PDP, ACN, others quarrel over US election

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61749

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Senate orders CJN to swear-in Jombo-Ofo

•P.8

PDP, ACN, others quarrel over US election •Nigeria's opposition parties are bad losers — PDP •The joke is on PDP, check yourself — ACN •PDP should be ashamed of itself — CPC •Jonathan, Senate, Reps hail Obama, Americans

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR, EMMAN OVIOKPARE, BEN AGANDE & HENRY UMORU

L

AGOS—THE quick resolution of Tuesday’s presidential election in the United States, last night, sparked off quarrel among the three leading parties in Nigeria, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and opposition parties accusing one another of bad manners.

Reacting to the quick

Continues on page 5

JAMB Computer Based Test in 2013: Stakeholders react •Pg.21

•P.17

OCHEREOME NNANNA •P.19

THE HUB •P.19

Mr & Mrs OBAMA AGAIN!

—America's first family after the Obama victory yesterday. Inset: Joyous Sarah Obama, the President’s step-grandmother. See more photos and speeches on Pages 39,48&50.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW:

There 'll be no restrictions — Senate •P.6

I would have joined Boko Haram •P.16 — Ex-military Gov

Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs replies Dino Melaye •Pgs 28&29

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

PDP, ACN, others quarrel over US election Continues from page 1

acceptance of defeat by Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, the PDP in a statement congratulating the victorious Barack Obama, had advised opposition parties in Nigeria to learn to accept defeat, accusing them of being bad losers.

The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC in separate reactions, tongue-lashed the PDP for being the major obstacle to democracy in the country. The ACN said the joke was on the PDP and charged the party to ask why its candidate in the recent Ondo State gubernatorial election, Olusola Oke was in the courts if really there was a level playing ground in the country.

President Obama’s victory was, nevertheless, hailed across the country with President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate and the House of Representatives sending their respective congratulations to the victorious US Democratic Party candidate, Obama who was returned for a second term.

Opposition

parties are bad losers — PDP

Urging Nigerians especially, the opposition and those who lose elections to emulate the action of the Republican candidate in his swift acceptance of defeat, the PDP said it was a good element of patriotism which opposition parties should learn to make Nigeria a greater nation.

“The swift manner of congratulations and the graceful conduct of the defeated candidate is a shining example of patriotism and submission to the overall will of the people,” the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

This act, according to the PDP, is one of the elements that have made America’s democracy the envy of all nations.

“The greatest threat to the stability of our democracy is the reckless bickering that happens after elections in Nigeria,” Metuh added.

“A lot of time and energy is decimated on frivolous legal suits and the pursuit of bitterness which indeed affects valuable time for the delivery of elec-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

T

HE measure of a life well-lived is not in the accumulation of wealth, possessions, but rather through the lives touched and the sorrow ended. Measure your life!

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime —Dale Carnegie

A

MAN was taking a walk along the beach.

He saw that the morning tide from the ocean brought in hundreds of starfish and when the tide receded, they were left behind and with the morning sun rays, they would die. The tide was fresh and the starfish were alive. The man took a few steps, picked one and threw it into the water. He did that repeatedly. Right behind him there was another person who couldn’t understand what this man was doing. He caught up with him and asked, “What are you doing? There are hundreds of starfish. How many can you help? What difference does it make?” This man did not reply, took two more steps, picked up another one, threw it into the water, and said, “It makes a difference to this one.

toral promises.”

According to Metuh, the PDP was particularly delighted at the conciliatory posture of President Obama and his emphasis on the values that unite America rather than the divisions that manifested during the campaign, adding, “President Obama’s constant reference to patriotism and a sense of duty to America

by Americans in his acceptance speech is another lesson we must imbibe in our quest to build our democracy. Also noteworthy is the charge by the re-elected President for Americans to always uphold the philosophy of “not expecting what can be done for us but what can be done by us to move our nation forward.

‘With this election, America has once more blazed the trail in overcoming its internal stratification for the overall benefit of their country”.

The joke is on PDP —ACN The ACN and CPC in two separate reactions were unsparing in their denunciation of the PDP, accusing the dominant party of hamstringing the democratic process through devious schemes.

The ACN speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed told Vanguard yesterday: “They are very daft with due respect. You see, it is a process and the only reason the loser was able to concede defeat was because there was a free and fair election.

“The joke is on them.

Why is their own candidate for instance, in Ondo State challenging the outcome of the election? So, they should heal themselves first. They should ask, ‘ why is their candidate, Oke, saying that the election is not free and fair that he is not going to congratulate Mimiko? Why? So the joke is on them.

“There is no lesson to learn except that if elections are free and fair, the losers will be willing to congratulate the winner.

Romney immediately conceded defeat because he could not say there was ballot stuffing here or that a commissioner was arrested with AK-47,” the ACN spokesman said.

PDP should be ashamed — CPC In his own reaction to the charge from the PDP, the CPC’s national publicity secretary, Engr.

Rotimi Fashakin said: “The ruling PDP leaders should be ashamed of themselves. The electoral process in the US that is devoid of the door-die philosophy of the forebears of the PDP- is another pointer to the worthlessness of PDP rule in the country.

“Ordinarily, electoral contest, having been conducted with scrupulous adherence to governing rules, should be devoid of acrimony and bitterness as was seen in the recent US presidential elections. But the salient variable that is missing is the corruptive superimposition of the ruling PDP that removes the fairness, free-ness and credibility from our elections. Owing to the President’s indulgent use of executive powers in militarizing the polity for the purpose of election rigging, the inexorable consequence is rejection of results. Indeed, if elections are fair, we shall imbibe the culture of congratulating winners immediately.

The question is, can the PDP really learn from this,” he asked.

Jonathan congratulates Obama Meanwhile, President Jonathan, yesterday, congratulated Obama on his re-election, promising to sustain the cordial relations between the two countries.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, he said: ”On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning re-election in yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) presidential elections in the United States.

“President Jonathan welcomes President Obama’s victory in an intensely fought presi-

dential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.

“Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term.

“President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria’s and Africa’s developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.

“The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama’s first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.

“President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.

“The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God’s blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.”

Senate, Reps hail Obama, Americans Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, said that the election of the United States of America would serve as an inspiration to Nigerian politicians.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, noted that the will and wishes of the people prevailed, just as he stressed that there was no imposition of candidates during the primary election.

The Senate also congratulated the people of America and President Obama over his victory and expressed confidence in President Obama‘s ability to lead America out of the current economic challenges bedeviling the entire world.

Also yesterday, the House of Representatives congratulated Obama on his re-election.

This was sequel to a motion moved by Rep. Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo State) who in his motion said that the election had lessons for Nigeria to learn from.

Seconding the motion, Rep. Abike Dabri-Erewa said thatthe outcome of the election should be a source of inspiration for the Nigerian electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Contributing to the debate on the motion, Rep. Samson Osagie appealed to INEC to learn from the experience of the US presidential election.

The motion was also supported by Rep. Nnenna Ukeje, Andrew Uchendu and Bimbo Daramola among others.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Constitution review: There 'll be no area of restriction —Senate

Standard & Poor, Moody raise Nigeria’s creditworthiness

zSays it's not in a hurry to pass PIB

zGive pass mark to reforms

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA — THE Senate, yesterday, said that there will be no area of restriction in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking with journalists, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South) assured Nigerians that the exercise would be an allinclusive constitution for the running of the country, adding that the process will be open debates and discussions to ensure that the amendment will be acceptable.

Abaribe also said the Senate would adjourn next

week for a week to enable the lawmakers travel to their constituencies, brainstorm with their constituents during the zonal public hearing.

The Senate spokesperson who disclosed that even issues relating to religion could be raised during the public hearing, said: ”No subject would be out of bound as Nigerians are free to express their views on every subject within the purview of the 1999 Constitution.

“The essence is to give room to all shades of opinions. The reason is to make a constitution that would be as comprehensive, wide and detailed as possible. There would be no room for

referendum, the National Assembly’s position on the issue was guided by the provisions of the constitution.

"The one-week break became essential to give room to all shades of opinions from the various constituents. The senators would have the opportunity of interacting with their constituents at two levels, namely, the state and zonal."

On PIB On what caused the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Abaribe who noted that the upper chamber was not in a hurry to pass the bill, said: “Nobody should

become worried. We are not in a hurry to pass the bill which is going to make a fundamental change in how business is being done in the oil sector.

"The worry over the seeming delay is understandable, but we are working on the bill in the National Assembly and it shall soon be passed into law.”

Meanwhile, Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba, while reacting to the re-election of President of the United States of America, USA, Mr Barack Obama, said it was hoped that Africa would receive better attention in his second term than it got in the first.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) with a trophy won by the health sector presented to him by the Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (middle) and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Ali Pate (right) during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

BY OMOH GABRIEL

L

AGOS — TWO international rating agencies, Standard & Poor ’s and Moody, yesterday, upgraded Nigeria’s credit rating because of improved financial stability and optimism over reforms to the banking and electricity sectors.

Moody upgraded Nigeria rating assigning local and foreign currency issuer ratings of Ba3 to the government.

Standard and Poor ratings raised its longterm foreign and local currency sovereign credit rating to BB- with a stable outlook. This is three points below investment grade, from B+. This brings its view in line with Fitch’s rating. The three foremost rating agencies in the world have all now agreed that Nigeria is managing its resources better than before.

The three agencies ranked the creditworthiness of borrowers using a standardized ratings scale which measures expected investor loss in the event of default. Their service rates debt securities in several market segments related to public and commercial securities in the bond market. These include government, municipal and corporate bonds; managed investments such as money market

funds, fixed-income funds and hedge funds; financial institutions including banks and nonbank finance companies; and asset classes in structured finance.

According to Moody, the Ba3 ratings reflect Nigeria’s strong economic resilience and strength, which are underpinned by its vast hydrocarbon wealth, its relatively large size and developed nonenergy sector, but offset by significant infrastructure needs; evolving governance structures which form a key challenge for Nigeria’s institutional strength.

Nigeria’s moderate event risk due to the heightened security conditions in the north of the country; Nigeria’s fiscal assets in its excess crude account have risen to about $8.4 billion in October 2012, which provides a reasonable fiscal buffer; Nigeria’s external reserve buffers have also been strengthening on the back of high oil prices and strong exports.

The ratings agencies said the stable outlook assumes that the government will continue to pursue its reforms, thereby helping to support strong economic growth, and that there will be no worsening of political tensions and no significant return of insurgency in the Niger Delta.

FG approves N59.8bn contracts for roads, others zOkays N12bn water projects loan for Lagos, C-River

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA — THE Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday, approved contracts worth N59.8 billion for road c o n s t r u c t i o n , rehabilitation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliamentary building and the construction of the Mambila Hydro Electricity Dam projects.

Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, who addressed State House correspondents after the meeting said the contracts were variously under the

Ministries of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger Delta Affairs and Power.

The contracts approval were in addition to the approval of a loan of $77 million (about N12 billion) for water projects in Lagos and Cross River states to "facilitate access to water in a number of cities and towns in the states."

Maku, who was flanked at the briefing by the Ministers of states for the FCT, Niger Delta Affairs and Minister of Communications Technology said some of the contracts approved, yesterday, were the construction of a 23kilometre Sagbemi-Kiribo-

Gada-Egbekigbo in Ondo State at the cost of N3.555 billion with completion period of 24 months, while the augmentation on the contract for the Ibadan-Illorin road is at a cost of N444 million.

Council also gave approval for the complete rehabilitation of the ECOWAS Parliamentary building in Abuja at the cost of N3.3 billion which will cover the roofing, seats, auditorium, elevators, library, electrical and mechanical installations.

Other decisions taken by council were the extension of service lanes

from kilometer zero on the Niger bridge at Onitsha to kilometer one at a cost of N2.393 billion, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese companies for the construction of the Mambila and Zungeru hydro electricity dams which would be on the basis of build, operate and transfer with the Federal Government contributing 25 per cent equity share for the Zungeru dam while the Mambila dam would be fully funded by the company. The Mambila dam is expected to generate 3000

megawatt while the Zungeru dam is expected to generate 700 megawatt of electricity.

On loan for water projects in Lagos, C-River Speaking on the proposed loan for water projects in Lagos and Cross River, Maku said of the $77.73 million, $43.92 million will go to Cross River, while Lagos will get $33.83 million. The loan is being given on concessionary ground to these two states to rehabilitate urban water works.

He saiod: “In the case of Lagos, the loan has been granted to enable the Lagos State government improve the quality of water treated for public supply. Work is ongoing and this is a very strategic loan for a large city like Lagos.

“In the case of Cross River State, the loan is to facilitate access to water through a network of supply to a number of cities and towns in the state. But the first is to extend water supply in the Calabar metropolitan area to ensure that all people living within Calabar have access to clean water through the public tap system.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—7

Why Nigerians 'll ask Jonathan to run in 2015 —Okupe

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

A

From left: Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, Head of Commercial, DANA Air; Mr. Tony Usidamen, Group Head, Corporate Communications, DANA Air; Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers and Mr. Emeka Mamah, Deputy News Editor, during the DANA Air management team's visit to Vanguard Newspapers, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Senators query Jonathan’s N1.23trn borrowing plan zReport on fuel subsidy to be considered today zAs Boroffice knows fate today

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA — PLANS by President Goodluck Jonathan to borrow externally to the tune of $7.905 billion (aboutN1.23 trillion), yesterday, was criticised by the Senate, as the lawmakers argued that there was no rationale behind such big loan.

Some of the Senators who spoke against the move described it as death trap for Nigeria and the future growth of the country, and expressed reservations that the said money might not be channelled into what it was meant for.

The lawmakers, who were not comfortable with government’s plans to borrow from the foreign financial institutions, however, warned that if the loan was approved, it must be properly monitored and used for the specific projects as directed by the executive.

It was, however, referred to the Senate Committees on Finance, Local and Foreign Debts to report back in the next one week for consideration.

It would be recalled that President Jonathan had sent the 2012-2014 Medium Term to the Senate since February 14, 2012 requesting that it should be approved to give room for the finance

of pipeline projects, youth employment and power infrastructure in the country.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who explained that the projects were special initiatives designed to grow the economy and bring it back to where it ought to be, stressed that it would also help transform the fortunes of Nigerians by the implementation of g o v e r n m e n t ’ s transformation agenda.

According to NdomaEgba, “the pipeline projects are at various stages of finalization and a total external pipeline borrowing in the amount of US$7,905,960,000 or US$2.4 billion a year being cumulative facilities offered are as follows for the completion of the pipeline projects: World Bank, $2.975billion; African Development Bank, $731.23 million; Islamic Development Bank, $672.85 million; French Development Agency, $56.61 million and EXIM Bank of China, $3 billion."

Senators react Contributing, Senator Benedict Ayade (PDP, Cross River North) who told his colleagues that there was no need for the borrowing when the country could look inwards and generate funds for executing its

projects, said: “We should not go borrowing because when we do that we lose the value of the naira, we lose our own values. There is no reason why we should go and borrow from countries that are not as rich as Nigeria.”

Senator Ahmed Lawan (ANPP, Yobe North) said there was no need for it against the backdrop that nothing serious had come from the previous borrowings.

Senator Joshua Dariye (Plateau Central) who warned that the loans could actually be a “death trap” for the future of Nigerians, stressed that a number of items raised should be further scrutinized.

Meanwhile, according to the Notice Paper, the Senate will today consider the report of the Senator Magnus Abe, PDP, Rivers South East led Joint Committee on Petroleum D o w n s t r e a m , Appropriation and Finance in respect of a motion on the Investigation into the Current Fuel Subsidy Management in Nigeria.

Also today, the embattled, Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Ondo North will know his fate whether to remain in the Senate or not as the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of a petition from Labour Party and Ondo State House of Assembly. Senator Boroffice

had dumped the Labour Party, LP, the party under whose platform he came to the Senate for the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

BUJA — INDICATIONS that President Goodluck Jonathan will seek reelection in 2015 emerged last night with a declaration by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs that the President’s transparent leadership and concrete performance would make Nigerians to ask him to run for a second term.

Okupe, who spoke exclusively with Vanguard, said although Jonathan had not declared his interest in the poll, he was confident that the successful implementation of the various development projects and programmes already put in place by the administration would endear him to the people.

Okupe said: “As an insider I know what he has been doing since he took over as President of Nigeria. I am very certain in my mind that Nigerians are going to applaud him

and even if he does not want to run for election in 2015, Nigerians are going to force him to run again because of the level of his performance."

The public affairs helmsman made it clear that Jonathan had set a 2014 deadline for himself to deliver uninterrupted power supply, tackle unemployment, insecurity and provide infrastructure to enable the economy to blossom.

Okupe said the President was quietly working to deliver on his mandate of bringing fresh air to Nigerians, explaining that it was in a bid to achieve the set goals that he recently committed ministers to endorse performance contract to show deliverable timelines.

According to him, the performance contract is geared at keeping top government officials on their toes and to enable the President to measure their performance and decide on how the best hands to continue to man the ship of state.

NASS/Presidency rift: PDP summons Tambuwal, Ihedioha, others zWe 'll continue to do what is good, Tambuwal tells Tukur

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—WORRIED by the rift that appears to be brewing between the National Assembly and the Presidency over some national issues, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, summoned the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Aminu Tambuwal and other members of the leadership of the lower chamber.

Tambuwal, his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha; House Leader, Mulikat AkandeAdeola; Chief Whip, Isyaka Bawa and Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor, yesterday, appeared before the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC At the meeting, Speaker Tambuwal vowed that as arm of government, it will not be a rubber stamp to yet another arm of government, just as he stressed that as lawmakers, they will

continue with those actions that will be good for Nigerians and ensure good governance.

According to him,"we shall continue to do what is good for the good governance and the orderly administration of the government of entire public of Nigeria.”

Tambuwal denies rift with Presidency Tambuwal who denied any rift between the National Assembly and the Presidency, stressed that there must be motions and debates on what may have been presented before the National Assembly by the Executive, adding: ‘’Mr. Chairman for clarity of record there has never been a single request by the executive arm of government that has not passed through the floor of the House of Representatives. ‘’Of course criticism must be made, issues must be raised, policies

must be criticised, bills must be criticised, but at the end of the day we get to the desired destination of ensuring that the programmes of our government are passed. ‘’Mr. Chairman we are working with our executive arm of g o v e r n m e n t harmoniously for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that at the presentation of the 2013 budget to the National Assembly, there was a sharp disagreement between the Presidency and the National Assembly on the pegging of oil bench mark. While the Executive fixed it at $75 per barrel, the House of Representatives pegged it at $80 and the Senate raised it to $78 per barrel, just as the House had also faulted the implementation of the 2012 budget and also not satisfied with project execution by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

said: ‘’The whole thing, to me, is faith accompli; because they have gone through the entire process. There is nothing left again. Swearing in a Justice is a ceremony and if the issues were not raised before, just to the point of swearing in, whether it is to appease those who have petitioned, or whether it is done because she is not from her husband’s state of origin is immaterial to me since she ought to have been sworn in.

Encouraging women

DONATION: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (right) and Managing Director, Mike Adenuga Foundation, Yomi Ogunbamowo, after the Foundation presented over N70m relief materials to flood victims in the state.

Swear in Jombo-Ofo now, Senate orders CJN

BY HENRY UMORU & SAMUEL OYADONGHA

A

BUJA—MORE condemnations, yesterday, trailed the refusal of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, to swear in an Abia State nominee to the Court of Appeal, Justice Ifeoma JomboOfo, on the ground that she was not an indigene of the state, even as the Senate ordered the Chief Justice to immediately administer judicial oath on her as one of the justices of the appellate court.

The Chief Justice had, last Monday, refused to swear in Justice Ofo following a petition against her nomination that it was her husband who is an indigene of Abia State, while she is from Anambra.

Mark condemns action Senate President, David Mark, who condemned the action of the CJN, said the sanctity of marriage would be destroyed if the Senators allowed it to go the way it is, just as he stressed that marriage is for better and for worse.

He said: "If there is anything good in the hus-

band’s place and we say that the wife cannot take it, I think it is unfortunate. But more importantly, the sanctity of marriage could be destroyed by this act if we allow it to go. I know that we want to encourage professional women to maintain their profession and keep their marriage.”

The resolution of the Upper Chamber followed a motion by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, PDP, Enugu West, and 94 other senators and titled, ‘’Refusal of Chief Justice of Nigeria to Administer Judicial Oath on Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo.

Motion Presenting the motion, Senator Ekweremadu, who noted that the CJN by her action contravened Section 42 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, said: “The above scenario puts Nigerian women in very hopeless situation and most importantly contravenes certain sections of the Constitution.”

Speaking further, Ekweremadu, who did not hide his grievance against the action, stressed that there are Nigerian women who have taken judicial, ex-

ecutive and legislative appointments from the states of their husbands while they are all still in service. He warned that if this was allowed to stand, the women may lose their jobs in future, adding, “The practical implication of the decision of the CJN is that Nigerian women have lost all they have struggled for over the years and Nigeria will be taken aback 100 years.”

Borno State example Supporting the motion, Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, cited the case of Justice Kanu Anya who was CJ of Borno State and with a Yoruba man as the Attorney General of that state while the Secretary to the state government at that time was also a non-indigene, adding that Ofo should not only be sworn in, but her seniority must also be restored to her.

The Senate Leader said: “Here, we are being told that an Igbo woman cannot have opportunity in another part of Igboland, in the same country where years ago an Igbo man could be CJ of another state in the northern part of Nigeria.”

Senator Ndoma-Egba,

who stressed that what happened was a slap on women, especially at this moment that a woman is a CJN, however, cited section 238 of the Constitution, which says: “The appointment of a person to the office of the Court of Appeal shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC.” According to him, Section 238 (2) of the Constitution highlights the role of the CJN, just as he stressed that it is perfunctory and ceremonial in this case, and not one to determine whether a nominee cleared by the NJC becomes a Judge of the Court of Appeal or not, noting that “there is no role reserved for the CJN. The role of the CJN is perfunctory and ceremonial in this case. So whether or not she (Justice Ifeoma Jumbo-Ofo) is sworn in, she is a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Making further reference to the Federal Character Act, NdomaEgba described the action and decision of the CJN as “discriminatory” and “inconsistent.”

Speaking further, Senate President Mark who said he shared the views of the Majority Leader on how same may affect professional women,

“But more importantly, I think at the moment, the Judiciary or the CJN is crying louder than the bereaved. Because Abia State is not complaining, they submitted her name, and the governor was there. So, why should anybody come and say she is taking Abia’s slot?

“So that is what it means in effect. If she was not sworn in, we should do whatever we can to ensure that this woman is sworn in and to encourage women to continue to remain married and continue to lay claim to their husband’s place of origin.

“Maybe this will make us think twice about the issue of indigeneship, overemphasizing indigeneship and place of residence. If you are resident in a place, why can’t you take appointment there? But on this

issue, I think it was a mistake, and I think this mistake is going to be corrected.”

Ironic twist Also in his contribution, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, PDP, Abia North, who described what happened as sad, said, “This, to me is a most ironic twist that under the leadership of a woman in the Judiciary, that a woman in the judiciary has suffered that most severe and most crude injustice.”

He said the right of married women is as old as time, sanctioned by the Constitution, conventions and traditional laws, adding that chapter 18 of the African Charter explains the protection of women’s right, while here in the country a married woman who is most qualified, is being deprived of such right.

More angry reactions A cross section of Bayelsans who spoke to Vanguard yesterday, described the refusal to administer the oath on the nominee as “petty and unfortunate”.

Former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State was specifically sad over the development given her meritorious service to her husband’s home state.

BUSINESS GUIDE

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA APAPA PARISH (HOLY GHOST CENTRE) Cordially invites you to their

2012 ANNUAL HARVEST & THANKSGIVING SERVICE THEME:

Harvest of CHOICEST Fruits Exo 23:19A

Date: 11th Nov., 2012 Time: 9:00am Venue: CHURCH AUDITORIUM 17/19, Arowoiyabuna St., Off People’s Bus Stop, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos Bro. Sinclair O. Ogbonnia -Convener Rev. John Unata -Associate Minister Rev. Abraham I. Kalu -Minister-in-charge

i n g: Minister I. KALU M HA RA AB REV.

Contact: Chairman, Harvest Committee on 08033597126

PUBLIC NOTICE

FAITHNUEL - AMOS FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the Company and Allied Matters Acts No. 1 of 1990, Part C. The TrusteesAre: 1. Mr. Emmanuel Olusegun Olayemi 2. Mr. Amos Adesoji Afolorunsho 3. Mr. SamuelAyodele Babatunde 4. Mr. Isaac Olamilekan Olayemi 5. Itohan Temitope Evbuoma AimsAnd Objectives: The aims and objectives of FAITHNUEL -AMOS FOUNDATION are: 1. To help reduce the current increase in people suffering from renal/Kidney diseases and failure.

2. To see a sharp decrease in renal failure, and breast cancer among the African populace especially the poor and low income earners.

3. To fight kidney diseases and Cancer of the breast through direct financial support to patients in need, donation of dialysis and related medical equipments to government and or private hospitals, health education; and prevention efforts.

4. To be the choice African Charity health provider, patients’ hope, excellent team work, open and verifiable with open door policies accessible to all and sundry Known for our exemplary stewardship of the donated funds Providing health education and intervention to people who are at risk for kidney and breast disease.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Wuse Zone 5, P.M.B 198, Garki,Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: ITOHAN EVBUOMA KENLOV & ASSOCIATES, Solicitors/legal practitioners 29 Jones Street, Ebute Metta West, Lagos

Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 —9

NDLEA arrests student with 1.535kg cocaine

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU AND DANIEL ETEGHE

O

PERATIVES OF the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday arrested a 23 years old student of M a n a g e m e n t Accounting at Waltham College, London Mr. Chiwuzie Godson Chiedozie in an attempt to smuggle about 1.535 kilogrammes of cocaine through the Murtala M u h a m m e d International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The suspect, was nabbed by official of the anti-narcotics agency when he tested positive to drug ingestion during the screening of passengers on an Arik flight to London.

Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar pointed that after arresting the suspect, he was placed under observation where he excreted about 92 pellets of substances that tested positive to cocaine weighing 1.535 kilogrammes.

According to Hamza, the suspect was also found in possession of two tickets. “Chiwuzie presented a valid Asky ticket from Lagos to Lome at the screening but during search, a valid Arik ticket from Lagos to London was recovered in his luggage.

The Lome ticket was to divert attention from him

but besides having multiple tickets, he also tested positive for drug ingestion,” Hamza explained.

The NDLEA Airport Commander also stressed that from investigation conducted, the agency gathered that Chiedozie had lived in London since 2009 where he was recruited to smuggle drugs in his school at Waltham College, London.

Narrating his ordeal, Mr.Chiedozie pointed out that he was lured into trafficking drugs with a promise that he was going to be paid £3,500 pounds with which he intended to pay his tuition fees.

4 injured as trains collide in Lagos L

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS—TWO mass transit trains belonging to Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, collided at Mushin railway station, yesterday morning but no casualty was recorded.

A

50 year-old estate agent, Mr. Ibitoye Samuel has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate's Court on a five-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, theft and forgery.

According to the charge preferred against him by the police, the defendant on October 1, 2010 at Ishoru Estate, Oke-Afa Isolo in Lagos, allegedly conspired with others now at large to forge a Deed of Assignment purported to be the original of a land belonging to one Alhaja Saidat Babatunde. He was also alleged to have dishon-

Confirming the accident, Mr. David Ndakotsu, Assistant Director, Public Relations of NRC said; “The management of Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to confirm a train accident at Mushin Railway

Station, on Wednesday, 7th November, 2012 at about 08:22 hours.

“The two trains involved in the accident at Mushin Railway Station were mass transit trains, one coming from Iddo to Ijoko and the other from Ijoko to Iddo.

3RD MAINLAND BRIDGE:

FERMA denies report of pot-holes after repairs

L

AGOS — THE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,

Estate agent arraigned for forgery, fraud

BY WAHAB ABDULAH

From right: Mr. Emeka Obiagwu, ED, Fedelity Bank; Alhaji Remi Bello, Deputy President of the Chamber and Chief Olusola Dada, Vice Chairman/CE Anchoria Investment and Securities Ltd, during the presentation of a souvenir to Mr. Obiagwu, at the 2012 Lagos Chamber of Commerce And Industry International Trade Fair, yesterday at the TBS, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

estly obtained N2.5million from one Monday Ojeaburu for the sale of land belonging to Babatunde.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

However, the trial magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two responsible sureties.

The defendant was also accused of uttering a survey plan with No. AT/ LA/2026 registered with the Lagos State government on a property at Isheri OSun Road in Oke-Afa, which also belongs to Babatunde.

Trial in the matter has been fixed for December 4, 2012.

FERMA, yesterday, said that there were no potholes on the newly rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

According to FERMA Zonal Coordinator (South West II), Mr. Oladipo Fagbamila, the agency had carried out extensive maintenance of the bridge and there were no more potholes.

“No pot-holes there.

Any body that said he has seen pot-holes should come and show me where they are on the Third Mainland Bridge,” he said.

Fagbamila spoke against the backdrop of reports that there were still pot-holes on the bridge, which was reopened to traffic last week, after a four month long rehabilitation.

He, however, said that some minor cracks,

which were on the bridge, were being worked upon.

“If you are talking about skin failure, that is, minor cracks on the bridge, our people have moved there to fill them,” he said.

The FERMA zonal coordinator added that the agency would also move to site to begin the replacement of guard rails on the bridge before the end of the week.

He said that the materials for the replacement of the guard rails on both sides of the bridge were being put together.

“For all those guard rails that are falling off, we will repair them and put new ones.

“Before Friday, we will begin work because the parts are ready, and it is just to move them to site to replace all railings that have gone bad.

“There were no fatalities. However, three out of the four injured persons were treated at Railway Clinic and have since been discharged.

“The NRC Management has since set up a high-level committee to investigate

the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, normal services have since resumed in Lagos.

“The NRC runs Mass Transit Train between Iddo/Apapa and Agbado/ Ijoko and the service is curr- ently moving about 16,000 passengers a day.”

Former Lagos commissioner, Olayinka dies at 79

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

One time Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lateef Olayinka, has passed on at the age of 79.

Olayinka, who died yesterday at his ‘Latola House’ residence in Masha, Surulere, Lagos was a commissioner under the Gbolahan M u d a s h i r u

administration in which he served both as the Commissioner for Information and that of Local Government.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Strategy, the deceased was a veteran Photo Journalist, renowned for pioneering the News Film Agency in the country with the establishment of the

Reps member to convene meeting for 1999 Constitution review

A

PUBLIC session/town hall meeting on the review of the Nigerian Constitution to be convened by a House of Representatives member, representing Kosofe Federal Contituency, Hon. Yacoob E.A BushAlebiosu, will take place on Saturday at the Church Hall, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos.

The session targets full participation of the people of Kosofe and all Nigerians in

the process of amending the 1999 Constitution.

According to a release by Hon. Yacoob BushAlebiosu, stakeholders and interest groups, including lawmakers, constitutional law experts, labour unions and traditional rulers and market women, are expected to discuss and aggregate the collective wishes of the people of Kosofe in the process leading to a new and better constitution for Nigeria.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Ondo ACN tackles Mimiko over council bosses’ sack

A

Some security operatives sandwiched by motor cycles seized from some motor-cycle operators (Okada riders) for carrying two two passengers at Ibadan. The Okada riders protested violently, burning the Police Station at Kuola in Apata area of Ibadan, vandalising cars and motorcyles parked there, leading to more arrests and seizure of more motor-cycles.

Police station, vans, motorcycles destroyed in Ibadan fracas

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — THE police station at Kuola, Apata, in Ibadan, five vehicles and seven motorcycles were torched yesterday during a bloody clash between policemen and commercial motorcylists popularly called Okada riders. The incident also left no fewer than seven policemen and two riders injured.

The aggrieved Okada riders complained bitterly about alleged high-handedness of the policemen in the area.

The melee which lasted about three hours sacked

Apata and its environs.

According to eyewitness account, the crisis ensued when an Okada rider allegedly violated a police directive that banned them from carrying two passengers.

The culprit was promptly arrested and taken to the police station.

Dis-satisfied by the arrest of their colleague, about 45 Okada riders mobilized themselves and stormed the police station demanding the release of their colleague.

Vanguard gathered that the Okada riders then started hauling

stones and other objects at the station.

In a twinkle of an eye, the station was set ablaze.

Consequently, 10 police Hilux vans loaded with armed policemen and soldiers, one Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC were sent to the area.

Police then arrested 30 Okada riders and took them to the Oyo State Criminal Investigation Department.

In addition, the police have been mandated to arrest any Okada man who carried two passengers.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayodele Lanade said policemen were trying to rescue an Okada rider who fell down.

This was probably misunderstood by the Okada riders who reacted violently. He said nobody died in the incident but 48 Okada riders were arrested.

KURE— THE Ondo State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has faulted the recent sack of nine Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, alleging that it is a ploy to deceive the people to cover up his nefarious activities in the council areas.

In a statement by the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy for ACN, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku accused Governor Mimiko of teleguiding the State House of Assembly to remove the caretaker committee chairmen, “citing cases of mismanagement of fund thereby confirming the fears that the local government appointees have become the conduit pipe through which the state funds have been fritted away.”

The party noted that “perhaps, the report is true that the refusal of these sacked chairmen to make the stolen funds available for the reelection project is what

A

KURE — THE Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday asked the governorship

candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the October 20th elections in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, to stop making baseless allegation in the media.

A statement by its Director of Legal Services in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwole Uzzi said “ rather than casting aspersions against the Commission in the

KAWONISE: Police nab four suspects

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO - BARELY 48 hours after an armed robbery gang attacked the convoy of former Commissioner for Information in the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration in Ogun State and the Managing Director and Editor-inChief of Nigerian Compass Newspaper and Westerner Magazine, Mr. Sina Kawonise, Osun State Police Command yesterday claimed that it

has arrested four suspects in connection with the incident.

Kawonise who was returning from Awka, Anambra State in a convoy of two vehicles was reportedly ambushed at the IkejiArakeji junction in Osun State at about 8.30p.m and was shot severally by the unknown gunmen.

The victims, according to sources which included another policeman sitting in front of the vehicle with

Kawonise as at the time of the incident, were immediately rushed to a private hospital in Ilesa from where they were transferred to University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

According to Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folashade Odoro in Osogbo yesterday, police patrol teams with joint effort of military personnel combed the bushes around the scene of the attack and arrested four hoodlums.

...Chides PDP

Also, the party has berated the South West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for demanding the resignation of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, saying, it lacks the moral right to make such demands.

The party, however, said "PDP, that could not win free and fair elections is now counting on gross display of indiscipline by workers to find a way through the back door to the Government House.

This is daydreaming and mischief.”

Traders protest Amosun’s planned market demolition

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA HUNDREDS

— of

traders yesterday at the popular Itoku Market in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital protested the

INEC accuses Oke of lying over Ondo poll

BY DAYO JOHNSON

has made them suffer this fate in the hands of Mimiko.”

While faulting the refusal of the state government to conduct council polls, the party said it is appalled that “Mimiko has refused to conduct local government election for almost four years. We feel that this is not only barbaric but an undemocratic tendency with impunity.”

media, Oke, being a legal practitioner, should seek redress in a court of law.

It will be recalled that Oke, had in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Kunle Adebayo accused INEC, the Police, Department of State Service, Army and other security agencies, of rigging the poll in favour of the Labour Party.

But the Commission in its official reaction wondered why Oke failed to express his opinion “in a responsible, civil, and decorous manner, bereft of provocative and uncouth language, outright falsehood and wild, fanciful but unfounded assertions.”

It alleged that Oke, in

his “vain and fruitless attempt to denigrate, discredit and belittle the nation’s progress and achievements in its path to free, fair and credible elections and a robust, enduring democracy, cast wild, baseless allegations against INEC without particulars.”

The Commission, however, said it was generally satisfied with the conduct of the election, the result of which it added, had been accepted and adjudged as credible and reflecting the wishes of the people of the state, by the electorate, the media and observers among others.

“No amount of blackmail or lies can discredit this," the Commission, says with a tone of finality.

plan by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to demolish their shops for road expansion .

The marketers, mainly textile traders who staged a peaceful protest begged the governor to give them more time to vacate the market and to also provide them alternative space.

The traders, however, said that Amosun’s action could ruin their businesses and means of livelihood, if he did not tarry awhile till after Christmas and New year.

The traders who blocked the Itoku Road expressed their disapproval of the ultimatum given to them

by Governor Amosun to vacate the market for the commencement of the demolition.

The state governor had on Monday moved round the market to warn the traders to vacate the area by Wednesday (yesterday) so as to pave way for the demolition exercise for the planned road expansion .

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—11

Constitution review public session holds Nov 10

B

ENIN—A PUBLIC session on the review of the 1999 Constitution is to hold on November 10, 2012 in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency in Edo State.

A statement by Mr. Jim Adun, member Representing Egor and Ikpoba-Okha constituency in the House of Representatives, said the public session will hold on Saturday at St. Maria Goretti College, off Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City.

It said the session

EMPOWERMENT: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (middle); Commissioner for Social Welfare, Endeley Inyang (left) during the presentation of empowerment equipment to one of the 6,000 beneficiaries of the state's poverty alleviation programme, in Calabar.

Delta lawmakers pass bill on kidnapping, terrorism

BY EMMA AMAIZE

A

S A B A — D E LT A State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a bill stipulating death sentence for kidnappers and terrorists.

The bill, known as “Law to Prohibit Terrorism, Kidnapping, Hostagetaking, Cultism, Use of Bombs and Explosives and Other Matters thereto”, was unanimously passed by the 28 members of the House after consideration in a committee of the whole, presided over by the speaker, Victor Ochei.

Under the new bill, a traditional ruler in the state in whose domain hostages are held to his knowledge will be deposed or his kingship withdrawn.

Also, a telecommunications company, which refuses to make available to security agencies, within 24 hours of request, information on the communication made by a suspected kidnapper or terrorist, will pay a fine of N20 million for every request not granted.

The Clerk of the House, will, in the next few days, dispatch the bill to the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is opposed to death penalty for such capital offences, for assent.

One of the lawmakers

told Vanguard, yesterday: “I do not want to say that the governor will sign the bill or not. But suffice it to say that this is the second time the House is passing such a bill. He refused to sign the earlier one. If he does that again, we will invoke our veto power under the Constitution.”

Highlights of bill Other highlights of the bill are that the governor, or his authorized representative, shall have power to sign an order authorizing the sealing up of premises used to harbor persons kidnapped or held hostage, with or without the demand of ransom.

The bill states that the sealing of the premises shall remain in place until a competent court decides on the forfeiture.

It is an offence under the Act, for a person, who, not being a member of the armed forces, unlawfully receives or has in his possession, bombs and other explosives with intent to cause harm. Such a person is liable, on conviction, to 14 years imprisonment.

The same goes for those that manufacture the explosives.

It also forbids a person or group of persons from threatening the life of anybody through letters, phone calls or other electronic methods and gadgets, as any person

found guilty is liable, upon conviction, to 14 years imprisonment.

Four person in authority who receives information on operations of kidnappers and terrorists and fails to take proper action, he is liable on conviction to three years imprisonment.

Community ruling organs, including executives of town, trust members and youth leaders in whose domain people are held hostage with their knowledge are also liable on conviction to be jailed for five years without option of fine.

Besides, those who aid and assist kidnappers to escape will be sentenced to 21 years imprisonment on conviction.

would be chaired by Justice Samson Uwaifo, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, while Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, will be the father of the day.

The statement advised people of Egor and Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency to see the public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution as their opportunity to participate and contribute their views and position on issues to be included or reviewed in the constitution.

Rotary Int'l honours CAC Zonal Head

BY TOMMY ANADUAKA

R

OTARY Club Inter national of Asaba has honoured the Zonal Head of Coporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Asaba, Delta State, Mrs. Mary Ndoma Egba, with the Vocational Service Award for her professional service contribution towards the development of the community and Nigeria at large.

A statement by the club described the recipient as a deligent, focused and hard working personnel who has, over the years, made meaningful contributions to the overall development and welfare of humanity. It expressed confidence that with the award, Mrs. Ndoma Egba would be encouraged to involve herself in more humanitarian and developmental services.

Osanebi lauds Uduaghan over assistance to flood victims

BY SIMON ADEWALE

W

IFE to the mem ber representing Ndokwa East Constituency, in Delta State House Assembly, Mrs. Ogechi Osanebi, has commended Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for steps taken to provide succour to persons affected by flood across the state.

She made the commendation while distributing relief materials on behalf of Mr. Friday Osanebi in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

She called for more assistance from government agencies and philanthropists to flood victims in Ndokwa East.

Items donated to the flooded communities include foodstuff, clothes, mattresses and drugs.

Amnesty Phase II camp elects

2015: Anioma Agenda seeks support Urhobo representative for Delta North gov ICE Chairman of on Niger Delta, Hon.

BY EMMA AMAIZE & WILLIAM JIMOH

W

ARRI—ANIOMA Agenda, a political pressure group championing the cause of enthronement of an Anioma son as the next governor of Delta State, has urged people of the state to support the position of former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, that the 2015 governorship be

conceded to the North senatorial district.

In a statement by the Director of Media and Research of the group, Mr. Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, the group said Chief Clark's position was affirmed by the national secretary of People's Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola, who declared recently that the party was committed to its zoning formula in distribut-

ing elective positions in 2015 general elections.

He said: “The group appreciates the courage of Chief E. K. Clark, who stated at a consultative meeting with a delegation of Anioma Agenda in Abuja that it is the inalienable right of the people of Delta North to demand the number one slot. This is because it is the only senatorial district, out of the three in the state, that is yet to produce the governor.”

V

Amnesty Phase II camp, Mr. Israel Akpodoro, has been elected leader and representative of the Urhobo in the Phase II Amnesty programme.

He clinched the position with 11 votes by other camp leaders known as 'generals' who voted in his favour against 8 votes by his opposition.

His election followed a meeting in Abuja recently between the Special Adviser to the President

Kingsley Kuku and leaders of the Amnesty Phase II programme, where he emphasised the need to have an Urhobo representative in the programme, to give room for fair play.

According to the exmilitants, Akpodoro's election was based on his track record as a selfless person with indepth knowledge of the problems encountered by the former agitators at their different camps.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

GOVERNOR’S CUP: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right) and Nigerian’s ex-international, Jay-Jay Okocha, during the kick-off ceremony of the 1st edition of Delta State Governor’s Cup, at St. Patrick’s College play ground, in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

Dickson inaugurates c'tttee on $57.7m World Bank, EU assistance

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G O A — THE World Bank is to invest $57.74 million in Bayelsa State for a period of five years.

The funds will come under the Steering Committee of the World Bank Assisted State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) Project.

Giving a breakdown of the figure at the inauguration of the 21-member committee in Yenagoa, yesterday, Governor Seriake Dickson explained that the World Bank was expected to assist the state to the tune of $37.74 million and an additional financing of $20 million as grant from the European Union.

Dickson, who said government had made an approval of N150 million as counterpart funding to the project for the 2012 fiscal year, noted that the amount was government’s demonstration of its resolve to

collaborate with the World Bank on the project.

He said: “The preparedness of the World Bank to assist the state is an attestation of the confidence the restoration agenda of this administration is building in for-

eign investors and international donors.”

He said the SEEFOR Project Committee had the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the state empowerment and expenditure for projects financed by the World Bank.

Obasanjo, Akinyemi for Oritsejafor’s lecture

BY SAM EYOBOKA

F

ORMER Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and professor of political science and former External Affairs Minister, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi, are expected in Warri next Tuesday for the maiden Ayo Oritsejafor Annual Lecture scheduled for Tuesday, November 13.

A release by the chairman, planning committee, of Pastor Oritsejafor’s triple jubilee of forty years in ministry, 25 years of Word of Life Bible Church

and his birthday, Prof.

Oyomere, confirmed that the former president had agreed to be the chairman of the occasion.

According to Oyomere, the topic of lecture to be delivered by Prof. Akinyemi is The Nigeria of my dream: Towards consolidation of national unity, and it is in line with the vision of the celebrant who, above everything else, desired that Nigeria should be one united nation where every individual was allowed to express his/her potentials without any hindrance.

A'Court to rule on Airiavbere’s appeal against Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, yesterday, reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Edo State People's Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the July 14 governorship election, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, challenging the qualification of Comrade

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, to contest the election in the state.

It will be recalled that the petitioner had gone to the appellate court after the lower tribunal declared that the issue of Oshiomhole's qualification was a pre-election matter.

The appellant, Gen. Airhiavbere, in his appeal, is seeking a decla-

ration that the issue of qualification was a matter which the election petitions tribunal should assume jurisdiction, while the ACN candidate, Governor Oshiomhole, filed a counter appeal seeking to quash the remaining reliefs sought by the appellant at the Tribunal, on the grounds that the issue of qualification had already been determined by the tribunal.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—13

FCTA sets conditions for meat meat be exposed in an haulage in Abuja ofuntidy manner.

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—THE Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has set conditions for haulage of meat in and around the Federal Capital City, Area Councils and Satellite towns.

The administration under the new conditions, banned the use of rickety vehicles and motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, for haulage of meat in Abuja as it rolled a new policy that on no account should haulage

From right: Founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, Sir Emeka Offor, Senator Ken Nnamani and former US Ambassador to Nigeria and board member, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, Mr. Howard Jetter, at the second annual books and other educational materials distribution ceremony of the Foundation's Books for Africa at Oraifite, Anambra State.

FG begins work on N9bn Nenwe power sub-station

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

49-yr-old man arraigned over alleged N terrorism

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE

L

AGOS—FAC TIONAL leader of Aguiyi Ironsi International Market Ladipo market, in Mushin area of Lagos, Chief Jonathan Okoli,

49, who was arrested by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been arraigned before an Ebute Metta magistrate's court for alleged terrorism.

Okoli, an indigene of Ndiowu in Anambra State, was also accused of being in possession of illegal

arms, attempted murder and extortion. The accused and others at large were said to have on March 5, 2012, at Ladipo market in Lagos, armed themselves with dangerous arms, such as gun, matchet, bottle, iron rod etc in public places without lawful authority and caused terror to traders in Ladipo market and the neighbourhood and

thereby committed an offence punishable under section 51 of the criminal laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2011.

Refusing to take Okoli’s plea, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M. O. Olajuwon, ordered that the accused file be duplicated for DPP advice and he (accused) should be remanded at Ikoyi prisons, pending the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, advice on the matter.

The charge read in part: “That you Jonathan Okoli and others at large on the 5th of March 2012 at about 1100hrs at Ladipo market Lagos in the Lagos magisterial district did demand money with menace from one Ejike, Nnamdi Chigozie, Mike Osagi and other traders at Ladipo market Lagos with threat of injury or detriment of any kind to be caused on them.”

According to Police the arrest and arraignment of Okoli followed his importation of arms, such as guns, machetes and thugs from the Southeast popularly called Bakassi boys, who have been terrorizing traders and residents at Papa Ajao and its environs.

Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, made this known while launching the first phase of the FCT Meat haulage Programme at Karu Abattoir in Karu, Abuja.

The minister stated that the tricycle meat vans were to be used to convey meat to distances not more than 3km from the slaughter points, while the four wheel meat vans would serve for meat haulage to longer distances.

ENWE—WORK on the Federal Government’s N9 billion mega power sub-station at Nenwe Aniri Local Government Area and line bays at Ugwuaji, Enugu State, has commenced.

Contract for 132/33 KV sub-station was awarded to Metroelectric Company two years ago.

During a hand over at the project site, traditional ruler of Emudo

Autonomous Community, Igwe Goddy Orji, expressed gratitude to the federal government for citing the multi-billion Naira power sub-station project in his community.

The traditional ruler assured Metroelectric Company of adequate security of both life and property till the completion of the project, explaining that the project would bring other developments to the community.

ITF trains 1000 Anambra youths on skills acquisition

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE Indus trial Training Fund, ITF, is to train 1000 selected youths from the three senatorial zones of Anambra State on skills acquisition and empower them to be selfemployed.

Essentially, the programme is aimed at developing highly entrepreneurial workforce for medium and small scale enterprises in areas where the state had a comparative advantage, with a view to reducing youth restiveness through gainful employ-

ment.

The trainees would form part of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme, NISDP, designed by the federal government to fast track the achievement of the national industrial revolution plan in which ten states, including Anambra, had been selected as pilot states.

Area manager of ITF, Mrs. Linda Egbunu, told reporters yesterday in Awka that the selected youths would be trained in welding and fabrication, tiling and POP making.

UGBORODO CRISIS: Media advised to be circumspect in reportage “allegationofcrimeisweightyand

W

ARRI—NIGERIAN press has been advised to thoroughly crosscheck the authenticity of their reports, else they may unwittingly turn their news rooms into courts of law and consequently pronouncing guilt and sentencing the innocents, such thatcouldmisleadtheunsuspectingpublic.

Reacting to the report of yesterday entitled Ugborodo Crises: Three Confirmed Dead, two others missing, a member of the Ugborodo Trust Board, Mr

Benjamin Cole said: “That a situation whereby an individual, Pa Daje allegedly being sought for by the police (for whatever reason) is now being described as a leading elder of the attacking group in relation to the crises at the Otumara Flow station is not only unfortunate, but smacks of badreportage.“ According to Cole, Pa Francis Uwawah who has been reportedly arrested by the police has equallybeendescribedasthe‘secretary of the group.’ Mr Cole advised the press to note that the

ought not to be made or investigated on the pages of news papers.”

He said that the alleged crime took place in Dehele and not in Ugborodo and as such “there is no way members and supporters oftheDavidTonweled-Boardcan be involved.” On the report that the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 has ruled in favour of one of the contesting groups, Mr Cole said: “We are not aware of that, moreso that there is no document or report from the Olu to that effect.”

14—Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Reps demand review of revenue formula

BY OKEYNDIRIBE

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives ,yesterday, adopted a resolution directing the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to advise President Goodluck Jonathan to present a review of the nation’s revenue formula to the National Assembly.

The House also resolved at its plenary that its directive must be complied with within two weeks. Speaker

of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, announced that the resolution would be referred to the House’s Committee on Finance to handle.

The directive, which was based on a motion moved Aliyu Madaki is in line with section 162 (2) of 1999 Constitution.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Governors Forum recently asked for a review of the revenue formula.

Moving a motion on the

floor of the House , Madaki stated that there was need for the House to direct its Committee on Finance to summon RMAFC to explain why it had not complied with the provisions of the Constitution by advising President Jonathan to table existing revenue formula before the National Assembly for a review.

According to him, section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution requires the President to receive advice from the commission to table be-

fore the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the Federation Account.

He further stated that the existing revenue formula is the “Allocation on Revenue (Federation Account etc) Modification Order 2002” adding that the formula had been reviewed twice without the input of the National Assembly.

His position was endorsed by several lawmakers who contended that it was unconstitutional for the commission not to do so.

Oshiomhole dissolves councils, backs lawmakers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—GOV ERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, gave his nod to the resolution passed by the State House of Assembly dissolving the eighteen Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen, asking the Head of Service in the various local governments to take over the dayto-day running of the local governments.

The governor at a meeting with former Transition Committee Chairmen and Head of Service of the Local Governments at the Government House, said that after examining the resolution of the House of Assem-

bly, he is satisfied that it is in the best interest of the state.

He, however, told the Head of Service of the Local Governments that they are to ensure that only the salaries of teachers and local government employees are paid, stressing that they are not to run the local governments as if they were sole administrators.

The governor said: “I have invited you to brief you about a recent development. You are aware of the resolution passed by the House of Assembly as regards the tenure of the local government transition committees." interest of our state."

FADE challenges govts over possible hurricane in Lagos

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

SUMMIT: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, (3rd right), Mrs. Ada Okwuonu, former deputy governor of Imo State (3rd left), and others, at the 2012 South-East Economic Summit, at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.

Gas explosion victims take case to Labour Minister

BY EMMA ARUBI

W

ARRI—SURVIV ING victims of the January 16, 2012 gas explosion involving Chevron’s KS Endeavour Rig at the Funiwa North Apoi Field in Bayelsa State, have dragged the oil giant before the Labour Minister, 10 months after the gory incident, alleging unfair labour practices, neglect and total abandonment.

Union officials of led by Mr. Mike Oru and David Onofomi told Vanguard, yesterday, in Warri, Delta State that the management of Chevron had earlier claimed that the Warri Labour office was not secure, conducive and safe enough to engage in any meaningful dialogue considering the vex nature of the issues involved and the hostile attitude of the affected workers who lost two of their colleagues to the explosion.

Oru revealed that both the management of Chevron and Fode are denying responsibility

for the blow-out that reduced the rig to rubbles in an inferno that lasted 42-days, saying that all the survivors have been left to their fate with no job, salary, pay-off or

compensation of any kind and their families suffering untold hardship.

Zonal Chairmen of PENGASSEN and NUPENG, Comrades

Elvis Irefo and Edmond Ofudje who spoke to Vanguard said that their up coming meeting with Labour Minister in Abuja would determine their next line of action.

Dana Airline plans fleet renewal

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

D

ANA Airlines has begun talks with aircraft manufacturers to renew its fleet but declined to state which aircraft type it would acquire.

The airline also assured Nigerians of safety, saying foreign auditors and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had subjected its existing aircraft to serious airworthiness scrutiny, preparatory to commencement of operations.

Dropping the hint yesterday, Head of Commercial, Dana Airlines, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, who led a delegation of the

airline on a courtesy visit to Vanguard, said the measure was to further boost public confidence in the airline, especially against the backdrop of public hysteria for old aircraft.

He said: “Our airplanes have been flying under the inspection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, to ensure that everything is operationally ready and the aircraft are air worthy.

“We also have a lot of auditing by NCAA to look at our airplane. We also got foreign auditors involved to come and audit our airplanes, just to instill pubic confidence. Very soon, we will receive our Air Operators Certificate which

will enable Dana Airlines commence operation."

BUJA—As United States of America continues to battle with the devastating effects of the recent Hurricane Sandy in the area, Foundation Against Desert Encroachment, FADE, Africa, has challenged the Federal and Lagos State governments to urgently put some measures in place for both long-term and short-term purposes to mitigate the possible effects of the calamity in Nigeria.

The call followed the recent comment made by

Travalex moves to boost aviation sector

A

BUJA—THE quest to attract foreign investors to the Aviation sector in Nigeria received a boost, yesterday, as Travelex, the world leader and largest provider of airport and passenger terminal Bureau

Rivers House opens public hearing on internal revenue

R

IVERS State Gov ernment and stakeholders, including Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation, have thrown their weights behind an executive bill to establish and make the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue an autonomous body and engage consultants in revenue generation.

Declaring the Public Hearing open on yesterday in Port Harcourt,

the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Development and Infrastructure, Mr Adesegun Oniru, who stated that fallout of Hurricane Sandy might affect Lagos State which could lead to a ripple effect along the coast lines.

FADE in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, said the discussion on the possibility of such disaster happening might be one for another day but noted that issues of how the state and federal governments would react were of high importance.

Chairman of Finance Committee in the state House of Assembly, Hon. John Orlu, while introducing the bill, said reasons for the presentation of the executive bill by the state governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, is to increase the internally generated revenue, harmonise the tax system in the state and ensure that the tax system meets internationally acceptable standards.

De Change Services, indicated its interest to set up offices and install its equipment at major airports around the country.

Chairman (Non-Executive) and Founder of Travelex, Lloyd Dorfman, who disclosed this during a courtesy visit on the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, in her office, yesterday, in Abuja, said the company was interested in expanding its business reach to Nigeria by providing air travellers and airport users seamless retail foreign exchange services comparable to what obtained in other internal and domestic airports around the world.

He stated that with its leading edge technology in the provision of Foreign Exchange ATM machines, Travelex’s entry into the nation’s aviation sector would help to boost the cash-lite policy of the Federal Government.

Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—15

FG laments Nigeria's low investment ranking

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

F

EDERAL Government, yesterday, lamented the recent low ranking of Nigeria on foreign direct investment, FDI, by international ranking organisations.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, expressed government’s frustration at the 8th National Conference on Investment, NCI, in Abuja.

The minister cited the

2011 Doing Business Report of the World Bank, which ranked the country at 131 of 185 countries surveyed, while also noting that the 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Index of World Economic Forum ranked Nigeria 115 of 144 countries surveyed.

Ortom said: “This unsatisfactory performance cannot be allowed to continue if Nigeria must take her rightful position as a major player in global economy, given our natural endowment.”

Reps probe alleged MDAs' extortion of job seekers

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Representatives, yesterday, mandated its joint committee on Establishments, Employment, Labour and Productivity, and Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values to investigate alleged extortion of money from job seekers by government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs. A member of the House,

Tajudeen Yusuf in a motion drew the attention of the House to the fact that MDAs were asking applicants to pay various sums of money, or acquire scratch cards to process their applications, describing the practice as unacceptable.

Also, in a resolution on another motion moved by Bashir Babaleh, the House mandated its committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the persistent

scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, across the country, with a view to making appropriate recommendations on way out of the current scarcity.

Report of the committee’s findings would be received by the House next Wednesday.

In his submissions, Babaleh regretted that the rate of such extortion from applicants had continued to rise annually, as officials of MDAs were taking undue advantage of job seekers. He said nothing was being done to check it.

In his contribution, Mr. Peter Akpatason described the practice as “annoying,” noting that the practice was helping already gainfully em-

ployed public servants to make money in fraudulent manner from helpless job seekers.

Akpatason, who urged a public hearing to allow victims participate, was also angry that most of the times, secret replacements were being carried out in the MDAs against the rule that any such vacancy must be advertised.

Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. Uzor Azubuike, called for the outright discouragement of MDAs asking applicants to obtain letters of recommendation from members of the National Assembly before being offered employment. He described the practice as “indirect blackmail” against members.

... blast Oronsaye over Ribadu's c'ttee report

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—AS more re actions continue to trail the altercation that erupted among members of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force during the submission of its report to President Goodluck Jonathan last Friday, some members of the House of Representatives, yesterday, slammed Mr. Steve Oronsaye over his con-

duct during the event.

Daniel Reyenieju (PDP Bayelsa), in Abuja, yesterday, expressed disappointment over Oronsaye’s behaviour and pointed out that he ought to have resigned after he was appointed into the Board of the NNPC. Abiodun Balogun (ACN Ogun) expressed the same opinion. He faulted Orosanye’s conduct on the day the report was submitted to the President.

Jonathan tasks UN on terrorism

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged the United Nations to treat terrorists world wide as common enemies of humanities.

He spoke in Abuja at a cocktail organised in honour of participants at the regional conference on counter-terrorism held in Abuja.

According to the President, terrorism is not a local issue as its menace has become a global issue since it cuts across sub-regions and the world.

President Jonathan said: “Terrorism is a menace to all of us. The world and indeed the United Nations must come together and see terrorists as our common enemies.

C M Y K

“Those who throw explosives at people are not mentally deranged. There is no justification for this act. The earlier the world comes together to confront it, the better for all of us.

“UN should no longer treat terror as local issue.

People must be able to live and travel freely without fear.”

Expressing concern over the free movement of small arms and weapons across international borders, President Jonathan said it remained the greatest challenge facing the country and sub-region.

He said the increasing rate of armed robberies and rape among other crimes was attributable to the presence of small arms in the hands of non-state actors.

16—Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

‘No vacancy in Taraba Govt House’

BY SONI DANIEL Regional Editor, North

J

ALINGO—INJURED Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, who is currently receiving treatment in a German hospital, is recovering faster than expected, the State Information Commissioner, Emmanuel Bello, has said.

Bello told Vanguard in an interview that from available information, the governor was doing very well and would be able to return to his duty post soon, but could not say when that would be.

Bello said there was no justification for the calls for the transmission of any letter to the Taraba Assembly to enable an acting governor to take charge, since, according to him, the governor was still in good health.

The Commissioner pointed out that since the air crash involving the governor, all tiers of government in the state had been working smoothly and discharging their responsibilities to the people of the state.

He said: “As it is today, Taraba is very safe and working smoothly under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Garba Umar, who is also discharging his duties effectively to the admiration of the people.

“Governor Danbaba Suntai is doing very well and we believe he will soon return to continue with the good work he has been doing in the state.

“There has been no disruption of any aspect of life in the state, as the legislature and the executive members and the judiciary are functioning and meeting the needs of the people.

“Therefore, those calling for the transmission of letter of incapacitation by the governor are merely misguided elements, who do not understand what is going on in the state.”

N500bn benefits: Union dares FG over PHCN's privatisation

BY TAYE OBATERU, PHILIP EKIGWE, COMFORT ALIFIA & UTIBE-ABASI OKON

J

O S — N AT I O N A L President of Senior Staff Association of Engineers and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, Mr. Bede Opara, has vowed that workers of Power Holding Company of Ni-

geria, PHCN, would resist any take-over of the company under the privatisation programme unless their N500 billion entitlements were fully settled.

He stated this at a Stakeholders Forum organised by the NorthEast Zone of SSAEAC and the National Union of Electricity Employees,

INDUCTION: From left— Otunba Olufemi Deru, 2nd Deputy Vice-President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN; Chief (Mrs) Olutoyin Olakunri, Special Guest of honour, and Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi, ICAN President, at the Institute's 50th induction ceremony for new members at ICAN Centre, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

I would 've joined Boko Haram— Ex-military Gov

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—ONE time Military Governor of Katsina State, Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd.), has said Boko Haram Islamist sect was fighting a good cause, lamenting,

however, that it was spoiling its case by killing innocent Nigerians.

Onoja said he would have joined the sect if they had started killing election riggers, who carry ballot boxes home, thumbprint and announce re-

sults from their houses instead of resorting to killing innocent people.

He made this known in Minna, Niger State, while contributing to steps towards achieving peace in the country, especially in the northern region,

Gunmen kill 2 Chinese nationals in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI— GUNMEN in an unmarked Golf Volkswagen vehicle, yesterday, killed two Chinese nationals at a road site project in Benishiekh town in Borno State, just as two bomb blasts targeting soldiers rocked Mubi in Adamawa State, killing at least two civilians, according to the military.

The gunmen, who killed the Chinese nationals, also snatched their Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, at 10.45am. Benisheikh is 72 kilometres West of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and an epicenter of the Islamist sect.

According to an eyewitness and resident of

NUEE, in Jos stressing that privatisation would only take off when workers’ entitlements had been fully settled by the Federal Government.

He said: “We will prevent anybody who dares to enter PHCN premises without first settling all of labour outstanding matters.”

Opara decried what he

Benishiekh, Yinus Abubakar, the gunmen came in two Golf Volkswagen vehicles in the morning and ambushed the Chinese engineers working on the Damaturu-Maiduguri dual carriageway and bridge.

He said: “We were shocked and terrified with the gunmen’s attacks and killings. We had to run into our houses, when we started hearing gunshots on the Damaturu road for 20 minutes, and fled towards Damaturu with the snatched vehicle of the engineers.”

Confirming the incident, yesterday, in a telephone chat in Maiduguri, Police Commissioner, Yuguda Abdullahi, said he heard

that two foreign engineers working on the Damaturu-Maiduguri dual carriage way were attacked by unknown gunmen.

He said no arrest had been made, as investigations have commenced.

Meanwhile, in the Adamawa incident, resi-

dents said children were hurt in the blast at Kashuwar Sanu (cattle market) in the town of Mubi, which went off as a convoy of military vans drove through.

“There was an explosion that targeted a military patrol team, but the explosion missed the target.”

pointing out that the sect has “a genuine case”.

He said: “If you look at it from the beginning, they (Boko Haram) have genuine case. I have told people that I would have been a member of Boko Haram before they started killing innocent people.

“But if they had started going after those who rig elections; those who carry ballot boxes to their houses, thump-print and start announcing fake results the next day, which is what most people are doing; if they go after such people, I will join them.

“What we don’t want is to start wasting innocent people’s lives.”

Dana Air to acquire new aircraft, assures on safety foreign auditors and Ni- courtesy visit to Vanguard,

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

D

ANA Airlines has begin talks with aircraft manufacturers to renew its fleet of aircraft, but declined to state which aircraft type it would acquire.

The airline also assured Nigerians of safety, saying

geria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, had subjected its existing aircraft to serious airworthiness scrutiny, preparatory to start of operations.

Dropping the hint yesterday, Head Commercial of Dana Airlines, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, who led a delegation of the airline on a

said the measure was to further boost public confidence in the airline, especially against the backdrop of public hysteria for old aircraft.

He said: “Our airplanes have been flying under the inspection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.”

called “injustice” and Federal Government’s nonchalant attitude to PHCN workers adding, “government claims that our monetary entitlements are too big to pay.

But let me ask, is it not what we have worked for? Is it not our benefits and our sweat?”

NUEE National Secretary, who is also the Acting President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Joe Ajero, said there was need for cooperation and solidarity among members so that pension, instead of payoff, would be paid.

He said: “If you go with the principles of pay-off, there is likely to be a lot of casualties. Rather, let us emphasise and pursue pension funds along other benefits accruing to our members.”

He urged his colleagues to rise up against privatisation, noting that “out of the 145 companies overtaken by the tsunami of privatisation, none has survived.”

Ajaero wondered why government was bent on selling off PHCN, which generates an annual revenue of N300 billion for just N200 billion naira in the name of privatisation.

‘Kwara not broke'

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN—GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has said the state government was not broke, pointing out that it was buoyant as all financial obligations such as payment of salaries, contractors and other expenditures were duly being met.

Ahmed said: “There is no magic to our being able to remain liquid other than the fact that we have been able to manage our expenditure within our revenue profile.”

He said no local government council in the state would retrench any worker as a result of their recent financial challenges, as the councils had streamlined their expenditure portfolio to avoid past experiences, noting that all arrears of salary owed council workers had been cleared.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 17

L

Mishandling Boko Haram

I

t was clear that the Nigerian state had mishandled the phenomenon from the beginning and the greatest mistake was the order given by the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’adua to wipe out the organisation. The extrajudicial killings of members and innocent people alike, is still available on YOUTUBE! Unfortunately, the security apparatus of the government, especially under Andrew Azazi, framed the insurgency as a political conspiracy by the North against the Jonathan administration. That led to two inter-related consequences; on the one hand, the deepening of counterinsurgency, with its scorched earth tactics leading to unending killings of innocent people in the communities affected in Borno and Yobe states. The Nigerian military inadvertently became recruitment sergeants for the insurgency. On the other hand, the security budget became a ‘Milch Cow’ that fed the ‘securicrats’ and international security contractors. Yet, the nation was not getting the peace it so craved, as the security apparatus and the regime were locked in a very faulty appreciation of the problem they are dealing with. As the international human rights organisations have reported in recent days, the nation’s security apparatus has carried out a lot of atrocities in its fight against the insurgency. I was in Bornoin May and it was clear that people were more afraid of the security forces than they were of the insurgency. And it was the unending killing of young people; the disruption of socio-economic life; the curtailment of cultural existence and the overall levels of insecurity, which made Borno Elders to consistently speak out against the activities of the security forces.

This past week has brought things to a head in the struggle against the

Negotiating with Boko Haram

Gen. Buhari insurgency. There was the killing of General Muhammed Shuwa, war-time hero and one of the most decent leaders of recent Nigerian history.

Boko Haram has denied that it killed the old man. I was also reliably informed that all roads leading to his residence are ringed with military outposts; it is therefore imperative to ask basic questions about the security situation and the circumstance which led to General Shuwa’s killing. How was it possible for the killers to elude all the security posts around Shuwa’s residence? Who was interested in his

death? And what end was it expected to serve? These are not idle questions especially when it came in the same week that a ‘spokesperson’ of Boko Haram said it was ready to negotiate with the Nigerian government to end the insurgency, listing a number of issues it wanted resolved as well as people it wanted as part of a negotiation process.

Expectedly, the name of General MuhammaduBuhari has excited the opprobrium of certain quarters in the country. From a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau, BitrusKaze, through to Chief Solomon Lar and the leadership of CAN, there has been an orchestrated campaign against General Buhari. Those who object to Buhari are locked in their prejudices about his place in the nation’s social, religious and political spaces. I think Sam Nda-Isaiah’s

is a very good appreciation of the man, General Buhari. Whatever prejudices inform the outcry against General Buhari has been deliberately orchestrated in an effort to drown out the voices of a negotiated end of the Boko Haram insurgency. It is not Buhari that they hurt with the irresponsible, deliberately orchestrated hysteria, but Nigeria. In any case, those who object to Buhari as a possible negotiator to help end the insurgency, that he has not even accepted anyway, should tell us what role Wole Soyinka played in the Niger Delta “militancy” which made MEND name him a negotiator and they did not object then!

A deteriorated social space

T

he Nigerian social space has so deteriorated in recent years and people have retreated into ethnoreligious subjectivism to the point that has made rational discourse so difficult to commence. But we must never be intimidated by religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism; no matter how copious a space they can win in the media. If the Nigerian state has finally arrived at a resolve that the best way out of the Boko Haram insurgency is a negotiated end, it is imperative to pull all stops to achieve success of the endeavour. For those still wooly-eyed about a military solution, I will state it for the umpteenth time, that there can be no military solution to a stubborn, ideological insurgency; the Americans discovered that in Afghanistan. Even the most powerful nation in human

,

ONG before it became accepted wisdom, I had been an advocate of negotiation with the Islamist organisation, Boko Haram. At a point when intellectual, media and political circles, especially in the Southern part of the country saw the counterinsurgency tactics of the Nigerian Army as an opportunity to destroy the insurgency, and by extension, lay to waste a huge swathe of the North, I was one of the few commentators arguing that the Nigerian state would invariably have to find the way to reach some détente with the Islamist insurgency. We were pilloried; and I still regularly get abused on many web sites as a spokesperson for the insurgency.

I have advocated negotiation for a host of reasons. In the first place, it was very important to place the insurgency within the context of antistate activities which have manifested in various guises around the country.

It was merely a reflection of our various levels of understanding or the depth of prejudice, that some Nigerians will excuse “militancy” in the Niger Delta; valorize the activities of MASSOB or OPC, but will blindly dismiss out of hand, the insurgency of Boko Haram, unwilling to even place the phenomenon in a social context, whatsoever. But Nigerians have been hurting at various levels and anti-state activities will often be informed by the specific historical experiences and settings in different parts of a huge and complex country like Nigeria. As it is, in Northern Nigeria, given over one thousand years of Islamic history and a tradition of radicalism that has always been part of the Islamic heritage here, it was no surprise that Islam became the basis and context of anti state activism and in the extreme, the insurgency of Boko Haram. My effort to assist in understanding the social context of the insurgency was often crudely reduced to an acceptance of the ideology and belief systems or tactics of the organisation.

Those who object to Buhari as a possible negotiator to help end the insurgency, that he has not even accepted anyway, should tell us what role Wole Soyinka played in the Niger Delta “militancy” which made MEND name him a negotiator and they did not object then

column in LEADERSHIP newspaper (THE BUHAR I KNOW), on Monday,

,

history wants out of the Afghan insurgency!

Professor Mahmud Yakubu and TETFUND

I

T was Professor Mahmud Yakubu’s definitive study of the life and times of Sa’adZungur, one of the most radical intellectuals, poets and politicians, of 20th century Northern Nigeria, which first attracted me to the unassuming and decent professor (And as an aside, I think every Nigerian interested in understanding the radical tradition in Northern Nigeria, including the recent upsurge in Islamic radicalism, must read Yakubu’s seminal study of Zungur’s life). I read through the work over a weekend, sometime in 2000, and sought out Professor Yakubu. He was a Senior Lecturer at the Nigeria Defence Academy in Kaduna; I was General Manager at the Kwara State Television Service in Ilorin at the time, and the first meeting was as if we had been friends all our lives! He was very modest about the Sa’adZungur study, which took me to his residence in the first place; just as he always was about his academic pedigree: a First Class Degree in History and Post-Graduate in record time at Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

It struck me even then, that Nigeria was going to hear a lot about this dyedin-the-wool intellectual into the future!

The next time I saw his ability was at the organisational level during the 200th anniversary of the Sokoto Jihad, commemorated with a gathering which brought intellectuals, politicians, religious scholars and traditional rulers from around the world. Professor Mahmud Yakubu was one of the moving forces of a successful commemoration of one of the most important intellectual,

political and religious revolutions to ever take place in Africa: the Jihad led

by Sheikhs Usmanu Bin Fodiye; AbdullahiFodiye and Muhammad Bello.

W

hen the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’adua appointed Professor Mahmud Yakubu as Executive Secretary of the Educational Trust Fund, it was, in the views of many people who know the importance of that Fund, one of the good appointments made by the administration. Mahmud went to work with devotion and competence within the vision of the Fund, fought for by patriotic Nigerian intellectuals in ASUU, to aid the tertiary level of our educational sector. And by all accounts, the past five years have been some of the most productive in the history of the organisation. Professor Mahmud Ya k u b u provided a n insightful leadership that took TETFUND (as it became u n d e r h i s leadership) to every nook and cranny of Nigeria, Professor Mahmud Yakubu providing

critical support for old and young tertiary institutions alike. He provided opportunity for over 5000 Nigerian intellectuals to train away from their institutions to defeat academic “inbreeding” that has become a problem of the tertiary education level in the country.It was therefore no surprise that people connected with the work of the organisation have been rooting for a second four-year term for Professor Mahmud Yakubu. Even President Goodluck Jonathan was reported to be asking about the professor heading TETFUND, whose tenure everybody has described in glowing terms!

Nigerian appointments have often placed square pegs in round holes.

The effect has been the crisis all around us. But once in a while, the Nigerian state gets it right; an individual is given an assignment that he is capable of carrying out because he has the training, temperament and pedigree for the position. In such a circumstance things work almost like clockwork and achievements are recorded which redeem the social space in the country.

That was the case with Professor Mahmud Yakubu at TETFUND over the past five years. As the saying goes, one good term deserves the second; no wonder, stakeholders in the tertiary education level, such as ASUU, have been rooting for Professor Mahmud Yakubu’s re-appointment for a second, four-year tenure. When a public official works well for society, it elevates the public space; Mahmud Yakubuhas been truly exemplary at TETFUND!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 THE contrast was clear. On Tuesday, while Americans were voting for a president, their 10th president since 1961, three of who did two terms, Cameroonians were celebrating the 30th anniversary of President Paul Biya in power. Biya is Cameroon’s second president since the country’s independence from France 52 years ago.

His predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo ran Cameroon for 22 years, got tired (some say sick) and voluntarily handed power to Biya in 1982. Biya, 79, has ruled since them. His supporters are prodding him to stand for another election in 2018, when he would be only 85 years old.

Biya was absent, he practically lives in France, where he meets medical requirements. Cameroon’s 20 million people wallow in the scourge of Biya who is relatively young among sit-tight African leaders. Their ambition appears to be to beat the 42-year record of Gabon’s Albert Omar Bongo, who only death, at 71, could separate from power.

Ahead of Biya in the dictatorship game are Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola, 70,

Biy aF ore Biya Fore orevver!

Equatorial Guinea’s Theodoro Mbasogo, 70, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, 88: in power for 32 years each. Younger members of the club are Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 68, and in his 25th year in power, Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, Cape Verde (78) became President 21 years ago, but had been Prime Minister for 16 years.

Others are Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir (68) 23 years, and Idriss Deby Itno (60) of the Republic of Chad, 22 years.

The continued presence of these rulers bears grave consequences for their people and the continent. The opposition is decimated and within their parties, there are no successors in sight, it is considered treason to discuss succession of the leader.

With Biya’s Cameroon still as example, 96.6 per cent of its 21 million population, over 20.28 million, is under 64 years old. A minor part of that group would have been 12 years old when Ahidjo became president. More than three-quarters of the country, 14 million know only Biya as president.

The tragedies are more. Biya tried democratising the country, but his sweeping powers and decision to hold unto to power has left the country fragmented along ethnic and religious lines. The opposition wants to know if his successor, from another ethnic group and another religion would be allowed to rule as long as Biya. The question indicates the dangers ahead.

Cameroonians like Zimbabweans, Angolans and Ugandans would be under worse pressure to find leaders when the dictator expires. Cote d’Ivoire is still in turmoil, 19 years after the death of Felix Houphouët-Boigny, its first president who ruled for 33 years.

African dictators should democratise instead of celebrating destruction of their countries.

OPINION

BY JAPHETH AGBABA

S

INCE the return of democracy in the country in 1999, most of the elected governors in the South-South and South East zones succeeded in securing a second term themselves in office, except Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju of Anambra State who was denied by his party and Chief Dipreye Alamaesiagha of Bayelsa State who was removed from office before the end of his second term in office over corruption charges.

So the rest governors from the two zones enjoyed two terms of eight years and handed over to their successors. While some of them, such as Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State went to the Senate, the likes of Achike Udenwa of Imo State and Chief Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State went for ministerial slots. Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State, Donald Duke of Cross River State and Dr Peter Odili of Rivers State opted to bow out of active politics to enjoy their private life and allow their successors to continue from where they stopped and to take responsibility for whatever happened.

Some of them like Attah, Duke, Nnamani, Egwu and others who tried to play the godfather by lording it over their successors, were strongly and successfully resisted. And realising the saying that knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens, they honourably and humbly gave way so that their successors would take complete

C M Y K

Between Abia, an ex-governor and wisdom charge of affairs as the executive governors of their states. Nnamani, for instance, who must have learnt a lesson or two from his estranged godfather, Chief Jim Nwobodo, stayed away to avoid the wrath of his successor, Sullivan Chime.

But in Abia State, the story was quite different as Chief Theodore Orji in his humility accorded his predecessor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, all the necessary respect.

But this was a gesture Kalu and his allies abused by exploiting their contacts in the Presidency, under the late President Umaru Musa Yar Adua, to hijack Orji’s government and dictate who got what.

So throughout Orji’s first term in office, his government was being controlled from Igbere and the state bled, while the people suffered.

Today most of Kalu's fellow ex-governors have bid farewell to the government of their successors, especially when it is obvious to Nigerians that their successors have done well and are still doing very well in governance.But the case of Abia has remained different, especially since Governor Orji liberated the state from the control of his predecessor.

The impression this development has created is that the Governor's predecessor cannot survive without patronage from the state government or that government

should remain a source of income for him and his family.

This may explain why he has desperately launched all sorts of campaign of calumny against Governor Orji, his family and government. The Governor has had to endure sustained media war based on lies and distorted facts about his government and the Abia people. His predecessor's Lagos based newspaper has never and will never see anything good in his government, especially since they parted ways. The newspaper has become a political platform to launch contrived and negative stories against Orji’s government and Nigerians are watching and know the reason for the persistent attacks.

I

t was Joseph Campbell who once said: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

Today, it is only in Abia State that the former governor has refused to allow the state to be after managing the collective resources of the people for eight years without rendering account.

Unfortunately for the former governor, the people of Abia know better and cannot be deceived, no matter how well contrived the lies. They are comfortable entrusting

their collective resources to Governor Orji to manage for their good.

Orji’s predecessor should borrow a leaf from his colleagues like Odili, Duke, Egwu, Attah, Nnamani and others and allow common sense and wisdom to prevail. His actions somehow border on desperation. But having bragged of being an outstanding and successful businessman before becoming governor of the state, Kalu should be bold and courageous enough to face his private business and take it to the next level like Aliko Dangote and others, instead of wasting his time chasing political shadows in the state.

This is because as it is now, he has no value to add to the politics of the state or otherwise, especially when his records in government cannot match that of his successor.

Clearly, the days of political godfatherism are over in Nigeria and the people of Ondo State demonstrated it during the last governorship election in the state. It is another bitter lesson for exgovernors who want to remain perpetual godfathers. * Mr. Agbaba, a lawyer,wrote from London.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—19

, I

F it is true that the Federal Government has actually decided to sit down and negotiate “peace” with some individuals who claim to represent Boko Haram, then the government has taken a decision that the country will forever regret. There is an English adage that says: “Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas”.

I have two questions which I will discuss to justify my assertion that the so-called “dialogue” will bring nothing good to this country.

Number one: Is this really the Boko Haram? Number two: What is “justice” for terrorists?

Is this Boko Haram? I doubt it.

The Boko Haram that I know are Islamic Jihadists whose primary aim is to overthrow the Sokoto Caliphate, enthrone a radical Islamic regime in the North and from there attempt to force their ideology down the throats of peace-loving people of the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria. They are linked to Al Qaeda, whose quixotic daydream is to eliminate Christians, Jews and true Muslims

(those who follow the principle that Islam is a religion of peace).

Then they will establish a new world order where AK-47 and daggers will replace forks and knives as cutlery for breakfast, grenades will be used to play soccer and suicide bombing will become a blood sport for spectators to pay and watch at stadiums. The Boko Haram under faceless Abubakar Shekau says it does not want Western education because according to them, “it is a sin”. They have been killing Christians through suicide bombings mostly on Sundays while in church worshipping God. They have been targeting peaceloving Muslims, government officials and security personnel providing safety to Nigerians.

They have been setting fire to schools in the North and orchestrating gun attacks on defenceless Southerners in the North.

They have been generally implacable. The only condition they have given for dialogue so far

,

is the laughable notion that President Goodluck Jonathan should convert to Islam (thus showing they are also comedians).

Apart from that, they want all their members in jail to be released to resume their murderous pastimes.

Boko Haram does not believe in the laws and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They are outlaws, enemies of the government and people of Nigeria and therefore, not qualified for anybody paid with public funds to sit and negotiate with them for any reason. That is the group that I have always advocated and will always insist that we defeat on the battlefield just as we did Maitatsine and Mohammed Yusuf, the Boko Haram founder.

I

f Boko Haram is tired of killing innocent Nigerians, if they have been weakened and now want a safe passage out of their anarchy, then there is only one thing they must do. They must lay down their arms and come out hands in the

Let Oshiomhole also‘take a bow’

A

NYTHING that is misused is abused and anything that is abused is also devalued. We watched helplessly as the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gradually reduced the “Take a Bow” procedure to the point of embarrassment.

On occasions, though, certain people are required to appear before the legislative assembly. Such appearances include those moments when nominees for executive appointments must appear at the chambers of the Senate or the State Assembly for confirmation hearing. Once appointed, such ministers and commissioners are also required to appear at the assembly periodically to brief the people, through their elected representatives, how their ministries or extra- ministerial departments are performing.

At the confirmation hearings, in very rare cases, a very prominent nominee who has clearly distinguished himself in society could be asked to take a bow and go without questioning, as a mark of respect. This favour must be dispensed very sparingly or it would lose its lustre. Since our return to democracy in 1999, we could easily point at the late Bola Ige as a man deserving of such an honour.

We invite to the witness stand, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, one man who fought relentlessly against the abuse of the concept of “Take a bow”. At a time when his colleagues in the Senate wanted the “Take a bow” procedure extended automatically to all senators, Senator Chukwumerije stood his ground that the favour was “antiintellectual and an animation of secret society methods” (Thisday, Thursday, 18 December 2008, p. 72).

It is a sin against the Holy Ghost to extend the “Take a bow” to ministerial briefings.

From time, people have taken the ministerial briefing as an opportunity to know how the ministers of the Federal Government or the commissioners of the state governments are performing in their various ministries.

Recently in Edo State, this annual ritual was moving very smoothly until it got to the turn of the Commissioner for Health, Mrs. Cordelia Aiyowieren-Aiwize, when she was asked to take a bow. The question on everybody’s lip was, why? Whenever the “Take a bow” is applied, it only succeeds in leaving more questions than answers on its trail.

Essentially, the “Take a bow” concept destroys the noble ideal of free speech. And free speech is not simply the right of an individual to have his say, it is also the right of the rest of us to hear him. In one of his telling works, Essay On Liberty, John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) argues eloquently in defence of free expression. “The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is that it is robbing the human race, posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion still more than those who hold it; if the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth; if wrong, they lose what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error”.

Government by the people is based on the individual’s right to speak freely, to organise in groups, to question the decisions of government and to criticize it openly when it is necessary to do so. It is only through free and uncensored expression of opinion that government can be kept responsive to the electorate. It is also through free expression of opinion that governmental power can be transferred peacefully.

Elections, separation of powers and other constitutional guarantees would continue to be meaningless unless each person has the right to speak frankly and to hear and judge

,

Boko Haram, ‘justice’ and blackmail

How much are they going to pay the Christians killed? If you pay the killers and neglect those killed, where is the justice? Or is justice only for those who can give the Federal Government a bloody nose?

air in unconditional surrender.

The law enforcement agents will process them and visit them with the full weight of the law, as a deterrent to other anarchists in the future. Those among them, who are redeemable could be given presidential pardon, rehabilitated and assisted to become useful, productive, law abiding members of the Nigerian society, provided they confess their regret for their misguided actions.

This particular “Boko Haram” has no resemblance to the Boko Haram described above. This “Boko Haram” is looking for money! They are looking for financial gratification! I smell hungry politicians here. They are asking to be paid “Diyya”, possibly the Arabic word for “postamnesty” funding, just as the exmilitants of Niger Delta have been paid since October 2010. They want to receive compensation without even surrendering as the ex-militants did. I knew it was coming to this! One of my reasons for persistently opposing dialogue with Boko Haram is that from the early days, opportunists and MEND copy-cats among Northern public opinion peddlers saw Boko Haram killings as an opportunity to blackmail the Federal Government to give them the treatment the ex-militants of Niger Delta were given. I have always said the two do not match.

The ex-militants are being paid with the oil money of Niger Delta – their money. Let those asking for “Diyya” be also paid with money realised from revenue from their own area, not the same oil money of Niger Delta!

And now, the issue of “justice”.

What is justice for a terrorist? The only justice for a person who,

Edo people have been denied the opportunity of knowing how their health sector is performing, no thanks to a legislature that is unwilling to work!

,

for himself, the worth of what others have to say. These are the gains derivable from ministerial briefings. When that is denied, all else is denied.

A

sking Aiwize to take a bow was a disservice to her, when a good politician would pay any price for an opportunity to address the people. More than anyone else, Aiwize has been totally deprived by this singular act of taking a bow.

She may have submitted a brilliant report to the Assembly. But even granting that during the period under review, she discovered the vaccine that eradicates death and make people live forever, would the ministerial briefing not have been an opportunity to showcase her breakthrough to the people, which would have been of tremendous value to her future aspirations?

Again, a surgery in which the patient died

without provocation, decides to kill innocent people in their places of worship, in their homes or in their places of legitimate business, is a date with the hangman at the gallows. That’s what our laws say, and the law must be implemented to fulfill the purpose of the law: creating deterrence to heinous crimes.

There is a danger in paying compensation to murderers and terrorists. It will encourage people to take to it as a lucrative business.

Besides, once you pay this so-called “Diyya” to these Al Qaeda-linked Jihadists they will use the money to re-arm and come back. They will hold this country and every government that is not headed by a Northerner to ransom with constant threats to “return to the trenches”. Besides, Salafists inspired by Al Qaeda never quit.

As extremists, they are not amenable to negotiation. It never worked in Chechnya, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gaza and Mali. You either crush them or they crush you.

That was what happened in Algeria, Chechnya and Serbia.

Besides all this, I have a question for the Federal Government that is talking about paying out sums of money to relations of Boko Haram members “unjustly” killed: How much are they going to pay the Christians, law abiding Muslims and Southerners (particularly Igbos) whom these people killed? If you pay the killers and neglect those killed, where is the justice? Or is justice only for those who can give the Federal Government a bloody nose, such as MEND and Boko Haram?

If this is how we now define justice in Nigeria, then, to your tents, O Israel! The country is no longer worth it!

could not have been too successful. If excellence was the basis of the “Take a bow” that was awarded the Health Commissioner, how come that a few days after the award, the Comrade-Governor visited her major territory, the Central Hospital in Benin City, only to find that virtually everything was in shambles? And virtually all the hospitals in the local government areas have nothing to recommend them! That award simply portrayed the legislators as either lazy or outright unresponsive. After all, it is only a bad host that would be unwilling to listen to his guest. Why else was the guest invited in the first place?

Most importantly, Edo people have been totally short-changed by being denied the opportunity of knowing how their health sector is performing, no thanks to a legislature that is unwilling to work!

If excellence was indeed the basis for the “Take a bow”, all other persons in the system – the Comrade-Governor and his entire team – remain indicted. This can be better understood on two basic premises: One, that the ministerial briefings were preparatory to the Governor’s presentation of the 2013 budget estimates; and two, that within living memory, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole stands out as one of the most performing Governors in the entire nation.

In the next few days, this same Governor, will be appearing before this same House of Assembly to present his 2013 Budget proposals. How about asking him to take a bow? Or does he not qualify for it?

How else will our legislators begin to realise the absurdity of their actions?

20

— Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 8,

2012

How I stopped flood victim from committing suicide •Baby boom in flood victims camp — Camp Commandant

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, Asaba

D

Baby boom at the camp: Continuing, Ashiedu said: “That brings me also to the other things Sister Stella Maris has done for us in this camp.

As at today, Sister Stella Maris has 10 new born children in her house because women give birth here. During the very first birth we had here, we were really very troubled whether to create a home dedicated for mothers, but that would be con-

Dr. Antonia Ashiedu (left) addressing some of the women who delivered babies at the camp. gesting other rooms. And she was around and said, no, bring both the mother and baby. Since then, nine more have joined.

And keep in mind that when these children are going, they have other little children to go with them. So, as we speak now, Sister Stella Maris has close to 30 persons she is taking care of. So we have a small camp there (Pro Labore Dei, an orphanage)”.

Discipline and orderliness is our motto She further said: “A situation

,

ELTA State Commission er for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, runs the Institute of Education, ICE, camp created for flood victims.

Recently the Camp Commandant shared with Vanguard Metro, VM, an account of how one of the flood displaced persons at the camp almost committed suicide.

Reason?

Apart from the man losing his home, economic power, including his vast farmland, he was traumatized psychologically as he could not locate the whereabouts of his dear wife, the mother of a six-month suckling baby he was cuddling at the time. The child was crying for breast milk and also in dire need of the warmth of the mother. But that was absent.

The man became disoriented and wanted to commit suicide.

In an emotion-laden voice, Camp Commandant Ashiedu narrated thus: “People have lost so much. Think about those who had borrowed money to actually buy seedlings and do so many things. I had a case one evening of a man who wanted to commit suicide. And what was the problem? He had a child who is less than one year old. He didn’t know what became of his wife. Everybody was running, he didn’t know whether his wife drowned, he was in the camp with the baby and could not locate his wife.

The man was very depressed.

Luckily, at about 9pm my attention was called to this by the Reverend Sister who is the chairperson of Pro Labore Dei, Sister Stella Maris. We called him and started counseling him. He was able to calm down and told us that he wanted to make a request. We asked him what was the request? He told us, with tears running down his cheeks, if we could please take this child off him. And the Reverend Sister gladly took the child from him into her custody.

That was how he was saved from committing suicide”.

He told us, with tears running down his cheeks, if we could please take this child off him; and the Reverend Sister gladly took the child from him

,

like this is pathetic, no doubt about it. But you must not allow your emotions to overwhelm you, else you will not be able to achieve the desired level of orderliness. So, when I took over the camp, the first thing I did was to recognise the fact that this is an usual situation. Indeed, nobody envisaged the magnitude of disaster we witnessed; the flood is something none of us had seen before.

Now in doing what we’re doing, one needs to show a lot of love and in showing a lot of love you cannot compromise discipline. How do you do that? You need to bond with the people.

I needed to come down also to their level to empathise with them, understand them. So we are having daily meetings all the time and in doing that we are able to tell ourselves, yes this is a camp but we are going to run it like a community. And if you want to run a community properly, you must have order.

So, first of all, we decided to have a timetable. At 5.30am, the bell goes and that is for morning devotion, inter-denominational. At 6am, general sanitation; 7am, breakfast; quarter to 8, the children file out to school behind the camp.

Then some mothers, of course, move to the skill acquisition centre. In between that period, we have little break, those breaks are for general sanitation. Then by 12 o’clock there will be a compulsory sanitation; 1pm we have lunch. After 1pm, we go back to classes again.

And because there are so many people who are interested in learning, we run two sessions in our skill acquisition class. At 5 o’clock we close for the day and there is a Catholic mass, there is fellowship and football matches begin. We have six football teams, by the way, for kids and playing for adults.

So generally, because it was something that was worked out in which everyone, the internally displaced persons, we didn’t have any problem getting it working. Apart from that, I have to also give a lot of

kudos to the staff of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and the four staff from the Bureau for Special Duties who joined us; then the NGOs, Pro Labore Dei, Red Cross, the doctors, the Police; the youth council in particular, they have about 16 of them working here.

“The synergy of all these people make the work here easy and smooth.

“In the ICE camp I wouldn’t say we have much challenge because once you have a system and a structure running, the challenge is less. We would have had challenge of security but we addressed that very fast. We had a meeting and I asked when they wanted us to close the gate.

Some suggested and we put it to a vote; so by 9pm we lock the gate. Our main gate is never open unless there is a dignitary coming in or people bringing relief materials.

The pedestrian gate is locked by 9pm and we don’t open it until 6.30am. We have a lot of women and children here, so we need to see that the place is properly secured. In terms of feeding we have been very blessed. I know that Nigerians are very generous people.

“But this particular situation, I have seen that Nigerians are really their brothers’ keepers. There is no way government could have been able to feed these people here. Everyday people come here with rice, yams every kind of foodstuff. That has put us in good stead; so when it comes to feeding, we don’t have any

challenge at all.

Fighting will earn you expulsion here: Let me go back to the issue of discipline again, you don’t fight in this camp. You don’t even quarrel here. In fact here, if somebody pushes you, don’t push back; if you push back that’s two fighting. Two fighting means expulsion; they agreed to that. And we have our anthem in the camp. It is in Igbo: “Udo ga di ebe ifunanya di, udo ga di”. Which means, there would be peace whenever there is love.

How democracy thrives here: “At a point, we were having problem putting two thousand persons in a place that is a mere classroom block. The SPC camp was also almost bursting at a stage. The Governor now directed that we should create a third camp in Asaba. Everything we do here we bring it to the general assembly, we come to the arena to discuss it. When we came to the arena to discuss that we needed to offload some persons here, the men were the ones who said they were ready to go. And the interesting thing was that they (men) said they were tired of all these women. You know from the beginning the women outnumbered the men here. The men actually opted to move to Onne camp that was newly created in Asaba.

Democracy reigns here. There was also an option: Do you want to move with your wife? Some families moved, so it was an open thing. Those who wanted to remain and those who wanted to move made their choices”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 21

JAMB Computer Based Test in 2013: Stakeholders react

BY DAYO ADESULU

A

FTER the official announcement last week Thursday at Abuja by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Executive Registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde and Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, that from 2013, ComputerBased Test (CBT), will be used to conduct UTME, had since received reactions from stakeholders in the sector.

Computer-based test is the taking of a test on computer instead of on paper. The transition to computer-based test is an important investment in the future of its certification programmes. Experts have said that CBT among other benefits, will enhance fair and precise evaluation of a candidate’s competency, rapid turnaround of exam results, more choices as to when and where to take the exam, easier registration and fortified examination security.

While the UTME candidates are expected to experiment usage of CBT next year, Rufai disclosed that the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) candidates are to prepare ahead of 2015 when it will be in full operation. According to her, one of the objectives of the e-testing was to ensure 100 per cent elimination of all forms of examination malpractice that had been the major challenge in the conduct of public examinations in the country.

Speaking with Vanguard Learning on the issue, the Vice-Chancellor, Bells University, Ota, Professor Adeyemi Isaac noted that the introduction of CBT for examinations is

• Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai

• Prof. Dibu Ojerinde

a welcome development in the education sector, adding, “We are in the era of technology where students are expected to be information communication technology-compliant.”

He, however, stated that there are some questions begging for answers if we are to operate computer-based test.

“Do we have what it takes nationwide to operate it across

board, or do we have to experiment it with selected few in some states?"

According to Adeyemi, to operate such a capital project which has national spread,

constant electricity supply must be put in place, unless, there is an alternative means of getting it done.

Moreover, he urged the Minister of Education to bridge computer literacy gap between students in the village and city, adding that many students in public schools are not computer literate because they are not exposed to the use of computer. "How many of those students can access the computer? Even when they are taught theory in class, how many of them have computer for practice," he asked.

Asked if the computer-based test will be 100 per cent free from examination malpractice as stated by the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufai, he debunked the claim of total freedom from examination malpractice, Continues on page 27

Insecurity, ‘off-campus’ predicament

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & LAJU ARENYEKA

F

or every one Nigerian student who will gain admission into an institution of higher learning this year, there are at least two others who will not. It is no wonder, therefore, that the lucky few who will matriculate into the 2012/2013 session are simply thankful to have gotten in.

Thankful enough to embark on stressful distances from homes to schools, if possible; thankful enough to squat under atrocious living conditions with their friends

on campus hostels; thankful enough to rent off-campus hostels at exorbitant prices and with minimal security.

But despite the increase in the number of students who gain admission into institutions of higher learning, a major problem facing most schools is inadequate accommodation facilities, making many students seek accommodation off-campus in the surrounding localities. Though the students significantly change (positively or negatively), the physical and socio-economic environment of their communities, they also experience some

problems such as inadequate security, increase in rent, crime occurrence, among others.

Reports say that 75 per cent of Nigerian students live offcampus. Seventy-five per cent minus the 27 students killed in cold blood early last month at Wuro-Fatuje, a heavily populated off-campus hostel housing students of three different tertiary institutions in Adamawa State. No doubt, Ugonna, Llyod, Tekana and Chidiaka, the four students of the University of Port Harcourt who were killed in a feat of jungle justice by a mob in Aluu community of Rivers State,

were also once thankful to have gained admission.

Vanguard Learning sought the opinions of security experts and students on how to ensure students’ safety.

Some students who spoke to Vanguard Learning called on the government and concerned stakeholders to build more oncampus hostels for students so as to ensure students’ safety.

According to Usman Shuiabu Rano, SUG President, Bayero University Kano, “in as much as it’s advisable for students to live in hostels situated in their schools, a major setback Continues on page 22

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Why private varsities should be part of TETFUND —Page 22 C M Y K

Ganoderma suppresses propagation of cancer cells — Lauretta Ofodile —Page 26

Ex UNILAG student develops software for exams results —Page 24

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Why private varsities should be ...As Bowen varsity part of TETFUND produces 33 First Class with the Federal Government that the grant-in-aid should be made to private universities in form of 2.5 per cent loans made payable over time, to assist them in the provisions of vital infrastructure and equipment necessary for effective teaching and dignified student campus life.

According to him, the source of the TETFund-generated revenue is from the private sector, adding, “The number of *Visitor to Bowen University and Executive President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Olasupo p r i v a t e Ayokunle (left), Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Prof. Gerald John Pillay; overall Best Graduating Student, Bowen University (2012), Miss universities now Jaiyeola Mercy Oluwadara and Vice-Chancellor, Bowen University, Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, at the surpass that of fed7th convocation of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, on Saturday. eral and state universities. More are still coming and

BY DAYO ADESULU cellors and Registrars of pri- Tertiary Education Trust Fund, vate universities in Nigeria (TETFUND) to private univer- with time, Nigeria will have no HE Pro-chancellor and said, “I have made several sities just as it is being made choice but to reckon with Chairman, Governing appeals to government to federal and state universi- them.” Nigerian policy makCouncil, Bowen University, through the print and elec- ties.” ers, the Vice-Chancellor reitIwo, Osun State, Deacon tronic media and here at our Olagbemiro said he recalled erated, must realise that prodGamaliel Onosode has called convocation forums for provi- that in 2010 and 2011 when on the Federal Government to sion of grant-in-aids through private universities pleaded Continues on page 27 include private universities on its agenda for the development of high level manpower for the nation. He noted that the call was imperative because of the role private institutions play in revamping the education Continued from page 21 Keku also admonished Nigesector.

In Owhorkire’s opinion, the “It is an undeniable fact that rian universities on the need four students killed in Aluu is that there are not enough the nation needs the services to have an intelligence netwould have been alive if they hostels to accommodate all of the products of private work.

“Beyond just expelling were staying on campus. universities which are students. students who are caught in the Chief Charles Keku, the “Nigerian students are appartners with government in act,” he said, “intelligence netChief Executive Officer, meeting well-defined social pealing to government and Pahek Securities Limited, works can help the school manneeds,” he said. According to other concerned stakeholders said; “There is no doubt that agement anticipate and prehim, government at all levels to build more on-campus hos- the off-campus hostels are in vent such happenings. This should as a matter of duty tels for students as events more dangerous territories involves employing trained support private educational have shown that it’s safer for than those that are on cam- security personnel beyond institutions, in recognition of students to reside on school pus. The disadvantage with those who sit at the gates. The their role in producing much property.”

In agreement is Rhino off-campus hostels is that they presence of police personnel on needed supply of future are not placed in one environ- campuses will also discourage leaders with the right Owhorkire, immediate past ment and, as a result, there is trouble makers.” orientation and commitment to SUG President, University of Although a university little or no control, regulations the early emergence of a truly Port-Harcourt, who opined always opens up a town to or surveillance systems put in that students’ safety should great country. development opportunities, place.

However, students who Onosode who made this plea always come first. the disadvantages abound. stay off-campus could keep th th “The problem of insecurity at the 7 convocation and 10 Crisis on campuses have been themselves safe by leaving anniversary of Bowen University is affecting every state of the known in times past to home during the day, and where 33 students out of 1001 nation, making it necessary escalate to the town, thereby arriving during the day as it graduands made first class said, for the construction of more “Our nation is in dire need of hostels in campuses of our is quite rare for such incidents causing a rift between indigenes and students. to happen during the day. ” quality leadership that would various institutions.

Reports say that members of Also speaking on the make a positive difference.” He “This is calling on the Aluu community had been solution to insecurities in urged the graduands to make government and stakeholders use of the academic and moral in the education sector to schools, the security don said: victims of the atrocities pertrainings they have received in make students’ safety a top “There are a lot of solutions petrated by campus cults. On school, stressing that it will priority by building more to insecurities in schools, but the other side of the coin, instand them in good stead for hostels. Off-campus students the main solution is the digenous crisis which at the quality leadership. of University of Jos are afraid dissolution of cultism. beginning had nothing to do Also speaking in the same for their lives because they Individual students have to with students, have found stuvein, the Vice-Chancellor of don’t know when the next learn to avoid cults. Also dents caught in the crossfire.

Bowen, Professor Timothy unrest in the state would parents must teach their Either way, history has shown Olagbemiro and Chairman of happen.” children to avoid moving with that the off-campus students the Committee of Vice-Changet hit the most. bad friends.”

T

Insecurity, ‘off-campus’ predicament

BRIEF

SAN commends Fashola on education programmes

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

he President of Eko Boys’ High School Old Boys Association, Chief Idowu Sofola, (SAN) has commended Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, SAN, for his unequalled expenditure on education in the state.

According to a statement

by National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Akinloye Busari, Sofola made the remarks while receiving the report of the Centenary Committee, in preparation for the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the school.

He praised the state government for the geometrical increase in the number of secondary schools in the state when compared to the 50s when he was a secondary school student in Lagos.

Sofola described the free education policy of the state and supply of free text books in the key subjects as the greatest opportunity for many indigent students to advance in life.

Contest in Army enhances combat readiness – Spokesman

A

CHIEF instructor at the Nigerian Army Education Corps, Col. Charles Bossman, has said that regular competitions among officers and men of the Nigerian Army would enhance their combat readiness.

Col. Bossman said this recently while speaking with journalists on the coming Nigerian Army Education Corps inter-division map reading competition.

Bossman, who is in charge of publicity for the six-day competition between November 5 and 10, 2012 said it was part of military training for officers and men for combat readiness.

He also said the competition that would hold in Ilorin and Idofian would also enhance the ‘espri-decorp’ and promote team work among officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 —23

BRIEF

Medical students cry foul over lockout, signing undertaking

BY ANZAA MSONTER, BSU

F

OLLOWING a protest embarked upon by students of Benue State University College of Health Sciences over the non-accreditation of the University Teaching Hospital, the Senate swiftly took action, putting the college under lock and key for two weeks.

But as the two weeks compulsory break given the students elapsed on Thursday, October 25, 2012, without any sign of resumption, the students have once again lamented their woes.

A visit to the school penultimate Monday, showed large number of the students ready to move into their hostels. They were, however, not allowed, as the management asked them to sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour as a precondition.

Led by their President, Kawen Pededo, the students rejected the management’s condition, but later were engaged in series of dialogue with the management over the matter. Insisting that they would not sign the undertaking irrespective of its content, they instead drafted an agreement requiring the university authorities and the state government to undertake to send them out to other medical schools if the forthcoming accreditation fails.

The insistence by management that the students

*The Medical students during their protests would not be allowed back without the undertaking made the students decide they would continue with the indefinite break, thereby boycotting lectures, pending when they are called back.

Earlier in June, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) visited the college and made recommendations to be fixed in six months. The approaching deadline was what made the students to embark on another phase of protests. Unconfirmed reports say the MDCN is scheduled to revisit the college this November.

The College of Health

Sciences has had a rough ride since its inception in 2003. It only secured preclinical accreditation in 2008 and has been under constant risk of losing the accreditation, since there has not been any real progress since then.

Its students have been going on protests many times to press home their grievances. Some of them have spent over eight years without graduating. Earlier this year, they were the state government’s guests two times at the Government House, where they received various promises regarding the completion and accreditation of the Teaching Hospital.

However, despite its commis-

sioning in March by President Goodluck Jonathan, the hospital is largely still undergoing installment of equipment.

Speaking, former BESUMSA President, Asue Terfa accused the authorities of using media propaganda to misinform the public about why the students were protesting and wondered whether it was not easier to yield to their demands than engage in unending muscleflexing.

As at the time of filing this report, the hostels remained under lock and key, with the only students on campus being law students who have been using the college auditorium for their lectures.

Ojo lost his job, and subsequently Aina lost hers.

The disease poses a threat to the livestock and consequently to human health.

He did not take his studies very seriously; consequently, he was asked to withdraw from the university.

Squalid – Dirty

Squalid and dirty both indicate a condition of uncleanness.

Note the distinguishing feature of the two words: dirty signifies ‘that which is covered with dirt, dust, soil; not clean’; squalid means ‘very dirty and unpleasant’. Squalid adds to the idea of uncleanness the suggestion of misery and poverty.

Frequently Confused Words Subsequently – Consequently

The two words – subsequently and consequently do not have the same meaning. Subsequently means ‘afterwards’, ‘later’; consequently denotes ‘as a result’ or ‘therefore’.

Examples: The original interview results were subsequently lost.

Examples: During the Liberian Civil war, there were many squalid, overcrowded refugee camps in Nigeria.

If your hand is dirty, go and wash them.

A palace may be dirty but it will not be squalid.

Amiable – Amicable

Amiable and amicable are a pair of words that are liable to be

UNILAG to host research confab

BY IKENNA ASOMBA & MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

I

n line with programmes marking its 50 th anniversary, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, will be hosting its 2012 Research Conference and Fair between November 6 and 8, 2012.

Being the eighth edition, Ag. Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof. Rahaman Bello, in a statement said the conference and fair themed: Research and Innovation For Economic Development in a Globalizing Nigeria, will begin with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, November 6; presentation of papers, Wednesday, November 7, while the fair, poster competition and presentation of awards will take place on Thursday, November 8.

It said; “The conference and fair is aimed at providing a forum for researchers and practitioners in the industry to share ideas, research results and practical experiences on emerging issues, while also enhancing the contributions of the industries to economic development via expansion of their production lines based on indigenous technology and employment generation.”

Expected to deliver the keynote address at the Golden Jubilee research conference is Prof. Olusegun Adewoye, former DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), while the duo of Dr. Byung ki Cho, President/CEO, Standard Diagnostics Incorporated, South Korea, and Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo, Prof. Sola Akinrinade will deliver the plenary lectures.

confused and misused.

Though the two words can be said to mean, ‘friendly, pleasant, cordial’, there are slight differences in meaning and usage. Amiable means ‘being likeable or lovable; pleasant; agreeable’.

Amicable means ‘being friendly’; ‘done or achieved in a polite or friendly way and without arguing’.

Examples: Moyo is an amiable person.

Esther chatted amiably with Bisola.

We hope to settle the dispute amicably.

There is an amicable relationship between the two political parties.

zCONTINUES NEXT WEEK. Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com & gabosoba002@yahoo.co

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Ex-UNILAG student develops sof tw are ffor or ex ams results softw tware exams

F

BY BOSE ADELAJA

ormer student of University of Lagos, UNILAG, and Chief Executive Officer of Think First Technology Limited, Akinyele Olubodun, has developed an application which processes examination results in primary and secondary schools and adapts to any grading system.

Akinyele, who in 2011 won the World Youth Summit Award said the application will provide opportunity to parents especially the working class parents, to be updated with their ward’s performance without stress.

Speaking about the attributes of the application, the 2007 graduate of Pure and Applied Mathematics said interested schools can easily log on to it at ease, also, it has modern

•Olubodun Akinyele technology for back-up with three severs in three countries which can easily be replicated.

The website is http://rremarksng.com.

Students' body to hold mass protest in Ogun

BY MAKINDE OLUWATOBI

T

he National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has urged the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to approve and actualise the payment of bursary and scholarship to Ogun State students for the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 sessions or the association would embark on a mass rally.

The president of the association, Comrade Ayodele Azeez during a press conference at the NUJ House in Oke Ilewo, Ogun State, last Thursday,

thanked the Governor for the good works he was doing at the primary and secondary level of education, but pleaded with him not to do this at the expense of tertiary institutions.

“We believe in his Excellency, the Governor, but we plead with him not to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul;’that is, the free education at the primary and secondary school levels should not divert their attention from the most useful and ever cultured tertiary institution students of Ogun State,” he said.

Poor funding of technology education kills Nigeria’s biotechnology —Awopetu

BY BUSARI KEMI, OAU

A

s the importance of biotechnology cannot be downplayed in Nigeria’s search for a crime-free society, Prof. Idowu Awopetu of the Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has said that Nigeria is still at the classical stage of biotechnology owing to the poor funding of technological education in the country.

According to Prof. Awopetu, who was guest lecturer at the Nigerian Association of Zoology Students (NAZS), OAU chapter's 4th lecture series, in honour of Prof. A.M.A. Imevbore, one of the pioneering members of the Department of Zoology, Nigeria publishes less than ten genetics journals annually in the last few years, compared to the over 1000 published annually in the 60’s.

In his lecture entitled; The DNA Revolution and Man, Professor Idowu Awopetu of the Zoology Department, OAU took the audience through an incisive history, importance and future of genetics.

Having defined the DNA as the biochemical material that forms the genes, he said that the road to deciphering the molecular structure and chromosomal organisation of DNA was a long and tortuous one which started in the 1860s.

He divided the stages into six and observed that the principles of genetics are universal across living systems. Discoveries made using one organism can be applied to other species, including humans.

C M Y K

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

lawmaker, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, at the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi, has tasked Lagos State University Faculty of Law students to be lawabiding citizens and be good ambassadors of their school, wherever they go.

Fafunmi made this call while presenting certificates of office/awards to deserving student parliamentarians at the Dinner/Award Night organised by the Olayiwola Adeoye-led Law Students Society of Nigeria (LSSN) 2012/ 2013 exco, recently held at 10 Degrees Event Place, Ikeja.

Expressing joy over the conduct of the students during the all-night event, he said; “When students invite you for programmes, one thing that rushes to your mind is that they usually end up fighting, but with your conduct today, you have proven otherwise.”

Advising the students on the future, the lawmaker said; “I know full well that some of you who have served or are currently serving as student

Fafunmi ttasks asks Law sstudents tudents to be good ambassador ambassadorss parliamentarians would still become members of local, state and federal Houses of Parliament in the future. I therefore implore you to be confident and fulfilled in yourselves.

Always be focused and be good ambassadors of your alma mater, as the future is bright for you.”

In his keynote address, the new dean of the faculty, Prof.

•Hon. Dayo Fafunmi

Mohammed Abdulrasaq, represented by Dr. Olaoluwa, explained to the students the importance and purpose of law dinner to the law profession.

Prof. Abdulrasaq also charged the students, “never to over-rely on just the learning, citation of cases and statutes, but to be versatile in every aspect of life. You can’t put a medical doctor in a dock without knowing a lot about the medical profession,” he said.

He, however, admonished the students not only to merry, but to network, interact and learn from one another at the event.

Com. Ayo Adewale, executive chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA, while presenting awards/certificates of office to deserving executives of LSSN, recalled with nostalgia, activities that took place in his days as the President of the Lagos State University Students’ Union Government.

Graduate takes mathematics-made-easy campaign to schools

BY GERALD NWOKOCHA, ABUJA

D

ETERMINED to instil analytical thinking and problem-solving features in young students, especially those who see mathematics as a difficult subject, Samuel Nwoye, a graduate of Geophysics, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), recently took his mathematicsmade-easy campaign to schools in Eporo, a rural community in Emure Local Government of Ekiti State.

With his Saml Productivity Project, an educational lecture series on understanding mathematics, Nwoye who just finished as a 2011 batch C corps member in Ekiti State concluded a four-week training for pupils.

Speaking with Quadlife, Nwoye, the founder and coordinator of the project said it’s a pet project which he started in June 2012 and thanked God he accomplished it before the end of his NYSC. He said this project would be a continuous event.

In his words; “We are committed to playing an integral part in advancing the nation.

It’s just three years to the UNESCO deadline for the ‘education for all’ Millennium Development Goals. We are confident that Saml Productiv-

ity Project has the potential to effect the goal two of MDGs. We enjoin stakeholders in the

education sector to support this initiative so that it would not be a one-off project.”

We want food sold at N150 in UNICAL — SUG

BY EMMANUELAHANONU, UNICAL

C

ONCERNED with the welfare of students, the University of Calabar Students Union Government through its Director of Welfare, Comr. Aniekeme George has called on the campus vendors to stabilise the prices of goods and services in the students’ hostels.

To this end, the Director of Welfare has held meetings with all the vendors on campus to brief them on the latest approved prices of goods on campus.

Addressing the vendors, Mr. Dominick Asuquo, who is the Task Force Chairman and Representative of the school authority said the students leaders had earlier met the Management with a proposal that food should be sold at a flat rate of N100, but the Management after deliberation decided it should be N150.

He said that Management has frowned on the prices at which goods are sold on campus compared to off-campus, citing the instance of electric bulbs sold

at N60 on campus, when it’s sold at N50 outside. He said that the Management has approved the proposal for price reduction.

He added that “We are not here to negotiate; the list have been approved by the university authority.”

Addressing the students who came out in their hundreds, the Welfare Director who convened the meeting equally read out the new prices of goods to include: barbing N50 as against N100; shaving N30; browsing N100 for 1hr as against N150; food with pure water N150 as against N200; Coca-Cola N50 as against N60; passport photograph N250 as against N400, amongst others.

The memo he issued also read thus; “Other things not captured here must have 10 per cent decrease from what is obtainable outside. Constant checks will be conducted to ensure compliance,” it added.

Buttressing their position, to ensure compliance, the committee has designed printed ‘sealed papers’ to seal any shop that does not comply.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 25

BRIEF

A gentleman’s matric-couture

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

I

n campuses all over Nigeria, it’s that matriculation season again.

Don’t let all those jealous people deceive you-You have all the right to look your best on your matriculation day.

After all, where were they when you waited years for admission? Here are some tips to help you shine on your special day.

1. Cologne: With yards of material atop a suit; from a long procession under the sun, to a frantic search for seats, it would be wise to smell the way you want to be addressed. Lay a foundation with a good bath and some deodorant, and top it all off with that perfume set aside for special occasions.

2. Suits: Uncomfortable as they might seem, suits are the perfect fit for matriculation.

They give your shoulders a masculine look beneath your gown and totally prevent you from looking shabby.

3. Hair and beards: Having your hair full will not do justice to your face when your cap is on, and Mo Hawks have no place under the matriculation cap. Go for a

FUNAAB appoints Professor of Marketing Management

BY NDIDI UCHE

T

he governing body of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, Ogun State recently appointed a Professor of Marketing Management in the Department of Business Administration in the person of Professor Oladele Patrick Olajide at its 73rd Statutory meeting held last month to strengthen her College of Management Sciences.

Until his appointment, he was a Reader and Acting Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences of Ekiti State University (EKSU). He also doubles as the Director of EKSU Ventures.

Also promoted by the university are Professor Adeofun, C.O. (Environmental Remote Sensing) and Sokoya, G.O. ( Gender and Family Studies).

C M Y K

William Sisters task parents/ teachers on girl-child education

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

P

•Josh Samuels showcasing the hobo tie

clean cut, and a shave that gives your face a sharp profile.

4. Tie: Rumours are that the new hobo tie, made popular by the winner of this year ’s Lagos Fashion Week, Josh Samuels, might just be common place at matriculation ceremonies all over the country this year. If that’s not your style, then pick something - slim or flat - that suits your taste and knot it up for success.

5.

Jewellery: The wristwatch, the ring and the bracelet: One or all of these will give you a first class day. The wristwatch could be leather, but for the others, stay away from inferior material.

ARENTS and teachers have been charged with the responsibility of giving enough attention to the education of the girl child in order to prepare them for future challenges.

The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, two American super tennis stars gave the charge during a workshop organised by the US Consulate for female students, held last week at the US Consul-General’s residence in Lagos.

The female students drawn from various schools in Lagos, were at their best to have the Tennis superstars, in their midst with stories of how they got to where they are today from a very young age of 4.

The sports ambassadors, who played host to more than 15 schools across Lagos, presented participants with the need to pursue their careers in life, even if such career is within the male specialty.

Becoming champions in boys’ arena, the superstars said, will make the boys look at them from a unique point of view and this, they must display by indulging in activities believed to be just for boys.

While fielding questions from students, the Williams explained that ”there should be no limitations to what and who you girls want to become in life. It is challenging to have to work with boys, yet, the only way to make them see you from a different perspective and not just one meant for the kitchen alone, is by becoming leaders in their midst. Girls are always known to bring about the best, but because of the society in which a lot of us have found ourselves, restriction is always inevitable, and sometimes, the pressure is more from our parents who feel it is safe for us to limit ourselves in the girls division.”

Organic Root Stimulator trains students on beauty

BY NDIDI UCHE

I

N order to enhance students' understanding of the beauty industry, Namatse Laboratories LLC, makers of Organic Root Stimulator range of products trained students in tertiary institutions in a professional education seminar entitled; Unleash the Beauty Within, held in Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos last Tuesday.

The schools present were University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology among other tertiary institutions and students of Cosmetology from all parts of Lagos State. The students in attendance, mostly females, were trained practically on how to handle various types of hair, and how to apply treatment to different kinds of hair to get good results, through usage of their products.

Speaking at the seminar, the Director, International Marketing for Organic Root Stimulator, Marcia Brown stated that as part of its brand promise to continue to meet the unmet needs of the health-conscious, multi-cultural consumer, the vision of the company is to offer the best products in the country for women with chronic hair

•Shepherd Lois Nursery and Primary School pupils practising newsreel at their graduation ceremony in Abaranje, Ikotun. issues. She added that the educational seminar was done not just for women but also for hair stylists to ensure consumers have healthy hair.

The seminar was facilitated by the Head of Namatse Professional Educator, Patricia Ramgolan-Singh. UK’s awardwinning stylist, Kim Johnson thrilled the enthusiastic audi-

ence with latest techniques and trends.

Apart from the students, the event witnessed a massive turnout of major players and professionals in the industry.

In attendance were delegates from Nigeria Association of Hairdressers & Cosmetology (NASHCO), Lagos State Barbing/Hairdressing and

Cosmetology Association (LABHCA), Independent practitioners, salon owners, Cosmetology institutes and the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centres.

It was indeed a great seminar for acquiring more knowledge on hair treatment.

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

BY EBELE ORAKPO

M

ention fungi and most people’s minds go to fungal infections like ringworm, Athlete's foot, Jock itch, Candidiasis etc. But not all fungi are bad; there are some good guys in the family, supplying nutrition and medicine to man and animals.

In this chat with Dr (Mrs) Lauretta Ofodile, Head of Department, Biological Science, Yaba College of Technology, she speaks on her researches on mushrooms and medicinal plants, saying that it’s high time Africans woke up from their slumber.

Excerpts:

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Ganoderma suppresses propagation of cancer cells --- LAURETTA OFODILE

A

Using waste to produce food: he said her research on medicinal aspects of mushrooms continued until about three years ago when they started growing mushrooms. “We have been able to grow mushrooms on palm bunch because the cultivation of mushroom is all about utilising waste to produce edible protein; it is an aspect of waste management.

We grow edible Oyster mushroom and we also grow the medicinal mushroom called Ganoderma,” she stated. Continuing, Ofodile described the Oyster mushrooms as nutritive and medicinal.

“They have balanced amino acid content; they can control diabetes and hypertension.

"We are actually working on Ganoderma lucidum now and we have been able to produce the seed which is the stem. We

S

C M Y K

*Ganoderma lucidum mushroom(left); edible Oyster mushroom (right). Inset is Dr. (Mrs.) Lauretta Ofodile are right now inoculating our waste to suit Ganoderma which is very, very important.

Anti-Cancer: “Ganoderma can be used to control cancer and tumour.

One of our students worked on the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract on female rats fed with sodium monoglutamate which has been known to contain chemicals that induce tumour and fibroids. Results show that the extract was able to bring down cholesterol level because when the rat was fed with sodium mono-glutamate, the cholesterol level rose, the protein was a little higher than normal and some other components that indicate that the rat could have started developing some abnormal growths in the uterus.

“We plan to work more on that, to be able to induce fibroid proper. Now, there is indication that the extract can control tumours."

On what led to her interest in fibroids, Ofodile said; "I had a young girl who told me she had been diagnosed of fibroid and we had an exhibition sometime this year and the remaining Ganoderma powder (Gano tea) that we prepared, I gave her to use.

She was always complaining of pains but after using the Gano tea for about five days, the pains disappeared. This is an indication that Ganoderma is effective in stopping whatever impact sodium monoglutamate could have on the female rat.

"You can add some other medicinal plant extracts to Ganoderma extract to make products that Nigerians can use to prevent diabetes, hypertension, cancer etc., not

just for curative purposes but preventive purposes as well because I did a research that shows that Ganoderma can hinder the growth of some micro-organisms, stop them from coming in and can also control them if they have come in. So you have both curative and preventive attributes. That means that if we can add both the edible and the medicinal mushrooms into our diet, then most of these ailments - cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc., will be reduced in Nigeria."

Many imported supplements are chaff: “It’s high time we stopped buying all these imported supplements.

I once bought one of these products, I wanted to use it as a standard to check the components of our own Ganoderma. I didn’t get to do it but recently, I was in Namibia and a Namibian student brought the same product, (the capsules), and used the crude extract of Ganoderma isolated from their wild and ran the chromatography tlc, he found that there is nothing in the product they were selling, no components! So they are selling chaff to Africans. That was one of the things we decided, that we as Africans have to wake up. Namibia is about to set up a Ganoderma park in the country because they have a big pharmaceutical company producing these medicinal products but they import the Gano from China and these researchers in the University of Namibia came together and said; ‘No, this cannot continue.’ The UN funding agency for South-South, decided they were going to sponsor the

,

ccording to Dr. (Mrs) Ofodile who studied Mycology pathology, most of her researches are in biotechnology, medicinal plants and mushrooms technology.

Antibiotics: “In 2004, I isolated antibiotics from mushroom and in my PhD research work, I carried out the characterisation of the components of some mushrooms from Nigeria, 11 were characterised which included four different species of Ganoderma and three antibiotics were isolated from Ganoderma colossum.

They are; *23-hydroxycolossolactne E; *Colossolactone B; *Colossolactone E. 23-hydroxycolossolactne E was identified as novel at the time. It is a lipophylic antibiotic ie lipid-soluble antibiotic that could control some bacteria especially the bacteria that could cause allergy; those that grow on walls and yam barns, leptospora species and both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Ganoderma lucidum was also characterised using chromatographic methods,” she said.

Oyster mushrooms are nutritive and medicinal; they have balanced amino acid content; they can control diabetes and hypertension project in Namibia to see that they take up this market. Nigeria also needs this. We need more mushroom farms and people have to be trained to understand how it is done. It is a full-fledged technology that must be transferred as skills acquisition and knowledge.”

It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum also improves the functioning of the circulatory, respiratory, nervous and digestive systems, prevents cancer, supports immune system, protects the liver, increases energy levels and

,

metabolism, improves cardiovascular health, contains antioxidants, antibacterials and antivirals.

"We are also working on some other plants like moringa oleifera.

The recent work we have done on moringa shows that it will suppress malaria parasite and we went further, going through animal feeding, we found that while chloroquine has 100 per cent suppressive impact, moringa seed oil has about 75 per cent.," she said.

Humour Corner A

lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried this creative defense: “My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offence committed by his limb.” ”Well put,” the judge replied. “Using your logic, I sentence the defendant’s arm to one year ’s imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses.”

The defendant smiled. With his lawyer ’s assistance, he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.

“You seem to be in some distress,” said the kindly judge to the witness.

“Is anything the matter?” ”Well, your Honour,” said the witness, “I swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but every time I try, some lawyer objects.”

ARCHIBO Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—27

BY DAYO ADESULU

Why private varsities ...

A

s part of its vision to transform lives of Nigerian students through education, Oando Foundation has awarded scholarships to 225 less-privileged children nationwide, Ms. Tokunboh Durosaro, Director, Oando Foundation has said.

Speaking at the Civic Centre, Lagos where the programme was formally launched, Durosaro disclosed that beneficiaries of the scheme will be selected from Oando adopted primary schools nationwide, adding; “Ten outstanding primary six pupils from each of the Foundation’s adopted schools, will be sponsored through secondary and tertiary institutions on an annual basis.”

According to her, the programme will cover the tuition, sundry expenses such as transportation, study materials, school feeding and school uniforms, explaining that the intention was to foster the advancement of the future workforce from primary to secondary school education and equip them with the capacity to compete with peers globally.

Basic education, she noted, is one of the most potent tools for reducing poverty and inequality in modern societies saying that intervening in the provision of quality education is critical to laying the foundation for the sustainable growth and development of our country.

She said; “A lot of children who are enrolled in Nigerian public primary schools never progress to higher levels of education. Secondary and tertiary education remain mere pipe-dreams for most of them.

We are committed to changing this grim story for as many Nigerian children as we possibly can.”

In line with addressing the challenges in the Nigerian education sector, Durosaro reiterated that Oando Foundation, in partnership with the government at various levels, had made a pledge to increase access and improve the overall quality of education across the country through its Adopt-A-School Initiative (AASI). Through the AASI, she added, Oando Foundation adopts dilapidated public primary schools to provide new classroom blocks, new roofs, doors, windows, water supply, playgrounds, and sanitation facilities.

Pursuant to this, Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC said, “Oando has committed one per cent of the Group’s profit-before-tax to the project to ensure that the Foundation’s programmes are well funded and sustained.”

He disclosed that the C M Y K

Continues from page 22

*From right: Engr. Nuruddeen Rafindadi, President, Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria; Dr. Temilola Kehinde, vice-president and Engr. Ebenezer Osoba, past president, COREN at the national conference/award dinner held at Sheraton Hotel.

Oando aw ar ds sc holar ships ttoo 225, awar ards scholar holarships launches foundation Foundation plans to adopt 100 schools by 2015; directly affect over 100,000 lives by ensuring over 60,000 pupils have access to quality primary education; broaden the capacity of 3,584 teachers, award scholarships to over 2,560 pupils to reduce direct and indirect costs of education to students and support the Nigerian Government in reaching the second goal of the Millennium Development Goals by

increasing the possibility of achieving Universal Basic Education.

He noted that Oando Foundation has so far adopted 28 schools across Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Kaduna, Katsina, Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states under its Adopt-A-School Initiative, adding “To date, 17,292 students and 399 teachers nationwide have acquired increased access to quality ed-

ucation through Oando Foundation initiatives.”

Commenting on the Oando gesture, Professor Charles Onocha, Acting Executive Secretary, UBEC said; “The Commission has noted with delight that this invitation is a practical demonstration of the willingness and readiness of Oando Foundation to partner with it in facilitating the implementation of the UBE programme.

ucts of these institutions will eventually join the workforce of this nation. He said; The way and manner we train and equip students will determine their productivity. We need to learn from each other. A host of these private institutions, including Bowen University, are by far better organised, stronger academically, morally sound and better managed than the host of the institutions being soaked with public funds.

What private universities need is encouragement and financial assistance to better their lot and add substantial value to the lives of Nigeria’s teeming youths.”

To d o l e s s , O l a g b e m i r o maintained that we as a nation are merely dreaming dreams and may never witness sustained economic development, technological advancement and true political emancipation as a nation, particularly with the present global trends and challenges.

Also, Rev (Dr.) Williams Ojo, an 89-year-old retired Baptist Church minister, who served as a Baptist minister for about 40 years, was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters

by Bowen University at the institution’s 7th convocation ceremony last weekend.

JAMB computer-based test...

Continued from page 21 stressing that corrupt database contractors could be bought over by unscrupulous students who are desperate to pass their examinations.

Despite this limitation, Adeyemi, nevertheless pointed out that for it to be successful, the examination body must have about 80 per cent confidence in the person at the database. “I know Professor Ojerinde to be a thorough man who will not give room to laxity,” he added.

Contrary to the belief that CBT will eradicate examination malpractice, Miss Ayo Omalolu, student of University of Lagos said her experience last year during post-UTME revealed that CTB will aid malpractice. According to her, “As we were seated at the post-UTME examination hall, I discovered that some of the students stood up within two minutes, indicating they were through with

the examinations. Behind me, I started hearing, 'I have settled the guy in charge of the database to give 80 per cent.'

With that experience, I strongly believe that this innovation will aid examination malpractice instead of eradicating it.”

Also, a respondent who wished to identify himself as Buje, asked if the Professor knows exactly what he is out for, saying, he is getting it wrong.

"Before introducing such e-testing to students, teach them how to use a computer by adding it to their curriculum before testing them through CBT. How many secondary schools in Nigeria are equipped with computers?" he asked.

On his part, a man who does not want his name in print spoke in the same vein, saying, “How can a brilliant student in the most remote part of Nigeria who has never got his hands on a computer due to lack of computers in his remote school and whose parents' incomes are so meagre that they cannot afford to buy him one, be able to take and pass the JAMB examina-

tion? Maybe JAMB examination will be for the privileged few,” he added.

In his contribution, Akinlolu Oni said that computer-based examination is a welcome development, but however added that JAMB should ensure that the e-test and pencilpaper for those who may wish, should be conducted simultaneously to avoid question leakage.

For Kenneth; “JAMB should be abolished, let each university determine its own method of admission. Nigerian universities produced better graduates before the introduction of JAMB. Although the computerised examination system might be okay, but just scrap JAMB, it is a waste of time and money.”

Besides, Yusuf Khalid, 400 level Economics student of UNILAG in his contribution said; “JAMB records over a million candidates annually which necessities the body to randomly centre candidates among the 776 local government areas in Nigeria within the jurisdiction

of their choice. However, this might not be effective because already, those centres available are not sufficient which periodically pose a problem to the body and consequently hinder effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out their activities or exams.

Now looking at the possibility of providing computers for more than a million candidates in a country that is regarded as underdeveloped or less developed, this might be impossible to implement, however some challenges are inevitable consequent upon the introduction of this. These are • Time consuming factor, • Monumental waste of resources/Resource insufficiency, • Nigeria electricity condition, • Problem of nonsimultaneous conduction of exam, • Disclosure of exam questions by corrupt officials and • Mix-ups in result computation.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 2012 —29

28— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — A1

C M Y K

A2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — A3

C M Y K

A4 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — A5

C M Y K

A6 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012— A7

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012— A8

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Vision 2020: FG assures of double digit GDP growth

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

working seriously to stimulate expansion of existing industries in the country by putting in place specific incentives for the manufacturing sectors with a view to increase output and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

T

he Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, has said assured of the Federal Government’s commitment towards achieving a double digit GDP growth rate as a catalyst to meeting the vision 2020 target.

He gave the assurance while presenting a paper, ‘Single Digit Interest Rate: A Tool to Foster Investment in an Inflationary Macroeconomic Setting’, at the 27th Annual General Meeting of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Ogun State branch.

Aganga, who was represented by Dr. Jaiye Oba, a director in the ministry, said the growth will be tailored towards evolving private sector driven economy with the manufacturing sector as the main engine of the growth.

“To this effect, government has made concerted efforts at addressing some of the critical challenges which have been the bane of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria in the last two decades and I can assure you that significant progress has been achieved in the area of infrastructure and power supply.

“We are however conscious of the need to do more in these areas in order to guarantee national sufficiency. We are equally

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

N

2,459.00

+15.00

19.66

+0.33 +1.43 +0.93

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

Advertisers’ budget hits N103bn in 2011

+0.3

86.58

154.74 247.3983 198.1755 164.0064 1.9297 0.2824 24.7741 41.2596 26.5584 235.8579 236.6129

155.24 248.1977 198.8159 164.5363 1.9359 0.2924 24.8547 41.3929 26.6442 236.62 237.3775

He observed that achieving single digit interest rate would catalyse increased investment in the economy and enhance the country ’s global competitiveness, which, he said would herald rapid industrialisation as is the case with other emerging economies.

From left: Segun Ajanlekoko, Construction Economist Partnership Limited; Ijeoma Onyeri, Department of Petroleum Resources; Akin Osuntoki, PSRG-Richardson; Adeyemi Fayemi, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd at the 2012 PSRG-Richardson Health, Safety, Security and Environment forum,in Lagos.

151.2

109.16

Lamenting the negative effect high interest rate could pose to achieving the set target, Aganga said, “This untoward development which has persisted in the past three decades runs contrary to our national development agenda of becoming one of the leading world economies by 2020.”

SELLING 155.74 248.9971 199.4562 165.0662 1.9421 0.3024 24.9352 41.5262 26.7301 237.3821 238.142

CBN Exchange rate as at 06/11/2012

igeria advertising industry has recorded an increase of 5.3 percent, or N102.755 billion, spent on Above-the-Line advertising activities (television, radio, outdoor and press) in 2011.

This is as against the N97.549 billion spent in the same period of 2010.

Mediafacts, an annual publication of MediaReach OMD, Nigeria’s most influential media independent agency, disclosed this in its 2011 edition of the publication.

According to the publication, of the N102.755 billion, television had N46.076, radio N13.142, outdoor N28.142 while N15.395 was spent on the press.

It noted that in 2011, Lagos region accounted for 54 percent or N55.778 billion, north 20 percent or N20.130 billion, the east N11.485 billion or 11 percent while the western part of Nigeria accounted for the remaining 15 percent or N15.46 billion.

From the total ATL advertising, Telecommunications product category spent the highest N20.118 billion, followed by Personal Paid announcement

with N8.654 and Entertainment, Leisure & Tourism was third in the product category with N5.976 billion.

In the telecommunication category, MTN topped the list with N6.381 billion followed

by Globacom which spent N5.704 billion.

Etisalat and Airtel spent N4.255 billion and N3.439 billion respectively. All the four brands topped the list of the top 20 brands in terms of ad spend last year.

Another highlight of Mediafacts 2011 is that of television advertising which amounted to N46.076 billion, as against the N39.656 billion recorded in 2010. Radio recorded for N13.142 billion as against N12.807 billion spent in 2010 while the print media spent N15.395 billion lesser than the N16.524 spent in 2010. Outdoor expenditure was N28.142 billion also lesser than N28.562 spent in 2010.

The report also noted that, Nigeria has the potential to build a prosperous economy with its large reserves of human and natural resources, adding that Nigeria witnessed major changes in the economic sector in 2011, some of which were the Federal Government’s amnesty programme that resulted in higher oil production, growth in the insurance sector and consistent growth in the telecommunication sector amongst others.

Trustfund Pension records N2.1bn gross earnings

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

T

RUSTFUND Pensions Plc has announced a gross earning of N2.120 billion in its 2011 financial year.

At it’s Annual General Meeting AGM, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chairman of Trustfund Pensions, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, told shareholders, customers and other guests that this was a 22.2 percent increase against N1.735 billion recorded in the preceding y e a r .

According to her “As is our custom, we remain unalloyed in setting the pace in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The performance of our company demonstrates that we are determined to live to our word of creating wealth for all stakeholders, be they our customers, employees, shareholders and other interested parties. Some of the pertinent performance indices that deserve our attention include: Our gross earnings grew from N1.735billion in 2010 to N2.120 billion in 2011, representing 22.2 percent increase over the previous year.

This is a demonstration of our vibrant investment approach while remaining conservative. Our company recorded a modest profit after tax of N353 million in 2011 representing a 64.2 percent increase over the N215 million in 2010.

We must acknowledge the level of cost control and cost reduction approach adopted by the management team and efficient resource utilization which we hope will be s u s t a i n e d . ” ”It is our earnest desire to continually create wealth for our shareholders. This is demonstrated in the value added to our shareholders’ fund from N1.773 billion in 2010 to N1.994 billion in 2011, representing over 12 percent increase. We would continue to put up efforts to guarantee wealth creation for our shareholders. We aspire to be leaders in fund management and this is demonstrated in the performance of our Fund Under Management, FUM. There was an increase of about 20 percent of our FUM from N116 billion in 2010 to N139 billion in 2011.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 31

Diamond Bank aims top position, to unveil new brand identity

BY PETER EGWUATU

D

IAMOND Bank Plc has revealed its plan to launch a new corporate identity that will reflect its new corporate logo, even as it aimed to be among top banks in Nigeria in the next few years.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, the Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Ayona Aguele-Trimnell, said“ With the new board of directors led

C M Y K

by Dr. Alex Otti since March 2011, the bank announced to its shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in May 2012 that it seeks to be among the top banks in Nigeria in the next few years. The bank’s recent improved financial performance indicates that it is on course to deliver on this mandate. As the banking industry becomes more viable and competitive, Diamond Bank leverages over 20 years of stability and experience; coupled with innovation and

good corporate governance, to aim for the lead position in the nation’s banking industry.”

She further disclosed that the bank had undertaken an overhauling of its brand assets in a bid to position itself as a major player in the Banking industry.

According to her, “What we have done with our corporate identity is to refresh elements of our brand look and feel to identify with our growing customer base and usher in a period of renewed focus and commitment to our business.

LAPO boss backs CBN over restructuring of microfinance banks

M

ANAGING Director of Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Micro finance Bank, Mr.Godwin Ehigiamusoe, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the ongoing reform of the sub-sector.

Ehigiamusoe gave the

commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Tuesday.

He said that the on-going reform and policy review of the microfinance sub- sector was necessary in addressing emerging and unanticipated

issues and developments in the operating environment.

He also said that the proposed establishment of special courts by the CBN to hear cases on loan default by customers of microfinance banks was a welcome development.

32— Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Exhibitors angry over relocation of Lagos trade fair to TBS •We created awareness before the fair – LCCI

By NAOMI UZOR

S

OME exhibiting companies at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) have kicked against relocation of the fair from the trade fair complex, Badagry Expressway to the Tawafa Balewa Square (TBS) by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

In a swift reaction, the Chamber ’s spokesperson, Mr. Tope Oluwaleye,

said the chamber created a lot of awareness over the venue change before the opening of the fair and that it was published in newspapers, Television and jingles were also used on radio.

However, a cross section of the exhibitors who doesn’t wanted their names and organisations in print, lamented about the poor turnout of visitors to the fair, saying that the Lagos Chamber

Orange Drugs to crash soap prices through ‘soap noodles’ plant

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) did not create enough awareness on the change of venue. Exhibitors said that the more human traffic the more the expected patronages and vice-versa.

“Some of our customers still go to the trade fair complex thinking that the fair was holding there, only to get agitated on getting there that it was now holding at

TBS. “Am not happy about this year’s fair arrangement, we have lost so much sales because of the venue change of this fair, one of our good customer just called me from the trade fair complex, thinking that was where we were but got angry when I told him that we were at TBS, he said he cannot come to the Island again,” said an exhibitor.

O

RANGE Drugs Ltd has beat its chest to control and to crash the prices of soaps in the markets nationwide, through its soap noodles plant in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Henshaw Nwaorgu, Plant Manager (Soap), who disclosed this during the unveiling of the company ’s new product ‘Delta Body Guard’ to distributors, said Nigerians should be expecting adjustment in the prices of soap as the basic raw materials for soap production is now produced locally by the company’s subsidiary in Onitsha, for the company’s internal consumption and sale to other companies in the same industry, within and outside Nigeria.

He said that the saponification process plant comprises of the tank farm (with tanks to store over 20,000 metric tonnes of PKO/CPO/Tallow); the bleaching plant; the boiler (steam generation); water treatment plant; caustic dissolving unit; the saponification crusher (two units of 25 tonnes each); the spray dryer; and two storage silos.

“The plant currently has

the capacity to produce five tonnes per hour equivalent to 80 tonnes in two shifts per day (of eight hours per shift).

“This is the phase currently commissioned.

Capacity per annum is estimated at 19,200 metric tonnes. The second phase to be commissioned in October 2013, would eventually bring the factory to its full capacity of 15 tonnes of soap with 12 finishing lines”, Nwaorgu said.

He told the distributors that although there are so many medicated and antiseptic soaps in the market, Delta Body Guard is unique because it has three active ingredients that makes it more effective than the current Delta regular and other competing brands in the market.

Ifeanyi Okafor, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, said that apart from multinational companies, “Orange Drugs currently controls 35 percent market share of the soap industry in Nigeria. We are striving to hit 50 percent in the next two years; in no distant times, we will have no rival in the soap market,” he said.

NACCIMA seeks repositioning of Organised Private Sector

BY NAOMI UZOR

T

HE Nigerian Asso ciation of Chambers Of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has urged the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to reposition itself to face the emerging challenges of global competitiveness by taking the driver’s seat in the economy so as to reawaken Nigerian businesses.

The President of NACCIMA, Dr. Ademola Ajayi, who made the call, said that if our economy is to speedily recover and enhance her sustainable business and economic growth, the OPS should had better reposition itself to effectively drive the economy.

“In the same vein, Government must continue to facilitate trade as partner in progress by ensuring the prevalence of a conducive and enabling environment, including functional and efficient infrastructural and security facilities in the counC M Y K

try.

In addition, there is need to improve capacity utilization in the real sector through appropriate fiscal and monetary policy measures while the productive base of the economy also needs to be restructured, diversified and stimulated, in a manner that will promote global competitiveness of Nigerian products,” he said.

“Nigerians and their foreign business partners must be reminded that, the expected growth of the economy will not happen without imbibing the spirit of good business ethics/best practices.

“This is one of the sure ways to ensure that Nigerian enterprises thrive so as to reawaken them in overcoming the challenges posed by globally competitiveness. All hands must be on deck to effectively drive this process until Nigeria’s vision 20:2020 and her transformation agenda are realized,” he stated.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—33

Information panacea to restoring retail investors confidence

—Easykobo boss

BY CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

A

Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr Jim Obazee, recently became the first Nigerian to be elected Chairman of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) intergovernmental working group of experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) holding in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly elected Chairman (middle), during one of the deliberations of the 29th session of the conference.

SMEs generate 60% of finance in the economy —Sterling Bank MD •To assist MfBs access N220bn MSMED fund

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

S

mall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) generates 50 to 60 per cent of finance in the economy, said Mr. Yemi Adeopla, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Sterling Bank.

Meanwhile, the Bank has expressed its commitment to assist Microfinance Banks (MfBs) access the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF), to be launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) next week.

Speaking at the MfB Customer Forum organised by the bank in Lagos, Adeola said that Nigerian banks concentrate on big customers, not understanding that 50 to 60 per cent of finance in the economy usually comes from the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). He said unless banks refocus on SMEs, the economy will not grow.

He said Sterling Bank is proactively positioning its key customers in the MfB subsector to benefit from the MSMEDF when it is eventually launched.

He said the fund seeks to provide wholesale funding for MfBs and microfinance institutions for on-lending to micro and medium enterprises. He listed other funding opportunities that the MfBs can key into to include the N5 billion small business

development funds, $4 million renewable energy project, and another $200 million provided by Ford Foundation to enable them increase their market penetration.

Adeola said the plan is part of the apex bank’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the MfB subsector to enable it play its primary role of financial support for the grassroots in the economy.

Noting that massive

investment is required to run a bank, Mr Adeola said that Sterling Bank is committed to channeling some of its products and services as well as dedicate knowledgeable staff, towards meeting the business needs of MfBs.

H

E said that the MfBs need enablers such as commercial bank to be able to access the Fund and other intervention finances from the apex bank to the subsector. He

said there is also a N600 billion agricultural development fund, which the bank has already assisted several customers to benefit from.

Chief Finance Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman said the bank believes strongly in strategic partnership and is already partnering with some MfBs in relation to electronic business, agricultural finance among others.

Okomuoil, Capital Hotel, five others post N4.14bn profits

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

EVEN quoted companies released their unaudited financial statements for various periods with cumulative profit of N4.137 billion.

Six of the seven companies released financial statements for nine months while one released statement for six months.

The companies that release nine months results are Okomuoil Plc, agric/agroallied firm, Capital Hotel Plc, a hospitality firm, Lasaco Assurance, Oasis Insurance Plc, Tantalizers Plc, Portland Paints. University Press results for six month period.

A peep into the results

showed a mixed performance as most of companies’ results’ showed declining trend, besides Tantalizers that closed the period on negative position.

A breakdown showed that Okomu oil Plc’s recorded abysmal performance across all major indicators with gross earning dropping to N7.956 billion from N8.017billion in 2011, while the company ’s gross profit fell to N5.477billion from N5.929billion in the corresponding period of 2011.

Similarly, the after tax profit went down to N3.061billion from N3.789 billion reported in equivalent period of 2011.

The cost of sales went up slightly from N2.087billion in

2011 toN2.479 billion in the review period.

Capital Hotels also recorded decline across all major indicators. The gross earnings for the period slipped to N3.27 billion from N3.54 billion in 2011; profit before tax nose-dived to N727.46million, compared to N791.59 million in corresponding period of 2011, while profit after tax went down to N727.46 million from N791.59 million in the corresponding period of 2011.

For the quick service restaurant firm Tantalizers Plc, the financial results for the nine month period was also on the decline as revenue for the period declined to N3.17 billion, as against N3.42 billion in 2011.

ccess to timely and accurate information is critical to attracting local investors to the Nigerian stock market, a financial analyst, Mr. Arjun Markanda, said.

Makanda who is the Chief Executive Officer of Easykobo.com, a finance website aimed at educating Nigerian investors to leverage on the rebounding stock market, said “the retail investors are the most important asset to a nation’s stock market.

Nigerians are not getting the benefit of the boom in the stock market today due to lack of adequate information.”

“So, if Nigerian investors do not have adequate information, it is not going to help the market. For this purpose, Nigerian investors need a proper information source and that is what the site is trying to do.

“One can use easykobo.com to get all the information on listed companies and then buy shares of those companies and try out various strategies. Once a person is confident and wants to go ahead and invest with real money, the person can then contact his stockbrokers or a financial advisor to do the deal. In this way Easykobo.com is bringing people back into investing in Nigeria capital market.

Easykobo.com is leading people to discuss the stock market with their friends over gatherings, in offices and in homes.

Users can also set up a portfolio which can be used to track real investments. All one has to do is to enter the information on what shares a person owns, date of purchase, and the system will work out progress on a daily basis totally free of cost. This is meant for those people who only want to track their investments and do not wish to participate in Stock trials. At the same time people can also make portfolios and participate in the stock trials, he said.

34 —VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Transport Minister screens applicants of Cabotage Vessel funds

By GODWIN ORITSE & MAIMUNA MOHAMMED

A

HEAD of the commencement of the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) , the Miniter of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has began the screening exercise of applicants of the Fund Besides the screening exercise, the Minister has also put in place some stringent requirements before the fund could be released to any applicants The exercise, other-

wise, known as Professional Surveying, is being dome to ensure that only genuine Nigerian shipping businessmen benefit from the Fund.

Confirming the development, Media Assistant to the Minister, of CVFf, Mr. Innocent Ebirim, said that the minister is deeply involved in the entire process because he want to ensure that the Fund is released to competent and qualified applicants.

Ebirim explained that the minister was taking cautious measures to also ensure that the stan-

dards and requirements are also met. Some of the requirements stipulated by the Ministry are that an applicant muat have 15 percent of fund being applied for, a running contract with any of the International Oil Companies (IOCs just as an applicant must also show evidence of the vessel to be purchased.

I

t would be recalled that NIMASA Director General, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, had raised an alarm early last year that politicians were scrabbling for the

Funds and had vowed that no politician, no matter how highly placed will benefit from the fund.

He noted then that the agency is taking its time to ensure that the over

$160 million lifeline meant to empower shipping practitioners does not gett into wrong hands According to him, “No Nigerian politician, under whatever guise and no matter how highly

placed would be allowed to access the Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds”. “Politicians see the fund as a bonus and I have resisted all manner of pressure to disburse the funds so far."

Globalscan installs scanners two months to end of contract

By GODWIN ORITSE

G

L O B A L SCANSYSTEM Limited, one of the cargo

inspection service providers is currently installing some of its scanning equipment at the Seme border barely two

months to the end of the Cargo inspection services contract Global scansystem is one of the three cargo scanning services provider contracted by the Federal Government about seven years ago.

The three service providers are expected to hand over the equipment to the Nigeria Customs Service for them to continue the scanning operationxs.

While Cotecna and SGS (foreign firms) have completed their part of the contract long before now, the only Nigeria company is still struggling to install its fixed scanner.

The Chief Executive Officer of Globalscan, Mr. Fred Udechukwu was overhead telling somebody at the recently concluded public hearing on the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA( that the site for the installation of the equipment was only given to them in 2010 He explained that it takes about 36 months to install such gigantic and sensitive machines.

Udechukwu said, “ the machine possesses additional features such as the Dataset Management System, the Remote Service System, Automatic Radioactive Material Detection System, Materials (Organic and Inorganic) discrimination and the ability to discriminate between different energy levels.

“The fixed scanner has the dual view capability, with three Review Image Workstations.”

He said that the board and management of the company were happy with the acquisition of the fixed scanner.

He said, with the acquisition of this multimillion dollar fixed scanner and its subsequent installation at Seme border post in October, the company would have fully met and exceeded the terms of the Destination Inspection contract.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—35

Obama: The Second Time Around (5)

BY JOSEPH O. OKPAKU, SR.

Continues from yesterday

I

N addition to the fact that a number of Black people were beaten up and some killed in the racist reaction to Obama’s victory, recent polls show that hatred of Blacks and Hispanics has gone up since Obama became president in 2009.

Obama The Messiah As part of the above analysis, it is difficult not to also get a sense of a messianic propensity in Obama’s disposition. This would be almost inevitable given how much the world, including the Nobel Committee, laid the hope of the future of humanity squarely on his shoulders. The result of this, as one would suspect with all messianic figures throughout history, is the tendency in Obama to believe that he has a higher mission than the ordinary, one that is made of the desires of the gods, or of God, rather than of men. This is a rare and most desirable attribute wherever it exists and one that I cannot in good conscience belabour or criticize because I share this disposition in my worldview and in the conduct of my own life. The problem is that politics are about men, not gods, and it is men (and women) who vote, canvass for votes and populate the rallies and the voting booths. It is a gamble.

When it succeeds, it is a wonderful accomplishment. When it fails, there are issues to come to terms with. At the end of the day, it is Barack Obama’s call.

The Arab Spring This same messianic propensity, to some extent, and possible some other elements in his ideological or philosophical makeup, and, in large measure, domestic pressure from Republicans at home and pressure from European and NATO allies abroad, may have contributed to Obama and the US sponsoring or co-sponsoring what has come to be known as the Arab Spring.

To be sure, it was a noble cause, even if not entirely devoid of some political calculations. This engagement which has seen civilian uprisings against leaders who had overstayed their usefulness and their welcome in office, spread a new and refreshing hope across North Africa and the Middle East. It all started from Tunisia where the absolutely reckless manhandling of an unemployed young man seeking to earn a living somehow, and his self-immolation sparked a public outcry and protest that led to the downfall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. It quickly moved to Egypt resulting in the downfall of America’s all-time ally, Hosni Mubar-

ak and the rise to power of the Moslem Brotherhood. Then on to Libya where it resulted in a bloody civil war that brought regime change on the back of the sacrifice of so many young Libyans a good number of whom were erstwhile highly trained doctors, engineers, lawyers and scholars with no prior military training who picked up arms to fight for their motherland. It also saw the brutal death of Moumar Gadhafi. Next stop was Yemen with uncertain result and then Syria where it has resulted in deadly brutal civil war with no end in sight.

The Arab Spring, this experiment in the promotion of democracy across the Arab world through armed civilian uprisings is so froth with uncertainties that it will be years before anyone can make a sound call on its outcome.

But it is easy to see that perhaps more than anything else, in the foreign affairs arena, this foray into the Arab World could prove decisive in defining the legacy of the Presidency of Barack Obama.

It is clear that he realises this as he moves with greater trepidation, resisting Republican pressure to expand the role and footprint of the US in the Syrian combat theatre.

,

The 2012 Campaign

years earlier, Barack Obama would come out punching in the second and third debates, demonstrating that he too, when forced to, can do pugilistic damage to his opponent, measure for measure. As he was quibbled, people tend to forget that he comes from the streets of Chicago Southside.

Most importantly, in the controversy over the security apparatus that was in or out of place in Beng-

Being elected president this second time around, Barack Obama owes it now to himself and to his supporters, to take and demonstrate a serious, clear and palpable interest in the specific needs, ambitions and dreams of his core support group

And with all of this, we find ourselves at the verge of another political phenomenon. The pugilistic combat scenario of the 2008 Democratic Party primary campaign would repeat itself four years later in the much discussed first presidential debate between now President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, former Governor Mitt Romney. Like Hillary Clinton four year earlier, Romney would throw everything at Obama, true, false or in-between, and do so with less than appropriate or acceptable decorum. Stunned by the indecent assault delivered on him and with the unmitigated disinclination for the respect of veracity, Obama would freeze, and the verdict from both commentators and the public would bring back memories of the event of four years earlier. Mitt Romney’s position in the postdebate public polls would shoot up, restoring life to what was just about becoming a moribund campaign. And as happened four

,

hazi, Libya when a terrorist attack killed the much-beloved American Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three of his colleagues, Secretary of State Clinton would take the fall in defense of her Commander-inChief. Obama himself would make it clear, that the buck stopped with him, clear and simple. Bill Clinton, for his part, would give a rousing speech at the Democratic Party Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in which he would provide, much more clearly than President Obama, the case for Obama’s reelection. He would demonstrate just how horrible the American economy was when Obama took over in January 200i9, how hard Obama has had to work to stem the cascading tide of near collapse, and how much the President has repointed the American economy in the right direction.

These things do take time, Bill Clinton would argue, especially given how abysmal the state in

which a Republican president had left the American economy and condition. Bill Clinton would also barnstorm for Obama across the entire breadth of the United States, a faithful, loyal and most invaluable supporter, ally and, without doubt, friend.

November 6, 2012 What then come next Tuesday, November 6, 2012, when the American people hold their fouryearly ritual of electing a president? With the benefit of the experience of Barack Obama as an American President, with the knowledge of his toughness of mind, an attribute very much in need in today’s global leadership, and with his intellect which also bestows on him the mental energy, resilience and fortitude that enables him to manage complex issues wherever they might lead and for as long as they demand attention, it goes without saying that Barack Obama should be reelected President by the Americans for another for-year term. It is not just that by his performance in most difficult times President Obama has earned a second term, which he eminently has, but more that Americans badly need him to continue the rebuilding of the United States that he has started.

Driving home the US rebirth, reconstruction and rehabilitation agenda requires the same mind and attitude that crafted the masterplan in the first place. All is not completely well with America, and, for the record, all might never be completely well with America, at least not the way Americans have always dreamed of. No nation can have or be assured of

continued global dominance forever. In fact, in an era in which power is virtually obsolete, such struggle for global dominance might not be a true and genuine advantage or attribute for any nation or peoples to pursue. But if Americans want to continue their national rejuvenation, their national reconstruction, and the prospect of a fair shot at yet another Renaissance, Barack Obama is clearly their man.

However, in being elected president this second time around, Barack Obama owes it now to himself and to his supporters, to take and demonstrate a serious, clear and palpable interest in the specific needs, ambitions and dreams of his core support group, namely Black Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic minorities, and women and young people of all races. He can do this and still do excellently well for all Americans. After all, borrowing from his own construct, improving the lot of these particular groups will automatically improve the lot of all Americans. Obama has the breadth of energy, capacity and intellect to multitask.

This is the promise of November 6, a couple of days from now.

As for the white American male, any analysis of Obama’s first term, in substance or in visual imagery, will show the overwhelming presence of white American males all over the place. Somehow, many seemed bald headed as well, just like the bald Eagle, America’s national bird. They can now take a small break for respite while others move upstage. President Barack Obama also needs to seen in the company and midst of a good number of his loyal supporters. There are many amongst them who, like him, are brilliant and extremely competent and well trained. America as a whole could benefit immensely from the fresh and refreshing perspectives of a new crop of leaders. Obama also needs to act and be seen to act to partner with Africa for the quantum development of the continent and the pursuit of the legitimate, fair and equitable mutual interests of Africa and the United States. He cannot miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

With all of this, and with First Lady Michelle Obama by his side, Barack Obama can and will deliver to Americans in the next four years the best prospects of the dream of a new or renewed America in place of the relentless struggle to hang on to the past the glory of which is gone forever.

Concluded.

Dr. Joseph O. Okpaku, Sr., President and Publisher of Third Press Publishers and Chairman of Telecom Africa International Corporation, is a renowned scholar and expert of strategic development and global issues. He is regarded as a Renaissance man and a leading 21st Century philosopher.

36

—

Vanguard , THURSDAY THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

We’ll revive ginger production in Ham land —James Kura Garba, new Magajin Rafin Jabba

H

AM or Jaba land, in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State is popular world-wide as a citadel of an ancient civilisation of iron dating back centuries before Christ was born. Nok village in Ham land is sited beside gaping caves on the foot of the rugged Nok hill, a strolling distance from Koi, the administrative headquarters of Jaba land. This is where the famous Nok Terracotta was first discovered. This figurine still invokes pride and honour not only to the people of Ham, but it is also revered and treasured as an important reminder of the contributions of the ethnic tribes of central Nigeria to African civilisation.

In this Interview, our Kaduna State Correspondent LUKA BINNIYAT, and OLU AJAYI, Vanguard Photographer, speak to Mr. James Kura Garba, a senior Ham son, who retired from the service of the State Security Service, SSS, in 1994. He is to be turbaned the Magajin Rafi Jabba on November 10, 2012 by the paramount traditional ruler of Jabba land, His Royal Highness, Kpop Ham, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude. Kura, speaks about his passion for development in Ham land and what should be done about ginger production, which Ham land is also very famous for, among other issues. doing very well in their fields of endeavour.

You are not the only retired person who has risen to the equivalent of the rank you retired from, or even above it.

In your own estimation, what makes you so outstanding to be worthy of this title, Ma,gajin Rafin Jabba?

I want to appreciate his Royal Highness, Kpop Ham, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, for choosing me for this honour. You are right that there are many other persons equally qualified.

But God in His infinite wisdom touched the heart of our ruler to choose me. I am grateful to him. But it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. He may have gauged my commitment to the grassroots. And I really do have a passion to see that Ham land prospers more than what it is presently. I will now be saddled with the responsibility of advising the Kpopo Ham on how to bring development to our people. The main job of the Magajin Rafin is to bring about development, in human resource, economic and physical development. And our paramount ruler is very serious about this aspect of his leadership. Farming is one of the mainstays of the Ham people. As it is, I’ve retired into farming too. So that is one area I am going to see how I can assist.

A

re you saying that you are the one to now bring development to your area?

The Magajin Rafin is expected to create avenues, inspire people, and work towards attracting individuals and groups to come home and play their parts in developing our land. Youth development is one other critical area I have a role to play. But essentially, you should understand that the

James Kura Garba: New Magajin Rafin Jabba.

Ham people are agrarian by nature. What that translates to is that the means and ways that we can improve on our agriculture will be of

,

Can we get to know the Magajin Rafin Jaba?

My name is James Kura Garba. I was born in Kyari, Baddu district in Jaba Local Government in 1944. I started my career in 1962, with the Nigeria Police. While in the Police,I was in “E” Department.

That was a special arm of the Police Force which took me to serve in several places. “E” Department in the Police was basically about gathering intelligence and sundry duties.

When the NSO(Nigerian Security Organisation) was formed in 1973, I became one of its pioneer officers. The NSO later metamorphosed into the State Security Service, SSS. I served in many places, before retiring in 1994 as an Assistant Director in the SSS. I got married in 1963 and the marriage is blessed with seven children and five grandchildren who are all alive.

As a father and a grandfather who has served this country to this level, and is now so acknowledged by the traditional ruler of the Ham people, and now being awarded the title Magajin Rafin Jabba, Sir, what would you say is missing in the ways children are raised today compared to your days as a lad in the village?

Having children is a gift from God. No one has authority over that. So, I thank Him for deeming it fit to give me these children.

What has been of utmost concern to me about these children is how to give them good education, and to raise them in the fear of God. My wife and I have shown a lot of commitment towards that. And we have been blessed that God provided for us, and the children took our training very seriously. Today, all of them are

for modern production of ginger. For example, a ginger farmer needs to have fertiliser, herbicides, insecticides; he

Ginger farming is at its lowest because foreign entrepreneurs who see Ham ginger as the best in Africa, have stopped coming; this is because of the perceived insecurity in Northern Nigeria; a bag of ginger used to sell for N18,000 two years ago; but today that same bag sells for between N4000 and N5000

considerable interest to me.

Our people should be exposed to modern farming techniques, get the right farming inputs and become self-sustaining in a profitable way.

Since independence,Ham areas have been noted for ginger production all over Africa, but that reputation is on the wane. What effort will you make to reverse this trend?

You are correct. One of the major problems with the ginger farmer in Ham land is that he does not get any encouragement from government; no incentives and lack of the basic requirements

,

needs tractors, the right pricing templates, etc.

Are you saying that they are winding up ginger cultivation because of these problems?

N

o, we still cultivate ginger. What I am saying is that we can produce on a major commercial scale if we get the right assistance.

Right now, ginger farming is at its lowest because foreign entrepreneurs who see Ham ginger as the best in Africa, have stopped coming. This is because of the perceived insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

The price has discouraged production. The current low

patronage by major foreign buyers calls for serious concern.

Many of the buyers entertain fears because of insecurity in the North. A bag of ginger used to sell for N18,000 two years ago. But today that same bag sells for between N4000 and N5000. Imagine the difference.

But Southern Kaduna does not have the kind of insecurity experienced in other parts of Northern Nigeria and ••• We thank God; we don’t have the kind of problem experienced in other areas. But remember that we have witnessed reported cases of bomb blasts in the past in Kaduna and Zaria. We have also had crisis after the last general elections.

Though things are good now, it is not easy to convince foreigners that everything is alright for you to start seeing them in droves again.

What makes Ham ginger so special or outstanding compared with others?

To the best of my knowledge, this is where I know that ginger is being produced in Nigeria commercially. Maybe it is the soil, or climate, culture or a combination of others things.

But, it is only in Ham or Jabba land that you see real ginger farms. I understand that it is cultivated in other parts of Africa. I heard that research has

Continues on page 37

Vanguard , THURSDAY THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 37

Ember months of road traffic accidents? ...FRSC cautions on reckless driving

T

HE Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, is saddled with the responsibility of bringing sanity to roads in Nigeria in order to curb the rate of accidents on the various highways. In the estimation of some observers, the Commission’s operatives have been doing this to the best of their abilities. They are usually called to a great deal of task in the last quarter of every year which have been tagged the “EMBER” months, a period that has come to be associated with more accidents and loss of lives on our highways.

Indeed available statistics on the “EMBER” months represent a grim reality that evokes fear in many Nigerians

who have now come to label them the “notorious months”.

The immediate past Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Tumes Sylvanus Dalop in an exclusive interview with Vanguard Features said: “Even without statistics common sense will tell one that accidents and deaths are higher during these “EMBER” months because of the various festivities lined up during this period and which warrant much more travelling; it’s a period when commercial drivers cash in to make more money through overloading, excessive speeding, among others.”

According to him, the statistics of fatal accidents and death that would have been recorded on most roads across the country, especially along Gwagwalada – Abuja, Benin -

We’ll revive ginger production in Ham land-new Magajin Rafin Jabba Continued from page 36. placed our ginger as having very high quality compared to what is obtained in other parts of Africa. I once travelled to Melbourne, Australia, where ginger is produced. The way they produce their ginger is different from the way we farm here. There, they produce ginger by irrigation. So you can afford to have fresh ginger round the year. But, here we cannot afford to do that because we do not have small irrigational dams and related facilities for that kind of intensive farming.

I’m sure you will love to see production of ginger by irrigation in Ham land one day Yes, of course, I like to see that. I use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government and especially the government of Kaduna State to help build small dams in Southern Kaduna so that we can have the production of these viable crops round the year. We have hundreds of perennial streams just flowing away unutilised. If we have dams for irrigation, agricultural activities will get a big boost. Youths will be employed. It will lead to fishing, and even tourism.

Southern Kaduna is very endowed with both human and natural resources, and the streams are just one of them.

So, if government builds these dams, it will really boost economic activities here.

After the April 2011 skirmishes that enveloped most parts of Kaduna state,

some non-natives fled Ham land and many are yet to return. As the Magajin Rafin Jabba, what are you going to do to ensure their return?

What you are asking falls within politics and I am not a politician. But, I want to say that it was unfortunate that what happened did happen. But find out from anybody, Ham or Jabba people are by nature peace-loving. Whether you find them in Kafanchan areas, Kachia, Kagarko areas or in Kaduna, or anywhere, we love people and we love peace. I know that the Kpop Ham has done a lot at ensuring that there is total peace in our land.

What advice do you have for the people of Ham both at home and in the Diaspora about helping to bring about development in Ham land?

I want to appeal to all my brothers and sisters, no matter where you are to know it that we owe our land a responsibility to come together and contribute to its development. I want to praise our people for some of the developments taking place now. It is very encouraging indeed. I recently took a trip round some of our areas and I was amazed at the rapid development I saw. Most of these developments were from the proceeds of ginger. What is slowing this growth down is the low pricing of ginger. But our people need to come together to see how we can help each other and our communities in other economic activities, in youth development and infrastructure.

*FRSC officials at an accident scene to render assistance to victims Ore, Ibadan – Lagos Express roads and about 19 others, would have been higher if not for special patrols always mounted by both the Regular and Special Marshals during these “EMBER” months. “If these roads are not specially manned during these four months, September to December, every year, the number of accidents and deaths would have been higher because everybody is rushing home or back from one festivity or the other and you know, most drivers are usually impatient as they rush to make more money from passengers and so they over-speed, overload and end up in fatal accidents and loss of lives,” the FRSC boss remarked.

He said despite the sensitization of drivers on the need to be more cautious during the “EMBER” months, they (drivers) tend to ignore the lessons and opt for reckless driving in their desperate bid to make more money. “We are trying our best but our best is not yet the best because these drivers are very volatile. Some of them carry weapons and they are heartless and any attempt to stand on their way could prove fatal and if you want to meet force with force, they won’t hesitate to run over you,” the immediate past Sector Commander stressed.

Mr. Dalop pointed out that rather than meet force with force, they have now resorted to taking the numbers of the erring drivers and handing them over to the Police for arrest or report to the owners of the affected transport companies.

STATISTICS OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

It is on record that in 2008, the total number of fatal cases of accident recorded across the 36 states and FCT was 3,024.

Serious cases stood 5,671, while minor cases was 2,646.

Total cases recorded was 11,341 with 6,661 persons killed, 27, 980 injured and 34,641 as total casualties.

In 2009, total fatal accidents

across the country was 2,460; serious cases was 6024, minor cases 2,370. Total cases stood at 10,854 with 5,693 killed, 27,270 injured out of a total of 32,963 casualties.

Statistics of road traffic crashes on quarterly basis show that in the first quarter of 2009, there were 2,855 cases of road accidents with 7,372 injured, 1414 killed out of a total casualty of 8,786, while the second quarter shows 2660 cases with 6720 persons injured, 1699 killed out of 8419 total casualty. The third quarter shows 2707 cases with 6426 persons injured, 1272 persons killed and 7698 as total casualty; while in the fourth quarter, 2632 cases were

,

BY WOLE MOSADOMI, MINNA

Despite the sensitization of drivers on the need to be more cautious during the “EMBER” months, they (drivers) tend to ignore the lessons and opt for reckless driving

,

recorded, 6752 injured 1308 killed out of a total 8060 casualties. In the fourth quarter, 2632 cases of road accidents were recorded 6752 injured, 1308 killed out of 8060 casualties.

Head, Department of Mass Communication and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Management and the Social Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, IBBUL, Ternenge Ende, in a paper delivered at this year’s Annual Sectoral Workshop held in Minna also stated that statistics in 2011 had shown that Nigeria ranked 191 out of 192 countries with unsafe roads leading to about 162 deaths rate per 100,000 from road

traffic accidents and that besides human loss, the country loses over N3 billion annually as one to three percent of the country’s Gross National Product is lost to road accidents.

Similarly, the Zonal Coordinator of Special Marshal and Partnership Department, Professor S. Oyeleke in his paper delivered at the workshop, informed that the Zonal Commander of the Commission for Lagos and Ogun states on December 6, 2010 said an estimate of 35,000 Nigerians die of road traffic accidents annually and that the life expectancy of Nigerians has deteriorated from 51.01 years in 2003 to 47.56 years in 2011 and that based on these figures, the country’s position shifted from 192 in 2003 to 219 in 2011 on world ranking.

The theme of the workshop which is “Advocacy as a Tool for Improved Road Safety Activities” is aimed at reducing the rate of accidents on our roads, especially during the “EMBER” months. National Co-ordinator, Special Marshals, Mr. Sini Titsi Kwabe, in his paper called on both Special and the Regular Marshals to brace up, especially in the last two months to see to the total reduction of road accidents and deaths on our highways which he said are avoidable.

He attributed the frequent fatal accidents on our roads to the increase in the poverty level of the people, poor driving culture, danger of night trips, over loading, dangerous driving, poor vehicle maintenance, among others, saying that there was the possibility of higher figures in subsequent years if nothing is done to arrest the situation.

Mr. Kwabe, however, made it clear that road safety is the business of all Nigerians and therefore advised motorists to complement the role of the FRSC in the realisation of “safer roads and fuller lives”, especially during these “EMBER” months in order to reduce the rate of accidents during the Xmas and New Year celebrations.

38— Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 —39

Americans rejoice with Obama

T

HE UNITED States' first family was in a joyous mood after the presidential election victory by Barrack Obama yesterday. It was also a time for Michelle and Barrack to hug, and they continued hugging.

Mitt Romney, the graceful loser, and family also greeted and thanked Americans, even praying for them after congratulating the winner, for a second term, President Obama.

Some Americans were so touched that they shed tears of joy.

It was a momentous day for Americans and Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, did not hide his excitement.

Michelle exclaims with a victory sign...

Jesse Jackson jubilates C M Y K

The joy knew no bounds that tears were shed.

Mitt Romney greets and thanks America with family after congratulating Obama

Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 —39

Americans rejoice with Obama

T

HE UNITED States' first family was in a joyous mood after the presidential election victory by Barrack Obama yesterday. It was also a time for Michelle and Barrack to hug, and they continued hugging.

Mitt Romney, the graceful loser, and family also greeted and thanked Americans, even praying for them after congratulating the winner, for a second term, President Obama.

Some Americans were so touched that they shed tears of joy.

It was a momentous day for Americans and Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, did not hide his excitement.

C M Y K

40—Vanguard , THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

FORUM: From left— Mr. Laoye Jayeola, representing Chairman of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Folusho Philips; Mr. Mohammed Ahmad, Director-General, Pension Commission; Dr. Abraham Nwakwo, DirectorGeneral, Debt Management Office, and Mrs Wonu Adetayo, Board Director, NESG at the NESG/ PENCOM forum on Nigeria's pension system, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

HONOUR: From left— Adebola Adegbulugbe (middle) and Ola Olowu (right), both of Insight Communications, receiving awards at the 2012 LAIF Awards.

Insight Comm wins 25 LAIF awards

I

NSIGHT Communications has won 25 awards at the Lagos Advertising Ideas Festival, LAIF, 2012 Awards held weekend in Lagos.

Organised by Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, LAIF is Nigeria’s most prestigious awards for creativity by marketing, advertising and brands communications agencies in Nigeria.

A breakdown of the award shows that Insight won four gold, 10 silver, 11 bronze followed by Rosabel Advertising with three gold, one bronze.

Centrespread Advertising won two gold, one silver and one bronze to clinch the third spot on the creative table for 2012.

The Ikeja GRA, Lagosbased creative agency came top at this year’s LAIF by creating the most innovative advertis-

ing for its clients, which include Nigerian Breweries Plc (Heineken, Gulder, Legend), PepsiCo/Seven-Up Bottling Company (Pepsi), Cardbury (Bournvita), MTN (Youth segment) and Flour Mills (Golden Penny Noodles).

Two weeks ago, Insight clinched the Creative Agency of the Year award at the MarketingWorld Magazine 2012 Awards; and in August, the agency won the Telecom Marketing Company of the Year on the strength of its work on the MTN Youth Segment business, at the 8th Edition of the Nigerian Telecom Awards held in Lagos.

Mr. Jimi Awosika, Managing Director of Insight, said: “From day one, Insight has been a company that frees the mind and frees creativity.”

NATT tasks African govts on tobacco coys

N

ETWORK for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals, NATT, has debunked claims of likely job losses by farmers if parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, FCTC, go ahead with the adoption and strict enforcement of Articles 17 & 18 of the FCTC at the fifth session of the Conference of Parties, COP5, billed for Seoul, South Korea from November 12 to 17.

Under Article 17 of the FCTC, parties agree to promote, as appropriate, economically viable alternatives for tobacco workers, growers and, as the case may be, individual sellers.

ITGA members had however, at the commemoration of its first World Tobacco Growers

Day on October 29, said the proposals were not farreaching enough and would lead to the loss of 30 million farm jobs.

NATT Africa spokesperson, Mr. Philip Jakpor said: “Tobacco front groups like ITGA and others across the African continent are only acting out a script, which the tobacco industry presents whenever there is a global convergence to reinforce the life-saving provisions of the FCTC. “These groups neither speak for true farmers that are living in the perpetual bondage of slavery on the tobacco farms nor those that are daily exposed to serious health hazards, especially respiratory illness from the curing process and inhaling of cancer-causing fumes.”

S-East govs, legislators, elders, clerics, monarchs meet over Boko Haram

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—AFTER four hours of deliberations in Enugu, yesterday, Igbo leaders, including governors, legislators, religious leaders and traditional rulers rose in condemnation of the killings of their kinsmen and women residence in northern states by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, adherents.

They condemned the spate of killings going on in the country and resolved to set up a committee to monitor the development as it unfolds and advise on future actions.

A three-paragraph communique was issued after the closed-door meeting held at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, and signed

by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who doubles as Chairman, SouthEast Governors Forum.

The communique

The leaders said: “We assure our people living in the North and other parts of the country that we are in constant touch with the various state governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.”

The participants, however, commended the efforts of the Federal Government “in containing

the situation.”

Governor Obi, who read the communique, declined to answer questions from newsmen, who had earlier in the day covered the Igbo elders’ meeting jointly convened by the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, former Ohanaeze leader, Justice Eze Ozobu (rtd.)

The meeting was attended by prominent Igbo like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who asked Ndigbo affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to send their family members home and remain wherever they are to defend their property and investments.

Roll call

Present at the meeting convened by the SouthEast Governors Forum were Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, Senator Ben Obi, Chief Victor Umeh, Dr. Tim Menakaya and Amb. Ralph Uwechue.

Others were Prof. Barth Nnaji, Air Cmmdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Chief Olisa Metuh, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim (SGF), Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Emeka Nwogu, Labour Minister; Prof Chinedu

Nebo, Prof Sam Ukpabi, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Senator Chris Ngige and Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

Govs, Speakers

Governor Peter Obi, Governor Martin Elechi, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Governor Sullivan Chime, were also there.

Also there were Speakers of the Houses of Assembly in the zone, Dr. Anagha Ezikpe, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prof Chukwuemeka Ike. Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, South-East CAN Chairman, led some bishops and priests to the meeting.

CNPP lauds Ogun govt on projects

C

ONFERENCE of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Ogun State chapter, has given kudos to Governor Ibikunle Amosun for his selfless service to the people of the state through speedy execution of developmental projects.

The opposition group, led by its Chairman, Otumba Owolabi Odebudo, passed this remark after an inspection tour of major development projects going on in the

state.

Speaking to newsmen after the inspection tour, Odebudo acknowledged the speedy work going on over the Ibarra roundabout overhead bridge and the newly-commissioned Totoro road, both sited in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The CNPP Chairman appreciated the manner the money raised through bond and the federal allocation coming to the state was being judiciously spent to bring

dividend of democracy to the people.

Odebudo also lauded the Ogun State mass transit project through which many buses were evenly distributed throughout the state to ease the transportation plight of the people.

He said as a responsible opposition group, it was their duty to monitor how the government was spending the people’s money, which had been put in their care to improve the people’s lots.

EDSOPADEC executes 178 projects

BY SIMON EGBEBULEM

B

ENIN—EDO State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development C o m m i s s i o n , EDSOPADEC, yesterday, disclosed that the Commission had executed 178 projects in the past two years in the three oil-producing local government

councils in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Mr. Vincent Uwadiae, who disclosed this in Benin at the 2nd anniversary of the board, said the Commission had contracted the design and procurement of 68 electricity transformers, which were distributed to the various communities in the three senatorial districts.

He emphasised that the

Commission sited projects according to the priority of the community and stressed that the Commission had made tremendous effort in executing projects that will benefit oil and gas communities in the state.

While pointing out that though the state oil allocation was one of the least in the Niger Delta, he

said: “But we have been able to utilise the funds available for the best interest of oil and gas communities in our state.

“We are mindful of what they have been deprived of due to oil exploration and exploitation in the areas. That is why we have tried to ensure that we execute projects that will alleviate their pains.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 41

C M Y K

42—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

dayobenson@yahoo.com I N S I D E

20 years after Ejigbo crash: Falana vows to fight for victims' — Pg 43 widows

Implementing Lagos State special people’s law — Pg 44

Most judges appointed are neither prepared nor mentally equipped — Azinge Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN is the Director-General Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The institute is the apex body for legal training in the country. Recently the institute decided to mount a specialized judicial track training programme for lawyers desiring to seek appointment to the bench. In this interview Azinge bares his mind on calls for State Police, amendment of the constitution, legal education and sundry national issues. Excerpts.

HERE have been persistent calls for State Police as a solution to the incessant killings and wanton destructions of lives and property in the country. What is your reaction to this?

The call for establishment of state police in line with the principles of federalism is theoretically unassailable but pragmatically flawed. Interestingly, this is not the first time in the history of this country that we have experimented the idea of policing at local levels. It need not be overemphasized that the first experiment was a colossal failure.

Does it mean that we cannot try it because the first experiment failed?

Many, rightly, seem to argue that we have since move on as a nation and the mistake of the past cannot becloud our vision towards realizing our full potentials as a people and a nation.

At present, all security challenges in the country find solution in the introduction of state or community policing. Be it kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism, political violence, banditry, breach of public peace or any other offence known to law, the simplistic proposition is that the panacea lies in creation of state police.

So, what is your position on this matter?

My position is that the Nigeria Police as presently constituted has not been optimally positioned to realize its potentials. Stripped of all parameters of achieving excellence, it is illusory to expect outstanding policy from the Nigeria Police force. It is my considered view that a supremely motivated, properly remunerated, well respected and decently quartered Nigeria Police Force can rise to the Security challenges of our time. Let the truth be told, Nigerians still see the Police as a profession for school drop outs. That used to be the perception of members of the Armed forces. But that has since changed, we must treat the police exactly the same way we treat members of the armed forces.

How do we change the perception of Nigeria Police?

What they need is good education and capacity building, well structured

T

•Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN method of employment, modern barracks, satisfactory life insurance scheme, and excellent facilities both in terms of equipment and office amenities, general welfare and prompt payment of salaries, allowances and retirement benefits. These are the factors that drive policy all over the

From my vantage position I can say unequivocally that there are many young talented Nigerian law graduates who can hold their own anywhere in the world.

,

,

world. Absence of these factors is a police force that is non –committal, disconnected and grossly inefficient.

We must first experiment with Nigeria police force, put all these factors in place and watch for the results. If things fail to change, then we will be justified to canvass for state police.

But until then, any argument in support of state police is merely an escape from reality. I need not add that most states of the federation cannot fund and equip the police

independently. That again is a serious factor for determining whether or not to establish state police at this point in time.

Legal education, like other sectors in the country has been on the decline, how has the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) improved on this as it pursues its mandates?

I am not inclined to the view that legal education in Nigeria has been on the decline. Rather, I accept the view that there has been explosion in the number of people admitted to the Bar in recent times and the law faculties are churning out graduates in very large numbers. In such circumstances, you are bound to have the good, the bad and the ugly. Perhaps, reference to decline is attributable to interaction with the not so good lawyers amongst the large number of very good ones. From my vantage position I can say unequivocally that there are many young talented Nigerian law graduates who can hold their own anywhere in the world.

In spite of this observation, NIALS has continued to deliver on its mandate of continuing legal education.

There is always room for improvement in legal education and NIALS is ever prepared to assist in this regard.

How do you achieve this?

Our programme on legal writing skill, legislating drafting, specialized judicial track training programme, Advanced Course in Practice and Procedure amongst others have helped young lawyers to consolidate on what they learnt from the university and the law school

Nigeria States has faced the problems of serious flooding across the country, how do you think we use the law to address this?

Let me firstly sympathize with Nigerians on the sad incident of the flood. It is highly regrettable that lives were lost and properties worth billion of Naira were destroyed. It is most unfortunate. I must however commend government for the measures taken to assist the displaced persons. The lesson to be learnt is the rude realization that climate change is real and not a fiction. It is something we have to grapple with for a long time to come. Furthermore this is an incident that is widespread enough and devastating which should be properly considered as a national disaster. Giving this background, it is expected that Government would have gone further to declare emergency in the areas badly affected by the flooding. The constitutional provision on state of emergency clearly provides for disasters of this nature and it is based on the premise that government can rightly invoke its authority to release money for the victims of the disaster.

Is there no way we can use laws to regulate environmental issues?

Going forward, Federal and State governments must take seriously the town planning laws of various parts of this country. It is within this consideration that people must be directed to know where to build and where not to build. Also, arising from this experience, there should emerge legislations directing persons affected by the flood to relocate to new pastures. Ancilliary to this, is a law that will enable Federal and State Government dedicate enough money annually to fighting disasters of this nature. This could be either in the appropriation laws or any other new legislation dedicated specially for this.

The truth which must be told is that there is bound to be a reoccurrence.

Continues on page 43

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—43

20 years after Ejigbo crash: Falana vows to fight for victims' widows

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

T

WENTY years after some military officers lost their lives in the Nigerian Air Force C130 Hercule that crashed in a swamp, in Ejigbo, Lagos, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, a rights activist, has assured their widows of his readiness to use instrument of law to fight their course.

Falana who lamented the neglect of family of the late officers who lost their lives in the incidence by successive military and civilian administrations, said it is regrettable that government that claimed

good governance for the people should abandoned the victims to their faith with little or no compensation since 1992.

Speaking at a commendation service held by the widows and their family at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogudu, Lagos, Falana carpeted past administrations, especially the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for not correct injustice handed down to the widows during his eight years in office.

Falana noted that one would have expected Obasanjo who was a victim of

•Falana addressing some of the widows. phantom coup to correct injustice against affected

family of victims of the air crash, but did nothing in spite of demands by the family of

the officers for adequate compensations for their dead bread winners.

“It is very sad that you have been abandoned for about 20 years by successive governments in the country. They made promises when the incidence happened but they didn’t do anything to correct this injustice.

“We will take up this challenge by taking up your matter and correct criminal neglect of military authorities.

American soldiers are dying in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places during operations, and their families were duly compensated, but

Continues on page 45

'Most judges appointed are neither prepared nor mentally equipped' Continues from page 42 This is the sad but obvious reality. Our Demographers must be trained to read the flow of tide and be knowledgeable enough to warn of impending flooding early enough to warrant prompt reaction.

How would you appraise the judiciary with respect to the reforms embarked upon by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher?

Fortunately I was a member of the Judicial Reform Stakeholders Committee and I was privileged to be part of the body that made far reaching recommendations for the reform of the judiciary.

Happily, the erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON was able to submit the recommendations to the National Assembly for Constitution amendments. I am supremely confident that if these recommendations are incorporated, the Nigerian Judiciary will certainly become the reference point for judicial integrity and activism.

What reforms would you like the CJN, Aloma Miram Mukhtar to pursue given the fact that she has only about two years to stay?

Time is not the parameter for determining how far one can go in bequeathing lasting legacy to successive generations. My Lord, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Miram Aloma Murktar, GCON was an integral part of the reforms proposed by the Supreme Court and therefore can effectively drive the process of reforms. Happily she touched on the most intricate issue that Nigeria populace will want to be addressed, that is corruption, when she unequivocally asserted that she will lead by example. So, if she is able to entrench judicial integrity,

speedy dispensation of justice and information technology driven Administration of Justice, then she would have left a lasting legacy for all times.

My Lord, enjoys tremendous goodwill for many reasons and the expectation is that all men and women of goodwill will strive to ensure that her two years in office is as remarkable as it is successful. I want to enjoin members of the bar and bench to give her all the support she deserves to make her tenure a memorable one.

The Institute recently mounted this programme on Judicial Tracking, what is the essence of purpose of the programme?

Well this is an innovation of the Institute and we consider it trail blazing and ground breaking. After an exhaustive consideration of the challenges of performance by judicial officers, the Institute came to an inescapable conclusion that a good number of judicial officers appointed to the bench were neither prepared nor mentally or physically equipped for judicial service.

The Institute is of the view that there is need to create a specialized judicial track training programme for lawyers desiring to seek appointment to the bench.

This specialized judicial track training is designed to fully prepare them mentally and otherwise for the journey on the bench.

What is the nature of the training?

The training will encompass auditing over 30 courses within a period of four months. Within this period, there will also be practical exercises involving judicial writing, spontaneous ruling and test of endurance. The third segment will include attachment to the chambers of judges where by the candidate will learn the rudiments of art of judging.

There will also be opportunity to expose the candidates to practices in other jurisdictions and to the experiences of distinguished judges both locally and internationally.

The highlight of this novel programme is the admission process that will require a background check on the

family, schools attended, employment and general suitability of the candidate to pursue a career on the bench.

The Institute recently moved to restate our Customary Law, what is this programme about and how do you intend to use it to enrich our legal jurisprudence?

The whole essence of restatement is to develop a body of jurisprudence on Customary Law that will be easily accessible and authoritatively cited in our courts.

Though restatement may not have the binding force of law, all the same, it will be documented that a law is codified.

Undoubtedly, this will be a milestone contribution to our customary law jurisprudence and will clearly elevate our customary law to a pedestal that will give it respectability and recognition all over the world.

What amendments would you like to see in the Constitution to guarantee true federalism in Nigeria?

As it has been repeatedly

pointed out, the term “True Federalism” is a political jargon designed to satisfy the thinking of those not properly grounded in the principle of federation.

Each federation has its own peculiarities and each country determines the basis of its federalism. Constitutionally, the 1999 Constitution has encapsulated the ingredients of Nigeria’s federalism.

However, there is the thinking that the centre as represented by the federal government seem to have cornered more powers than the federating states. Consequently, the proponents of devolution of power have argued for redistribution of powers in a manner that will rework the exclusive legislative list contained in the Constitution.

I support the removal of prisons, railways, weight and measures and marriage from the exclusive legislative list. I do not subscribe to any argument for establishment of State Police for now. But I support fully the total restructuring and rebuilding of Nigeria’s Police Force for efficiency and effectiveness.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

C M Y K

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—45

Wanted: A new constitution for Nigeria (2) Continued from last week

BY THEO NKIRE

T

HERE is the National Assembly Act, the Nigeria Police Act, the Electoral Act; and where there is no Act or law now in place on any subject contained in any of the four offending chapters of the Constitution, the National Assembly or State Assembly concerned can enact one.

My position is further strengthened by the fact that of the 52 amendments effected on the Nigerian Constitution in three separate alteration Acts in 2010, not one involved any of the 46 Sections contained in the first four chapters. The first alteration Act 2010 involved 29 amendments to 29 sections of the Constitution running from Section 66 to Section 285. The second alteration Act 2010 affected 9 Sections from Section 76 to Section 285 while the third alteration Act 2010 involved 12 Sections of the Constitution falling between Sections 81 and 318; and alterations to the Third and Seventh Schedules to the Principal Act. No single alteration affected any of the first 46 Sections of the Constitution which this contributor seeks to preserve.

For 11 years, there was no amendment to the Nigerian Constitution. In one year and indeed in virtually one exercise, 52 Amendments were effected to the Constitution and yet there are calls for more.

It is pertinent to repeat that a Constitution is a sacred document. Frequent amendments to this sacred document tend to desecrate it and render it easily vulnerable.

For example, Section 285 of the Constitution was amended in the first alteration Act 2010 and altered again in the second alteration Act 2010 both dated same day, 6 January 2011.

Why, for example should the Constitution of Nigeria be the law to prescribe the number of days a tribunal would require to try and determine an election petition filed before her? This ought to be the province of the Electoral Act, not the Constitution.

Besides, an essential quality of law – good law - is certainty.

The law of the Constitution must not change like the wind.

It must be constant. It must be sure. Amendments to it must be few and far between.

This is why I think the first four chapters of the Constitution constitute the necessary framework upon which our laws can be built.

The other four chapters are unnecessary additions to the Constitution. They ought to be expunged since whatever

value they may bring to our Constitution will not be lost to better place, she our legal system merely can, for example, because they are cited as Acts insert the words of the National Assembly or “probity and laws of States. accountability” Other Issues after the words Corruption “Equity and Nigeria must write the war justice” in line 3 of against corruption into the paragraph 3 of the Constitution. This will assure Preamble to the citizens that government is Constitution so that indeed, serious about the fight the said paragraph against corruption. Ghana 3 of the Preamble found a beautiful way of shall read as entrenching probity and follows: “AND TO accountability in her PROVIDE for a Constitution when she •David Mark, Senate president Constitution for the included the pursuit of those purpose of promoting the virtues in the Preamble to her borrow a leaf from her neighgood government and welfare bour and if she cannot find a Constitution. Nigeria can of all persons in our country

on the principles of Freedom, Equity and Justice; Probity and Accountability, and for the purpose of consolidating the Unity of our people.”

Abolish States, Local Govts Nigeria is over-governed.

With a total of 801 governments (one federal, 36 state, 768 local and six area, FCT) Nigeria has too many governments. A reduction in this number will make for greater effectiveness and efficiency.

Nigeria will be better managed if a provincial system of government based on the existing Senatorial districts is introduced.

To be continued

Implementing Lagos State special people’s law

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

S part of measures to achieve the implementation of Lagos State Special People’s Law 2011, Persons With Disabilities, PWD, has stressed the need to isolate and identify the various relevant stakeholders involved towards the implementation of the law.

The Special People’s Law, which was first passed by the State House of Assembly on June 21, 2012 and assented to

by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in Ikeja, on June 24, 2011 has generated so much concerns over its implementation because it is a law that would safeguard people living with disabilities against all forms of discrimination and equalize their opportunities in all aspect of living in the society.

Speaking at a three-day workshop held in Lekki, Lagos, the Chairman, Governing Board of Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Tolulope Animashaun expressed confidence over the implementation of the special people’s law, noting that LASODA had been established to properly implement the Special People’s Law which was passed to champion the cause of PWD. “LASODA’s functions are clearly stated in the law and include amongst others: conducting an advocacy campaign to sensitize the public and reorientate their attitude towards PWD, conducting a registration/ certification exercise so that only genuine cases will be able to benefit from the law. Also part of our function is to liaise with all the government agencies that can impact upon the lives of PWD” she added.

Organizations present at the workshop included Lagos Civil Society Organization Partnership (LACSOP), Lagos Civil Society Disability Policy Partnership (LCSDPP), Lagos State

Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Department for International Development (DFID) and State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI).

LASODA’s Chairman pointed out that the challenge with the Special People’s Law is that it is in a virgin territory, noting that challenges are part of life and the Board would continue to get stronger and develop. She also acknowledged the role played

by LCSDPP and SAVI since the inauguration of LASODA Board in the area of capacity building.

National President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) and Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (Lagos Chapter), Mrs Beyioku Adedoyin asserted that the the workshop is a very useful tool for LASODA to start with the right foot so as to enable it effectively implement the special people law, to the benefit of all people living with disabilities in the state.

A participant who simply introduced himself as Victor Otehi noted that the setting up of LASODA by Lagos state government speaks a lot of volume on the body language of the government to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are well protected and a level playing field is provided.

Otehi, who is a broadcaster and works at Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1fm, described the workshop as revealing, empowering and a specific workshop determined to drive towards achieving establishment of the office (LASODA).

In his words: “I think the Lagos state government means well. It is now left for all that is intended and all the provisions that are in the law to be carried out. That, I believe will be done by the board and the public as well. I really feel empowered having attended the workshop.

So I think that the workshop is welcomed because it helped us come up with the realization of

some of the things that we need to do as an office.”

According to a Representative of the Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, Emmanuel Oladipupo, said the three-day workshop has helped persons with disabilities to identify their primary and secondary stakeholders, while distinguishing various issues involved in implementing the law.

“With the facilitators and joint participants, we have been able to go deep down in identifying these issues. We have as well been able to consider the legal responsibility of Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA). The workshop is one that is highly commenda-

ble” Oladipupo stressed.

However, SAVI’s ProgrammeState team leader, Felix Obanubi told Vanguard that the reason for partnership support is on the conviction of the fact that in building a solid structure a foundation has to be in place, noting that the board members of LASODA were happy because the workshop helped them to come up with a strategic objective and strategy of engagement.

Obanubi explained that the workshop, amongst others, made clarification on the mandate, definitions of mission/ vision and core value of LASODA, adding that the Board can now examine stakeholders analysis and come up with strategic result.

Falana vows to fight for victims' widows Continues from page 43 soldiers, officers are dying in Nigeria and nothing is being done.

“Is it not an irony of life that Obasanjo who was tried illegally for phantom coup, pardoned to contest would spend eight years ruling the nation without addressing your plight? When he was there one would have thought that he knows where shoes pinch others.

“If military authorities failed to address this injustice before the end of this month, we will be compelled to use the instrument of law to seek redress. We shall call on those in authorities to correct this criminal neglect. We want to assure you that human rights community and progressive arms of the civil society are behind you,” Falana assured.

One of the widows, Mrs. Risikat Mukoro, said that she wrote several letters to former President Obasanjo, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, rtd,

without any response. She said she had not collected any money from the government since they relocated from Lagos to Abuja.

She lamented discrepancies in the way state governments handled building accommodation given to the widows, stressing that many states have not redeemed their promises till today.

Also, expressing their readiness to fight the battle to the logical conclusion, another widow, Mrs. Didi FerukeBello, wife of late Lt. Commander Kareem Bello said the battle was not a personal one but one aimed at upholding ideals of their late husbands.

“We are not fighting for ourselves, but we are fighting for the dead. They made them to die and rendered us useless. If you have forgotten I did not forget because the memory of that dark era is still fresh in my memory,” FerukeBello said.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Textile workers harp importance of peace to industrial development

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

N7,000 monthly. It is even less than what an average one day old baby can live on. This situation is very pathetic. If we must get out of this mess, Nigeria must invest in infrastr ucture, power, communication; education with proceeds from crude oil failure to do this the country will continue to be miserable.”

T

Conference papers -

From left: Comrade Oladele Hunsu, President of the National of Textile, Garment, Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Governor Rauf Arebgesola of Osun State, and Comrade Issa Aremu, General Secretary of NUTGTWN, at the Education conference

fruit in an atmosphere of insecurity and absence of peace hence our total support for Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC’s recent engagement on the issue of peace, unity and development. There is no doubt that current crisis is a product of the perennial crisis of governance and the open disconnect between economical growth and peoples welfare. We m u s t recognize that poverty weakens the people.

Economic development not only raises income but it also raises the voice of citizens, their political participation and their ability to demand government accountability.”

Effects of unemployment, poverty The only way to end the paradox of growth, joblessness and poverty is to reverse the trend towards a cargo economy. From notable contribution of about 40 per cent to GDP y the manufacturing sector in 70s and early80s, manufacturing contribution to GDP was a mere 4 per cent in 2010.

Manufacturing remains the key to quality employment and wages and indeed elevating the mass of our people out of poverty. It is in this context that we situate our advocacy for peace and industrial development. We therefore urge Federal Government and indeed all state governments to view the issue of security as an end in itself but a means to achieving stable and conducive environment for industrial production. In this way urge each and every state to look

,

HE growing state of insecurity in Nigeria is a grave concern to patriotic citizens, organisations, and friends of the country. Well meaning individuals and groups are having sleepless nights in efforts to find lasting panacea to the insecurity in the country. One of such groups is the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, which has in several interventions and comments demonstrated it’s desire for peace and security in Nigeria to grow the ailing economy.

No wonder the 24th edition of its national education conference, in Osogbo, Osun State, was focused on “The Role of Labour for Peace and Industrial Development of Nigeria”.

The conference attracted state actors, including the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, employers, academics, unionists among other stakeholders.

Giving reasons for the theme of the conference, President of NUTGTWN, Comrade Oladele Hunsu, said it was set to create the platform to discuss the critical challenge of peace and unity and the implications for the country’s development and the welfare of citizens.

According to him, “As a labour movement, we realize that we cannot just be preoccupied with our traditional duties that include collective bargaining, grievance and grievance handling, occupational health and safety, industrial relations among others without addressing the socio-political issues as witnessed in the present security crises which has further deepened the lingering crisis of development in our country. Our colleagues from the once vibrant industrial city of Kano will bear witness to the real dangers of insecurity as there are several of our members who have lost their lives in recent times and several industries are forced to scale down operations as the once vibrant Kano Textile market has become a no go area for a lot of traders from other parts of the country.”

“In view of this, the need for labour to engage government at all levels with regards to unity and peace of Nigeria for sustainable development in critical areas of the economy has become very necessary. We reckon that our advocacy for industrial development and job creation will not yield any

We urge the Federal Government and indeed all state governments to view the issue of security as an end in itself but a means to achieving stable and conducive environment for industrial production

,

at its area of comparative advantage and create right atmosphere for local and foreign investment and create jobs for the youth in their communities. The FG must create the enabling framework and incentive that will stimulate long term investment and reward investments that generate jobs.”

“As a nation, we cannot continue to agonise, the time for action is now. In this regard we commend the creative approach of the state of osun to addressing youth unemployment and supporting self-employed people through patronage. We urge our amiable Governor to strengthen his administration focus in this area and support capacity building and skill upgrade for self employed groups. As citizens we demand a renewed commitment on the part of Governments at all levels for good governance and commitment to peoples’ welfare. We are

prepared to fight for this and mobilize all strata of our society to continually engage governments at all levels as we cannot imagine an alternative to a safe, peaceful and prosperous nation Poor management of resources Speaking, Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, said Nigerians would remain poor despite the huge income from crude oil as long as the leaders failed to properly utilize the income to create jobs.

He said “Our nation is very poor today despite the huge income made from crude oil, this is contrary to the widely claim that Nigeria is very rich.

If revenue derive from crude oil is not properly utilize to engage people in productive activities, then the country will continue to remain till eternity.”

“The average income in Nigeria today is less than

Among papers presented at the conference included “From Poverty to Prosperity: The Role of Labour ”, by Femi Aborisade, Labour consultant and Attorney-at-Law; ”The role of Labour for Peace and Industrial development in Nigeria”, by Gbega Komolafe, General Secretary, Federation of Infor mal Workers Organisations of Nigeria, FIWON, “ Labour and Security Challenges in Nigeria” by Etannibi E.O. Alemuka.; Industrial Peace: Pre-requisite for Economic Development”,

by J.P Olanrewaju, Executive Secretary Nigerian Textile, Garment and Tailoring Employers Association, NTGTEA; Centenary of Trade union in Nigeria: The Journey So Far ”, by Funmi Adewunmi, Professor of Industrial Relations, College of Management and Social Sciences, Osun State University, Okuku Campus; “ Organisation and Changing Structure of the Global Economy: The Imperative of Informal Sector Organising”; by Comrade David Ajetunmobi, National, General Secretary, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, NATA, Employer/Employee Responsibility for Improved Productivity in the Enterprises”, by Peter Aderogba, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Co Plc, and “Employment, Job Creation and The Renewal of the Textile Industry in a Transition Year ”,

by Dr. Tajudeen Akanji

Lesotho workers march for living wage

N

OT accepting delays in the gazetting of minimum wages in Lesotho, 1,000 garment workers have demonstrated to the Prime Minister ’s office to demand a living wage.

Workers are fr ustrated because government has failed to give a reason for the delay in gazetting minimum wages in Lesotho, which were to be effective from 1 October 2012.

Trade unionist, Daniel Mariasane, while speaking, said initially government wanted to exclude the garment sector from the minimum wage gazette, so it is probable that resistance from employers to increase the

wage is causing the delay.

At a tripartite workshop organized jointly by the International Labour Organization, ILO, and the Minister of Labour and Employment in February 2012, parties agreed on eight criteria that should be considered by the Wages Advisory Board when setting minimum wages for the garment sector, one of which is a living wage.

A detailed study was then conducted by an independent ILO consultant on what a living wage would be for garment workers in Lesotho, which concluded that workers needed M1,415 (Euro 141) to subsist and M2148 ( Euro 214) to meet basic needs.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012—47 Edited by MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU 08026350360 E-mail: chimeena@yahoo.com

(NLNG) Limited to promote and encourage authorship and the development of Nigerian literary culture.

The Prize which is in its 8th year running was instituted with the view to motivating Nigerian writers in four literary genres vis a vis, poetry, prose, drama and Children’s literature. The prize money is rotated around the genres each year and this year focused on prose fiction.

A

Chika Unigwe

From NLNG’s Treasury

..Chika Unigwe wins $100,000 NIG Prize for Literature

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

he battle for the much coveted $100,000 prize money of the 2012 Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature came to its climax last week with Enugu State born Chika Unigwe emerging winner.

The Belgian married Nigerian born author who writes in English and Dutch floored Olushola Olugbesan’s Only A Canvas and Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Ngozi Achebe, after meeting the criteria set for entries which include; quality of editing and production, relevance to the Nigerian situation, vivid presentation of character and plot, and use of language; with her latest book titled, On Black Sisters’ Street, to win the coveted literary prize.

,

The book according to Prof Banjo focuses specifically on the very precarious situation of women

Chika Unigwe who holds a Ph.D in Literature from University of Leiden in the Netherlands was announced the winner of the prize on Thursday at a World Press Conference in Lagos.

The poet and novelist who has published short fiction in several anthologies, journals and magazines including Wasafiri (University of London), Moving Worlds (University of Leeds), Per Contra, Voices of the University of Wisconsin and Okike of the University of

,

Nigeria was shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2003, and won the BBC Short story Competition and a Commonwealth Short Story Competition award in 2004 in addition to her short story making the top 10 list of the Million Writers Award for best online fiction.

By this latest feat, Unigwe became the second Nigerian author based outside Nigeria to win the coveted prize which was instituted in 2004 by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas

nnouncing Unigwe winner at a world press conference in Lagos, the Chairman of the Board of Panelists chosen to assess entries for this year, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo stated that “by coincidence, the three novels deal with issues concerning the plight of women in the past and in the present but the panel of judges considered On Black Sisters’ Street, a work of outstanding merit and adjudges it the winning entry for the 2012 Nigeria Prize for Literature”.

The book according to Prof Banjo “focuses specifically on the very precarious situation of women, particularly the issue of sexual slavery, adding that, “in her depiction of the socio-economic conditions in Nigeria, Unigwe displays grasp of narrative techniques as well as excellent descriptive capabilities”.

He however noted that the panel observed with dismay, that poor quality of production is still a fundamental problem affecting Nigerian Literature stressing that, “Some entries would have stood a better chance of winning this prize but were marred by problems attendant upon poor publishing, vis a vis, poor editing, proof reading, poor binding and other publishing errors”.

Also speaking, NLNG Manager, Communication and Public Relations Ifeanyi Mbanefo explained that the reason his company put on hold the Prize for Science was for them to look into the problems of scientists. He maintained that there was no need issuing out awards and at the end of the day there is nothing to show for it stressing that there is need to reward a person who makes a breakthrough in science which impacts positively on the society.

“We issue award yet we have problems with electricity, there is no water, the roads are bad, Malaria which can be put away with science is killing people on a daily basis, the same thing is applicable to cholera, election rigging could be

stopped through electronic voting, in fact, there are so many things that can be dealt with by science. So we asked ourselves, why are we not getting the benefits of science".Mbanefo stated. He announced that his company has put plans in place to hold an all stakeholders meeting on the 22nd of November in Abuja to find out what the problems of scientists are.

Photo show headlines campaign against demolition

I

n furtherance to its argument that the demolition of the Makoko/ Iwaya Water Community and the burning down of houses of the residents of the Ijora Badia community on March 6, 2012 is an outright violation of the human rights of the residents of the communities, the Social and economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC) is collaborating with the Makoko community to put up a photo and Art exhibition aimed at presenting the human face of the Makoko Waterfront community to the public.

The exhibition which comes up before the end of 2012 will showcase the humanity and radiant hope of the Makoko Waterfront community in pictures and art form and will amongst other things, display the community ’s diverse culture, works of art, unique lifestyles, vibrant informal economy and tourism potential. The exhibition will feature pictures and artworks from professionals and also from talented members of the Makoko Community.

48— Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

The best is yet to come Victory speech by President Barack Obama Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. onight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward.

It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own *Obama individual dreams, we are an American family and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people.

Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come.

I want to thank every American who participated in this election whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time.By the way, we have to fix that. Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference.

I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign. We may have battled fiercely, but it’s only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service and that is the legacy that we honor and applaud tonight. In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward. I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America’s happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden. *President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and their spouses, ecstatic at being re-elected And I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. Let me say this publicly: sometimes fiercely, about how to get there. As their lives right now just for a chance to argue Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been it has for more than two centuries, progress will about the issues that matter, the chance to cast prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, come in fits and starts. It’s not always a straight their ballots like we did today. But despite all as our nation’s first lady. Sasha and Malia, before our very line. It’s not always a smooth path.By itself, our differences, most of us share certain hopes eyes you’re growing up to become two strong, smart beautiful the recognition that we have common hopes for America’s future.

We want our kids to grow young women, just like your mom. And I’m so proud of you and dreams won’t end all the gridlock or solve up in a country where they have access to the guys. But I will say that for now one dog’s probably enough. all our problems or substitute for the painstaking best schools and the best teachers. A country To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of work of building consensus and making the that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in politics.The best. The best ever. Some of you were new this difficult compromises needed to move this technology and discovery and innovation, with time around, and some of you have been at my side since the country forward. But that common bond is all the good jobs and new businesses that follow. very beginning. where we must begin. Our economy is We want our children to live in an America But all of you are family. No matter what you do or where recovering. A decade of war is ending. A long that isn’t burdened by debt, that isn’t weakened you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we campaign is now over. by inequality, that isn’t threatened by the made together and you will have the life-long appreciation of And whether I earned your vote or not, I have destructive power of a warming planet.We want a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way, listened to you, I have learned from you, and to pass on a country that’s safe and respected through every hill, through every valley.You lifted me up the you’ve made me a better president. And with and admired around the world, a nation that is whole way and I will always be grateful for everything that your stories and your struggles, I return to the defended by the strongest military on earth and you’ve done and all the incredible work that you put in.

White House more determined and more the best troops this - this world has ever I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, inspired than ever about the work there is to known.But also a country that moves with even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics do and the future that lies ahead. Tonight you confidence beyond this time of war, to shape a that tell us that politics is nothing more than a contest of egos voted for action, not politics as usual. You peace that is built on the promise of freedom or the domain of special interests. But if you ever get the chance elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours. And and dignity for every human being. We believe to talk to folks who turned out at our rallies and crowded along in the coming weeks and months, I am looking in a generous America, in a compassionate a rope line in a high school gym, or saw folks working late in forward to reaching out and America, in a tolerant a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, working with leaders of both America, open to the dreams you’ll discover something else. parties to meet the of an immigrant’s daughter You’ll hear the determination in the voice of a young field challenges we can only solve who studies in our schools organizer who’s working his way through college and wants together. Reducing our and pledges to our flag. to make sure every child has that same opportunity. You’ll hear deficit. Reforming our tax To the young boy on the the pride in the voice of a volunteer who’s going door to door code. Fixing our immigration south side of Chicago who because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant system. Freeing ourselves sees a life beyond the nearest added another shift. You’ll hear the deep patriotism in the voice from foreign oil. We’ve got street corner.To the furniture of a military spouse whose working the phones late at night to more work to do. worker ’s child in North make sure that no one who fights for this country ever has to But that doesn’t mean your Carolina who wants to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home. work is done. The role of become a doctor or a scientist, That’s why we do this. That’s what politics can be. That’s why citizens in our Democracy an engineer or an elections matter. It’s not small, it’s big. It’s important. Democracy does not end with your vote. entrepreneur, a diplomat or in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and America’s never been about even a president - that’s the complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply what can be done for us. It’s future we hope for. That’s the held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we about what can be done by vision we share. That’s make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, us together through the hard where we need to go stirs up controversy. and frustrating, but forward. That’s where we That won’t change after tonight, and it shouldn’t. These necessary work of selfneed to go. arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never Now, we will disagree, forget that as we speak people in distant nations are risking Continues on page 50

T

It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012— 49

What you should know about honey role in preventing fatigue during exercise.

The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar.

One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it help treat sore throats; it can also be used as treatment for burns, cuts and sleeplessness.

By CHARLYNE IKPE

U

NDOUBTEDLY, honey is so sweet and comforting that many people don’t give its healing abilities a second thought. The fact is, honey is far better than what most people perceive. Its benefits does not just stop at satisfying the palate; honey also offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for our body and health, hot beauty and skin care tips for ladies, and amazing healing properties as a head-to-toe remedy, from eye conjunctivitis to athlete foot.

One of the greatest pleasure and fascination in using honey is understanding the different floral varieties of honey, their appearance and quality, and experimenting with each of their unique taste and being able to know which floral variety of honey is most perfect for which kind of foods. The uses and benefits of honey in foods are as diverse as its floral varieties and places of origin. The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste a great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important

I

You are what you eat — MD Ifako–Ijaiye Hospital

M

EDICAL Director of IfakoIjaiye General Hospital, Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde has advised residents of Ifako area of Lagos to shun life-threatening habits.

Sodeinde who posited that man is what he or she eats, counselled that being wary of what they eat would check rising incidences of untimely death.

Delivering a lecture titled; “Your Life is in Your Hands” at a Community Outreach Public Lecture held at the African Model College, Ifako, she explained that life as sacred should be valued by all and must be well handled because “like an egg, once it is allowed to break carelessnessly or ignorantly, cannot be re-

trieved.

Explaining that the programme was organised by the hospital to create awareness on healthy living, she said:” People will be doing themselves a whole lot of good by making timely visit to the hospitals whether at the councils’ Health Centers or General Hospitals for medical treatment once symptoms of any ailment or disease are noticed,” adding that delay should be avoided as it could worsen situation.

Her words, “People should not be non-challant about their health. They should watch what they eat or drink as wrong consumption has its adverse effect on the body in general. People should adhere strictly to healthy

dietary habits as well as exercising to keep fit, create time to relax, irrespective of tight schedules. There is need for people to also consider taking more water instead of soft drinks, eat more of fruits and vegetables and consume less sugar and fats.”

In his contribution, Chairman, Governing Board of the Hospital, Dr. Olutoke Awelenje said ignorance has remained a major problem that often caused unnecessary loss of life and people should start taking the issue of health as important as life itself.

The high point of the event was free health screening for hypertension, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index.

Jinadu gets 2nd term at FMC, Ebutte-meta

T

HE Federal Government has approved the renewal of the appointment of the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, FMC, EbuteMetta, Lagos, Dr. Munirah Yewande Jinadu as the hospital’s medical director for the next four years.

The appointment letter signed by the Director, Human Resource on behalf of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, while congratulating Dr. Jinadu on her appointment also urged her to endeavour to keep – up and improve upon the achievement she had accomplished at the centre.

Jinadu who holds Masters in Public Health from the University of Lagos and Fellow of the Public Health Physician from the National Post Graduate Medical College had joined the public service in 1987 and rose to through the rank of Medical Officer to the prestigious rank of Consultant, Special Grade 1.

Jinadu’s positive disposition to the development of the centre, influenced the renewal of her appointment as Medical Director.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

met a girl at a party when I travelled last year.

We got drunk and slept together. It was an affair that meant nothing. One day I got an email from her on my blackberry. My wife was with my phone and saw it. Now she wants a divorce. I love my family and I never meant to hurt my wife. Please I need you to beg my wife for me – Yinka Dear Yinka, I understand that you are sorry and I don’t want your family to break up either. But I don’t know you well enough to speak on your behalf. How do I know that you have not done this before and that you will not cheat again? There are a lot of faithful women out there who contacted sexually transmitted diseases from their cheating husbands. How can I assure your wife that she is safe with you? I don’t know anything about you and cannot make promises on your behalf.

I know that humans make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. So if you are truly sorry, this is what I suggested. Apologise sincerely to your wife. Apologise and beg her for forgiveness. I don’t know if she will accept but you have to change your ways and keep apologising until she feels she can trust you again. This can take months or years. Trust is easy to lose and hard to gain. Both of you should also get tested for sexually transmitted diseases – Uche I bought the Xzen 1200 supplement to help with my weak erection. I have started taking it and these are the things I have noticed. Please tell me if that is the way it should be. My erections are stronger and I get aroused easily. After having sex, a few minutes later, I feel like having sex again. I took one capsule on Friday when I bought it. It is Monday now and the medicine is still working. I am in my office and whenever I think about sex, I get aroused – Hakeem Dear Hakeem, everything you have reported is exactly the way Xzen 1200 is supposed to work. Apart from giving you hard erections, it increases arousal, helps you with multiple performance and energy and

also keeps you performing at a high level for three days with one capsule. Xzen 1200 is a high grade sexual performance supplement – Uche I was circumcised as a child and I find it difficult to enjoy sex not to talk of climaxing. I don’t have a clitoris so when my husband touches me there, I don’t feel anything - Lucy Dear Lucy, sorry about this. Circumcision is wrong.

But there is hope. The clitoris is one of many pleasure spots scattered all over the human body. There is a secondary G Spot hidden within the vagina. It is a spongy tissue located about an inch deep on the roof of the vagina. When this spot is skilfully massaged, a woman will climax and even ejaculate. But this requires skill or the right type of vibrator. G spot and Rabbit vibrators are perfect for this. Get the Euphoria G spot vibrator and try it. You will climax many times and your whole body will be shaking with pleasure – Uche I have used Maximus Penis Enlargement Cream for about six weeks. I have noticed some growth but I want it even bigger. What do I do? Henry Henry the growth has only just begun. You have not finished the dosage. To grow bigger, you have to keep using Maximus Penis Enlargement Cream for a total of six months and get maximum results. So you are doing okay. Just keep using it – Uche I enjoy your column. It has really helped my marriage. Well done - Yul Thanks Yul. That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08191978308 or 08027901621 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

50—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

I ran for love of country Concession speech by Republican challenger, Mitt Romney Thank you. have just called President Obama to congratulate him on his victory.

His supporters and his campaign also deserve congratulations. I wish all of them well, but particularly the president, the first lady and their daughters.

This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation.

I want to thank Paul Ryan for all that he has done for our campaign and for our country. Besides my wife, Ann, Paul is the best choice I’ve ever made. And I trust that his intellect and his hard work and his commitment to principle will continue to contribute to the good of our nation.

I also want to thank Ann, the love of my life. She would have been a wonderful first lady. She’s _ she has been that and more to me and to our family and to the many people that she has touched with her compassion and her care.

I thank my sons for their tireless work on behalf of the campaign, and thank their wives and children for taking up the slack as their husbands and dads have spent so many weeks away from home.

I want to thank Matt Rhoades and the dedicated campaign team he led. They have made an extraordinary effort not just for me, but also for the country that we love.

And to you here tonight, and to the team across the country _ the volunteers, the fundraisers, the donors, the surrogates _ I don’t believe that there’s ever been an effort in our party that can compare with what you have done over these past years. Thank you so very much.

Thanks for all the hours of work, for the calls, for the speeches and appearances, for the resources and for the prayers. You gave deeply from yourselves and performed magnificently. And you inspired us and you humbled us. You’ve been the very best we could have imagined.

The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion.

We look to our teachers and professors, we count on you not just to teach, but to inspire our children with a passion for learning and discovery. We look to our pastors and priests and rabbis and counselors of all kinds to testify of the enduring principles upon which our society is built: honesty, charity, integrity and family. We look to our parents, for in the final analysis everything depends on the success of our homes. We look to job creators of all kinds. We’re counting on you to invest, to hire, to step forward. And we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics.

I believe in America. I believe in the people of America.

And I ran for office because I’m concerned about America.

This election is over, but our principles endure. I believe that the principles upon which this nation was founded are the only sure guide to a resurgent economy and to renewed greatness.

Like so many of you, Paul and I have left everything on the field. We have given our all to this campaign.

I so wish _ I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.

Thank you, and God bless America. You guys are the best. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thanks, guys.

I

*Romney

*Romney’s Camp: gloomy as loss seems imminent

The best is yet to come Continues from page 48 government. That’s the principle we were founded on. This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth. The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.I am hopeful tonight because I’ve seen the spirit at work in America. I’ve seen it in the family business whose owners would rather cut their own pay than lay off their neighbors, and in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see a friend lose a job.

I’ve seen it in the soldiers who reenlist after losing a limb and in those SEALs who charged up the stairs into darkness and danger because they knew there was a buddy behind them watching their back.I’ve seen it on the shores of New Jersey and New York, where leaders from every party and level of government have swept aside their differences to help a community rebuild from the wreckage of a terrible storm.

And I saw just the other day, in Mentor, Ohio, where a father told the story of his 8-year-old daughter, whose long battle with leukemia nearly cost their family everything had it not been for health care reform passing just a few months before the insurance company was about to stop paying for her care.I had an opportunity to not just talk to the father, but meet this incredible daughter of his. And when he spoke to the crowd listening to that father’s story, every parent in that room had tears in their eyes, because we knew that little girl could be our own.And I know that every

American wants her future to be just as bright.

That’s who we are. That’s the country I’m so proud to lead as your president. And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future.

I have never been more hopeful about America.

And I ask you to sustain that hope. I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight.I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.

America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunity and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.

I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America.

And together with your help and God’s grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth.

Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 51

C M Y K

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012 — 55

Chukwu, Okocha inspire school footballers •Uduaghan challenges them "I

’M a living testimony to what you can achieve through football. I may not be as educated as Davidson Onwumi but as far as football is concerned I’m a professor. You have to do your best in combining football and education.

With determination you will go places.”

Ovation followed this motivational talk by Austin Jay Jay Okocha at St Patrick’s College Asaba during the kick off of Governor ’s Cup yesterday. He was addressing players of Comprehensive Secondary School and Adaigbo Secondary School Ogwashi-Uku before the opening match of the Governor’s Cup in Delta State yesterday. Onwumi spoke before Okocha. He told the players that he read political science at the University of Benin and sees himself as one of the best sports administrators in Nigeria after playing for the national team and top clubs in Nigeria. But he reminded the players that he started as a player in secondary school and urged them to “grab this opportunity Dr. Uduaghan had created to develop a career in football”.

Former Eagles captain and Coach Christian Chukwu told the students to be disciplined in all they do and that “if you have discipline you

C M Y K

•as Golden Eaglets intensify training

C

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State having a handshake with Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi-Uku team during the KickOff ceremony of the 1st Edition of Delta State Governor’s Cup held at the St. Patrick’s College play ground in Asaba yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini can go far and achieve more than we did.”

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who is reviving sports in schools and local communities assured the students that the state government would assist the stars of the competition achieve “the highest level in football career.” It was a challenge one of the players said they would take up seriously. Governor Uduaghan recalled his days in Government College Warri and the passion of their principal in sports then and reminded the school principals around that the success of the competition would largely depend on them. ”Our principal was Mr.

Obafemi returns Continues from BP Wednesday’s match at Marlins Park is one of a number of games meant to prepare the two-time African champions for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa, starting on 19th January.

Israel-based goalkeeper Austin Ejide, a 10-year veteran, tops the list that also includes 2010 World Cup star Obafemi Martins and Newcastle United ace Shola Ameobi.

Ameobi, cleared to play for Nigeria last year alongside Victor Moses after a longdrawn process, gets his

Manu allays fears over Mali

first call and battles for a place upfront with Moses, Ukraine-based Brown Ideye, Martins and atrio of home boys.

Surprise call-up is former junior international defender Apam Onyekachi, back from injury at Nice FC of France, with Portugalbased defender Elderson Echiejile also heading to America.

Chelsea FC of England star and Nigeria’s only last-man standing in the Africa Player of the Year race, Mikel Obi tops a midfield cast that includes former junior international Raheem Lawal, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi and Nosa Igiebor.

Davies, an expatriate who made sure we hade mosquito team(junior team) and the senior team in all sports. He watched training sessions of these teams and made sure sports thrived in our school.” Uduaghan told the story so that the principals would emulate Mr. Davies and develop sports in schools. Amaju Pinnick, the Executive Chairman of Delta Sports Commission publicly announced that he would sponsor Hussey College, his alma matter in the competition.

Comprehensive school

comprehensively beat Adaigbo 3-0 in an entertaining match that saw Felix Oseme scoring a brace and been selected the MVP of the match.

He scored from a brilliant free kick in the first and a superb penalty in the second half. “If I had my way I would sign him on in any junior team of a club right away,” onwunmi said of Oseme whose touches really thrilled.

Nonso Okolo scored the third goal for Comprehensive school who also delighted with their dance-step celebration. A large crowd attemded the match

OACH Manu Garba (MFR) has reiterated that the Golden Eaglets would be at the ready to face the Junior Eagles of Mali in the final round qualifier for a place at the 2013 African Under17 Championship to be hosted by Morocco.

With the November 18th first leg game around the corner, the Golden Eaglets have intensified their build up and Garba is confident that his wards would scale the Malian hurdle.

“We know what we want and we are working steadily towards securing the ticket for the 2013 African Under-

My dream is finally coming true — Peter Rufai

BY MMACHI ILECHUKWU

F

•Rufai

Man City’s Champions League hopes over — Mancini

M

ANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini conceded the club’s Champions League ambitions were effectively “finished” after a 2-2 home draw with Ajax.

City have two points from four matches and must win their two remaining games to have any hope of going through.

“Unfortunately we took only one point and now I think it is finished for the Champions League,” said Mancini.

The Italian confronted match officials at full-time after a late City effort was ruled out for offside.

Sergio Aguero’s sharp finish from Aleksandar Kolarov’s cross three minutes from time appeared to have capped City ’s

I RATE ... Roberto Mancini berates the match

officials

comeback from 2-0 down, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny them a winner.

“It was a goal,” said Mancini. “The referee and his staff were really poor.

I said to the referee ‘congratulations - it was a goal’.

“I’m not the first or the

17 Championship,” Garba said.

“Everything is well on course and we are confident about our chances against Mali.

Whatever we have done recently is in the past, our focus now is the first leg game here at home in Calabar.”

The Junior Eagles of Mali qualified for the final round of this qualifying tournament with an impressive 6-3 aggregate win against Mauritania following a 5-1 win at home in Bamako despite losing 2-1 earlier away in Nouakchott.

last [to speak to the referee]. In football it can happen.”

After storming on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Peter Rasmussen, Mancini appeared to lose his cool as a cameraman followed him on to the pitch at the final whistle.

ORMER Nigeria captain and first choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai says he is gradually beginning to realise his life dream even as he still looks forward to greater things to come in the nearest future.

Rufai who was all smiles at the closing ceremony of the 3rdMilo Football Clinic at the Campos mini stadium in Lagos could not hold back his emotions after a select side, named Team Peter Rufai defeated Team Paulo Cardoso 5-4 in a keenly contested final.

The two teams thrilled and kept the capacity crowd on the edges of their seats throughout the encounter.

Rufai was full of gratitude to Nestle Nigeria for providing a platform for him to give back to the society that made him.

The clinic titled “Lets build champions” was for children between ages 9 and 13. They were coached by Peter Rufai alongside Paulo Cardoso , a foreign coach from Portugal.

Speaking at the event, brand manager of Nestle Nigeria Mrs Funmi Osineye, said the aim of the clinic was to expose the children to the latest scientific techniques of playing football and also educate them on the important values in life.

Page 54 VANGUARD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

AWC

S-H-A-M-E!

S/Africa kicks out Nigeria

Obafemi returns, Osaze still missing in action S

UPER Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has called up 11 foreignbased professionals for next week’s internation-

The invited pros Goalkeeper: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Apam Onyekachi (Nice FC, France) Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor, Turkey) Forwards: Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Obafemi Martins (Levante FC, Spain)

TODAY'S

al friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Senior Team of Venezuela in Miami, Florida,United States of America.

The coach had earlier called up 26 home-

BY JOHN

EGBOKHAN

T

HE Super Falcons of Nigeria’s have surrendered their African title after losing their semifinal match 1-0 to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the 8th African Women’s Championship holding in Equatorial Guinea.

In the game watched by a noisy crowd in Bata, the South Africans won courtesy of a 30th minute strike by defender, Jamine van Wyk, whose shot from a close to half way line, beat goalkeeper Precious Dede, who also sustained injury after crashing with the post, in her attempt to tip the ball over. Dede was attended to by medics, after being injured but luckily for her, she recovered in time to continue the game Her attempt failed as the Banyana celebrated the goal, which has put them in the final, where they play hosts, Equatorial Guinea, who earlier on defeated Cameroon 2-0, to book their passage to Saturday’s final, where they hope to win their second title, after their last triumph in the 2008 edition, which they also hosted and won.

based professionals who have been battling it out in camp in Abuja since Sunday, from among whom 15 will be picked for the trip to America.

Continues on Page 55

Eagles soar in FIFA rankings — P.55 Africa Top 10

World Top 10

1 Côte d’Ivoire

1 Spain

2 Algeria 3 Mali

2.Germany

4 Ghana 5 Zambia 6 Egypt 7 Tunisia

3.Argentina 4. Portugal 5.Italy 6.England

8 Central African

7.Netherlands

Republic 9 Gabon

8.Colombia

10 Nigeria

10.Croatia

PUZZLE

9.Russia

YESTERDAY'S

•BACK TO BASE — Obafemi ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Court (5) 9 Bomb-hole (6) 10 Greet (6) 11 Sidled (5) 12 One (4) 15 Unusual (4) 17 Recede (7) 20 Novel (3) 21 Free (5) 23 Try (4) 25 Support (4) 26 Shy (5) 28 Droop (3) 30 Liken (7) 33 Bung (4) 35 Row (4) 36 Figure (5) 38 Hue (6) 39 Lounged (6) 40 Postpone (5)

DOWN 1 Scrub (5) 2 Custom (5) 3 Charge (3) 4 Trial (6) 5 Employed (4) 6 Insane (3) 7 Mortal (5) 8 Renovate (5) 13 Impartial (7) 14 Belief (5) 16 Breathe (7) 18 Subject (5) 19 Serpent (3) 22 Break out (5) 24 Gratuity (3) 27 Pliant (6) 28 Room (5) 29 Culpability (5) 31 Passage (5) 32 Eat away (5) 34 Shoot (4) 36 Counterfeit (3) 37 Hill (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Barter 5, Ascend 9, Music 10, Repair 11, Mature 12, Taken 14, East 17, Led 18, Meal 20, Drear 22, Toddy 23, Contort 24, Untie 26, Yield 29, Part 30, Pep 32, Fate 33, Allot 35, Office 36, Signed 37, Hated 38, Reeled 39, Redden.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Barred 2, Repose 3, Emit 4, Rural 5, Aimed 6, Scan 7, Eluded 8, Deeply 13, Kestrel 15, Arena 16, Tacit 18, Motif 19, Adult 21, Roe 22, Try 24, Uproar 25, Trifle 27, Earned 28, Deaden 30, Plead 31, Poser 33, Ache 34, Tide.

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