JONATHAN IN BOKO HARAM STRONGHOLDS: I can't declareamnesty for ghosts

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61834

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Budget 2013: Dollar to exchange for N160 —P.9 zAs security takes lion share of N850bn

PIB sails through second reading

.8 g •P

JONATHAN IN BOKO HARAM STRONGHOLDS:

I can't declare amnesty for ghosts zSays ‘we are open to negotiation if...’ zAs Yobe spends N4.8bn to contain insurgency

Nigeria operating voodoo economy

D

A M AT U R U — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan declared, yesterday, that his government will not grant amnesty to members of the Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram, as demanded by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and some Northern groups.

The president, who made the declaration while speaking in Damaturu at a town hall meeting during his one-day visit to Yobe State, said he could not

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

07059197616

—Tinubu

Economic and social integration of the South West zone —P.44

•P. 16 AZAZI, YAKOWA'S DEATH IN MILITARY COPTER:

DONU KOGBARA:

Interim report blames human and material failure •P. 13

BY NDAHI MARAMA, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

•P.17

Mr & Mrs

A VISIT TO BORNO: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, during a visit of the President to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday.

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Imo assembly serves impeachment notice on dep gov

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State House of Assembly, yesterday, served the state Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, with an impeachment notice, contrary to the recent Government House statement tthat Governor Rochas Okorocha had brokered peace between the House and Agbaso.

The notice was sequel to the findings of an ad-hoc committee set up by the House to probe the alleged N458 million road contract scam involving a contractor and Agbaso.

Confirming the development in a telephone interview with Vanguard, Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Samuelson Iwuoha, said members of the legislature signed the impeachment notice.

When Vanguard called the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Chief Onyema Opara, he denied knowledge of the matter. It was learnt that the concerned contractor pointedly told the House adhoc committee how money was given to a top government official who promised that more contracts would be given to him.

FG spends $10bn yearly on infrastructure

M

ANAGING Di rector of Infrastructure Bank,Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, said, yesterday, that the nation was spending US$10 billion (N1.60 trillion) on infrastructure annually.

Oyinloye disclosed this in Lagos at a forum of the Business Club Ikeja (BCI) while delivering a lecture on “A Roadmap for the Transformation of Nigerian infrastructure for Enhanced Productivity”.

He said that this figure represented four per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) which stood at 250 billion dollars.

Oyinloye said that this figure was small when compared with China which spent 12 per cent of its GDP of about 7.3 trillion dollars on infrastructure annually.

C M Y K

Nigeria moving towards a failed state — Suswam •Foreign plot to undermine Nigeria on before 1960 — Belgore •We have failed to use our diversity for growth —Yero

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

K

ADUNA— BENUE State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday, lamented that Nigeria was gradually moving towards a fail state, noting that the situation in the north was more grave than a civil war.

Also, a former Chief Justice of the Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, said that the conspiracy to see that Nigeria does not become a developed and prosperous nation was hatched long ago by some foreign powers, arguing that the same interests were training and arming the Boko Haram Islamic militants which had been bombing and killing people in some northern states.

In the same vein, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Yero lamented that Nigeria has not been able to use its diversity to its advantage.

Mindless killings in the north The three men spoke in Kaduna during a one-day summit organised by CITAR NGO (a coalition of Civil Society Groups and NonGovernmental Organisations) under the theme: “Our Diversity, Our Strenght).

Suswam who was the guest lecturer, said: “The mindless killings going on the north clearly indicates that Nigeria is heading towards a failed society. Because all the indices are there. In a country where life becomes valueless, it means that that country is heading towards a failed society. In the North, maintenance of human dignity was the order of the day before; unfortunately today, we are mindlessly killing people.

“Everyday you wake up, you hear stories of 10 people having been killed here and there. I feel that we must collectively,

especially those of us from the North, take the issue very seriously because the repercussion 10 years down the road is better imagined. We fought a war to keep this country one. After 40 years we are still dealing with the same issue that led to the civil war. Now you have a group of persons that called themselves Boko Haram, killing people in the north...

"Recently, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma was reported to have declared there is some kind of civil war in the north, which must not be allowed to go unchecked.

And I think I agree totally with him. Because it is only in a civil war that this kind of madness of killings is going on.

Unfortunately, the terrorist group has not come out with a reason to say why they are doing that.

These are people who are faceless, without boundaries. If you are in a civil war, at least you know the enemy you are facing. Here you do not know who you are facing.

“Nigeria is a country that has always derived its strength from its diversity and I hold the view

that to the extent that we move away from the diversity of our country, we move away from our country."

On his part, Justice Balgore said that before 1960, Nigeria, Brazil and Congo were seen as the next countries in the third world that would emerge to become super economies, because of their rich and diverse natural and human endowment.

According to him, there had been plots hatched by certain countries to frustrate Nigeria from becoming a developed country, noting: “Some countries approached Germany at that time and said, so you want to build a new supper country in Africa The Germans and some European countries had signed military and economic pacts with Nigeria, leading to the establishment of some car assembly plants, many manufacturing industries, the Nigeria Defence Industry Corporation and even some young Nigerians, like Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalami, rtd, former head of state; signing to be trained in Germany as Nigeria’s first batch of our Air

Force officers.

“When these enemies of Nigeria saw this, they told the Germany, so you are the one that want to make Nigeria that super power of Africa? In 1966 the first military coup was staged, Germany found excuse to say that they cannot continue. The Defence Industry that now manufactures furniture.

“Some three years back, they said that Nigeria will cease to exist by 2015. But they will fail! When you see what is happening now, people taking up arms against Nigeria, many of the people are not Nigerians."

Governor Yero, who was represented by his Deputy, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga said: “With over 200 ethnic groups and hundreds of dialects, Nigeria is unarguably a diverse country.

Aside tribal diversities, the population of the country is also further divided by religions, economic and social classes. But these dichotomies rather than become sources of rancour and friction among the people can be positively channeled to nation building and rapid economic growth."

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN (2nd right); his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha (2nd left); Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (right) and Chairman of the Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences, CSP Bayonle Sulaiman (left) during the visit of Governor Fashola and his Imo State counterpart to the Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

NECO releases results of 2012 exams

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—NATIONAL Examination Council, NECO, has released the results of the, saying that 71.92 percent of candidates who registered for Further (Additional) Mathematics in the 2012 November/ December Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, SSSCE, failed the subject.

NECO also said that 94.13 percent of candidates failed Physics. This was made known by the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Council, Professor Promise Okpala while formerly releasing the results of the ex-

amination in Minna yesterday.

Okpala further said that 21,274 cases of malpractice cases recorded across the country during the examinations. Giving a breakdown of the results, the Registrar said only 3,564 students actually registered for Mathematics with only 2,310 sitting for the examination.

According to him, "352 or 15.

23 percent" got credit in the subject while 208 or nine percent had pass with 40,501 or 71.92% failing the paper. He however said that the results showed remarkable improvement from what obtained in the last three years.

On English Language, Okpa-

la further said that 83,755 candidates registered for it while 75,623 actually sat for the examination with 25,620 or 33.89 percent scoring credit even as 15,268 or 20.18 percent got ordinary pass while 32,425 or 42,87% failed.

He also spoke about ordinary Mathematics pointing out that 83,560 registered for the subject out of which 75,245 only sat for the examination with 41,228 or 54,79 percent obtaining credit while 8,034 or 10.67 percent scoring pass just as 23,962 or 31.84 percent failed.

Also, 38,123 registered for Chemistry with 35,194 actually sitting for examination. Out of this figure, 10,620 or 30.17 percent got

credit while 4,501 or 12.178 percent got pass just whith 18,974 or 53.91 percent failing.

Other core subjects like Physics had 38,039 registered for it with 35,057 actually sitting for the paper. Out of the figure, 94 or 0.26 percent got credit and 874 or 2.49% had pass with 33,000 failing.

Okpala said a comparative analysis of the results by subject showed some improvements over the last three years and pledged that the Council would continue to ensure appropriate standard and excellence before, during and after the examinations.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

2013 BUDGET:

From left: Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu at a press briefing on the 2013 budget, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

I can't declare amnesty for ghosts —Jonathan Continues from page 1 grant amnesty to ghosts but that he was open to negotiation if members of the sect would show themselves physically with their demands.

However, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, said his government had spent about N4.8 billion to contain the insurgency and that the state spends about N200 million monthly to maintain the operations of security personnel fighting the insurgents.

Responding to calls by some professionals and

stakeholders in Yobe State, led by former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, for amnesty for the Boko Haram group, President Jonathan said such a gesture would not be possible for now because members of the group have remained “ghosts” with no one coming forward to admit membership of the sect.

I can't declare amnesty for ghosts He said: “You cannot declare amnesty for ghosts.

Boko Haram still operates

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

We don’t change by all our crying, trying or buying. We change by renewing our minds to God’s way of thinking.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

W

HEN you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love — then make that day count! — Steve Maraboli.

One of the most astounding blessings of life is the astonishing confidence that comes to a person who is aware of divine love and knows they are cherished and loved affectionately because God’s love is never something that has to be earned, it is given to all eternally.

I trust in the goodness of those with open hearts who know this too. Every day I am thankful in uncountable ways for the gift of life and the experiences that come my way.

Thomas Merton’s perspective about gratitude is beautiful to live by: “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything that has been given to us. Every breath we draw is a gift of this love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense blessings more abundantly.

"Gratitude, therefore, takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to acknowledge the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.”

like ghosts. So, you can’t talk about amnesty for Boko Haram now until you see the people you are discussing with.”

Comparing the amnesty granted to militants in the Niger Delta, Jonathan said this was possible for late President Umaru Yar’Adua to do because the militants came out of the creeks and met late President Yar’Adua in Aso Rock, Abuja when he invited them, but that in the case of Boko Haram, no leader of the group had surfaced for talks.

The President said: “When you call the Niger Delta militants, they will come; but nobody has agreed that he is a Boko Haram member, no one has come forward. If amnesty can solve the situation, then no problem. But nobody has come forward to make himself visible.”

Jonathan, in his speech, advised members of the sect to come out with their demands and grievances that would pave the way for negotiation and subsequent resolution for the overall development of the state.

While sympathising with the people of Yobe State over the wave of attacks by the sect members, the President debunked insinuations that he had no love for the people of the state and North-East geopolitical zone of the country.

Yobe State has been a flashpoint with the Boko Haram insurgency and series of ethnic clashes and this is the first time the President is officially visiting the state.

Jonathan promises to assist in educational devt Acknowledging contributions of the people to the socio-economic development of the state despite the security challenge, Jonathan assured that the Federal Government would continue to assist the state in the area of educational development.

He also said the Federal Government would intensify its effort in providing power and water supply across the country.

Eminent sons and daughters of the state pleaded with the President at the session to help the state get rid of the insurgency that has claimed hundreds of lives and property as they also sought the President’s assistance in the development of education, roads among other infrastructural needs in the state.

...assures Yobe citizens President Jonathan, who later visited Borno State, yesterday, assured the people of the state that his inability to visit and share in their grief was not because he did not care for them, but because he had been travelling. He said the Yobe trip had been slightly delayed by the change of National Security Adviser, NSA, stating that the trip had been planned even before the appointment of Sambo Dasuki as NSA..

Governor Geidam, speaking earlier during the

President’s meeting with emirs and traditional rulers from the state, lamented that the Boko Haram insurgency had retarded development in the state.

He said before the security challenges, the state was adjudged as one of the most peaceful in the country while the people were known for their hospitality and affection towards strangers and coexisted peacefully irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.

209 schools destroyed by insurgents — Geidam Governor Gaidam said 209 public schools, vehicles and property worth N2.5 billion, and private buildings estimated at N629 million have been destroyed by the insurgents.

He added that his government had spent about N4.8 billion to contain the terrorist insurgency, adding that the

state government spends an average of N200 million monthly to maintain the operations of security personnel fighting the insurgents.

Lamenting that the costs are impacting heavily on the lean resources of the state, Geidam said over 150 patrol vehicles had also been donated to the security personnel.

He said: “It is in this regard that I make a special appeal to the President to come to our rescue by allocating intervention funds to the state government to enable it cope with the current security challenges.”

The governor also said though there was a need to upscale the modernity of the equipment and methods of the nation’s security agencies to tackle the prevailing challenge, “the ultimate strategy of addressing its remote causes through poverty alleviation, eradication of ignorance, entrenchment of social inclusion and good governance, however, appear to be the only panacea.”

Oil blocs: ACF dares NASS to initiate probe

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

L

AGOS — THE Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has challenged the National Assembly to institute an inquiry towards verifying the assertion that 83 per cent of the nation’s oil blocs were in the control of northerners.

The ACF in a statement made available to Vanguard, yesterday, said the claim was astounding given a recent publication of Forbes Magazine that the majority of the 11 Nigerian billionaires in its roll were southerners.

The ACF in the statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, said Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a northerner, was the only one on the list who did not make his money from oil.

The statement was upon a claim in the Senate, Wednesday, by Senator Ita Enang, PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East that 83 per cent of oil blocs were in the control of northerners.

Responding to the assertion, the ACF through in the statement said: “Given the important constitutional provisions that access to all national resources be equitable and conform with provisions for federal character, ACF wishes to appeal to the National Assembly to investigate the allegations and publish the distribution of oil blocs according to state together with their volume and from which dates. Or the Federal Government should institute a commission of inquiry to establish the veracity or otherwise of such allegations.”

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

JTF destroys illegal petroleum product depot

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA – THE Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta code named Operation Pulo Shield, yesterday, swooped on the distribution depot for illegally refined petroleum products at the Swali suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital and arrested three suspects.

The Task Force impounded over 104 empty surface tanks and 112 drums, 40 of which were filled with adulterated Automated Gas Oil, AGO. Also, the warehouses used in storing the illegally refined petroleum products allegedly shipped from the mangrove swamp were pulled down by the task force in a renewed onslaught against crude oil theft and sale of adulterated petroleum products.

The military operation to rid Yenagoa waterfront of the activities of illegal petroleum products distillers was witnessed by senior Bayelsa government officials, including the Commissioner for State Capital Development, Mr. Zuwa Konugha.

Gov Ahmed condoles with family of slain Kwara CP

E

NUGU — GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara yesterday, condoled with the family of the slain Commissioner of Police in the state, Chinwike Asadu, in his residence at Amorji Nike, Enugu State.

Ahmed, who was accompanied by some top government officials from the state, met with the family behind closed doors.

According to reports the governor was received by the widow of the deceased, Mrs Obiageli Asadu, and some close family members.

In a message in the condolence register, the governor said the late police commissioner left an indelible mark in his lifetime.

The governer said: “He (late Asadu) lived a fulfilled life. You left an indelible mark, sweet in the hearts of all but God loves you more”.

Asadu, who hailed from Amukwa in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, was killed on March 2 by gunmen at his residence at Amorji Nike of the state.

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO-EKITI—MRS Florence Fasere, mother of the 28year-old, 400-level student of Ekiti State University, EKSU, Seyi Fasere, that was allegedly mistaken for an armed robber last week at Oye Ekiti, yesterday, narrated the circumstances that led to the untimely death of her son According to her, Seyi who was at home in Ilupeju Ekiti for few

How police tortured, killed my son —Mother zWe didn't kill Seyi — Police

Seyi Fasere, the slain student of Ekiti State University, allegedly killed by the police and his parents, Mr & Mrs Fasere

days, was returning to school in Ado-Ekiti to take one of his papers after collecting N100,000 school fee on the fateful day.

Mrs Fasere further disclosed that the deceased later proceeded to Oye Ekiti, a neighbouring town to take a cab back to his base when the vehicle ran into a robbery scene.

All the occupants of the vehicle boarded by Seyi, according to her, were said to have immediately alighted from the vehicle and ran to the bush for safety on sighting the robbers.

She further disclosed how the police arrested her son and tied his two hands and later shot him at the police station the next day.

According to her, the fact later came out the following day when one of the robbers came out from under a bridge after a heavy rainfall. He was subsequently arrested and later cleared Seyi of involvement in the robbery operation.

According to her: “It was sad for the police to have caught Seyi where he was hiding, tied his hands and detained him from Thursday to Friday before killing him extra-judiciously, just to create the impression that they had caught a robber. They even spread the news that he was a member of the robbery gang.

My son's hands were tied, detained and killed extra-judiciously by the police — Mother She said: "On the second day, a heavy rain fell and the robber, who sustained injury during the gun duel was washed out of the culvert where he was hiding before the police now realized that their game was up.”

Mrs Fasere further disclosed that the injured robber, who was

receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, also disclosed that all the members of the gang came from Kogi State and that Seyi was not a member.

Eyewitness corroborates Seyi's mother's claim Also a 72-year-old witness, Mrs Adewuyi, who corroborated Mrs Fasere’s explanation, disclosed that Seyi was never a member of the robbery gang, saying he was just a victim of circumstance, as she boarded the same vehicle with Seyi before they ran into the

robbery gang.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr Victor Babayemi, who confirmed the story said the police was able to smash the robbery operation owing to ingenuity of his men.

Babayemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, added that Seyi‘s corpse was discovered in the bush the second day when his men combed the scene of the incident, thereby dispelling the insinuation that he was arrested and shot by his men to cover up.

We are still

investigating — Police The PPRO insisted that Seyi is still a suspected member of the robbery gang pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The PPRO said: “One of the robbers who was shot and arrested said he could not identify Seyi because he was not among the team that attacked the station. He said that he was part of the team who attacked the bank.

He also explained that their gang leader recruited them separately. So we do not know if he was one of the robbers or he was caught in the crossfire. But we are still investigating.

Man nabbed for allegedly killing of in-law, 3-yrs earlier ...Police arrest Fulani herdsman for murder of colleague

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—A man allegedly said to have killed his fatherin-law about three years ago and has escaped police arrest has been caught.

The suspect, identified as Oejmeri Agiboye, 22, was allegedly said to have murdered his fatherin-law, one Mr. Amuli and the incident was reported at the Afuze Police station on the October 15, 2010.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, who disclosed this in Benin yesterday said that the suspect, who has been on the run was arrested on February 26, this year.

He said the suspect would be charged to court at the end of police investigation.

Meantime, a 20-year-old Fulani herdsman, Isah Ibrahim Mohammed has been arrested by the po-

lice for allegedly killing one Idirisa Jubril, a co-herdsman.

He was said to have conspired with one Ali, now at large to kill Idirisa after which they stole his father’s cows.

Isah was arrested on February 26, 2013 while allegedly trying to sell the stolen cows.

In a related development, the

police have paraded 12 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and rape with various arms and ammunition recovered from them.

The rape suspect, Patrick Ehidiameh, 40, was alleged to have defiled an 11-year-old girl, an allegation he vehemently denied.

3 remanded for stealing 8 computers

D

BY TINA AKANNAM

UTSE—THREE suspects were arraigned before a Magistrate court in Maigatari local government in Jigawa State for stealing 88 computers at Maigatari Government Secondary School The police prosecutor, corporal Abdu Salisu informed the court that there was an insider among the suspects, disclosing that the school driver, Mallam Hussaini

Shuaibu Malaja was among the suspects.

According to him, Mallam Shaibu is the principal suspect, while Mudashir Abdullahi, 29, and Mallam Mustapha Haruna, 32, are suspects.

The Magistrate Bashir Adamu, however, adjourned the case for hearing to March 12, 2013 and directed the police prosecutor to take the suspect to Gumel central prison while they await trial.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—7

Another student killed as LASU cult war gets messier zSUG President urges students living off-campus to vacate hostels

BY EVELYN USMAN & DONALD ARJI

B

ARELY one week after Dam ino Damoche, the final year student of the Lagos State University, Ojo, was killed by suspected cultists in front of the institution’s gate, another student was yesterday, murdered by suspected cultists on reprisal attack.

Although the deceased identified as Karim Abiodun, was reportedly not a student of LASU, but he was alleged to be a member of Buccaneer confraternity, whose members were said to be at war with members of the Eiye confraternity.

Report said the cultists stormed Karim’s home located on Afolabi street around PPL in Okokomaiko area at about 4a.m yesterday, from where he was chased to Peoples bus-stop around Ajagbandi and shot dead.

The late Karim, a second year student of Economic Education at the Lagos State College of Education, LACOED, would be the second person to be killed during reprisal attacks by warring cultists since the death of Damoche.

The first person shot dead, was identified simply as Kabiru. He was reportedly killed in the presence of his mother and siblings

at their Abeokuta street home, also around PPL, Sunday night.

The Police as gathered, have arrested a member of a vigilante group in the area in connection with yesterday’s killing.

The suspect whose identity could not be immediately ascertained, reportedly admitted to have seen when the late Karim was being chased. He was also said to have identified one of the assailants .

Meantime, students of other institutions living around PPL have vacated their homes for fear of same fate befalling them.

Following the recent development, President of the Lagos State University Students’ Union, Comrade Ibrahim Agomeji, has advised students to vacate offcampus hostels within PPL, Iba, Casidi, Franklass and Igbo-elerin..

According to him: “This became

imperative as the lives and properties of students are no longer secured in these off-campus hostels around the university. It is beyond the powers of the university to provide you with security in your various off-campus hostels. Since the Police and the relevant authorities have failed to do this, I advise you return home to your parents, thereby coming to school from your various homes”, he said.

CONDOLENCE VISIT—From left: Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed; Uncle of late Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, Mr. Ejike Asadu; Widow, Mrs Oby Asadu and Son, Mr Onyekachi Asadu, during the Governor Ahmed's condolence visit to the deceased family's house in Enugu, yesterday.

Protesters shut gov's office in Abeokuta

A

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA—PROTESTERS numbering about a thousand from Ajegunle/Araromi Community in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, yesterday, stormed the Ogun State governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, over an alleged usurpation of their land by the Federal and state governments.

The angry protesters accused the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, of planning to render the over 3,000 residents of the community homeless.

Leading the protesters who were armed with placards with various inscriptions like; ‘We grew up there, we have no place to go; “Human rights save us”, “Please don’t send us away”, among others, the village head, Tajudeen Aina and Iyaloja of the community, Omotayo Amos begged the governor to shelve the plan to eject them from their ancestral homes in the interest of the people.

He said, “our community had earlier conceded portions of our land to both Federal and state governments where the LagosIbadan expressway and Ogun

state trailers’ park were sited.

“The government again suddenly sent quit notice to the residents of the community, saying the authority needed the entire c land space.

“Over three thousand people

live in the community and majority earned their living there, why is it that it is in the same community the government wants to pull down houses for projects that were not made known to the landlords and residents”.

Reacting to the allegation, the government claimed that all the buildings in the community are illegal structures, that prompted it to write a quit notice under 24hours after receipt of the notice order.

Police storm kidnappers' hideout, arrest 8 suspects

BY EMMAAMAIZE

A

SABA—POLICE in Delta State, yesterday, stormed the hideout of a kidnap gang and seized eight suspected kidnappers.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the development in an interview with Vanguard gave the names of the arrested suspects as Isah Useni, Anthony Ofulue Onyeisi, Moses Peter, Isah Mustapha, Monday Ndam, Friday Rimzuam, Victor Izegbune and Ubaka Godwin.

He said the suspects were undergoing interrogation and had confessed to the kidnap of the wife of a retired permanent sec-

retary and one Mr. Ibe Chibuzor, all in Ogwashi-Uku. A police source privy to the raid on the suspected kidnappers told Vanguard, “one of the kidnap victims managed to escape from their hideout, which is between Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Uku and he gave the police detailed information of the location.”

He said, “Acting of the tip –off, the police invaded the hideout and arrested the suspects. It was under interrogation we also found out they were the gang that abducted the wife of the retired permanent secretary”.

Although the CP did give the specifics of how the police arrested the suspected kidnappers, but he corroborated our finding that

a victim, who escaped from the kidnappers’ den volunteered information to the police.

He, however, said he was sad that the family of the retired permanent secretary, whose matriarch was abducted on her way to Ogwashi-Uku went behind the police to pay ransom to the gang.

“Initially when she was kidnapped, the family was cooperating with us and giving us information, but suddenly, they stopped, probably because the gangsters threatened them and I believe they paid ransom and the woman was released.

“That was how we lost track of the gang then, but thank God, we got a lead again through a victim that escaped".

Indian docked over N13.8m alleged fraud

BY DANIA ONOZURE

L

AGOS—AN Indian busi nessman, Patrick Fernadez, was yesterday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before an Ikeja High Court, for fraudulently obtaining phones valued at N13.8million and issuing dud cheque to owners.

Fernadez, who is facing a five-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

The anti-graft agency said that Fernadez, committed the offence, between March 29 and April 1, 2012, in Ikeja by fraudulently obtaining different types of phone sets worth N13.8million.

Fernadez was said to have falsely issued a dud cheque after collecting the goods and said that the money will be ready and be paid within one week.

EFCC, also alleged that Fernadez, on or about April 7, 2012, had issued a dud cheque of FCMB No. 10564279, in the sum of N8.150million, which when presented for payment was returned unpaid on the grounds of insufficient funds in the account.

Smugglers died while avoiding N2,000 illegal toll

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

T

HE face-off between Customs and smugglers on Wednesday in which some of the smugglers died has been attributed to attempts by the smugglers to avoid payment of N2,000 illegal toll collected at Gbaji by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS. However, Public Relations Officer of Seme border of Customs, Ernest Olottah, has denied the report.

Vanguard gathered that the smugglers in an attempt to reduce cost of transporting frozen products to its destination drove against traffic from Mile 2 to the check point.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that luck ran out on him because there were many vehicles coming from that direction and in an attempt to avoid them, ran into an electric pole with his car.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North, HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—AFTER three days of intense debates, the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, yesterday, scaled through second reading against the backdrop of stiff opposition, especially by lawmakers from the North, who vowed that the bill will not see the light of the day.

Senate President, David Mark, however, urged lawmakers not to be divided on the bill in the interest of the nation.

The passage also came barely 24 hours after the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, PDP, Akwa Ibom North/East, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to revoke and re-allocate oil blocs as he raised alarm that the Northerners control 83 percent of oil blocs in the country.

Recall that notable names like Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero; late President Umaru Yar’Adua; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma; Sanusi Lamido; Rilwanu Lukman, among others, were beneficiaries of oil blocs in the country.

Out of the 109 senators, 81 made contributions on the bill, which has been referred to the Committees on Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream), Gas and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters which were given six weeks to organise public hearings and report back to the house.

The Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) has Senator Emmanuel Paulker, PDP, Bayelsa Central as Chairman; Committee on Petroleum(Downstream) has Senator Magnus Abe, PDP, Rivers South/East as Chairman; Gas Committee has Senator Nkechi Justina Nwaogu, PDP, Abia Central as Chairman, while the Chairman for the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters is Senator Umaru Dahiru, PDP, Sokoto South.

Bill should not divide us— Mark

Speaking after deliberations, Senator Mark asserted that the PIB belonged to Nigerians and not a section of the country. He, however, appealed to the lawmakers not to see the bill as a source of confrontation between the North and the South, adding that what was good for the North was equally good for the South.

The Senate President, who expressed delight that the draft bill enjoyed robust debate and acceptability, said the Senate would not allow some portions of the bill passed, against the backdrop that they were certainly not practicable.

According to him, the bill scaling through second reading was a display of unity by the lawmakers, stressing that the development proved critics of the bill wrong.

He noted that the only areas the legislators differed with the bill were on the 10 percent Host Community Fund, the excessive powers conferred on the Minister of Petroleum and the National Oil Ex-

ploration Frontier.

Mark said: “We are also very united on the fact that so much power is given to the minister, particularly Section 191 where the minister can grant lease unconditionally and can also revoke lease unconditionally.

“We also all agree that the frontier exploration services should be properly funded and be made independent and the time within which it will compete and start prospecting for oil in all parts of the country. Those who spoke very strongly for SouthSouth or Niger Delta also emphasised this, and this was an area where people expressed fear.

“The fact of the matter is that we all need to be on the same wave-length. I must emphasise that the bill is not North verses South. It is far from that because what is good for the north is also good for the south and what is bad for the south, is bad for the north. So it is not one section of the country versus another section of the country.

“The bill, like a senator pointed out earlier, is like the life-wire of this country. It has national interest as well as international interest and I think the IOCs are very interested in the debate that is going on, just as Nigerians are interested in the debate.”

Warning that it was not yet Uhuru for those who think that the National Assembly at large will not alter the PIB, he said: “Let me emphasise that no bill has come to the chamber that we have not tinkered with. It will go for second reading and public hearing and by the time it comes back, there will be amendments, additions and subtractions.

“So the draft bill that has been given to us is not sacrosanct.

When the bill goes for public hearing, the committees that will look at it will bring the bill back in a manner that will reflect the views that we have expressed here and the view that was gathered from the public.

“I want to say that the bill is a worthy bill. The important thing is whether the bill guarantees the transparency we want in the petroleum sector, because that is a key issue because there is no transparency at the moment.

"Does the bill ensure that more revenue accrue to the government and by extension to the people and more importantly does the bill ensure the independence of the new companies that will come out from the unbundled NNPC? “And finally, does the bill encourage investment? Does it provide an enabling environment for investors to come and invest in Nigeria?”

Host communities, competition

While regretting the non-utilisation of the 10 percent derivation to the Niger Delta region accrued to host communities, he enjoined those at the helm of

VISIT: From left— Senator Abu Ibrahim, Senate President David Mark and Mr. Ronhaar Berend, Netherlands Ambassador, during his courtesy visits to National Assembly, Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

PIB sails through second reading zIt shouldn't divide us—Mark affairs to know that there was a strong competition in the oil sector because more countries were discovering oil in their domain.

He said: “We are all conscious of the fact that almost all African countries are nearly oil producing countries. So the competition is stiff more than what it used to be before. There is also the issue of host community. That is the one that is most contentious.

"But the background to it is that the monies accruing to the Niger Delta area has not been properly utilised. That is the underlining fear for everybody.

"Everybody that spoke here agreed that the host community needs to benefit. It is how they benefit that has been a problem.

The fear is whether the 10 percent for the host community will be another pipeline where a few characters would hijack it at the expense of the host community.

“Some of us here have requested for an ad-hoc committee to handle the public hearing but let me ask you, my distinguished colleagues, who here is not nationalistic enough?

“I am not going to get senators from outside to form an adhoc committee. If you believe that a senator who is in a standing committee is not going to be honest enough, is not going to be partial and nationalistic enough, if I put him in an adhoc committee, how does that change him? It doesn’t. It’s the same person.”

"I, as the Senate President, believe that every senator here has the honour and the integrity to view things from a national perspective not from a regional perspective.’’

Practicability of PIB

Besides, the Senate President noted that most aspects of the

bill were not practicable, saying when the committee submits it report back to the plenary, every clause of the bill would be then be looked into.

He said: “More importantly, when the bill comes back from the public hearing, we are going to do clause by clause in this chamber and if the committee that has looked at it is biased, we will throw it away and it will be an indictment on that committee. There are so many things in this bill that are impracticable.

"I think in theory they may sound nice but if a pipeline and the current pipeline from Kaduna passes through my local government and through about three or four local governments, how will each of these local governments quantify the money that would be given to us?

"Is it by the length of the pipe that goes through or by the volume of products that is pumped through? It is not just a practicable thing. To me, it is just an avenue where a handful of people will come together and manipulate government and then siphon money.

Transparency

“Rightly, like some of you pointed out, there has to be a regulatory agency to control this industry.

"This bill must ensure that there is transparency in the industry because very few people here know what is happening and I do not know what is happening in that industry and I have tried to but it looks like a Mafia world where nobody is willing to tell you anything.

“They have tried to make the bill and exceptional bill. How can you suggest that this bill should be exempted from the Procurement Act? It is scandalous.

"The Procurement Act will be

there. If the bill offends it or if an operator of this bill, when it becomes an act, offends the Procurement Act, it offends an act of the National Assembly. It is not an act of an individual. It is an act of the National Assembly.”

Benefit to Nigerians — Senator Enang

Meanwhile, Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, yesterday sought to allay the fears of those opposed to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, saying that the law would bring economic prosperity to all parts of Nigeria, if passed.

The lawmaker, who represents Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, told Vanguard that he was convinced that the provisions of the law would be of immense benefits to all parts of Nigeria, as it seeks to bring together all oil-related legislations in the country and give room for more Nigerians to participate in the industry.

The lawmaker said: “There is a fundamental omission in the Bill which I urge should be provided for when considered in the Committee. It is the Frontier Exploration Fund/Agency which is responsible for exploring oil in areas not yet producing.

“In Nigeria, oil is produced mainly in the Niger Delta and off-shore Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea.

"Large deposits of oil are found in the Benue Trough (Benue, Plateau, Taraba States, etc), the Bauchi Trough (Bauchi, Gombe States et al) and the Chad Basin (Borno, Yobe states in Nigeria), Republic of Cameroon, Niger Republic, Chad Republic are oil bearing, and up to produce.

"The Frontier Exploration Agency or Fund could be used in sustaining and funding preliminary activities to be used for the actual exploitation to contribute to the Federation Account."

Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—9

2013 budget: Dollar to exchange for N160 zSecurity takes lion share of N950bn zOil benchmark, $79bpd; deficit falls to 1.85% of GDP

zNon-Debt Recurrent N 2.386 trn; Capital N1. 6trn

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief & NOEL ONOJA

A

BUJA—THE rate at which the Federal Government plans to convert its dollar earnings from oil in 2013 will be N160 to the dollar. This is one of the highlights stated by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala in her budget breakdown, yesterday.

This implies that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will allow the naira to depreciate further from the current N155 to the dollar to N160.

Giving the breakdown of the 2013 budget, the Minister of Finance gave the indication of the plan of government to allow the exchange rate of the naira to dip.

The government is envisaging that the production of 2.5 million barrel per day, on which the 2013 budget is predicated, may not be realised due to continued oil theft and pipeline vandalisation that is currently hindering production and export of Nigeria crude.

Only last week Shell declared a force majure on oil export as a result of pipeline vandalisation. The way to make up is to adjust the exchange rate of the naira.

What amendment seeks

Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that the executive was preparing an Amendment Bill on the 2013 Appropriation, which would be forwarded to the legislature shortly, with a view to addressing three main areas which she described as “challenges” for the budget.

They included reductions in overhead costs, re-allocation of capital expenditure and the erosion of the SURE-P funding.

She said: “At the beginning of the year, when we reviewed the National Assembly’s version, there were several challenges which had to be revisited.

“There were three main challenging areas, namely: reductions in the wage bill, major capital expenditures which had been re-allocated, and re-allocations of the budget for the SURE-P program.

“We successfully resolved these changes in the past two weeks, and Mr. President will send a proposal to the National Assembly for amendment of the 2013 budget.”

The minister also disclosed that the issue of the supervision of the N100 billion Constituency Projects had been resolved as they have been brought under the supervision of the Minister for Special Duties.

She said: “Let me also add here that Mr. President has assigned the Minister of Special Duties to assist in overseeing the implementation of the N100 billion constituency projects across the country.”

Budget breakdown

The breakdown of the 2013 budget showed that security took the lion share as the Federal Government has allocated the single largest budgetary provision of N950 billion to security, out of the total aggregate expenditure of N4.987 trillion in the 2013 fiscal year.

The total expenditure outlay for 2013 represented a 6.2 percent increase over the 2012 budget of N4.697 trillion and about N600 billion above the executive proposal of N4.92 trillion presented to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan on October 10, 2012.

According Okonjo-Iweala, who gave the breakdown of the budget at a briefing in Abuja, yesterday, non-debt recurrent expenditure took, N2.38 trillion; statutory transfers, N387.97 billion; debt services N591.76 billion and N1. 62 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure, representing 32.5 percent of aggregate spending.

Major highlights of the 2013 budget included: oil production of 2.53 million barrels per day, compared to 2.48 million barrels per day in 2012.

Benchmark oil price of $79 per barrel, up from $72 per barrel in 2012 and the $75 per barrel proposed by the executive; a projected real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate of 6.5 percent and an average exchange rate of

N160/$.

Revenue

With revenue projections put at N4.1 trillion for the year, Okonjo-Iweala said the Federal Government would run a budget deficit of about 1.85 percent of the GDP, down from 2012 figure of 2.85 percent and 2.17 percent, initially proposed by the executive.

According to her, “this is well within the threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and clearly highlights our commitment to fiscal prudence.”

The minister said the Federal Government remained focused on critical infrastructure and the creation of an environment necessary for private sector operators to play leading roles in the nation’s socio-economic transformation efforts.

Sectoral allocations

Detailed breakdown of the allocations according to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was: “Critical infrastructure (including power, works, transport, aviation, gas pipelines, and Federal Capital Territory), N497 billion; human capital development (i.e. education and health), N705 billion; and agriculture/water resources, N175 billion.

“We also allocated over N950 billion for national security purposes, comprising: N320 billion for the Police, N364 billion for the Armed Forces, N115 billion for the Office of the NSA, and N154 billion for the Ministry of the Interior.

“For 2013, the SURE-P programme has a projected allocation of N180 billion, augmented by the 2012 unspent balances of N93.5 billion. This amount will be used to make further progress in the provision of social safety net schemes, maternal and child healthcare, youth development and vocational training for Nigerians.”

Borrowing

In spite of the deliberate strategy at keeping debts low, the minister disclosed that the need for more infrastructure investment would drive the nation into floating $1 billion Eurobond and Nigeria Diaspora Bond within the year.

According to her, the Nigeria Diaspora Bond would give Nigerians abroad the opportunity to invest their savings in their home country and, therefore, contribute to the economic development efforts back home.

She said: “We recognise that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit

remains one of the binding constraints to growth in the economy. Therefore, our strategy is to prioritise infrastructure investments in the budget, and also to leverage additional external financing for infrastructure investments in the country.

“For example, budget 2013 has some important infrastructure projects in the transportation sector, such as the second Niger Bridge.

“We plan to augment our domestic resources with a proposed $1 billion EuroBond as well as a Nigeria Diaspora Bond, which will harness savings from Nigerians abroad.

“These additional financial resources will be invested in various infrastructure projects such as building the country’s gas to power infrastructure.

“We plan to use PPPs aggressively, working with the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will attract co-investors from home and abroad such as pension’s funds, institutional investors and so on.”

$79 bpd benchmark

On the oil benchmark, the minister said: “We have stressed the need to build a buffer. We have said it all but at the end of the day, we have a collaborating process and in that process we thought that, well, the biggest challenges we face in the budget have now appeared and the National Assembly is now willing to constructively work on that.

“So let us not, for the sake of both moving this budget and Nigeria forward, decide to live with this benchmark and then next year, hopefully, we will have another more collaborative way of setting a proper benchmark that will work for all Nigerians. We have accepted it.

“We will try to mitigate the risks by trying to see how we can strengthen our buffers in collaboration with the CBN and then next year things will be better.

“My own suggestion is that maybe we need to move to the module used by Chile, which has an independent body that determines the benchmark of copper which is their main commodity.

“When you have an independent group, not the executive, not the parliament certainly in a professional way, we are not the only commodity-dependent economy in the world.

“There are so many, and people have evolved different ways of dealing with this benchmark.

You remember eight years ago we didn’t have a benchmark. It didn’t even exist.

“This scrutiny that we are all now focusing on, people have forgotten. We were all just going like a yoyo. Our economy was moving up one year and

crashing the next and we showed you that was why our economy was growing by 2.4 percent because we couldn’t control the volatility in our economy in the commodity market.

'We brought stability'

“Today people are so complacent. Now that’s what I keep saying. When we make a success of something in Nigeria, people rubbish it and then they move on to the one you have not done.

“It is barely eight years since we began to enjoy the stability.

Forty something years of our history we were not doing it, so I think Nigerians should really be a bit fair, now we have brought the stability and people are wondering ‘what is macro, we can't eat that’.

“Off course, you cannot. But if you don’t have it, you can't even begin to think of what to eat.

“Now we can focus on what we need to eat and it is government job to work on that out rightly. So this benchmark, maybe we need to move to the next level of having an independent way of checking the benchmark. Whatever they bring all of us will accept it and work with it.

“In Ghana they have been very wise. They have legislated the way it is set. It is not a political issue. The law is set. They move with it.

“So those are some of the things we need to look at and I believe we are having a very constructive discussion with the National Assembly on this issue and my hope and prayer is that we are able to move to that level so that benchmarking will no longer be an issue of discussion.”

Building buffers

According to the minister, the administration has commenced the implementation of an aggressive buffer-building strategy to cushion any future shock from the international oil market.

She said: “Government is also building up the necessary savings to cushion the economy against a possible global recession or collapse of oil prices.

"For instance, the balance in the excess crude account has increased from $4.22 billion in August 2011 to about $9 billion at the end of 2012. In addition, we have launched Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, with an initial capitalisation of $1 billion, and we hope to increase this Fund further in the future.

"Our foreign reserves have also grown steadily, and now stand at $47.38 billion as at the end of February 2013. It is the highest level for almost three years.”

In his presentation, DirectorGeneral of the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, said the administration would work towards greater monitoring of budget implementation in the year, with a view to ensuring value-formoney on all projects.

He added that Federal Government was also concerned about non-full remittance of revenue by government agencies.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Sharp practices: DPR shuts 500 filling stations

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

A

BUJA—NIGERIA’S petroleum industry watchdog, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, said it has shut down over 500 filling stations across the country for various sharp practices including under-dispensing of petroleum products and other offences.

The industry regulator said yesterday that the exercise was carried out during its weekly routine checks on petroleum stations in the country.

Offences committed by the affected stations include under-dispensing of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS also known as petrol, compromise of safety standards, and lack of proper storage facilities among others.

Speaking with newsmen during an inspections tour of petrol stations in the Idimu/Igando areas of Lagos following allegations of illegal profiteering and poor pumps integrity, the Manager, Downstream, Lagos Zone, Mr. Kunle Soyebo, said the purpose of the exercise was to ensure strict adherence to rules and regulations in the petroleum industry.

Jonathan mobilises PDP to face APC challenge zUrges party to commence early preparations for Anambra guber

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN,

L

POLITICAL EDITOR

AGOS—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan early Thursday, directed the top hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to reinvigorate the party machinery towards meeting fresh challenges arising from the merger of the major opposition political parties into the fledgling All Progressive Congress, APC. The president’s directive was conveyed at the national caucus of the party which commenced Wednesday night in the presidential villa during which he also mandated the party to commence preparations to win Anambra State in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.

Also reflective of the president’s ascendancy over the party’s governors, it was also resolved that the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party should be summoned within the next three weeks. The NEC meeting has not been held since July on account of palpable fears by some in the national leadership that the party’s governors could force their views on issues.

The caucus meeting which was attended by six governors representative of the six geopolitical zones, Vanguard learnt, also discussed varying strategies to combat other issues confronting the party including the poor state of the party’s finances.

The national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, it

was learnt, told the caucus that the party was practically broke and unable to meet its obligations.

Upon the assertion, the president was reported to have directed that strategies should be employed to shore up the finances, though with the strict warning that nothing should be done to compromise the integrity of officials of government.

“The president and those who spoke said that in the light of what happened after the second republic when governors were hounded for financial impropriety because

of the way they financed their parties, it was stressed that the governors must be protected from such temptations.”

The president it was learnt told the party executives to put machinery in place to be able to confront the emerging challenge from the APC, one source present at the meeting said.

“Well it was not actually a wake up call, but just a necessary thing or something that is expected of us,” another source present at the meeting offered.

The president also at the

meeting directed that the party must begin the process of preparing for the elections in Anambra State and it was stressed that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail.

As part of the strategies of winning the state, it was learnt that the preparations must begin early enough to enable hurt feelings from the primaries to heal well ahead of the election.

“The president was insistent that the will of the people must prevail,” a source disclosed.

From left: Mr. Shantaram Hegdekatte, CEO, Educomp Solutions Africa; Mr. Varrier Devesh,Director, Training, Edusoft Associate Ltd; Mrs. Mobolaji Borha, Deputy Director, Federal Inspectorate Service, Lagos, representing Minister of Education; Mr Badri Prasad, Director, Operations, Edusoft Associates Ltd, and Mr. Guaray Goel, CEO, Maxmind, at the implemention of Best-in-Class Solutions for enhanccing Schools’ Pass Rate Workshop, organised by Edusoft in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

Residents, Lagos govt official spoil for war over road blockade

BY OLASUNKANMI

L

AKONI

AGOS—MEMBERS of the New-life Community Development Association, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, are spoiling for war against one of the top government officials, resident in the area over erection of wall on what used to be an access road at Olufemi Ogunshola Street in the area.

They are protesting against the erection said to be spear-headed by one Dr. Jobi Ososanya, a

senior civil servant in the state.

According to sources, the wall had been erected three times and demolished by other members of the community who felt the erection was illegal.

It will be recalled that Governor Babatunde Fashola, had earlier directed the State Special Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences, to pull down any street gate inhibiting alternative route whenever there is a serious traffic problem.

With this in mind, members of the CDA, mostly youths, gathered last Tuesday, and marched to the site of the erected wall on Ogunsola Street and brought it down.

The street, Vanguard gathered, was approved as Street by the authorities under former Ikeja Local Government council, dated 20\12/79 and named after Olufemi Ogunsola.

According to them, the action became necessary following repeated plea to Dr. Ososanya, who claimed the area belonged to him as it was meant to be a Close street and not an access road.

When contacted, Chief Osasanya, maintained that the land belonged to him, and was quick to direct Vanguard to the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for clarifi-

cation, saying “I don’t have much to say on this, you need to visit the site, the land in question is wider than the road.

“You need to go to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to find out the true position of things.”

However, Alhaji Dele Folorunsho, Chairman New-life CDA, explained that on February 28, 2013, following the recent decision of the Ifako Ijaiye LGA to develop and build medical clinic as well as its public library on a piece of land adjoining access road on the street, we have experienced a shocking display of tyranny from one Chief Jobi Ososanya (Chairman Lagos State Civil Services Commission) who has expressed a total opposition to the Local Government’s proposed development in the area.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 —11

Alaafin, Alake shun Yoruba monarchs’ peace meeting I

BY OLAAJAYI

BADAN—THE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, yesterday, shunned the Peace and Conflict resolution meeting set up to broker peace among the warring monarchs in the South West.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Alaafin have had frosty relationship over who is the foremost Yoruba king for ages.

For a long time, they have been avoiding each other at any public gathering.

A source at the meeting, said since Ooni of Ife was in attendance, it was sure that Alaafin would be absent.

The meeting which was initiated by the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, to resolve the crises among the monarchs, had in attendance many notable kings from the zone.

However, there was a mild drama at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan the venue of the meeting as the Managing Director of the hotel, Mrs. Tola Ajayi, became hostile to journalists.

She accosted the photojournalist from the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mrs. Yinka Bode-Are, asking her to go out of the meeting as no newsman was invited.

As the journalist was explain-

ing that she came on invitation, she ordered a police sergeant at the hotel to walk her out of the hotel.

It took the intervention of other newsmen at the venue before the visibly hostile woman relaxed.

Among the notable monarchs that attended the meeting were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odugade, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi,

Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi, among others.

When they started arriving , they first sat at the lobby of the hotel.

Oba Sijuade got there before 11am.

The convener of the meeting,

Oba Akinrutan was seen making phone calls to other kings who were not at the meeting.

When Vanguard called the Personal Assistant to Oba Adeyemi, Mr. Fehintola Azeez, to know the reason for the absence of Alaafin, it appeared he was not aware of the meeting.

He said: “Which meeting. We are just coming from Lagos. We are about getting to Toll Gate in Ibadan.”

PEACE MEETING: From left: Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Frederick Akinruntan; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade, during the Yoruba Obas’ peace meeting in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube.

Behave like elder statesman, Okunnu advises Obasanjo

L

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

AGOS—FORMER Fed eral Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to behave like an elder statesman and not a sitting President.

Okunnu who served as commissioner during General Yakubu Gowon’s administration celebrated his 80th birthday penultimate Tuesday.

Okunnu also advised Obasanjo to stop dictating or harassing President Goodluck Jonathan either individually or through the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as he had served his terms as head of the country, saying “the best for him is to retire from active politics and become an elder statesman.”

Speaking with Vanguard yesterday on the planned 100 years celebration of modern Nigeria, he said it was ‘’pure nonsense for the government of the country to allow such celebration, which he said was ‘’100 years in bondage.’’

On Obasanjo, Okunnu said the advice was his birthday gift to him, saying, “Let me plead with General Obasanjo. He is no longer the president of this country. He should stop harassing successive presidents. Leave them alone.

“You have served your terms. You served, first as military head of state between 1976 and1979; three years and you served eight years as civilian president. Leave

Jonathan alone to govern.

“Stop harassing him. Leave him alone to govern and retire gracefully as an elder statesman.

“That is my birthday advice to

GeneralObasanjo.He’smyfriendandI am giving this friendly advice to him.

Retirefromactivepoliticsandbeanelder statesman. You have opportunities to advise the president at the Council of State.”

Ogun CNPP lauds Amosun for resolving State Assembly crisis

A

B E O K U TA — CONFER ENCE of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Ogun State, has commended the quick intervention of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of the state, in the amicable resolution of the factional crisis that engulfed the Ogun State House of Assembly earlier in the week.

It will be recalled that two factions emerged in the OGSHA, separately laid claim to the speakership of the House and in the process broke the mace, the symbol of authority, creating tension and division among members.

However spontaneous intervention by Governor Ibikunle Amosun to broker peace among the warring members restored normalcy leading to the principal actors in the fracas tendering unreserved apologies to the people of the state.

In a statement CNPP chairman, Otunba Owolabi Odebudo, hailed the maturity and statesmanship displayed

by Governor Amosun in quickly resolving the matter in the overall interest of the people of Ogun State.

Odebudo said the Governor’s action portrayed him as a true patriot and nonpartisan politician who had the interest

of his people at heart irrespective of their political leaning.

Oyo monarch hail Ajimobi on LG funds

O

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

YO—THE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 11, has commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, for approving funds for local governments in the state for poverty alleviation, saying it facilitated the procurement of poverty alleviation materials.

He said this in Oyo during the distribution of poverty alleviation materials to members of the public and trade unions by the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Prince Akeem Adeyemi.

The monarch said: “Since the inception of the Ajimobi-led administration in OyoState,peoplehavebeengoingabouttheir lawful pursuits in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. What is being done today is to demonstrate that citizens have the constitutional rights to demand from those elected into offices what belong to them.”

Plight of 38 million blind people worries OBJ

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

B E O K U TA — FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, expressed disappointment over the condition of four million blind persons in Nigeria, saying no fewer than 38 million people were suffering from blindness in the world.

Obasanjo spoke at the flag-off of the 2013 Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Free Eye Surgery programme, at the OOPL complex, Abeokuta.

Obasanjo said: “Not too long ago, I was in UK and Prime Minister said 90 per cent of blindness is preventable. He told me this figure and I was baffled that if they could prevent, what has been stopping us to prevent it. Since then, we have been making efforts to work with experts to assist our people here at home.

“If 90 per cent of 38 million blindness in the whole world are preventable and about five million out of those 38 million are Nigerians which means that four million Nigerians who are blind can still regain their sight that is tremendous.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Ewherido empowers 161 constituents

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—SENATOR Pius Ewherido Empowerment and Scholarship Scheme has empowered 21 persons with cars and 140 indigent youths with cash of N100, 000 each.

Presenting the items on behalf of the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chairman of Democratic Peoples’ Party, DPP in the district, Chief Henry Olori, said the gesture was to appreciate the people for the overwhelming support given to him (Ewherido) during the April 2011 polls.

He said: “Before now, he had given out over five vehicles to five persons in each of the eight local government areas that make up the senatorial district and in December last year, he empowered about 10 women each from the councils, who after graduating from various trades were given cash and equipment to start their businesses.”

Bayelsa schools to enjoy free meals

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

Y

E N A G O A — BAYELSA State Government is set to introduce free meals at all boarding schools across the state from September this year.

Governor Seriake Dickson, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, made the disclosure, when the Senate Committee on Education led by its chairman, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, called on him in Yenagoa.

Dickson, who also noted that compulsory boarding will commence during the period in all senior secondary schools in the state, said his administration had commenced the construction of three special schools, designed not only to run academic programmes but offer leadership training.

LAGOS CARNIVAL: From left— Mr. Oludisu Holloway, Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs; Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chairman, Lagos Black Heritage; Engr. Segun Jawando, Chairman, Lagos Water Regatta and Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Lagos Black Heritage Festival Ambassador, at a briefing on the forthcoming Lagos carnival, holding between March 25 and April 1, yesterday. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

Delta monarchs blast Sultan over Boko Haram amnesty call

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—SULTAN of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar III, came under fire, yesterday, from two royal fathers in Niger-Delta over his call on President Goodluck Jonathan to grant “total amnesty” to members of the Islamist group, Boko Haram, for peace to reign in the country.

Former National President of Traditional Rulers for Oil Minerals Producing Commu-

nities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu, Pere of Siembiri Kingdom in Delta State and HRM, King Dodo II, Pere of Bilabiri Mien Kingdom, Bayelsa State, said they were shocked by the Sultan’s reasoning.

They said Federal Government should declare a fullscale war on Boko Haram, rather than grant amnesty to mysterious persons.

Ayemi-Botu said: “For me, I condemn the call by the Sultan. We have come to

LG polls: ACN candidate backs Oshiomhole on comments

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—CHAIRMAN SHIP candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Mr. Emmanuel Momoh, yesterday, backed the directive by Governor Adams Oshiomhole that the incoming chairmen of the councils will reside in their domains and not Benin.

This comes as a socio-cultural group, Equity and Good Governance, has described as untrue and misleading, claims in some quarters, that ACN chairmanship candidate in Etsako West Local Government Area, Mr. Hassan Kadiri, was imposed on the people by the state government.

However, Momoh in a chat with journalists in Benin, said the comment by the governor that chairmen will reside in their respective areas will help accelerate development and good governance at the grassroots.

He expressed his desire to key into it, if elected in the forthcoming April 20 council elections.

He said: “It is also my strong belief that if the incoming chairmen are directed to reside in their areas, rather than Benin, they will have time to stay with the people and address their problems.”

know Boko Haram as a faceless group with link to AlQaeda and other terrorist groups that abhor Western education.

“Their agitation has no moral basis and should not be compared to the NigerDelta struggle, in which the youths took up arms for equity in the distribution of wealth from oil explored in their domain.”

King Dodo II, on his part, said: “It is so disheartening that the Sultan and the Islamic leadership of Islamic affairs do not know what to do with the scourge of Boko Haram.

“However, I want to say that the Nigerian nation must know that Boko Haram is a terrorist group and should be regarded as such.

“There is nothing they are fighting for. The Sultan and his people should be happy for a united Nigeria. How can a person of the statue of the Sultan openly say things or suggest things to the President that will jeopardise the unity of the Nigerian nation?”

A-Ibom group hails Akpabio, Anenih's new posts

BY SONI DANIEL

A

N Uyo-based sociopolitical group in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Okon Umana Frontiers, UOUF, has hailed the emergence of Governor Godswill Akpabio as the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum and the election of Chief Tony Anenih as Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees.

The group made its position public in a statement by the Chairman of its Media Committee, Prince Ekerendu Esitikot, and made available to Vanguard yesterday.

UOUF said the recognition accorded the two outstanding party leaders was borne out of their immense contributions to the growth and development of the party and Nigeria.

... as youths warn ‘blackmailers' off Oshiomhole

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—YOUTHS from Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to ignore those blackmailing him over their inability to cling the chairmanship ticket of the area during the recent primaries of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Vanguard gathered that the protest is coming on the heels of the disqualification

of ACN candidates by Edo State Independent National Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, over alleged failure to produce their tax clearance certificates.

The placards-carrying youths from the council where Oshiomhole also hails from, had stormed the streets in Auchi, headquarters of the council, alleging that they had uncovered plans by some persons to replace Mr. Hassan Kadiri with Shuaibu Elamah from Apana community in ward 10 as ACN can-

didate.

They alleged that some highly-placed persons had boasted that they will mount pressure on the governor to influence the candidature of Elamah.

They said: “We have this on good record. We want the governor to note that in the spirit of Federal Character, he cannot concentrate so much political appointments in ward 10, just as we urge him to ignore those blackmailing him since they lost out in the primary exercise."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—13

SUNTAI: Ag Gov sends emissary to Germany

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

A

From left: Senator Bode Olajumoke, Alhaji Aminu Idris Yaro, Sarkin-Hausawan, Lagos with Oba Rilwan Oshuolale Aremu Akiolu of Lagos, and Oba Babatunde A. Lawali Onigbanko of Igbankoland, Lagos at the special prayer to mark 10th years remembrance of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, in Lagos yesterday.

GEN AZAZI, GOV. YAKOWA' DEATH IN NAVY HELICOPTER:

Interim report blames combination of human and material failure •Rules out sabotage

By KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA—TWO months after the ill-fated Nigerian Navy Augusta helicopter air crash in Bayelsa State that claimed the lives of six persons including former Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser, General Owoye Andrew Azazi, the Accident and Investigation Board (AIB) set up to investigate the crash has submitted its report.

According to a statement signed by Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, the AIB constituted by the Nigerian Air Force at the instance of the Nigerian Navy to ascertain the cause of the fatal crash discovered that cause of the crash could either be human error or material failure or a combination of both.

It ruled out the possibility of sabotage as rumoured in some quarters’ during the accident adding, however, that to get the actual cause of the crash, there would be need to tear down the engine of the helicopter for detailed forensic analysis.

The statement entitled, ‘Update on the Crashed Nigerian Navy Augusta Helicopter NN07’ reads: “The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) constituted by the Nigerian Air Force at the instance of the Nigerian Navy to ascertain the cause of the fatal crash involving the Nigerian Navy Agusta helicopter which occurred on December 15, 2012 has submitted an interim report C M Y K

to the Naval Headquarters.

“The Investigation which was conducted by aviation experts in collaboration with the manufacturers – Augusta Westland has stated that the cause of the crash could either be human error or material failure or a combination of both. However, to determine the actual cause of the crash there would be the need to tear down the engine of the helicopter in order to carry out detailed forensic analysis. This aspect of the investigation will be carried out by Turbomeca, the manufacturers of the engine”.

Independent police report “It is important to emphasize that an independent police report has equally ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash. Further information on the investigation would be made public when available.”

It would be recalled that shortly before the AIB was set up, the Nigerian Navy dispelled insinuations that the Augusta 105 helicopter which crashed in Okoloba community in Bayelsa state had engine problems, noting the helicopter was certified to fly by a ‘Certified Technical Support Engineer’.

It said the helicopter ‘had her last scheduled routine maintenance concluded on November 19, 2012 by certified technical support engineer’ adding that “when the aircraft

crashed, it was having more than 80 flight hours before the next scheduled routine maintenance."

While constituting the accident investigation board to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the unfortunate incident, the Navy said, “It will not want to pre-empt the findings of the investigation”. Membership of

the board was drawn from aircraft investigation specialists, Augusta Westland, manufacturers of the aircraft and other aviation regulatory agencies as provided for by extant regulations. It said it expected that the board will come out with remote and immediate causes of the accident with far reaching recommendations that will forestall future occurrences.

Merger fall-out: APGA accuses Presidency of plotting Okorocha’s ouster

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

M

ORE ripples over the involvement of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State with the newly formed All Progressives’Congress erupted, yesterday, with the governor’s party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, raising the alarm that the Presidency was plotting to unseat Okorocha and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu.

The party, in a statement released by its chairman, Prince Marshal Okafor Anyanwu, accused the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of trying to split members of the state legislature with a view to using the splinter group to fight the governor and the speaker.

Anyanwu alleged that the Presidency and some PDP bigwigs had invited the 12 lawmakers from Imo State to Abuja, dur-

ing which they were induced to plot against Okorocha and the speaker, while urging them not to take part in the ongoing investigations of graft levelled against the Deputy Governor of the state, Jude Agbaso, by a contractor handling a road project in the state.

Anyanwu said: “The attention of the APGA Imo state has been drawn to the recent plot by the Presidency and PDP to distort the activities of the Imo State House of Assembly, promote disaffection in the ranks of the state government and if possible execute the long conceived agenda of impeaching the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu and Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha. This ill-conceived move is not unconnected with the ongoing investigation by the state legislature over allegation of financial gratification leveled against the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso by one of the major contractors handling the state government road projects."

PPARENTLY to prove critics wrong over the health condition of injured Governor Danbaba Suntai, the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, has firmed up plans to dispatch the Information Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, to Germany to ascertain the true state of the governor.

Suntai, who was injured in a crash near Yola airport last October, has been on admission in the foreign hospital since then, fuelling speculations that he has been brain damaged and unable to recognize human beings.

Umar, who recently returned from seeing him, was quoted by an online publication as saying that Suntai could not recognize him, a statement he immediately renounced.

Vanguard learnt that the purpose of the visit is to enable the commissioner to engage the German media in a tele-conference with Suntai, who is said to be recuperating from his injury after undergoing several operations. Bello said in a text message to Vanguard, yesterday, that the trip was also meant to put to rest insinuations that the governor had been incapacitated and unable to recognize even persons close to him as a result of the accident.

Workplace violence hinders women's access—ILO

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

I

NTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation, ILO, has said workplace violence including sexual harassment also represents a significant barrier to women’s access and equitable treatment and opportunities in the labour market.

ILO’s Director General, Guy Ryder, in statement to mark today’s celebration of International Women’s Day, lamented that workplace violence had assumed many forms and women were often particularly vulnerable, especially in the informal economy, saying “such violence is wrong and is a violation of the most basic human rights.”

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

58 blind students, 292 others bag scholarship

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI — NO fewer than 350 Nigerian stu dents in public tertiary institutions were, yesterday, in Owerri, awarded scholarship by MTN Foundation.

The recipients included 58 blind students.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Foundation’s Director, Mr. Dennis Okoro, explained that the establishment will award scholarships to a total of 1,087 science students and 171 blind students this year.

Noting that this was the establishment’s fourth science and technology scholarship and second award for blind students, Okoro also explained that the impact was beyond statistics and figures.

“It is about shaping Nigeria’s future through education. It s about making an investment in the Hon. Angela Metuh-Mbah, Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State in the Public Complaints lives of tomorrow’s leaders, by providing them with Commission (PCC), addressing members of the Nigerian Legion at a PCC function, in Awka, Anambra an opportunity to pursue their dreams despite fiState nancial limitations,” Okoro said.

He said the Foundation was pleased to “recognise the exemplary effort of a special group of students.

“We are here to celebrate academic excellence in students who have worked extremely hard and who defity operatives and members of security operatives to unrav- nitely deserve an opportuniBY VINCENT UJUMADU el the issue, two Senate com- ty to pursue their dreams of the National Assembly.

Ikeakor said yesterday in mittees, police affairs and na- higher education.”

WKA — AFTER nearly six Awka: “Yes, the result of the tional security and intelliHe recalled with glee that weeks of waiting, the regence, had been to the state autopsy is ready.

But we canthe Foundation in the past sult of the autopsy conducted twice to unravel the mystery. not make it public until my reweek, presented 238 successon the 25 exhumed dead bodWhile the committees held ful candidates in the Northturn from Abuja. Maybe by ies found floating on Ezu RivBY PETER OKUTU next week, we will be in a po- a public hearing on the mat- ern part of the country. er on the border town of Amansition to release the result. I ter during their first visit to Vanguard recalls that 350 sea between Anambra and EnuBAKALIKI—THE Anambra State, they carried want you to remain patient.”

Nigerian students in public gu states is now ready.

National Obstetric Vanguard recalls that the Ezu out their investigations in tertiary institutions in the However, the result would not Fistula Centre in River debacle had attracted so camera during their second Eastern Zone, including 292 be made public until Anambra Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, much comment from both local visit because, according to science and technology stuState Commissioner for Health, has so far treated over and international organisa- members of the committees, dents and 58 blind students, Dr. Lawrence Ikeakor, returned 1600 indigent patients people appear reluctant to benefitted from the Foundations. from Abuja where he was exfrom 20 states in the Apart from investigations by testify in public. tion’s largesse. pected to dialogue with securicountry since its inception in 2008.

Wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. applicant to the best of my Joined in the suit are: Prof. Okoli, Deputy CommisJosephine Elechi, made

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKknowledge as well as to the Joseph Ojukwu, Engr. sioner of Police, Anambra WE the disclosure, yesterOjukwu family is not and has Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna, State. day, during the visit of never been a grandchild of Bianca Ojukwu, Patricia Debe had insisted that he AGOS — THE disagrethe Consul General of the late Sir L.P.O Ojukwu,” Ojukwu, Mrs. Margaret is a bona fide member of ements over N500 million the United States Latonna said, adding that all Mogbo (nee Ojukwu), Ojukwu family, bor n to property left behind by late Dim Consulate in Lagos, Mr. the respondents did know him Inspector General of Police, Emeka Ojukwu of Umudim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Jeffery Hawkins, to the as the son of Emeka Ojukwu. former Commissioner of Nnewi, Anambra State and has taken another turn as Lotanna centre in Abakaliki.

Debe had sued OTL asking Police, Anambra State; his wife Margaret in August Ojukwu told a Federal High Court Mrs. Elechi noted that the court to enforce his Ibrahim Muktar and Mike 3, 1956. in Lagos, that Chief Debe Ojukwu over 195 clients with fundamental human rights. was never a grandson to Sir Lious uterine prolapse had Ojukwu. Latonna, in a 22 paragraph received free treatment. affidavit, PUBLIC NOTICE countered THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF LADY LILY NKOYENI & CHIDI JUDE the prayers NWOKONKO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION of Chief

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAK- ter to the Chairman of INEC, elders loyal to him to appoint The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate D e b e WURU Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Prof. Attahiru Jega request- the National Chairman of CitiOdimegwu Cap C20 LFN 2004. ing for authority to convene zens Popular Party, CPP, Maxi The Trustees of the FoundationAre: Ojukwu, BUJA — THE Inde a national convention of the Okwu as the interim Chairman.

1. Mr. Chiagozie Hilary-Nwokonko 2. Dr. Chiemeka Joseph Nwokonko t h e 3. Mrs. Chijindu Yvonne Okoronkwo 4. Mrs. Essienawan Nnenna Chiagozie It was gathered that Obi in an pend-ent National party. purported Electoral Commission, TheAimsAnd Objectives Of The FoundationAreAs Follows: The letter came on the heels attempt to regularise Okwu’s 1. For the promotion and provision of free and improved health care for women and children. first son of 2. For the provision and promotion of high quality and relevant training for teachers and l a t e INEC, yesterday, turned of the emergence of about interim chairmanship appointinstructors in schools.

O j u k w u , down the request by Gover- three different factions with dif- ment, wrote to INEC seeking for 3. To advance education through the provision of scholarships to deserving students.

4. To organize seminars, conferences, workshops and trainings geared towards the who is nor Peter Obi of Anambra ferent chairmen, all claiming to permission to convene a naimprovement of the quality of teachers and students.

State to convene a national be the authentic Chairman of tional convention. seeking the 5. To undertake construction of classrooms, supply of furniture and educational materials to But in its reply, the Director of leave of convention for the All Pro- APGA. schools.

A High Court in sitting in Public Affairs of INEC, Em6. For the funding of research into the improvement of healthcare and education for women court to gressive Grand Alliance, and children. enforce his APGA, which has been in Enugu had recently sacked the manuel Ummerger said that Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate fundamental crisis leading to its faction- APGA National Chairman, only the National Chairman of Affairs Commission, Tigris Crescent, Maitama,Abuja, within 28 days of publication. h u m a n alisation.

Chief Victor Umeh and imme- APGA has the powers to conSigned: Streamsowers & Kohn (Legal Practitioners) rights.

It was gathered that Gov- diately Governor Obi convened vene an APGA national con16D Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos “That the ernor Obi had written a let- a meeting with some party vention.

Ebonyi National Obstetric Fistula Centre treats over 1600 women

Ezu River corpses: Autopsy result ready next week — Commissioner A

A

Debe not our family member, Lotanna Ojukwu tells court

L

APGA crisis: Obi lacks power to convene national convention — INEC

A

Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—15

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN VISITS BORNO, YOBE

President Jonathan (left) and Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, during the President's state to Damaturu, yesterday.

From left— Alhaji Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for Finance; President Goodluck Jonathan; Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State; Alhaji Abubarka Aliyu, Deputy Governor of Yobe State, and Sen Bukar Abba, former Governor of Yobe State, at a town hall meeting during the President's visit to Yobe, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTOS.

President Jonathan (right) and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

From left— Governor Gaidam of Yobe State; President Jonathan and Mr. Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works, inaugurating a road project the state, yesterday.

BOLA TINUBU, BRIAN BROWNE'S BOOK LAUNCH

From left— Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Mr. Brian Browne, former USA Consul-General in Lagos, and co-author; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State and co-author; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, former Finance Minister and Chairman of occasion; and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former ACN presidential candidate, during the launch of Financialism: Water from an Empty Well, written by Tinubu and Browne, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Bunmi Azeez.

From left— Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, and Alhaji Lai Mohmmed, ACN National Publicity Secretary.

C M Y K

From left— Asiwaju Tinubu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group of Companies; and Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, at the book launch.

From left— Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State; his wife Abimbola, and Alhaji Susura Alebiosu.

From left— Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and his wife Olufunso, at the launch.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Nigeria operating voodoo economy —Tinubu FORMER Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, dissected Nigeria’s economy and declared that the country was operating a voodoo economic policy that is pauperising the citizenry and urged urgent economic surgery to save the polity.

For instance, Tinubu wondered why the Federal Government is maintaining a foreign reserve of $46 billion with one or two per cent interest and shouldering a load of $42 billion domestic debt, which it services with 16 per cent interest.

“This is voodoo economy,” he said, adding, “they are operating it because they don’t know what to do. It is choking the private sector.

"We must in this country do away with the idea of ‘it is better save the money and spend the people.’ Rather I will say we should adopt the policy of ‘it is better to save the people and spend the fund.’ ”We must reform our philosophy about economic development. First, we must reform the financial sector so that it becomes an effective artery that sends funds to the heart of the real sector. The Federal Government must formulate a national industrial policy that would focus on developing labourintensive industries.”

Tinubu spoke at Victoria Island, Lagos at the presentation of the book, 'Financialism: Water from an empty well,' he co-authored with former Consul General of United States of America to Nigeria, Mr. Brian Browne.

Chaired by former Finance Minister, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, the book presentation was turned into a political rally of sorts by governors of the newly merged All Progressive Congress, APC, and other politicians, who opposed capitalism and asked the electorate to hand power at the centre to APC leaders to enable them redirect the ship of state for better berthing.

The governors include Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

The governors of Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa and Zamfara sent representatives.

Other notable persons at which speaker after speaker eulogised Tinubu and Browne for making out time to write the book in spite of

.It’s ridiculous maintaining $46bn foreign reserve at 2% interest and owing $42 bn domestic debt at 16 % interest

.APC governors, Ribadu, Idika Kalu, others seek better Nigeria, fete Tinubu

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, OLASUNKANMI AKONI, NKIRU NNOROM & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

their tight schedules, include Jim Ovia (the chief launcher), Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former IGP, Musiliu Smith, Obong Victor Attah, Malam Balarabe Musa, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

There were also, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, Rev. Tunji Adebiyi, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Remi Tinubu, Chief Annie Okonkwo, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Hon. Lanre Odubote, Dr. Lekan Pitan, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Hon. Niyi Afuye (who represented Ekiti State governor), Alhaji Kassim Imam (who represented northern APC governors), Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Anthony Adefuye, Femi Falana and Prof. Osaghae Eghosa, who reviewed the book.

We need sound management not capitalism —Aregbesola, Amosun

Speaking at the event, Aregbesola said Tinubu preaches capitalism but practises humanism as espoused by the book.

He kicked against capitalisms, which he argued had failed.

“Capitalism is money or whatever you use to get a man to surrender his money and labour for peanuts,” he said and urged Nigerian leaders to focus on how they would translate their huge resources into real wealth for Nigerians.

Governor Amosun urged support for attempts to deemphasise Nigeria’s monolithic economy and translate the country ’s money and resources into wealth.

He lamented that the country was not paying adequate attention to agriculture, infrastructure, and education, among others.

Poverty is not act of God — Oshiomhole

On his part, Oshiomhole also opposed capitalism, noting that there was a lot of contradictions in the country such as a teacher being incapable of affording his children’s school fees, a carpenter building the best furniture without owning one and a labourer labouring all his life for the country and yet finds it difficult to get his pension after retirement.

“There is so much contradiction in our polity.

Poverty is not an act of God, it is the result of socioeconomic history and with proper management, we will consign it to the back page of history,” he said.

There’s hope for Nigeria — Okorocha

In like manner, Okorocha said in spite of the contradictions, there was hope for the country because “Nigeria is not a poor nation. Management of resources is the only thing wrong.”

Nigerian masses need answers to their problems – Idika Kalu

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, attributed the country ’s problem to poor management of resources.

He stated that almost all reforms that the ruling class had embarked on in the last 50 years did not yield result due to disorganisation and an inability to re-invest the proceeds from the oil boom and agricultural pyramids accordingly.

He said: “We have gone through one crisis after another over the past 50 years. We saw how we started, we brought in broadbased agricultural economy, and we saw how we managed that under very low technologies to save and to make progress across this nation, in the West, in the North, South and East.

"I thought we should have leveraged on that to invest more in the real sector, in order to achieve improved production, improved quality, improved services, improvement in the rural areas, improved infrastructure, power, name

it. We didn’t do it.

“We went on to try a lot of political reforms, but one threat to all these reforms was the inability to organise the political leadership to focus on the needs of the people without which we cannot move forward as a great country.

We must spend money to save the people —Tinubu

Reading his speech entitled, 'Speaking for the people: The need to restructure the economy; How long shall we attempt to draw water from an empty well?', Tinubu said he and Browne wrote the book to save Nigeria’s political economy from the danger unleashed on the globe by the 2008 financial meltdown.

Lamenting that a worse form of capitalism, which he termed financialism was crippling the economy, he canvassed progressive capitalism to save the economy.

He said: “In Nigeria today, with our lack of vital infrastructure, the absence of a concrete industrial policy and with the paucity of longterm funding to fuel the real sector, we ask the economy to do the impossible. It’s like attempting to draw water from an empty well. ” Financialism has crippled the developed economies so much so that they remain deep in serial financial crises. If a financialist modeling of the economy turns developed economies into hollow images of themselves, what shall it wreak in our economy that has never developed or got industrialised?

The economic surgery Nigeria needs — Tinubu

”We must reform our economy. To do this, we must first reform our philosophy about the economic development.

What I advocate is not starry-eyed socialism. I seek clear-eyed yet progressive capitalism. Here are just a handful of key things we must do: *We must reform the financial sector so that it becomes an effective artery that sends funds to the heart

of the real sector once again. * The national government must formulate a national industrial policy that focuses on developing labour intensive industries.

"This is not textbook capitalism but we do not live in a textbook.

This is how the United States developed under Alexander Hamilton’s “American System” and how modern China reached spectacular growth. * We must restructure our educational system to prepare our youth for the present challenges of this economy and not educate them in a manner more appropriate for another land. *We need to overhaul our agricultural system and put in place a price support mechanism so that those who toil the land and who feed us do not go continuously poorer the more they toil.

"We must establish commodity exchange boards exclusively for farmers which will go a long way to support them and provide agricultural pricing support mechanisms and consequently enhance food security. ”The challenge before our nation today is how to protect millions who toil the land, ensure they make reasonable returns and boost agricultural production.

"Instead of stealing from our children and stealing the pension fund of the retired; this government must answer the moral call of providing one meal per day for our school children up to high school level. Feeding our children will improve nutritional in-take and work better for their educational development.

"Ultimately, it will eliminate child abuse and take the children off our streets. ”The demand for farm products to feed the pupils will be a catalyst to generate demand, create wealth, elevate production of agricultural goods and fuel associated industrial growth. The establishment of these activity and small scale agro-industries will generate significant employment in our rural areas. ”We need to provide primary health care, taking it upon ourselves to fight malaria so that our children can develop properly and our labour force becomes more productive. ”In the final analysis, our development rests with us. Foreign investment is welcome but will not lead us to prosperity. "

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 17

D

Gender equality Our feisty, feministic First Lady, Dame Patience, is also known to share Mrs Cameron’s concerns about gender equality; and, perhaps because of her influence, President Goodluck Jonathan has really tried on this front.

He has put women in charge of key sectors like Finance, Education and Aviation; and, until he came along and displayed a surprisingly radical streak, I never imagined that any Nigerian Head of State would agree to allow the premier cabinet slot – Petroleum – to be occupied by a “mere” female in my lifetime.

Even in more advanced nations, petroleum ministries have always been headed by chaps; and no matter what

President Goodluck Jonathan and wife, Patience

Jobs for the girls! reservations some folks may have about Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke’s stewardship of our oil industry, it is pretty amazing that a lady is sitting in that very prestigious and very powerful hot seat.

When political leaders, captains of industry, etc, go out of their way to elevate women and other historically

,

avid Cameron, the British Prime Minister, recently revealed that his wife, Samantha, regularly berates him for not having enough women in his Cabinet.

There are only four females in Cameron’s 27-strong Cabinet. Meanwhile, only 47 out of the 302 Members of Parliament from Cameron’s Party are women; and we’re told that Samantha, a senior company executive who is accomplished in her own right, thinks that her husband’s failure to promote women is depriving his Government of “more than 50% of the talent” he could access.

The above statistics make Cameron look like an oldfashioned male chauvinist.

And, in a bid to improve his image amongst voters (and stop his wife from carping!), he has admitted that he can do better and has said that he is aiming to ensure that one in three ministerial posts will be held by women by 2015.

they could make space for black people and help them progress, educationally as well as employment-wise, in a “hostile” environment.

The rationale underpinning this viewpoint was that most Blacks in Britain had low selfesteem and/or lacked adequate qualifications because they were victims of racism or slavery or

I wanted to earn real respect; I didn’t want to be propped up and cosseted; and I was furious with any Black or female who was not as tough as I was

disadvantaged groups, they are said to be pursuing Affirmative Action or Positive Discrimination agendas. And there was a time when I had grave doubts about this approach.

I spent my formative years in Britain; and there was much talk, while I was growing up and in the early stages of my career, about the “need” for white-controlled organisations to drop their recruitment standards, so

,

colonialism…or were simply from underprivileged family backgrounds that had not encouraged them to fulfil their intellectual potential or believe in themselves.

That – the l980s and l990s was also the era in which there were endless discussions in public fora in the UK about the “need” for male decision-makers to bend over backwards to actively assist women to escape from the bondage of low

expectations, l i m i t e d opportunities and a patriarchal system.

It was even said, on several occasions, that the entry requirements for women and blacks should be lower than the e n t r y requirements for men and Whites.

Such debates were driven by male and female liberals from all ethnic groups.

And these liberals were staunchly opposed by male and female Darwinians of all hues, this c o l u m n i s t included. It was quite a battle.

As someone who happened to be Black as well as female, I belonged to both of the groups that the liberals pitied; and I resented the passionate, protective rhetoric they lavished on the world on my behalf. I acknowledged it as sincerely well-meaning but also felt patronized, infantilized and humiliated

academic credentials and bags of social confidence and had easily outshone many men and Whites in academic arenas and various workplaces, I felt totally equal to these alleged oppressors and didn’t want anyone to ascribe any successes I might eventually achieve to Positive Discrimination or Affirmative Action.

I wanted to earn real respect.

I didn’t want to be propped up and cosseted. And I was furious with any Black or female who was not as tough as I was.

Survival of the fittest But you know what? I’ve changed my mind and become a bit kinder in old age! I’ve also endured a few failures that have compelled me to become humbler.

Life should not always be about the survival of the fittest.

The fittest are few and far between; and civilized societies SHOULD make serious efforts to actively support groups that have suffered injustices and individuals who will stumble if nobody bothers to hold their hands as they struggle to keep going.

So kudos to President Jonathan for doing more for

David and Samantha Cameron by it.

I was, in a nutshell, too proud, too stubborn and too doggedly self-sufficient to regard myself as a weakling who needed babying or special treatment.

Margaret Thatcher had become Prime Minister without Positive Discrimination or Affirmative Action. Some British Blacks had done very well indeed without Positive Discrimination or Affirmative Action. And because I had OK

women than any of his predecessors. And to David Cameron…if he means what he says.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 FORMER Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, remains an imitable curiosity. His critics would dismiss his comments on the paucity of leaders in Nigeria and Africa. He is right in stating that leadership was a challenge.

He can boast that he has done some things about the challenge.

His Africa Leadership Forum has been a great resource facility in mobilising concerns about leadership.

Obasanjo more practically tried his hands at fixing Nigeria.

Where many disagree with him is his silence on his leadership in the 11 years he ruled Nigeria, first as a Head of State for three years and eight years in civilian garbs. He claims divine rights to lead.

Nigerians expect him to account for his times as leader. His prescriptions, most recently, using more force in managing security,

Obasanjo Searches For Leaders have fallen below expectations, particularly with judicial rulings that imposed hefty fines against government for militarily devastating Odi and Zaki Biam.

Obasanjo adds those infractions to his achievements.

“Whether it is a myth or reality, threat to human security, high economic growth, whether it is flash in the pan or sustainable, it all comes to one major thing and that one major thing is leadership,” he told university students who were debating leadership in Africa.

“I realise that there are not many

good leaders in Nigeria. Whatever is the reason, it is something we have to tackle because we cannot continue the way it is. Nobody will help Africa, nobody can help Africa and that is the truth. If we expect others from outside to help us, it is a second class help.” What is Obasanjo’s idea of a good leader?

What examples did his leadership provide in furthering good leadership? How does he think Africa would be spared more scourge from its leaders? He maintains the same chosen silence, instead of accounting for his years

as president.

Obasanjo was, however, willing to let us into the degree of his shock when he learnt that Dangote Group’s advertisement for 100 truck drivers drew 13,000 applicants, among them six Ph.D holders and 704 others with master’s degrees.

Why was he shocked? Was he unaware of the level of unemployment in Nigeria? How would jobs and wealth be created without basic infrastructure?

His shock may derive from the distance Nigerian leaders keep from other Nigerians. They are ignorant of the disease, hunger, anger, and illiteracy. They are clueless about families groaning under the crushing effects of poverty, without jobs or hope of getting one soon.

The leaders claim to serve us, yet Nigerians wait for crumbs from their tables. Obasanjo is right

OPINION To mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, which focuses on ‘violence against women’, the ILO is highlighting the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace – an often subtle but disturbing form of aggression.

S

ISANDRA, 28, understands all too well the impact of sexual harassment in the workplace.

As a telecommunications technician in Durban, South Africa, she works in a male-dominated environment.

“My executive manager came to the office and asked for my number and I gave it to him. I did not ask him why he wanted my number as he is a senior person and respected by all in the company because of his position. He then started touching my breast and private parts.

“I started feeling very uncomfortable and stopped him. I then walked out of the office and told him that I was going to report this to my supervisor. I felt violated and scared. Even though I said I was going to report this, I felt I could not because I thought I could easily lose my job if I told,” she recalls.

Sisandra’s experience is not uncommon.

According to UN figures, between 40 and 50 per cent of women in the European Union experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact, verbal

When work becomes a sexual battleground suggestions or other forms of sexual harassment at their workplace; in AsiaPacific countries it is 30 to 40 per cent.

In Australia, according to the country’s Human Rights Commission, 25 per cent of women have been sexually harassed in the workplace. Men can also be victims of workplace sexual harassment but this is much less common.

“Sexual harassment and other forms of harassment and abuse – physical, verbal or psychological – bullying, mobbing, work-related stress and violence affect all professions and sectors and both women and men,” says Jane Hodges, ILO Director of the Bureau for Gender Equality.

“However, there is still no explicit international human rights treaty prohibition of violence against women and the issue remains poorly-defined and understood under international human rights law.”

As in Sisandra’s case, a major problem is that many women do not report harassment for fear of losing their jobs.

The cost for workers, says Hodges, is heightened stress, loss of motivation and increased risk of accidents at work: “Workplace violence and harassment present a significant barrier to women

accessing and progressing through the labour market. It erodes decent working conditions.”

It is also costly for business: “This is a very important issue for employers.

Harassment in the workplace leads to absenteeism, increased turnover and lower job performance and productivity,” explains Deborah France-Massin, Director of ACTEMP, the Bureau for Employers Activities at the ILO.” Beyond the ILO, many employers are also concerned: “Violence in the world of work is a human rights issue. An appropriate approach towards eliminating violence at work implies targeting the root causes of discriminatory practices and being cognizant of their many different regional, cultural and social contexts,” says Brent Wilton, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers, IOE, which represents more than 150 business and employers federations around the world.

Tackling sexual harassment

A

mong ILO efforts to tackle such violence in the workplace, are two projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It has also partnered with other agencies

in a number of programmes in Brazil, Angola, South Africa, India and China.

ILO experts, working with trade unions and employers, have helped draft guides and codes of conduct on preventing sexual harassment in several countries, including China and Viet Nam. Some unions have also included clauses on sexual harassment in collective agreements and deal with complaints through established grievance and disciplinary procedures, explains Dan Cunniah, Director of ACTRAV, the Bureau for Workers’ Activities at the ILO: “ACTRAV considers sexual harassment as a form of violence at work. Let us all repudiate sexual harassment and remove it from the workplace now to safeguard the dignity and equality of the workers.”

ILO researchers are also tracking the global incidence of violence at work, while governments are being helped to draft and implement new laws.

In Vietnam, for instance, the ILO advised on a new Labour Code, to come into force in May 2013, which for the first time prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces. Part of the challenge is changing attitudes. Many people trivialise the issue, dismissing it as “just a bit of fun”. But, says Jane Hodges, sexual harassment is damaging on many levels: “It’s a human rights issue, as well as a health, education and socioeconomic problem. Workplace violence is a hidden problem, but with very tangible consequences.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 19

F

OR the older folks, the acronym APC conjures the relics of a past medical history for the treatment of cold and feverish symptoms, especially headache.

APC is a mixture of aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine. This “big tablet” was later banned due its damaging effect on the kidney by the phenacetin component of the drug. Aspirin was later discovered to have some carcinogeneous properties and, of course, the use of caffeine has been discouraged worldwide due to its effect on the central nervous system. In our younger days neither we nor our parents knew what APC meant or the inherent dangers it posed for its frequent users. APC has since been overtaken by phensic, panadol, cafenol and paracetamol.

APC also means Armoured Personnel Carrier which the military or police use to move their officers during crisis, protest or political disorder. But this article will be solely interested in the recent use of this acronym by four of Nigeria’s political parties which merged to form the All Progressives Congress, APC. The parties are the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. The former Borno State Governor and Board of Trustees Chairman for ANPP, Senator Alli Bonu Sheriff described the merger

as a done deal and that it has already been sealed. He said “all interests have been adequately balanced in the marriage and fears of perceived hidden individual agenda have been assuaged without any particular group dominating other parties”.

This very simplistic conclusion

by Senator Bonu sheriff for a very complex situation is rather unfortunate and pathetic. The former governor has opted for the ostrich option as he has buried his head in the sand, oblivious of his surroundings. It is an unthinkable political naivety to surmise that an association formed by four DIFFERENT political parties would result in a perfect union without the bigger ACN and CPC dominating the ANPP and already divided APGA. Even today within the four merged parties, there is none without internal problems and factions. The APGA, especially, is like the scene of a horror movie where every leader is gunning for each other’s jugular. The CPC is even worse as it has two factions.

One led by Senator Rufai Hanga and the other by General Mohammadu Buhari. Even though Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done so much to reconcile both camps, so much remains to be done to put the CPC under one roof. The ANPP has bred more political prostitutes than any other party in Nigeria and is therefore a spy house for most other political parties. The ANPP is like a transit camp for Nigeria’s political parties. It is a divided

It is an unthinkable political naivety to surmise that an association formed by four DIFFERENT political parties would result in a perfect union

,

house that does not have a concrete political force that can propel it to the tenets of true democracy.

The only party in the merger without a splinter wing is the ACN. This does not mean that the party does not have its internal problems as all parties do. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even though outside the merger, has more woes than all the four parties combined but they are managing their crises.

T

his shows that all political parties have their own peculiar problems but for such parties to go into alliances with other political parties without putting their houses in order is tantamount to political harakiri and hypocrisy. Even in most advanced countries of the world, no political party is problem-free.

If the aim of APC is to wrest political power from the PDP, then the merger is already dead on arrival, DOA. But if the merger is to give the PDP a good fight for the nation’s electoral votes, then the venture is worth all the efforts.

How Dickson turned Bayelsa to massive construction sites

BY SOJI AJIBOLA

I

NFRASTRUCTURAL development is one of the major components of economic growth of a developing nation.

Leadership at all levels of government places premium on infrastructural development as it creates the enabling environment to stimulate business and industrial activities which in turn enhances productivity, check undue rise in cost of operation, employment generation and as well as poverty reduction.

Good governance to the average citizen of a developed or developing nation is all about provision of social amenities at affordable rates, meaningful and long lasting development. And, to achieve this, the leadership must be prepared to tackle the challenges of basic infrastructural needs of the citizenry.

Some of these basic amenities include efficient, stable and reliable power supply, safe and potable water, functional public transportation system, effective communication system, functional and affordable healthcare and educational facilities.

Irked by the age-long infrastructural decay in the oil rich Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson on assumption of office on February 14, 2012 officially declared a State of Emergence, especially in the education and other critical sectors of the economy.

Created in 1996, the issue of security in the state has been of great concern to successive administrations in the state. The Internally Generated Revenue of the State nose-dived on daily basis as efforts at attracting investors hardly produced the desired results, largely due to insecurity

and the chaotic situation in the State, among others.

Local and foreign investors never saw Bayelsa as a safe and viable investment destination. The State was always in the news for the wrong reasons. It was either rival cult wars, kidnapping of mainly expatriate workers of multi-national companies, illegal oil bunkering, financial fraud, and other related vices.

In order to tackle this problem and make the State investment friendly, Governor Dickson, a former security operative, put in place a State security outfit code named: "Operation Doo Akpor" to checkmate the activities of criminals in and outside the state capital.

This decision is paying off, as night life has gradually returned to Yenagoa, the State capital. The heartwarming news is that investors, local and foreign, are now jostling to invest in the State. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd) said with the security gadgets and personnel put in place by the Governor Dickson-led administration, the State is no longer a safe haven for criminals.

In the last one year, the operatives of the security outfit “Operation Doo Akpor” has arrested over 600 suspected criminals and handed them over to the appropriate security agency for further interrogation and prosecution in accordance with the law. This, according to political pundits and economic watchers, is a rare feat that should be consolidated upon.

Prior to the advent of the present administration, the security officer submitted that there were high incidents of criminal activities in urban and other metropolitan cities of the state. “Our water

,

BY BEN NANAGHAN

,

Much ado about APC

I will use figures released by INEC on 02/02/2013 for the Kano State assembly bye-election result to illustrate the above point. In Gaya Area, PDP recorded 42,696 votes, ANPP 2,379, DPP 150, CPP 155, CPC 979, CAP 55, ADC 77, AD 82, and AA 44. From the figures above, the votes of all the other eight political parties are far less than 10 percent of the votes garnered by PDP. In Garko area, PDP recorded 53,895 votes, while all the other seven parties recorded only 3934 votes. This means that all the other seven political parties recorded just about eight percent of PDP’s total votes, as CPP did not contest election in Garko area .

The implications of this result are very far-reaching. Kano is one of the core states for CPC where Buhari, the CPC leader, is very influential. It is also an ANPP dormain and yet the PDP won so convincingly.

The prophecy of Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, PDP’s former chairman that the PDP would rule Nigeria for the next 60 years without break is almost coming to pass. I can see this frustrating and vexacious prophecy coming to pass even as 14 years of this arrogant and disdainful prophecy have gone by.

And so who are these all progressives? Can they reverse this ominous trend. Do they have the political paraphernalia and capacity to change this uni-party structure that the PDP is enjoying.

Whether the other parties agree or not the most powerful partner is the ACN. They have more members in the House of Representatives, they have more members in the Senate, they have more governors. They also have more political structures on ground and more money. Just like

Government embarked on this massive construction of projects because Bayelsa State is backwards in terms of physical development compared to its contemporaries

,

ways, then, were no longer safe as there were reported cases of sea piracy and other related vices. We appreciate the fact that the incidents were not peculiar to Bayelsa State alone but unique in some sense.

The impact of a state of insecurity is quite obvious. Criminals were taking institutions of government in open confrontations.

There were reported cases of kidnapping, assassinations and the activities of some purported amnesty agitators.

However, with the installation of TETRA Trunk radio, the first of its kind in the West Africa sub-region and purchase of over 85 patrol vehicles and 15 patrol boats, the residents of the State can now sleep with their two eyes closed.

A

lso, as part of security measures put in place, the government has built 13 Emergency Response Centres in some designated areas of the state. The areas are: Oloibiri, Ogbia town, Opume, Otuabagi junction, Emeyal 1/Otuoke junction and Otuasega/Shell camp junction.

Other areas are: Onuebum, Agbura, Okaki/Yenegwe junction, Igbogene/ Okolobiri/Glory Drive round about, Okordia-Zarama market and Opokuma and Sagbama junctions.

the PDP most of our political parties rely on enormous funds from the party state governors. And of course the ACN leader, a former state governor for two terms, is the richest of the pack.

But with all the above, is the ACN a progressive party? What makes a party progressive. Is it the politician, the party structure or the electorate who owns the power which is deviously diverted by the politicians to satisfy their selfish ends?

Can we really say the ACN is a progressive party or can we even say its leaders are progressives? A Tinubu supporter described him as a progressive because according to him, Tinubu was a National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, chieftain, a two-time governor and a former senator.

In my view, none of the above qualifies the former Lagos State Governor as a progressive? I am aware that the former governor is very kind hearted, humane and philanthropic, daily doling out cash in millions to his unending queue of poverty-striken followers.

The embattled Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsy once said: “There is no Islamic democracy, there is only democracy”. In the same vein, there is nothing like Nigerian democracy, there is nothing like home-grown democracy, there is only democracy. And the layman’s definition of democracy is government of the people by the people and for the people.

The ACN is at best a relic of an African traditional cultural association which accords the Continues on Monday pg 18

*Mr. Nanaghan, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

With adequate security put in place, Governor Dickson has turned the entire state to a massive construction site with work on 41 roads, 75 blocks low cost housing estate, civil servants quarters, building of model secondary schools in the three senatorial zones, commencement of work on a 500 bed hospital, world class referral centre, the three senatorial districts roads, Transparency building, five-star hotel, four secretariat annexes, Multi-Door Court House, Governor’s lodge in Yenagoa, Sagbama and Nembe.

Conducting newsmen round some of the project sites, State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor said: "When we took over, there was nothing to write home about and that is why the Governor was eager to develop the state. All the on-going projects as well as the ones earmarked for construction would be completed within the tenure of the present administration.

"The Government embarked on this massive construction of projects because Bayelsa State is backwards in terms of physical development compared to its contemporaries, especialy in the Southern part of the country.

"Therefore, the target of this administration is to restore the lost glory of the state and to be able to catch up with the rest.

"Also, the government has invested over N4bn in rural electrification projects with the award of over 23 contracts which include Obunagha-Sagbama 33KVA line, extension to Ofoni community through Ebedebiri, Bolou Orua, Angiama and Toru Orua 2 by 7.5 MVA injection sub-station; Agbere-Odoni, 1000KVA gas fired CAT generating station, including cabling, upgrading and modification of Angiama sub station to import electricity to communities in Southern Ijaw local government area among others".

*Mr. Ajibola, is Media Aide to the Bayelsa State governor.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 21

NIPC partners Oyo state on IPA, OSIC

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

THE Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has concluded arrangements to partner with Oyo State Government to establish an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and set up One Stop Investment Center (OSIC) in the State. The setting up of an IPA and OSIC is at the in-

stance of the Oyo State Gove r n m e n t .

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Engr.

Mustafa Bello, who received the Commissioner of Trade and Investment, Oyo State, Mr. Adebayo Olagbenro, in his office during a courtesy visit commended the Gover-

nor of the state for his effort at creating conducive and friendly environment to attract i n v e s t m e n t s .

Engr. Bello, who recalled with nostalgia how the old Oyo State was the center of trade and investment in the Western region of the country, however, noted with satisfaction the effort of the present Gov-

ernor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to return the state to its lost glory; “The effort of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State to set up an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and replicate the One Stop Investment Center (OSIC) in the state is a welcome development and will make the state to be more competitive as investment destination. NIPC will partner with them for its successful take- off ”, he s t a t e d .

He maintained that Oyo State has all it required to attract investment, even as he said that Ibadan is adjudged the largest city in West Africa, adding that its proximity to Lagos is an added advantage.

(L-R): The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Managing Director of Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company, Dr. Sam Agbogun; and the acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, at the pre-bid conference for investors interested in the privatisation of Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Distribution Company in Abuja.

According to him, theGovernor’s effort to transform the economic value of the state through investments is quite commendable”. He noted that through massive investment and revamping of industries in the state, employment will be generated and wealth will be created and the economy will be boosted.

The NIPC Chief Executive stated that every state of the Federation has its own economic values and these values must be harnessed, tapped and exposed to both local and international investors. He, therefore, called on various State Governments to work closely with the Commission in order to promote and facilitate investments into the Nigerian economy.

Bellocommended the Oyo State Government for its interest to host the annual National Conference on Investment usually organised by the Commission to promote inv e s t m e n t s .

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Trade and Investment, Oyo State, Mr. Adebayo Olagbenro, stated that his governor is committed to attracting massive investments to the state; hence he has been traveling to many countries of the world to promote the investment opportunities that abound in the state. He further stated that the State Government is working seriously to create an enabling environment for investment to t h r i v e .

“We are here to seek the NIPC support and assistance in setting up an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and replicate the One Stop Investment Center (OSIC) that you have in our state” and “to seek for a cordial working relationship between us,” he added.

Flour Mills, UI plan investment to boost food security

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

F

LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc has entered in to a partnership with the University of Ibadan that will see it invest N30 million in setting up a food research centre in the school.

According to a statement by the company, it is also pursuing an aggressive investment in agro-allied initiatives, growing palm for its edible oils and fats business, rice for its rice mills, cassava for its high quality cassava flour processing, starch and glucose business; and sugar cane for its mill and sugar refinery.

Mr. Emmanuel Ukpabi, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills, said that during the first phase of the partnership, Flour Mills will provide

an initial payment of N30 million, primarily for the procurement of equipment and running of the Centre during the first three years, while the university will provide a building housing two laboratories for pilot plant studies and research in food product development.

He disclosed that the objectives of the Flour Mills Food Research Centre in the university is to ensure that it contribute meaningfully to attaining national food security through research and development; strengthening the weak industry-academia linkages in Nigeria and promoting greater collaboration between the food industry and institutions that offer training in food science and technology in the country.

He said that the centre to be equipped with state-of-the-art

facilities will be available to researchers and students from all over Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Ukpabi maintained that Flour Mills had only recently comprehensively reviewed, redefined and articulated its Corporate Social Responsibility policy with a strong focus on environmental sustainability; education, research and skills development; health and welfare; infrastructural development; and security.

“This is in furtherance of Flour Mills’ strong belief that business should be run in a profitable but sustainable and socially responsible manner, creating great value for all stakeholders and giving back to the society,” he maintained.

Also speaking, Mr. Paul

Gbededo, Flour Mills’ -5.85 140.1 Managing Director, Agro Allied Business, 2,087.00 +5.00 stated that Flour Mills aligned itself com18.2 0.01 pletely with Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda and that the set110.81 -0.80 ting up of the research 90.04 -0.78 centre was therefore most appropriate.

Gbededo expressed CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING hope that the Food ReDOLLAR 154.75 155.25 155.75 search Centre would be POUNDS 233.6261 234.3809 235.1358 the hub of research ac- EURO 201.8559 202.5081 203.1603 163.9127 164.4423 164.9719 tivities in the university FRANC 1.6558 1.6611 1.6665 on value-added food YEN 0.2878 0.2978 0.3078 processing and reduc- CFA WAUA 232.3486 233.0993 233.85 tion in post-harvest food RENMINBI 24.8853 24.9662 25.047 losses with the aim of RIYAL 41.2623 41.3956 41.5289 27.0679 27.1554 27.2428 promoting food suffi- KRONA 233.5951 234.3499 235.1046 ciency in Nigeria and SDR reduce food importaCBN Exchange rate as at 06/03/2013 tion.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 201 3

Courteville targets expansion, woos Caribbean investors

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

I

L – R: Deputy Managing Director, ABC Transport Plc, Mr Jude Nneji; Executive Director, Market Operations Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri at the Bell Ringing Ceremony in commemoration of ABC Transport 20thanniversary at The Exchange.

N a strategic move to further expand its operation beyond the shores of Nigeria, Courteville Business Solution, CBS, recently engaged business communites in three caribbean countries in a six-day trade mission.

The tour of the region, which saw the company traversing countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago was at the instance of Caribbean Enterprise Network UK (CENUK).

The six-day tour of the

SEC’s Board absence delayed some actions — Ndanusa

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that the absence of a board in SEC for about six months delayed some actions, noting that many things left undone would now be taken care of.

The commission also assured the management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System Plc, CSCS, of its support and cooperation in order to move the Nigerian capital market forward.

The Chairman of the Board of SEC, Mallama Sulleyman Ndanusa, gave the assurance during a visit of the board members to NSE and CSCS in Lagos.

According to him, the absence of a board in SEC for about six months delayed some actions, noting that many things left undone would now be taken care of.

He further said the visit to the Exchange is part of the strategies of the new board to collaborate with all stakeholders in the market with the aim of ensuring high level of regulation and protection of investments in the Nigerian capital market.

The SEC team, which included its Director-General, Arunma Oteh, other commissioners and top management, held separate meetings with management of the NSE and CSCS. However, speaking during the interaction with the board and management of CSCS, Ndanusa declared that the market would witness

improved regulation following the coming in of a new board in SEC. He expressed excitement over the innovative efforts of the new management of NSE and CSCS in ensuring that the market is more attractive to investors, assuring that SEC would support those efforts so that the aspiration of making Nigerian market gateway to investments in Africa is realised.

“Our visit today is to see what you people are doing and assure you of our support.

The new board of SEC believes in working with all stakeholders, listening to the challenges and finding solutions to them. We all have

learnt our lessons from the downtown and moving forward, we need to work together. It is no longer possible to work in isolation.

Our mission here is to show that it is new paradigm and we are excited with what we have seen,” Ndanusa said.

He added that CSCS, particularly is very critical and strategic for the Nigerian market given the function its plays.

“The operations of CSCS are very critical in ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability in the market.

No matter the level of technology, without a strong depository the market cannot grow,” Ndanusa said.

In his welcome remarks, the NSE’ CEO, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the visit of SEC team was historic and was a sign of good things to come.

He said the board is composed of experienced professionals capable of moving the market forward.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of CSCS, Mr. Kyari Bukar, s a i d CSCS was being transformed into a leading depository that can compete globally.

He said with the support of the board, the management of CSCS would wotrk with other market stakeholders on market issues especially dematerialisation.

ACCA connects undergraduates to job opportunities

E

FFORTS to reduce unemployment in the country have received a boost with a job fair organised by the Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) to connect undergraduates to employment opportunities.

The job fair held in Lagos in collaboration banks, corporate organisations, and recruitment agencies gave undergraduates opportunities for first hand information

about employment opportunities and criteria in the various participating organisations.

Addressing Journalists at the event, Head of ACCA Nigeria, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ademola, said that the job fair was a corporate social responsibility initiative of the Association to facilitate reduction in the unemployment level in the country.

She said that efforts to tackle the high unemployment in the country requires in-

novative measures especially from the private sector “ We have noticed a number of issues that are going in this country that are not healthy. There is high unemployment rate, which is not good.”

She said that the job fair was part of the ACCA’s contribution to prepare undergraduate for employment opportunities in the financial sector.

“We are not saying what we are doing today will reduce unemployment entirely, but we think it will contribute to the reduction of high unemployment rate directly. One of the key things we noticed is that when people go to school, they finish and then what? What we want to do for them is that while they will not get employed today, they will have an understanding of what a potential employer wants from them.

nations was termed ‘Courteville Meets the Caribbean Trade Mission’ The Courteville Business Solutions delegation was led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebola Akindele. Other members include Mr. Wale Sonaike, Deputy Managing Director, AutoReg Franchise, Mr. Femi Niyi, Executive Director Projects , Strategy and Research and Denis St Bernard, Director of Priority Group International UK/ CENUK, Mr Wole Oyewo, Courteville’s Communications consultant.

Addressing the investors during the tour, Akindele, who led the team of CBS delegation,described Courteville’s profile and indicated his confidence that with his seven year tenure and the listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Courteville Business Solutions could be a credible partner to Small Business Association in Jamaica.

He observed that the company’s track record as a business solutions provider with a specialty in Information Technology in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, as well its possession of experienced data managers, could help it in accessing and providing bespoke systems that could solve most challenges associated with the management of large banks of data. According to him, “Courteville Business Solution is a 21st century company listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange doing revolutionary things in business in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.”

He expounded on the tremendous opportunities that exist in a dynamic African market, adding that Nigeria grows at a rate of seven percent per annum - far better than any European country- saying that there are some cultural and economic synergies that exist between Jamaica and Nigeria.

As part of the Courteville meets the Caribbean Trade Mission, Akindele was invited to speak at a special luncheon of the Jamaica Stock Exchange at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.

Akindele further stated that Courteville has been listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange for the past five years and capitalized at $250 million in shareholder fund.

Courtevilles’s AutoReg franchise is currently in use in 22 states in Nigeria and would hopefully expand its reach to 30 states before the end of the year.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—23

*QUEUEING FOR EXPORT — Dangote Cement’s silo trucks queueing for exports at Idiroko Border, Ogun State. Inset: President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

Dangote exports 5,000 tons of bulk cement to Ghana *boosts non-oil revenue

BY DANIEL GUMM

N

ATIONALS of the ECOWAS sub-region at the borders were taken aback at the mere size of the products for exports and gridlock as 50 silo trucks of Dangote Group queued for inspections by the Nigreria Customs Service.

The product — bulk cement is from its Ibese Cement Plant — the plant consists of two production lines of three million metric tonnes per annum each, and currently provides jobs for about 7,000 Nigerians. the Dangote Cement Plant in Ibese, Ogun State, hit its expected daily production capacity of 16,000 metric tonnes.

The Ibese Cement Plant, which was commissioned on February 9, 2012, commenced production with a daily output of 12,000 metric tonnes, but it is designed with an installed capacity to produce 16,000 metric tonnes per day.

The factory is a modern plant with an installed capacity of six million metric tonnes of cement per annum and currently ranks as the largest cement plant in sub-Sahara Africa. The feat recorded by Dangote Ibese Plant remained a remarkable achievement considering the fact, that the plant only came into operation in last year and is now producing at full capacity.

According to Mr. Simeon Ebbah, the boss of Trans-Royal Company Ltd., one of the forwarding agents handling the export, “at present, Dangote is sending 50 silo trucks as its first batch to Ghana. This action of Dangote has single-

handedly boosted Nigerian non-oil export and revenue profile.”

“But we have challenges.

The problem of logistics of transport, which I think Dangote could match appropriately. At the same time the demand of security agents and touts in the border are just too much; their demand nearly frustrated us.

“The government should as a matter of urgency instruct all its agencies at the border to facilitate export. Export is differrent from import; it creates employment and boosts the revenue of the Federal Government. But import creates employment for the country you are importing from.

“They are asking for the sum of N5,000 per truck, mutiply that yourselve and see what happens — they are increasing the export cost of Nigerian products in the export market.

How can the exporter remain competitive in international market. Government should be talking to its agencies at the border. They are too many in the border — about 26 to 30 agencies at our border making frivolous demands.”

Dangote Cement commissioned its first overseas Cement Terminal in 2011 in Accra Port in Ghana with a bagging capacity of 1.5 MTPA. The decision to opt for import terminals in Ghana was due to lack of substantial limestone deposits in the region. Ghana Cement Terminal also enables Dangote Cement supply to the neighbouring land-lock nations which pay very high cost for cement due to excessive transportation cost.

This modern Cement Terminal has a dedicated berth for Cement Import equipped with high speed BHW ship unloaders, Large Fleet of Bulk Tankers to transport cement to a nearby terminal where cement is stored in silos and packed into 50 Kgs pilfer free polysacks for retail distribution.

24 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akin Adesina and PIP Director in COLEACP, Guy Stinglhamber, after a strategic meeting on Nigerian horticultural market development in COLEACP office, Brussels, Belgium.

FG to concession agro input centres to private sector — Perm. Sec

T

HE Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, has said the Federal Government will soon concession all the 80 One-Stop agro inputs centres being constructed across the country to the private sector.

Mr Ewaoche Ameh, the Senior Information Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, revealed this in a statement made available to the press recently. ‘’The projects, after completion, are envisaged to be concessioned to the private sector through approved concession process in accordance with the Federal Government Concession Act,” the statement quoted Odusote as saying.

She spoke at the inauguration of the One-Stop shop agro inputs centre in Iseyin, Oyo State, saying the concessioning would ensure that the centres remain viable.

Odusote said that the Iseyin centre, like others, has the capacity to accommodate a minimum of 500 tonne storage capacity for fertiliser, seeds and agro-chemicals. She said the centres were also designated to be service delivery units for tractor hiring, primary processing and extension support services as covered by the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.

The permanent secretary observed that not less than 774 of such centres would have been established across the country by the end of 2015.

(L - R) Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Adekunle Salau, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agric & Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote and the ministry’s South West regional director, Mr. Lekan Quadri, at the commissioning of the onestop-shop agro-input centre, Otiri, Iseyin, Oyo State, on Wednesday.

T

HE Bank of Agriculture, BOA in Nigeria has stated its readiness to promote Agricultural Biotechnology for the production of food. Managing Director of the Bank, Dr. Muhammadu Kudu Santuraki told Vanguard in an interview at the Sultan Palace on Wednesday that the Bank would “definitely support biotechnology for food.”

According to him, although it was an emerging field in the country, biotechnology had attracted the attention of the bank.

“Biotechnology is an emerging field in Nigeria and this is an area that has attracted our attention. In fact, we have signed an MOU on Biotechnology Institute and we are working with them to see how we can promote biotechnology,” Santuraki told Vanguard.

On how the Bank intends to support biotechnology, he explained, “It also depends on how you look at biotechnology because people come to me to say they want to borrow money

BOA is interested in biotechnology for food, says MD

By ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE to grow crops for fuel. That is good but that is not the mandate we are supporting right now. Because we are trying to

ATA director hails Jigawa’s e-wallet fertilizer distribution

T

HE Director, Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in Jigawa, Alhaji Usman Dunama, says the e-wallet model of distributing agricultural inputs adopted by the state government has been effective and successful.

Dunama said on Tuesday in Dutse that the policy had ensured that the inputs reached genuine farmers in the remote areas effectively.

“There are problems actually, but the system has been effective,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the government introduced the policy last year to distribute fertiliser and other farm inputs to farmers in the state.

Dunama however

acknowledged that the little problems recorded through the use of the GSM networks were surmountable.

He saidcommunity leaders and officials of farmers’ groups liaised with ATA officials to identify the real farmers for distribution of the inputs in remote areas where there were no networks.

Dunama said the ATA programme in Jigawa focused on farmers who were registered through cooperative bodies.

“Each farmer that was registered collected 50 kg bag of improved rice seeds free of charge and three bags of assorted fertiliser,” he said.

According to him, NPK and Urea brands of fertiliser were also sold at 50 per

cent subsidy by the Federal Government, with the farmers paying the remaining 50 per cent.

grow crops for food now.”

“The challenge for Africa now is that of food. Most countries in the west are growing crops for fuel but for us in Africa, it should be for food. Unless Africa can feed itself, its a problem,” the Managing Director stressed.

He added that BOA had released a total of N43 billion in the last 10 years to finance farmers and Agricultural value chain in categories ranging from N250,000 for macro farmers; N5 million for medium scale farmers and above N5

million for large scale farmers.

We are also cooperating with various states governments to launch their specific programmes in their regions, adding that Sokoto state government and the Bank were signing an MOU for N1 billion.

“The Bank and the state government will put N500 million each to support farmers that are engaged in both dry and rainy season farming.”

He further said that the Bank was also supporting other NGOs who are stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.

Lawmaker distributes improved seeds to women

I

N a bid to improve the lot of women at the grassroots, the Senator representing Southern Kaduna, Mrs Nenadi Usman, on Tuesday distributed improved seeds to them.

The improved seeds — tomatoes, soya beans, groundnuts, okra, carrot, maize and cucumber — were distributed to various women associations and religious groups.

Speaking during the exercise at Kagoro in Kaura local government area of Kaduna State, Usman said that the initiative was aimed at empowering

women to be self-reliant and acquainting them with modern farming techniques.

She said that experts from Osprey Investment Group, a UK-based agricultural company would train the women on the techniques to ensure maximum productivity.

One of the experts, Mr Paul Kaizar said the firm would not only provide the needed training but a ready market for the produce.

Kaizer described the initiative as a bold step towards actualising the Vision 20:2020 in the agricultural sector.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—25

TREBLE CHANCE Peterboro Crawley Portsmouth Preston Fleetwood Rochdale Torquay Cowdenb'th East Fife

v Ipswich v Notts Co v Bury v Stevenage v Exeter v Wycombe v Oxford v Hamilton v Arbraoth

SOCCER TIPS Post AFCON:

Ev er ournament Ever eryy major ttournament makes you become more mature mature—Mikel Obi

FOUR HOMES

THE Super Eagles midfielder surprised many with his commanding performances in helping the team win its third Afcon trophy in South Africa John Obi Mikel has said that winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Cup and the crowd that met the team on arrival in Nigeria is a feeling he will never forget.

The Chelsea midfielder played a big part in the Super Eagles' run to their third continental title where he became a leader on and off the pitch.“It was crazy.

It was really nice to go back home after the tournament with the cup - the whole country was waiting,” he told his club’s official magazine.

“It was a big, big thing, because we couldn't walk, we couldn't actually get out of the airport. The whole way through, from the airport to the hotel where we were staying, it was crazy.'

Mikel missed a penalty kick in the first match against Burkina Faso but he did not allow that miss to dampen his enthusiasm as he went on to be named in Caf ’s XI of the tournament with outstanding displays against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in the quarter finals and semi-finals respectively.

“Every major tournament makes you become more mature.

“I think it's because I have played in so many major tournaments at such a young age that I have the maturity - you go through a hard time to win tournaments and it makes you grow.

“It's a life experience and it's something that I have been lucky enough to do from a young age at Chelsea as well, where I have played alongside some of the best players in the world and I've learnt a lot from them.' The Chelsea midfielder is happy that LATE they overcame a strong field to win the tourTIPS nament.

“The level has gone right up. So to win it this time was just amazing.

"To win it at a stage when African football has become so interesting - when there are so many African players abroad - was really, really difficult, and we did it," he said.

Mikel thus added the Nations Cup to the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cups that he has won at his time with Chelsea FC.

1X 9 X 12 X PAIR 14 FOUR AWAYS 42 X 3X 5X 8 44 X 10 PERMUTATIONAVOID 2 X 4 X 6 X 7 35 Kalu Uche continues X 13 X16 RISKY fine goal scoring form TIPS 47 ...Scores 14th league goal 32 X 33 X 37 HE Nigeria international is seriously CREDIT WillemII 2 Azalkmaar 2 Telford 2 Tamworth 3 Gatehead 3 Braintree 3 Stirling A 3 East Fife 3

T

pushing for a recall to the Super Eagles as Emmanuel Emenike will be abPeterboro 7 sent against Kenya. his 14th league goal Kalu Uche scored Crawley 7 of the 2012/13 campaign against Portsmouth 7 Trabzonspor on Monday at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadyumu. Uche scored Preston 5 the second goal of the match in the 44th Fleetwood 5 minute after Tabare Viudez had opened in the 37th minute. He was reRochdale 5 scoring placed in the 93rd minute by Pablo Pintos Torquay 5 and he could have opened scoring in the Cowdenb'th 5 18th minute but the Trabzonspor goalkeeper made a good save.

EXCELLENT

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS Week 34 NPower Football Championship 1 Nottm For. 2 Peterboro

v Wolves v Ipswich

.

1 XX

NPowerFootball League One 3 Colchester 4 Crawley 5 Hartlepool 6 Portsmouth 7 Preston 8 Scuthorpe 9 Swindon

v Crewe 2 v Notts Co. XX v Yeovil 2 v Bury XX v Stevenage XX v Coventry 2 v Walsall 1

10 AFC Wimbl'dn 11 Barnet 12 Chesterfield 13 Fleetwood 14 Gillingham 15 North'pton 16 Rochdale 17 Rotherham 18 Torquay

v York 2 v Morecambe 2 v Bristol R 1 v Exeter XX v Plymouth 1 v Accrington S 1 v Wycombe XX v Dagenham 1 v Oxford XX

19 Airdrie 20 Cowdenb'th 21 Morton 22 Partick 23 Raith

v Dunfermline. 2 v Hamilton XX v Falkirkpe 1 v Dumbarton 1 v Livingston 1

24 Brechin 25 East Fife 26 Queen O,Sth 27 Stenh'smur 28 Stranraer.

v Forfar. v Arbraoth v Ayr Utd. v Alloa v Albion R.

29 Clyde 30 Peterhead 31 Rangers 32 Stirling A.

v Queens Pk 2 v Elgin X1 v Annan v E. Stirling XX

33 Braintree 34 Cambridge U. 35 Ebbsfleet 36 Foret Green 37 Gatehead 38 Grimsby 39 Lincoln 40 Luton 41 Mansfield 42 Tamworth 43 Telford

v Nuneaton XX v Woking X1 v Newport Co 2 v Barrow 1 v Hyde XX v Kidminster 1 v Southport X2 v Hereford 1 v Stockport 1 v Alfreton XX v MacclesfieldXX

44 Azalkmaar 45 Heereveen 46 Heracles 47 Roda 48 Utrecht 49 Willem II

v Den Haag . v P.S.V. v N.E.C. v Feyenoord v Waalwuk v Venlo

NPower Football League Tw o

Scottish League Division One

Sco ttishLeagueDivisionT wo ScottishLeagueDivisionT ttishLeagueDivisionTw

Scottish League Division Three

X1 XX 1 2X X1

Blue Square Premier

Dutch Eredivisie

XX X2 2X 1 1 XX

2 4 20 33

Revised Pairs 2 x 7, 20 x 25 33 x 43,44 x 49

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—27

5 years after:

Sunny Neji opens up on his GLO ambassadorship saga Sunny Neji popularly known as Mr. Fantastik became a Glo ambassador in 2008 alongside other artistes like D’banj, Pasuma and Sammy Okposo. But while they were still on the bill, Neji’s contract was however, not renewed. The decision not to renew the Ogoja, Cross River State-born singer’s contract reportedly worth N20million at inception, was not unconnected with his perceived declining rating and relevance in the music industry. It was also said that Neji has not hit a commercial height since the release of his 2006 album, Off Da Hook. However, five years after the controversy that trailed the termination of the contract, Neji has come out to put the record straight. He also talks about his music, the UN Peace Ambassador award which he received recently, and his plans to delve into movie production in future.

FLORENCE AMAGIYA

What are you doing at the moment? ’m currently planning to sign on new artistes to work under my label called Impact. Even though the environment has been unfriendly, I’m trying as much as possible to adapt to the system that we find ourselves today.

You celebrated your birthday anniversary recently by giving out an iphone 5 to the best writer of your quiz competition. What are we expecting from you this year?

I’m yet to decide on the kind of project I would want to embark on this year. For the iphone 5, most people didn’t believe I was determined to give out an iphone until some-

I

I N S I D E: Wizkid floats new label, ‘Starboy music C M Y K

one won the gift. Naturally, I love giving and it is the only way you can show your love to humanity.

But in Nigeria today; it has become a regular practice where recognitions are accorded to undeserving individuals.

As one of the new UN Peace Ambassadors, do you think some of your colleagues that made the list merited the award?

I wasn’t one of the judges that compiled the list. I think there must have been some criteria for the selection of the ambassadors and the organizers knew what they were looking for in every selected ambassador. I want to believe to a large extent that these people who were given those awards must have met their

criteria and I happen to be a recipient of the UN Peace Ambassador award. I want to believe that somehow, we must have merited the awards. It is not as if I did anything to be nominated for the award. I was in my house when I got a telephone call that I had been nominated for the award. For me to be nominated, it has to do with who I am and the little contribution I have made towards the betterment of humanity. I was grateful that someone had seen what I have been doing. I felt humbled.

You embarked on a ship cruising adventure with the irokOTV recently. What was the experience like?

It was one of my fans from

•Sunny Neji

m y State who invited me on board a ship. I have never been on board a ship before in my life. It was quite an interesting adventure; iroKOTV crew was available and it was also their first time on board a ship.

Life on a ship is a different world especially if you are cut off from everything you are familiar with, from everything you are used to. You are with elements you are not familiar with and it’s humiliating if you can imagine that you are on

board a ship and something terrible happens.

It was a memorable experience.

You write beautiful and evergreen songs, where do you draw your inspiration?

My mood inspires my songs, my experiences, people inspire me. The things I read about also inspire me;challenges I face in life and so on. All these things inspire me. I don’t compose songs out of a vacuum. I write songs that emanate from my environment. I believe that’s the reason people easily connect with my music. I do not sing out of the blues; I sing about tangible things; tangible in the sense that people can feel my songs and sometimes learn one or two things from the songs.

Continues on page 28

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

I sang ‘Love Dovey’ to warn humanity against the age of ICT

Countinues from page 27 Let us talk about a song you did recently. The song you titled Lovey Dovey , what inspired the song?

You know what is happening in the world today; everything is getting computerized, cooking is computerized. One day, lovemaking would be computerized! I was trying to convey the message that while I appreciate the age of ICT, there are certain things we shouldn’t allow the trend to take away from us. The fact that we still need to connect romantically, we still need our bodies to touch! We shouldn’t let the age of computer to take that away from us. Lovey Dovey’ I want some Lovey Dovey because computer cannot give me the eye to eye, the body contact, the smell of your breath. The computer cannot replace of these things and we shouldn’t allow it.

Do you have any plan to go into acting?

Of course, I’m an actor. I have acted alongside Rita Dominic in a movie titled ‘Proof of Life.’ I played the lead role as a lawyer. It was a very challenging, yet interesting experience. I find acting very interesting, especially if the role is challenging. Acting takes a lot of time, that’s why I haven’t been hitting the location as frequently as I would love to. But in future, I would love to produce my own movie.

Why are you sounding so spiritual?

I have been spiritual from time and it has always affected the way I speak. I

cannot say anything outside what God has inspired me to say. I am not where I am today because of my own efforts. It is because of the grace of God upon my life. God has been very good to me even though I haven’t appreciated Him enough in return. I do not take my relationship with Christ for granted; that’s the whole essence of Christianity.

Have you ever had a sad moment?

Yes, I have had sad moments, but one special thing about me is that I do not keep counts of sad moments. I do not keep counts of sadness, I do not keep counts of negativity. I have learnt to live above them.

I have learnt that whenever something goes wrong it is because something is about to go right. If something is out of place around me, I wouldn’t bother about it. Instead I will plan to right the wrong because there is always a way, God makes a way even when you cannot see it.

You were one of GLO ambassadors, what happened to your contract?

Actually, I was one of GLO ambassadors while it lasted in 2008. The contract has ended, and I have moved on. As a GLO ambassador, I was faithful to the brand. I kept my own side of the contract by not representing another brand throughout the duration.

Today, I can confidently say that Glo and I did not have any issue.

How come you have a way of changing your style of dressing, your hair-do and perhaps you even have more in the closet?

Well it is called branding and rebranding; It goes with the territory. You just want to look interesting; you keep people talking. There should be always something to talk about. Look at you; you have been following up my transformation, interesting. If l have

had one look all these times you wouldn’t have had anything to talk about. So the moment l add something or put something, it keeps me in your conversation.

Moments with Mo debuts on EbonyLife Channel

A

new season of Moments With Mo, an internationally acclaimed TV talk show which is currently loaded with fresh and exciting features is due to thrill viewers via the upcoming EbonyLife Channel on the Dstv platform soon.

The programme is also expected to run on Sky TV in the UK, DISH in the United States, with roll out plans including Brazil, Canada and other parts of Europe.

The new season of the Talk Show will empower Nigerians and Africans at large to tell their stories to a global audi-

Unveiling Dayo Akinyemi, the saxophonist T

O find true instrumentalist these days in the music industry is not something that it easy to come by especially, when most of the rhythms that accompany today’s songs are computer- generated. But there’s a man who is poised to bring his training, talent and expertise to the industry and that man is Dayo Akinyemi, who can be classified as a world-class saxophonist.

His musical interest started when he was a teenager of 12, and started his musical ministry in the Church.

He is currently based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, meanwhile, he travels both local and international for music ministrations.

He has ministered in various musical concerts, churches and occasions in the United States and outside the U.S. His genre of music is a fusion of American jazz contemporary gospel with traditional African dynamics.

He attended the University of Baltimore where he received a B.S. degree in Applied Information

• Dayo Technology, and also went through some music training. He was born and grew up in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State but originally hailed from Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is a devoted Christian.

ence.

According to Sandra Amadio, Associate Director Programmes, Magazine & Talk – EbonyLife TV, “As we plan the launch of our new Season of Moments With Mo, we take this opportunity to invite all celebrities, VIPS and ordinary people doing extraordinary things to our state of the art studios based in the beautiful and serene City of Calabar to take advantage of the opportunity to be featured on Moments With Mo, Africa’s First and only syndicated Talk Show, that will now become a daily Talk Show. For the first time ever, we are giving Nigerians and Africans an opportunity to share their stories, dreams and aspirations with the world.”

Speaking further on the show, Amadio said, “It could be any story, from overcoming a challenge to building a successful business, starting a new venture, discovering or displaying talent, to nation building and innovation creation, new movie releases and so on. ” CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu said , “It’s the Seventh year of Moments With Mo. In those Seven years we have interviewed all kinds of interesting guests from Presidents to Governors and Celebrities to a wide array of unsung everyday people who are doing extraordinary things.

We are excited to say now that with Moments With Mo becoming a Daily Show, we can now feature as many stories as possible from everyone across the world. So whoever you are, whatever your moments, happy, reflective, political or inspirational, the Show now offers anyone the platform to tell their story and be heard nationally and globally.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—29

Wizkid floats new label, ‘Starboy Music’ Rapper, Nick Cannon to

play drug dealer ‘Freeway’ Rick Ross in biopic

• says E.M.E is still family

R

Wizkid and his fans

CHARLES MGBOLU

A

YODEJI Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as Wizkid will no longer be just a singer and song writer, but a record label boss as he floats his new music label called, Starboy Music.

Wizkid told newsmen at Iyanya’s album launch held last weekend that “Starboy Music is actually my little baby. It’s something I’ve been nurturing for a while now. I’ve always wanted to do this, so

I’m really excited”.

Wizkid promised to sign new acts to the label. “I have great acts I’m going to sign under Starboy Music, so please continue supporting me and I’ll never let you guys down.

When asked to comment on the current relationship between himself and his former label, E.M.E, Wizkid responded positively.“We’re still cool, EME is still family, most definitely ‘, he answered.

Last month, Wizkid dropped the bombshell that he was

leaving E.M.E, the label that brought him to limelight to “start all over again.”

No one has been able to ascertain the reason behind the fracas even though, there are speculations that the terms of his contract with E.M.E is the culprit. But unlike the case of D’banj and Don Jazzy during the Mo’hits war when interviews from both sides had substantially cleared the air neither Wizkid nor E.M.E is yet to speak to the press on the issue.

Monalisa Chinda finds love again?

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

L

OOKING ever smashing, popular Nollywood diva, Monailsa Chinda last week shocked her fans when she damned the consequences and stepped out with a man, many are alleging is romantically lined to her in recent times.

The event was the world premiere of Uche Jombo’s trilogy, “My Life, My Damage”, at Ozone Cinema, Yaba.The actress hit the red carpet,beaming with smiles as she posed at randoms for some shots.

Lisa was not afraid to flaunt the new love of her life in the faces of the quality audience that graced the event. Together the lovebirds sat at the VIP corner, where they were seen chatting and laughing heartily while the screen of the film lasted.

However, after the event, Lisa was again spotted walking hand-in-hand like an item with the dark complexioned man whom many have come to identify as a serial philanderer. Surprisingly, Lisa left in the same car with her new found love, leaving tongues wagging in respect of what has become of the actress’new found love. Lisa is a single mother, and getting her life back on track after a failed, abusive marriage is worth the trouble. But

do you know what? According to information gathered, her new man is already married

with kids.

• Monalisa Chinda

APPER, Nick Cannon and husband to RnB superstar, Mariah Carey has been drafted to play Rick Ross on the big screen.

Cannon, who is executiveproducer of the film, was chosen by Ross himself for the Nick Cassavetes-directed biopic. “I chose Nick [Cannon] based on a few factors. The role is 17 to 25 in age, many of our award-winning actors are much older than that range,” Ross told Allhiphop.com, adding that he is “a guy who captures my character when I was in custody in San Diego.”

The film’s plot is set to revolve around his dealings in the drug world during the ’80s and his subsequent incarceration.

• Nick This story will be Cannon real, and show how the War on Drugs took young kids and turned them into criminals and set them for prison practically overnight,” Ross said. “It’s not just an LA

story. My reach was across the nation into black, white, and all communities regardless of class. Our goal is to tell the truth, not a vanity piece.”

Meanwhile, former drug dealer, Freeway Rick Ross was in a legal battle with MMG boss Rick Ross over the rapper’s use of the moniker.

The suit was however dropped in March 2012, allowing Rick Ross (the rapper) to continue making use of the name

BBA season 8 auditions holds O

RGANISERS of the annual Big Brother Africa reality TV show have announced that auditions for shortlisted candidates in Nigeria will take place at Protea Hotel Leadway,Lagos from Monday, March 11 through Thursday 14.

For applicants who were unable to enter online or submit the entry at the nearest MultiChoice office, the good news is that there is still an opportunity for them to enter through the open auditions on the same dates, venue and time.

Managing Director of M-net, Biola Alabi says, the open auditions allow individuals who were unable to enter before entries closed one last chance to impress the selection team. “All you are required to do is fill in the entry form which is currently available at your nearest MultiChoice office, then make your way to the audition venue where a production team member will assist you,” Alabi added.

Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and who either have a valid passport or will be able to obtain one by the end of March.

Producers are looking for persons who are fluent in English, entertaining, openminded, adventurous, bold and passionate about the Big Brother experience.

Importantly the selection team is looking for qualities of tolerance, determination and enthusiasm.

Already, organisers disclosed that they have received entries from over 14 participating countries.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 31

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 with LAJU ARENYEKA

Stolen! Goldie’s tweeter account

W

HY won’t they let Goldie rest in peace? The star seems to be more controversial from the great beyond than when she was alive and well. And it keeps getting more colourful. It appears that some unidentified individual has taken the reins of the deceased pop singer’s tweeter account and is using it as a publicity platform to promote Nigerian movies as well as Tonto Dikeh’s ‘hit’

(popularly bashed and generally unaccepted) single Jeje. It should be noted that it was this same twitter handle that was used to confirm Goldie’s death as well as release subsequent information about her burial. Then, readers were made to understand that the messages were sent by Goldie’s ‘Admin’. Surely her management couldn’t be that insensitive to make this kind of move, so, who then is responsible?

Changes in the money drop I

t is official; organizers of the Money Drop read Dis n’ Dat. Did you notice that the show has a new addition? Yep, in addition to the two skinny models, the show

inculcated two hefty guys who arrange the money after every drop.

Was it our doing, or did a suicidal contestant threaten to follow the money to the great beyond?

A more hilarious way to advertise W

HO says advertising is expensive? It will simply cost you a pen that writes even when turned upside down, a stroll to the nearest fast food restaurant, and a simple question: “Where is the rest room please?” Then you can advertise your brand, self and services right on the toilet door. For example, “Do you need a sugar mummy? Call 080…”

There are even adverts for those who need Boko Haram bombers, “7,500 per blast” the ad read. Others include wedding and party planning as well as some X-rated interests. For the sake of privacy, there are no cameras in public rest rooms, so anyone can write anything on the door. But can you imagine people responding to such

ads? It would go something like this: “Hello, I am calling in response to your publication, on the toilet door of restaurant so and so…”

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 —33

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

Y

ou j u s t can’t believe it, the glamour around innovations in technology is permeating every walk of life. Even politicians are beginning to position campaigns around exploits in technology.

It may not be too strange, anyway, after all, President Obama of the United States of America pitched his 2008 campaign on the net.

Now, as states in Nigeria are jostling and getting ready to battle for positions in the 2015 election, governors are beginning to show stuff with their states’

websites, using them to express how much they believe in the transformational powers of technology.

In fact even the Nigerian governors forum has latched on this competitive measure to cause ICT inclusion competition among the 36 states of the federation.

It commissioned a panel of experts who analyse states websites and score them based on technical, design, navigation, content, and engagement indices. Other key points were social

Your website tells your taste. media, feedback mechanism, FAQ, sitemaps, links, graphics, logo, language, load time, visual, and validation Meanwhile in its 2013 ranking, the experts ranked Ekiti State Government website, www.ekitistate.gov.ng the best in terms of effectiveness and management.

Ekiti State Government website is fol-

lowed by Cross River State Government website and Kano State Government websites in second and third respectively.

Other state websites ranked within the top ten include: Ogun (fourth); Oyo (fifth); Bauchi (sixth); Bayelsa (seventh); Adamawa (eighth); Abia (ninth) and Nassarawa (tenth).

Report of the ranking said that Ekiti emerged the first for its rich content, superb visual resolution, cross compatibility with mac and windows as well as its accessibility by major browsers.

spondents that there were twitter handles in his name that he knew nothing about. Being susceptible to this kind of online tricks could be embarrassing to you and fraudulent to your online audience. So how do you protect your online personality? Follow these simple tips: · Ignore the ‘remember password’ dialog box: Whether you are going on facebook, twitter or signing into your email account, don’t ask the computer to remember your password. It just might remind someone else that has no business knowing it in the first place. · Sign out on a shared computer: A shared computer here refers to any device that is open for use to more than one person. As soon as your business is done, the sign out button on your right hand column could very well save you your reputation. · The trick question mentality: When picking a question that would help you remember your password, don’t be too obvious about it. Pick a

question that very few people have the answer to. That way, if someone breaks into your account, you know who to point fingers at. · When choosing a password: “Password, I love you, and 123456’ are the easiest passwords to remember. They are also the most popular and hence the favourite of account hackers! Be creative. PS: Don’t even think of using your spouse’s pet name, prove your love some other way.

Use a password that can’t easily be guessed, but that you can remember readily. · Let your friends know: In case you’re unlucky enough to have your account hacked, let your friends and loved ones know just in time. If you don’t and they love you enough to respond to an email that says you are broke and stranded in a foreign land, you will pay back in full.

Don’t allow yyour our twitt er twitter er,, facebook accounts be hacked!

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

Y

ou’ve most likely heard that since pop singer Goldie Harvey passed away, someone has been using her twitter handle. Everyone seemed comfortable when her ‘admin’ tweeted posts about Goldie’s burial arrangements. But when the tides turned barely three weeks after her death and someone

Twitter handle

with access to her account saw it as a good platform to advertise Nigerian films and movie, it freaked people out.

So everyone knows Goldie is dead, and the massive outcry is against the insensitivity of it all. But, what about you? Is someone impersonating your online identity and sending messages to your friends and loved ones? Popular Comedian, Gordons, told our corre-

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, MARCH 8 , 2013 —35

is a message for all land grabbers and unsuspecting buyers.

“We have been on it for a very long time, they are only being economical with the truth. I have been here for more than four times.

They were probably being cajoled by miscreants called ‘omo onile’ to quickly build on government land, thinking that once the structures are erected nothing will happen.

That is the strategy used by miscreants that are selling government land to them. People should seek information from government on any land before paying or building on the land. If they have genuine certificate of ownership before the acquisition by the government, they will be duly compensated.

Assembly intervenes

*Remains of one of the buildings demolished Tuesday, while others await same treatment

•Lawmakers summon commissioners, PS

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

B

ARELY two weeks after residents of Ijora-Badia, a slum dwelling within Iganmu Alawo Community in Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, were displaced following demolition of their houses, hundreds of structures allegedly built on government’s land in Odoiragunshi Community in Eredo Local council Development Area of Epe, were on Tuesday brought down. The demolition, which rendered the occupants homeless, was carried out by a combined team of the Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences Unit and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The bulldozers moved to the site after residents ignored several warning notices by the state government urging them to vacate the acquired land which was said to be captured under the state master-plan for the construction of a modern housing scheme.

The residents, who were apparently in shock, claimed they have necessary documents to the ownership of the land from

indigenes of the town about a decade ago.

Before the structures were pulled down, some of the buildings had approved plans boldly written on them but the government in its reaction claimed that those plans were fraudulently acquired from town planning officials.

A top official of the government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the land was wrongly acquired through what he termed ‘ fly coordinate’ to fraudulently obtain the supposed building approval.

Supposed building approvals “They must have been swindled to acquire the land in the first place.... That is why government always tells them to seek information when acquiring land,” he said.

As the demolition was going on, most of the affected residents rushed to the scene from their various work places; others travelled from as far as Ajah and Ogun State to salvage their properties, while few others who could not bear the shocking reali-

ty fainted as they saw what was once their beloved homes reduced to rubbles before their eyes.

The buildings comprising of completed and several uncompleted buildings were totally brought down. One of the affected landlords narrated his ordeal, saying that properties worth hundreds of millions had been destroyed by government. Mr. Tajudeen Debo, who said he purchased the land from one Alhaji Ashafa, also known as Oloye in 2004 but built his five-bedroom flat in 2007, narrated thus: “I obtained all my papers validly from the government. When they began threatening us we went to Alausa to have a meeting with them but we were told the Permanent Secretary of Land Bureau was not around. So they rescheduled the meeting for March 13; today March 5, they are demolishing our houses.

“They brought a White man to measure my land before this latest action. It is sad that with my children and aged parents I have been chased out of the building I laboured to build to have a decent life. It is painful and regrettable.”

Speaking to Vanguard Metro,

,

Another Lagos community reduced to rubbles

the Task Force boss, Chief Superintendent of Police, Bayo Sulaimon, who led the demolition team, said government would not sacrifice the land for the selfish interest of some individuals at the expense of the larger public, adding that the place is meant to be an industrial area that will serve the rest of the residents and the indigenes.

On allegation that information on the demolition came on short notice, Sulaimon said that he had been to the place for more than four times, stressing that the last time government officials came to the community, they were chased away with charms and other weapons.

He said: “How did they come

However, the state House of Assembly, irked by the demolition, has summoned the Commissioners for Physical Planning, Environment and the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau over the demolition exercise in Epe-Odo Eragbushi.

Segun Olulade who raised the motion under Matter of Urgent Public Importance during a Plenary Session, explained that he received a call from Odo-Eregbushi despite the fact that investigation on the issue was ongoing in the state House of Assembly. Olulade established the fact that ‘Stay Action’ had been pronounced on this issue to the Ministry of Physical Planning through their Commissioner, Mr. Toyin Ayinde.

House Committee Chairman on Physical Planning, Mufutau Egberongbe, went further to explain that deliberation was adjourned till March 13 for the matter to be concluded, frowning that the ‘Stay Action’ pronouncement was ignored and the demolition carried out.

Sanai Agunbiade, who also

I obtained all my papers validly from the government; when they began threatening us we went to Alausa; they rescheduled ...(a) meeting for March 13; today March 5, they are demolishing our houses

here in the first place? The place has been earmarked for a project and apart from that, they built without approval and government cannot allow individual interest to override public interest. They fly the co-ordinate by taking chart of a location that is free of government acquisition to dubiously get building approval. It is like taken the survey of Oregun to seek government approval on buildings in Alausa.

“Those who are building on government’s land thinking that nothing will happen are in for a shock because government will rise up and take action one day. This

,

contributed to the issue, suggested that henceforth, all ‘Stay Action’ pronouncements should be made in written form to act as evidence. He added that the ministries of Physical Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau should meet and agree on a unifying demolition move so as to work as a single body and get back to the House.

The Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, added that some of the certificates of occupancy displayed by the residents of the petitions were obtained illegally, saying that the commissioners should appear before the House to shed light on the issue.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

‘Delta committed to marine school devt'

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — PROVOST of Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu, Dr. Johnson Dittimi, has said the vision of the state government was to build a world class institution to promote competence in Marine Scholarship Science and Engineering Technology.

Speaking during the 3rd matriculation of the institution, where over 758 students were matriculated, Dittimi, said: “The institution is focused on high quality training, purposeful research, capacity building and consultancy services for the maritime and allied industries.”

He emphasised that discipline and good conduct were important to learning, enjoining students of the school “to study hard and put to best use the facilities provided by the school for learning and capacity development.”

He warned the students against indulging in cultism and examination malpractices, charging them to “avoid any interaction or relationship that will have negative consequences.”

NPA pensioners celebrate

P

ENSIONERS Welfare Association of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has concluded plans to celebrate its members, who have contributed to the growth of the authority and by extension the nation’s economy.

The event, billed for this weekend, is being supported by the current management of the authority led by Malam Habib Abdullahi.

In a statement, President of the group, Mr. Reuben Onotafe, said that the celebration of the authority’s retirees is a reunion of past workers of all cadre, including past Managing Directors, Executive Directors, General Managers and others.

Rivers Assembly passes vote of confidence on Amaechi

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Chibuike Amaechi of the state.

The motion, signed by 26 of the 36 members, dominated the Assembly’s debate, yesterday.

The motion presented by Leader of the House, Mr. Chidi Lloyd, said that the stance of the lawmakers had become imperative following perceived recent antagonism targeted at the governor.

Several lawmakers, who argued in favour of the motion, affirmed that the governor had done well in steering the ship of governance and development of the state, noting that the motion was timely to encourage him (Amaechi) to do more and to challenge any attempt to malign him.

Speaker of the House, Otelemaba Dan Amachree put the motion to vote, with 23 members supporting same, while three abstained.

The House also voted in favour of a special session to

be held with the governor to enable the Assembly convey the confidence vote and commend

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commended the military for its role in the fight against kidnapping and other social vices in the state.

Oshiomhole gave the commendation, yesterday, when he granted audience to the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen Ahmed Jibrin at Government House, Benin.

He said: “Let me use the opportunity of your visit to place on record our gratitude to the Nigeria Army and indeed to the Nigeria Armed Forces.

ernor was merely doing his work as chief executive of the state and does not deserve any accolade for doing the job for which he was elected.

COMMISSIONING: From left— Former Delta State Deputy Governor, Chief B. Elue; Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama; Dr. Isioma Okobah and Prince Amaechi Okobah at the commissioning of the Stephen Uche Okoh Snr. Memorial Health Centre in Igbodo.

... Ogbakor Ikwerre, also R

IVERS State Governor, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, has been commended by the new leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation, Worldwide, for his sterling leadership

Oshiomhole lauds military over fight against kidnappers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

him over his leadership of the state.

Reacting differently, the member representing Obia/ Akpor II, said that the gov-

“In addition to being faithful to your national assignment, your officers and men under the 4 Brigade have been helpful in complimenting the efforts of the police and the Department of State Security in internal security and this had been helpful.

“I can confirm to you that at least, between 80 and 90 kidnap suspects, arrested in this state had been with the active support of your officers and men.

“The Director of State Security Services has several times told me that once they gather the necessary intelligence, they fall back to the leadership of the 4 Brigade to provide the firepower and in most cases, this had been successful.”

So if we are relatively safe, I

and enormous achievements in the state.

President-General of the group, Worldwide, Prof. Augustine Onyeozu, spoke when he led a delegation of national executives of Ogbakor Ikwerre on a courtesy call on Governor Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said: “The former national executive led by Chief S. Agbaru briefed the convention fully on your laudable programmes and landmark achievements as Governor of Rivers State since you assumed office.

“The incontrovertible fact is that your performance and achievements are superlative and excellent.

“You have brought pride and honour to us. We are indeed very proud of you. We will further urge you to ensure that in all your conducts and activities in government, you give every ethnic group in the state adequate and appropriate sense of belonging.”

He thanked the people of Rivers State for their continued support and loyalty.

Group to honour Akpabio, wife

L

AGOS—IKOT Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara, IKEDOA, Development Union, Lagos, has concluded arrangement to honour Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and his wife Ekaette, tomorrow in Lagos.

In a statement jointly signed by the chief host/ President-General and Chairman, Launching Award Committee, Messrs Samuel Usoro and Blessed Ekpeyong, respectively, they said the governor would be honoured for his immense contribution to the development of the state and people.

He would be conferred with the title of Ufuk-Eyo Akwa Ibom (Umbrella of Akwa Ibom), while his wife will bag Ndoko-Iban Akwa Ibom (Prestigious Woman of Akwa Ibom) at the ceremony to hold at the Fortune Hall, Golden Gate Paradise, Ikoyi.

The statement added that the ceremony would also be a fund raising of N750 million for building of IKEDOA Civic Centre in Lagos.

... as GOC 2 Mechanised Division warns soldiers in Delta

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—THE General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Mechanised Brigade, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen Ahmed Jubrin, has cautioned officers and soldiers of the 3 Battalion Barrack, Effurun, Delta State, to desist from interfering in family land feud and other

communal matters in their area of operations.

Gen Jubrin, who said that such intrusion into community matters may consume them, charged officers and men of the 3 Battalion Barrack to be proud of their profession always and strive to maintain a high standard of discipline at all times He noted that they provide very

crucial service to the nation by way of saving lives and guarding oil pipelines and facilities from economic saboteurs, thereby, contributing their quota to economic growth and deepening democratic values.

Speaking during his familiarisation visit, where he was received by the Com-

mander, Lt. Col. Ikechukwu Otu after inspecting the guard of honour mounted for him, he noted “I will like to remind you that you have no business with civilians.

"If they are having their land problem or family feud, it is not your business to solve it.

Don’t get yourself involved.

Mind your immediately family."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—37

Rivers group cautions EFCC

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo (2nd right) addressing Governor Godswill Akpabio (r) while Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly deputy speaker, Hon. Udo Kirian and chairman of LGA chairmen, Obong Nse Ntuen with other dignitaries at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo.

Oil blocs: Royal father asks Jonathan to step on toes

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—FORMER na tional chairman of Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, HRM, Charles Ayemi-Botu, Pere of Siembiri Kingdom in Delta State, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to step on toes, if necessary, to review the lopsided ownership of oil blocs

by Northerners.

Speaking with Vanguard in

Warri, Delta State, he said: “The revelation of 83 per cent ownership of oil blocs by northerners by Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, did not come as a surprise to Niger-Deltans. The only thing is that most of us do not have the names of those involved. President Jonathan should summon courage and step on toes if necessary, but must revoke or review the lopsided owner-

ship of oil blocs in the country.

“Oil is what is keeping Nigeria together as at now, if not for oil, the northerners would have left us. Some would have gone to Sudan, Niger Republic or elsewhere, the Yoruba would have declared Oduduwa Republic, while the Ijaw people would have gone their way.

“What has been happening is that previous leaders of the country, whether military or ci-

Lawyer re-arraigned over alleged N5.5m fraud

A

LEGAL practitioner, Mr Victor Otuyemi, was, yesterday, re-arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly defrauding one of his clients, Titilayo Okuyiga of N5.5m.

He was re-arraigned before Justice Muhammed Yinusa on a two count charge of fraud brought against him by Special Fraud Unit, SFU of the Nigerian Police Force, sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Charles Archibong, now retired.

During the commencement of the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the judge ordered that he should be allowed to continue on his previous bail.

The lawyer was accused of obtaining the sum under false pretence and stealing a property belonging to Okuyiga between September 10 and March 19, 2009.

The accused person was also said to have obtained N5.5m from Okuyiga under the pretext that he would re-sell a fam-

ily land situated at 12, Church Street, Lagos to her.

The first count accused him of obtaining N6 million from Okuyiga “with intent to defraud, with the pretence that you were going to re-sell a family land situated at 12, Church street, Lagos to her, a representation which you know was false."

He was further accused of

stealing “N5.5m, property of one Okuyiga," according to the police, the said offences are contrary to section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 390 (8) (b) of the Criminal Code Cap C 38 Volume 4 Laws of the Federation 2007.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to May 15 and 16 respectively for hearing.

vilian, from General Ibrahim Babagina, the late General Sani Abacha, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua were allocating oil blocs to people from their areas. Let me tell you, one oil bloc alone is enough to run the Ministry of Niger-Delta and you know what that means. The wealth of the Niger-Delta is in the hands of those who do not produce oil and they are shouting about Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. “My concern really is why Jonathan was not giving oil blocs to people from the South. Babangida, Abacha, Obasanjo and Yar’Adua gave to the people. I want to say that his being there is a misnomer, if he does not address this issue of oil blocs. How many Southerners has he given oil bloc since he assumed office, both as acting President and substantive President? The 83 per cent has to be reduced since the oil we are talking about is from Niger-Delta, not from the North.

The imbalance was caused when northerners were at the helm of affairs and it was deliberate.”

TUC seeks review of anti-labour laws

BY YEGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Rivers State has called for review of Nigeria labour laws to boost dignity of labour among Nigerian workers in view of current labour practices, which it sees as largely enslaving the workers.

Chairman of TUC in Rivers, Mr Chika Onuegbu,

made the call in a lecture on “Contract Staffing and Precarious Work Practices in the Oil and Gas Sector” at a workshop for Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN leaders in Port Harcourt.

Onuegbu, said the “Nigerian Labour law is outdated. We are talking about a law made in the 70s with little amendments not meant to make la-

bour unions function well, but to make them ineffective up till 2005. We think the National Assembly should urgently focus on bringing dignity of labour into the Nigerian Labour Act.” He tasked the Ministry of Labour to gazette the new guidelines on the administration of contract staff in the oil and gas sector and for the National Assembly to pass same into law to have full backing of the constitution to enhance the working conditions of the Nigerian worker.

ORT HARCOURT: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been told to shun politicians that may want to use it to pursue selfish ends.

In a statement in Port Harcourt, the Rivers Patriot said some politicians were plotting to use EFCC to harass innocent government officials in Rivers State on trumped up charges. President of the group, Mr Sarima Eke in the statement, said security agencies should not be allowed to be manipulated by the political class. The group, which appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the EFCC and security agencies were not used to harass and intimidate innocent public office holders in the state, also called on the state government to go ahead with its development programmes for the state.

Meantime, Chiefs Jacobson Dautou and Ezekiel Wayangi have cautioned youths of the state against unprovoked attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan. The duo, who spoke on behalf of chiefs and elders of Rivers State for Progress, said recent threats by the youths under the aegis of Rivers Youths Democratic Movement, RYDM, to decamp to All Progressive Congress, APC, over what they perceived to be differences between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and President Jonathan was uncalled for.

Dikeji bags Honoray Doctorate

C

HARTERED Ministerial Association Jesus Bible University, Ilorin, in conjunction with Ashland University (Ohio, U.S.A), has awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Chief Andrew Dikeji, a business mogul in Nigeria.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at Zipporah Christian Assembly International auditorium, Udu road, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, South South Coordinator of the programme, Rev. Joshua Erhiekevwe stated that it was the 5th edition of the programme, adding that it was usually given to eminent and reputable personalities in the society annually.

38 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Abia poly warns new students against cultism, indecent dressing

BY ANAYO OKOLI

A

BA — THE management of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, has warned newly admitted students of the institution against joining secret cults and indulgence in indecent dressing.

Addressing matriculating students of the polytechnic, the Rector, Mr. Alwell Onukogu, said the institution had zero tolerance for such ills.

He warned that the liberty the students had in the school “can never be allowed to degenerate into licentiousness.”

Onukogu told the new students to be mindful of why they were sent to the institution by the parents and guardians, saying it was no more fashionable to join secret cults.

His words: “Let me warn all of you that it is no more fashionable to join secret societies. Anyone of you who lets himself or herself to be deceived into such group will be doomed for life.

“We have zero degree of tolerance for such criminal deviance and our security network will smoke you out ."

Umeh blames APGA crisis on Obi

BY ENYIM ENYIM

O

NITSHA — EMBATTLED National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday, described the court ruling that sacked him as a boomerang on his traducers, especially Governor Peter Obi. Umeh stated that the crisis had further created three parallel factions in the party which, according to him, is the product of Governor Obi’s desire to destroy the party at the end of his tenure.

Speaking with reporters,Umeh said: “I was the target for removal and all that they wanted me to do is leave the party. Ironically what the ruling gave them affected the rest of the 28 members of the National Executive Committee hence the National Working Committee and entire national elective officers are no more.

“In our APGA constitution, there is nothing like acting chairman or interim chairman of the party. So, what they are doing is an exercise in futility and the man called Maxi Okwu that is parading himself as acting national chairman cannot function as chairman because it is unconstitutional.”

Umeh noted that why his opponents hurriedly appointed acting chairman was because the presiding judge delayed in granting his application for stay of execution, an opportunity his

opponents exploited.

However, Umeh expressed optimism that the Appeal Court could up-tum the ruling of the lower court, insisting that it was a miscarriage of justice.

The ousted chairman further accused Governor Obi of political fragmentations in the APGA, saying: “You all saw what happened in Awka over the weekend where we had two

different APGA rallies, one by Senator Annie Okonkwo on one side and Peter Obi on the other.

“We now have three factions, APGA of PDP, APGA of APC and then the APGA of APGA."

From left: President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria, Mr Tola Faseru; Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Olufemi Bolarin; Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, representing Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State; former Minister for State for Health, Chief Gabrel Aduku; National Publicity Secretary, NCAN, Sotonye Anga, and Nitin Bajaj, representing Managing Director, OLAM Nigeria at the 2013 Annual National Cashew season flag-off, in Lokoja.

Abia 2015: There'll be no zoning, says Apugo, PDP chieftain

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — AS the race for 2015 gathers momentum in Abia State, a founding member of ruling Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, Prince Benjamin Abugo, has dismissed the idea of ceding power to Abia South senatorial zone, saying the contest was open to all.

The people of Abia South have

Complaints commission seeks closer collaboration with legislative houses

A

WKA — The Federal Complaints Commission, PCC, Commissioner representing Angela Metuh-Mbah, has called for Anambra State in the Public closer working relationship between the commission and legislative houses in the country.

Metuh-Mbah, who stated this when she paid a courtesy visit on the leadership of Anambra State House of Assembly recently, noted that the legislature could collaborate with the AGOS — SENATOR Annie PCC by referring cases related to Okonkwo has said the All administrative wrongs in both private Progressive Congress, APC, will install and public sectors to the commission.

"The PCC, as a grievance handling a progressive administration that will body, insulated from politics has rescue the country from total anarchy, strengthened its capacity resulting in halt corrupt and incompetent timely interventions in cases leading administration at the centre. to the assuaging of the aggrieved and Okonkwo stated this when he met securing of redresses," Metuh-Mbah with the executives of the Canadian said in Anambra, where she chapter of the All Progressive Grand represents the PCC. Alliance Party, APGA in Toronto, The federal commissioner said, in Canada.

2012, the PCC in Anambra State According to him, “it has become received a total of 2017 complaints, very important and urgent to salvage of which it successfully resolved 1003 the country from the collapse of while the remaining was carried over infrastructure, rising profile of to 2013. unemployment, claws of insecurity and Responding, Speaker of Anambra continuous drifting of the country to State House of Assembly, Princess one party state.”

Chinwe Claire Nwaebili, commended Those who attended the meeting Metuh-Mbah for the successes were: Comrade Elias Chinenye Abone, recorded by the PCC in Anambra National Chairman; Comrade CharlesState.

She also handed over to the Bruno Okpuruka, National Deputy PCC cases related to administrative Chairman; Comrade Raymond Afolabi, National Secretary and wrongs which had been brought to Comrade Hilary Okeke, National the legislative house..

APC'll install progressive administration —Okonkwo

L

Financial Secretary.

consistently clamoured that the governorship be zoned to them in 2015, arguing that they had never produced a governor since the state was created over 20 years ago.

Governor Theodore Orji, on his own, had at many fora, promised to hand over power to a governor from the zone in 2015.

But in an interview, Apugo, a BoT member of the PDP, said there was nothing as zoning, insisting that all qualified Abians, irrespective of where they hailed, were free to contest.

His words: ”There is nothing wrong in nursing ambition. But if I am to say, PDP does not follow zoning. What we will be talking about is the best candidate. If the person is from South or anywhere, we will take.

“Any person that will give us the best, we will support him or her irrespective of the place he is from or the party. Even an Umuahia man, if we see a good person who will deliver to the people, Abians will support him. There is nothing like zoning.”

He also decried the style of the national leadership of his party, accusing it of not according elders and founding fathers of the party the respect they deserved.

According to him, "they respect late comers in the party and those who have time to go to the Villa to gossip and blackmail people, which elders and founding fathers of the party have no time for."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—39

Senator Teslim Folarin, former Senate Leader (left) and Oba Lamidi From left: Alhaji Dauda Babaloja, Mr. Lawrence Okpako; Alhaja Wuraola Iyaloja, Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, during a sympathy visit to the Oba, over Business Director Oyo 2; of Oyo State and Mr. James Akporuwewmie, Business Director, Oyo 2, at the introduction and launching of a Glo special scheme for market his burnt Palace. Photo: Dare Fasube. men and women in Oyo State, in Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube

From left: Ms. Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry; Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor and Prince Lanre Tejuosho, Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State, during the courtesy visit of Mrs. Amosun to the Bank, in Lagos.

From left: Brig. Gen. Brimah Bah, Gambian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria; Angela Colley, Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Ambassador Moses Essien, Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology, at The Gambian 48th National Day, in Abuja.

From left: Victor Oluwadare, MD, Townsway Investment; Chuks Iwunoh, CEO, DonDollar Entertainment; Busolami Tunwase, AIT presenter; Bobola Adeyemo, a businessman, all judges at the final audition of the MTN Business Next Titan, at the Aquatic Hotel, Ikeja.

From right: Olufunke Davies Jones, Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration (Investigation Inspectorate and Enforcement), receiving a gift from Alhaji Rilwan Bala Musa, Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, during a dinner hosted to honour her, in Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida C M Y K

From left: Charles Ogunwuyi, Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria; Steven Evans, CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, with Yahaya Yunusa, General Manager, Marketing, Total Nigeria Plc and Wael Ammar, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, at the launch of Etisalat Mini Experience Centres, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salu.

From left: Prof. Kofo Odeyemi, Chairman Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria Chapter; Dr. Kemi Odukoya, Dpartment of Community Health, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Dr. Brai Bartholomew, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, during the 'Ignite Stakeholders Parley,' in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, MARCH 8, 2013

Police probe killing of 8 in Kano

K

ANO—THE Kano State Police Command said yesterday, that it was investigating the killings of eight persons by unknown gunmen on February 23.

Mr. Musa Daura, the Commissioner of Police in the state, confirmed this while briefing newsmen in Kano.

He said the command had made useful arrests in connection with the killings, assuring that the public would be informed adequately of developments.

Daura said that the command swung into action immediately it received information on the incidents.

The commissioner also disclosed that seven policemen were being investigated over acts of indiscipline as part of efforts to rid the force of bad elements.

He said that their offences ranged from illegal arrests, detention and extortion.

Jigawa moves to boost nomadic education

D

UTSE—THE Jigawa State Government, yesterday, said it had earmarked N75 million to boost the implementation of nomadic education programme in the state in 2013.

The Executive Secretary of the Nomadic Education Agency, Alhaji Ali Manu, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Dutse, that the amount would be used for the provision of school infrastructure and instructional materials.

He said that the amount would also be used for the provision of uniforms for the pupils and sponsorship of teacher development programmes.

Novena

T

HE VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, Ojodu-Ikeja, will end its monthly three-day Novena today.

The event with the theme: Cross to Crown, will feature Confession, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, Vigil and Holy Mass.

It will be hosted by the Vincentian Fathers.

C M Y K

Bauchi govt awards scholarships to 1,080 orphans, vulnerable children B

BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Government has awarded Special Education Scholarship to 1,080 Orphans and Vulnerable Children, OVC, worth N187m for six academic years.

Presenting the scholarship materials to the beneficiaries yesterday at the Government House in Bauchi, the state Governor, Isa Yuguda said that the idea for the creation of the agency for OVC started in 2007 with the establishment of the unit under the state Ministry of Women Affairs that was vested with the responsibilty for coordinating all OVC programmes in the state.

Yuguda said: “The establishment of an agency for OVC in the state was very challenging because the state lacked the finacial resources to fund it. The state government took the bull by the horn by initiating an executive bill for the creation of the agency. ’’When the bill was presented before the State House of Assembly, it was deliberated upon and passed into law. The state government also decided to deduct one percent from the salaries of civil servants to fund the agency because of the dwindling resources of

the state.”

A visibly emotional Yuguda who expressed his symphathy for orphans and the less priviledged in the society, however lamented over the attitudes of some civil servants in the state who opposed the deduction of one percent of their salaries to fund the

agency.

“It is very shocking that some civil servants in the state were kicking against the funding of the OVC through the deduction of just one percent from their salaries because they felt it was not an obligation.

“Yes, it is true that charity is not mandatory, but we are all

stakeholders in the state and these less priveledged in the society are under our care.If we do not care for them, who will do it?,” the Governor said, apparently referring to secondary school teachers in the state who embarked on strike to protest the deduction of their allowances to fund the OVC.

VISIT: From left: Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives; Emeka Iheodioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, during his visit to the Speaker in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Jukun indigenes appeal to Jonathan, IGP over attacks

J

ALINGO—THE Jukun Development Association, JDA, an umbrella body of Jukun indigenes in Taraba State, has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to protect the peo-

ple of the area from some land grabbers who were bent on wiping out the Jukuns.

In a statement by its President, Mr. Bako Benjamin, the Jukuns decried what they described as humiliation and nonchalant attitude of the state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar and the Chair-

man of Ibi Local Government Area, Alhaji Isiaka Adamu towards their plight.

Benjamin alleged that on January 16, 2013, a boy had a minor disagreement with another during a football match, an indigene of Jukun, Mr. Luka Musa, who was there was shot with an AK-47 rifle.

Adamawa Assembly passes Fiscal Responsibility Bill

Y

O L A — T H E Adamawa House of Assembly, yesterday, passed the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Bill.

The passage followed the consideration and adoption of a report submitted at plenary by the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and Budget.

House Majority Leader, Ishaq Bala (PDP-Yola North) moved for the third reading and passage of the bill into law, and was seconded by Alhaji Usman Lamorde (PDP-Mubi South).

The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, directed the Clerk of the House to pre-

pare a clean copy of the law and send same to the governor for his assent.

Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the law, Lamorde said the law provided for the establishment of a Fiscal Responsibility Commission that would enforce sound fiscal management regime.

Lamorde described the law, which was sponsored by the executive, as a major breakthrough for the state.

He said that it would promote prudence, transparency and accountability in the management of financial re-

sources of the state government.

NAN reports that the House at the plenary also read for the second time, a bill for a law for the establishment of the Office of the State Auditor-General, its function, powers and structure.

The bill sponsored by Mr. Wafari Theman (ACN-Hong) was referred by the Speaker to the House Standing Committee on Public Service Matters for further consideration.

The committee was given two weeks to submit its report on the bill.

He added that the incident ignited unprecedented killings and destruction of lives and property.

According to him, the intensity of such crises had never been witnessed in Jukunland, saying that ‘’this incident and several other attacks against our people happened within the few months of the absence of Governor Danabara Suntai.

He said: ‘’We the entire Jukun People are calling on President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly and the Inspector General of Police to save us from further embarrassment and loss of lives and property.

“We, however, reject any commission of enquiry that will be set up by the Acting Governor as we no longer trust his judgment. Rather the Federal Government should set up a high powered commission of enquiry with equal number of representatives of Christians, Muslims and Animists to address the sudden appearance of religious tension in Jukun land and Taraba State in general.’’

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—41

that was agreeable to all.

The adoption of All Progressive Congress, remarkably had a word reflecting each of the legacy parties -All for the ANPP, Progressive for the CPC and APGA and Congress, for the ACN. But soon after the name was adopted internal fissures within APGA meant that retaining it in the merger agreement could torpedo the whole arrangement.

So, while the parties have continued to carry their APGA colleagues along, it is, however, unlikely that the party would be formally submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as one of the merger parties.

While efforts were made to accommodate the interests of all the parties in the choice of a logo, slogan and motto, sources in the evolving party disclosed that the broader outlook was also a significant matter for consideration.

Dominant colour of the parties

2015:

The insignia for battle

THE fledging opposition party reaches a landmark in its continuing efforts towards confronting the ruling party with the adoption of its insigna of battle. The ruling party is, however, not folding its arms.

I

T was a sober time for the president and his guests at the national caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Wednesday night.

Despite recently overcoming the irritating howls of the party’s vociferous governors, the president and top party officials were allegedly still uncomfortable with the continuing stride of the major opposition political parties towards a merger.

The PDP top hierarchy was really troubled that the opposition parties had the day before, successfully come out with a logo for the new opposition party to be known as the All Progressive Congress, APC. President Goodluck Jonathan was alleged to have as such

frontally charged the party executives to recharge themselves for what he said, promises to be the major confrontation between the ruling party and the merged party.

Until now, the ruling parties have almost not bothered with the consequence of alliance or talks of merger by opposition political parties.

Where they did not sabotage the opposition parties, the leaders of the opposition parties through selfish grandstanding had in almost every case damaged the alliance or merger plans.

But not now as the major opposition political parties earlier this week produced a logo to indicate an identity for the proposed merged party to be known as the All Progressive Congress, APC. Besides a logo, the parties also came out with a slogan to

herald the beats of war on the campaign grounds.

Never before in the political history of the country have opposition parties reached the point arrived at this week.

The four parties are now expected to formally bury their separate identities and

,

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the All Peoples Grand Alliance, APGA that are involved in the merger talks.

First, getting a new name was not easy as one or two of the

The four parties are now expected to formally bury their separate identities and crystallise into the APC in separate national conventions where the merger plans are expected to be formally ratified

crystallise into the APC in separate national conventions where the merger plans are expected to be formally ratified.

However, arriving at the new identity was not an easy task for the chieftains of the Action

,

legacy parties initially insisted on retaining their names while all other parties joined any of the parties so chosen. However, reason soon prevailed as the parties resolved and the parties last month came up with a name

So in the choice of the logo, the dominant colour of each of the parties was reflected.

The green and white was chosen to represent the ANPP and ACN, the blue to reflect the CPC, and the red bottom was chosen to reflect APGA which has a red cock in its emblem.

The broom which was what was popularly associated with the ACN was not just adopted to reflect that party’s identity, but as was learnt, was adopted to reflect the commonality of the broom as an instrument for sweeping in Nigerian homes.

“There is no home you can go to that you will not find the broom and that is why it is there, to reflect the commonality of everyone of us,” a member of the merger committee of one of the parties told Vanguard.

“Some one referred to an Igbo proverb that if you take one stick of broom that you can break it but if you take it as a bundle, you cannot.” That, it was learnt, also informed the adoption of the motto as “Justice, Peace and Unity.”

For its slogan the joint merger committee chose “Change”.

Just like the adoption of the broom, the adoption of Change as the slogan for the new party was according to a source based on the reality on the ground, to the effect that Nigerians are wholly inclined to change.

Change, or Changii remarkably, is the slogan of the CPC. No one it seemed was averse to change in the ranks of the opposition and so it was easily adopted.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Profits of trouble in Ogun House THE Ogun State House of Assembly grabbed nationwide media attention last Tuesday after a female lawmaker broke the mace during a riot in the chamber. Within hours, Governor Ibikunle Amosun stepped in and everyone is now happy. So, what happened?

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & DAUD OLATUNJI

T

HE present members of the Ogun State House of Assembly are obviously not macho enough. A physical combat between two factions of the House which led to the breakup of the mace on Tuesday, was resolved within just 24 hours.

Members of the immediate past House of Assembly were rather much stronger. Their own battles lasted for years.

The immediate past governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel when he did not ignore them, locked up the doors into the legislative complex whenever he was irritated by the disturbance of their riots.

However, for Governor Ibikunle Amosun, an accountant with an eye towards the financial implications of a crisis on his hands, perpetual crisis it seemed, was not an attraction, and hence his quick intervention into the crisis.

A day after the fight which drew national attention and opprobrium, Governor Amosun met with all 26 members of the House. After a tête-à-tête, the members, who had earlier vowed to physically vanquish one another, came out smiling!

Gross disrespect to legislative institution

*Ogun House in session

Matter of debate

*Amosun: Doused determination to show the Amosun administration that they could not be ignored in the affairs of the legislature nor that of the state.

Remarkably, among those who broke ranks are loyalists of the ACN party leader, Aremo Segun Osoba, though that is an issue almost everyone in the Ogun ACN continue to play down.

The decision of the five ACN members to club with the PDP and PPN initially caused concern among loyalists of the administration, which was understood to have then consolidated its network with the G12. So even though the G14 could together outvote the ACN G12 which was now turned into a sleeping majority,

*Adekanbi: Ogun Speaker they nevertheless, lacked the numbers to remove the speaker.

So, it was a stalemate of sorts until last week when the speaker of the House, decided to constitute a 12 member tenders committee for the House. Where members had agreed on a deadlock on political issues, they however, revolted when it came to money when one side perceived the other trying to cheat.

Speaker Adekanbi’s circular constituting the tenders board raised strong objections from the G14 members on the fact that the deputy speaker, Tola Banjo was appointed as chairman.

Though the G14 had no issues with the membership of

,

Senator Amosun’s magic wand was still a matter of debate, even though there were speculations in Abeokuta, the state capital, that the peace shooting efforts by the governor may have cost the administration as much as seven figures per legislator.

The Ogun State House of Assembly had been divided for sometime along two lines known as G14 and G12.

The G12 comprised of 12 of the 19 members of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the house and are led by the speaker, Suraji Adekanbi, who is a loyalist of the governor.

The G14 led by Remmy Hassan include all six members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, all three elected on the ticket of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN and five Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN members who broke ranks to join the opposition members into forming a majority.

The decision of the five ACN members to break ranks was allegedly inspired by a

North II State constituency, Remmy Hassan from Odogbolu State constituency, Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo representing Ifo II State constituency and John Obafemi of Remo North State Constituency. Following their failure to get the speaker to change his mind on the issue, they eventually stormed out of the House session that penultimate Tuesday.

It was an action that stirred the anger of the speaker and some of his associates who initiated disciplinary actions against the quartet. The speaker and his loyalists as such last Tuesday decided to wield the big stick by suspending the quartet from the house, a decision that led to the mayhem on the floor.

Disclosing the disciplinary action against the quartet last Tuesday, the speaker said the four members were being suspended for “various acts bordering on unparliamentarily behaviour and gross disrespect to the legislative institution.”

As soon as the speaker made the announcement, a female member in the G14 immediately rushed to the mace, grabbed it and broke it.

That was the official sign for commotion as the chamber was turned into a riotous environment.

Attempts by the speaker to reconvene the House later that Tuesday afternoon were frustrated by the G14 group who now sat to remove the speaker and the deputy speaker from office.

Announcing their coup after the riot that Tuesday afternoon, a visibly agitated Hassan said:“Suraju (speaker) has been suspended, he is no more our Speaker, I am the Speaker pro tem.”

After the bedlam some members of the House, especially those belonging to the G14 alleged that their

The decision of the five ACN members to club with the PDP and PPN initially caused concern among loyalists of the administration, which was understood to have then consolidated its network with the G12

the committee, they were, however, strongly against the appointment of the deputy speaker, saying that his presence would vitiate the committee’s role in checking the financial activities of the house leadership.

Four of the G14 members present that penultimate Tuesday were at the forefront of the agitation. They were Job Olufemi Akintan of Egbado

,

suspension was to reduce the group to a minority for the purpose of easing the administration’s legislative proposals. Some even alleged that the suspension was specifically designed to allow quick approval for a N150 billion bond requested by the administration.

Following the embarrassing commotion which grabbed

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—43

How Uduaghan’s Delta functions O

FFICIALS of the Delta State Government and opposition figures are sharply divided over the performance of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration in the last six years. While government officials said the governor has performed, the opposition indicate otherwise, claiming projects on ground are not in tandem with the funds spent.

Remarkably, key areas like health, education, shelter, food and social infrastructure, road construction and electricity, have continued to receive government’s due attention.

For instance, as a way of ensuring food sustenance, the state government, in 2008, launched the Accelerated Food Programme via the Youth Empowerment through Agriculture (YEP) programme.

But a leading rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo argued that the the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government had performed below expectation.

Said Keyamo, who is coordinating the Delta Forces United, “I think that the State, under the leadership of the PDP, has performed far below what is expected of it. This might be as a result of misplaced priorities, mismanagement of resources or outright stealing.”

Mismanagement of resources Also not satisfied with the level of progress made by the state government, the Delta State Chairman of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Mr. Chukwugozie Ezeagwu said the Uduaghan-led administration is weak and fearful, adding that it lacks initiative for development.

Justifying the performance of the governor, his aides said since he assumed the leadership of Delta State six years ago, he has initiated and executed a number of projects targeted at developing Delta, saying from inception, the state government set out to transform Delta through its threepoint agenda of Peace and Security, human and infrastructure development.

Through the YEP initiative, awareness and a culture shift in food production that primarily targets youths as future farmers, was brought about. This strategy was derived from the Delta Roadmap on Agriculture and about 900 young people got training in Agriculture Business Management and Computer Appreciation at Songhai Delta, Amukpe.

Young farmers under this programme, were given state sponsored financial starter packs to establish their own farms,

cultivate crops and earn income.

Uduaghan at the state agric summit admitted that it was a mixed blessing demanding that a review of the programme be carried out.

Another programme through which the administration sought to alleviate the plight of Deltans, was the creation and launching of Delta Micro Credit Programme (DMCP), in 2007.

With the introduction of the Urban Mass Transit Scheme launched in 2008, 168 brand new Toyota Corolla vehicles which were given out to interested drivers and the state owned Delta Line Transport Company for commercial transportation purpose.

With this, government reduced transportation problems within and outside the state.

In its renewed commitment to ensure good governance, the state government procured additional 505 numbers, Hiace buses, accompanied with 60 Marcopolo buses, 16 Tata Buses and 130 boats for the riverine transport.

Still not satisfied, the administration added a new dimension to the transport sector with the introduction of commercial tricycle as a replacement for commercial motorcycle, called Okada in Asaba and Warri areas.

Though critics lampooned the state government over its decision to ban commercial motorcycles, the state government noted that the ban has led to less accidents and kidnapping which were associated with Okada operators.

To ensure good road network, the administration said it has paid attention to the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Perhaps, this has engendered accelerated socio-economic activities, increased easy movements of agro-allied

*Uduaghan: New initiatives products, back-up incentives for potential investors and facilitation of harmonious inter and intraethnic relationships.

Being a medical doctor, Dr Uduaghan has shown very uncanny zeal and passion in his execution of his health policy in the state. He is no doubt, driven by the maxim: ‘Health is Wealth’; and this has given unfettered attention to primary and secondary healthcare, particularly for children between 0-5 years, in the areas of laboratory test, antenatal care and delivery (including caesarean sections).

Also, wife of the governor, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan has been very supportive of the governor’s effort, through her, “Master Care Programme” - a body that has helped in no small measure to conduct enlightenment

campaigns across the 25 local government areas of the state.

In the area of Health Infrastructure, the Uduaghan administration has taken over the reconstruction and complete rehabilitation of Eku Baptist Specialist Hospital, Eku, construction of staff quarters in state hospitals, installation and commissioning of modern medical equipments in all the

,

BY DAPO AKINREFON

“This is Ogun State, the home of Awolowo,Obasanjo, Soyinka and other giants who have labored selflessly to make us what we are. So, we cannot afford to let them down, we are sorry. There can be no befitting birthday gift than this to the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

Confirming the peace while he asked for forgiveness from the citizens, Hassan said:“We offended the entire citizenry of Ogun State, but, sometimes you cannot completely rule out such when there are issues.”

Accepting the authority of Speaker Adekunbi, he said:“Everything that

,

As a way of ensuring peace and security, the governor adopted a number of measures to maintain relative peace and security within the state

government in the state.

Not unmindful that stable power supply is the soul of any economy, the Uduaghan administration, has improved on power

Profits of trouble in Ogun House Continues from page 42 nationwide attention, Governor Amosun the following morning, summoned a meeting of all the lawmakers which took place at the Government House, Abeokuta. At the end of the closed door meeting, the governor announced that peace had been returned fully to the House.

He attributed the restoration of peace to the spirit of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose posthumous birthday was that Wednesday.

“I want to apologise on behalf of the House of Assembly, the good people of Ogun and to all lovers of democracy.

infrastructure, one of which is the construction of an Independent Power Plant (IPP), at Oghara.

This, many opine, will enable Deltans avail themselves of the stable power supply to establish their various enterprises.

Besides, it has the capacity of employing the teeming unemployed Deltans.

In its pursuit of the human capital development, a policy thrust built around education, the state government has made in-road into the improvement of basic and secondary education to complement the achievement of his predecessors.

The state’s primary and secondary schools are still undergoing renovation works d across the 25 local government areas. He has also embarked on building new ones with state of the art facilities at all levels of educational development.

This has led to increased enrollment in primary and secondary schools. Children now attend schools without being hindered by finance.

Premium has also been placed on the training and retraining of teachers, instructors and other ancillary staff in the education sector to improve standards and enhance service delivery.

As a way of ensuring peace and security, the governor adopted a number of measures to maintain relative peace and security within the state.

Some of the measures include: Provision of logistics such as vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC, and communications gadgets to the state Police Command and other security agencies.

transpired before now we are rising above it, the house is one , I will give the microphone to the Rt. Hon. Speaker to also say one or two things.”

Adekunbi on his part said “we have met , we are one big happy family, it was quite unfortunate just as he has rightly said, we have actually risen above that and by the special grace of God you will be seeing us doing our legislative responsibility in accordance with the extant law.” The decision of the legislators to reconcile was, however, lost on some, particularly officials of the PPN, the party founded by the former governor of the State, Daniel.

The government also set up the waterways security committee, made up of community leaders and youths, who are familiar with the riverine terrain to help arrest the then prevailing insecurity in the state’s waterways, especially in Warri and environs.

But faulting the claim made by the opposition, a Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communications, Mr. Paul Odili said, ‘’today, we can proudly say that Delta State has found peace, hence the plethora of massive construction from road to housing and educational development and safe for investors.”

In a chat with Vanguard, further argued that the administration has within the limit of available resources, “judiciously sited projects and delivered the basic necessities of decent human existence in the areas of food security, potable water, basic education, security, primary healthcare and infrastructural development.”

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

B

Y now, the Clinton family of US would have become unpopular in the Federal Government circle because of the forthrightness in the speeches of the famous members of that family. About five years ago, Hilary Clinton, as America‘s Secretary of State expressed her shock and disbelief that an oil rich Nigeria could be an heavy importer of oil refined products.

The official, but dubious reason was that the domestic refining capacity would not support local consumption and therefore, it would be necessary to import. However, importation continued and this has led the country into a colossal wastage of about N2 trillion in subsidy payment, apart from sordid performance of many “importers”.

Recently, a former President of the US, Bill Clinton expressed his dismay about lack of expected developmental progress in Nigeria, while attributing poverty as a major cause of social problems. The official reaction was that the Nigerian economy was buoyant and that the gross domestic product (GDP) was rising about 7% (while the growth rate in developed countries was around 2-3%).

Also, the foreign exchange reserves at about $47 billion could be adequate for 10-month imports, while inflation rate was reported to have reduced to less than 10%. Many Nigerians know that these elegant statistics mean nothing considering the staggering unemployment rate and the deepening poverty throughout the country.

In view of the uncertainties in the political and economic policies of the present Federal Government and the continued misplaced emphasis by the politicians on the 2015 elections, many patriotic Nigerians would like to examine other options to avoid the looming disaster. A more realistic option comes to mind in the social and economic integration of each of the present six zones of the country. Why not start with the South-West zone, with its developed infrastructures as a result of Lagos, being the former capital of Nigeria?

For the avoidance of doubt, the SouthWestern political zone of Nigeria comprises Oyo State, Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Osun State and Ekiti

07059197616

State of the nation:

Economic and social integration of the South West zone State. However, for the purpose of this article, the people of the South-West are not limited to the Yoruba which constitute the majority tribe, but also include the nonYoruba who number about six million people. These groups include more than four million Ibos, now resident in the principal cities of the South-West zone.

It is known, if not completely recognized that a Lagos citizen needs not to be a Yoruba, but that person who resides in Lagos, works in Lagos and contributes to the development of Lagos in all aspects, irrespective of tribal origin.

Many non-Yoruba people who have settled peacefully for years in different parts of Yorubaland, have mastered Yoruba language with its delicate dialects, have inter-married and often, had eaten with relish the forbidden fruits (traditionally reserved for indigenes). The sonorous stanza in ‘Ayinde Wonders‘ lyric is no longer a strange sound in their ears.

The South-West zone is richly blessed with fertile land, vigorous and sturdy people (both indigenes and nonindigenes). A cursory visit to any Yoruba urban centre would not fail to notice the wonderful combination of indigenous industry and genuine participatory efforts of others. Lagos, a cosmopolitan city is a best example of the co-operative

endeavour of many tribes of Nigeria in the field of social and economic development. There is no doubt that peaceful political atmosphere; under good governance is a contributory factor to making Lagos State a safe haven for profitable investment.

It is however observed that in spite of the numerous economic advantages of the South-West zone, there are less visible signs of economic integration. Each capital city of each State: Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Oshogbo, Akure, Ado-Ekiti – constitutes a large market for consumable goods and has already developed a good distributive network. What is, therefore, necessary is injection of heavy capital to extend commercial activities into the interior parts of the zone.

The area which commands priority is road and rail transport. There should be a well developed road system (apart from Lagos-s Ibadan road, “with its appetite for blood sacrifices”). A road linking Lagos to Ibadan through Ikorodu, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode should be widened and made more durable. Also, Ibadan should be conveniently linked to Oshogbo, Ilesha, Akure, and Ondo through wider and sturdy roads to facilitate free movement of goods and people within the zone; these will require massive

investments by private enterprises and various governments of the zone.

The old government of Western State (which comprises the present South-West zone) had established industrial estates in Ikeja and Apapa (Lagos State) to encourage the establishment of industries which would concentrate on manufacturing some commodities which were hitherto imported. The appearance of some manufacturing plants like Guinness (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks); Dunlop and Michelin (for tyres); Cadbury (for Confectioneries) and others became apparent.

However, the vision of those great leaders of the 1950s had been consistently diminished by unfriendly economic policies of many decades which had destroyed many industries and retarded the growth of some. The time is now ripe for the revival of those industries which are necessary for the growth of the economy of the country.

Those governments of the South-West zone which do benefit from free flow of oil money should use it wisely (rather than consume it wastefully) to revive the tyre manufacturing industry, the battery manufacturing plant, and also, consider the building of a motor spare-parts plant.

Considering the heavy population of vehicles in Nigeria, domestic manufacturing of tyres, batteries and spare-parts could be a viable and desirable investment for both private and public sectors.

Perhaps the Ladipo market for spareparts could do better with new and genuine spare parts rather than the sale of scraps from other parts of the world, nick-named ‘Tokunbo’.

It is not beyond the capacity of the governments of the South-West zone and its array of private investors to jointly build a refinery to refine different products from the country‘s oil resources rather than rely on when the Federal Government, under its present slow policy.

The clarion call is for the present oil money should be used to fuel the growth of the economy through infrastructural developments at the time when oil still flows.

John Abba Ogbodo:

Death is a crafty thief

BY UCHE ANICHUKWU

M

Y brother, the Ogbodo One, it is still difficult to come to terms with what has become a sad reality. How could death have overpowered the one and only Ogbodo Onethe enigmatic and energetic Ogbodo? Yes, the Good Son of the Good Man. I have thought about it all and I could only conclude that death is a crafty thief.

I still remember that bright Wednesday afternoon. Yourself, myself, Uchenna Awom, Obiora Ani, and Elder George Orji chatted and laughed so warmly as usual at the National Assembly Complex. You and I held hands as we made our way to the White House. We had hoped for a perfect trip as usual.

I tried reaching you in the early hours of that dark Thursday, February 28, 2013 to know if you would like to join me and Egbon Ismail Omipidan in my car since I had decided to travel by road. By

the time you returned the call at 9:53am, you told me you were already travelling in a chartered car along with Andrew Agbese, Uchenna Awom, and Taiwo Adisa. In fact you told me you were already heading towards Lokoja.

You were in your lively and jovial best. Nothing, no premonitions whatsoever, that death was lurking somewhere by the road or that it was our very last conversation. Yet, that is just the reality that fate has thrust on my laps. Death is a crafty thief.

Death a crafty rogue If Death were not a crafty rogue, why didn’t he challenge you to a wrestling bout. He would have discovered to his peril why you were Ogbodo the energetic.

He would have known you were Ogbodo the courageous.

Are you not the Ogbodo who dared fear, who looked the high and mighty in the face

and told them your mind, your conviction, your truth in writing?

Your pen punch a lone would have been enough to floor Death. Unfortunately, Death came upon you like a thief he is. Again, if death were not a cowardly thief, why didn’t he tell us he was going to take you away? He would have discovered to his peril your monumental achievement that made you stand solid like the Rock of Gibraltar.

He would have been amazed at your followership and the armies of friends, well wishers, colleagues, relations, associates, the high and mighty men of our society that would have resisted his untoward agendum.

You wrote your name in gold as correspondent at the House of Representatives for many years. You distinguished yourself as a correspondent in the Senate. You endeared yourself to the Nigeria Police where you also covered. At the Peoples Democratic Party, you

*Ogbodo: Energetic and ethical journalist were an oracle.

The National Assembly would have raised whatever legislative intervention to bring Death down from his Olympian heights. Your friend and brother, the Deputy President of the Senate would have moved one of his powerful motions to commandeer Death away from your track.

The Senate Press Corps and

your colleagues at The Guardian would have unleashed their pen-power.

The Inspector General of Police would have emptied the whole police force into the battle arena to humiliate Death and rescue you.

If it were a money matter, the people would have fallen on themselves to send you to the best hospitals in the world. Yes, death knew all this, and he came stealthily to whisk you away even before help could come. Death is a thief.

Nevertheless, you fought like a man. At the scene of your death, where an era ended, you showed forth yourself a warrior. In my bouts of sorrow and torrents of tears, I was consoled by the fact that Death did not go away without bullet wounds and deep cuts.

Yes, two elephants fought. As we say in the South East, mberede nyiri dike, ma mberede ka-eji ama dike (even a warlord is helpless when taken unawares, but it is at such times that the real warrior in a warlord is best revealed).

The levelled grass and the pulled trees told the story of the epic battle as you resisted Continues on page 45

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—45

Bukola Saraki:

The new face of Kwara politics?

I

MMEDIATE past governor of Kwara State now senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Bukola Saraki, made his political mark when he became the first of the state to be re-elected as governor in 2007 on the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He entrenched himself in the politics of Kwara when in 2011, without the support of his father, late Dr Olusola Saraki, who died recently, ensured the emergence and election of current governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed. He also won a seat in the Senate.

As governor, he encouraged elected and appointed members of his cabinet, including current Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who was then commissioner for Education among others to compulsorily empower people of their constituencies as a measure boosting empowerment and good governance.

In the Senate

No sooner did he resume as senator representing Kwara Central than his position on petroleum subsidy scam, gas flaring and other issues immediately put him on the front burner as a senator of note.

And unlike his contemporaries both past and present, his programmes are spread across the three senatorial districts of Kwara North, South and Central, even though he is representing only Kwara Central.

To help and encourage

potential candidates to gain admission into tertiary institutions of their choice, Senator Bukola Saraki organized extra mural classes across the three senatorial districts of the state in Offa (Kwara South), Lafiagi (Kwara North) and Ilorin (Kwara Central). Between 2012 and 2013, the candidates were further provided with free Joint Admission and Matriculation examination forms under Senator Bukola Saraki Education Support Programme.

Qualified teachers in core subjects of Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc were recruited to teach the students. Some of the coaching centers where the lawmaker offered students free lectures for the JAMB/UTME examination across the three senatorial district include Ilorin Foundation, GariAlimi for Kwara central Senatorial

,

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

*Saraki: From Govt House to Senate senatorial district so as to make water supply more available to the people of the area. He selected five people living where the boreholes were sunk and empowered them with N50,000 each to enable them see to the proper maintenance of the boreholes around them.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed also described Bukola Saraki as an exemplary leader that is passionately committed to the well being of not only his constituents but also all Kwarans

candidates; Iyeru Okin primary School Offa, for Kwara South Senatorial candidates; Lafiagi Central School, for candidates from Edu and Patigi axis and Okuta Central Primary School, for candidates from Kaiama Baruteen axis, all in the Kwara North Senatorial District.

Saraki has also embarked on many programmes in education, health, water and empowerment among others.

The federal lawmaker, had sunk over 160 boreholes across his

,

On power supply, Saraki purchased about200 transformers for the people of his senatorial area to improve power supply. The transformers were distributed to all the various communities in the senatorial district. Artisans like barbers, hair dressers and welders, among others have continued to praise the senator for his assistance to them through improved power supply, which has tremendously helped their businesses.

Similarly people with qualified

certificates from the state are being recruited into various federal establishments at various intervals with the influence and slots of the former governor in the upper chamber.

Senator Saraki also demonstrated his passion for peaceful coexistence in the state with his recent peace efforts between the people of Offa and Erin-Ile. The lawmaker cut his overseas tours to return home and personally visited the two warring towns where he met the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi and Elerin of ErinIle, Oba Abdulganiyu Ibrahim differently in their palaces to commiserate and appealed to them to allow peace to reign supreme in the two communities, knowing that development cannot thrive where there is violence.

The former governor boosted his profile last weekend as all roads led to Jooro Road in OkoErin in Ilorin West Local Government Council of the state, where he donated two grader machines that would be used to rehabilitate rural roads free of

John Abba Ogbodo: Death is a crafty thief Continues from page 44 the furry of Death. Death knew full well, that like Caesar, you were more dangerous than he.

Though you were two lions littered in one day, you were by far the elder and more terrible. Yes, you were no coward that would die many times before his death.

No, you fought like a gallant soldier who would die but once, knowing that death would come when it would come. A villager showed us the spot you bled to death, and behold, your blood was golden and royal even at death. Death is thief.

Dear Ogbodo One, my heart bleeds. O, great Ogbodo! Dost

thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils shrunk to this little measure? I wish I could reverse the hands of the clock. How do I say goodnight at dawn?

How do we explain that grim and stack darkness has suddenly enveloped a bright morning sun? How are the mighty fallen and the instruments of warfare broken.

Our talking drum has broken in the heat of battle and the flutist has lost his bearing.

The stream has choked the toad and the fish is drowned in the river. Death has made war upon our house. And the coward came, not as a gallant soldier, but a marauding and

crafty raider. Yes, death is a thief.

However, the good news for us and bad news for Death is that you only transited and never died, and would never die. Yes, we are consoled by the fact that you are too good to die and your legacies too splendid and entrenched to be obliterated even by Death. You were hard work personified.

Your humility and simplicity were excellent. You were a journalist’s journalist, a political pundit, a fearless commentator, an analyst with potent verdicts.

Yes, Death came too late because you had already paid your dues in all respects. You

were a consummate professional. You were friendly fellow, but friendship never beclouded your sense of judgment and conviction. You stood for what you believed in and you believed whatever you stood for.

O Death where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory?

Death is a loser. As you rest in peace, be rest assured that in your death, as in your lifetime, you remain a dear brother, a friend, a confidant, and my ally. Good night- even at dawn.

Fare thee well. *Uche Anichukwu, Special Adviser (Media) to Deputy President of the Senate, wrote from Abuja.

charge within his senatorial district.

At the occasion, Senator Saraki said he needed to further fulfill his campaign promises of assisting his constituents stressing that representation at the Senate must not start and end with contributions to debates on the floor of the upper chamber.

Although he did not indicate the monetary worth of the two graders, Saraki said his decision was in line with the admonition of his late father who always insisted on empowerment of his followers. He said none of the communities that will use the services of the graders is expected to pay any fee saying that all they need to do is to submit their letters of request to grade their roads to the appropriate committee in charge.

The federal lawmaker also commended the efforts of his successor-in office, governor AbdulFattah Ahmed on moving the state forward saying such commitments needed to be encouraged and complimented by others through the kind of gesture he (Saraki) was making.

Lawmaker's gesture An obviously elated Ahmed who was also present at the event promised to ensure that every rural road rehabilitated by the grader would be tarred by the state government so as to further compliment the gesture of the lawmaker .

Ahmed described the commitment of the federal lawmaker to the project as a further demonstration of the benefits of continuity in government and charged the beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance of the projects in their areas.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed also described Saraki as an exemplary leader that is passionately committed to the well being of not only his constituents but also all Kwarans.

According to the governor, Dr. Saraki has demonstrated beyond doubt that he is a worthy successor of late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki under whose political tutelage they all learnt to think about the welfare of others before self.

While promising to generate more youth jobs, build more rural roads, Governor Ahmed expressed his determination to complete all on-going projects, especially the five teaching hospitals on schedule. He thanked the people of the state for their support for the PDP administration in the state.

Earlier at another forum, Senator Saraki had tasked leaders of Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union (IEDPU) on the need to ensure there was no communication gap between his office and the union as he pledged total support for the group.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY,

MARCH 8, 2013

Preventing diabetic nerve damage with exercise

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

D

IABETES mellitus, DM, is one of the most common non-communicable diseases,NCDs, globally. It is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most high-income countries and there is substantial evidence that it is epidemic in many economically developing and newly industrialised countries. Diabetes is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems in the 21st century.

Studies describing possible causes and distribution of diabetes over the last 20 years have been extraordinary. They continue to confirm that it is the low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria that face the greatest burden of diabetes.

However, many governments and public health planners still remain largely unaware of the current magnitude, more importantly, the future potential for increases in diabetes and its serious complications.

Statistics show that 366 million people had diabetes in 2011; by 2030 this will have risen to 552 million. Diabetes alone caused 4.6 million deaths in 2011.

To mitigate some complications of diabetes, experts say there is need to make exercise a regular part of life. According to them, dedication to exercise may help control nerve pain or peripheral neuropathy. A study says people who took a brisk onehour walk on a treadmill four times a week slowed how quickly their nerve damage worsened. Before making

exercise a regular part of your life, first, speak with your doctor to see which exercise is right for you.

Here are some exercise tips; Look for low-impact exercise: Swimming or water aerobics can be gentle forms of exercise. Water supports your body, putting less pressure on feet affected by nerve pain. Yoga and tai chi may also be good choices. Their movements may help with balance and relaxation.

Overcome fear, start slow: Starting exercise can be challenging.

Make it easier by starting slowly. Try five minutes of extra movement a day and add a little more time each day. The American Diabetes Association recommends building up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Working on balance Working on Balance: Build your balance by practicing rising out of a chair. Do it three times in a row. At first you can use your arms to help and steady you. Work towards doing it unassisted.

Balance on one leg: Slowly raise one foot off the ground so that you are standing on one leg. Try holding for 30 seconds, then switch. As you get better, try and balance for a little longer. You can practice this move most anywhere — at the sink in the morning, in line at the grocery store, or while talking on the phone. Your goal is to do this handsfree. In case you need to steady yourself, have a stable object nearby.

Walk a Tight Rope: No high wire needed for this move — just follow the same motion. Practice walking heel to toe. Line one foot up directly in front of the other as you step for-

• Movement disorders like Multiple System Atrophy, MSA, results in the degeneration of nerve cells in several regions of the brain that affect abilities most people take for granted.

• The key is making exercise a regular part of your life with diabetes. ward. Leave some bend in your knees and spread out your arms to help you balance.

Tippy Toe: Stand near a chair, railing, or other object for support. Slowly rise up onto the balls of both feet and hold. Do three times.Each time try and hold longer. Balance moves can be done every day.

Before you start, get checked: Get your heart, eyes,

and feet checked out by your doctor before starting a new form of exercise. After each workout look for injury to feet, and other areas prone to injury. When you have diabetes blisters, cracks, cuts, and scrapes should be treated with extra care to avoid infection.

Proper footwear and pack a snack: Having a good fitting pair of athletic shoes is especially important for people with diabetes.

Blood sugar and exercise:

Check blood glucose before and after exercise. It can help you learn exercise’s effect on your blood sugar to help you manage it. The safe range for exercise is between 100 and 250 mg/dL. If your average blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL and you have type 1 diabetes, you will want to check for ketones in your urine. If it is moderate or high, delay exercise until it lowers.

Shortage of neurologists hampers Multiple System Atrophy treatment

W

ITH only 20 neurolo gists serving about 160 million Nigerians, stakeholders are worried that movement disorders such as Multiple System Atrophy, MSA, may remain under diagnosed thereby increasing morbidity and mortality from the disorder.

MSA is a rare disease with a prevalence rate of 4 to 6 per 100,000 people.

The experts who spoke at a press conference organised by Funmi Fashina Foundation, FFF, to herald activities marking the 4th World Annual Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month in Lagos said shortage of neurologists is definitely affecting treatment and management of MSA. They noted that the few neurologists available are largely concentrated in the urban areas which they said would hamper patients in the rural areas access to treatment.

Consultant Neuorologist from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ayodeji Oluwole explained that MSA results in the degeneration of nerve cells in

several regions of the brain that affect abilities most people take for granted.

“Initial symptoms may include loss of balance, fainting due to loss severely low blood pressure, bladder and bowel issues, speech and swallowing difficulties, sleep disturbances, breathing problems, rigidity and tremors.”

Oluwole who regretted that there is no cure for the disorder noted that with proper management and right drugs, it would be less embarrassing for the patients.

Advocating massive awareness on the disorder, he regretted that people are not aware of the disorder as it is usually associated with spiritual attacks in this part of the world.

On her part, Ms. Kemi Onabanjo, from Funmi Fashina Foundation, FFF, noted that because of the rarity of MSA, researchers are having difficulties finding funding for research into the disorder and parents as well as their families are left feeling abandoned by the government, medical establishment and various support organisations that focus on commoner medical conditions.

Onabanjo said the

Foundation is committed to improving awareness about MSA and proving support to patients with MSA and their caregivers in Nigeria.

The Foundation also promotes and supports improved access to care and research towards improving the understanding of the mechanisms underlying MSA,” she added.

To mark the month in Nigeria, Mr. Ajibade Fashina said because the Foundation was established in memory of his wife, FFF will run a fiveminute talk show every Wednesday throughout March.

“We have established a link with specialists at the Movement Disorders Clinic of the Neurology Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, to provide social support for patients, their families and caregivers.

“The Foundation also provides information about MSA to the general public viawww.fffoundation.org.ng.

This includes information on how to contact the foundation, join the move to promote awareness about MSA and how to support the foundation,” he added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013— 47

M

USLIMS in the SouthWest under the umbrella of the Joint Muslims’ Action Forum (JOMAF) have called for Sovereign National Conference (SNC), through which a true Constitution would emerge.

The Forum at its maiden public progamme in Osogbo, the Osun State capital at the weekend tagged “The Nation Prays,” was of the view that “it is through true constitution that restructuring of the polity that will guarantee equal rights of the citizenry would be achieved.”

The event, held at the open field of the Government Technical College was attended by clerics across the zone, traditional rulers, Islamic organisations, students and youths organizations.

Prof. Lakin Akintola of the

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

South-West Muslims demand for National Conference •Call for use of Hijab in public schools, Hijrah holiday The duo urged those in authorities to create an enabling environment through which rights could be demanded unhindered to allow for peace

,

The continuous demand of rights by the Muslims should not be seen as act of militancy because we have been civil enough in going about it and we never close the chapter of dialogue to achieve this purpose

,

Lagos State University (LASU), and The Nation newspapers columnist, Dr. Femi Abbas who were among the guest speakers on the occasion asserted that “calling for and demanding for rights peacefully is not a sin.

and tranquility in the country.

The gathering seized the opportunity to demand for using of Hijab (head scarf) by female Muslim students in all public schools, Hijrah public holiday, teaching of morals in schools

as well as adequate representation of Muslims in public offices in accordance with their populations in various states.

While praying for peace, progress and development of the country, Dr Abbas urged Nigerian to work toward achieving the aforementioned, saying “it would amount to hypocrisy for people to pray for peace and at the same time behave in a manner capable of breaching the peace.”

The gathering thereafter threw their weights behind the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on state policies that they said were in conformity with divine injunc-

tions that harped on equal rights for the citizenry, promising their continued support to the governor in as much as he governed well and gave everybody his rights.

Earlier in his remark, JOMAF Chairman, Alhaji Kola Usaamot urged the government to look into the appointment of teachers, lamenting the dearth of Islamic Studies teachers across board.

“We wonder who will teach our students Religious Knowledge when those who are to teach the subject teachers are not recruited,” he said.

Chief Missioner, Ansar-udDeen Society of Nigeria,

Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad urged Aregbesola to ensure rights of citizens are always protected irrespective of political and religious affiliations.

He said citizens demand for their rights should not be seen as public disturbance.

“The continuous demand of rights by the Muslims should not be seen as act of militancy because we have been civil enough in going about it and we never close the chapter of dialogue to achieve this purpose,” he said.

Prof Akintola chided government inconsistency in tackling AIDS scourge.

“How can a government that is sincere in prevention of further spread of the deadly disease be encouraging naked dressing and forbid usage of hijab in schools,” he said.

In his response, Governor Aregbesola expressed appreciation to the gathering, assuring them that he would not relent in his efforts at giving every citizen his due as dictated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His administration, he said, is poised to implement policies that would uplift the state and the nation at large.

He enjoined them to continue praying for the country.

Achieving peace... (2)

By Harun Rasaq

I

T is observed from history that, whenever the Muslim turned to the commandment of Allah, He (Allah) assists them to the level of their effort. A good example of such assertion is the Saudi Arabia where we believed that Shariah is operational virtually in all spheres of life; although with some reservation by some people on the contrary; it is acclaimed that it has the lowest rate of crime, corruption and other vices in the world.

In fact, you can leave your car running outside a supermarket and still find it intact after purchasing your needs from the supermarket.

Excellent social infrastructure The security of lives and property can be gauged by their excellent social infrastructure such as road network energy, health care education etc.

Indeed, some of these places are rated better than some cities in the Western world when we talk of moral and social security despite, Allah still fulfilled His promise by rewarding them for their little effort in His path, since Allah, promise are but truth.

In Nigeria, statements abound to the effect that Nigeria is one of the leading Muslim countries in the world. This assertion is a paradox and cannot be acceptable to Muslims who are familiar with the teachings of Islam. How many Muslims in Nigeria submit themselves to the full course of Islam on all aspects of human endeavours?

How many Muslim in Nigeria posses the right aqiidah (doctrine) i.e to believe in Allah and all aspects of faith in Islam and not to ascribe partner with Allah; Ibadah (worship) i.e to carryout act of worship namely: Salat, fasting, Zakat, Hajj etc. correctly and for only Allah; Akhlaq (behaviour): i.e to behave well to both Muslim and non-Muslim.

A sincere Muslim does not wait till his or her state becomes a shariah state before he practice Islam fully. Shaykh Hassan Al-Hudaybiyy was quoted to have says: “Entrench Islam in your heart and Allah shall entrench it for you on your land”.

Therefore, if this is the position of Muslim in Nigeria, nobody should judge Islam with the behaviour of a Muslim who neither accepted Islam fully nor make use of preventive and curative prescriptions of Islam in solving their problem.

From left: Alhaji Kola Usaamot, JOMAF Chairman, Chief Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Hon Muhammed Ibrahim during a progamme tagged “The Nation Prays,” organised by the Joint Muslims’ Action Forum (JOMAF) at Government Technical College, Osogbo recently.

From left: Abdul-Lateef, Afusat Ogunlewe and Mrs Adebusayo Odivbri during the graduation ceremony of Afusat held recently at Uniport.

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED DACHUNG—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lydia John Dachung, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dola Lydia Yohanna. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public please take note.

IDIAGHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idiaghe U s i o m w a n t a Laurentta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. N u g b a s o r o U s i o m w a n t a Laurentta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWUCHURUBA GEOFFERY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amara Joy Onwuchuruba Geoffery, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amara Joy Nwankwo.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

OSUACHALA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuachala Justina Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekpe Justina Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and general public please take note.

OYIVWIN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejiro Oyivwin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejiro Atomre. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Happiness Okeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Happiness Obidike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Nwokoro Pauline Alaba, now wish to be known and addressed as Aigbokhaode Pauline Alaba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKAKPU— We, formerly known and addressed as OKAKPU family of Umueri village, Ogbunike Oyi local government area, Anambra State: Mr. Victor Ifeanyi Okakpu, Mrs. Stella Amaka Okakpu, Miss Oluebube Princess Okakpu, Master Ifeanyi Chimamanda Samuel Okakpu, and Miss Precious Chibusomma Okakpu, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYICHUKWU family: Mr. Ifeanyi Victor Ifeanyichukwu, Mrs. Stella Amaka Ifeanyichukwu, Miss Oluebube Princess Ifeanyichukwu, Master Ifeanyi Chimamanda Samuel Ifeanyichukwu and Miss Precious Chibusomma Ifeanyichukwu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NAVWODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bughevon Pascalia N., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. AghoghoOghene pascalia Asibelua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWUMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Nwakaego Chukwuma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anthonia Nwakaego Egwuenu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BABALOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Babalola Kikelomo Lynda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osiawa Kikelomo Lynda. All former documents remain valid. Post Primary Education Board (Asaba) and general public please take note.

EKEVWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekevwo Edirinverere Endurance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edirinverere Endurance Omuero. All former documents remain valid. Agofure Motors general public please take note.

ODOKO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odoko Ishioma Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Mekwunye Ishioma Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKPOTOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Christy Ikpotor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christy Eziyodawe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABIOLUWAJUMI — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abioluwajumi Elizabeth Tosan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omatsuli Elizabeth Tosan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name I formerly known as Mr. Atakirijenyo Afro.

E. Prince, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Asaba A.E.P. Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ATAKIRIJENYO —I, formerly known as Mrs. Atakirijenyo Kathryn Osariemen, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Asaba A. O. Kathryn.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKELE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akele Edesiri Patience, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Odesa Edesiri Patience. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SILAS—I, formerly

OKAFOR—I, formerly

please take note.

DURUNWA—I, formerly known as Durunwa Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Akumka Chidinma.

Durunwa Chidinma and Akumka Chidinma is one and same person. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

public please take note.

CHIOBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioba Ifeoma Lilian, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Nwankwo Ifeoma Lilian. All former documents remain valid. CMA-CGM Delmas Ltd. and general public please take note.

KOJO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Magdaline Kojo Moyou, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Victor Magdaline Moyou Jacob. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UWAKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwakwe Loveth Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anopuechi Loveth Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEOKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeoke Kosisochukwu, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs. Anyoha MariaD o r a t h y Kosisochukwu. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; NYSC and general public take note.

CHIKWELU—I, formerly known and addressed as Chikwelu Ogechukwu Chidum, now wish to be known and addressed as Nkem-Uzodimma Ogechukwu Chidum.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ASSANGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uduakobong Elohor Assangha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. U d u a k o b o n g Obosameye Adagbon.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONAKORAME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sandra Oghenetejiri Onakorame, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sandra Oghenetejiri Otagbe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBONNA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinasa Jane Ogbonna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinasa Mary EzeEnwere. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uba Ugochi Theresa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okere Ugochi Theresa. All former documents remain valid. Rochas Foundation College, Owerri, Rochas Foundation Group, Abuja and general public take note.

EGESI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egesi Nzenwanyi Eziaha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wogu Nzenwanyi Eziaha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NDUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndukwu Joy Chinwendu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugwujor Joy Chinwendu.

All former documents remain valid. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, NYSC and general public take note.

AGBASIEJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbasieje Amarachi Lilian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnaemeka Amarachi Lilian. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Ijeoma Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okeke Daniel Ijeoma Juliet. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

NSIANYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nsianya Q u e e n d a l i n e Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uwakwe Queendaline Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

NNADI EVELYN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Evelyn Nnadi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Ngwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWIDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwidi Confidence Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odoh Confidence Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid.

FUTO, NYSC and general public please take note.

CHUKWUKANNE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwukanne Chinedu Happyness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzoagulu Chinedu Happyness. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESIEKPE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esiekpe Ogheneochuko Enitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akusu Ogheneochuko Enitan. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria [MDCN] and general public please take note.

ILOUGA —I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ilouga Chikaodili Ifeyinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aleke Chikaodili Ifeyinwa. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Bar Association and general public please take note.

OKHIULU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Magdalene Enibokun Okhiulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Magdalene Enibokun Dada. All former documents remain valid. Total Health Trust Ltd and general public, please take note.

known and addressed as Mr. John Silas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. John EkpoAbasi. All former documents remain valid. General public

known and addressed as Miss Okafor Joy, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Ozogugofor Joy . All former documents remain valid. General

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013—49

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of Names I want to in inform the general public that I, Mrs. Christiana Abieyuwa Adoye, bear the following names: Christiana Abieyuwa Adeoye, Chriatiana Abieyuwa Adoye, Aishat Barakat Adeoye, Aisha Barakat Adoye, or Barakat Aisha Adoye, due to typing errors and my change of religion.

All documents bearing any of the names above remain valid. All issuing house registrar and general public please take note.

AKINFEMISOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinfemisoye Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ozah Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nweke Chigozirim Promise, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndukwu Chigozirim Ihueze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OCHONOGOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ashinedu Monica Ochonogor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Monica Ashinedu Egwunatum. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHUMA-AGAZIE — I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Uche B. Chuma-Agazie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agazie, Uche Bernice. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education and general public please take note.

ODAFE —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Emuobowasan Odafe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Emuobowasan Shokoya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGWAJINYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rose Agwajinya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rose J. Musa. All former documents remain valid. FCT Universal Basic Education Board, UBA Plc, IBTC Managers and general public please take note.

BUKAR MAILAFIYA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nate Bukar Mailafiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nate Job Abah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Chinwendu Pauline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olufemi Chinwendu Pauline. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public please take note.

IKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iku Gertrude Nneka, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Azamegbe Gertrude. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OTONYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juan Otonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juan Kemeladei Sikpi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WERIZIGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Werizigha Ogidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Esther Ogidi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOLOEGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoloegbo Obiageli Becky, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obiageli Bernard Okoye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHENGE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chenge Stephanie Erdoo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shaakaa Stephanie Erdoo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Ashafa, others support, PHC fund for host communities

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

S

ENATOR Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, yesterday, stressed the need for the amendment of Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, to fully accommodate and cater for petroleum host communities, PHC, in the disbursement of fund.

Ashafa, who made the move during deliberations on PIB, stressed that “special emphasis must be placed on how the PIB should be amended so that the PHC are fully represented and catered for by the PHC Fund”.

He noted that since the year 2000, there had been so much degradation of the environment coupled with unwanton loss of lives to pipelines explosion due to vandalism, stressing: "The PIB must be clear as to how states, towns and villages that host pipelines should be adequately compensated from the PHC Fund, but since the term PHC was not clearly defined in the PIB, it will be difficult to determine who the real stake holders are.”

Ashafa added that since PHC is any community that has a petroleum facility or operational foot print, the definition will include all the states that have petroleum products pipelines criss-crossing their states.

Jigawa votes N112m for malaria control

By Tina Akannam

D

UTSE—JIGAWA State government has earmarked more than N112 million for the purchase of indoor/ residual spray chemicals and other equipment for this year’s spray session in three selected local government areas in the state.

Speaking at the opening of bids for the purchase of the materials in Dutse, the state capital, yesterday, the Project Manager of the state Malaria Control Agency in the state, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim said the materials include spray chemicals, protecting clothing, repair kits as well as spray boards and pumps.

He said: "The essence of the purchase of the materials is to protect the people of the selected local government areas against mosquito bites and malaria disease through house to house in-door spray."

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8 , 2013—51

Odinga raises dust over polls K ENYANS may be heading for another election related crisis as the team of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Raila Odinga, have raised concerns about the vote talies coming from the counting cenre yesterday. With about 6 million votes tallied at press time, Uhuru Kenyatta had about 3.1 million votes to Odinga’s 2.6 million, giving the deputy prime minister more than 50 percent.

But Raila Odinga’s campaign team said yesterday said some of the results of Sunday’s election had been

doctored and called for the vote count to be halted, remarks that could inflame a largely peaceful poll.

Odinga, running mate Kalonzo Musyoka, who made the comments, said they were not a call for mass action and urged voters to stay calm and patient.

Kenyatta has been indicted for crimes against humanity over ethnic violence which grew out of disputes over Kenya’s last election in 2007 that killed 1,200 people, posing a dilemma for

Italian court jails Berlusconi

A

N Italian court sentenced ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday to one year in jail over the publication by his family’s newspaper of a transcript of a leaked wiretap connected to a banking scandal in 2006.

Italian justice system rules mean the 76-yearold media billionaire would not have to serve

any jail time until the appeals process has been exhausted, and a higher court may still overturn the ruling.

It came in the middle of a political impasse arising from last week’s election which left no party able to form a government on its own, although Berlusconi’s center-right formation emerged as the second strongest in parliament.

Western governments if he wins. Judges at the ICC agreed yesterday to delay the start of Kenyatta’s trial for crimes against humanity to July 9 from April 11, to give defense lawyers more time to prepare.

Despite technical glitches, international observers have in past days broadly said the vote and count was transparent, but Musyoka said it should be stopped.

The vote count has been marred by severe delays as the electronic system has crashed

US, UK call for global action to tackle sexual violence in conflict Secretary, has called for centers and other can be heard.

By EMEKA AGINAM, with agency report

P

RESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday signed legislation expanding the violence against women Act (VAWA) to afford domestic violence protections to gay, lesbian and transgender victims as well as Native Americans and undocumented immigrants.This came as the British Foreign

greater international action to tackle sexual violence in conflict.

The existing VAWA law, first enacted in 1994 to aid victims of domestic violence, offers programs and services to survivors, the criminal justice system and the community. The law has established the federal prosecution of interstate crimes, identifies dating violence and stalking as crimes of domestic violence, offers federal funding for rape crisis

Chavez’s body lies in state in Venezuela •as NLC mouns

millions of Venezuelans and their friends across the world who adored his policies, which were generally pro-people.

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG with agency report

T

ENS of thousands of Venezuelans have been queuing to pay their last respects to President Hugo Chavez, who died on Tuesday after 14 years in power.

His body is lying in state at the military academy in the capital Caracas before his state funeral on Friday.

His supporters want him interred alongside Simon Bolivar, the 19th Century independence leader he claimed as his

The Foreign Secretary’s Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI), according to Hooman Nouruzi, Press Secretary British High Commission Abuja in a statement said was a key foreign affairs priority for the UK’s G8 Presidency this year, aimed to increase the number of perpetrators facing justice, push for greater international action and help countries improve their efforts to tackle these crimes and support survivors.

“International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women’s achievements, but also to highlight where more work needs to be done.

France’s defense minister visits Mali

F Hugo Chavez’s body lies in state “ revolutionary ” inspiration. Mr Chavez died at the age of 58 after a two-year battle with cancer..

Meanwhile, the

Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has said the death of Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela is a devastating blow to

N/Korea threatens to attack US North Korea threatened the United States yesterday with a preemptive nuclear strike, raising the level of rhetoric just before the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions against the reclusive country.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said North Korea’s

provisions.

The bill, passed in Congress on Feb. 28, authorizes funding for more rape kits and a national registry of forensic evidence, strengthens trafficking statutes and makes other new provisions in addition to expanding coverage for more survivors. Men are covered under the law, but it’s called the Violence Against Women Act because women are disproportionally victims in domestic violence.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague vowed to redouble efforts to tackle the culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence in conflict and ensure survivors’ voices

threats would achieve nothing and would only further isolate the country.

China’s U.N. Ambassador Li Baodong said Beijing wanted to see “full implementation” of the new U.N. Security Council resolution that tightens financial

restrictions on Pyongyang and cracks down on its attempts to ship and receive banned cargo.

North Korea has accused the United States of using military drills in South Korea as a launch pad for a nuclear war and has scrapped the armistice with Washington that ended hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War.

RANCE’s defense minister flew to Mali in a surprise visit yestersday, as military officials in Paris said at least 100 al-Qaidalinked fighters died in a two-week campaign to oust the jihadists from a rocky desert valley that had been their key base.

The sweep by combined Chadian and French forces by air and ground in the Amettetai Valley of Ifoghas mountain range began in mid-February, and marked the bloodiest and closest-range fighting since France deployed forces eight weeks ago to Mali to help its embattled government rid its vast north of militants who ran it for months.

“In dislodging the jihadists from their last

bastions, you are the spearhead of this relentless war,” Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told troops in

Tessalit, on the north side of the Ifoghas, according to a statement from his office.

Jordan arrests Bin Laden’s man

O

SAMA bin Laden’s spokesman and son-in-law has been captured by U.S. intelligence officials, a senior congressman said yesterday, calling it a “very significant victory” in the ongoing fight against alQaida.

The former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, credited the CIA and FBI with catching Sulaiman Abu Ghaith in Jordan within the last week. He said the capture was confirmed to him by U.S. law enforcement officials.

King, said Ghaith took part in the Sept. 11, 2001, plot against the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

“Definitely, one by one, we are getting the top echelons of al-Qaida,” King said Thursday. “I give the (Obama) administration credit for this: it’s steady and it’s unrelenting and it’s very successful.”

The Turkish newspaper Hürriyet reported that Ghaith was passing through Jordan, on his way to Kuwait, shortly after leaving Turkey.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,

MARCH 8, 2013

T

Ilah in the eyes of Uduaghan

,

HERE was something unique about the reception Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan held for the Super Eagles while celebrating their 2013 Nations Cup feat.

Some of the names Nigeria adored long before the present generation were invited. Some of them were already in their 70s and only few who were of the old generation could recognise them.

There was George Oganwu, the first university graduate to play for the Green Eagles as they were called at the time. Then Owolo, Ebiwan Didiare, Godwin Etemike and Jossy Dombraye.

Stephen Keshi and Sylvanus Okpala are old enough to have watched Dombraye in the 70s but I’m not sure they saw George Oganwu play. It was emotional when the presence of these veterans was announced and they were asked to stand for recognition. Oganwu was called to speak. He interjected humour while speaking but made a point that touched all in the hall. ‘’Our own Austin Ofokwu was being buried here in Nigeria, the same day George Best was being lowered to mother earth in England. While we watched on CNN, Sky News, BBC and other cable stations on how they were burying the former England star, our own star died and was buried unsung. We must begin to celebrate our heroes so that the younger ones would want to emulate them.’’

Austin Jay Jay Okocha was in the hall and sat close to me. ‘’Time is coming when we would be like this man and they would be inviting us to make such speeches,’’ Okocha said, smiling and appreciating what the Delta State Government was doing.

At the October 30 sports summit held in Asaba in 2012, former 400m world champion Bert Cameroun of Jamaica awed the audience with some of the things that have made Jamaica great in track and field. He spoke eloquently on mentoring and revealed that even the history of their past heroes is taught in schools.

Jamaican heroes are invited to events and schools to give motivational talks. They are adored and the young ones strive to emulate them. It was against this background that Delta invited these past football heroes from Delta to be part of the reception held for the Eagles. The players were rewarded with cash.

Keshi got cash, a house and the Asaba Stadium named

,

He respects the potentials the town churns out and hopes that there could be more stars from Ilah

after him.

The governor recalled that the feat achieved by Keshi had only been achieved by Mohammed El Gohary of Egypt. He is late now. He won the Nations Cup as a player and as a coach. Keshi has stepped into his shoes and now a living legend in African football.

Uduaghan felt justified to so honour Keshi whom he also told that with time he would be invited to be part of a programme his government has already started.

Delta is already implementing the report of the 2012 summit which emphasized on sports in schools and local communities. The Governor’s Cup, a football competition among secondary schools is now in the knock out stage. The school that wins will earn cash, a bus and a foreign trip for a youth competition. Delta is also starting a similar thing in track and field with the Awoturo Eleaya Cup. Cult heroes in track and field will play a role. Christian Chukwu, Davidson Onwumi and Jay Jay Okocha all gave motivational talks at the kick off of the Governor’s Cup in Asaba.

Back to the reward night for the Eagles. When Uduaghan stood to speak, he first reacted to the points

Lagos Polo: Goodfellows whitewash HST L

AGOS Goodfellows continued their match for glory by beating HST 10½ – 3 in the Low Cup of the Lagos Polo International Tournament which is now in its homestretch.

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance Wale Edun played a circuit breaker role for the Goodfellows by curtailing the moves of the HST parading the Mdehli brothers Mohammed and Kareem.

Thomas Usher scored two 40-yards penalties to give Goodfellows a 2-½ lead but Ali Bajarwhi’s 60 yard shot rolled in slowly to give HST a slender ½ - goal lead. Usher scored another penalty from 30 yards just before the as the lively opening chukka came to an end.

Wale Edu’s son Tobi then put his name on the scorers’ sheet by scrambling in a shot soon after, it was Usher again who scored a high goal

shot from 30 yards to give the Goodfellows a 5- 2½ lead.

Usher also scored another goal in the early part of the third chukka before Tobi finished off a solo move by tapping in for 7- 2½ - lead.

Abdulmimuni Musa also scored in succession

in the third chukka before Usher scored his side’s tenth goal with tobi riding off Kareem Mdehli.

In the day’s first Low Cup match, Kano H-Hago edged Ibadan Jericho 8-7 to notch their second straight win. Their lowmargin win could however count against

them for a place in Sunday’s final following Kano RTC’s 8-3½ - win over Jericho. The defeat ended Jericho’s slim hope of progressing to the final.

Another entertaining match yesterday saw Caverton whitewash Bell Oil & Gas 11½ -3 in the League 1 of the Low Cup.

Mondo Sports visits Nigeria R

EPRESENTATIVES of Mondo Spa of Italy, the giant multinational sports facilities manufacturers will begin a working visit to Nigeria from March 11 to 15th .

Mondo, has been the official supplier of athletics racing tracks, sports facilities and equipment to the Olympic Games since 1976.

Mondo is also the official supplier to the International Association of Athletics Federation

(IAAF) World championships meetings since 1984.

Leading the Mondo team to Nigeria is the Iberica General Manager, Mr Palomera Bel Santiago Jose in charge of Mondo Sports Equipment and a senior manager in charge of Africa Romanu Gracia Alfredo Eduardo.

The visit will involve series of meetings with some stake holders and will deliberate and explore the various ways

Mondo can assist in the development of sports in the country.

Nigeria representative of the company and facilitator of the visit, Martins Osaile told Sports Vanguard that also for discussion will be how the company will install genuine sports equipment in the various stadiums in the country.

“Sub-standard sports equipment have been affecting the performance of our athletes for too long,” Osaile said.

Oganwu made. Oganwu is from Ilah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta. Uduaghan recalled that Austin Ofokwu that Oganwu remembered hailed from Ilah. He also mentioned Pa John Ojidoh, a veteran sports administrator who at his young age coached track and field, football before becoming an officiating official in athletics and a referee in football. ‘’Pa Ojidoh may not be strong now otherwise he would have been here today,’’ Uduaghan said of the 86 year veteran who still finds time to comment current sports matters. Ojidoh was reacting to developments during the Nations Cup. On January 16, few days to Nigeria’s first match at the Nations Cup, I visited Ojidoh at his home in Ilah. On a sick bed, he spoke on sports, recalling dates in such a manner that marvelled me. His body may be weak but his brain was still sharp. It was my first visit to Ilah and when I told him that I liked the town he cut this way: ‘’It’s a peaceful place. The white men, the missionaries came here in 1888, before they got to Asaba. Ilah produced the first black and non priest (Lay) to be Principal of the famous St. Gregory’s College in Obalende, Lagos.

His name was Paul Amenechi. His younger brother, Patrick was first Nigerian to obtain First Class Honours in Chemistry at the University of Ibadan. Ilah produced the first West African female Architect in Joy Ugboda, an elder sister of Mrs Ifeajuna. Julius Chigbolu set British and Commonwealth High Jump record in 1954 with a jump of 6.94 mark. He was from Ilah. We can go on and on about the people of Ilah. Austin Ofokwu, a one time captain of the Eagles came from here. Stephen Keshi is from here and before Keshi was Mathew Onyema who was Eagles captain in acting capacity. I wish Keshi wins the Nations Cup so that he can be among the greats from Ilah.’’

And when this happened and Uduaghan was hosting the team he commended the feat from Ilah people and spoke of a possibility of citing a football academy in Ilah. He respects the potentials the town churns out and hopes that there could be more stars from Ilah. That will be commendable. It is a town that has produced stars and ready to continue if the academy comes to town. Oganwu is interested and wishes this to happen.

CBN Junior Tennis: Kasara battles to save crown

N

ATIONAL 10 and under champion, Kasara Adegboyega of the Gentle Hearts Global Harvest, Ibadan, lost her opening round robin match 4 - 9 to Ehi Aisosa from Benin and the second 2-9 to Bose Are from Ilorin but had since fought back with a vengeance to try to remain a champion.

Adegboyega beat Chidinma Eze from Onitsha 9-0, Tolu Olawale from Ilorin 9-0 and team mate Musirat

Asherere 9-0 to book a place in the girls 12 and under semi finals.

The other semifinalists are Bose Are, Ehi Aisosa and Marylove Edwards who appears to be the girl to beat in the group.

The semifinalists in the boys 16 category has also been decided.

Seun Olatunji and Baruwa Olawale won through from Group A while Olumide Ayoola and Ahmed Adefilaka came through from Group B.

Matches to d e c i d e semifinal places in the other age categories are still ongoing.

The finals of the tournament taking place at the lagos Lawn tennis Club is scheduled for •Godwin Kienka, Organiser CBN Saturday March Junior Tennis.

9 from 12 noon.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 — 55

Kanu defrauded N1.4bn

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

E

X-NIGERIA star Nwankwo Kanu has lost N1.4 billion (about $104m) and a top executive of his hotel has been arrested and charged to court.

Managing director of Hardley Suites Hotel in Lagos, Ayoola Gam Ikon, 49, has been arrested and charged to court for the alleged fraud.

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit arrested Ikon, the managing director of Hardley Suites Limited situated at Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, off Elsie Femi Pearse Street, Victoria Island, Lagos southwest Nigeria, for allegedly stealing the N1.4 billion belonging to the hotel owned by Kanu.

Also arrested along with him over the alleged fraud is a hotel staff, Oke Samuel.

They were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court on a 19-count charge of felony to wit, obtaining money under false pretence.

The police alleged in charge suit No. K/8/2013 that Ikon was arrested following a complaint by the management of

T

HE panel set up by the Nigeria Football Federation to resolve the contract war over Super Eagles star, Sunday Mba, has told the feuding clubs, Rangers International and Warri Wolves to go and sort out the matter before Monday or else they would come out with their ruling.

This was the decision arrived last night by the panel chaired by Dr. Sanusi, who said that since football was a united family, there were better ways of resolving conflicts internally, without direct intervention by the regulating authorities.

Dr. Sanusi was reported to have stated this after Mba, made a passionate appeal during their sitting yesterday, where he dramatically noted that any decision reached that did not favour him

O C C E R ’ S governing body FIFA has written to the Nigerian Football Association over reports that lesbians had been banned from playing football in the West African nation.

A FIFA spokesman confirmed the letter but emphasised it was a preliminary inquiry.

Nigerian media reports have widely quoted Dilichukwu Onyedinma, head of the country ’s women’s football league,

FIFA queries NFF over ban on Lesbianism as saying lesbian players would not be allowed to compete.

“Any player that we find is associated with it will be disqualified,” Onyedinma was quoted as saying. “We will call the club chairmen to control their players, and such players will not be able to play for the

national team,” she added.

Gay rights campaigners including the Federation of Gay Games, the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation said they had written to FIFA president Sepp Blatter about the alleged ban.

We’re not in possession of FIFA query

T

•Kanu Hardley Suites Limited, Nwankwo Kanu and Ogbonna Kanu, that Ikon between 2005 and 2012 allegedly defrauded them of the sum of about N1.4 billion on the pretence of using the money to expand the existing facilities of the hotel by constructing and furnishing of additional blocks of 30 suites and conference facilities.

But he allegedly failed

to use the money for the purpose and allegedly converted the money to his personal use.

He was also alleged to have forged a special resolution purportedly made by the board of directors of Hardley Suites Limited to obtain loans of N187 million, N50 million and N493 million from Skye Bank Plc without authorization.

Mba: Panel orders Wolves, Rangers to resolve conflict

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

S

was going to damage his football career.

This was so as it has emerged that Mba actually signed a contract with Rangers, while still being a player of Warri Wolves. The implications were clear.

At the resumed hearing of the panel’s deliberations held at the NFF Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, we gathered that Barr. Dafe Mapo, who stood in for the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Pinnick Amaju, was excellent and articulate in his presentation. It was learnt that he argued that documents on ground showed that Mba had a subsisting contract with Warri Wolves.

Also, the Nigeria Premier League led by Salihu Abubakar, was flawless in their presentation. They had actually ruled that Mba

was a Wolves player.

It was at this point that Mba, dramatically stood up and pleaded to be heard out on the matter.

Looking sad and close to tears, he was reported to have have said that if the decision did not favour him that it will be catastrophic for his fledgling career, “having scored great goals for Nigeria.”

Panel sources inferred that Mba made this appeal after perceiving that it was not going his way because a player who signed two contracts would face serious implications.

In their closing remark, the panel urged both clubs to amicably resolve the matter before Monday and duly inform them of their decision in written form. He noted that failure by both parties to agree would see them come out with their verdict.

HE Nigeria Football F e d e r a t i o n yesterday denied ever receiving any query from FIFA. NFF assistant director, Media, Ademola Olajire told our reporter that the football house was yet to receive any such correspondent from the world football governing body.

“We are not aware,” Olajire said, in answer to our inquiry. “We don’t have any such query so I cannot comment on media reports,” he insisted.

Super Falcons players celebrating a goal.

We should host to win – Onyali

BY JACOB AJOM

F

ORMER Africa queen of the tracks and member of the Local Organising Committee for the 1st African Junior

Delta Continued from BP shape.”

Pinnick further disclosed that the Warri Stadium has been reconfigured into an athletics-friendly sports complex as a 4-track warm up track has been approved to be in place before the championships. “It will be the first of its kind in the West African sub-region,” he added.

The Delta State sports boss also spoke on the state of medical facilities for the championships.

“The medical facilities at Shell, Chevron and even at Oghara are of world standards. What we have there is beyond the conventional Nigerian standards,” he said.

On security, while Pinnick pointed out that there was nowhere in the world without security issues, he said Warri was safer than most parts of Nigeria. “Security details cannot be subject for public consumption."

Athletics Championships, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi has said Nigeria would strive to successfully host to win.

“Yes, I want to see us emerge tops at the end of this maiden edition of the championships in the provision of world standard facilities and

Martins

Continued from BP last month, while rapidraider Obafemi Martins makes a return, and there is a surprise call for Ukraine-based Babatunde Michael, who played for the Dream Team at the inaugural CAF U-23 Championship in Morocco 15 months ago.

Midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi, who also shone brightly for the last U-23 squad in their qualifying games, is called. But the biggest dark horse is Portugalbased midfielder John Ogu. African champions Nigeria take on Kenya’s Harambee Stars in one of Group F matches of the 2014 FIFA World Cup race. Nigeria lead the group on four points while Kenya bring up the rear with only one. They clash at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on

also be good on the tracks and win well.”

Onyali who burnt the tracks for many years said the junior athletics championships was dear to her heart as it has given her the opportunity to also discover young talents, just like she was discovered in her prime.

Saturday, 23rd March.

The List: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel) Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands) Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Babatunde Michael (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine); Nnamdi Oduamadi (A.S Varese 1910 FC, Italy); Obafemi Martins (Levante FC, Spain)

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Delta splashes N300m on African Junior Athletics Championships •32 countries coming as Amaju declares Warri ready

BY JACOB AJOM

T

HE Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Pinnick

Amaju, has declared that Warri, the host city to the 1 st African Junior Athletics championships is ready for the event.

Indeed, Pinnick who

Martins returns for Kenya

•As Keshi invites 15 overseas-based pros I

SRAEL-BASED goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama tops a list of 15 overseas-based professionals that Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited for this month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

Eleven of those called were in the squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa

doubles as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the continental meet which holds between March 27 and 30, said the oil rich city can’t wait for the start of the event as everything has been put in place to make it a success.

Speaking at a prechampionship media briefing in Lagos yesterday, Pinnick said, “only yesterday (Wednesday), the Executive Committee of Delta State approved a N300 million grant to the LOC and every other aspect of the championships has taken

Continues on Page 55

Mba: Panel orders Wolves, Rangers to resolve conflict — Pg 55

Continues on Page 55

BRIEFING: Chairman Delta State Sports Commission and Chairman of LOC for the 1st African Junior Athletics Championships, Pinnnick Amaju and a member of the LOC, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday.

•Obafemi Martins

•Kanu defrauded N1.4bn — Pg 55 QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

•Mba

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN: ACROSS: 2 Possess (3) 1 Coppice (5) 3 Athletic (6) 5 Pail (6) 4 Wander (3) 8 Trophy (5) 5 Greatest (4) 10 Tell (6) 6 Refrain (6) 11 Cease (4) 7 Language (6) 14 Wearying (6) 9 Asserted (7) 15 Manage (7) 12 Spasm (3) 18 Sever (3) 13 Gist (4) 19 Total (3) 16 Seep (4) 21 Footwear (4) 17 Clear (5) 23 Rot (5) 20 Fetter (7) 24 Eft (4) 22 Formerly (4) 27 Clamour (3) 24 Indigenous (6) 29 Sicken (3) 25 Ardent (4) 31 Dawdled (7) 26 Diatribe (6) 32 Tower (6) 34 Manufactured (4) 28 Detective (6) 30 Guided (3) 35 Start (6) 33 Trial (4) 38 Brushed (5) 36 Appropriate (3) 39 Excluding (6) 37 Tin (3) 40 Strap (5)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Strife 5, Step 8, Depth 9, Aft 10, Loot 11, Ruin 12, Timid 13, Heroic 16, Pore 18, Emit 20, Bed 22, Nun 23, Dog 24, Rude 25, Deck 28, Eerily 30, Slump 32, Gala 33, Noon 34, Ado 35, Irked 36, 37, Allege

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 1, Swathe 2, Retarded 3, Fillip 4, Reticence 5, Stripped 6, Thud 7, Pine 8, Dot 14, Condemned 15, Big 17, Rue 19, Motivate 20, Bus 21, Declare 26, Kennel 27, Bygone 29, Aged 30, Slip 31, Pod

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K