boko Haram.

Olonisakin noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces is doing everything within its power to liquidate Boko

Haram and its cells. This, the CDS said, has received boost with the inauguration of new Multi-National Joint Task Force and the appointment of a Nigerian Commander.

The MNJTF, he reiterated, is coordinating with the Nigerian Military command and control centre in the North East for effectiveness.

Present at the occasion were the British Assistant Chief of Defence Staff on Defence Engagement, Rear Admiral Simon Ancona, top officials of British Embassy in Abuja and a list of high ranking Nigerian military officers.

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Man killed while negotiating with prostitute

By Esther Onyegbula

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A G O S — OPERATIVES of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba, are currently investigating the death of a middle-aged man, Anuoluwapo Saheed, who was reportedly stabbed to death at a hotel in Abule Egba area of Lagos.

It was learned that the victim, Saheed was attacked by hoodlums led by one Emmanuel, on July 30, in front of a hotel, located along Akerele Street in the Abule Egba area.

Vanguard gathered that the hoodlums traced the victim to the hotel where he was drinking with his friends. He was lured outside the hotel by a sex worker attached to the hotel before they pounced on him.

Saheed was allegedly stabbed while conversing and romancing the yet-to-be identified commercial sex worker at the gate of the hotel.

An eyewitness, who identified herself as Taye Ademokoya, told Vanguard that the victim was not stabbed inside the hotel. ''He came inside to drink, and he was strolling out with one of the hotel's sex workers when the incident happened. ''I think the assailants were cultists, and they had been lurking around the area for long. As soon as he came out of the gates, he was attacked,'' she said.

It was gathered that the victim was later rushed to a nearby hospital, but bled to death.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Patricia Amadin, confirmed the incident, saying investigation was ongoing.

Urhobo College OSA meeting

U

RHOBO College Old Students Association, Lagos branch will hold its monthly general meeting at White House Hotel and Conference Center, 31, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA, Ikeja by 4pm on Sunday, August 9, 2015.

All former students are expected to attend as well as invite others.

Lagos Assembly releases uniform budget template for 57 councils

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Ebun Sessou

has negative influence on the give priority to capital expenditure expected to end next week. that will enhance physical Members of the Committee state’s capital expenditure.

Abiru reiterated that the development at the grass roots. include, Bisi Yusuff, Yinka AGOS—THE Lagos purpose of the report is to prepare As at yesterday, at least seven of Ogundimu, Adekanye Oladele, State House of Assembly a uniform template for LGs and the 57 councils have appeared Mojeed Fatai, Lawal Mojisola yesterday synthesised a uniform LCDAs and urged the councils to before the committee for an exercise Lasbat and Alimi Kazeem. budget template for the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state.

The House, through the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget last week approved this year’s budget estimates for the councils, following the report of a sevenman ad-hoc committee.

The committee headed by the Chief Whip, Rotimi Abiru, directed all the council representatives to appear with relevant documents including capital receipts, internally generated revenue, IGR, details from January till date, breakdown of the budget overhead, details of teachers’ salaries and bank statements.

According to him, the report SEMINAR: From left; Prof Akin Oyebode, Alhaji Remi Bello, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce revealed excessive overhead and Industry, LCCI and Chief Mrs Nike Akande during a seminar on Nigeria Foreign Policy and estimates in the budget of the International Trade Relations at the Eko Hotel, Lagos yesterday. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye.

57 councils over the years which

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Lawyer sues Buhari, Osinbajo over assets declaration

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A lawyer and rights activist, Kabir Akingbolu, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over allegedly failure to keep to their promise to Nigerians during their electioneering campaigns to publicly declare their assets.

Akingbolu, who initiated the suit, is contending that by declaring their assets secretly, Buhari and Osinbajo have violated Section 172 and Section 11 (1) and (2) of the Code of Conduct for public officers under the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Other defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB. Buhari and Osinbajo had declared their assets to the CCB secretly, a development which drew public condemnation, with many insisting that it was a departure from the anti-corruption posture of the president and his vice.

Akingbolu, is asking the court to declare that it was mandatory for the CCB to publicly publish the assets of Buhari and Osinbajo.

He is further praying the court to declare that the secret declaration of assets by Buhari and Osinbajo was unconstitutional.

He also want the court to mandate them to publicly declare their assets in line with the Code

of Conduct for public officers under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

Akingbolu, in an affidavit in support of the suit, averred that Buhari and Osinbajo made it abundantly clear while canvassing for votes from Nigerians that they would

publicly declare their assets in order to prove that they would run a transparent government.

He further averred that under the code of conduct, the President and the Vice President were duty-bound as public officers to declare their assets publicly, and that the duo have breached the said stipulation

by not publicly declaring their assets as dictated and mandated by the Constitution.

He added that the sad aspect of the development, was that the CCB “has been shielding Buhari and Osinbajo by not publicizing their purported declaration of assets in line with the law.”

I'm not indebted to any bank — ABIKE DABIRI

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—FORMER House of Representatives member, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday, told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, that she is not indebted to any bank.

Dabiri-Erewa, in the suit by her counsel, Mr Tokunbo Mumuni, said she was never involved in any scandalous activity, debt or inappropriate financial dealings.

Similarly, she has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, to investigate how her name got into the bank’s list of debtors recently released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. She is contending the suit in court that she never had anything to do with the said Thrillers Endeavours, where she was listed to be a director and had never subscribed to the Memorandum and Article of Association of the company.

She is praying the court to restrain the defendants and their privies from further publishing her name as a director of Thrillers Endeavours.

She is also praying the court to direct the defendants to tender a public apology to her in three national newspapers, adding that the apology must be given the same prominence as the first story.

She is also praying the court for a declaration that the defendants have defamed and injured her character by the said publication, while urging the court to award N500 million damages against the defendants jointly and severally.

The former lawmaker also wants the court to direct the defendants to pay, bear and be responsible for the sum of N3 million, she paid for the professional services of her lawyers in the matter.

She accused the bank of deliberately including her name as a director of Thrillers Endeavours, when it (bank) knew she has nothing to do with the company.

She stated that her lawyers wrote the bank and the newspaper on August 5, with specific demands but the demands were not complied with.

Dabiri-Erewa further alleged that as a politician, the publication of the story and her picture had damaged

her reputation.

She is contending further that Nigerians, who were positively and favourably disposed to her have withdrawn and have been avoiding her like plague to her discomfort and embarrassment, adding that she had been subjected to public opprobrium and ridicule of monumental proportion.

Following the policy of naming and shaming bad debtors by the Nigerian Deposit Banks, NDB, had listed DabiriErewa as one of the directors of Thriller Endeavours which has a non performing loan, NPL of N122.9 million.

But the former House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora chair, denied that she was indebted to the bank, describing the publication as embarrassing and malicious.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was accompanied to the court by her husband, Erewa and lawyer, Adetokunbo Mumuni , said that the publication has done a lot of damage to her reputation and that of her family.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 11

MORTGAGE DEFAULTERS: Fayose, Ekiti APC disagree over payment ultimatum

By Dapo Akinrefon

T

HE Ekiti State government and the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday disagreed over the ultimatum given to defaulters of the state housing allocation of Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti.

On its part, the Ekiti State government said the sealing-off of the houses of defaulting occupants of the estate has no political undertone, noting that affected persons have bluntly refused to meet their contractual obligations to the state government.

But in a swift reaction, the APC Ekiti State faulted the move accusing the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose of intimidating leaders and members of the party.

No political undertone — Govt

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi, the government explained that out of 254 allocated houses in the estate, only 37 allottees had paid fully.

The state government

further explained that 217 allottees were yet to complete payment.

Adelusi said “The total amount being owed by the allottees as at the time Governor Ayo Fayose assumed office was N904,635,556.57. Total amount recovered since he assumed office was N82 million.”

The governor ’s spokesperson stated that “The allottees cut across political parties, as there are notable leaders of the PDP and APC among them. It is therefore not political.

Over N800m is being owed by the allottees as at today.

Today alone, over N5 million was paid by some of the allottees.

“The government is insisting that allottees who have declined to pay for the houses allocated to them must pay. Those who are not defaulting did not have their houses sealed.

Because Governor Fayose directed that Irewolede Housing Estate, Ado-Ekiti be sealed off because of the allottees refusal to pay for the houses

allocated to them, over N10 million was paid today alone. ''Please take note that the action being taken by the govt against defaulters at Irewolede Estate has nothing to do with politics.

For instance, the house of Deji Adesokan Jaruul, an APC chieftain and former security aide to former governor Kayode Fayemi was not touched because he has paid.”

Fayose intimidating our members — APC

However, the APC in Ekiti State has faulted the alleged eviction and sealing-off of houses belonging to residents of Irewolede estate.

The party alleged that those affected were senior government officials who worked with the Fayemi administration.

A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the governor’s action as “barbaric, heartless and brutish, as a four-day-old baby and her mother were locked inside the house.

AREGBESOLA: Assembly’s position on Judge’s petition ungodly – CNPP

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—OSUN State Chapter of Conference of Nigeria Political Party CNPP says it has rejected the verdict passed on Justice Olamide Folaranmi Oloyede over her petition, by the Osun state House of Assembly calling for credible and

thorough investigation into the alleged gross financial misconduct by Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs. Grace LaoyeTomori.

In a statement yesterday by the Chairman of CNPP, Pastor Popoola Olatunji and the Secretary, Prince Gbade Adelakun, CNPP explained that the seven-member All Progressives Congress,

Mimiko sacks more political appointees Assistants and now all the

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—THE gale of sack of political appointees in Ondo state yesterday swept off chairmen and members of boards and parastatals in the state.

This is coming as fear has reportedly gripped members of the State Executive Council, EXCO, that it may be their turn soon.

Within one week, Governor Olusegun Mimiko has sacked 16 of the 18 council chairmen, all his Senior Special Assistants and Special

chairmen and members of boards and parastaltals across the state.

Only chairmen and members of statutory boards and parastaltals were spared in the exercise.

The governor was said to have announced the dissolution during a meeting held with chairmen of boards and parastaltals, at the Adegbemile Cultural centre in Akure.

He thanked them for their unalloyed cooperation with his administration and said they should continue to contribute their quotas to the development of the state in their council areas.

The action was like a movie as dangerous-looking thugs and policemen from the Government House invaded the estate and started harassing residents, sealing off their houses. This caused panic among residents, including women and children, some

of whom suffered shock.”

Olatunbosun, who regretted the governor’s action said “he (Fayose) behaved in this reckless manner even though there was a subsisting mortgage agreement, which allowed the residents to pay over five to 10 years, but Fayose insisted that all the money must be paid

within one month.”

The party spokesperson stated that “As if this harassment was not enough, bulldozers have been moved into the estate to demolish structures which they claimed were constructed without approval in an apparent move to inflict pain on our members. If approval was not obtained, the right thing to do is to ask such people to pay the required amount and not to resort to demolition, which is in bad faith.''

APC, House panel’s conclusion on the matter was undemocratic, devilish, biased, unfortunate, ungodly and anti-people.

The statement reads: “We strongly believe that the courageous and indomitable Justice Oloyede is representing the voice of the voiceless and the oppressed masses of Osun State and this voice cannot be silenced by tyrannical rule of Mr. Aregbesola.

“Although Justice Oloyede committed an uncommon offence by choosing to be on the side of the downtrodden people of the state, the outcome of the so called investigation of the panel justified the earlier prediction of various stakeholders in the state.

“We need to make it clear that the Assembly has misled millions of Nigerians and international community on the matter over their claims that the woman judge abandoned her petition, whereas she requested through her lawyer, Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi SAN for the response of Aregbesola which the rubber-stamp panel failed to produce.

FORUM: From left; Amuwo Olayinka, Category Manager, Grand Oak Ltd; Mr Tayo Adelaja, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nigeria Breweries Plc; Kenneth Oseyenum, Regional Sales Manager, MTN Nigeria; His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogboland and Joseph Bodunrin, Regional Business Manager, West, Nigeria Breweries Plc at the stakeholder forum on 2015 Osun Osogbo Festival at Ataoja's palace, Osogbo. Photo by Akeem Salau.

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

HOSTCOM threatens NPDC's operations over alleged breach of agreement

By Lucky Oji & Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—LEADERS of Host Communities, HOSTCOM in OML 30, 34 and 65, yesterday, threatened to shutdown all operations of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, over an alleged breach of agreement reached between them and the company.

HOSTCOM in a letter by Efe Okovwurie, Morrister Idibra, Chief Edegware David and others, said they were giving the company a seven-day ultimatum to implement a resolution reached between them and the company on June 30, 2015 or face a total shutdown of its facilities in the area.

The letter reads: “NPDC has flagrantly violated the terms of the agreement by not implementing the content of the resolution except for the payment of N200,000,000 into the OML30 GMoU account for which NPDC is still owing N1 billion.

“Salaries of community workers in OMLs 30, 34 and 65 which are in arrears of six to nine months which NPDC promised to clear within two weeks from the date of the resolution are yet to be paid

and this has led to serious tension across the affected communities.”

Warning against a likely reduction of a 20 percent markup attached to contracts handled by indigenous contractors to 15

percent, HOSTCOM said that such moves would lead to crisis in the communities and breed bad blood between them and NPDC.

NEC MEETING: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) Edo and Akwa Ibom states counterparts, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (middle) and Mr. Emmanuel Udom, during the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

APC chieftain tackles Dickson over 2012 flood fund

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Mr. Bodi Arerebo, has challenged Governor Seriake Dickson, to explain to Bayelsans how his administration utilised the 2012 flood funds that accrued to the state.

Arerebo in Yenagoa, said after the flood disaster, public spirited individuals including international donors, donated billions of naira to resettle victims and rebuild the state.

He cited multi-billionaires Aliko Dangote, Wale Adenuga and others as those who donated money to the state then, lamenting that there was nothing on ground to show for the money that came to the state.

Anti-graft war: PDP senators tackle Buhari •Allege DSS forcing INEC to change position in Rivers, A-Ibom, Abia

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Henry Umoru, Joseph Erunke & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—President Muhammadu Buhari and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators were last night engaged in a war of words over alleged biases in the administration’s war against corruption. The PDP senators particularly accused

Deaconess Assam passes on

A

prominent woman leader and devout Christian in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Princess (Deaconess) Mrs. Adiaha Assam (nee Adiaha James Odoro) has died at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

Burial arrangement is to be announced by the family. She is survived by children, grandchildren and relations including Engr. Assam O.D. Assam.

Late Princess Assam

the administration of partisanship in the anti-graft war with allegations that security agencies were coercing election officials to rewrite reports in some states to the favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The allegations were immediately rebuffed by the President who vowed that the unfolding war against corruption would not be tempered by media blitz of a witch-hunt against political interests as he affirmed that only the guilty should have reason to fear.

President Buhari’s assertion was a direct riposte to assertions by the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led PDP Senate caucus that the President was using the instruments of state to target the opposition.

The PDP caucus had at a

press conference in the National Assembly building alleged that the Department of State Services was coercing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to be conscripted into plots to undermine the election of PDP officials in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia States.

The assertion of the PDP caucus was also dismissed by All Progressives Congress, APC, spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who also told Vanguard that only the guilty have something to fear about the Buhari administration.

Only the guilty should be afraid

Buhari, speaking through his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina rebutted the

accusation of the PDP Senate caucus, saying that it was natural for the guilty to be afraid.

He stated that the anti-graft war which was one of the cardinal objectives of the administration would increasingly pick momentum irrespective of the threats against it.

“It is only the guilty that can be afraid. If anybody is not guilty, they should not be afraid. This President will not witch-hunt anybody. But if anyone has a skeleton in his cupboard, he has every right to be afraid.

“If they don’t have skeletons in their cupboard, they have no cause to be afraid but anybody that has any skeleton in his cupboard has every right to be afraid.

“The war against corruption

N-Delta youths kick against building of NLNG Dry dock in Badagry

By Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT—YOUTH groups in Niger Delta have threatened to shut down the operations of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG, in their communities of the region, especially in Rivers State over the alleged location of its Dry dock in Badagry, Lagos.

The youths drawn from the six states of Niger Delta, while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said it was

wrong for NLNG to abandon the region where it has its base to site a project that will provide jobs for youths of the region in Lagos.

Spokesman of the youths, Mr Simeon Wilcox, said the youths want the management of NLNG operating in Bonny, Rivers State to make public their position on the recent news of the location of its Dry dock in Badagry, Lagos.

Wilcox accused the NLNG of failing to consider the people who bear the effect of pollution arising from flared gas, environmental

degradation and huge vessel waves resulting in water mishap and fishermen losing their source of livelihood due to its operations in the Niger Delta.

He called on the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and all security agencies to intervene in the matter in order to avert a situation where youths of the state will be left with no choice than to take to the streets in protest.

is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration and the war will not hold on because some people are afraid.

“The war will continue, no matter whose ox is gored. So, if anybody has skeleton in his cupboard, yes, he has a right to be afraid but the war is not targeted at anybody”, Adesina said.

Earlier at a press conference, Akpabio, in company of 22 PDP senators expressed concern that the administration’s anti-graft war seemed targeted at the PDP and states controlled by the party.

He particularly took umbrage at what he described as the meddlesome activities of the Department of State Services in ongoing election petition cases in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Abia States.

He said that the PDP legislators have thus been persuaded to write the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee, to inform the body of the alleged unconstitutional roles of the DSS.

PDP senators slam DSS

“It is on this ground that we condemn in particular what is happening in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Abia states, where election umpires are daily arrested, their families and associates hounded, and judicial officers involved in election tribunals intimidated and questioned using trumpedup petitions bordering on corruption."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—13

SAPELE CONSTITUENCY: Confusion

in INEC

over tribunal order

By Godwin Oghre

S

APELE—THERE was confusion at the Sapele office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as officials in the commission, led by the Electoral Officer, EO, Mrs Chinyere Obasi, clashed with representatives of All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Chief Thomas Akpodiete, over the implementation of an order of the state House of Assembly Election Tribunal, Asaba, that an attendance register be signed by both parties on the second day of the re-counting of the

ballot paper used for the April 11, 2015 Sapele House of Assembly election.

The court had, upon granting an application by the two parties on 25/7/2015, for the re-counting of the ballot papers for the

election, specified that at the end of the second day (2829/7/2015) of the re-counting exercise, parties, that is, APC’s candidate in the election, Chief Felix Anirah and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP counterpart, Chief Monday Igbuya or

their representatives should sign the attendance register of the commission, along with security officials present.

However, pandemonium broke out when the APC team waited in-vain at the commission’s Sapele office

on day two, due to the absence of the PDP team and its candidate, Chief Igbuya, and subsequently demanded to sign the commission’s attendance register in line with the court order, but they were allegedly denied access to it by the EO, leading to an argument between the APC officials and those of the commission, which lasted for over an hour.

Edo govt slams Orbih over opposition to World Bank loan Information and smooth-talking.

“In the said statement,

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN CITY—THE Edo State Government, yesterday, described comments made by the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, with

regards to the World Bank loan being sought by the state government, before the senate, as irresponsible and an attempt to misinform the public.

A statement by the state Commissioner for

Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, said “Ordinarily, we would not have dignified yet another farrago of despicable verbiage of Orbih with a response but for the sake of the gullible who may be conned by his

without shame, Orbih and his co-travelers told a litany of lies about the situation in Edo, all in their wicked desperation to poison the minds of the federal lawmakers against approving the bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“From the transparent lie that Edo State is owing workers to the idiotic claim that the Edo State Government took a N35 billion bondyetunaccountedfor.Orbih and his wrecking crew in PDP are free to indulge in self-deceit to relieve the trauma of the crushing defeat they suffered in the last general elections."

Delta monarch lauds Buhari on Kachikwu's appointment

O

NICHA-UGBO— THE traditional ruler of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi Victor Chukwumalieze I, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing their son, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC. In a statement on behalf of the traditional ruler by the National Publicity Secretary of Onicha-Ugbo Patriotic Union, OPU, Mr. EmmaFejokwu,hedescribedthe appointment as well deserved.

Obi Chukwumalieze in a congratulatory message to Dr. Kachikwu, said that there was no doubt he will perform to the admiration of all.

The traditional ruler also commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the appointment of another illustrious son of the community, Prof. Sylvester Monye into the state executive council.

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Naira depreciates by N7

OBSEQUIES FOR LATE CHIEF ADUNNI JEMIBEWON

...despite CBN’s intervention on banks’ dollar payment

By Peter Egwuatu

T

HE naira yesterday could not sustain the gains recorded on Wednesday, as it depreciated against the US dollar in the parallel market, closing at N222 to a dollar. This represents a depreciation of N7 from Wednesday when a dollar exchanged for N215 in Lagos and Kano, and N220 to a dollar in Abuja.

Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN yesterday directed that banks should pay for their dollar purchases 48 hours in advance.

Sources from the Bureaux De Changes (BDCS) said that the gains recorded on Wednesday could not be sustained yesterday due to the fact that the dollar sold to them by the CBN was bought by people that felt that the naira would fall as the CBN may not be able to sustain the sale of more dollar to the parallel market.

Meanwhile, CBN has directed commercial banks to pay for their dollar purchases 48 hours in advance, after banning them from accepting foreign currency cash deposits to curb dollar demand and stem illicit financial flows.

Reacting to the development, BDC operators said banks would struggle to buy dollar on behalf of customers, while the ban on dollar cash deposits would stem speculation.

The CBN in June curbed access to the

interbank currency market to preserve its foreign reserves. The move led to the diversion of dollar demand to the black market, weakening the local currency.

“We are now required to deposit the naira equivalent of our total forex bids to the Central Bank within 48 hours.

The measures led to a sharp increase in interest rates on the interbank market, traders said.

“The new measure has taken out some huge naira liquidity in the market and putting pressure on the cost of funds among banks,” one dealer said.

The overnight lending rate jumped to 50 percent on Thursday from 12 percent the previous day, amid low liquidity as some banks scrambled to stock up on the naira to back up their forex demand with the Central Bank.

Ugo Okoroafor, communications adviser to the CBN Governor had explained that the ban on dollar cash deposits with commercial banks was aimed at curbing the “increasing dollarisation of the economy.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday , it was gathered that the CBN issued a circular to sell additional $30,000 to all licensed bureaux de change (BDCs) in the country on Friday, apart from the weekly sale of $30,000 that the apex banks normally makes to each BDC.

Gen. David Jemibewon (retd), husband of deceased (right), with children and in-laws, during the funeral service for Late Chief Comfort Adunni Jemibewon at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ Church, Gbagada, Lagos, yesterday. Photos by Bunmi Azeez.

Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, Deputy Gov of Kogi State and his wife, Tokunbo at the event.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—15

Nwoye group sets up parallel PDP exco in Anambra

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State took a new turn yesterday with the Tony Nwoye group, which is opposed to the recent congresses of the party held by the Olisa Metuh group, inaugurating parallel executive committees of PDP at the ward, local government and state levels.

At a well –attended ceremony at the Emmaus House in Awka, a former secretary to the Anambra State government, SSG, Prince Ossy Ezenwa was named the state chairman, with Chief Basil Ejidike as the state secretary.

Altogether, there were 21 members in the state executive committee, 18 in each of the 21 local government areas and 17 in each of the 326 political wards in the state.

Only recently, a state executive committee, with Prince Kenneth Emeakayi as the state chairman, was inaugurated following the congresses of the group held at the ward, local government and state levels.

Also yesterday, the Tony Nwoye group passed a vote of no confidence on the national publicity secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who is from the state, demanding his immediate resignation as he was accused of contributing to the misfortunes of the party in Anambra State over the years.

Addressing the new officials, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2013 election and state leader of the party, Chief Tony Nwoye said Metuh’s personal interest should not override the interest of the entire members of PDP in the state, adding that he (Metuh) had overstayed his usefulness at the national secretariat of PDP. Nwoye said: “We in PDP believe in equity. Those who own this party, including former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Prince Arthur, Sir Emeka Offor, Sir Cletus Ibeto, among others, said I should tell you that you are the authentic PDP. “There have been speculations

as to what will be our fate in this party. While we admit that PDP remains ours, we want to use this opportunity to send signals to those who run the party that if they do not get their acts together, the

All Progressives Congress, APC, will take over this state.

The state chairman, Ezenwa, assured PDP supporters that the new executive members were prepared to work, adding that

DELEGATION: Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, receiving an address from Most Rev. Sunday Agwu, during a delegation of the Inter denominational Committee to the governor on the return of schools in Abia State.

LAND DISPUTE: Abia, Ebonyi trade

blames over hostage-taking

By Anayo Okoli

U

M U A H I A — CONFUSION reigned yesterday at the boundary resolution meeting between Abia and Ebonyi states, following allegations and counter allegations by the two states over their people allegedly under hostage by warring communities.

While Abia delegation from Umunneochi Local Government Area claimed that they had released both human and materials seized during a clash recently at a quarry site in the disputed boundary area, Ebonyi delegates from Ivo Council area dismissed the claim.

According to the Ebonyi

delegation,one of them, one Chukwuma Akwa, was still missing and no sign of his whereabouts is known, According to them, Akwa, a father of four children has not been seen since after the clash.

But the Umunneochi people, represented by the Minority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Ikedi Ezekwesiri insisted that they have released all Ivo people held during the crisis as well as property seized.

Ezekwesiri however, alleged that some of their people arrested by the Ebonyi State Police Command were yet to be released. He said he received a text message while the meeting was still going on from their

Ebonyi to spend N1.5bn on streetlights in Abakaliki

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—EBONYI state government said it has earmarked the sum of N1.5 billion for the revitalization of all the streetlights within the state capital.

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State disclosed this while commissioning a section of street lights yesterday in Abakaliki.

Umahi who stated that his administration was geared towards giving a face-lift to the state capital and improving the

their assignment had been made easy with the caliber of the new officials. “There is so much work to do and we should start immediately,” he urged the officials.

living standards of the people of the state added that the section being commissioned gulped about N30 million of the contract sum.

According to him, security personnels would be positioned at every point to ensure adequate protection of government properties and facilities within the state capital.

“I feel excited about the issue of the street light we just commissioned. By the time we light up the city, people will see how have we been living. We

have asked contractors who were highly mobilized to come and finish their work but they are not willing to do so.

“Armed men will be positioned at each point with the directive to shoot at sight. We will equally get supervisors to supervise the project. There must be light all through the night and the security men will supervise the supervisor.”

“12.5 billion was left for us to pay; any contractor not willing to cooperate with us will have his contract terminated.

lawyers that the people were yet to be released.

The situation prompted the chairman of the meeting and the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission [NBC], Dr. Mohammed Ahmad to appeal to the traditional ruler, community leaders and youth leaders of the two communities to release whoever was still in their captive.

Meanwhile, the National Boundary Commission, NBC, has blamed state governments for the slow pace of resolution of boundary disputes between states of the Federation, saying that states do not accord boundary issues the priority attention they require.

The Director-General of NBC, Dr. Mohammed Ahmad therefore called on state governments to cooperate with the Commission to resolve boundary issues which often tear brothers and sisters apart.

Kidnap suspect volunteers to name accomplices

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—A kidnap suspect, Linus Nlemadim, from Egbelu Obube in Owerri North local council area of Imo State, shocked his captors when he expressed readiness to name his colleagues in crime.

Nlemadim was allegedly arrested in connection with the recent kidnap of one Eziopara Ben Anyanwu, an American based indigene of the same autonomous community.

Vanguard gathered from a member of the community that the suspect, who made the promise soon after his arrest, vowed that he would not die alone.

According to the resident, “The suspect said that he was ready to mention the names of the members of the gang who were involved in the crime, adding that there was no way he would die alone. The suspect hinged his position on the fact that since his associates, who were earlier arrested, had leaked their secret, he would not keep quiet and die alone.

“True to his threat, the suspect released the name of another colleague of his.

This led to the arrest of his accomplice from the same Ngor Okpala local government area. I believe they will be telling the police all they know about the alleged crime”, the man said.

Another community leader told Vanguard that the two suspects, are natives of Upe and Umunam in Ngor Okpala local government area of the state.

Answering a question on how the suspects were arrested, the resident said that one of the kidnappers went to Umuovum, Ulakwo, to sell one of the iPads they stole.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Jauro assures stevedores of NIMASA’s support THE ACTING Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro has assured Stevedoring companies of a quick resolution to some of the issues challenging their operations in the ports.

The DG stated this when he played host to the Executive Committee of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies led by its National President, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola at the headquarters of the agency in Lagos.

Jauro said that the Federal Government has set new directives for stevedoring operations in the country and assured that "the guidelines we have put in place will address all the issues you have raised and we are committed to enforcing all its provisions once we have sensitized all relevant stakeholders.”

Former PDP lawmakers, LP chairman dump party for APGA AWKA—HUNDREDS of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, during the party’s inauguration of its new executive members led by Chief Nobert Obi.

Among those that dumped their former party are two immediate past members of the state House of Assembly and the state chairman of the Labour Party, LP. The former lawmakers were Uchenna Umerie who represented Dunukofia state

constituency and Tokas Ohazurike who represented Ihiala I state constituency, as well as the LP chairman, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwimo.

The decampees said they left PDP because they believe that APGA would take care of their

DEDICATION: The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isizor( middle), with the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi ( right), and the Superior General of the congregation of Immaculate Heart of Mary's Sisters, Mother Mary Claude Oguh (left), during the blessing and dedication of the congregation's Mater Christus Old People's Home, at Nkpor.

political interests, coupled with the fact that it has an Igbo identity.

They also said there were visible signs that Governor Willie Obiano was taking the state to a higher level, adding that unlike many states that were unable to pay workers’ salaries, Obiano had continued to meet the state government’s obligation to the workers.

According to them, PDP had become unstable, unsafe and troublesome, and so they wanted a party that was peaceful.

“We are tired of managing intra-party squabbles all the time,” the former woman leader of PDP in Ogbaru, Mrs. Cordelis Onuimo, who also decamped, said.

In his speech, Governor Obiano said the defection was an indication that APGA was becoming stronger at the grass roots and promised that the leadership of the party would not disappoint them.

“I foresee a future in Anambra when elections would be conducted and only one political party, APGA, would field candidates,” he said.

Start fight against corruption from APC, APGA chieftain tells Buhari

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA—A stakeholder in the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Okoli Akirika wants President Muhammadu Buhari to start his fight against corruption from the All Progressives Congress, APC governors, former governors senators and other leaders to ensure justice.

Addressing newsmen at Awka, Akirika reasoned that the only way Buhari would

succeed in the much touted fight against corruption by his administration was to start within his party .

“The prime platform that threw him up may not allow him to take up the issue of corruption but he must be frontal and holistic in tackling corruption, not targetting only certain people who are not APC members.

“The cleansing of the church must start from its elders. In all the three arms of government, you must have to start from the head. It must be inward.”

Groups protest alleged assassination attempt on Otti

By Anayo Okoli U M U A H I A — FOLLOWING the recent alleged attempt on the life of Abia State All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate in the last April elections, Dr. Alex Otti, groups under the aegis of Alex Otti Prayer Network and Abia State Students Union, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest in Umuosu, Isialangwa North, Aba and Umuahia to condemn the attack.

Otti’s guest house in Abuja was attacked a fortnight ago and a policeman was said to have been killed during the early

morning attack, which had since pitted the Abia State government against Otti and his party, APGA. The matter is said to be under police investigation.

The groups, who carried placards with various inscriptions said that they were worried by the alleged attack on Otti, saying they believed that it was the handiwork of enemies of progress.

The spokesman of the groups, Mr. Catechist Jones, said they embarked on the peaceful protest to alert Abians on the need to be watchful and prayerful, saying they would not allow anything to happen to Otti.

He said it was preposterous for Buhari to have travelled to the United States of America for the solution to the Boko Haram imbroglio without getting report from his security agents to know if America was involved in its presence in Nigeria since four years now.

According to Akirika, it was the duty of his Ambassador or Envoy to undertake such a trip to America, adding that the best way to solve the problem of security was to sit down and find out the origin of Boko Haram in the country.

On appointments, he advised Buhari should not favour only those that voted for him but carry everybody along.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 —17

Good and bad critics of ten, barely literate.

And I’ve concluded that these bilious morons refuse to stand up and be counted because they know that they are talking rubbish. They don’t attach their names to the abusive rants they send me because they can’t defend their positions.

A

S I pointed out last week when I was writing about people who dislike President Muhammadu Buhari for various reasons – and will continue to dislike him even if he performs magnificently – no leader can please all of the people all of the time.

The same can also be said of smaller fries like newspaper columnists! And I’ve long been wearily resigned to the fact that no matter how reasonable I think I have been, there will always be Vanguard readers who either regard me as utterly unreasonable on every single level or simply reject some of my opinions.

The world would be very boring if we were all on the same page and totally agreed with each other at all times about every topic under the sun. And I welcome differing viewpoints that are interesting, enlightening and educational.

In a nutshell, debates can be intellectually stimulating and constructive criticism is helpful; and since I don’t know everything, I really don’t mind when folks contact me to say that they reckon that I am mistaken about a particular issue…and then explain, in a civilized manner, why they disagree with me.

However, quite a few diehard critics of this column are craven cowards who hide behind the cloak of anonymity and harass me with poison pen emails and text messages that rarely make sense and are, nine times out

We don’t yet know whether this project will succeed and fulfil Ogoni dreams; but this is a step in the right direction; and I’m very optimistic C M Y K

Anyway, let’s shift our focus back to “good” critics who add value. If someone presents me with superior arguments or draws my attention to accurate information of which I wasn’t aware, I will gladly admit that

I was wrong.

Shortly after I gave President Buhari credit for fixing the refineries in last week’s column, I received a polite email from a gentleman called Anthony Johnson Osi-Iyere (tonnijohnson@yahoo.com),

who firmly notified me that “commendation should go to ex-President GEJ for the refineries.”

Two other readers echoed this claim, so I did some research and discovered that it is true, so mea culpa.

Apologies to Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his fans.

Tributes to Amaechi L

AST weekend, friends of Rotimi Amaechi - the former Governor of Rivers State, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Director-General of Buhari’s election campaign - organised a glittering reception for him in Abuja.

The event was chaired by , Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State; and many other APC dignitaries, including , the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Senate Presi-

dent, the Speaker of the House of Reps and Chairman of the Party showed up or sent representatives.

Several glowing eulogies were showered on Amaechi; and the highlight of the evening occurred when Her Excellency, Mrs Aisha Buhari, kindly made a speech in which she warmly thanked Amaechi for helping to bring about the change that made it possible for her husband to become our Head of State.

At a time when Amaechi has been subjected to numerous attacks by enemies who are hellbent on discrediting him – in the hope of truncating his political career - it is nice to know that he has so many distinguished supporters.

Justice at last?

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CCORDINGtoaStateHouse Press Release that was issued on Wednesday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media& Publicity): “In keeping with his avowed commitment to working for the development and well-being of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari…approved several actions to fast-track the long-delayed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, Report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.

“The actions approved by President Buhari, based on recommendations to him by the Executive Director of UNEP, the UNEP Special Representative for Ogoniland, Permanent Secretaries of the Federal Ministries of Environment and

An oil spill site in Ogoniland

Petroleum Resources, and other stakeholders, include the amendmentoftheOfficialGazette establishing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, HYPREP, to reflect a new governance framework comprising a Governing Council, a Board of Trustees and Project Management.”

A new implementation template has been evolved and the President further approved that the Governing Council and Board of Trustees should be composed of representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum and Environment, Rivers State, oil companies, NNPC, Ogoni community leaders and United Nations.

It has also been agreed that a deposit of $10 million be made by stakeholders within 30 days of the appointment of Board of Trustee

members, who will be responsible for collecting and managing funds from contributors and donors.

I have, more than once, complained bitterly on this page about the previous administration’s failure to act on the UNEP recommendations. As an Ogoni, I was deeply offended by the apparent lack of concern for my home terrain.

The UNEP report, which was published in 2011 and formally presented to President Goodluck Jonathan, was based on an indepth 14-month study that included aerial reconnaissance missions, scientific investigations of over 200 locations and the medical records of more than 5000 Ogoni indigenes.

The report talked about the “tragic legacy” of 50 years of oil exploration and production…and revealed major safety issues and massive threats to human health, sustainable development and economic potential.

It highlighted contaminated water,land,creeksandecosystems (mangrove swamp vegetation, for example) and clearly stated that drinking water was so polluted in parts of Ogoniland that immediate emergency action was required.

In one community, Nisisioken Ogale, families were found to be drinking water from wells that had been poisoned by benzene - a known carcinogen - at levels that were over 900 times above World Health Organisation guidelines.

The report concluded that Ogonis are “exposed to hydrocarbons every day through multiple routes” and that “air pollution…is all pervasive and

• R o t i m i Amaechi affecting the quality of life of close to one million people.”

I’m thrilled that Mr President is taking our plight seriously; and it is especially gratifying that he is taking it seriously so soon after he entered office.

After years of inertia and frustration, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. And, sure, we don’t yet know whether this project will succeed and fulfil Ogoni dreams. But this is a step in the right direction; and I’m very optimistic.

Before the election, many Ogonis assured me that they could never vote for a Northerner who was running against their “Brother” Jonathan. And they not only accused Ogonis - and other Rivers followers of Amaechi - who were rooting for Buhari of treacherybutpredictedthatBuhari would disappoint us.

I pray that those of my Ogoni brethren who are anti-Buhari prophets of doom will eventually have cause to change their tunes and concede that we have gained many more benefits from a President who is not from our backyard!

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 KADUNA State Governor, Malam Nasir El Rufai, recently drew the ire of beggars in his state when he threatened to pull them off the streets. The beggars, in return, threatened to pull down his government for daring to send them out of “business”. They reminded him how their votes made him governor.

Governor El Rufai had banned beggars and hawkers in the state for security reasons. The Boko Haram terrorists, who have been wreaking many parts of the North, had resorted to deploying beggars, hawkers, children and women as suicide bombers.

But a spokesman of the beggars association, Mallam Yahaya Makaho at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, July 27 2015, recalled how they used proceeds from their begging to fund campaigns and rallies when El Rufai aspired for the governorship seat.

According to him: “Now, it would appear that we made a mistake. The governor wants to bring us down. He does not want us to live.

He has chased us out of the streets and has made no alternative arrangement for our survival. If he refuses to heed to rescind on

Gov El Rufai’s “feud” with beggars this decision, we shall make sure we bring down his government.”

Although Governor El-Rufai and the beggars recently reached a truce following the Governor ’s visit to the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Centre and the government announced arrangements to rehabilitate and train beggars on various skills, Governor ElRufai shouldn’t have allowed things to escalate.

He has the right to ensure the security of over eight million people living in Kaduna State but he should have concluded arrangements to train the over 500 physically challenged persons in the state and rehabilitate them before his pronouncement.

The mistake the governor made was in the

manner he carried out his threat. He should have approached the beggars first through their representatives, explaining why the action had to be taken. At the same time, he should have unfolded measures to rehabilitate, resettle and give them alternative ways of making decent living while they are off the streets.

Many of the street beggars are quite mentally sound though physically disabled. Most of them will be willing to adopt a new lifestyle of productivity if government offers to train, equip and support them. Then, it will be easier to cater for those who are totally dependent on charity.

This should be our attitude to the less privileged members of our society nationwide.

We must reorient ourselves to a new mental attitude of recognising the physically challenged as our collective responsibility to look after. They are also citizens with the right to vote and enjoy the dividends of good governance.

They are not to be swept away like refuse, just like that.

OPINION MOUAU @ 23: The Edeoga factor

By Dan Amor

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EAKENED by delusion and battered by technology, the university world is going through a difficult period generally.

At a deeper level, less obvious to the lay observer, disquiet is spreading among dons, together with a degree of dissatisfaction among students even more profound than their occasional speculators seem to indicate, in almost all universities across the world.

But the good news is that there is a breath of fresh air in Abia State. Established in 1992 and commenced academic activities on the premises of the defunct Federal College of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State with just 82 students in the 1993/94 academic session, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, is now an institutional Mississippi.

In terms of infrastructure, administration and academic programmes, the MOUAU can compete favourably with its counterparts anywhere in the world.

The university whose vision is to be the foremost institution in Nigeria for producing highly rated graduates in agriculture, science and technology and to be a vehicle for the attainment of the primary goals of the National Agricultural Policy of self sufficiency in food and fibre production is living its dream.

First, as an institution located in a traditionally agricultural environment,

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the home town of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, first Premier of the defunct Eastern region of Nigeria, there exists excellent understanding between the university and its host communities. It would be recalled that under Chief Michael Okpara, the economy of the Eastern regional government which depended wholly on agricultural produce was the fastest growing amongst countries under the Commonwealth of Nations.

There is currently easy extension of research findings to its host communities for the improvement of their farming practices and methods. Indeed, the task of growing a new university from foundation is daunting. The change is most immediately visible in the new architecture. The mellow cloistered charm of the ancient foundations and the stately dignity of redbrick of old British universities are giving way to the foundational building with its calculated allotment of space, its science fiction design, its managerial aura and the vision of ‘boiler B.A.S’ it automatically conjures up.

As an institution whose membership is absolutely based on a purely intellectual franchise, the university has grown by leaps

The university is drawing from a pool of knowledge available in the larger community of knowledge

and bounds.

With the appointment of Prof. Placid Njoku its pioneer Vice Chancellor on May 27, 1993, the MOUAU had assumed a municipal status. But first let us look at what it has changed from, especially since 2011 when the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hilary Odo Edeoga mounted the saddle.

Before Edeoga’s emergence as Vice Chancellor, the university was heavily anchored in the past. It continued to enjoy the prestige of social worth and outstanding standards of scholarship, but was still the haunt of wealthy but not necessarily very talented men and women who went there as a matter of course, and a more numerous group of serious students, mainly drawn from the middle class.Aside from the negligible number of professors (not more than 25) from all the faculties combined that Edoega inherited in 2011 and a student population of less than 5,000, one could easily count the number of structures in the university premises.

Four years down the road, not only can the school boast of over 100 professors and a student population of over 25,000, the institution has established a full-fledged College of Agricultural and Science Education as well as Department of Chemical Engineering.

The school has successfully split the Department of Computer Science from the former Department of Computer Science/ Mathematics/Statistics. The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology and Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology have also been split from the

Department of Biological Sciences. In spite of his enormous charisma and other outstanding leadership qualities, Edeoga, a Professor of Plant Taxonomy and Cytogenetics has manifested great magnanimity in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of this citadel of learning.

The outcome is that his administrative years has witnessed no strike or student riot.

A man of nimble intelligence with enormous capacity for reasonableness, Prof. Edeoga came into the office of Vice Chancellor with a string of academic qualifications and experience. He has about 71 outstanding awards to his credit, and still counting. In 2012, the students of the university honoured him with the Most Outstanding Student Friendly VC Award.

In addition to the many pluses, Prof. Edeoga has turned the MOUAU to a community of learning. With its partnership with world acclaimed universities across the world, the university is drawing from a pool of knowledge available in the larger community of knowledge. But the question is: With the high standard Prof. Edeoga has set at the MOUA, Umudike, how do we ensure continuity as he leaves this exalted position come March 2016?

*Mr. Amor, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Mullah Omar is dead, the Taliban lives

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ULLAH Mohammed Omar, founder of the Taliban Movement in Afghanistan is dead. He was one of the most feared ‘terrorists’ in the world. Yet, he was essentially, an Afghan patriot.

But for the propaganda that he was a terrorist, Omar would have gone down in history as one of the most unique Heads of State in the world. He shunned publicity and the centre stage of politics so much that there are only two photographs of his available. In the five years he was Afghanistan President, he visited Kabul, the capital only twice; preferring to live in his Khandar home, and leave his lieutenants to run government.

The Taliban he founded, are a disciplined set of fighters; judging by their ability to withstand the combined forces of some of the strongest armies in the world, they are among the best guerrilla fighters in modern history.

The Taliban are a committed and unrelenting army, with Islam as its guiding ideology; that in itself, does not make them terrorists. It is primarily, a local Afghan movement, peopled mainly by Pashtun Afghans

interested in running government and doing business with all countries including the United States whose recognition, it craved. Despite its years of conflict against European, Canadian and American armies on Afghan soil and the perpetual detention without trial of its captured members, the Afghan Taliban is not known to carry out attacks in other countries.

The reputation of the Taliban as an extremist and terrorist group, is based on some issues.

The first was its imposition of strict sharia rule on Afghanistan. But there are countries around the world like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mauritania, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Iran that imposed sharia rule. Yet, they are not regarded as terrorists.

The system of merciless flogging and beheading in public squares which the Taliban was noted for, is also widely practiced in a prowestern country like Saudi Arabia. Perhaps, the most devastating act of the Taliban was its March 2001 destruction of the historical Buddhas of Bamiyan monument. For those of us who embrace knowledge, are married to history, love art

and believe the world is big enough for all religions to operate, this was a horrific act.

Another issue was its ban of television which it regarded as a vehicle of modern Western decadence. But this is not strictly a Taliban or Islamic view. In the 1980s and 90s, one of the largest and fastest growing churches in Nigeria, founded by an academic, taught its members that the television set is the Devil’s box which must be smashed and destroyed.

Another issue was the Taliban declaring the country an Islamic State. Again, there are countries with similar declarations including Zambia which declared itself a Christian state.

There is also the treatment of women, but the Taliban tended to treat women with respect including encouraging them to get education (unlike the

The Taliban he founded, are a disciplined set of fighters; judging by their ability to withstand the combined forces of some of the strongest armies in the world, they are among the best guerrilla fighters in modern history

Cultism, corruption and politicans

By Clement Udegbe

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ECRET cults exist in traditional societies of south of Nigeria,often as instruments of social control, and influence, for the betterment of society.

For example, there are Cults like the Ogboni, Oro, Egugun, Agemo, AwoOpa,Eno-Orugbo, in the South West, Kamalu, Mmanwu, Okonko, Ekpe, Ijere, in the South East, Nfam, Igbe, OghereUke, Ekpo,Oje, in the South South of Nigeria.

They essentially enforced high moral standards, social justice, and peace in those early societies, but like most things in life, when corruption enters, evil follows to reign supreme, and that happened with campus cultism.

The first University campus cult was the National Association of Sea Dogs, Pirate Confraternity, founded in University of Ibadan in 1956, aimed then at addressing the injustice, and oppression in the campus, but they became corrupted as they spread into other university campuses in Nigeria in those days.

Initially, they commanded power and influence on the campuses, and were generally ,gentle, good men and women.

The desire by many to have more power, influence and control, led to the rise of different cult groups in the campuses. The Mafia Confraternity followed in University of Ife, in 1972 , then followed the National Association of Air Lords, or Five Confraternity.

The National Association of Adventures, called the Vickings Fraternity was founded in University of Port Harcourt in 1982,with black and red as their colours, C M Y K

and marked the real beginning of violence and raids by campus cults.

Fashioned after the Scandinavian cult of the Vickings, they used battle axe, swords, and knifes freely to torment their victims. Black Axe Confraternity followed in University of Benin in 1984, and introduced fetish practices into Campus cultism. They wanted to be wholly African, but did very un-African things, engaging mostly in blood covenants, and idolatrous ritual worships, during initiations.

This group opened the door way to many more campus cults, with the result that it is estimated that there are over 30 different cults in university campuses today in Nigeria, including the Black Beret, Aiye, Trojan, Temple, KKK, Osiris, Obalende, Utake, Koko, and what have you. They fight for supremacy among themselves, within and between campuses across Nigeria, killing, and maiming their perceived competitors, enemies and victims. They owe an uncommon allegiance to their leader often called the Capone.

Their various forms of oaths of secrecy, and initiation rituals which could include drinking of human blood, give them false confidence that make them trivialise academic pursuits.

Cultists, willingly perpetrate all form of atrocities on campuses, and most

Cultism and corruption in the politics of Nigeria are intertwined

Taliban in Pakistan) Women had far more freedom under Taliban rule than in Saudi Arabia where, they have no voting right or cannot drive a car. Before Taliban rule, tribal feuds could be settled by trading-off women (Swara) or traditionally, executing them to settle bloodprice; Omar issued a fatwa on these.

The main case against the Taliban was that it gave Bin Laden and his lieutenants , political asylum prior to the barbaric 9/11 terror attacks in America. al-Qaeda had fought on the side of the Afghans in the 1980s in their war against what was seen as Soviet occupation. So when Bin Laden had to leave Sudan after its host had become uncomfortable, the Taliban regime gave it shelter.

The Taliban had no appetite for war; it knew the awesome powers of America and were conscious that no world power including Russia and China would come to their aid in case of a conflict with the West.

Omar had at 23, joined the Mujahideen in 1983 and four years later, a shrapnel destroyed one of his eyes so he retired to be a teacher in Pakistan. After the Najibullah government was overthrown in 1992, anarchy, like happened in post-Barre Somalia and post-Ghadaffi Libya, became rife. In the ensuring chaos, Omar returned to Afghanistan to teach. With the various Mujahideen factions setting up check points to extort money and running riot, his desire was to free his area from anarchy. So in 1994, with his students numbering about thirty, he raided and seized the two check points in his neighbourhood and freed two young women and a boy seized

unfortunately have succeeded in planting cults in Primary and secondary educational institutions. They engage in moral ruin, murder, terrorism, kidnapping, sexual harassment, rape, armed robbery, prostitution, gay and lesbianism, and generally morally debased practices, within and outside our educational institutions. The children from privileged families find school cultism as an easy way to escape their academic responsibilities, without explanations to their sponsors. In fact, there are many cases where parents are cowered down by threats from their wards’ cult groups.

This was the situation that was exploited by politicians in the south of Nigeria, for their unbridled pursuit for power, and electoral successes. They recruit cultists as political tugs, to torment, harass, and suppress their opponents both during and after campaigns.

The problems of cultism in our educational institutions have persisted unabated because our political leaders have vested interests. Cultists among lecturers, teachers, consultants, and in all arrears of work within the university campuses, secondary and primary schools in the South of Nigeria, especially the public institutions. Politicians empower, arm, keep, maintain, and protect cultists, at all levels of the social strata, for their purposes, hence the lip service to plans and actions that will curtail the spread of cultism in this society.

During the 2015 elections, many candidates were directly linked to killings during and after campaigns. Ballot boxes were snatched, with camera evidences, electoral officers, and some law enforcement agents were assaulted and man handled in some areas, and nothing is known to be done against such candidates and their supporters so far.

Some of the culprits are Governors today,

as sex slaves. With news of this, more demands were made of him to free neighbourhoods, and more students flocked to his side.

Within two years, the group which was simply known as students (Taliban) had taken most of the country including Kabul.

On August 7, 1998, the United States (US) embassies in Tanzania and Kenya were bombed and Bin Laden was a suspect. Omar wanted proof of his involvement, promising to put him on trial in Afghanistan, or if the US objected, to hand him over to any Islamic country except Saudi Arabia for trial.

When 9/11 happened, the Taliban regime began debating whether to seize Bin Laden and hand him over to the US or push him out of the country. After all, the al-Qaeda regional base was in Pakistan and fifteen of the nineteen hijackers were Saudis.

These debates were cut short by the American-led invasion.

The Taliban did not stand to fight; it simply melted before the advance of the invaders. So when in 2001, NATO declared victory, the Taliban army was intact. It merely transformed into a guerrilla movement which until today has made the Afghan war, an unwinnable for the Western allies.

Omar encouraged peace talks based on two conditions; the withdrawal of foreign troops and establishment of sharia law. In return, the Taliban would kick out all non Afgan groups including al-Qaeda. The Karzai government was keen on a peace deal, but the West feel that the Taliban cannot be trusted. With the demise of Omar who had issued a fatwa against the ISIS gang, the Afghan peace process might have lost an ally.

while others are in the Senate, National Assembly, and States’ Houses of Assemblies, throwing their weights around, while the families of their victims languish in pain and loss, from the activities of the cults groups they support and sponsor.

President Muhammadu Buhari, PMB, has continuously assured Nigerians that electoral offenders will be prosecuted, but the fear is that most of them will escape the hangman’s noose, based on the past scanty records of successfully prosecuted electoral offenders. In Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, horrible stories abound of criminal electoral conducts by politicians across party lines.

The questions are whether the APC government of PMB, will have the political will to prosecute offenders from its own fold, and at what speed these actions will be executed? The fact that we are told that only Jonathan government will be probed, even when APC offenders continue to display their ill-gotten wealth, suggest that we may not see a just, fair and even law enforcement application against electoral offenders. Nigerians know, that politicians, irrespective of the political party stole, and are stealing even now from government coffers with impunity. A lopsided or discrimatory probe or prosecution of offenders, in favour of the ruling party, will only create more problems for the nation. Let all of them face the music equally irrespective of their political party.

Cultism and corruption in the politics of Nigeria are intertwined. There is need for PMB to create special squads in the Police, NSCDC, and other law enforcement agencies specialized in investigation, and compilation of records of known and suspected cultists.

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

20 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Puzzle, anxiety over disappearance of taxi driver

By Gabriel Enogholase, Benin

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NXIETY, tinged with fear, has gripped the family a 52 year old taxi driver, Monday Etokhena, who seems to have disappeared into thin air one month after he took a passenger from Lagos to Owerri in Imo State. The father of three, according to the head of the Etokhena family of Iroakho – Fugar from Etsako Central local government of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Etokhena, had decided to relocate to the village because things were not going on very well with him.

Narrating the genesis of the disappearance, which has left the family in a lurch, the 73year-old family head told Vanguard Metro, VM, that on getting to the village, Monday secured a vehicle, a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number JJJ 958DIC, owned by Moses Alegho, which drove between Lagos and Auchi.

He disclosed that during one of Monday’s trips to Lagos, a passenger chartered the vehicle from Lagos to Owerri on June 30.

He was said to have successfully taken the passenger to his Owerri destination. Before departing Owerri, he had called to inform a fellow driver that he had dropped the passenger at about 10:30pm. He also called

the of the vehicle and said that he was on his way to Onitsha where he had hoped to spend the night but was advised by his master to spend the night at Asaba in Delta State instead.

However, three days later Monday’s wife called to inform Elder Etokhena that she had not heard from her husband since he travelled to Owerri. “I then called the master and he told me what he had started doing about the situation.

As we were contemplating of what may have happened to him, I told the owner of the vehicle that sometimes the police could make an arrest and keep somebody at the station without people knowing.

Police clearance “I asked him to complain to the police. He went with the traditional ruler of Avianwu Clan, HRH Jackson Etokhena, to meet the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Fugar Police Station who promised to give them policemen to accompany them to Anambra State, but needed clearance from the office of the AIG Zone 5. But they could not wait till Monday and had to go on their own,” he said.

He disclosed that they were •Missing... Monday Etokhena at the Head Bridge, Asaba, Onisha-Ugbo Police Station as The owner of the vehicle, Mr. what the family had said, he well as the office of the FRSC, Alegho, who together with HRH added: “We went to several SARS at Onitsha, Ihiala Police Station and Control Room, Etokhena was present during police stations in Delta, Commissioner of Police Office, VM’s interaction with the family Anambra and Imo states; we Owerri to make inquiries, but head, disclosed, “the missing were told no accident was they were told in each of the driver has been workingfor me recorded within that period. We places visited that there was no since February. We don’t have went to the Edo State head any problem.” Corroborating quarters and they radioed all record of the missing man. stations but no information was forthcoming.”

Elder Etokhena took it up from there. “I called Monday’s phone number and somebody,

ROVING CAMERA

*Vacation day for dogs in Alausa, Ikeja C M Y K

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

We are not sure whether it was kidnapping; if it was kidnapping, they would have asked for ransom; I asked them what they wanted but they switched off the phone

a male voice, picked it and said good morning Chief. I asked him to give the phone to the owner and he did not say anything. I called again and the number was switched off. My friend called and the same man picked. The strange voice said he was a friend to the owner of the phone. For about three days the phone was off.

“My brother said that he called the number and a lady picked the call. I called and the lady picked and I asked them what they wanted. The owner said I should tell them to take the vehicle and release the driver.

I told them and they refused to say anything. On Friday, a man picked and said Your Highness and later kept quiet. I last called on Sallah day.

“We are not sure whether it was kidnapping. If it was kidnapping, they would have asked for ransom. I asked them what they wanted but they switched off the phone. We told the police to track the phone.

They said they are working on it. The IPO called me to say that they have gotten the call history of the phone.

“We want the world to know what is going on and for them to be careful and to also know about our pains in looking for my brother” .

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

— 21

MAN threatens to cut of Ikeja DISCO over zSays miners’association boss unending outages reserves. bitions of these items are not urgently

CBN’s Forex ban: Nigeria can save N860bn from imports of solid mineral-based items

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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IGERIA can save N860 bil lion in import bills from the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to deny importers of the recently announced 41 items from accessing foreign exchange from the nation’s foreign exchange market.

This was the position of the president of Miners Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Ekozin, contained in a statement issued in Abuja.

According to him, 27 of the 41 items were solid minerals-based on which the nation had been spending the equivalent of N860 billion in foreign exchange annually, over the years.

His words “By simple arithmetic, Nigeria imports N860 billion worth of solid minerals annually. This is scandalous. Imagine the jobs that can be created annually from solid minerals with the injection of this huge sum. It is time for our government to put the political will to bear and save the nation from this shameful and systemic destruction of our economy.

“Nigeria must benchmark with other developing countries like Indonesia that have successfully used policies on export and import to curb job losses to other nations and have mobilised about $18 billion in investment in processing plants towards their industrialisation.

“Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is in coma and the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari is urgently needed to revamp this sector and reposition it for global competiveness.”

Ekozin said Nigerians were spending huge money importing things that could be produced locally and unnecessarily depleting the nation’s foreign

$123.55

-0.40

$3,162.00

-4.00

$10.85

-0.04

$50.14

46.18 CURRENCY DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL SDR KRONA

BUYING

1.01

CENTRAL

196 196.5 305.2896 306.0684 214.6984 215.2461 202.5212 203.0378 1.5773 1.5814 0.3085 0.3185 272.6674 273.363 31.5575 31.6385 52.2625 52.3958 273.2828 273.98 28.7706 28.844

197 306.8472 215.7938 203.5545 1.5854 0.3254 274.0586 31.7195 52.5291 274.6771 28.9174

CBN Exchange Rate as at 06/ 08 /15

C M Y K

President Muhammadu Buharui, he said, must not allow the situation to continue and should therefore even go a step further by placing the affected items on the import prohibition lists.

His words, “If a total ban or prohi-

promulgated, it will lead to an increase in the cost of these items locally for consumers and ultimately inflation.

Already, this has led to increased currency speculation and rent seeking at the parallel market.

VISIT: Ag. Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro (L) presenting a plaque to the President, National Association of Stevedoring Companies, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola when the association paid a courtesy visit to the agency.

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

M

anufacturers in Lagos have threatened to abandon the Ikeja Distribution Company (Ikeja DISco) if its quality of power supply continues to deteriorate.

In fact, some manufacturers frustrated by the Disco’s poor services have started generating their own power owing to frequent outages.

Rising from a crucial meeting in Lagos, the manufacturers under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Ikeja branch, affirmed that they are always at a great loss following the quality of power generated by Ikeja Electric, as well as non- metering system prevalent in Lagos.

They also condemned the use of Best of Judgement (BoS) by the Disco, saying that it is not only unfair but also unethical.

In a communiqué reached at the end of the meeting and signed by the association’s Chairman, Prince Oba Okojie, the manufacturers urged the Ikeja Disco to urgently upgrade its information technology, and have a robust financial payment system to accommodate payments by cheques, drafts and funds transfer among others.

They, however, called on their members to effect prompt payment of energy bills as and at when due to enable Ikeja Electric have funds to defray its cost of operations.

FAO’s food price index at lowest level in six years

By Jimoh Babatunde

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LOBAL prices of major food commodities in July hit their lowest average monthly level since September 2009 as sharp drops in the prices of dairy products and vegetable oils more than offset some increases of those of sugar and cereals.

Meat prices, meanwhile, remained stable according to the latest food index released by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) yesterday in Rome, Italy.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 164.6 points in July, down 1.0 per cent from June, and 19.4 percent from a year earlier.

The trade-weighted index tracks prices on international markets of five major food commodity groups: cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils and sugar.

In July, the dairy price index dropped 7.2 per cent from the previous month, mainly due to lower import demand from China, the Middle East and North Africa amid abundant EU milk production, which has resulted in good availability of dairy products

for export.

The July vegetable oil price index was some 5.5 percent below its June level, reaching its lowest value since July 2009. The recent slide was primarily caused by a fall in

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 164.6 points in July, down 1.0 per cent from June, and 19.4 percent from a year earlier

international palm oil prices due to increased production in Southeast Asia combined with slower exports especially from Malaysia, and a further weakening of soy oil prices on ample supplies for export in South America and a favourable outlook for global supply in 2015/16.

The cereal price index rose by 2.0 percent from June, but was still 10.1 percent below July last year’s level.

For the second consecutive month, higher wheat and maize prices, in part due to unfavourable weather in North America and Europe, kept the cereal index rising, but rice prices continued to fall.

In July, the meat price index remained nearly unchanged from the previous month. An increase in international prices of bovine meat offset a decline for pig meat and ovine meat, while prices for poultry remained stable.

The sugar price index rose by 2.5 percent from June 2015, largely due to less than ideal harvesting conditions in the main producing region of Brazil.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

IPF: NSE to compensate 158 investors with N42.227m

By Peter Egwuatu & Nkiruka Nnorom

I

NVESTORS who lose money as a result of wrong doing by certain stockbroking firms licensed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, now have cause to smile as the Board of Trustees of Investors Protection Fund, IPF, of the exchange has approved N42.227 million to compensate 158 claimants.

In a statement by the NSE issued on Wednesday, the Board stated that these number of investors would be compensated in pursuant of Part XIV of the Investment and Securities Act 2007 (ISA) for pecuniary losses suffered by them as a result of wrong doing by certain dealing member firms of the exchange which might be as a result of revocation or cancellation of the registration of a dealing member firm by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of a dealing member firm of the Exchange, amongst others.

Identity verification According to the statement “ These 158 claimants due to be compensated are investors whose claims were verified by the exchange, approved by the Board of Trustees of the IPF, and whose identities were verified by an identity verification consultant engaged by the IPF. The claimants were found to be eligible for compensation in accordance with the relevant provisions of the ISA and the Investors’ Protection Fund Rules (the Rules).

The Board of Trustees, in accordance with the Rules of the Fund set a maximum compensation amount of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) per claimant. The total amount approved by the Board of Trustees as compensation payment to the 158 investors is N42,227,397 (Forty Two Mil-

lion, Two Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira). These 158 investors are being compensated for defalcation committed by 29 dealing member firms of the Exchange who are either inactive or have been expelled as members of the Exchange.”

Mr. L. Fubara Anga, the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees said: “it has been a long, rigorous and transparent process getting to this stage.

We researched global best practices and based on our findings, we took decisions on various issues regarding the IPF, benchmarking our processes and procedures against other international investors’ protection funds.

First of all, we put in place an appropriate corporate governance structure for the Fund; we adopted Rules for the IPF and then following transparent and auditable selection processes, we appointed auditors as well as identity verification consultants.

We then commenced the process of identifying claimants and verifying their claims.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON who is also a Trustee of the IPF said: “This milestone gives me great pleasure as it affirms our commitment to the continuous development of initiatives that will bolster confidence in the capital market.

Though the compensation payment may not be a complete restoration, it is a show of good faith on our part to investors. I thank the Board of Trustees for their guidance and commitment, the claimants for their valuable patience, and all other stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of this exercise.”

Ms. Tinuade Awe, the Head of Legal and Regulation at the Exchange and Acting Secretary to the Board of Trustees, explained that “the IPF will duly advise all 158 claimants about the processes to receive their compensation payments.”

LAUNCH: From left: Country Representative, Ford Foundation, Innocent Chukwuma; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; member, Airtel CSR Advisory Committee, Yemi Cardoso and Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah at the launch of Airtel Touching Lives Season 2 in Lagos.

Education, tool for protecting investors —NSE T

By Peter Egwuatu

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change, NSE, has identified investor education as a veritable tool towards protecting investors in the capital market.

A knowledgeable investor knows the basics of investment and when he engages the services of a professional, knows how, when and where to invest in the capital market, but for a non-knowledgeable investors, he lacks the basics and even when the services of a professional is engaged, he may not be able to take decisions on how to maximize the gains from his investment.

It will be recalled that the NSE kicked off its financial literacy programme as a first step in protecting investors in February, 2012.

This programme was aimed to enhance investors’ understanding of the basics of investing around portfolio construction, asset allocation and risk diversification.

Investor clinic, an aspect of the financial literacy programme designed by the exchange to address low investor confidence and create better informed investors, is targeted at particular segments of the investing community to discuss the finer details of investing and to shed more light on the capital market ecosystem. These clinics were delivered in partnership with stellar organizations such as Morgan Stanley, Stanbic IBTC, Greenwich Trust and FBN Capital, just to name a few.

In addition to the investor clinics, the NSE has organized over 500 investor education workshops for “grassroots level” investors (civil servants, students, SMEs, etc.) across Nigeria via its thirteen branch offices.

Domestic and foreign investor drive Financial Literacy: The exchange conducted approximately 200 investor education outreach programmes in 2014, empowering thousands of retail investors to make more informed investment decisions. It also hosted a road show to increase Asian foreign portfolio investments (FPI) into Nigeria. Asia is currently Nigeria’s largest trading partner.

Also as part of its effort to educate investors, the NSE in July 2014, launched a new web site.

The user friendly site provides a richer experience in terms of accessibility, for both listed company information and other key data points relating to the business of the Exchange. The site runs smoothly on mobile platforms, and allows the Exchange to scale up its web services in line with user demand.

WFE Membership: The NSE was admitted to full membership in the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) in October 2014, following a multi-year process that included a two-day onsite inspection in September 2014. Full membership in the Federation bestows a higher level of credibility and visibility upon

Union Bank unveils Activate & Win promo

U

NION Bank of Nigeria Plc has announced a new promotion to encourage customers to adopt cards and alternative payment channels.

The “Activate and Win Promo” will reward Union Bank customers who request and activate any Union Bank MasterCard, Visa or Verve debit card with instant prizes such C M Y K

as airtime and also qualify them for monthly prizes. All customers participating in the promo will also qualify for a grand prize of an all-expense paid trip to Dubai.

Speaking about the promo, Head of Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said, “As the cashless initiative gets set to roll out nationwide,

it is our goal to ensure that we put a card in every customer’s hands, and encourage the use of electronic payment platforms and other e-channels.

This promo also provides an opportunity for Union Bank to reward customers for their loyalty.” The first draw of the promo was held last month and 12 lucky customers were rewarded with various prizes.

Full membership in the Federation bestows a higher level of credibility and visibility upon the NSE, enabling it to promote higher standards

the NSE, enabling it to promote higher standards. It also provides an avenue for increased international cooperation, as well as increased investment flows.

Corporate governance Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS): The NSE, in partnership with the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), launched the CGRS in November 2014. Using a holistic multistakeholder approach and a diverse set of information collection and verification processes, the CGRS is designed to rate companies listed on the Exchange based on their corporate governance practices, thereby improving the overall perception of and trust in Nigeria’s capital market.

Participation by listed companies will become mandatory in 2015, and the NSE National Council has committed to lead by example by completing the required CGRS company directors’ assessment.

Staying the Course: The NSE is also unwavering in its commitment to solidify its leadership positionasAfrica’sforemostsecurities exchange, and is committed to initiativesthatwillpositionthebourseasan attractivelistingandinvestmentdestination. In support of the federal government’s reforms, the NSE has pledged to continue to provide a viable platform to support the financing and sustainable development of the real economy.

Therefore, this year 2015, the Exchange has focused on delivering several initiatives in support of its revised strategy. Key amongst these initiatives are the following themes: Promote the Nigerian capital market as an African hub for growth companies; Attract more domestic flows into the market; Implement a more competitive price structure in conjunction with the Regulator and other market participants; and Intensify its efforts towards developing a more sustainable market.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 —23

Natnudo Chicken gets NAFDAC certification

A

MO Farm Sieberer Hatchery, producers of Natnudo chicken, has been certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Speaking during a factory tour and inspection by the Team of NAFDAC Management, the Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the whole production process of the company is in line with international standard and best practices and should be emulated by other players in the industry.

“What I am seeing today are the kind of facilities we have seen only in developed countries and which I had prayed will one day be available in Nigeria”.

“This facility has now made it possible for Nigerians to enjoy high quality locally produced chicken which is guaranteed to meet their protein needs”.

Orhii pledged that the agency will work closely with Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies to ensure they record more successes in the quest to completely eradicate the consumption of unwholesome chicken in Nigeria.

“I want to assure you again of Government’s support to the local Poultry Industry and also of our commitment to educate Nigerians on consuming farm fresh frozen chicken.

REPORT: From left, Adeniyi Talabi, Chairman, Storage and Agro–Processing Committee; Sir Oloche Edache, Chairman, Agricultural Extension Services Committee; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agric, Arc. Sonny Echono; Mr. Damilola Eniaiyeju, Chairman, Cotton Committee and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar, Chairman, Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes, during submission of report on the revitalization of the agricultural sector, in Abuja.

Cross River govt frustrated my N150m cocoa farm project —Shippers’ boss

By Godfrey Bivbere

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RESIDENT of the Cross Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Shippers Association, NSA, Michael Ogodo, has accused the Cross Rivers State government of frustrating his N150m Cocoa farm project earlier approved by the state.

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Ogodo said that the immediate past government of the state urged his firm to go a step further from cocoa export to processing in the state as a way

of creating more jobs in the state. Ogodo told Vanguard that he had been involved in the export of cocoa from the state since 1996 and has been very successful.

According to him, “We met the then governor, Liyel Imoke, in 2009 and in one of those courtesy visits with my friends from London, Amajaro Trading Company, he urged us to consider processing Cocoa at the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, and we said why not.

“But we said to him, your Excellency, the total volume

of cocoa being produced in Cross Rivers state as at that time our estimate was 30,000 metric tons and we said to him if we want to set up a factory that can produce 10,000 tones, we will need to have our source of cocoa. We needed land to plant cocoa so that we can at least generate half of what we will use in the factory and then buy the rest because you cannot set up a factory expecting 20,000 raw materials whereas total cocoa supply in this area is 30,000. You cannot get it because other Cocoa export-

FG receives reports on revitalisation of agric sector

By Jimoh Babatunde

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HE four National Com mittees on the revitalization of the agricultural sector in Nigeria inaugurated last month by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the directives of President Mohammadu Buhari have submitted their reports.

The four committees on the operationalization of Federal Government storage and Agro Processing facilities Resuscitation of Cotton, Textile and Garments, strategic Action Plan for the Development of Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes Nationwide and Revitalization of Agricultural Extension Services in Nigeria, made far reaching recommendations based on their terms of reference.

For instance, the committee on the resuscitation of Cotton, Textile and Garments (CTG) called for the injection of N37.20 billion in the secC M Y K

tor between 2016 and 2019 as well as the exploitation of the existing N100Billion CTG fund domiciled with the Bank of Industry which has now been converted to equity.

This, the committee said will support as working capital/retooling of operational textile mills and resuscitation of about 80 closed mills as well as 23 closed ginneries.

The proposed N37.20billion, the committed said, should be used to support all sections of the cotton, textile and garments sector.

It emphasized the need for improvement of cotton production through financial support for the Institute for Agriculture Research of the Ahmadu Bello University to enable it upgrade its facilities and build the capacity of staff.

It also recommended financial support for the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)to enable it deploy Biotechnology

(BT)Cotton at confined fields at trial level while the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Introgress BT Protein in existing varieties as well as produce of double haploid cotton.

On cotton seed multiplica-

The proposed N37.20billion, the committed said, should be used to support all sections of the cotton, textile and garments sector

tion and seed supply, the Committee recommended a virile and systematic breeder foundation and certified seed regeneration system, while mandating the National Agricultural seed Council (NASC) to always certify and regulate the Cotton seed industry.

Part of the recommendation of the committee on ginnery development was for operational ginneries to work with Nigeria Incentive Based Risk sharing system for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA) through the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) to increase quantity and quality of seed cotton and lint.

It also recommended that on seed cotton marketing, the Agriculture Ministry (FMARD) and Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMITT) should work closely to establish the Cotton Corporation of Nigeria (CCN) to revive Cotton Production and Competitiveness.

ers are not going to allow you to buy that much. Liyel Imoke agreed and said they were going to give us land.”

Ogodo said after waiting for about a year for the land from the state government, his firm had gone to two communities, Tiara and Itarakureriren, to acquire 7,241 hectares of land at a cost of N35 million and then went to the state government that gave them Certificate of Ownership, C of O. He further disclosed that the then Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Mr. Attah, was his lawyer for the transaction and that the governor had promised to fix the road leading to the communities as well as give them electricity.

However, he noted that at the point they were supposed to move into the land, they were told that they needed to get a formal approval from the Cross Rivers State Forest Reserve Commission which they refused to give, stating its fear that the company would cut down economic trees. Representatives of the two communities and their lawyers came to Calabar to see the governor several times but he went abroad then for medical care.

Ogodo said when the governor finally came back from his trip; he also said that they could not farm on the land.

“I swear to God, I lost everything and the only thing I have is the piece of paper which is the C of O. The nursery we planted have grown substantially, we have cleared substantial part of the land. We also paid this lecturer, Dr. Getty Njah, N20 million as total survey cost,” he concluded.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Commonwealth to have 40% global workforce in 2020 —Everret

VISIT: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State (3rd left); Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Mr. Oliver Everett (3rd right); President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello (2nd left); Deputy President, LCCI, Mrs. Nike Akande (2nd right); Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Mr. Ajala Olaseni (left) and Director General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the C.E.O of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, in Lagos House.

C O M M O N W E A LT H Enterprise and Investment Council, (CWEIC), has said that by 2020, 40 per cent of the global workforce will be in the Commonwealth, which is expected to add a further 800 million people to its workforce by the middle of the century.

The Director General, CWEIC, Mr. Oliver Everret, disclosed this at the Nigeria foreign policy and international relation dialogue, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. He added that, the Commonwealth’s commitments to its values of democracy, rule of law and a free press will provide a global “stamp of approval”

We’re moving from oil to self sustaining state —Dickson Stories by Naomi Uzor

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HE Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson, has expressed his administration’s determination to expand the frontiers of the state’s economy through active participation of the private sector so that Bayelsa State can move away from being an economy dependent on oil and gas to one that is self-sustaining.

Disclosing this at the just concluded second edition of the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum, Dickson said, it is this kind of economy that can realistically create inclusive growth, provide jobs and create huge wealth and prosperity for the government and people of the state. He added that, the abundance of natural resources in terms of assets makes Bayelsa an attractive investment destination in the country.

“When we hosted the first BSIEF in July 2014, it was inspired by my vision to transform Bayelsa State into a model of an African economic success story. That vision stands and is now even more imperative in view of the recent downturn in the oil and gas sector. More than ever before it has become necessary for Bayelsa State to diversify its economy and pursue our competitive advantage in agriculture, oil and gas industry, power generation and manufacturing.

“In recognition of the role of the private sector in creating long term sustainable wealth, the BSIEF 2015 will through the unveiling of various projects seek private sector participation for effective diversification of the state economy” he said.

Declaring the summit open, the Vice- President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye, commended the state government for the vision and laudable intent of the summit, noting the strides already made from the first edition which had attracted in-

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vestors to signing a number of MOUs in power, communication and ICT. He pledged the Federal Government’s readiness to support the state in its stride towards economic development. While noting that the development of the economy featured prominently in President Muhammadu Buharis’s agenda, he said that the economic wellbeing of the nation also depends on the wellbeing of the economies of the federating states to create wealth and provide employment for the people.

His words: “The theme of this year’s Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum” cannot be more apt for Nigeria and indeed for Bayelsa State at this time in our nation’s history. In all states of the federation, all hands must be on deck to diversify the economy by engaging ourselves in creating industrial regions. It is not a coincidence that most of the developed nations are also the most industrialized countries. It is the key engine of growth in the development process.”

“The development of industrial growth is vital to the development of our educational institutions, employment for our youths, technology transfer as well as prosperity for the people.

The development of industrial growth is vital to the development of our educational institutions, employment for our youths, technology transfer as well as prosperity for the people

“From the agenda of this forum, I can see that the Bayelsa State Government is ready to showcase its eco- industrial region and the Agge deep seaport as a destination for oil and gas and of course the agricultural sector. These are laudable objectives and I wish to assure the people of Bayelsa State that the Federal Government is ready, able and willing to as-

sist in the implementation of these objectives for sustainable development in the state.”

He, however harped on the need to operate within the confines of the law by ensuring the rule of law, transparency and to employ sound industrial policies as well as check corruption which he said could impinge on the business environment.

Free Trade: Resist pacts that require reciprocity, MAN urges govt

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he Manufacturers Association Nigeria (MAN) has urged Nigeria to resist any free trade agreement that requires reciprocity especially at this stage of its development.

Speaking at the Africa today’s international conference on economic partnership agreement held in Abuja recently, the President of MAN, Mr. Frank Jacobs, while delivering his speech tagged “Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Manufacturers’ Concern’’, said the association believes that trade is beneficial to the existence of a global community including Nigeria and ECOWAS, but also knows that free trade is not as free as it sounds because it is associated with huge costs especially for the developing countries.

“Nigeria should resist any free trade agreement that requires reciprocity especially at this stage of its development. The EU and Nigeria already have tariff-based trading relationship going and they should continue with that relationship. If for any reason Nigeria must embark upon the dangerous path of EPA, it may consider the use of tariff-based trade which allows a national government to control the volume of trade imports and exports flow into and outside the country. With the application of tariff government can control trade in the direction that is exigent upon achieving desired policy objectives. Free trade willdecapitatenationalgovernments of their ability to control the direction and magnitude of trade within the framework of tariff without causing

international rancour”, he said.

He emphasized that almost all the developed countries practiced one formofprotectionortheotherontheir route to industrialization. United StatesofAmerica,France,Germany and the Great Britain were all in this wagon.

To be more specific, he added, Britain at a point protected its textile industry from Indian and Chinese trade incursions until the industry was developed enough to compete effectively. In line with these practices, it is not out of place for Nigeria to continue to protect its growing industries.

Hesaid whatNigerianeedsnowis to identify key industries (manufacturing) and apply adequate protectionist measures until they are developed enough to compete effectively in trade, trade more within the ECOWAS region.

For a developing country, its first export market should be targeted at its regional blocs. Free trade is better begun with regional blocs, industries should be adequately incentivized, with particular attention to the manufacturing sector; such incentives should be tied to performance criteria and for a specific number of years after which such industries should stand on their own. Trade more with EU on machinery, raw-material and other industrial inputs while limiting the importation of consumer finished goods, develop the infrastructure base of the country (electricity, good road and rail networks, etc) and end the menace of insecurity in the country and develop industrial zones and clusterswithrequisiteinfrastructure.

which helps to attract long term and sustainable investment adding to its middle class faster than any other grouping and that by 2020 the Commonwealth will contain over one billion middle class consumers.

“The Commonwealth factor makes it up to 15 per cent cheaper to do business with Commonwealth countries thanks to similar legal structures and cultural similarities. We facilitate trade and investment throughout the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and support private sector companies and Governments in developing economic activity. The CWEIC is the apex organisation representing private sector businesses within the Commonwealth; we are the only institution with a remit to promote intra-Commonwealth trade and investment. CWEIC is the private sector’s gateway to doing business in the Commonwealth, we provide our members with unparalleled access to an ever expanding international network.

Using this network, we work with our members to expand their businesses and to help with new investments in any Commonwealth country” he said.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tunji Bello, said as a government, they are committed to building on the current goodwill and confidence by putting in place policies which will ease the process of doing business in Lagos.

“We will do our best to make the business environment safe and profitable for investors. We have identified critical areas including infrastructural development, security, an efficient public service as well as the rule of law as key issues to be accorded utmost attention. A major step that we have taken is the establishment of the office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global). This is a fulfilment of one of my campaign promises. The idea behind this initiative is to have a one stop shop through which investors and business owners can relate with the same government “he stated.

Professor of International Law and Chair, office of International Relations, Partnerships prospects, University of Lagos, Prof. Akin Oyebode, said, ever since independence, Nigeria has been a peripheral, neo-colonial dependency, crypto-capitalist enclave which seemed to be at home playing the subordinate, inferior role of supplier of primary commodities and a market for manufactured goods to which it had been consigned by imperialism within the global scheme of capitalist production, distribution and exchange of goods and services.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 25

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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HE news of the visit of Hayija Turai Yar‘Adua to the Abeokuta Hilltop residence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was splashed in some sections of the media earlier this week.

Unlike many other political visits to the Hilltop mansion, the visit by the widow of President Umaru Yar‘adua was concealed from the press reportedly on Obasanjo’s instructions.

Obasanjo according to sources gave strict instructions to aides not to allow the press to cover or to even know about the visit.

President Obasanjo’s instruction was particularly ironic given the humiliation and disappointment he suffered in the hands of elements of the Yar‘Adua family after he left office.

Obasanjo who is known not to suffer fools gladly had not been so merciful to some other estranged friends. When former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar sometime in 2008 made a private visit to reconcile with his former boss he was shocked to find a horde of pressmen waiting for him at the end of what was supposed to be a private visit.

ANTI-GRAFT WAR:

Turai's troubles

LAST weekend’s reported visit of a former first lady to a former president is reflective of the vicissitudes of political power!

Ascension to power But not so for Turai, the widow of the man Obasanjo foisted on Nigeria after viciously vacating many other more interested presidential aspirants. It was believed that the visit was the first time the two were seeing one another since Yar‘Adua’s ascension to power in 2007.

Turai’s visit to Obasanjo was not totally surprising given the bond that at one time existed between Obasanjo and the extended Yar‘adua family.

That relationship was forged when the late Shehu Musa Yar‘Adua was deputy to Obasanjo as head of state in the seventies.

Following the death of Shehu, Obasanjo again operating as a democrat dictator again pandered towards the Yar‘Adua family when he foisted Shehu’s younger brother, Umaru as his successor in 2007.

However, what followed thereafter was a relationship laced with aloofness and betrayal in the eyes of some political observers.

While Obasanjo was flayed by some for trying to control the Yar‘Adua government from the backseat, the actions of the successor in truncating plans and programmes of the Obasanjo government, especially the privatisation of the refineries was received with disappointment by the Obasanjo camp.

Speaking in a television interview few days ago, the former president lamented the decision by the Yar‘adua government to reverse the sale C M Y K

•Turai: Connects with a family benefactor

•Obasanjo: Did not want the visit to be made known

Beyond the attack on Obasanjo as a person, the operatives of the Yar‘Adua regime went for his daughter, Iyabo, then a serving senator on the allegation of stealing government money •Iyabo: Hounded by agents of Yar`Adua govt

•Zainab: Taking bullets for husband of the refineries.

“Dangote and some investors paid $750m for two of the refineries. My successor came to office and reversed the sale. He even refunded the money they paid.

“So, I went to him and said ‘why did you do this?’ He said it was because of pressure. So, I

said ‘so the pressure of some people was more important than the interest of the whole nation?”

The reversal of official policies was only one matter. The other was the alleged collaboration by elements within the Yar‘adua presidency with members of the House of Representatives to hound Obasanjo through the

probe of the investments made into the power sector during the Obasanjo regime.

Beyond the attack on Obasanjo as a person, the operatives of the Yar‘Adua regime went for his daughter, Iyabo, then a serving senator on the allegation of stealing government money. That perhaps could have been a

departing point and the failure of President Yar‘adua to look beyond partisan political interests at the substance of the issues involved in the allegations against Iyabo was vexatious to many allies of President Obasanjo.

It was even remarkable that at the height of the whole issue that Obasanjo maintained a stoic silence, refusing to publicly and perhaps privately intervene into the troubles of his daughter.

For whatever reason the late president looked the other way as the eldest child of his political benefactor and long time family friend came under the vicious tackle of his political allies and subordinates.

It was remarkable that Iyabo stood her ground that she was not guilty of any offence in the sense that the funds collected by her committee members were used for the purpose for which they were meant. The determination of the government at that time to jail Iyabo was so

Continues on page 28

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

DEBTS: States’ fresh borrowing spree raises dust WITH the allusions of Second Republic Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) that state governors are the biggest thieves in the country, Nigerians are beginning to watch with keen interest another round of borrowing spree in the country.

By Gbenga Oke

S

OME governors have maintained that they have no option than borrowing on account of the quantum of debts they met on ground with some claiming that they met empty treasuries. At the rate some of the governors are going about fresh loans, there is fear that they may unleash more debts on the states.

Several reasons were adduced for the borrowing including need to improve on the infrastructure and backlog of unpaid civil servants salaries Political analysts have been wondering why the governors, who are not up 100 days in office have embarked on borrowing spree. Leading in the moves for fresh loans are Rivers and Abia state governments that had both approached the banks to borrow a whooping sum of 30 billion respectively.

Govs are stealing state resources –Akinjide Peeved with the development Chief Akinjide, in a television interview accused governors of corruption, saying: “States are broke because governors are stealing money and that is why they are unable to pay salaries because they are stealing. The biggest thieves are the governors.”

Fiscal policy He went further: “States get billions of naira allocation every month and yet there is nothing to show for it as majority of people in government lack honour.”

Govs are reckless – Junaid Mohammed Also speaking, Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, blamed the quantum of borrowing on the fiscal policy of the government that aided corruption by some of the governors.

His words: “It is very sad these governors collect money in the name of services but the services are not rendered. The governors are overwhelmingly corrupt and reckless and they have successfully pocketed the state Houses of Assembly members in their states. So the check and balances that are supposed to take place are not existing at all and that is why we have majority of these governors just borrowing money from banks anyhow.

“The process is such that any state governor that has majority of his party members as state house of Assembly members thinks he has the right to go C M Y K

•Buhari: Frowns at reckless spending

borrow money anyhow whether he has the capacity to pay back or not.”

Civil servants, banks also culpable He also accused civil servants and bankers of conniving with the state governors in the looting of the states. “The civil servants and the bankers are collaborators in this scam. When you go to bank to borrow, after the bank has finished scrutinizing your papers with the collateral and how the money will be paid back, what they do is to join the governors in mortgaging the future of a whole state by way of mortgaging the monthly allocations from the Federal Government. That is very dangerous and those governors will give them guarantee that when the federal allocations comes in, they will pay back. That is very dangerous and it is the fault of the Federal Government to allow states to borrow money against their monthly allocations. they should not allow the state governments to borrow money against their

monthly allocations. They should also make it impossible for states to collect money directly from the local government funds because the state and local government joint account is a like a cash cow.

“These governors should not be allowed to go and destroy the states again. Before President Buhari gave bailout to some of those states, majority of them could not afford to pay salaries. I don’t think there is a way any state can survive with this financial recklessness going on in the states,” he said.

APC opposes Rivers N30 billion loan The borrowing of 30billion by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state in two tranches under one month raised an outcry in the state. Rivers State House of Assembly approved the request made by Governor Nyesom Wike to secure a N10 billion loan from Zenith Bank in the first week of assuming office and another 20 billion weeks later.

The House approved the loan after deliberating on the

governor’s request letter read by Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani.

According to the letter, the fund is meant for rehabilitation of roads and some other projects within the governor’s first 100 days in office.

Concurring, the lawmakers said, “the money is small but it shows that our governor will be diligent with public funds and that is why all the 28 lawmakers gave their support to the governor to go ahead.”

The governor in his letter to the House said the loan would be repaid from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR adding that it would be used to complete roads started by the previous government in the state.

Reacting to the development, the Rivers state All Progressives Congress, APC said the borrowing N30 billion in a month of the administration of Governor Wike is part of the plot by the governor to plunge the state into an abyss of debt and economic servitude.

The party said the loan is just a child’s play as the governor has commenced negotiations with other banks for more loans.

The Publicity Secretary of APC in the state said, “The governor of Rivers state plans to obtain more loans to the tune of N100 billion from other banks. The situation we found ourselves is very sad and it is unfortunate .”

Benue borrowed N10 billion to pay salaries –Ortom On assumption of office, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State told citizens of the state that his administration will borrow N10 billion to pay workers’ salaries.

He said part of the money will be for the smooth take off of his administration which includes the legislature, cars for commissioners and advisers.

The governors are overwhelmingly corrupt and reckless and they have successfully pocketed the state Houses of Assembly members in their states

His words: “When we applied to the State Assembly for approval to borrow the money we gave details of what it was intended for. I said it was going to be used to pay two months salaries because on the average, we expend N3.7 billion on the payment of monthly salaries.

“The breakdown is as follows: wage bill is about N2.8 billion while the overhead per month across board runs to about N700 million. So if you add the two months salary together, you will be spending about N7.4 billion or close to N7.5 billion on salaries alone thereby leaving a balance of about N2.5 billion out of the N10 billion we borrowed.”

However, opposition in the state have alleged that Governor Ortom mismanaged the 10 billion he borrowed recently.

Benue Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, said that reliable information from the state Ministry of Finance indicated that the state treasury was empty and that workers were owed five months salaries.

Behind Niger State’s N1.8 billion loan The Niger state government was not left out in the borrowing as the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, wrote a letter to the State House Assembly asking for an approval of N1.85billion loan to pay workers salaries in the state.

According to him, the inability of the local government councils to mobilise enough money to pay workers salaries and arrears led to the borrowing.

The speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Marafa Ahmed, read a letter from the governor requesting for a loan that will make up for the shortfall in the 25 local councils’ 2015 budget.

Without loan we can’t operate on the Plateau –Lalong Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said the state will borrow money to address security and financial challenges facing his state.

The Governor said there is urgent need to get a loan because the debt he met on ground was more than N104 billion and with that level of debt, his administration will have to borrow to pay workers’ salaries.

Abia APC condemns N30 billion loan The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State condemned the approval given to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to borrow N30 billion from commercial banks, saying some relevant rules were not followed.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Madu Chikwendu, the party described as “embarrassing,” the passage of the resolution by the House of Continues on page 28

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 27

KOGI: The ethnic card

By Boluwaji Obahopo

THE deep seated ethnic differences that have often defined political contests in Kogi State are presently playing out in the build up to the governorship election in the state.

I

T is so given that Kogi State is an amalgam of various ethnic nationalities that were distinct from one another until the creation of the state in 1991.

With its acclaimed numerical strength, the Igala who dominate the Eastern Senatorial District have been dominant in the political equation of the state. All the elected governors since the creation of the state have come from the area.

The Okun Yoruba are found in Kogi West Senatorial District, while the Ebira are in the Central Senatorial district.

Given that the East has consistently produced the political leadership of the state since 1991, it is not surprising that there has been clamour for power shift from the zone to other zones.

That agitation was recently formalised among leaders of the West and Central senatorial districts who came up with a pronouncement that their people should reject any governorship candidate that is not from any of the two zones.

This notion is seen to be responsible for the present alignment and realignment of some power brokers along ethnic flanks with the incumbent governor, Alhaji Idris Wada as the main target.

Remarkably, the threat against Wada is coming from within and outside his East Senatorial zone with Alhaji Isah Echocho and a former governor of the state governor, Prince Abubakar Audu among the major contenders from the Igala speaking zone.

Echocho, a former governorship aspirant in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, is believed to have political tentacles spread across the senatorial districts in the state.

It was this advantage that saw him grabbing the party ’s governorship ticket at the first PDP primaries in 2011, before being subdued in a highpowered politics that ensued thereafter.

Already, his presence has been registered across the state through campaign billboards and posters. Though a PDP

member, analysts foresee him dumping the party for Accord given the likelihood of the incumbent governor, Wada emerging the party ’s candidate.

The aspiration of Audu which appears surprising to many who had thought that he was no more aiming at the governorship position is a source of concern considering his prime position in the All Progressives Congress, APC. So, relying on the quest for power shift in line with the norm in most states at the recent general election, the coalition of Okun, Lokoja and Ebira Koto from the Western Senatorial zone; Egbira, Ogori/ Mangogo from the Central Senatorial and the Bassa, are pushing for a common candidate.

The emerging bloc intends pursuing this agenda in the APC and PDP. However, should the endeavour fail, it was gathered that their support may likely go for an aspirant on the platform of a different party.

An indication of this readiness was recently played out at a political forum in the state, where leading political

Given that the East has consistently produced the political leadership of the state since 1991, it is not surprising that there has been clamour for power shift from the zone to other zones

players from the two senatorial zones vowed to wrestle power from the Igala.

Predominantly made up of serving and former members of the National Assembly, former ministers, among others, they pledged to present a single governorship candidate at the election.

They also threatened to disown anyone from the area, who may betray the cause particularly by accepting the

•Gov Wada: Seeking a second term in office offer of being a running mate to anyone from the Igala area.

The outcome of a screening exercise carried out by the Okun Development Association, ODA, produced a former acting Governor of the state, Chief Clarence Olafemi, Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb and Suleiman Baba Ali as

shortlisted aspirants.

They are to be screened alongside Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was nominated by the Central Senatorial District.

Senator Muhammed Ohiare and former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Philip Salahu are also in the race.

••Wada 'll support power shift after 2nd term — OLOWOMORAN COMMISSIONER for Culture and Tourism in Kogi State, Mr. Kayode Olowomoran in this interview in this interview downplayed calls for power to shift to another Senatorial District in the state, noting if re-elected, the governor would do that after his second term in office.

By Charles Kumolu & Anozie Egole

S

OME expect power to shift this time from Kogi East Senatorial District. Do you see the possibility of that?

Power is not what you sit down and expect it to be given to you.

You have to work for it. In that direction Idris Wada is not an Igala governor but Kogi State governor. He is very sensitive to this very agitation and that is why he is still the better man we have at hand now. After his second term, he is going to support any candidate coming from any other senatorial region particularly from the West and the Central. If he has said this, then what else do we want from him again? If we are going to bring in another Igala man to come occupy the Lugard House (Government House), that will alter the calculations. It would mean that we are going to start afresh. So between eight and four years which one is closer? So you can see four years is closer,. What is

four years in the life of a man that people cannot be patient?

Your state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is known to be in crisis following the outcome of the recent ward congresses among other issues.

Don’t you think the absence of oneness is likely to affect your chances?

When you have a responsible leadership, you can be rest assured that you are going to get good results. When you have the competence to handle the elders, youths, women and the ordinary man on the street, then it becomes difficult to throw away a winning team. Governor Idris Wada is not an arrogant person, he listens to even the Okada riders in Lokoja. During the Ramadan period, he goes out to break his fast with people on the street. He also reaches out to Christians. So, for anybody to think the election is going to be a walk-over, the person is wrong. And I believe that people are still going to give him the mandate again.

Senator Dino Melaye, who

•Olorumoran: Wada is not an Igala governor represents Kogi West in the Senate had expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress, APC is hundred percent sure of winning the election. Don't you think that such statement should be taken seriously considering the bandwagon effect that earned the party success during the general election?

He is an individual and in politics you do not come out and talk negatively about you

ambition. That is his opinion.

He expects that but the people know what they want and we are not playing to the gallery.

We are saying that we need this man re-elected to consolidate what he has already started.

Thereafter, some of us who are in PDP will go back to what we agreed upon. Now, this is the time to support the consolidation efforts. We have the culture of carrying everyone along in the PDP. That is why we are the largest party in Africa and we are still standing. Who are the APC, they are all PDP members.

Wada has been accused of under-performance in the state.

What can you say about that from the stand point of an insider?

This is the first time we are going to have opportunity to build up Kogi State. He is a people friendly governor. Before you talk about the quality of anyone, it is important to look at his lifestyle.

He is a trained pilot. That shows the kind of quality that God has given him as a person. The second thing about him is his approach to governance. He came in with loaded ideas on how to move Kogi State forward.

He started that until the economy began to nose-dive. That actually had effects on Kogi like every other state in Nigeria.

C M Y K

28 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Jonathan humiliated the Urhobo nation — UNAGHA Alhaji Mumakai-Unagha is the National Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). A legal practitioner, in this interview , he narrates how the Urhobo nation was deprived during the Jonathan years and speaks on the crisis in the Urhobo Progress Union. Excerpts:

W

HAT is your assessment of the Jonathan administration and its dealings with the Urhobos and the Niger Delta people?

Generally, the Urhobo nation did not fare well under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. In all his decisions, policies, actions and inactions, he never looked at the direction of the Urhobo people and of course he was only concerned with his Ijaw nation.

All the juicy positions that were coming to the Niger-Delta were only going to his people. At a point, the entire Niger Delta was being misconstrued as Ijaw. Both the Ijaw National congress and the Ijaw Youth Council were erroneously mistaken as an organisation for the Niger Delta.

Some Ijaw youths were dangerously empowered such that they could over-run other ethnic nationalities.

Those of us who stuck our necks out in the Niger Delta struggle were dismissed with a wave of hand. I recall that an Ijaw leader once told some us that the Ijaw have fought their battle and that we should go ahead with ours.

Presidential election In the 2011 presidential election, the Urhobo with all the odds went all out to vote for him but he rewarded us with humiliation for which we vowed not to vote for him again.

The condition we found ourselves when our so called brother ruled the country for the past six years was worse as we have nothing to show for it. Our people are better off when Northerners rule the country.

This is the bitter truth which I know too well that some jingoists wouldn’t want to hear.

If you asked me, just as you have done, to me the major achievement of our Brother Jonathan’s administration is the

North is not just starting today.

The Urhobos and the Northerners (Hausa) relationship is dated back to the pre-colonial era when the Northern traders were all over Urhobo land and the Urhobos were also in the north doing petty businesses. At that time, the Urhobo accommodated and sheltered them.

When Midwest region was to be created, the North was more concerned on the need for the state to be created. It was the late Sultan of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello and the then Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa that did everything humanly possible to ensure its creation.

What are your expectations?

First, the President has said itthe unity of the country is not negotiable but fundamental.

Secondly, he will address the short falls especially the security challenges as well as the high rate of corruption in the petroleum industry.

•Unagha: Buhari’s victory, one of the best things to happen peaceful concession of defeat in the presidential election. To that, he is a hero. No new formulated policy, even the existing ones were not implemented. We Niger-Deltans particularly we the Urhobos never regretted his exit, is better for us.

The Urhobo nation has not witnessed this type of marginalization and oppression in Nigeria history. All the federal industries as well as institutions in the area are all broken down without redress. For the avoidance of doubt, Delta Steel Company is dead, Warri Port is moribund, and the rail line to Aladja is equally abandoned.

Nothing seems to be working in the area, yet Urhobo land is a major oil and gas producer.

Do you believe Buhari will serve the best interest of Nigerians?

Buhari’s victory is one of the best things to happen in Nigeria.

Believe me, it has long been over due, however, this is the appointed time God says it will manifest especially with the combination of Prof. Osinbajo as the Vice President.

Why do Urhobo feel they will be more comfortable working with Buhari?

Yes, you see the relationship between the Urhobo and the

DEBTS: States' fresh borrowing spree raises dust Continues from page 26 Assembly authorizing the governor to borrow N30 billion.

The party said that much as it would welcome “any genuine effort to develop the state, we categorically reject the hurriedly packaged and approved resolution.”

Chikwendu said investigation by the party showed that “there was no public hearing and secondly, there is no evidence C M Y K

Our people are better off when Northerners rule the country.

This is the bitter truth which I know too well that some jingoists wouldn’t want to hear

that any of the legislators consulted their respective constituencies. Additionally, very important and legal provisions were neglected. These include details about the interest rates, mode of repayment, duration of facility, security, moratorium and others.

“We note with consternation the grand deception employed by the ruling party for the hasty passage of the loan. For instance,

the purported assurance by the Speaker that the loan would be repaid through the over N1 billion generated from Aba is an obvious fallacy.

“We are aware that Abia has never declared more than N250 million monthly IGR in the last few years. More laughable is the information that Abia is the least indebted state and needs to borrow."

Petroleum industry He also said social economic development of the nation will also be his outermost priority.

Above all, corruption which has retarded this country for so long will be tackled.

Can you comment briefly on the crisis rocking the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union?

Well, there’s no crisis per se.

However, what we did was to remove the President General of the union for lack of steadfastness.

Yes, we removed him to save the Urhobo nation to avoid being humiliated and disgraced.

As you may be aware, we are men of honour with integrity backed with resolution to sustain the Chief Mukoro Mowoe legacy not because of our stomach infrastructure.

On 28th of march 2014, the Urhobo nation inclusive of traditional leaders, Religious/ Opinion leaders, Youth and women groups unanimously agreed that any of the two major political parties that ceded the governorship to the Urhobo nation, that it is only that party the Urhobo will vote for including all its candidates and not a mushroom party.

Barely four months after this

declaration, Chief Omene smuggled in Labour Party for which we resisted and the beneficiary was APC. We told him that we could not continue like that and after a due consultation, we resolved to remove him, Even though Olorogun O’tega did not win the governorship election, we made a point.

In the election Urhobo fielded two candidates Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and Chief Great Ogboru don’t you think it was a political mistake?

That is true, and that is why the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) today is fractionised into two main camps of Onoge and Omene. The Onoge camp which I belong believe very strongly in the rule of law and integrity, while the Omene camp is on the contrary.

You see, Chief Ogboru is very stubborn. Perhaps we do not know when he became the senior son of Urhobo such that without Ogboru, Urhobo cannot move forward.

We persuaded him to step down for Emerhor and he said no. He was being deceived that he is popular, today where is the popularity?

Turai's troubles Continues from page 25 pressing that fellow senators who ordinarily could have spoken up for Iyabo kept mute out of fear.

Asked for the silence and the failure of the Senate to speak up on the issue on behalf of Iyabo, a member of that committee who also collected the same estacode as Iyabo did said: “There was extreme pressure at that time and the situation was not conducive,” the senator said.

But remarkably, Iyabo, Prof.

Adenike Grange, the former minister of health and a number of other fellows innocently accused were to be discharged and acquitted of any crime to the relief of their friends and families.

It was as such remarkable that when Turai visited Obasanjo earlier last week that the media would feast on it as a visit to seek Obasanjo’s help in the troubles of Turai’s own daughter, Mrs. Zainab Dakingari. Mrs. Dakingari, is the wife of the immediate past governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Dakingari and is under investigations over an alleged N2 billion fraud committed during her husband’s stay in office.

Zainab and another daughter of Turai, Naifisa were prized family members who were married to Nigerian governors during their father’s regime.

Naifisa was married off to Governor Turai’s reconnection with Obasanjo is undoubtedly reflective of the transience of political power and perhaps, ironically, Obasanjo’s own enduring political strength.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 —29

By Tofarati Ige

C TIMAYA

all him the boy from Bayelsa State, and you may not be wrong. The former plantain seller started out as an inspirational singer. But along the line, he drifted and that was when he started gaining recognition within and beyond the shores of the country. He started releasing songs that many termed as being “repetitive and monotonous to gain popularity.

Timaya once confessed that he started his career writing inspirational songs.

But it didn’t get him the much needed fame and fortune. It was when he began singing songs without writing down lyrics, but just basically ‘freestyling’ that the music began to pay. Before now, he has been criticized for songs such as ‘Ukwu,’ ‘Bum Bum,’ and ‘Malonogede.’

But he doesn’t seem to care as he keeps smiling to the bank.

TERRY G Another singer that changed the beat is Terry G. His 2009 song, ‘Free Madness’ revolutionized the Nigerian music scene in its own way. It was the era of glorification of beats over lyrics. That song was nothing more than a compilation of mumbojumbo on a beat that was both danceable and infectious. Even though many criticized the meaningless lyrics, yet it was played at every nook and crannies of the society; hot spot, and nightclubs.

Terry G also inspired a new generation of artistes who believed that there is no need for their songs to have lyrical content in order to break even in the industry.

For them, all they needed was a ‘banging’ beat that could get music lovers to dance away their sorrows.

Meanwhile Terry G didn’t begin that from the onset.

He used to be a chorister in church, who exhibited exceptional skills in playing musical instruments to propagate God’s work.

Nigerians won’t forget in a hurry how Terry G negatively influenced the young ones with his love for marijuana in his songs. But whether we like it or not, his gamble paid off, as he made a lot of money and hits from C M Y K

SKALES

IYANYA TIMAYA

TERRY

Nigerian artistes who changed the beat to gain popularity Their music ruled the airwaves during the early days of their career, but they still didn’t get recognition or money. Despite their originality and creativity, most of them were forced to do away with their crave for good music, due to poor income. Today, they are not only smiling to the bank, having embraced what is today known as ‘free-styling,” but they are ranked among the successful Nigerian musicians who are living their dreams. Here, we take a look at some artistes who suddenly changed the beat in order to gain fame and fortune. his ‘Free Madness’ even though his brand was badly affected. The talented singer and beat-maker confessed in a recent interview that his past is still haunting him as he wasn’t getting corporate endorsements like many of his colleagues.

IYANYA For those who followed the MTN Project Fame West Africa season 1 in 2008, it was evident from the onset that the eventual winner,

Iyanya was incredibly talented. But his career almost fizzled out like a fake perfume which was exposed to the sun. His first album

after winning the competition, ‘My Story’ containing songs like ‘Love Truly,’ ‘No Time’ amongst others was a commercial failure. It was

Iyanya, Chidinma unite with ex-winners

after the body-building Cross River-born singer teamed up with producer, Continues on page 30

Davido, Wizkid set to battle for AFRIMMA award again!

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Iyanya, Chidinma unite with ex-winners ...as MTN Project Fame season 8 begins

Nigerian artistes who changed the beat to gain popularity Continues from page 29 D’Tunes that people began to pay serious attention to his music. He shed his good boy image and stopped promoting his sonorous voice as his selling point. He started showing off his biceps and singing about sex, and boom, the megabucks started rolling in for him. Till date, he remains one of the most successful winners of the competition.

SKALES We all knew Skales as a rapper in the early stage of his career. As a matter of fact, he was signed on to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) because of his lyrical prowess. However, the young dude got confused along the line, or as some would argue, he got ‘intimidated’ by his label mate, Wizkid who was making all the money and getting all the girls by virtue of his vocal dexterity. We were all surprised when the ‘homeboy’ changed the beat and started singing something different.

However, after releasing songs like ‘Mukulu,’ ‘Shake Body,’ ‘Je kan Mo’ and ‘I am for Real,’ Skales became more of a singer than a rapper.

PRAIZ Praise Ugbede Adejo popularly known as Praiz is undeniably vocally gifted. He emerged the second runner up in the 2008 edition of the MTN Project Fame, but just like the winner, Iyanya, he didn’t immediately find his footing in the music industry. His brand of music didn’t connect well with the the local audience, but nowadays, he has ‘diluted’ his style, and it has translated into gains for him. His songs like ‘Oshe’ featuring Awilo,

SEAN TIZZLE *Some of the contestants

and ‘Sisi’ featuring Wizkid have been club bangers in their own rights, but they’re definitely not the old Praiz style that we used to know.

SEAN TIZZLE Not many people know that Sean Tizzle started his music career as a rapper, but the Difference Entertainment Act once revealed that he used to be a lyricist. In his days as a rapper, he wasn’t known and he never caught a break. However, the desire to be more commercially relevant must have pushed him to hone his vocal skills, and the rest as they say is history. His songs like ‘Sho Le,’ Mama Eh’ and ‘Kilogbe,’ have all topped the charts at different times.

By Benjamin Njoku

F

ORTEEN contestants were last weekend ushered into the academy to battle for the huge sum of N5 million grand prize as this year ’s edition of the famous MTN Project Fame reality TV show kicked off in earnest.

The event,which held at Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos, saw ‘Kuru kere’ and ‘Kedike’crooners, Iyanya and Chidinma join forces with other past winners of MTN Project Fame, including iMike, Monica Oga, Ayo, Olawale and Geoffrey to electrify the opening gala show of Season 8.

There was no dull moment at the show as the music stars took turns to give their performances that is best described as “awesome.” Their performances amplified the fact that MTN Project Fame remains the best music reality show in West Africa.

The 14 constestants who made the list include, Chike Osebuka Ezekpeazu, Deinde Okubajo and Deborah Ohiri Oluwamayowa. Others are Jeffrey Ufedo Akor, Jennifer Chioma Amadi, Adanoritsewo Gold Tosanwumi and Funmilayo Comfort Arewa. Emmanuel Amos

SAINT JANET Call her the Queen of Nigerian lewd singers, and you’d be correct. Saint Janet shocked the sensibilities of many Nigerians with the release of her live performance CD which contained many obscene lyrics and sexually explicit content in 2009.

It was so bad that the Lagos State government had to ban it from playing in public places, but Saint Janet argued that the move by government even made her more popular, as the same officials that banned her song in public, also invited her to perform at their fter beating Wizkid to clinch the private functions.

Best Male Act award for the However, Saint Janet second time at this year ’s edition of has her roots in the MTV Africa Music Awards,MAMA, church as she used to be ‘Aye’ crooner, Davido is set to repeat a chorister, but she the feat as he battles again with the former for the Best Male Act West didn’t attract public Africa award, in the forthcoming attention and African Muzik Magazine Awards, commercial success until AFRIMMA. she went wild. And now The awards ceremony is billed to hold that she has tasted fame on the 10th of October, 2015 at the and fortune, albeit in a Black Academy of Arts and Letters, controversial way, Saint Dallas.

Janet doesn’t seem to be The multiple award winner will be in a hurry to change her battling for the award with his Nigerian style of music anytime counterparts including Wizkid, Flavour and Olamide. Others are soon. In a recent Serge Beynaud from Ivory Coast, interview, she asserted Sarkodie (Ghana), Carlou D that even her husband (Senegal)and Stonebwoy (Ghana). can no longer stop her The nominees list which was unveiled from singing lewd songs early in the week to set the tone for the as it is her claim to countdown to the award show in October, fame.

MTV Africa Music Awards adjudged

Anderson, Stephen Sackitey Okletey Biko, Joy Chukwuma and Olanma Pearl Awa-Agwu, Amma Korantema Kumi, Nigerian-born Ghanaian singer, Richie Tay and Tejiri Odjighoro.

Speaking at the event, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, stated that Project Fame was one of MTN’s platforms dedicated to supporting the growth of music in the country through talent discovery. “MTN has an unwavering commitment towards supporting the development of the music industry in Nigeria. We are delighted that Project Fame in the last eight years has helped us to achieve this purpose,” he said.

Also present at the event was the MTN Project Fame Faculty comprising Joke Silva, Dupe Ige and Ben Ogbeiwe. After scaling through the hurdles of the Opening Gala, the qualifiers would go head to head against one another in series of performances before the judges and the general public. They will have to impress the judges, the members of the faculty and especially the general audience to make it through to the final stage.

Davido, Wizkid set to battle for AFRIMMA award again!

A

PRAIZ C M Y K

Best female Act, Yemi Alade will also

Wizkid

Davido

have her counterparts including Wiyaala (Ghana), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Viviane Chidid (Senegal), Teeyah (Ivory Coast),Becca (Ghana), Almok (Togo) and Efya (Ghana) to beat in order to become a double champion.

AFRIMMA is a highly anticipated award show celebrating the beauty of African music and artistry with many of the biggest names on the African music roster already confirmed for this year ’s edition which promises to be a grand occassion. The award show will honor some of the world’s top African musical artists, producers and cultural influencers.

The star studded event will attract guests from all over Africa and other cities throughout the United States as well as guests and honorees from various African countries.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2015—31

By Anino Aganbi

T

he winner of the 2014/ 2015 edition of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Queen Nigeria Beauty Pageant, Diamond Okoh, has begun a series of humanitarian projects geared towards actualising the purpose behind the pageant.

The twenty-one year old representing Ebonyi State who promised to uphold the dignity of girls and women and values of AfricanNigerian culture in her present status, took a tour to some notable places within Lagos to seek their collaboration towards achieving the actualisation of her pet projects.

Recently, Diamond paid a

Winner of Queen Nigeria begins pet projects courtesy visit to the Zonal Director of NTA Lagos Network Centre, Wole Coker, and the Vice President of Operations, Dana Cars and Services (Renault Motors) in Lagos, Joseph Fernandez, to appreciate them for their effort towards the success of the pageant and to further solicit their continuous support for the Queen Nigeria project.

According to Tokunbo Ifaturoti of TAAI PR Consultancy, whose team manages Queen Nigeria’s community development work portfolio, this phase of Queen Nigeria, Diamond Okoh’s reign is very inspiring.

“Her pet project titled ‘Go the Extra Mile with Diamond - Queen Nigeria’ revolves around making a difference in the lives of

Queen Nigeria, Diamond Okoh (middle) Mr Wole Coker, Zonal Director of NTA Lagos Network Centre (left), Tokunbo Ifaturoti (TAAI PR Consultancy (right) with NTA's Management Team during Diamond's visit to NTA in Lagos recently

people especially children, youth and women living in Internally Displaced Camps due to a myriad of factors,” Tokunbo said.

“Diamond will have hands-on-experience in community development work, and is determined, through this project, to serve her nation with passion.”

“Her pet project titled ‘Go the Extra Mile with Diamond Queen Nigeria’ will serve as a conduit for sustainable difference to families living in Internally Displaced Camps. It is set to indeed make a measurable change”, Tokunbo added.

Emphasizing that being the winner of a beauty pageant goes far beyond wearing a crown, Diamond said: “I want to be a role model to young girls desiring to win in beauty pageants. I believe it is extremely important to give back to the community and nation who voted me to become the winner.

“I appreciate NTA for hosting the edition of the pageant that produced me as the Queen and Renault for providing the star prize of a car”, she said.

Unlike most beauty

• Diamond Okoh pageants, Queen Nigeria is culturally inclined with elements meant to enhance the restoration of lost values in the Nigerian woman.

AAF, YECA set to encourage growth of female artists in Nigeria

By Anino Aganbi

T

HE African Artist Foundation recently had its female artists’ platform exhibition and workshop titled “Design is the personality of an Idea.”

Showcasing their designs in different platforms were artists from within and outside the shores of Nigeria. These artists in using the platform of Youths Empowerment through contemporary arts (YECA) encouraged teenage girls from the Girls senior academy, Lagos to dig deep within themselves and express their emotions using art.

Guest artists Nkiruka Opara, Joana Choumali and Nkechi Ebubedike held a workshop with YECA and taught these teenagers how to be creative in using a C M Y K

canvass, in photography and other mediums of art.

Talking about the theme of the event, we would say that

in the most dangerous ways, the most beautiful, most banal and benign ways we all exist in a world of our

YECA students of Girls Senior Academy with Female Artists’

design, creation and filter.

The featured artists showed the diversity and complexity of worldviews;

complete, distinct, nuanced and fantastical. They designed and manifested their own distinct realities.

The intention of these artists was to leave the viewers with nothing negative to say about female African Artists.

Speaking at the exhibition, Allyn Gaestel (Curator) stated that Art is an expression of our reality and design is the personality of our ideas. The artists brought us together here using diverse media- film, fashion, paint, photography , digital collage and soundto create full worlds with the precision and intentionality inherent in the concept of design. Yet, all of us, with our unique delusions, perceptions and experiences exist in the same physical world. The exhibition is an exploration of this kaleidoscopic amalgamation of our individualities.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2015

Women urged tto o distinquish their potentials

BY Esther Onyegbula

T

AKING cognizance of the contributions of women all over the world especially in Nigeria where women across the country are contributing their quota to social economic development and growing everything that can sustain humanity, the organizers of Women in Emerging African Democracies (ROWEAD) and Women in Education and Leadership Development society (WIELDS) recently held its annual conference themed Women as co-pilots in the economic growth of a nation.

In her opening remarks, the convener ROWEAD, Adaobi Alex-Oni, said the theme was carefully selected to showcase what women have done, what they are doing and what they will be doing in the future because women are not acknowledged, seen or heard given their contributions to economic growth.

She noted that the recent rebasing of Nigeria as the fastest growing economy is not a surprise and if you do the mathematics and calculate you will see that it didn’t happen just by chance, it did happen because for the first time women who are in small businesses, agriculture, women who ensure that the farm produce get to the cities, women who are into Craft and designs, made proudly 100% Nigeria, logistics and transportation, setting the pace

in fields one thought were mainly reserved by men.

“Women are taking bold steps across Nigeria, for the first time I heard a woman was the General Manager of Dock yard and if you have ever been to Apapa you will understand what a mad house that place is and for a woman to control that place is a big deal”.

Declaring the conference open, the Chairperson of the event Margaret OnyemaOrakwusi encouraged participants to distinguish themselves with hard work.

“Do not assume that because you are a woman that certain things should just be coming your way. It doesn’t work that way. As a woman you are entitled to nothing, you are entitled to your sweat, and to what you can do; this is why you take it by force by distinguishing yourself in your chosen field and career. When you are able to prove your worth with hard work and performance people will natural need your service. God created man and woman so that we will have a balance, most importantly in whatever you do don’t ignore the men in your lives because they are our biggest supporters”.

The event did not only celebrate women who are helping create wealth, it is also had seasoned guest speakers who emphasised that managing wealth is as important as its creation. One of the speakers at the event Iyalode of Egbaland Chief

From left: Adaobi Alex-Oni, organiser of the event; Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson; Heritage Bank representative; Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi, chairperson of the occasion, and Alex Oni at the event.

Alaba Lawson highlighted the importance of women traders in the growth of our economy today.

Chief Lawson emphasized the significant roles of women as major contributors to the world economy of any nation beyond the traditional home front functions as wives and mothers. “The impact women have made in trading and the positive effects which their engagement in commercial activities have had on wealth creation cannot be undervalued at micro, small, medium and large scale levels of commercial activities. The involvement of women in commerce has significantly impacted on job creation and societal development”.

“No doubt female entrepreneurship is a key driver of a country’s prosperity, this is why any government that wants to become

outstanding must create the conditions for women entrepreneurs to flourish. The contributions of women are no longer debatable, across section women have contributed in no little way to the GDP that is the gross domestic product. Greater female employment have direct implications for household disposable income and savings which have a triple down effect on what is spent on education and health.

Women owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of small businesses in Nigeria, today women own almost 30% all businesses in Nigeria”.

Mr. Ameachi Okobi dwelt on the essentials of maximizing our inner ability to attract goodwill and wealth to ourselves. Other speakers were Professor Abiola Awosika who gave a presentation on the

role of education in enhancing women’s participation in politics

and democracy, noting that women are pilots in their own rights. Emphasizing on how important it is for women to be at par with the rest of the world in digital compliance, Professor Awosika highlighted that when women are educated and they are exposed they managed challenges better.

In her key note address Ilyasah Al Shabazz gave a presentation titled women as peace seekers creating enabling environment for economic growth, said that peace is paramount for any human society to succeed and sustain its existence. “It is important that we teach our children more especially our young adults to appreciate their history and ultimately guide them to unleash the beauty within them as always women are the co-pilots in this course”.

1000 to benefit from free cataract surgeries as Lions Club partners eye foundation

By Esther Onyegbula

A

S part of its project for the 2015/2016 calendar year, the Lions District 404A-1 has finalised plans to partner with an eye foundation to undertake one thousand cataract surgeries.

This was revealed by the newly elected District Governor, 404A-1, Lion Patricia Udeme recently while speaking to newsmen in Lagos.

According to Lion Patricia Udeme “this year Lion’s, shall not take on any new single signature projects rather we shall support clubs in their pursuit of excellence undertaking good projects, based carefully undertaken needs assessment analysis which shall touch lives of a lot more people spread across the district. We shall key into the established global service initiatives of the lions club

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international especially those which impact sight preservation, youth and children, alleviation of hunger and protection of our environment. We are working through our clubs to continue the delivery of humanitarian service in some key areas like eye surgeries; Lions already have a partnership with the eye foundation to undertake 1,000 cataract surgeries. We are expanding our drive in this regards with this year another partnership with the eye hospital in Warri, Delta state to undertake 500 more cataract surgeries and implement the grafting of corneas. The focus of this new partnership will be on vulnerable groups especially children and elderly.

District Governor, 404A-1 also noted that members’ welfare would be key, as we shall begin our charity this time at home. This year we

Lion Patricia Udeme (2nd right) and other dignitaries at the event shall attempt to strike a balance between the needs of our members and that of our community. This, we hope will encourage them to be more committed.

Appreciating the fact that we are all wired differently Udeme said that everyone comes with different gifts and talents. What we do in Lions club is to harness these gifts

and talents pulling them together so that there is a synergy as clubs work together in harmony. More can do better what one can do well. So we are constantly inviting quality people together to join us in serving humanity”.

Expanding the frontiers of service this fiscal year, globally lions are implementing the

Lions quest program at equipping adolescent with kids for life. It is a curriculum based program and we have commenced the pilot implementation in Lagos state and will expand the program to other states in the district.

Efforts in this regards have been on training the teachers who will deploy the curriculum resources.

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2015

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11

ODUDUWA REVISITED

The Story of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II

By Yemi Ogunbiyi

THE story is simple enough and can bear endless repetition. In the beginning Olodumare created the universe. Then, He decided that Orunmila should complete the work of creation.

But Orunmila was a great lover of palm wine. One day, he drank one keg too many and his richly endowed creative hands became wobbly. So wobbly were his hands that instead of creating perfect human beings as directed by Olodumare, he created

imperfect humans, among them, the deaf, the blind, the hunched-backed and even albinos (or depending on interpretation, white folks!).

In grave disappointment, Olodumare appointed Oduduwa to complete Orunmila's unfinished tasks.

And what did Oduduwa do?

IN THIS EDITION

A summit gone awry?

•Page 3 C M Y K

Political appointees jittery over Ambode’s expected restructuring •Page

4

He descended from heaven in chains and landed in a place called Ile-Ife, where he

The survivor of that progenitor of human-kind is none other than the incumbent occupier of the throne of the Source of all humankind, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife

proceeded to create the first perfect human beings!

The survivor of that progenitor of human-kind is none other than the incumbent occupier of the throne of the Source of all humankind, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife! What to take away from the details of this account depends, naturally, where you are coming from! If like that famous German ethnologist, Leo Frobenius, who proved scientifically from the evidence of archeological potsherds that Ile-Ife was a primordial settlement of sorts, complete with megalith builders and sacred kings, then you might be tempted to take the Oduduwa story, intriguing as it may seem, a little bit more seriously!!

But, if like me, you are an involuntary believer in Yoruba mytho-ethnic history as handed down by our ancestral forbears, who had no immediate need for, or of scientific proof, and you are also willing to suspend your disbelief, then the Oduduwa story will fall in place handsomely and make perfect sense!!! Either way, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, in his full splendour, conjures images that could match any interpretation of a mystical, primordial folklore of ancient Yoruba history.

Born on New Year's Day in Ile-Ife in 1930 to Prince Adereti and Madam Emilia Ifasesin Sijuwade, the Kabiyesi spent his early years in Abeokuta, partly under the tutelage of another legend, the famous Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti at the Abeokuta Grammar School, between 1944 and 1947.

His admission number into the Grammar School in 1944 was 2578! In 1947, the Sijuwade family relocated to Ile-Ife, where the future king completed his high school at the famous Oduduwa College. After Oduduwa College, a short tutelage under his father and a twoyear stint at the Tribune newspapers in Ibadan, Kabiyesi Sijuwade went on to study Business Management at Continues on page 6

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

i n o O f o y r The sto Okunade Sijuwade I I e s u b u l O Continues from page 1 Northampton College in the United Kingdom. After he finished his studies, he was employed by the Leventis Company.

At the company, he received further training before being transferred to the Leventis Motors, where at a relatively young age of 30, he rose to become, perhaps, the company's first Nigerian Manager. That marked the beginning of the future king's acquisition of wealth, power, influence, clout and fame, factors which, viewed from any point, must come into play in any objective assessment of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade.

His own father, Prince Adereti, a wealthy cocoa merchant, who had a thriving business in today's Iju and Alagbado in Lagos/ Ogun States, and who died at barely 54 on the 11th of May 1949, never became Ooni. But it was his grandfather, Ooni Adenekan Olubuse I, who reigned as the 47th Ooni between 1894 and 1910, ahead of Ooni Ademiluyi and Ooni Sir Adesoji Aderemi (in that order) and became, from all accounts, the first modern Ooni of Ife. For instance, Ooni Olubuse I was the first Ooni to have ever travelled out of Ile-Ife! The trip was so significant that it was the subject of a 1903 Colonial Government Gazette of the same year.

Apparently, Ooni Olubuse had been invited by the then Governor of Lagos, Sir W. MacGregor, to adjudicate in a festering dispute between the Akarigbo of Remo and the Elepe of Epe in Sagamu as to whether the Elepe was entitled, by right, to the wearing of a beaded crown, as Oba. That unprecedented journey to Lagos, according to the gazette, caused a stir in all of Yorubaland, because, as a mark of respect to the Ooni, all Obas and princes, momentarily vacated their thrones throughout the period of the Ooni's sojourn C M Y K

in Lagos! When the Ooni finally arrived in Lagos, transported in his hammock, under a flutter of colourful, giant, royal umbrellas, with his retinue of courtiers in toe, he was a sight to behold.

And when he finally gave his verdict, presumably, through an interpreter, he had his back to the colonial Governor, since no mortal, not even the representative of the English monarch, could behold his face.

Without question, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, it seems, inherited some of the flamboyance of his grandfather. But it goes much more than that. As the distinguished late historian, Professor Saburi Biobaku once said, Ooni Sijuwade's enduring legacy might well be in his promotion of peace and concord in Yoruba land and his endless effort to link the Yorubas of the diaspora with their African roots. An affable and pleasant being, his capacity for generosity is said to be prodigious.

Similarly, his capacity to build bridges across ethnic, cultural and continental divides would do any seasoned diplomat proud.

Yet, he comes across, in a rather strange way, as a man of complex opposites. For while he exudes unforced regal charm, charisma, condour and even opulence, there is, also imbibed in him such attributes as humility, kindness, prudence and an over-bearing gentleness that is borne of contentment.

His fierce protection and defence of Yoruba traditional religion and world-view jar sharply with the image of a widely travelled man who has also imbibed the finest examples of western dispositions of living and culture.

His long 29-year reign as Ooni has not been, as the following interview will show, without its challenges.

Indeed, some people have argued that, for all his charm and warmth, the Ooniâ•™s grasp of the complexities of contemporary Nigerian political realities may not be as crisp as it should be.

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II While that, may be true in one or two cases, it is also

Whether I believe in June 12 or not, I donated and gave Abiola money up to four times. In my house in London, Abiola was with me up to three times. I knew Abiola very well and he was very close to me

fair to admit that the final resolution of the Modakeke crisis, for instance, is a testimony to his political skills and brilliance. And the fact that in 2005, he rejected the gift of a custom-made mercedes benz car from the four local government councils in Ile-Ife, ordering instead, that the car be sold and its proceeds used to augment the council's poverty alleviation budget, bears testimony to considerable sensitivity to contemporary realities. There are other details that are too many to be recalled here.

Kabiyesi Ooni is the first to admit that he is not infallible. Obviously, with the benefit of hindsight, mistakes have been made.

But in the end, I suspect that the verdict of history will be kind to him. The one verdict

of him that is as true today as I am sure it will be true of him tomorrow is that he is a good man, an Ooni, who, among other things, has, by his style, efforts and beliefs, changed forever, and for the better, how the institution of Ooni-ship, indeed, Obaship, in Yorubaland is viewed.

He will remain, for a very long time to come, an important reference point in the discourse of Yoruba culture and world-view. He is infinitely a trail blazer; none had ever been like him and as he prospers in his reign, only the Almighty will tell if there will ever be one like him again.

•Yemi Ogunbiyi is the Chairman of Tanus Communications Limited.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 3

OSUN STATE

OSUN: A summit gone awry?

By Dapo Akinrefon

T

HE inability of the Osun State government to pay its civil servants over nine months salaries is generating heat.

While observers of political events view that the situation as going from bad to worse, others posit that an end to the financial crisis rocking the state will soon be over.

The cash crunch besieging the state has made civil servants down tool following the state government’s inability to pay workers’ salaries.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been accused of being indifferent by his critics for failing to alleviate the plight of the workers in the state.

Following the perceived failure of the state government to proffer solution to the financial mess it found itself, an Osun State judge, Justice Oloyede Folahanmi had called on the state House of Assembly to investigate alleged mismanagement of the state’s financial resources by the governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy in accordance with Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution, saying there is no moral justification for their continued stay in office.

Mismanagement of the economy

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Folahanmi, had in a 30-page petition urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, Amnesty International, Transparency International among others, to investigate any other person found to be responsible for what she described as “deliberate mismanagement of the economy of Osun State.”

The petitioner, who called on the Osun State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against her principal, further accused Aregbesola of acting in defiance of some sections of the constitution which bordered on the welfare of Osun indigenes.

Perhaps the decision by the State Assembly to absorb the governor of allegedly pilfering the state’s resources informed the decision by a group to initiate the Osun Stakeholders’ Conference.

However, last Thursday’s summit on the state of Osun State drew the ire of the Aregbesola-led administration and his supporters, who accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and his critics of allegedly hiding under the guise to foment trouble.

•Governor Aregbesola

The meeting, earlier scheduled to hold in Osogbo, the state capital was moved to Ile Ife penultimate Thursday following directive to the police, DSS and thugs to prevent them from holding the summit at Osogbo as initially planned.

Summit ripples: Prior the summit, there had been speculations making the rounds that the conference had been put off by the organisers.

It was argued by the state government that a possibility of violence was bound to erupt, but the conveners, dispelled the notion saying “if there is anyone thinking of violence, it can only be by the apostles of violence who have are building a culture of intolerance in our dear state and this is why we have written to all security agencies to provide maximum cover for this responsible assembly fashioned in the best intention of the right of assembly constitutionally guaranteed.”

Right of assembly According to the conveners, the summit was informed before the state’s descent into chaos.

Dubbed as the Osun Stakeholders Summit, the group portrays itself as as a socio-cultural movement of authentic sons and daughters of state.

The group also stated that “there is not one of us whose

paternal link to Osun state is any controversy. Prominent members of the group have played critical roles in National affairs over the years and cannot afford to maintain sinful silence when their kits and kins are being turned to destitute scrambling for doles from good spirited

Today, in Osun State, we are bedeviled by bad policies and failed leadership. This is why we all owe the state a point of duty not to sit idling away while mis-governance, unbridled corruption and the desecration of our psyche continue unchallenged

philanthropists.”

A statement by the conveners, Messrs Niyi Owolade, Yinka Odumakin stated that “We issue this statement to reassure all invited delegates, the distressed people of Osun state and Nigerians at large that the proposed summit on the state of Osun state scheduled for Thursday, 23rd July 2015 in Osogbo is going on as scheduled.”

The organisers had further alleged that; “Our aim with this gathering of Osun nobles is to look at where the rain began to beat us and how to ensure Osun is never exposed to this kind of rain again. Ours is a peaceful assembly of the best of Osun state to be presided over by a retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Olu Adekeye”, the statement stated.

Despite the relocation, some of the attendees included; retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olu Adeleye who was represented by Prof.

Olatunde Olawoye; former Head of Service during former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration and also during the first term of Governor Aregbesola, Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi; former Minister for Water Resources, Alhaji Bashir and the representative of the Oni of Ife, Chief Olasode Akinropo.

Others were representative of the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Moses Ogundeji; chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Mr. Olatunji Popoola; Dr. Remi Aworemi; the executive chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) and several other stakeholders.

Though a short event, it attracted assertions and submissions from participants.

Akinwusi chides Aregbesola Firing the first salvo was a former Head of Service, Mr Akunwusi, who lampooned the Aregbesola administration over the financial management of the state’s resources.

In his 13-page paper titled: ‘Osun State – A Sinking Ship?’ he said: “Today, Osun is bedeviled,ruined by a ruined economy, the various state institutions comatose, the debt profile, against all denials, is debilitating, traditional institutions handicapped, the spiritual atmosphere is cloudy, poverty clearly written on all faces and other countless woes for the future of our children.

“Today, in Osun State, we are be-deviled by bad policies and

failed leadership. This is why we all owe the state a point of duty not to sit idling away while mis-governance, unbridled corruption and the desecration of our psyche continue unchallenged.”

Expressing concern about the rather huge debt profile of the state, which he puts at over N400bn and the consequences on the future, Akinwusi also bemoaned that projects for which the loans were obtained had no direct correlation to improving the lives of the people and that many of the projects have not been completed.

He further argued that, “this government came on board in November 2010; I will therefore give details of the income and expenditure as available online, especially from the Federation Account compared with what was presented to our state representatives."

Aside Akinwusi, another speaker, Prof. Olawoye, who specified that his position at the submit were not necessarily the views of Justice Adeleye, who he represented at the gathering, said Osun State is “stuck in muddy soil and needs to be rescued,” as a way to prevent the citizenry from suffering aggravated pains.

Osun govt’s defence But the state government expressed its reservations over the summit and its organisers noting that it was the coming together of defeated governorship candidates in the state, who contested against Aregbesola in 2014.

The Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor said the summit amounted to hypocrisy, ignorance and sheer mischief.

The Bureau in its statement signed by the Director, Semiu Okanlawon, while reacting to the various allegations levelled against the Government of Aregbesola alleged that the summit was organised by defeated candidates of the PDP in Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore, candidate of the Accord Party, Niyi Owolade and Mr. Segun Akinwusi who contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, the Bureau said it amounted to hypocrisy, ignorance and sheer mischief for Akinwusi, Omisore and others behind the meeting in Ife to continue to advertise outrageous figures as revenues to the state.

Okanlawon, who rose to defend the Aregbesola administration, said “Akinwusi has pitiably turned himself to a laughing stock in the estimation of right-thinking people when within a spate of weeks, he accused the Rauf Aregbesola administration of receiving N862 billion and less than two months after, came down to N317 billion.”

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

LAGOS STATE

Political appointees jittery over Ambode’s expected restructuring

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

G

OVERNOR of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, last month carried out a massive shake-up in the history of Lagos State public service as he announced the dissolution of all boards of parastatals and agencies of government with immediate effects as part of the reforms by his administration to boost efficiency.

The dissolution came barely 19 days after his swearing in inauguration. It following a stormy meeting he held wih heads of the state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in Ikeja.

Lagos State has 85 parastatals, including agencies.

Interestingly, when Ambode announced the dissolution of boards, there were different insinuations read into the move from various quarters.

building a public service that is well structured, better organized and whose staff posses the right attitude, skills and motivation to perform their roles efficiently and effectively. ” Jaji maintained that with the commencement of the professional HRM practices in the state public service, the hitherto Finance and Administration Department which was the core of every Ministry, Department and Agency, MDAs of government, will henceforth, be known as the Administration and Human Resource Department.

Some of the earliest victims include: the sister of the former Governor of Lagos State, Ms Olayinka Fashola, who was the General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA. Also, on

Ongoing restructuring While some said it would not affect the heads of the parastatals and agencies, others predicted doom for the heads warning them to start clearing their desks as the axe would soon fall on them.

Not too long after, the axes, truly, started coming down, claiming the heads one after the other.

The governor, who is yet to constitute his cabinet due to some not too obvious reasons, including the on-going restructuring, approved the adoption of professional Human Resource Management practices in the state public service.

Ambode, in an unprecedented policy, announced his direction in a circular released by the Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji.

According to Jaji, “This is part of the present administration’s efforts in C M Y K

This is part of the present administration’s efforts in building a public service that is well structured, better organized and whose staff posses the right attitude, skills and motivation to perform their roles efficiently and effectively

June 19, Ambode, sacked the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Mr Taofeek Oki, and three principal officers of the corporation.

The governor approved the appointment of Mr. Jacob Agosu as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the corporation.

Ambode, also approved the immediate re-organisation of the LSDPC to stem the tide of negative capital returns in the corporation.

On July 2, he approved the appointment of Mr. Peter Okonji as the new General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, thereby,

replacing the former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s close pal, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi following her resignation.

Ogunbiyi, who started as a civil servant, it was learned, resigned after the governor reversed her initial promotion approved by Fashola. Her promotion, it was gathered was done without due regards to the state civil service rules and regulations.

Civil service rules On July 6, 2015, Ambode appointed Mr. Michael Kolawole Akindele as the new General Manager for the

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA. Akindele who replaced Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, was a former Vice Chairman Ikeja Local Government Area, then Special Assistant on Health to former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, between 2004-2007.

He also served as Senior Special assistant on LASEMA, between 20072011.

Akindele, most recently served between, 2011-2015 as Senior Special Assistant on Housing to Fashola.

On 17 July, the Managing Director of Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, Mr. George

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 5

LAGOS STATE Bureau, Lagos State Printing Cooperation, Lagos State Television, Lagos State Traffic Radio, Eko FM, Radio Lagos, among others are said to be jittery over their job as the dangling axe could fall on them any time.

Future endeavours Ambode, while expressing his appreciation to those sacked for their modest contributions to the state wished them well in their future endeavours.

It will be recalled that Ambode at the swearing in ceremony on May 29th, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos Island, said, “I want to assure the business community and corporate Lagos that the ease of doing business in Lagos will be improved upon earnestly.

Lagos is open for greater business.

“We want you to fly into Lagos, start your business,

find your way; live, work and enjoy in Lagos.”

According to the governor, most of the parastatals will be subsumed into related existing ministries why some will be entirely scrapped because of huge financial commitment considered as wastages.

Not left out in the current fever wave are the Permanent Secretaries, who according to sources could be affected through, redeployment of ministries and appointment of others.

The sack and restructuring referred to as “Tsunami”, which is still claiming victims along its way, was said to have received the blessing of All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Tinubu.

Consequently, everyone, are on their toes, because no one knows who is next on the line to be fired in the surgical-like operation of Ambode’s ongoing restructuring.

Sanitation: Court sentences 60 to community service

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

NO fewer than 60 persons were sentenced to community service for violating the State environmental law, 2000 The state in 2014, sentenced 3,083 offenders to various terms of community service across the 12 magisterial districts of the state in 2014.

The offenders who were arrested at Ojota, former Ikeja Toll Gate, Oshodi, Agege, Ojodu Berger, Mile 21, Ketu, Mile 12 among others between 7.00a.m and 10.00am stipulated period for

Noah was sacked and replaced by his deputy Mr. Olumide Sogunle in acting capacity.

Noah assumed office in 2011; succeeding Mr. Tunji Bello, who was then the Managing Director of the agency from where he was appointed as Environment Commissioner by Governor Babatunde Fashola. Presently, Bello, is the Secretary to the State Government.

Other sacked agency heads include: General Manger, Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Tunde Fowler and Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya.

Recently, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga was appointed as the Director General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).

Onanuga, who takes over from Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain as the DG, was until her appointment, the Executive Director, Technical in LASPEC. Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Tunde Fowler, was also sacked.

Heads of agencies Fate of the following heads of agencies hanging in the balance include: The General Manager Urban Furniture and Regulatory Unit, UFRU,

Joe Igbokwe; Lagos Water Cooperation, Shayo Holloway, Lagos, Managing Director, LAGBUS Assets Management, Babatunde Disu and the General Manager, Lagos State Lotteries Board, Lanre Gbajabiamila. Executive Chairman, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bolajoko Fashola, Managing Director, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Dayo Moberola.

Also, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Lagos State Building Investment Company Limited, Lagos State Ferry Services, Lagos State Records and Archives

KAI Administrator, Mr. Deji Badejo while reacting over the judgment said that this development would stand as a deterrent to those who violate the State sanitation Law

the monthly sanitation exercise.

They were arraigned by the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI before an Ogba Magistrate Court, Ogba In his judgement Magistrate Ogundare sentenced each of the Accused to six-hour Community service with option of N3,000 fine.

Sanitation law KAI Administrator, Mr. Deji Badejo while reacting over the judgment said that this development would stand as a deterrent to those who violate the State sanitation Law. He said further that the Brigade has been engaging in Advocacy for the Offenders of the monthly exercise after they were arrested for the past few months by our officials there by releasing them without arraigning them, but we have discovered that there is increase in the number of the defaulters, every month despite the fact that we used to release them after educating them in the past months they were arrested by our officials.

Badejo urged residents of the state to obey the Sanitation Law by Participating in this exercise monthly.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

ONDO STATE

•Otunba Gani Adams and some traditional rulers during the festival

g n i t a r b Cele l a v i t s e Olokun F in style

By Jimoh Babatunde

AS a way of sustaining the culture and tradition of Yoruba, the Olokun Festival Foundation has over the years put together different festivals in different parts of South West states. One of such festivals, Okota, was held recently in Arigidi- Akoko, Ondo state.

The indigenes of the rustic town and thousands of tourists from across the country thronged out for two days to celebrate a festival in honour of the river featuring display of rich African culture through dance, music and dresses.

The Olokun Foundation led by Otunba Gani Adams also used the platform to address issues concerning the growth of African traditional religion and how it affects the socio-economic development of the Yorubas.

Very early in the morning of the festival, many people thronged the Okota River to get water after it was blessed by the custodians of the divinity. People came in their hundreds with containers of different sizes to scoop some of the water which is said to heal sicknesses, make barren pregnant and bring about C M Y K

material and financial blessings, among others.

Those who were lucky enough to get there early were able to fill their containers with clean water from the stream which was believed to be spiritually sanctified while those who got their late managed to get dirty water thus reinforcing the belief in the efficacy of the water whether clean or not.

An indigene, Bose Biodun said that the colour of the water is not the issue but the miracle passengers performs. “Most of us came from far places to fetch this water particularly during the festival and I can tell you that if you come here without getting to this shrine for cleansing or returning with the water, you are only here for fun.”

Inside the shrine, there was a sacred place covered and adorned with white cloth where strangers were barred from, but the fascinating activities going on within the shrine were not only thrilling, but also confirmed the fact that Yoruba culture and tradition will surely take its rightful place if events of such magnitude is periodically organised, except for the few people who are first timer,

majority of the people inside the shrine wore white garments while some spiritualists were also on ground to bless and attend to people spiritual needs.

Speaking at the grand finally, the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun informed the gathering that the festival has promoted the community far above others Yoruba towns in cultural promotion “We are very grateful to God and Otunba Gani Adams led Olokun festival foundation for his input in the celebration of this festival, this festival is important to our town in so many ways, the festival is no doubt a worthy celebration of one of our deities which has a place in the history of this community, and this occasion creates a platform to promote and celebrate the culture and tradition of Arigidi Akoko and during the celebration the socioeconomic impact is felt by all and sundry, you can see the economic activities going on everywhere, this festival would enable my people to make good money and I am happy.”

Speaking on the importance of Okota to the community, Oba Olanipekun said “Okota is a goddess which protects and blesses the community.

“In the olden days when our parents were going to the farm, they will drop their children at the bank of the Okota river, and before they returned Okota would have bathed the child, applied powder on their faces and fed them, the children would not cry and played around until their parents returned but to pick them and if any of them was sick, the water was used for cleansing which naturally worked though civilization and religions nearly wiped away the relevance of Okota to our

community but thank God for the elaborate revival which was brought in place by Otunba Adams through Olokun Festival foundation.”

The monarch while harping on the need for unity in the town said, “I am always proud of all the sons and daughters of Arigidi Akoko, and I want us all to come together for the development of our community, the growth of the community is a collective responsibility, we should not allow any unworthy issue to create barriers between us, this is our home we must work together to build our fathers’ land, our progenitors will not forgive us if we fail to bequeath a lasting legacy which will further enhance the growth of the community to the generation coming behind us and we must all come together to promote our culture, tradition, celebrate our gods and deities and live in peace and harmony.”

In his welcome address, chief promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams, stated that many years ago when they started the festival, many people felt they were just paying lip service to the issue of cultural promotion. He, however, expressed gladness that the foundation had served as a valid compass to the cultural and traditional journeys of the Yoruba people.

While calling on the people of Arigidi-Akoko to continue supporting the Okota Festival, Otunba Adams, who is also the national coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), stated that the vision of the foundation was to see Okota River earning a world heritage status which would no doubt encourage tourism activities in the community.

The Olokun Foundation led by Otunba Gani Adams also used the platform to address issues concerning the growth of African traditional religion and how it affects the socio-economic development of the Yorubas

“The celebration of Okota is a boost to the development of tourism and economic sustenance of our people as you can see, the festival has brought people from far and near and with this large crowd here the business would be positively affected. On the whole, the celebration of this festival represents our people’s way of appreciating its benevolence, seeking forgiveness of sins and praying for favour and blessings of the goddess.”

He added “This is one of the ways the foundation continue to contribute to individual and government economic development effort through identification and explorations of prosperity potentials that are inherent in the development of religious and cultural tourism.”

The guest lecturer, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi in his lecture entitled” Showcasing Tradition and Preserving Inheritance through cultural awareness said each community or tribe has its own unique brand which is peculiar and unique to it, The Okota Festival is one of the unique ways the Arigidi people celebrate and also maintaining their ancestral Yoruba links.

“It has also gone beyond this as it dictated the developmental and city-oriented goals and demands, it has become a quality brand which promotes the cultural values and heritage not only for Arigidi, but for Yoruba land as a whole.

“Given that torch Okota shrine has the potentials of becoming a tourist’s attraction, a venture which would further propagate and develop our cultural awareness and ultimately preserve our cultural inheritance.”

The Okota festival confirmed the power of tourism in empowering local economy as sellers of items, like food, drinks and souvenirs smiled to the banks, while service providers and owners of hospitality outfits like hotels and transporters were not left out.

On the first day of the festival, organizers put on a show at the Ayase Town Hall where pretty damsels from many higher institutions within the south-west region of the country contested in the now famous Okota Beauty Pageant to see who wears the celebrated crown and drives away with the brand new car, including the cash prizes on offer.

The competition and night saw the ladies also taking part in exciting choreographic displays, cultural dances, beach wear and evening gown displays, all to the admiration of the audience which filled every available space of the hall, with some watching from outside through the windows.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 7

OGUN STATE

20-month-old baby’s disappearance:

My child still alive - father •Two suspects have been arrested -Police •Ritualist's Den

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA- Daniel Ogundele, the father of the 20-month-old baby, Opeyemi Ogundele, who was allegedly stolen at a christening ceremony in Ogun State on Sunday, said his child is still alive in the den of suspected kidnappers.

Ogundele said as at 10:00pm on Monday when he allegedly had a phone conversation with an Ifa priest, Chief Olansile Ifayemi, who was accused of masterminding the mysterious disappearance of the child, who told him that his missing toddler was alive in his custody.

Missing toddler Ogundele , who spoke with reporters yesterday, said he had reported the matter to the state police command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The toddler had on Sunday disappeared mysteriously during a naming ceremony at C M Y K

Inukosegba village, near Akorede Estate, Mile II in Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

The baby was said to have been kidnapped about 1:30pm at the christening organised by the family of Mr. Olusola Osunleke for their newborn daughter.

In the process of searching for the baby, residents discovered a suspected ritualists’ den in the area, which was adjacent to Osunleke’s house.

The discovery made angry residents to storm the area and vandalise the building, wherein human body parts, human effigy, fetish objects and masquerade regalia, among others, were found.

But speaking yesterday, the father of the missing toddler, said he succeeded in reaching Chief Ifayemi on telephone on Monday night.

Ogundele stated that the Ifa priest confirmed that the “stolen baby” was in his custody at Isabo area of Abeokuta and that the child was alive.

“We got his phone number and called him on Monday

night . The priest said my child was still alive and with him at Isabo. He claimed that he was in Isabo area of Abeokuta. This was around 10 pm on Monday. He said nothing is wrong with my boy. He just asked us to stop people from destroying his house,” he said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said he was not aware of the claims of the toddler ’s father that the baby was with the suspected ritualist.

Suspected ritualist Adejobi said though the Ifa priest is at large, the police command had arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged kidnap.

“The prime suspect is still at large. But two suspects have been arrested. We have not seen the baby but investigation is ongoing. We assure the people of the state that we are going to unravel the mystery behind the incident.

“On the claims by the baby’s father, we (police) are not aware. If the man has such

The prime suspect is still at large. But two suspects have been arrested.

We have not seen the baby but investigation is ongoing

an information, I think he should have told the police, “he said.

Meanwhile, residents of the area where the incident occurred have cried out for help over alleged threat by the suspected mastermind of the kidnapping.

Vanguard gathered that, the Chairman of the Community Development Association in the area, Kunle Ojewale said he and three others in the community have been threatened by Ifayemi.

Ojewale who spoke with newsmen on phone said he had run away from home and relocated to Mowe in Obafemi-Owode local government.

He said, Chief Ifayemi had called his line and threatened him for instigating the people against him.

He said he had since relocated to an undisclosed place in Mowe area.

It was also learnt that as 6:30 pm on Tuesday, the house suspected to be the ritualists den has been demolished by the angry youth in the area.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

OSUN STATE

•From left Vice President FCMB and Chief Launcher; Mr Adetunji Lamidi, Chairman Prof. Ayodele Osibajo, Celebrant, Prof Osayawe Ehigie with his wife Dr. Rebecca.

How UI don hosted triple celebrations

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN – IT was triple cel ebration for the Head of Department, HOD, Psychology Department, University of Ibadan, UI, Oyo State, Professor Benjamin Osayawe Ehigie, as he celebrated his 50th birthday anniversary and public presentation of a book , “Consumer, Marketing and Advertising Psychology.”

He equally marked his 17th wedding anniversary.

Relatives, members of the academia and other wellwishers who thronged the Anglican Church of the Messiah, New Bodija, Ibadan, to rejoice with Professor Ehigie, at the Thanksgiving Service, were unanimous in thanking God for his life as he narrated how God saved him miraculously from dare-devil robbers a year ago.

his wife, ‘Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Ibhaguelo Ehigie, and children, Testimony, Evidence, Ovecomer and Victory, was described as an epitome of humility.

Speaking, he said he never wanted to mark the 50th anniversary, but because of his miraculous escape from the men of underworld last year, he could not hide the goodness of God in his life and that of his immediate family.

According to him, “two years ago, I celebrated my birthday indoor. Last year, the devil provoked me. I was coming from Makurdi when armed robbers attacked the bus I boarded.

While searching other passengers and collecting their belongings, I went past them without attacking or collecting

Dare-devil robbers The HOD who is also a Reverend with Anglican Church of the Messiah, New Bodija, Ibadan, was on his way from Makurdi, when the bus he was travelling in was attacked by armed bandits.

The congregation including fellow professors in the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Psychology Department, could not hide their joy and continuously shouted halleluyah on behalf of Ehigie who equally marked his 17th wedding anniversary to commemorate the event.

Ehigie who was flanked by C M Y K

If you have arrived at golden jubilee and you can testify there is something golden about you, even though, you are black like me, you should thank God

anything from me. I thank God for how he showed me his grace and favour.

My father was a baker, while my mother was a trader. I used my head to carry her wares.

But, God helped me in my academic pursuit. I didn’t miss a step. At 23, I started teaching.

Where I come from in Edo State, people believe you have not made it if you don’t travel abroad. God help me and I travelled to the United States of America”.

Golden jubilee During his exhortation, the cleric, Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Akinfenwa, Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, said, “It is a situation of joy, joy and joy. Attaining golden jubilee is a great thing in life and fulfilment of God’s purpose. God is a mystery and he knows how he plans everything.

I praise God for your life for this disciplined couple. At age 50, a man should have a sense of victory and fulfilment and not a sense of defeat and failure. At young age, you have reached the pinnacle of your career. That is the testimony. In church, you are doing well. You are one of the ministers I respect so much because of your commitment to the work of God. “If you have arrived at golden jubilee and you can testify there is something golden about you, even though, you are black like me, you should thank God. If you look around you and count

rounded off with a reception at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan where a book entitled; “Consumer, Marketing and Advertising Psychology” was launched.

how many of your childhood’s friends have gone to the great beyond, you will know that God is good indeed. You are not looking like a professor. You look very fresh and youthful. It is often said that university teachers age quickly because of so much studies. But, because you serve God, he has taken away every wear and tear from you.”

However, he reminded Prof Ehigie that 50 years had gone out of his life and those years would never come back, saying “Prof. you may not see it in your calendar, but you are getting older and the time you have left is reduced by a day.

The signs we see are signs of the end time. Prof. you have done well but, there is a higher place that God wants to take you to and I want you to look at missed opportunities and do greater exploits for God”.

Alluding to King David in the Holy Bible, he admonished him not to nurse any grudge against anyone adding that despite all kinds of contradictions, he forged ahead.

The tripartite event was

Dignitaries at the event Among dignitaries at event were Col. Kayode Are (rtd), former Director General, Department of State Service, DSS, and National Security Adviser to the President, Dr. Adebayo Jimoh, former Group Managing Director, Odua Investment Limited, AIG J. Olatunji Caulcrick, AIG Maritime Command, Dr. Mrs Akpan Clement Regina, Controller of Prisons, Nigeria Prison Service, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Thomas Attah, Divisional Business Manager, Globacol Ltd, Prof. Ayodele Osibanjo, President, Men’s Forum, Anglican Church of the Messiah, the Rt. Revd. (Dr) Mrs Titus Babatunde Olayinka, the Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Prof.

Francis Egbokhare, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Mrs Vicky Falope, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Oyo State, Mr. Adetunji Lamidi, Vice President, First City Monument Bank, Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Ekunno, Managing Director, Neimeth International Pharm Plc among others.

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri CORRESPONDENTS: Kolade Larewaju Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsuru Olowoepejo Ikenna Asomba

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Abeokuta Lagos

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 , 2015—33

By Prisca Sam-Duru

V

ISITING the prisoners, orphanage and children’s hospice, are some of the many ways we can touch lives meaningfully and leave a legacy behind.

Most people would have thrown very wild or flamboyant parties to mark their birthdays or anniversary but with the view to please God in addition to giving meaning to the lives of the down trodden, Nollywood stars joined Dr Chris Eke of Word and Spirit Assembly, Ijegun Lagos, as he marked his 40th birthday on Saturday with the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice and Kirikiri Maximum Prison inmates, Lagos.

At the Heart of Gold children hospice, a home filled with many abandoned, orphans and sick children suffering from a vast range of congenital abnormalities, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, autism and other neurological conditions associated with mental disabilities, Dr Chris shared good moments with the kids.

The pastor who was accompanied with Nollywood stars; Chinyere Winifred, Amaechi Muonagor, Ebere Okaro, all broke out in tears sighting these special children.

Amaechi Muonagor said ‘’this visit has opened my eyes and I was devastated, I saw so many beautiful children and could not understand why they had to suffer so much pains. What got to me more was despite their health condition, they were still happy and excited, ready to play, eat and smile when you come closer to them. I must also say that I was very impressed with how neat they all looked, how their nannies and care givers spoon feed and take care of them”.

The pastor donated cash, food items and wares to the hospice. On the reasons behind his celebrating with these special children, the pastor said “God has been so faithful to me and this being my 40th year on earth is worth celebrating, there is no better place than here.

This is an opportunity to see children with special needs that I have never seen before, and this has added to my experience commitment to God and mankind.”

The visit to the Kirikiri female and Maximum prisons turned out a very emotive and joyous celebration. It was difficult C M Y K

Dr Chris Eke (middle), pastor of Word and Spirit Assembly with the Great Ambassadors, during his visit to Hearts of Gold Children's Hospice, Lagos, to mark his 40th birthday.

Nollywood stars, cleric at 40 celebrate with Kirikiri inmates, special children for the inmates to let go of the celebrant and his entourage, the Great Ambassadors as he delivered to them, messages of hope, forgiveness, salvation, deliverance and transformation. They were also, presented with diverse relief items such as bags of rice, garri, beans etc, and fuel to power their generators etc.

Eke told the inmates that he was not there to sympathise with them but to celebrate them because of what God has decided to do in their lives. He hinted that

On the reasons behind his celebrating with these special children, the pastor said “God has been so faithful to me and this being my 40th year on earth is worth celebrating, there is no better place than here

for so many reasons, he decided to celebrate his 40th birthday with inmates of the Kirikiri prisons adding that experience has shown him that “It is not about what you take but what you give to humanity that matters. It is in appreciation of the goodness and mercy of God upon my life. “ Dr Eke also explained that it became necessary for him to celebrate with prisoners “When I discovered that a lot of people I grew up with, ended up in prison as armed robbers etc, I knew I must render some assistance to them. So, I just have to celebrate and thank God that I didn’t end that way, though a lot of them are victims of circumstances. I also want to send across the message of forgiveness, revival, salvation and deliverance so that they will understand that’s what life is all about. I’m here now, I’m fulfilled, I’m excited and I don’t think that I would have experienced the kind of joy I have right now, if I had thrown a birthday party.

A representative of the Maximum prison appreciated Pastor Eke for celebrating with the inmates and identifying with the

Dr Chris Eke during his visit to Hearts of Gold Children's Hospice

Dr Chris Eke during his visit to Hearts of Gold Children's Hospice down trodden noting that the gesture was a symbol of Christ in him. He prayed that his visit will open the gates for regular visits to the prisons and also pleaded with the celebrant and

general public to assist the prisons in the areas of prisoners’ education, a 2.5 KVA generator, flat screen Television, drugs, more vehicles to convey inmates to court, etc.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Stay connected, save those gigabytes!

Will her name be BabyFacebook?

By Maximilian Anosike

...as Zuckerberg’s spouse prepares to be delivered

T

HE high rate of data being consumed by smart phones has made some users ground their internet activities. This could be as result of them having no knowledge about their data calculations, data settings among others.

For many users, the service providers must be the culprits behind data exhaustion with barely one click on the internet. Here are some ways to ensure that you save your data but still have a good time with your mobile internet.

Know when to turn off your data Users find it difficult to turn off their data when not in use so as to enable them receive messages from apps. Some doze off with it at night not knowing that their data is still running and they are being charged for it. No matter how much you love being online turning off your data will stands the right way for minimal data consumption.

Grounding of back ground data Allowing all your

By Prince Osuagwu

I

connections remain active while data is on could be quite interesting but this consumes a very high amount of data at a fast rate. Restricting background data will disable some selected apps on your phone thereby reducing the amount of data to be used.

Knowledge of mobile websites version When you visit a site, using the desktop version will very likely cost you more data. Find the mobile version of the site before perusing, this version will help not only enhance your experience, but reduce data usage as well.

Set data limits and alert Setting the data limit helps users to restrict their internet usage to a particular amount of data consumption. This is specified in the phone settings which allows the user to receive alert on the data limit being set.

Limit Streaming Streaming is a great way of entertaining yourself with favourite tunes on- the- go but it has a flip side as it depletes data pretty quick. Instead, connect to the stream when you are connected to free WIFI, and let someone else pay the bill.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Used goods get second chance on Efritin.com

BY LAJU IREN

F

rom Yaba to Aba, the Tokunbo market is thriving in the Nigerian space. Whether it is the unique smell of the bend down select market or the semi-exotic world of fairly used cars, the market for used goods not only offers sellers the opportunity to make money, but buyers the chance to get a good deal.

Efritin.com seems to understand this. The new company is an online mall that connects those who want to sell used goods with those who want to buy them. After only a few months in the market, Efritin.com is already making waves; the Efritin app with over 50,000 users is already among the top two shopping apps in Nigeria on the Google Play store. The company already has over 100,000 verified goods available for sale on its site, 30,000 of which are cars.

Saltside Technologies, parent company of Efritin.com says it is not new to this kind of success.

Although Saltside began in Sweden in 2011, the company C M Y K

already has 500 employees all over the world. As the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Babak Tighnavard,put it: “Saltside succeeds because everything we do is local. Just like Efritin.com, we adapt to our business to suit the local environment; our staffing, brand name and site features are Nigerian. Our company runs the leading classified

sites in Bangladesh, Ghana and Sri Lanka.”

It is obvious that Efritin.com focuses on used goods. But another feature that it claims sets it apart from its competitors is its verification feature. The company says that its in-house staff verifies every ad posted, and every buyer who posts ads on the site.

Mr. Zakaria Hersi, who currently heads Efritin.com said: “Safety is a big deal for us. We are the first in the classified market to physically verify goods. We visit buyers one on one, to verify goods.

We also provide end-to-end delivery options from buyers to sellers. We have already employed over 100 people and we are growing very fast so that we can keep up with our promises to the Nigerian people. We are bringing a product and a platform that we are very proud of because it will add value to the industry as a whole.”

The Efritin app can be downloaded for free on all android devices at the Google Play store. It’s useful for people who want to sell items, offer properties for rent, post vacancies or buy items.

T will definitely trend on twitter; and surely it will dorn the facebook profiles of many. babyFacebook, BFB. That is assuming Mark Zuckerberg decides to name his soon expected baby girl, after the project, facebook, he co founded at 12. A project which has made him a house hold name around the world.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are said to be expecting a baby girl very soon The couple made the announcement with a post on Zuckerberg’s Facebook page.

“Priscilla and I have some exciting news: we’re expecting a baby girl!” he wrote to his 33 million followers.

Although in his post, the 31-year-old did not say when the baby will arrive, but he revealed that they had suffered three miscarriages previously, but added that the risk of miscarrying at this stage of the pregnancy was low.

However, the message wasn’t to show off.

Neither was it to whet appetite of millions that would throng his home to welcome the baby when she finally arrives. For him the announcement was to share the experience to help others in a similar situation.

“We hope that sharing our experience will give more people the same hope we felt and will help more people feel comfortable sharing their stories.

“Most people don’t discuss miscarriages because you worry your problems will distance you or reflect upon you - as if you’re defective or did something to cause this. So you struggle on your own.”

The Facebook founder also referenced the popular “like” feature on the social network. “In our ultrasound, she even gave me a thumbs-up ‘like’ with her hand, so I’m already convinced she takes after me,” he wrote.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 35

Rivers REC arrest, continued persecution of N-Deltans by FG —IYC

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—THE Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, has condemned the arrest, detention and continuous harassment of Mrs Gesila Khan, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Rivers State by the Department of State Security, DSS, describing same as “a continuation of President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s resolve to persecute Niger Deltans, especially those perceived to be close to former President Goodluck Jonathan."

Spokesperson of IYC, Eric Omare, in a statement, yesterday, regretted that from July 14, 2015 till date, Mrs. Khan who is from Bayelsa State has been arrested and detained twice and subjected to continuous harassment by the DSS on the orders of President Buhari over the conduct of the general elections in Rivers State.

Omare, said: “At the time of issuing this statement, she has been invited again to appear before the DSS on 5/8/2015. The DSS has no cogent and justifiable

reason for the arrest, detention and continuous harassment of Mrs. Khan. As a result of the arrest, detention and continuous harassment, Mrs. Khan’s health is failing. She is now moving between the hospital and the DSS office.

“To single out Mrs. Khan and

Mr. Okojie of Akwa Ibom State to face dehumanizing treatment is nothing but persecution of people from a particular section of the country. The aggrieved parties in the Rivers and Akwa Ibom states elections having submitted their grievances to the tribunal for adjudication, it

amounts to trying to truncate the administration of justice for the DSS to be harassing the electoral officers who conducted the elections.

“Thisisunacceptableandwecallon allmenofgoodconsciencetocondemn it. Even in the military era, electoral officers were not subjected to such human rights abuses."

VISIT: From left: Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, North East, Sa’ad Bello, Senator George Sekibo, Deputy President of the Senate and leader of delegation, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, and Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Martin Babale, during a visit to Internally Displaced Persons centres in Adamawa.

Auchi APC elders want implementation of panel's report

ETSAKO WEST LG CRISIS:

B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—ELDERS and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to urgently publish the white paper on the Nosa Osifo panel, which investigated the crisis that befell the leadership of Etsako council, following the death of the

Mrs Igbaikeme Oisa for burial

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RS Igbaikeme Agatha Oisa is dead, aged 95 years.

A traditional wake will hold today at Oisa compound at Igor village, Ekpkoma, Edo State.

She will be buried tomorrow in her parents compound, at Ugbiyokho, Uhunwode area of Edo State.

A thanksgiving serving will hold at Saint Michael Catholic Church , Igor, Ekpoma.

She is survived by seven children and many relations, including Vanguard Assistant Crime Editor, Mrs Evelyn Usman.

chairman of the council, Hassan Kadiri, so as to find lasting solution to the crisis.

The APC leaders under the aegis of Auchi Leaders and Elders Forum, who also commended the governor for tackling the erosion problem in Auchi, appealed to him to pay an unscheduled visit to the Auchi General hospital, said that such

West council following the death in office of Prince Kadiri.

“The governor’s wise and prompt intervention in ensuring that the crisis triggered by Hassan Kadiri’s untimely death in office coupled with his wise decision to constitute an Administrative Panel to investigate the near breakdown of law and order in the council helped immensely to douse the crisis.”

Baro's suspension, breach of fundamental human rights —JARO EGBO

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—NATIONAL leader of the Urhobo Nationality Council, UNC, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has described the suspension of the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr Henry Baro from office by the state House of Assembly as a breach of fundamental human rights.

He said: “It is very unfortunate that the Speaker and indeed

members the state House of Assembly, who were elected to protect democracy and the constitution of Nigeria have lent themselves in a very cheap way to the executive and their cohorts in fighting a proxy war of territorial expansion.

“The House has decided to put the cart before the horse by suspending an elected chairman before he was told his offence and given opportunity to defend

himself. It is a clear breach of his fundamental rights and a resort to primitive and brute use of power that cannot stand in any civilized clime and jurisdiction.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Delta State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Chief Ifeanyi Obi, has warned members of the union against indulging in actions capable of causing breach of the peace in the state.

Asagba, others hail Buhari on Kachikwu's Royal Majesty, Victor behalf of the Asagba by the appointment Chukwumalieze 1, and the Ozah Secretary General of Anioma

A

Late Mrs Igbaikeme Oisa

a visit will enable him see for himself, at first hand dilapidated infrastructure and the total absence of medical equipment and drugs at the hospital.

In a communique by Otunba Charlton Magaji, Chairman and seven others, the leaders commended the governor for his; “wise and timely intervention in the crisis that rocked the Etsako

By Hugo Odiogor

SABA—PROMINENT Deltans, yesterday, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of Dr. Ibeh Kachikwu as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozen, Obi of Onicha Ugbo His

of Onicha Ugbo, Chief Azubukwu Mosindi, hailed the president for his vision and courage in appointing Dr. Kachikwu, a seasoned oil and gas guru to head the NNPC at a time when the corporation needed competent hands to reposition the corporation, to serve the country well.

In a statement in Asaba on

Congress, Chief Dan Okenyi, said: “We are particularly delighted to hear the news of the appointment of Dr. Kachikwu as the new helmsman at the NNPC. “Dr. Kachikikwu has been a strong pillar of support for the developmentofDeltaNorth,especially in the areas of youth empowerment and development of infrastructure."

Isoko graduates task lawmakers on empowerment

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SABA—THE National Union of Isoko Graduates, NUIG, has tasked both state and federal lawmakers from Isoko nation on the need to focus more on empowering Isoko graduates.

Peter Avinyeze, NUIG National President gave the charge yesterday in Asaba, Delta State while also congratulating Mr Leo Ogor and Tim Owhefere on their emergence as Minority and Majority leaders at the National and Assemblies state respectively.

He said: “As worthy sons of Isoko nation, we implore that you continue to get Isoko graduates involved in the scheme of things through the sponsorship of bills in both floors of the Houses of Assemblies to ensure that Isoko graduates are gainfully employed and empowered."

IPC lauds Buhari on Boroh's appointment

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ARRI—THE Warribased Itsekiri Progress Club, IPC has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointing Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), as Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, saying that it confirms that the programme was desirable, legitimate and needs to be sustained.

IPC said that with the sustenance of the programme, peace now reigns in the Niger Delta region as many of the youths are readily available for regular employment while others are being empowered through various skills acquisition training, including scholarship awards to study in various tertiary institutions at home and abroad.

A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Ukubeyinje in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, charged BrigGen. Boroh, to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new appointment to further strengthen the amnesty programme.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

RTEAN lampoons NURTW over claims of extortion on drivers

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NUGU—THE lin gering feud between the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria,RTEAN, Enugu State branch and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Enugu,yesterday, deepened as the former described the latter’s comment in a section of the media as mystifying and bemusing.

In a release the association issued Thursday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Ugwu Chinweokwu, RTEAN explained that as a registered trade union organization,gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is bent on sanitizing the transport industry in the country by removing touts in motor-parks and extortion of illegal levies from its employees.

According to Chinweokwu, “before RTEAN commenced operation in Enugu State, our employees (drivers) have being paying N800.00 and above on daily bases to NURTW which we (RTEAN) have reduced to N100.00 daily including tipper and truck drivers.”

Ugwu also said the allegations were not only baseless and fallacious but smacked of “paranoia and hysteria” on the part of those behind them.

He said: “The claims of NURTW against RTEAN can only be described as mystifying and bemusing.

The allegations are not only baseless and completely fallacious but the tone in which they were made, smacks of desperation, paranoia and hysteria on the part of those behind them."

NASS PETITION: Tribunal grants Nnamani’s

application for additional forensic expert

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE tribunal, adjudicating the National Assembly petitions of the Enugu-East senatorial district,yesterday,granted application for leave of court to call an additional witness/forensic expert before it by the

O

WERRI—THE Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries of Imo State, has passionately appealed to Imo Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, to pay the outstanding seven months pension arrears owed them by government.

The state chairman of the Association, Chief Hyacinth Onyekwere, who made the call during a press conference in Owerri, also decried the hardship they have been forced to undergo for sev-

had earlier ruled that the petition brought before it by Nnamani, reveals a substantive cause of action to maintain the petition.

It could be recalled that widespread protests had erupted in streets of Enugu metropolis following the announcement by Independent National Electoral

20 YEARS ON: Umuchigbo community cries

out over abandoned estate •Seeks autonomy

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—UMUCHIGBO Iji-Nike community in Enugu-East Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday,cried out to Enugu State Government to quickly complete the construction of Harmony Estate,abandoned over 20 years ago.

This is even as the community called on the state government to accord autonomy to it, as a duly registered and enlisted community among the 472 communities in Enugu State.

A delegation of the community made this call, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker,Enugu State House of Assembly,Edward Ubosi,who hails from the community.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation,Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike regretted that although Enugu-East Local Government Area controls twenty percent of the state’s voting population and seventy-five percent of the land mass,its indigenes merely contribute two percent of the entire workforce in the state civil service.

He however,urged the Speaker,to quickly stem the tide.

According to Anike,”we are appealing to you (Speaker) to use your good office to bring to the notice of government

Retired Perm Secs beg Okorocha over pension arrears

By Chidi Nkwopara

candidate of the Peoples Democratic Change,PDC, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

Nnamani is challenging the declaration of Senator Gil Nnaji of Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, as winner,by the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC. This is even as the tribunal

eral months.

“Most of us received our last stipend in October 2014. All the cheques issued to us for the November and December stipends regrettably were dud. We appeal to Governor Okorocha to clear the debt with the bailout fund from the Federal Government,” Onyekwere pleaded.

He lamented that sequel to nonpayment of their pensions, as well as other attendant economic consequences, retirees in the state "are falling ill and dying in their numbers."

the abandonment of Harmony Estate workers village located in 154 hectares of land just 3KM from Nike Lake Resort donated and acquired by Enugu State Housing D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation,ENSHDC.

“This clarion call is for the full recognition of Umuchigbo Iji-Nike community as an autonomous community in the state that will equip her to have her own traditional ruler to administer the socio-cultural and socio-economic evolution of her people.”

Commission,INEC, of Gil Nnaji as winner.

Delivering its ruling,the held that,”after a thorough review of the argument in the motions in summary, since the forensic analyst had already been included in the Petitioner's list of witnesses in the Petition as well as having listed the Experts Report in the List of Documents contained within the Petition, this Tribunal therefore holds that the Respondents are not taken by surprise nor are they ambushed by the Petitioners in bringing this application. We therefore grant the orders sought and the additional witness; his statement together with his report are hereby allowed”.

The court adjourned for August 7,(today) for pre-hearing report.

AGM: From left, Mr. Godwin Ehigiamuoe, Managing Director, Lapo Microfinance Bank Plc; Dr. Osaren Emokpae, Chairman, Board of Directors; Mrs. Cynthia Ikponwonasa, Company Secretary, Lapo Microfinance Bank Plc, and Chief Ede Osayande, Director, during the 4th Annual General Meeting of Lapo Microfinance Bank Plc, at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

‘Agitation to cede Edo 2016 governorship to Orhiomwon unreasonable'

By Tare Youdeowei

T

HE IKPOBA Okhai Development Forum, a socio- cultural organization in Edo State, in a statement made available to newsmen, has described as unreasonable, the agitation by a group from Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Area of Edo State that Orhiomwon deserves the governorship slot in 2016.

The Ikpoba Okhai group had backed the former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is from that area for the governorship.

But reacting swiftly in a statement by Arch. Moses Osaigbovo, Secretary of the group, noted that contrary to

the claim that Orhiomwon has been marginalized in the past, "Orhiomwon had benefited substantially more than any local government area as far as juicy positions were concerned.

“And therefore, it is undoubtedly the turn of Ikpoba-Okhai to fill the governorship slot of any of the political parties, be it APC or PDP; and at the appropriate time after it has been resolved in favour of our locality, we will adopt a particular candidate from any of the two main parties.

“Ikpoba Okhai accounts for greater population than Orhiomwon, and in terms of natural resources generation, we are at par with Orhiomwon,

so the claim of superiority is neither here nor there.

"We want to advise the socalled Committee of Friends to desist from political racketeering activities that will undermine the credibility of Edo South people.

“Obviously, this is the season where non-existing groups rear their heads for exploitative tendencies, we call on the mass media to be wary of such groups, and to possibly demand for their certificate of registration.

"We will not take kindly to any party that underestimates the capacity of our voting strength and natural resources in the build up to 2016 governorship election” it stated.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 37

Tarok people seeks improved amenity in communities destroyed by soldiers

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—TAROK people in Kadarko District of Wase local government area of Plateau State, which was recently ransacked by soldiers, have appealed to the state and federal governments to come to their aid and provide basic infrastructure to better their lot in the area.

The residents also called on the three tiers of government to find a lasting solution to the incessant killings and cattle rustling in the area which they attributed to religion, lack of government support and tribal gang-up against the Tarok speaking natives.

The spokesman, Mr. Nankap Dombin, in a statement yesterday in Jos noted: “Political gangsterism have been the major cause of incessant attack and cattle rustling in Wase local government area.''

NACOL boss counsels officers at passing-out parade

By Bashir Adefaka

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HE Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics (NACOL), Lagos, Maj-Gen A.B.M. Gana, recently, gave a charge to the 24 officers from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police, graduating from the college to return to their different fields and use their newlyacquired knowledge to improve the system.

In his welcome address, during the Passing out Parade (PoP) marking the end of the seven-month Logistics Staff Course 12/ 2015, the commandant, who was represented by the college's Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, BrigadierGeneral Julius Olusola Oni, commended the graduands for putting in their best and challenged them “to go to the field and use your newly-acquired knowledge to improve on the existing system through the practice of more efficient methods of logistics planning and execution.”

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Gov Abubakar vows to reduce poverty via agriculture

By Suzan Edeh

people's ignorance and poverty and that’s why they were boasting AUCHI—GOVERNOR that they will rule for 60 years Mohammed Abubakar of but the coming of the All Bauchi State has reiterated his Progressives Congress, APC commitment to reduce poverty among the populace by embarking on mechanization of agriculture to provide employment for jobless youths in the state.

Abubakar stated this yesterday at Government House, Bauchi, while receiving the report of the technical transition committee saddled with the responsibility of re-branding the state.

He said his administration’s policy thrust was working towards boosting the revenue generation in the state, thereby discouraging the reliance on federal allocation.

Abubakar said: “We realize the level of poverty inherent in the society because the People Democratic Party, PDP government used the weapon of poverty and ignorance to exploit the masses.

“The party took advantage of the

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government has changed the order of events in the country.

“My administration will make agriculture attractive so that many of our unemployed youths will secure jobs and in that way, reduce the burden on the state and the work force

which is over-bloated.”

The governor commended members of the committee for their findings, assuring that his government would implement the recommendations of the committee in order to move the state forward.

PRESENTATION: G o v e r n o r Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna State, with his Chief of Staff, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman and the Chairman, State Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, Lt.Gen Martin Luther Agwai (retd) at the presentation of its report at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna on Wednesday.

Photo by Olu Ajayi.

Kaduna to run single-bank account – EL-RUFAI

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—THE Kaduna State government yesterday announced its decision to commence implementation of a consolidated single account, otherwise known as the Treasury Single Account, TSA, framework from September 1, 2015.

A statement signed yesterday in Kaduna

by Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of Governor Nasir El Rufai, said all banks holding monies of Kaduna State government should close them and return the balance to the new TSA which had been opened at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The statement read: “Kaduna State government will, henceforth, commence implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, framework

by September 1, 2015.

“As part of the process of attaining this goal, all banks that maintain the accounts

Kaduna State government have been put on notice to close them and remit the balances to the Central Bank of Nigeria which will host the state’s TSA. “Malam Nasir El-Rufai gave the directives at a meeting with officials of all the banks hosting the state government’s many revenue and expenditure accounts.

“The meeting was also attended by the Kaduna State branch Controller of the CBN. Malam El-Rufai explained that after the establishment of the TSA, the state government will open specified sub-accounts with the CBN and commercial banks.

“The banks present assured the governor that within five working days of receiving the formal instructions from the state government, they will close the accounts and remit the balances to the TSA. “While thanking the banks for their continued support, the governor assured them

that a future session will be organized to explain to the

banks how the new TSA and the sub-accounts will work.''

Tension as EFCC goes after NIMASA staff

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AGOS—THERE was anxiety yesterday following the alleged arrest of 10 employees of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Vanguard gathered that the reason for the arrest was not disclosed by the operatives of the commission.

Investigations revealed that the affected members of staff were picked at the agency’s promises in Lagos on Wednesday.

A source close to the affected staff noted that the affected NIMASA staff, who have been held incommunicado largely hail from a particular section of the country.

The source further said that those arrested were staff of a sensitive department in the agency.

As a result of the incident, it was gathered that there is anxiety over what the development portends.

According to the source: ‘’The situation in NIMASA now calls for caution. On Tuesday morning when some employees had resumed for work, operatives of the EFCC came and arrested about 10 people. ''It was shocking because the reasons for the arrest were not disclosed. As we speak, they are in the commission’s office in Lagos. No one knows what would become their fate. One of the people arrested is a top employee from the North. ‘’It is sad that since the sack of the former Director General, Mr. Akpobolokemi, there have been moves to establish non-existing allegations against him and those believed to be close to him.”

UNPAID SALARIES: Labour vows to shut ports today if...

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

A

S stakeholders yesterday battled to avert the planned strike by Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, over unpaid wages, the Federal Government, through Ministry of Transport, has written to the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to ensure immediate payment of the wages to avert industrial unrest

...FG orders payment of wages in the nation’s ports.

The Ministry, in a letter to the Managing Director of NPA, dated August 4, 2015, and signed by S. U Galadanchi, Director (Maritime Services), on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, intimated the NPA Managing Director of the implication of any shutdown of the ports by organised labour.

Titled “ Planned abolition of the function of On-Board Security men and Tally Clerk (unit of Dockworkers), by the Nigerian Ports Authority: A clarion call”, the Director of Maritime Services, said: “I am directed to refer to your letter, ref. No. MD/10/FM/Vol.XX/247 dated July, 16, 2015 and our letters ref. Nos. T.0160/S.166/T/214 dated June 4, 2015 and T.01/60/5.166/T/

217 dated July 14, 2015 respectively on the above subject/ copies attached, and convey approval of the Permanent Secretary for you to effect payment to the twelve (12) Dock Labour Employers appointed by the Ministry vide letter No. T.3968/T.2/43 dated October 24, 2005 to supply Tally Clerks and On-board Security men in our Ports for services rendered under the contract.''

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

GUINNESS CSR: From left—Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Deputy Governor, Ogun State (right) and Mr. Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, at the commissioning of a water health centre donated by Guinness to the Adigbe community in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Uche, Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria (left) confering the award of Office of the Order of Wesley, OOW, on Chief Oluwola Adegbite (kneeling) in Lagos.

IN COURT: From left— Mr. Ademola Fadipe of Eko Akete Chamber; Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; her husband, Segun Erewa, and Mr. Abdul Mumuni, at the lagos High Court, Igbosere, during a case filed by Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday.

ART COMPETITION: From left— Mr. Olayinka Olatoye, Africa Arts Foundation, AAF, Gallery Manager/ National Art Competition, NAC, Facilitator; Mr. Azu Nwagbogu, Director, AAF; Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Dudu Emmanuel, artist/ NAC past winner and Mrs Emete Tonukari, CSR/ Sustainability Manager, Nigerian Breweries, at the unveilling of NAC, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries and organised by AAF in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

STAR TREK: From left— Gbenga Adeyinka, comedian; Obabiyi Fagade, Brand Manager, Star NB Plc, and Jude MI Abaga, rapper and CEO, Chocolate City, at IBB Square in Makurdi, during Star Music Trek in Benue State.

BoI' SENSITISATION: From left— Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment; Rasheed Olaoluwa, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BoI; Engr Dauda Awojobi, Director Mines Inspectorate, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and Professor Mohammed Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, during BoI's solid minerals sensitisation forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

NOMINATION: Otunba Suleiman Lanre, All Progressives Congress, APC, Kogi State governorship aspirant (left), receiving the governorship nomination form from Senator Oliseh Izunaso, APC's National Organising Secretary at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

HONOUR:

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KINGS COLLEGE: From left— Chief Audu Ogbeh; Dr. Emeka Udobi, Chairman, Kings College Old Boys Association, Abuja Chapter; Chief Emmanuel Ogbile, and Dr. Agbolade, Deputy Director Kings College Lagos, during an acculturation excursion of the Old Boys to Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 39

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40—VANGU ARD, FRID A Y, A UGUST 7, 2015 40—VANGUARD, FRIDA AUGUST

63rd RCCG CONVENTION SPECIAL REPORT

RCCG retires 20 senior pastors Stories by Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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WENTY senior pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, who have attained the age of 70 had bowed out of active service in obedience to the church's constitution which pegged retirement age at 70.

The announcement of retirement was made at the conclusion of this year’s ministers’ conference, ahead of the convention, by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Six of the pastors received awards of excellence while the

14 others got the award of “Fruitful.”

Moreover, they all received the General Overseer’s handshake, plaques and undisclosed sums of money. The church thanked the retirees and prayed for them.

In a similar development, the church gave awards to some of its pastors who have served the church for 20 years and more.

They are in the categories of 20, 25 and 30 years.

To prevent the health crisis recorded during the marathon fast declared by the church last year, Adeboye advised members to always break with pap or other soft items, rather than solid food which takes longer time to digest.

Worshippers praying by the altar at the ongoing convention. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Adeboye urges Christians to remain pure as light A

T a very colorful welcome ceremony last night, the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who had resolved to limit his messages during the ongoing 63rd annual convention to a maximum of 25 minutes, urged Christians to strive to remain pure as the light.

Speaking at the first plenary of the convention, Pastor Adeboye said this year's convention will be different in all ramifications; in signs and wonders, miracles and breakthrough.

Drawing inspiration from Bible book of James 1:17, on a topic titled: "Pure as light," the general overseer took time to introduce the theme of the convention, All Sufficient God, emphasising the need for people to acknowledge that God is the father of light.

According to the man of God, anyone who embrace Him as his/ her father and "He is the father of light, it shows that you are light. You must be light if you are a child of God because God is the father of light.

"There are two forces controlling the world and affairs of men: they are forces of darkness and forces of light. Forces of darkness have various names including demons, devils, witches, wizards, herbalists, liars, fraudsters.

All those evil names are appellations of forces of darkness," he stated.

He said the characteristics of darkness include shame—anything that can produce shame, you want to do it in darkness. The bible said human beings love darkness than light because their works are evil, pointing out that the characteristics of darkness include sorrow, defeat, failure, losses, death, destruction amongst others.

"On the other hand, characteristics of light include; glory, joy!

You remember how people used to shout when the electricity authority used to be called NEPA,

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when they take off light, darkness comes and people will shout their disappointment and when the light comes on the people shout for joy.

"Victory comes when there is light, the Bible says they overcame the devil by the word of their testimony. Sucess is one of the characteristics of light, progress, abundant life, breakthrough and so on," he added, asking the large crowd of worshippers if they prefer light or darkness.

And the crowd responded with a loud shout of "Light!"

The former mathematician explained the meaning of "As Pure As Light", saying he wrote a book about 30 years ago on this same topic where he explained that every child of God must be pure as light, stressing that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Holiness preacher "If you want to be a Christian, you must be a Christian thoroughly. You must be a Christian in the same way that Jesus Christ said, 'the prince of this world came to me and found nothing in me.' Tonight after the service, you will pray until you are satisfied, at least, for almost one hour.

"God is expecting you to take a decision tonight especially all of you that are Christians that from now, no matter how others lived their Christian lives, I want to be pure as light; no more lying of any type---no black, white or red lies. No matter the situation at all be pure as light. No more stealing of any type, no more doing things in a wrong manner simply because others are doing so because our God says you must not follow multitude to do evil," he counseled.

The holiness preacher pro-

Advanced Diploma graduands of Redeemed Christian Bible College and Schools from FCT Province 2 shortly after receiving their certificates. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele ceeded to give three reasons why Christians must live as pure as light. 1. An opportunity to see God on the last day, (Matthew 5:8).

"Pure not just outside, not just pretending but from the heart because the bible said out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If the heart is pure, one's speech and life will be pure.

I will not lie, cheat, if I am committed to purity as pure as light, if I tell a lie no matter how small, the spirit of the Almighty God will not allow me to rest," he stated.

He, therefore, counselled Christians to resolve to be in line with almighty God and make a commitment not to take anything that does not belong to him/her, noting, "there is no need calling yourself a Christain when you are not a son or daughter of the Almighty God. "Some years ago, when I was a lecturer at the University of Lagos, I wrote a letter and I used the school official envelop for the letter but the spirit of God told me that the envelop did not belong to me and I replied how much is an envelop and God

spoke to me and said 'son, if it was so cheap why can't you buy your own?'

"No impurity, no lie, no picking what is not mine because I want to see God on the last day," he stated.

The second reason, he further stated, is that "I want to marry Jesus and Jesus said clearly in Ephesians 5:25-27, that Jesus is going to marry a bride without spot, wrinkle and blemish. As pure as light, no blemish, spot, no wrinkle. No blemish of any type".

Adeboye noted with regret that there is no diffrennce between those who profess Christinity and those who do not; "some say you can be born again and live any kind of life; well if you decide that you will not see Jesus and also marry him on the last day."

Reason number three "why I want to be pure as light and want you to join me in living as pure is because I want to dwell with Jesus Christ in heaven. Isaiah 35:8 tells me that in my husband's kingdom in heaven, there is no unclean thing of any type will be found or allow there.

"I want to be as pure as light becaue I want to see my God, marry Jesus and dwell with Jesus in heaven. Are you wondering why forces of darkness are still disturbing you, why is it that elements of darkness are always attacking you, it is because they are still seeing some elements of darkness in you that they are attracted to," Adeboye maintained.

Pastor Adeboye was of the opinion that God wants to put an end to every attack of the devil in our lives.

Ezekwesili, husband graduate from RCCG college

F

ORMER Minister of Edu cation and chartered accountant, Oby Ezekwesili and her husband, Pastor Chinedu

were spotted at a Bible College graduation during the RCCG's annual convention yesterday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—41

How Kogi Hotels, ultra-mega park will impact on the state

By Mike Abu

‘Is this the best of times to be a governor?’

By Levi Onyekachi

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HERE is no doubt that the big question in the minds of the public since the unfortunate development in the nation’s oil sector and the consequential drop in allocations from the federation account, has been, if this is the best time to be a governor of a state or a president of the country. This recurring decimal of paucity of funds muttering the minds of the public, has posed a serious threat to the nation’s economic growth and engendered a low pace development trajectory in most states of the federation to the extent that they now struggle to pierce through the eyes of the needle to see if they can be able to at least pay the salaries of workers in their various states.

In a nutshell, it will not be out of place to opine that the country’s economic indices and the political exigencies for sustainable growth and delivery of democratic dividends to the people point to the fact that the nation is broke and requires an urgent intervention for us to surmount the challenges inherent.

Inherent challenges To the current leaders at the state and national levels, the equation has changed and a new dance step has to be introduced as quickly as possible for them to translate their visions into realities for peace, steady progress, even development and stability. It was no doubt in keeping faith with these realities that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State was wise and magnanimous enough, before, during and after his inauguration on May 29, to commit his administration to the whims and caprices of innovations and strategic planning geared towards articulating and harnessing ideas that would engender sustainable growth and development as well navigate the state through the current economic crunch which has dwindled the state’s purse to an all-time low.

With all sense of nostalgia, it is worthy of note that Enugu State is third from the bottom of the revenue allocation from the federation account. It is also on record that Enugu is predominantly a civil service state with high expectations borne out of the long held belief that it has the potentials for economic expansion. As Governor Ugwuanyi did say in his inaugural address, “a political associate recently told me that this is not the best of times to be the Governor of Enugu State”, one is impressed and encouraged to note that the

people on v a r i o u s aspects of development as well as p r o m p t payment of state workers’ salaries and servicing of our huge wage bills and debts.

One is, therefore, impressed to Gov Ugwuanyi of Enugu State note that the committee’s governor through his wisdom, key responsibilities as handed vision, foresightedness, down to its members included: courage and tenacious belief in promotion of balanced the miracle of five loaves and sustainable economic growth; two fish, replied his associate promotion and engendering of that “this is indeed the best time adequate employment to lead Enugu State”. opportunities for the people; He did not only base his promotion and attraction of stance on the fact that “it is local and foreign investments knowledge driven economies to Enugu State; mobilization of and not oil driven economies funds; increment of the that rule the world”, he went internally generated revenue further to emphatically add that (IGR) and establishment of he believes that “this is another industries in the state etc. great opportunity for Enugu It also gladdens the hearts of State, and indeed Nigeria to the majority of the people of the look inwards and harness those state that the economic team potentials which free oil money which comprises reputable has blinded us from ‘Enugarians’ who have made exploiting”. It touches one’s their marks in their various heart to note that the governor fields of expertise, such as the equally challenged his Deputy President of the Senate, associate that “if former Senator Ike Ekweremadu, President Franklin Roosevelt former Minister of Power, Prof. could lead America out of great Barth Nnaji, former Economic depression; and if President Adviser to the President, Prof.

Barack Obama could lead the Osita Ogbu, Chief Chilo Americans out of the economic Offiah, former Aviation melt-down, I believe that we too Minister, Amb. Fidelia Njeze, can turn the present economic among others, has promised to challenges into huge assist the governor in this blessings”. onerous task of moving the In this regard, the recent state forward in spite of the news of the inauguration of the economic crisis.

15-man Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee headed by Economic the Vicar-General of the crisis Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Msgr. Obiora Ike, was a From the foregoing, it is welcome development targeted obvious that the committee’s at “ restructuring, re- terms of reference which is engineering and reinvigoration central to the economic survival of the economy of the state” strategies of the state was which are cardinal to the carefully designed by the actualization of the governor’s governor to tackle current and agenda to lead the state out of future economic challenges in the current economic crunch. line with his right judgment This I believe was also in that this is the best time to response to his desire to govern Enugu. He has by this address the stiff challenges singular act once again hindering his administration’s displayed his leadership ability to deliver on its qualities and ability to campaign promises to the successfully navigate the state through the hard times.

While I passionately call on the people of Enugu State both at home and in the Diaspora It is my belief to give the committee all the that this is the best necessary support and cooperation that would lead to of times to be a its success, it is my belief that this is the best of times to be a governor for the governor for the likes of likes of Governor Governor Ugwuanyi who are Ugwuanyi who “ready to work”!

•Onyekachi, a political are ‘ready to analyst, writes from G.R.A, work’!

Enugu State

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N an era when revenue accruing to government is shrinking, with demands by the people higher than income, state governments across the country are beginning to look inward to augment allocation from the federation account through revenue-generating projects. Two of such projects in Kogi State are the remodelling of Kogi Hotels and construction of the mega motor park at Felele in Lokoja. Besides the ascetic impact of the projects on Lokoja township, when completed they will add value and up the state’s revenue profile.

The essence and benefits of these projects came to the fore penultimate Thursday, when Governor Idris Wada, on a routine inspection of some on-going projects, visited the sites.

Governor Wada espoused the propriety of the projects describing them as world class.

Project inspection has remained a vital part of the Captain Wada’s administration; but in recent times, he has taken it a notch further. The essence he disclosed, is not only to ensure that the projects are executed to specifications but that they are delivered on schedule and according to specifications.

The governor in a chat with newsmen said recent economic recession has shown that the task of governance in the present times calls for ingenuity on the part of policy makers and resource managers. According to him, the Kogi Hotels and the Lokoja Mega Terminal are intended to enhance the future growth of the state. The mega terminal whose work has reached 75 percent completion, will certainly generate revenue for the state, stressing that the facility would provide quality services to road transport workers, vehicle operators and travellers alike.

The park located at Felele, along Abuja-Lokoja highway, and awarded at the cost of N1.2 billion would on completion meet the needs of the state in view of its gateway status, with twentythree states criss-crossing the state on a daily basis. Facilities available at the park include a clinic, automobile workshop, eatery, a bank, police post, offices and shops. It is designed to help decongest the highway of vehicles that cluster the road and cause obstruction to free flow of traffic.

In Kogi State, health policy is people centred

The governor during the inspection explained that the remodelling of Kogi Hotels would provide quality accommodation, conference and sports facilities for the people of the state and top calibre visitors to the state capital.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the two projects and commended the contractors for not compromising standards and urged them to sustain the tempo. Conducting the governor round the projects, commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr Kayode Olowomoran said the Kogi Hotels project is 95 percent completed and would be commissioned in December.

There abound several on-going projects across the state, such as the 500 housing units in Gang and Crushed, the State University Teaching Hospital and the Kogi diagnostic and imaging centre. Similarly, the Kogi Housing project, a seventeen story building in Abuse at N2.2 billion are some on-going projects that would complement revenue generation in the state. Other ongoing projects that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people when completed are the 16km Ganaja-Otokiti road, Welcome to Lokoja-New Market Road, and the township roads in Mopa, Egba, Gabby, Ankpa, Lokoja, Koton-Karfe among others.

Salaries of workers The administration has so far completed 58 road projects across the state. Governor Wada on assumption of office made it a policy to complete projects inherited by his administration.

Some of these projects include the completion of Greater Lokoja water works, the Confluence Beach Hotels, the Confluence Stadium and the State secretariat complex phase II amongst several others.

Amidst dwindling resources, making it almost impossible for states to pay salaries of workers, the Wada administration in the state has paid the salaries of its workers till June, while efforts are on to begin the payment of that of July. The state wage bill is put at N3.2 billion with an average monthly allocation of N3.5 billion. Aside employing about 15,000 youths under its YAD4Kogi programmer, the Commissioning of the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute of Advanced Technology Lokoja, a world class technological institute for the training of middle level manpower for industries within and outside the state recently, was another bold step by the Wada administration to make the youth of the state self reliant and skilful through vocational education.

In Kogi state, health policy is people centred. Apart from establishing five zonal hospitals and on-going rehabilitation and re-equipping of all general hospitals in the state, under the state government’s free rural health policy.

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015— 43

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED DAVID—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ubulom Ataisi David, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogieriakhi Ataisi Pedro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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AKYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akya Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kume Evelyn Dooshima.

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UGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Ngozi Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebiega Ngozi Blessing. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

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OTIO—I,

formerly

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known and addressed as Miss Otio Cornelia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Opara Cornelia Adia.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015—45

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VISIT: From left: HRM, Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, Chief Atuyota Ejugherman, Chairman, and Hon. Abel Oshevire, during the visit by members of Nigeria Interest Group for Good Governance to the Asaba monarch in celebration of his 90th birthday in Asaba. Photo: Nath Onojake.

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BUJA—THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, led by its Executive Secretary,

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BOKO HARAM: NHRC visits Army

chief

zUrges protection of human rights

By Kingsley Omonobi

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Mrs Nnebuwa Esewezie passes on

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HE death has been announced of Mrs. Nnebuwa Favour Esewezie (nee Chukwu).

She was aged 40 years.

Until her death, she was the wife of Hon. Innocent Esewezie, the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

There will be service of songs at her residence on August 13, at Idumuezeje, Umuekea, Ibusa, Delta State at 5pm to be followed the next day with funeral church service and interment at the same venue.

Professor Ben Angwe yesterday gave the Nigerian Army a pat on the back for doing its best in containing the menace of Boko Haram terrorists.

Professor Angwe however expressed the Human Rights C o m m i s s i o n ’ s determination to partner with the Nigerian Army to ensure that human rights are protected, adding that both organizations have the common mission to protect human rights, hoping that the partnership will benefit the Nigerian people.

Making the disclosures when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai at Army Headquarters, Professor Angwe, applauded the

taking over the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army.

Responding, the COAS, Major General Buratai thanked the Executive Secretary for the visit and promised that the Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with the Commission, adding that all aspects of human rights will continue to be respected as enshrined in the Constitution.

He assured the Commission that the Nigerian Army will always discharge its duties professionally and responsively in line with his vision, affirming that no personnel will be involved in human rights abuses while carrying out assigned tasks under his watch.

Okowa's aide urges parents to monitor their children

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Late Nnebuwa Esewezie

qualities exhibited by the Nigerian Army personnel in ensuring that they put up their best to have a secured Nigeria.

While congratulating the COAS on his appointment and describing the visit as a family affair, the Executive Secretary commended the Army’s efforts in the ongoing fight against the insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country and reiterated the need for a good relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Commission at all times.

He promised to support the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional duties and praised the Army Chief for visiting the troops in the frontline fighting Boko Haram insurgents’ hours after officially

SABA—THE Special Assistant on Political Matters to Delta State Governor, Chief Akigho Okiemute, has called on parents to monitor the movement of their children and wards or engaged them in meaning activities during this long vacation.

Okiemute said that when children are not

guided by their parents or elderly siblings, they intend to do things in their own way.

He said “The best way to monitor the children during this holiday period is to engage them in summer lesson or enrol them in vocational training, because with this, they have something to busy themselves with.”

He charged parents at a religious gathering that a better educational system awaits the children as the Ifeanyi Okowa administration had promised to make education one is priorities and urged parents not to relent in disciplining their children, because they are the future of tomorrow.

46— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

SE Asia warns of ‘increased tensions’ over S. China Sea

Republicans square up for first GOP presidential debate A

FTER months of shadow boxing, the first debate of the 2016 Republican primary season, will take place today night at 9 p.m. ET in Cleveland, Ohio.

The line up for the debate include: Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Chris Christie and John Kasich .

The Republican Party has 18 persons that have

declared their interest inthe race and the Presidential debates provides the spirants, the opportunities for the candidates to seize the national media spotlight.

Republicans are heading into the first presidential debate with Donald Trump leading the field and confounding the confident predictions of a slew of pundits that his collapse was at hand—whether after the Mexican-rapists

comment, the slam at John McCain as no hero, or other statements that offended elites but only seemed to attract more support from Republican hoi polloi. What explains the Trump bump? The answer is the emerging, even dominant force in the GOP—an angry, antiestablishment, antileadership populism that was triggered by the financial crisis and the 2008

bailout, cynically exploited in 2010 and 2012 by the “Young Guns” in the House and other GOP leaders in Congress to convert anger into turnout and elect Tea Partyoriented candidates. This force is now turning on those leaders, creating problems not just in the presidential race, but in a Congress whose leaders face the possibility of implosion ahead.

L

AND reclamation in the South China Sea has “increased tensions” in the region, Southeast Asian foreign ministers said yesterday at the close of talks dominated

by Beijing’s island-building.

The declaration, contained in a final communique, followed a warning by US Secretary of State John Kerry that Washington would not tolerate any restrictions on freedom of navigation in the strategically important waters.

The Southeast Asian ministers’ joint final statement noted “the serious concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations in the South China Sea”.

It said the land works “have eroded trust and

confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” without specifically singling out Beijing.

The communique was hashed out after two days of wrangling over how hard to pressure China on its controversial drive to expand tiny reefs and build military posts in the disputed waters.

The issue took centre stage at the series of diplomatic meetings this week in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

They also included envoys from two dozen other nations such as China and the United States.

Tensions in Texas over planned cemetery for Muslims

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The Republican Party presidential aspirants

France says ‘several’ nations interested in Mistral warships

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RANCE’s defence minister said yesterday that “several” countries had expressed an interest in buying its Mistral-class warships, after Paris refused to deliver them to Russia because of the Ukraine crisis.”A certain number of countries — there are several — have made their interest known for these boats,” Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio.Late Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande announced he had clinched a deal with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to withhold the warships in exchange for compensation.

In a deal worth around 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), France had promised to deliver the two vessels to Moscow but the agreement hit the rocks over Russia’s perceived aggression in eastern Ukraine.

Le Drian declined to say exactly how much France had repaid Russia but said Paris could now press on

with talking to other interested parties.

“We couldn’t do that while the dispute was still ongoing with Russia ... but now there is no more dispute,” said Le Drian.

“France will reimburse all the money paid by Russia to acquire these ships,” Le Drian pledged.

On Wednesday, Moscow said that France had already paid back the money and it considered the matter closed.

OPE Francis yesterday slammed the “atrocious, inhuman and inexplicable” persecution of Christians and minorities, urging the international community not to remain silent.

“May global public opinion be ever more attentive, sensitive and active faced

years without incident.

Residents in this town of 3,400 about 45 miles northeast of Dallas packed a community meeting on Tuesday night arranged

by Farmersville city officials, who tried to convince locals there was nothing to fear and the planned religious burial ground will meet state standards.

Many were doubtful.

Resident Barbara Ashcraft told the Dallas Morning News after the meeting: “People don’t trust Muslims. Their goal is to populate the United States and take it over.”

Israeli president slams Netanyahu’s anti-Iran drive

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SRAEL’s president sug gested yesterday that Prime Minister Benjamin France’s defence minister said “several” coun- Netanyahu has been overtries had expressed an interest in buying its Mis- zealous in opposing the tral-class warships, after Paris refused to deliver Iran nuclear deal, opening them to Russia because of the Ukraine crisis a “battlefront” with Washington and isolating his country.

Reuven Rivlin, who holds the largely ceremonial head of state post, argued in three separate newspaper interviews that Netanyahu’s vigorous camwith the persecutions car- cism and intolerance.” ried out against Christians, “I renew my hope that the paign against last month’s and more generally, against international community nuclear deal between world powers and Iran religious minorities,” the will not assist mutely and could ultimately hurt Israel. pontiff said in a message to inertly to such an unacceptA former right-wing polithe Jordanian Catholic able crime,” he said in the tician with a history of Church. message, which will be strained ties to the prime He denounced “the atro- delivered to the Jordanian minister, Rivlin has voiced cious, inhuman and inex- Church by the secretary of his own reservations about plicable persecution of those the Italian Bishops’ Confer- the deal but put it in a wider diplomatic context in the inin many parts of the world... ence, Nunzio Galantino. terviews. who are victims of fanati-

Pope slams ‘atrocious, inhuman’ persecution of Christians

P

LANS for a cemetery for Muslims on the outskirts of a small North Texas town have sparked a backlash among some local residents who said they fear it will bring radical Islam and terrorism to their doorsteps.

The Islamic Association of Collin County purchased 34 acres to develop a cemetery in the sleepy burg of Farmersville because the closest Muslim burial ground is rapidly running out of space.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area already has three Muslim cemeteries, all developed and run for

“I am very worried about the battlefront that has opened up between (U.S. President Barack) Obama and Netanyahu and the (state of) relations between the United States and Israel,” he told the Maariv newspaper.

“The prime minister has waged a campaign against the United States as if the two sides were equal and this is liable to hurt Israel.

“I must say that he understands the United States better than I do, but, nonetheless, we are largely isolated in the world,” Rivlin said in some of his most critical comments about Netanyahu’s strategy on the Iranian issue since becoming president a year ago.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 47

Chadian security forces kill seven Boko Haram militants

C

South Sudan’s warring rivals restart peace talks S

OUTH Sudan’s rival forces began peace talks yesterday, as international pressure mounts ahead of an August 17 deadline to strike a deal to end 19 months of civil war.

The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and has been marked by widespread atrocities on both sides. “We have now reached a critical juncture whereby participants of this phase will make decisions that may impact the destiny

of the people of South Sudan,” chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin said at an opening ceremony.

Delegates met in the Ethiopia capital Addis Ababa, under mediation from the regional eightnation bloc IGAD, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. South Sudan’s civil war began in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of planning

HADIAN forces killed seven Boko Haram militants in a clash on Wednesday, a security source said, as the country tries to secure islands on Lake Chad used by the insurgents as hideouts and bases to launch attacks.

Chad said last week it killed 117 Boko Haram fighters as part of a two-week offensive on the lake that

borders Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon.

“Boko Haram fighters in boats opened fire on our forces on the island of Tchoukou Dallah. Seven of their fighters were killed and there were others wounded,” said a security source who declined to be named. There was no independent confirmation.

Boko Haram abducts 135, kills 8 in Cameroon raid

B

Members of South Sudan army in camp a coup, setting off a cycle of retaliatory killings that has split the poverty-

stricken, landlocked country along ethnic lines.

OKO Haram militants kidnapped 135 people and killed at least eight others in a raid in northern Cameroon, as the Islamists continued to strike beyond their strongholds in neighbouring Nigeria, police and local sources said Wednesday.

The insurgents also shot dead nine fishermen in a village near the shores of Lake Chad in northeastern Nigeria, amid heightened violence region-wide since Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s was sworn in in May.

48— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Shawwal 22, 1436 A.H.

Ambode appoints Gawat’s wife as Hajj C’ttee member •Promises improved welfare for intending pilgrims

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A

LHAJA Gawat Fatimat Folashade, wife of the missing Islamic programme presenter on NTA, Alhaji Aremu AbdurRasaq Gawat, has been appointed member of the Adhoc Committee for 2015 Hajj in Lagos State. The appointment which takes immediate effect was approved by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

The Amirul Hajj and chairman of the Committee, Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, expressed appreciation to the governor, promising that he and his team would not let the state down.

He also assured that the committee would work assiduously and represent the state well at the holy land.

Other members of the committee include; Mr. Danmole AbdulHameed Ademola, Dr. Paramole Abdul Kabir, Alhaja Latifat Adewale Omolara, Alhaja Risikat Ogunbunmi, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Opeloyeru, Dr Sopeyin AbdulGaniyu Oluremi, Alhaji Jinadu Lawal, Dr. Lateef Adetona and Dr. Nasirudeen Onibon.

Gawat was declared missing on July 6, 2015, and since, his sudden disappearance has remained a mystery to many,

with so many unanswered questions. The police has not made any breakthrough on the issue just as it maintained that investigation continues.

Inaugurating the committee at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, earlier this week, Ambode expressed his administration’s commitment to improve the welfare of Pilgrims from the state while on spiritual exercise to Holy Land.

According to the governor, “My administration shall ensure an improvement in the welfare of Lagos Pilgrims in the Holy Land. I have approved

...since Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam is held tenaciously by Muslims, the exercise should be handled with all seriousness that it requires

the immediate commencement of a decentralized weekly orientation programme in all the Local Government Areas which commenced on Saturday 25th July and it is aimed at developing the right attitude and character worthy of ambassadors of Lagos State in the holy land”.

“The spiritual orientation shall also be held at the state level before the 18th of August”, the governor said.

Ambode also reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence among residents just as he promised to strengthen the institutions and agencies saddled with coordinating religious affairs.

“As part of this administration’s resolve to ensure a peaceful and harmonious religious coexistence among all Lagosians, we shall strengthen the institutions and agencies saddled with the responsibilities of coordinating religious affairs”, he said.

He said since Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam is held tenaciously by Muslims, the exercise should be handled with all seriousness that it requires, hence, the need to appoint the Amirul Hajj and interim committee to coordinate the activities of the Hajj exercise.

PRESENTATION: The Leadership of the Women’s Wing of NASFAT and the South-West Coordinator of NEMA, Dr, Onimode A. Bamidele (middle) during presentation of relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the North East , recently.

UMRAH: Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left), Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (right), CEO Kausar Abdulsalam Hassan Establishment, Abdulwaheed AbdulRaheem (2nd left) and former Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole (2nd right) at the presentation of award of Excellence to Fashola as best governor on Pilgrims Welfare in Nigeria (2007-2015) during Umurah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

ASK Y OUR IMAM YOUR

On Fasting in Shawwal Question: If a woman misses fasting in Ramadan, is it permissible for her to give precedence to fasting the six days of Shawwal over making up the days she missed, or she should first make up for the missed Ramadan before fasting the six days of Shawwal?

I

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) with his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule (3rd left); the Amirul Hajj and Chairman, Special Adhoc Committee for the 2015 Hajj, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef (3rd right), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji (2nd right) and other members of the Committee during its inauguration by the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, recently.

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F a woman misses days from Ramadan, then she should not fast the six days of Shawwal until after she has made up what she missed. After making up of what she missed, she can then fast the six days of Shawwal. In the same way, if any person (man or woman) missed some days of Ramadan due to illness, traveling etc., in the same way, he should first make up the shortfall and then observe the voluntary six-day Shawwal fast.

The hadith on fasting in Shawwal is very clear. The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal…” Whoever still has days to make up from Ramadan has not fasted Ramadan. So, she will have to complete the days she missed in Ramadan first before fasting the six days of Shawwal.

One of the scholars elucidated on it quoting Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20/19, that “If we assume that this making up missed fasts lasts throughout Shawwaal, such as if a woman was bleeding following childbirth and did not fast at all in Ramadan, then she started to make up her missed fasts in Shawwal and did not finish that until Dhu’l-Qa’dah began, then she may fast the six days, (I.e in Dhu’l-Qa’dah) and she will have the reward of one who fasted them in Shawwal, because she delayed it for a necessary reason, so she will have the reward.

God knows best.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 49

Shawwal 22, 1436 A.H.

Zuglool praises Buhari on moves to exterminate Boko Haram •As Daru Dawah holds graduation ceremony

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HE atmosphere of chuminess, assisted by clement weather pervaded the Isolo area of Lagos State as the foremost Arabic School in the area held its 42nd graduation ceremony recently.

The event which hampered both human and vehicular movement in the serene area as dignitaries and eminent Muslim personalities thronged the area was held last Sunday. 96 graduated in various levels of Arabic and Islamic education.

Parents who spoke to Vanguard expressed satisfaction in the standard of Arabic and Islamic training imparted to the students.

The occasion was also used to launch the ultra modern electronic library of the school.

Speaking at the occasion, the Proprietor, Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool congratulated to the students and parents for their resilience and steadfastness during their period of learning.

Commenting on global issues,

the Islamic Scholar noted that a number of unpleasant situations, restiveness, crises, bombings and killings were worrisome and should be the concern of every human being.

“Since inception of this graduation ceremony, I have made it a point of duty to use the occasion to give my perspective of situation around the world.

Recently, the situation in Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and other places where bombings and killing remain the order of the day is worrisome. It is affecting the entire Muslim.”

He praised the fighting spirit of the Army under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari just as he listed a number of measures that if put in place would help to stop insurgency.

He urged private individuals to invest in the country inorder to create employment for the teeming youth; advising government to make education up to secondary school level free and

compulsory for all.

Sheikh Zugloo further advised government to improve on the social and infrastructure development as well as put structures in place to assist the poor and the less privileged.

He also unveiled the school’s ultra modern electronic library project, adding that it would benefit not only the students of the school but Islamic researchers all over the world.

The Mudeer urged the graduands to always be good ambassadors of the school, noting that love, humility and steadfastness and other good values they have learned in the school will help them.

Meanwhile, parents of graduating students friends and well wishers were seen with loads of sumptuous meals and gift items just as drinks flew freely in celebration of worthy achievements.

Insecurity: FOMWAN cautions against banning of Hijab

By Abduwahab Abdullah

T

HE Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has cautioned against the call for the ban of hijab in Nigeria, especially in the northern part of the country.

In a statement by the National President of the association, Hajia Amina B. Omoti, the association reiterated that the banning of the use of hijab is not the solution to the insecurity in the region.

According to FOMWAN, it has been established that the insurgents used several other antics such as military uniforms, animals and all sorts of items as décoy to beat security operatives in their nefarious activities.

Instead, the association called on the government “to remain focused in its fight to end the insurgency and not be distracted by those calling for the ban on the use of hijab. It is diversionary and any attempt to implement it will be resisted by all well meaning Muslims in the country.”

FOMWAN which appealed to the Muslim Ummah to remain calm and C M Y K

law abiding, said Muslims across the country should resist attempts to be provoked and continue to pray for the present administration to succeed and for an enduring peace in Nigeria.

FOMWAN statement read in part : “The attention of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has been drawn to the ongoing

debate and unsolicited advice to government in different print and electronic media on the need to ban the use of Hijab.

“FOMWAN as a Muslim Women organization is concerned at the unfortunate use of young and innocent girls wearing Hijab to create havoc in the North Eastern part of Nigeria; this is sad and worrisome.

From left: Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chairman of the occasion; Alhaji Miftau Badmus, representing the Baba Adini of Eti-Osa and Chief launcher, Alhaji AbdulYekeen Bakare; Sheikh Sanus Zuglool, Proprietor, Darud-Dawah Wal-Ir’shad Arabic and Islamic Studies center, Isolo; Prof Misbaudeen Rahimson and other special guests during the school’s graduation ceremony held in Isolo,Lagos

A cross section of graduands at the occasion.

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

You may be eating less, but getting fatter

By Sola Ogundipe

N

IGERIANS are consuming less calories, but obesity rates are going up. What could be responsible? Experts say calorie intake has reduced nationally over the years, but obesity rates are outpacing overweight rates in general.

The problem seems to be that everyone is okay with consuming less, but doing less.

While it is true that the average person is consuming less, they are still consuming significant added sugars and soft drinks.

While the bad news is that more people are considered obese than overweight, it would seemingly indicate that those who are quite fat have got fatter.

These things might seem contradictory, but the data shows a particular lifestyle is to blame.

Granted, people are eating better, but they’re probably not taking care of themselves.

• Obesity

HEART DISEASE: Unhealthy lifestyles put youth at risk

By Chioma Obinna

U

NHEALTHY lifestyles, consumption of junk foods and lack of exercise have been linked to the growing incidences of heart attacks and other heart related problems among young people.

A renowned Consultant Cardiologist at the Apollo Heart Centre, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, Dr. Venkatesh Kumar, who made the disclosure in a chat with newsmen, alerted on the need for people to eschew habits such as smoking and other factors including stress, obesity that can increase their risk of health problems at a young age.

Kumar said heart disease can be prevented when detected early and treatment initiated.

"Identifying individuals with high risk heart disease and undertaking appropriate

measures to adopt a healthy lifestyle - have a regular physical activity, consumption of heart healthy foods, cessation of smoking, correction of obesity and achieving ideal Body Mass Index, BMI as well as control risks factors of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia will go a long way in stemming the prevalence of heart disease in young people.

He noted that globally, heart disease is the leading cause of death because people pay less attention to heart healthy diet and physical activity and that the risk factors are increasing within the populace leading to the increased prevalence of heart disease.

Kumar said many Nigerian patients with various heart challenges have been treated and implanted with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators, which are

devices that monitor advanced heart failure and prevent sudden cardiac death.

He identified combination of genetic and environmental factors as contributing to increase prevalence of heart disease in Nigerian and Africans at large, saying cardiac arrest is a deceptive disease with a spectrum of presentation.

"Severe CAD can exist without symptoms and the first presentation may be sudden cardiac death or a serious heart attack, there is no correlation between severity of the disease and the symptoms.

"When a patient complains of chest discomfort, urgent heart function tests such as ECG should be carried out.

When it is confirmed as a heart attack, the patient should be quickly taken to the nearest hospital," he added.

INTENSIVE CARE: We can save Nigerians!

S

Experts describe obesity as a major health problem, and note that there is an increasing trend of overweight and obese individuals.

“Being overweight or obese is known to contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates in various countries around the world,”a nutritionist confirmed.

“It is clear that obesity rates have increased and continued to steadily increase,” says Yikyung Park, Associate Professor at Washington University.

Park says that even if calorie intake has been dropping over the last decade, it’s only part of the problem. “To maintain a healthy weight, the energy eaten has to come out. More people are spending time playing video games, watching TV, not walking, etc.

“Physical activity has gone down. People are not moving enough. And lifestyles are becoming sedentary.”

Park confirmed that although some studies may now show that calorie count is going down, it doesn’t mean that people’s physical activity has gone up.

“If people are eating less but also they are not moving around,” she explains, “it means again that there is an energy imbalance. People are not moving enough to burn those extra calories, and will gain weight over time.”

Compounding the problem is that extra calories come from nutritionless sources.

“If the extra calories are coming from unhealthy food, it’s a problem for obesity and all other chronic conditions people are suffering from nowadays.

“It’s not just a problem with one part.

It’s really hard to separate diet and activity from one person’s life. Generally people who tend to eat a healthy diet are the ones who probably move around a little more.”

People are not moving enough to burn those extra calories, and will gain weight over time

Intensive Care - We can save Nigerians!

URVIVAL chances for many recent deaths in Nigeria would have been greatly improved had we been blessed with top notch intensive care services.

Many Nigerians have needed intensive care, passed through it ( or a semblance of it) or have sought intensive care to no avail.

They, their families and carers have suddenly realized what many in the healthcare industry have known for a long time: that intensive care in Nigeria needs IMMEDIATE ATTENTION! What is Intensive Care or Intensive Therapy Unit?

ICUs are also sometimes known as critical care units (CCU) or intensive therapy units (ITU).

A person in an ICU needs constant medical attention and support to keep their body functioning.

They may be unable to breathe on their own and have multiple organ failure. Medical equipment will take the place of these functions while the person recovers.

It should not be confused with an High Dependency Unit or HDU which is more like a step down from ICU or a step up from a ward or recovery room area.

ICU beds are expensive and limited because they provide specialized monitoring equipment,a high degree of medical expertise and constant access to highly trained nurses (usually one nurse for each bed).

A person may need an ICU bed after surgery, following an accident or severe illness or when one or more organ

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systems, (heart, lungs, kidneys or even digestive system ) has failed.

What can cause these organs to fail?

Some of the most common causes of organ failure include:a serious accident – such as a road accident or a severe head injurya serious acute (short-term) health condition – such as a heart attack (where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked), or a stroke (where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted) a serious infection – such as a severe case of pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) or sepsis (blood poisoning) major surgery – this can either be a planned admission to an ICU as part of your recovery after surgery or an emergency measure if there are complications during surgery

Scary environment

The ICU can be a scary environment for the patient, their family and friends.

Patients in ICUs are often prescribed painkillers and medication that can make them drowsy (sedatives) because some of the equipment used can be very uncomfortable.

A series of tubes, wires and cables connect the patient to this equipment, which may look alarming at first.

Surprisingly, equipment, per se, is not the problem in Nigeria. The funds are there; in government treasuries and with the many potential private investors in this coun-

doctor@lagospainclinic.com try. It is the expertise, both medical and nursing, that is a challenge.In addition, ALL payers ( patients, Governments, Insurance companies) need to know that Intensive Care COSTS money.

When an individual requires intensive care, it is classified urgent or emergent in medical practice. For those who think they can be whisked overseas, there is often no time to transfer abroad or such transfer may not be clinically safe for the patient, with the condition worsening significantly before arriving at the magical medical destination.

Rather than exporting patients that need ICU, we need to IMPORT ICU training and practice here. There are numerous Nigerian doctors and nurses working, managing and leading such units in the best medical centers around the world.

Trainees can only learn and understand intensive care in a true ICU environment. Government, corporations and wealthy private individuals should provide the infrastructure for intensive care units and actively fund training and education of ALL staff of such units.

The rewards are simple: Intensive care units can save lives! And it could be yours.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 51

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015—52

Atiku’s daughter, others make commissioners' list in Adamawa

By Umar Yusuf

Y

OLA—GOVERNOR Mohammed Jibrilla of Adamawa State has forwarded a list of 21 commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for consideration.

Among the nominees is a medical doctor, Fatima Abubakar, daughter of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Also on the list is Ibrahim Yayaji Mijinyawa, an APC governorship aspirant in the April election; Ahmad Sajoh, spokesman to former governor, Murtala Nyako, and four other women.

Screening of the nominees commenced yesterday.

Damaturu nursing students protest sales of handouts

By Bala Ajiya & Ndahi Marama

D

A M AT U R U — AGGRIEVED students of Shehu Sule School of Nursing in Damaturu, Yobe State, yesterday stormed the streets, protesting the sale of handouts by teachers, who insist students must buy them before passing examinations.

The aggrieved students also blocked major highways, aside from disrupting academic activities in the institution.

The students, in their

hundreds, also accused the Principal of the school, Mallam Musa Amshi, of conniving with teachers of the institution to deprive them of their rights to pass exams unless they bought handouts and pamphlets produced by the teachers.

It was gathered that only 30 of the 95 final year students of the institution passed the end of term examinations because they bought the handouts, while over 30 were withdrawn and 30 others were asked to repeat due to

their inability to buy handouts, which price ranges from N500 to N1,000.

It took the intervention of a team of anti-riot policemen, who used tear-gas, to control the protesting students.

It was also learned that the principal of the school and some teachers narrowly escaped being attacked by the rampaging students.

At press time, calm had returned to the school, with heavily armed security personnel present parading the area.

Transition

M

RS. Blacky Boyo, 86, of Ugbege and Nunu, Eghoroke Ogheye town, Warri North LGA, Delta State, is dead.

August 14 is service of songs at her residence, Ogorode Road by NEPA junction at 4p.m. Next day corpse leaves Okparavero Hospital to the residence at 7a.m. and departs for Koko town for interment at 9a.m.

Entertainment of guest is 12 noon at Crowther Primary School, Boyo Road, Sapele, while outing service at Holy Messiah C & S Mewayeone Zion by Owumi Road, Sapele, is August 16.

AWARD: Dr. Kenneth Mordi (left), being honoured with Distinguished Parent award

by Dr. Francis Olaniyan, Proprietor, Victory Group of Schools (right), during the schools’ valedictory ceremony in Lagos.

Ortom explains increased wage bill G OVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said the resumption of payment of full salaries and overheads in the state was responsible for the increase in the state’s wage bill.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, the governor said the payment of full salaries to the state civil servants and overheads were responsible for the increase.

The statement read: “A chieftain of the Peoples

Why I'm in the race —Kogi gov aspirant

A

LL Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello's campaign team was received by a huge crowd at Ugwlawo in Kogi East senatorial district.

Addressing the party leaders and delegates at APC Secretariat in Ugwolawo in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, Bello told the large crowd that he ventured into politics to ensure that the state

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gets the needed change.

He explained that since creation of Kogi State in 1991, the state had not gotten it right in terms of infrastructural development, education, health and serious socio-economic development.

He said as a youth, who had excelled in both public and private life, he would want to bring his experiences to bear in governance of the state if given the mandate.

Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, Mr. Godwin Ayihe, requested through newsmen, to know why the state wage bill had risen above N2.7 billion, which he claimed the last administration used to pay.

“Hitherto, the past administration had effected deductions from salaries of

civil servants for several months. Overheads were also not paid to ministries, departments and agencies for months.

“Ortom commenced payment of full salaries and overheads in May. With these, it became impossible for the figure to remain at N2.7 billion.”

... as Wada dispels sack rumour

By Fanwo Kingsley

L

OKOJA—GOVERNOR Idris Wada of Kogi State has assured Kogi workers that his administration will not embark on massive retrenchment in spite of the dwindling revenue of the state.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jacob Edi in Lokoja yesterday, the governor said his government is committed to the welfare of the people through empowerment and capacity building and also provide an enabling environment for industrialisation to create jobs

for the people.

He said: “Those peddling the rumour of retrenchment deserve our sympathy. They sacked workers massively even when the state was economically viable. Many homes are yet to recover from the debacle till today.

“The government of Idris Wada does not believe in retrenchment. The governor is working hard every day to create more job opportunities for Kogites.

“The efforts of the governor has continued to yield fruits as many industries have been coming to invest in the state, thereby expanding the opportunities for the people.”

11 African companies get $1.1m for renewable energy

G

E Africa, in conjunction with the U.S. African Development Foundation, USADF, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, has announced an additional $1.1 million awarded to 11 companies across Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.

These 11 winners will each receive a grant of up to $100,000 to expand their renewable energy solutions and reach those currently not served by the grid.

The awards were announced during President Obama’s trip to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, as part of his continued commitment to Power Africa and providing under-served communities access to energy.

The competition is part of Power Africa, a partnershipbased effort to double access to electricity in subSaharan Africa, where more than 600 million people still lack basic access to electricity.

Delta family cries out over land theft

T

EJE-KPOFIA family of Otokutu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has issued a cavaet to all land speculators as well as buyers to stop all land deals with anybody except accredited representatives of the family.

The family said anyone who does business with other people other than the family heads, does so at his or her own risk.

This was contained in a statement by Pa. Lagos Ekpan, head of the family; Chief Samson Badare, Chairman; Elohor Obotoru, Vice Chairman and Okoro Edward, Secretary.

It said: “It has to come to the knowledge of the Teje-Kpofia family that some unscrupulous elements in the community have invaded the family land situated at Otokutu, selling to buyers without the authority of the family.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 53

Sunshine Stars reclaim NPFL top spot S

UNSHINE Stars are back on top of the Nigeria league table after a 2-0 win over Sharks at the Akure Township stadium on Thursday.

Sunshine now have 39 points from 21 games, a point ahead of secondplaced Enyimba.

Prince Aggreh opened the scoring for the hosts in the 10th minute.

Tunde Adeniji after a series of misses doubled Sunshine’s lead in the 68th minute to take his goals’ haul to 12 from a loose ball.

Sunshine created several chances in this match which was rescheduled because they were involved in a car accident.

In the 20th minute, Adeniji connected a cross but his effort sailed over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

In the 25th minute, Dele Olorundare missed another glorious opportunity to double the home team’s lead.

Prince Aggreh was denied a brace in the 38th minute as he shot crashed against the goal post.

•Pinnick

Continues from BP

C M Y K

F

ORMER Speaker,DeltaState House of Assembly,Sir Victor Ochei has reiterated his commitment to the development of Wheelchair Basketball in the country as thefourth editionoftheVictor Ochei International Wheelchair Basketball championship hots up.

Also ,Senator Olamilekan Adeola a.k.a Yayi representing Alimosho senatorial district of Lagos State has supported the wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria with a donation of 1million naira for its activities .

Bukola Olopade, President,WBFN told sports

writers that the former speaker who has been a major supporter of the federation has pledged to sponsor this years edition of the championship as his own way of empowering the special sports athletes.

He further disclosed that Ochei’s love for special sports athletes was the main reason he will continue to sponsor thechampionshipdespitethe fact hat he is no longer in government,saying that this was contrary to what many had thought. “A lot of eople were of the opinion that he will not continue because he was no longer in power. But he is ready to continue with the sponsorship.”

ARS 5: P. H Regional championship kicks off

T

Sunshine Stars' Olorundade

Pinnick hands more kudos to LMC, clubs, fans N FF President Amaju Pinnick has again commended the League Management Company and the clubs taking part in the Glo NPFL on their commitment and noble efforts in achieving a positive turn –around of the league.

The NFF boss was at the Warri City Stadium on Wednesday as Warri Wolves pounded FC IfeanyiUbah 3-0 and underscored the gulf in class between what used to be and what presently obtains.

Ibe

has represented England at under-18, 19 and 20 level but is eligible to play for the Super Eagles as his dad David is from Nigeria.

However, while flattered by Nigeria’s desire to get him on board, we understood that the talented teenager is still hoping to launch an international career with England.

Ibe is expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England

Ochei reiterates commitment to Wheelchair Basketball

Under-21s squad for next month’s matches against USA and Norway.

He could still change his mind until he has played a competitive fixture for the senior side but considering his progress with Liverpool it’s unlikely to be long before Roy Hodgson calls upon him.

Ibe has been Liverpool’s standout performer in preseason and is expected to start in Sunday ’s Premier League opener at Stoke City.

“I can emphasize that things have changed for the better, but we shall not rest on our oars. Previously, people were unwilling to attend League matches because of several factors, along them lack of security, predictable results as a result of poor officiating and poor organization.

“It is a different ball game now. People now look forward to the matches. I was at the Warri City Stadium on Wednesday and I can testify that things

are getting much better.”

Pinnick scored the first round of the season high and expressed delight that the second round has started on similar positive note.

from Port Harcourt city have converged.

The regional championship which began Thursday ends tomorrow.

Lagos will host the last leg of regional championship at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, between the 14th and 16th of August.

The Lagos region will have participantsfromOgun,Oyo, Lagos, Ondo and Edo States.

NLO unveils Ifeanyi Ubah, Amokachi, others as patron, ambassadors

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

HE Nation-Wide League One (NLO) yesterday in Abuja unveiled the proprietor of Premier league side

Oliseh

Continues from BP

more players from the domestic league for the match against Tanzania.

“Oliseh wants to list 18 professionals from overseas for the match in Tanzania, while five places will be left for the players in the local league. But some have asked that he increases the number of the players from the league,” a top official informed.

The foreign-based pros are expected to fly directly to Tanzania, where they will join up with the coaches and the

HE Port Harcourt R e g i o n a l Championships of the ongoing fifth edition of Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) U-17 football tournament has kicked off at Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Matches among the male and female teams from Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Anambra states are already being played at the venue where hundreds of football fans

players from the league.

The Eagles training camp is expected to open on Sunday, August 16, in Abuja with players from the domestic league.

The players who impress in this training camp will make the final squad to Tanzania.

On Wednesday, NFF technical committee chairman Felix AnyansiAgwu confirmed that Oliseh, who has been in Europe monitoring and meeting with the country’s top stars, will arrive Nigeria on August 14.

Ifeanyi Ubah FC, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah as its patron, just as it equally unveiled four former Super Eagles players, Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Garba Lawal and Patrick Paschal as ambassadors of the league.

Chairman of the NLO, Ahmed Kawu said the lower league is changing adding that he was repositioning the league to make it run like its

counterparts in other parts of the world. He added that the patron and ambassadors were chosen due to their contributions to the game.

Accepting his unveiling as patron of the NLO, Ubah assured that he will reach out to his business associates to also invest in Nigerian football beacuse of its potential to engage teeming Nigeria youths and boost business and enterprise in the country.

Messi Continues from BP to Neymar ’s opener, French international Mapou lost his temper with Messi leaning his head in towards the Barcelona No 10 and making clear contact.

Messi responded by butting the French defender and grabbing him by the

throat. The Spanish referee Javier Estrada Fernandez could easily have sent both players off - Mapou for the original aggression and Messi for the retaliation but instead showed the pair yellow cards and the game continued 11 against 11.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 2015

Eagles move on world rankings, but static in Africa N

IGERIA have im proved in the August world rankings released by FIFA yester-

•Oliseh

day. The country moved from the 57th spot to 53rd, but that move did not reflect on the continental rankings Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, Congo, Cape Verde Island and Egypt and Nigeria make up the African top ten.

In July’s grading, the Super Eagles dropped 14 places to 57th – their poorest drop in 2015.

Argentina despite losing the final of the Copa America to Chile are world number one,

While Germany, Belgium, Colombia, Brazil, Portugal, Romania, England Wales and Chile make the top ten.

Copa America champions, Chile entered the top ten at the expense of the Netherlands who that two places to 12th in the world.

Likely Nigeria opposition in the second round of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Swaziland and Djibouti are placed 132nd and 206th respectively in the world.

‘Jay Jay’ Okocha made us abandon Bolton tactics — Diouf

F

ORMER Senegal World Cup star El Hadji Diouf has revealed that Nigerian star Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha told his fellow Bolton players to play as they like and not to the instructions of the manager.

Both El Hadji Diouf and Okocha featured for Bolton as they held their own in the English Premier League for several seasons.

“Big Sam (Bolton manager) gave us orders, but Jay-

Jay told us ‘play as you want to’,” the controversial Senegal star said in an interview.

“We played the most beautiful football in England and finished sixth two years running.

“I loved playing with great players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Fernando Hierro, Vincent Candela, Nicholas Anelka.”

El Hadji Diouf is rounding up his colourful career in Malaysia.

Watford Forward … Odion Ighalo working the lines during a match against Derby County. He is now playing in the big league.

Ighalo faces EPL baptism O

•Okocha

CAF disowns Liberia FA boss bid for FIFA presidency

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ONFEDERATION of Africa executive committee has distance itself from Liberia Football Association chairman Musa Bility’s bid to contest for the FIFA presidency in the February 2016 elections.

This is just as CAF set up a committee to consult with other Federations on the way forward in the on going reforms of the world soccer governing body.

Moreover, the CAF Executive Committee has unanimously proposed Hani Abo Rida and Constant Omari Selemani, African members on the FIFA Executive Committee, as CAF’s representatives on the ‘Task Force Reforms’ established by FIFA. A release by CAF stated that Mr. Bility had tendered reasons why he is pushing for the FIFA presidency.

“After a fraternal exchange, full of sincerity and cordiality, the CAF Executive Committee decided unanimously not to offer the requested support of CAF to Mr. Musa Bility, whilst wishing him luck in the continuation of his endeav-

our.

To preserve the interests and unity of African football, it was agreed that Africa will give time to explore all options and decide,” said the CAF statement.

The CAF Executive Committee will meet on 27 and 28 October 2015, following the closure of nominations for the FIFA presidency.

Mr. Bility said: “I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to talk to the entire Caf executive committee, to answer questions - concerns, admirations - all the issues that are wrong with football we discussed. That was a privilege.

“I did not go to get a unanimous vote. I was given an opportunity to explain and lay my platform. That’s why I went and I’m happy I got it.

“There is a nomination process going on and the door for other people in African remains open.

Until that door closes Caf cannot unanimously sup-

port me.

“Caf is the continent’s body and it has to listen to and review all options. It has to wait until the close of the nominations and then assess all the candidates before it makes a decision.”

DION Ighalo will play his first English premier league match against Everton on Saturday and he is looking forward to a good outing.

Ighalo, was one of the key players that helped Watford to gain promotion from the Championship. He stated that his ambition is to score more goals and keep Watford in the top flight.

“I am looking forward to a tough game against Everton, but my target is to get three points or at least a point from the game,” said the striker,

who scored 20 goals last season to help Watford secure promotion to the EPL. Watford are under a new manager, have signed 10 new players for the new season and are widely tipped to make a prompt return to the lower league.

But Ighalo has insisted his club will stay up.

“Watford will compete in the EPL. I think we have team that can do well. By the grace of God and hard work, we will stay up,” he said.

“My top priority is to help my team stay in the

EPL and score goals in the process, I am not aiming for top scorer ’s award, if it comes, I will thank God but keeping my team up is the target.”

Champions Chelsea will still be the team to beat despite an indifferent pre-season, according to the Nigeria striker.

“I don’t think pre-season can determine a team performance in the league, the league is a different ball game.

Chelsea remain a contender for the EPL title,” Ighalo said.

Chelsea ready to defend title J

OSE Mourinho’s men begin the defence of the English top-flight title on Saturday with a home game against Swansea City. They then hit the road for consecutive away

games against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion before returning to Stamford Bridge for a London derby with Crystal Palace. Last season, Chelsea won the Pre-

•Jose Mourinho back to the trenches.

mier League in convincing fashion finishing eight points ahead of secondplaced City — a country mile in football terms. The Blues bettered thirdplaced Arsenal by 12 points and fourth placed Manchester United by a staggering 17 points.

Heading into the new campaign, a combination of factors have led to speculation that this season’s competition will be a much tighter affair. Man City, with £49 million marquee signing Raheem Sterling now in their ranks, have improved their attacking options. Arsenal, having won a pre-season treble of meaningless trophies, have the wind in their sails and former Chelsea first choice goalkeeper Petr

Cech between the posts.

United meanwhile have entrusted their future to a host of new faces including Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schniederlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay.

Mourinho’s comparative lack of activity in the transfer market in respect of signing players who would go straight into his first XI suggests that for now the Blues boss is satisfied with his main men, and any signings made in the summer window (eg: keeper Asmir Begovic and striker Radamel Falcao) have been brought to the Bridge to bolster Chelsea’s squad for what is likely to be a gruelling 60 game campaign across all competitions.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 — 55

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Chelsea ready to defend title Tomorrow’s EPL Fixtures Man Utd

v

Tottenham

12:45pm

Bournemouth

v

Aston Villa

3pm

Everton

v

Watford

3pm

Leicester City

v

Sunderland

3pm

Norwich City

v

Crystal Palace

3pm

Chelsea

v

Swansea

5:30pm

Messi’s moment of madness!

Details on Page 54

Oliseh to unleash 18 pros on Tanzania Ibe dumps Eagles

L

L

IONEL Messi narrowly escaped being sent off after headbutting Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as Barcelona’s friendly with Roma became anything but friendly on Wednesday night.

Roma knew they were in for a frustrating evening at the Nou Camp chasing the shadows of the European champions and after going 1-0 down Continues on Page 53

•Jordon Ibe

IVERPOOL FC star Jordon Ibe is set to commit his international future to England - despite Nigeria’s attempts to convince him to switch his allegiance.

Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh held talks with the 19year-old winger at Melwood on Wednesday about his international future.

Bermondsey-born Ibe Continues on Page 53

S

UPER Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has proposed a squad of 18 foreignbased professionals and five players from the domestic league for next month’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania.

However, there are suggestions that Oliseh should accommodate

Continues on Page 53

Nigeriardrise to 53 in FIFA rankings

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Beg (6) 5 Obtain (6) 8 Record (8) 9 Responsibility (4) 10 Serpent (3) 12 Shelf (5) 15 Fixed (3) 17 Wonder (3) 18 Tear (3) 19 Loiter (3) 20 House (5) 21 Stretch (3) 22 Imitate (3) 24 Gain (3) 26 Verse (5) 29 Bird (3) 33 Intend (4) 34 Originate (8) 35 Customer (6) 36 Tolerate (6)

DOWN 2 Squeeze (5) 3 Revise (4) 4 Supple (5) 5 Shoot (5) 6 Curdle (4) 7 Course (5) 10 Permit (5) 11 Heathen (5) 12 Bar (5) 13 Postpone (5) 14 Delete (5) 15 Passed (5) 16 Handle (5) 25 Perfect (5) 27 Lift (5) 28 Corn (5) 30 Bury (5) 31 Formerly (4) 32 Soft (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Chic 4, Tot 6, Inch 8, Patron 9, Recent 10, Den 12, Debut 14, Greed 15, Petal 18. Guitar 20, Easily 24, Yearn 26, Vital 28, Tempt 30, Aft 32, Follow 33, Hermit 34, Emit 35, Yen 36, Deem.

DOWN: 2, Heave 3, Corrupt 4, Tend 5, Turn 6, Incur 7, Conceal 11, Era 12, Dog 13, Tea 16, Try 17, Lea 19, Uniform 21, Art 22, Sneered 23, Yet 25, Elf 27, Allot 29, Price 30, Awry 31, Thin.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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