ICPC recovers 61 houses from NSCDC officer

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62010

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries PLC; Pop icon 2Face Idibia, Singer Tiwa Savage, Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Adviser, Nigerian Breweries and Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary, at the launch of Limited Edition Star Music Bottle in Lagos.

Swear-in Oyinlola, G7 govs, Baraje tell Bamanga Tukur 8

ICPC recovers 61 houses from NSCDC officer

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

•45 plots of land, one duplex also recovered •Bank accounts of indicted official frozen

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BUJA–IT was a shocking revelation, yesterday, at the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing alleged illegal land allocations and racketeering in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja as the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, ICPC, Mr Ekpo Nta testified that Continues on page 5

Senate approves Jonathan's request on emergency rule 9 COLUMNIST: •P.17

Mr & Mrs

CORPS MEMBERS IN BAUCHI & YOBE—Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, inspecting a Guard of Honour at the Swearing-in ceremony of 2013 NYSC Batch “C” members, deployed to Bauchi and Yobe states at the Orientation Camp in Wailo, Bauchi State, yesterday. Below: The corps members during the event. Photos: NAN.

Guinness, shareholders head for showdown over performance 9 C M Y K

I have Clara Chime's mandate — Falana

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POCKET CARTOON

DINNER—Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) with former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd); APC Governorship candidate in Anambra, Dr. Chris Ngige and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande at the Progressive Governors Forum Special Dinner in Abuja, Wednesday.

ICPC recovers 61 houses, 45 plots of land from NSCDC officer Continues from page 1 his agency had seized a total of 61 houses, 45 plots of land at different locations within the FCT and a duplex from an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in the course of on-going investigations into land scams in FCT. Nta also revealed that several bank accounts which the official used for the illegal land deals had been traced and frozen by the agency.

The ICPC boss, however, disclosed that the 61 houses seized from the Civil Defence Corps topshot was made up of 40 three-bedroom flats, 20 two-bedroom flats and a duplex.

He said official letters had been written to the appropriate government land authorities on the status of the seized property and publication made in national dailies for the public to know so as not to fall victims of illegal deals again.

According to him, the agency swung into action following a tip-off from the CommandantGeneral of the NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin who personally visited him on May 15.

He said that Abolurin raised alarm that some officials of the corps were believed to be involved in illegal land deals using the agency

as back-up. He also said they operated under a non-existent housing estate scheme in Abuja and Nasarawa State.

Nta further said: ”Impressed by the action of the Commandant-General of the Corps by reporting his own officials for alleged wrong-doings and demanding an independent investigation while other heads of agencies or organisations will be covering it up if it were to be in their organisations. I commenced an immediate investigation by directing the Special Squad I set up on land matters to swing into action and the team even started with some officers who came with the C-G. “We made findings, we also made efforts to get additional information from other government agencies and banks which assisted us immensely in the course of our investigations. In the course of the investigation, we established that six different companies were used in the scam, and the bank accounts of certain officers and the companies used were frozen while we seized several property including 61 houses, 45 plots of land and a duplex traced to some of the officers. Interestingly, the 61 houses are made up of 40 units of three bedroom flats, 20 units of two bedroom flats and a duplex were seized from a single officer”.

He further stated that the company through which the NSCDC officials carried out the illegal deals were not

among the six other companies that were investigated, even as he promised to commence another round of inves-

tigation on it.

While stating that all the interrogated officers had been released on administrative bail except an official who was on the run, Nta said that investigation had revealed that the affected officers used the NSCDC’s Co-operative Society to swindle members of the public who thought it was a genuine transaction especially when it involved the name of the organization, the transactions taking place within the premises of the FCT Command of the Corps located at Gudu district and the officers wearing NSCDC uniforms during such illegal transactions.

Asked if there would be

any compensation for the 186 victims of the scam since the property of the perpetrators had been seized, Nta said: "That is beyond our power, the final decision rests on the court. Ours is to arrest, investigate and prosecute, but as we speak, we have established abuse of office against some of the officers investigated, it is the court that will now decide their fate, but the law recognizes the interest of procurer”.

Elated by the testimony, the Committee chaired by Hon Bimbo Daramola expressed gratitude to the ICPC boss, saying the revelation will help put an end to land scams in the capital city.

Jonathan's 2014 Budget presentation divides Reps •Tambuwal stops moves to bar President •Reps criticize president over unassented bills

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives witnessed yet another rowdy session, yesterday, when a member, Hon Ali Madaki (PDP, Dala Constituency, Kano) moved a motion demanding a resolution by the House to bar President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting the 2014 budget estimate to the National Assembly on Tuesday next week.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan had last week written to the Senate and House of Representatives informing them of his plans to present the 2014 budget on November 12.

Madaki’s motion which came in form of Point of Order was hinged on the poor performance of the 2013 budget.

The lawmaker recalled that the House reached a compromise last year before giving their nod to the 2013 budget. He

reminded the House of a controversy that erupted over the budget when members insisted to know the performance of 2012 budget, saying an agreement was then reached that before the 2014 will be accommodated, explanations must be given on the over all performance of 2013 budget.

Madaki who rated the current performance of 2013 budget at 40 per cent argued that it was unreasonable to allow the president to present the 2014 budget proposal, suggesting that the President be called to give explanation on the abysmal record of the 2013 budget.

He said: “This year’s budget is below 40 per cent implementation.

The budget must be implemented to a certain level before a new one is allowed or taken from the President.”

The House immediately became sharply divided with many members of All Progressive

Congress(APC) pitching tent with Madaki.

But Hon. Warman Ogoriba (Bayelsa PDP ) rose up in defense of the President.

While raising objections to Madaki’s submission, Ogoriba said that it was the constitutional right of the president to present the budget to the National Assembly.

His view however got support from another of President Jonathan’s loyalist, Hon Nkem Abonta (Abia PDP) who cautioned that it would translate to a breach of the constitution if he was barred.

Yet again, Hon Friday Itula (Edo PDP) overruled Abonta’s insistence on the presentation of the budget.

Meanwhile, as the arguments and counterargument were degenerating to a level that could leadd to a showdown, the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said it was a

mistake debating the matter in the first place, stressing that a point of order raised by Madaki on personal information should not have been a subject of debate.

Tambuwal, said it was against the rules to allow members to debate any point of order that was of personal information, saying it was Madaki’s piece of information to the House which was a product of his observation on the 2013.

But despite the speaker ’s appeal to the members, some nerves were still frayed as to why President Jonathan should be allowed to present the budget estimates on Tuesday.

When finally, the issue was put to vote by the Speaker, the shouts of “ yea” and “nay” rented the air. But Tambuwal who would not want further argument on the matter hit the gavel in favour of the “ yea” thereby paving way for the President to present the budget on Tuesday.

6—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Kwale clash: One feared dead, many wounded

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA — FIGHT broke out, Wednesday night, between two neighbouring communities of Umusedi and Umuseti in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, over lingering land dispute.

Already, one person was reportedly killed while several persons have sustained injuries while some residents in the area have fled.

Member representing Ndokwa West constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr. Azuka Azaka, while moving a motion of urgent public importance during yesterday’s sitting, said he was uncomfortable over the bloody encounter.

He expressed fear that if urgent intervention was not made, the matter could result to full blown war as the two warring communities had allegedly armed themselves to the teeth.

He said during the cross fire in which sophisticated weapons were freely used, one person was reported dead and several others wounded.

Member representing Warri South I, Mr. Dennis Omovie seconded the motion which was unanimously adopted.

Man, 47, gets N300, 000 bail over alleged rape of 4-yr-old

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Some suspected criminals and arms and ammunition being paraded by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Foluso Adenajo, in Benin City, yesterday

UBTH specialist dies with 3 children, uncle in auto crash

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— AUTHORI TIES of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, were thrown into mourning, Wednesday evening, after Dr Omojefe Ralph, a forensic specialist in

the Morbid Anatomy department of the hospital, died in a road accident with his three children, and an uncle around Okada junction, Benin-Lagos road.

It was learnt that the deceased and his family accompanied his younger sister to

JTF captures 3 sea pirates, recovers arms, ammunition

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA — OPERATIVES of the Joint Task Force in Niger Delta code-named Operation Pulo Shield have arrested three suspected sea pirates with large cache of ammunition along Twene waterways near Torah community in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Also, 40 suspected crude oil thieves were nabbed in separate operations in the creeks of Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.

Media Coordinator of the

Joint Task Force, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, yesterday, in Yenagoa said the sea pirates were nabbed by troops of 130 battalion in the Sector 2 area of responsibility of the JTF. According to him, the hoodlums were arrested armed with three AK47 rifles and 177 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition on board double 7horse power speed boat.

Lt Col Nwachukwu who said the sea pirates were intercepted at about 10pm while prowling Twene waterways near Torah community for opportunity targets added that the troops also

arrested 6 suspected crude oil thieves at Oil Well Head 26 located at Ekuluma II while siphoning crude oil from the oil well.

Troops of 3 and 19 battalions covering the Delta State stretch of Sector 1 area of responsibility of the Joint Task Force, according to Lt Col Nwachukwu also nabbed 24 suspects for illegal oil bunkering activities during anti-oil theft patrols at Mosagor Sapele Road, Egwu 1, Opumami, Asiagbere Creek in Gbekebor, Okufoma and Okwuagbede Communities in Ethiope West, Warri South, Warri North and Okpe Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Lagos where she boarded a flight to the United States of America, following her winning of the American Visa Lottery. They were on their way back to Benin when the incident occurred.

President of the UBTH chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kingsley Okafor, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, said he had visited the family and the late Omojefe’s wife has been taken to their village in Delta State.

He said the association had declared seven days mourning when members are to wear black armband and “ we will observe a minute silence every day before any clinic session.”

Contacted, officials of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) said they were yet to get details of the cause of the accident.

However, it was being suspected that a burst tire might have caused the accident since there was no head-on collusion with another vehicle.

AGOS — An Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, yesterday, slammed a bail of N300, 000 on a 47-year-old man, Orire Agidiogun, who allegedly raped a four-yearold child.

In addition, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, ordered that the accused should produce two sureties, who must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.

She said the sureties should also be blood relations of the accused.

The accused, who resides at 51, Ifesowapo St., Maracana in Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge bordering on rape, and unlawful detention.

Agidiogun pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Soji Ojaokomo, had told the court that the accused committed the offences at 10.00 p.m. on October 8 at his apartment.

According to him, the accused lured the minor to his room, where he had carnal knowledge of her.

He said: “The accused was caught when the mother heard her daughter ’s cry and she quickly alerted people around, who helped to apprehend him. The woman later reported the case to the police.”

Ojaokomo noted that the offences contravened Sections 135, 137 and 144 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, if convicted, may be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Further hearing in the case was adjourned to November 14.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—7

Protest, as EFCC arraigns 12 alleged pension fraudsters

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — HUNDREDS of aged and angry-looking pensioners in Oyo State, yesterday, protested at the premises of the State High Court, Ibadan, as 12 accused persons who were alleged to have been involved in pension fraud of N5.6 billion were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The pensioners were armed with placards thanking Governor Abiola Ajimobi for not allowing the suspects to use their influence to cover up the fraud. Other inscriptions on the placards are, “court, please, prosecute these thieves; how are we going to get our gratuities.

Some of them complained that they were yet to receive their gratuities since 2009.

Among them were retired primary school teachers, local government staff and others.

While speaking with newsmen after the court had stood down, the leader of the retirees, Mr. Tunji Ogunwale, Deputy Chairman, Association of Retired Primary School Teachers, pleaded with Gov. Ajimobi to look elsewhere to pay their 17 months salary arrears and others.

He lamented that about 50 of the retirees had died while waiting for what they used their lives to labour for.

Meantime, all the 12 accused persons arraigned by the EFCC were, yesterday, ordered to be remanded in prison custody.

The accused persons were arraigned by the anti-graft

commission at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan.

At the sitting of the court, yesterday which was presided over by Justice Bolaji Yussuf, all the accused persons including the ex-Head of Service, Mrs. Adeleke Iyabo were present in court.

The names of the accused persons are Muili Aderemi,

Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Olasumbo, Adeleke Iyabo, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Johnson Bosede, Kareem Rasheed, Olujimi Adebayo, and Adewale Kehinde.

They all pleaded not guilty to 213 count charges levelled against them.

The protesting pensioners, yesterday.

Robbers kill 2 policemen, 4 others in Lagos bank raid

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS — IT was a bloody Tuesday at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, when a gang of heavily robbers attacked staff of new generation bank who were transferring money from a branch of the bank to another, killing two policemen and four others in the process.

Vanguard gathered that several other passerby sustained injuries during the escape bid of the bandits who snatched a large sum of money from the bank staff.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the bandits positioned themselves at a strategic location in the market and opened fire on sighting them, killing the policemen and a yet to be identified woman on the spot before snatching the money.

The bandits were also said to have shot indiscriminately in a bid to escape which led to the death of three other persons whose identities are yet to be ascertained.

When Vanguard visited the market, most of the traders were seen in clusters talking about the incident.

Some of them blamed the bank for not providing enough security while making huge cash transfer, while others

called on the police authorities to track down the hoodlums.

Sources told Vanguard that police had commenced inves-

tigation into the incident, saying some officials of the bank have been arrested.

35-yr-old man drowns as Policeman shoots colleague in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA — A 35-year-old man, identified as Chinelu Obaisi, reportedly drowned, Monday, while a policeman was accidentally shot and injured by one of his colleagues during a raid on a notorious hang out point at Bebelebiri II community in the outskirts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The deceased from one of the Eastern states was said to have drowned when he jumped into the community river in an attempt to evade arrest during the raid.

It was, however, learnt that the policeman, who was part of the team that conducted the raid, was shot in the leg by his colleague while shooting indiscriminately to scare sus-

pected customers of the hang tained was rushed to the out known as “Cooler Spot.”

Gloryland Hospital in Yenagoa The injured policemen whose for treatment. identity could not be ascer-

Robbers snatch vouchers, instead of cash in Akure

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — FACTS emerged, yesterday, that the Ghana-must-go bags snatched by robbers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Wednesday, contained bank vouchers not cash.

The robbers had trailed their victim to one of the commercial banks in Akure metropolis at about 2pm.

This incident had resulted to robbery scare which necessitated banks in the state capital to hurriedly close shop.

Bank sources told Vanguard that the robbers had snatched the bags supposedly containing huge sums of money from a customer who had gone to withdraw cash from the bank.

Confirming this findings to Vanguard, Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said the affected bank had informed the police that what was snatched were processed bank vouchers not cash.

Ogodo said: “On November 6, 2013 at about 1800hrs, Oke Oludare, the Operational Manager of the Ecobank, reported at the station formally that some hoodlums numbering about three trailed their vehicle and double crossed it at the front of the bank.

“They forcefully removed three Ghanamust- go bags containing processed vouchers thinking it was money and zoomed off through NEPA roundabout.”

2 prophetesses charged with N600,000 fraud

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AGOS — TWO women, who claimed to be prophetesses, but allegedly defrauded a businesswoman of N600, 000, yesterday, appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The police charged Ifeoma Ogbonna, 43, and Uchechi Nwosu, 40, with defrauding Mrs Jane Chukwu in the guise of using divine powers to enrich her.

Ogbonna and Nwosu, who live in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos, are facing a threecount charge of stealing, con-

spiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Inedu, told the court that the accused approached Chukwu and asked her to bring N500,000 and her gold necklace worth N100,000 to enable them to pray for her to become rich.

“The accused, who lured the businesswoman to a reclusive area on Coker Bridge, OrileIganmu, Lagos, promised to pray for her and neutralise all forces working against her progress.

“The accused said that they would use the money to buy some spiritual oil and other things for the prayer.

“The businesswoman, who could not see any changes as promised by the prophetesses, reported the matter to the police,” he said.

Inedu said that the accused committed the offences on June 25.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 285, 312 (1) (a) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Why road tolling's necessary — FG

BY ALICE FESTUS

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HE Federal Government said yesterday, that the purpose of reintroducing tolling on Nigerian roads is to boost the road sector across the country.

Meanwhile, the government is to adopt the South African model of road tolling management.

The Federal Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, made this known during the Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy consultation forum in Abuja, saying that the reintroduction of the tolling policy would open the sector to both local and international investors.

He said the fact that over 90 percent of economic and social activities are run on the Nigerian roads has put so much pressure on them, adding that as such so much funds are needed to maintain the roads to keep them in good condition.

Yuguda noted that the tolling system would be run on a public/private partnership, PPP, basis unlike in the past where it was run solely through a public service method with all its trappings of inadequacies and mismanagement.

Ayo Oke is new NIA DG

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayo Oke as the new DirectorGeneral of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA. A statement by Dr. Reuben Abati, said Ambassador Oke, who hails from Oyo State, takes over from the outgoing Director-General of the Agency, Ambassador Ezekiel Oladeji, whose tenure has elapsed.

He added that President Jonathan has similarly approved the appointments of Mr. E. Okafor (Anambra State) as Deputy Director-General, Operations, and Mr. Arap Yadam (Plateau State) as Deputy Director-General, Administration, of NIA.

CASSAVA INVESTMENT: From left— Research Analyst, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Emelife; 3rd Vice Chairperson, Mrs Eniola Fadayoni, and 1st Vice Chairperson, Mrs Nike Akande, both of NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN, at the group's 1st cassava investment forum in Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Swear in Oyinlola, G-7 govs, Baraje tell Bamanga Tukur

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA— THE Abubakar Baraje-led splinter group of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, asked the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to swear in the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Onyinola, who was, Wednesday, re-instated by the Appeal Court as National Secretary of the party.

Meanwhile, the party has asked the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the the Court of Appeal which reinstated Oyinlola.

Meanwhile, chieftain of the party and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark has urged the party leadership not to reinstate Prince Oyinlola until he has dumped the new PDP and showed remorse.

In a statement, yesterday, by the National Publicity Secretary of the new PDP, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the group noted that with the judgment of the Appeal Court, Bamanga Tukur should pack out of Wadata Plaza as the party’s National Chairman.

The statement said: “With the Court of Appeal reversing the unjust sacking of former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the days of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and his illegal National Working Committee, NWC, in the Wadata Plaza headquarters of our great party have become numbered.

“We received this historical

zHe must dump nPDP first— Clark judgment rendered yesterday by the Appeal Court, Abuja, through Justice Joseph Tor with great joy and gratitude.

“This judgment has once again reinforced our belief in the judiciary as the bastion of our democracy and the last hope of the common man.

“With this judgment, we hope that very soon our other court cases asking for the dissolution of the Tukur-led NWC would be given the same serious attention to enable us formally take over the reins of our party and restore it to the path of honour, justice and democratic norms which Tukur and his cohorts have bastardised.”

Oyinlola reacts

Meanwhile, Oyinlola, in a text message to Vanguard, said that if Tukur actually and truly believes in the rule of law, he should as a matter of urgency comply with the judgment of the Appeal Court the way he did when Justice Kafarati ruled that he should be removed from office by swearing in his deputy, Solomon Onwe.

He said: “ I give glory to God that my stand that I was unjustly removed has been vindicated by the Appeal Court.

“The position of the law and the constitution of PDP on this matter is very clear. I don’t want to pre-empt anybody, but you would remember that PDP immediately complied with the judgement of Justice Kafarati

which removed me from office, claiming to be a law abiding organisation.

“I don’t know if there will be a variance of stand now that the appellate court has ruled in favour of me (Oyinlola) that the Kafarati judgement was unfair and must not be allowed to stand. Let’s leave other issues for consideration as events unfold.

“This development further reinforces my belief in the fact that truth is unassailable, and that the path of truth may be long, arrival at its destination is, however, definite.’

Clark's position

In his reaction to the judgment, elder statesman, Chief E. K. Clark, said the former governor of Osun State must show remorse and dump the G-7 governors and the Baraje group, before he could be re-admitted and sworn in as the scribe of the party.

Chief Clark, who also asked Asiwaji Bola Tinubu to remain in Lagos and leave PDP governors alone, said: “Tinubu is busy dissipating his attention and energy by meddling in the internal affairs of PDP instead of ensuring that the dividends of democracy accrue to the citizens of APC-controlled states.

“Tinubu should be warned to stay clear of PDP's internal issues and not be a meddle-some interloper.”

He also warned that Tukur must stop regular visits to

former President Olusegun Obasanjo whom he described as their mentor He said: “Their regular visit to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is their mentor and from where they draw their inspiration for their organisa-tion, must stop for the party to take a stand on their anti-party activities.

“For instance, their visit to Chief Obasanjo on Monday November 4, after the police intervention at their meeting.

“One had expected that a former President of Nigeria and a leader of PDP for eight years and later Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, would advise them to drop their evil machination, particularly after the court and the INEC had given their verdict on the activities.”

The group of aggrieved governors are Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto; Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, who later formed the Abubakar Baraje-led splitter group with Oyinlola as the National Secretary.

The group also has Governor Chibuike Amaechi in its fold.

Clark, who boasted that the fortune of PDP will not be affected in 2015 presidential election if the G-7 governors and the Baraje group dump the party, however, said Tukur should forgive them if they show remorse.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—9

Revocation, demolition of my houses can't sway me— Kwankwaso

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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OVERNOR Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, yesterday, declared that the revocation of his land allocation by the Federal Capital Territory Minister will not change his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Although the governor has not yet declared for APC, he has nonetheless made it clear that he does not care if his house at Maitama is demolished.

The governor made his position public at the special dinner organised by the Progressive Governors’ Forum in Abuja, Wednesday.

Kwankwanso, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Sports, Ahmed Gombe, said that the marked house and the extension, which is the subject of controversy, were duly approved by the FCT

zG-7, our beautiful brides— Tinubu Minister.

The governor said, however, that he would not lose sleep if the houses were brought down on account of his current political disposition.

He said: “The marking of the said houses for demolition does not change the determination of His Excellency to face his political decision with courage and determination. If that is the price for him to pay, so be it.”

At the occasion, APC chieftain and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the seven Peoples Democratic Party governors, who have threatened to pull out of the party, as APC’s beautiful brides.

Tinubu said that APC was ready to admit and work with the seven PDP governors and those that were yet to ditch the ruling

party for APC. The APC leader challenged Nigerians to come out of their shell and face the current high level of impunity being visited on the polity by those in authority, saying that freedom is often fought for and not given on a platter.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, who described the birth of APC as a watershed in the nation’s political landscape, also predicted that the party would make the required impact in the country after winning the 2015 presidency.

Fashola said: “I stand here tonight to proclaim that APC represents a new beginning for Nigeria. Although the nation is at crossroads, I plead with all Nigerians to unite and work with APC to bring about a new nation, where our collective

interest, peace and unity would be attained.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who also spoke at the event, decried the high level of poverty, criminality, diseases and corruption, which have combined to weaken the nation and its people, despite high revenues accruing from oil wealth.

At the ceremony, Senator Chris Ngige, was formally presented as Anambra State APC’s governorship candidate for the November 16 election.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who described himself as an unrepentant APC member, said the party was the best legacy bequeathed to the current generation of Nigerians and predicted that it would change everything in the country.

PUBLIC ACCOUNT: From left— Chairman, Nigerian Association of Public Account Committee, and Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan; representative of Senate President and Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Abu Ibrahim; representative of Speaker, House of Representatives, and Deputy Minority Whip, Datti Ahmed and Vice Chairman, Nigeria Association of Public Account Committee, Solomon Adeola, at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Senate approves Jonathan's request on emergency rule

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA— THE Senate, yesterday, granted the request of President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

This is even as it summoned all Service Chiefs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to appear before it over the current state of security and the success or otherwise of the emergency rule in the affected states since its declaration six months ago.

No date for their appearance was given just as no reason was given for inclusion of the Foreign Affairs Minister in the invitation.

Senate said its action was to give “more time to the military to restore full and lasting peace to the three states” even as it noted that commendable progress had been recorded in the affected states.

However, Senate, at a plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said it approved the extension of the emergency rule “on the same terms and conditions as earlier approved and gazetted.”

The approval of the Senate was sequel to a motion entitled Extension of State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (PDP, Cross River Central).

Guinness, shareholders head for showdown over performance

BY PETER EGWUATU

A

S Guinness Nigeria Plc holds its Annual General Meeting, AGM, today in Benin, Edo State, its shareholders are likely to have a showdown with the management of the company following its dwindling performance in recent times.

Specifically, the company, in its current financial year ended June 30, 2013, recorded a decline in its bottom line (profit) by 17 percent from N14.214 billion

recorded in the preceding year ended June 30, 2012, to N11.86 billion in 2013.

Also, the company’s proposed dividend for the year under consideration dropped by 11 percent to N10.541 billion from N11.79 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2012.

Consequently, basic earnings declined by 18 percent from N964 in 2012 to N793. In the same vein, the proposed dividend per share dropped to 700 kobo from 800 kobo

declared in 2012.

The company revenue for the current year 2013 grew by five percent to N122.4 billion from N116.46 billion in 2012.

Net assets per share grew by 17 percent to N3.057 from N2,618 recorded in 2012.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. B. A. Savage, in the address to be delivered to shareholders at the AGM, said: “The business environment remained challenging in the 2013 financial year.

“Inconsistent power supply and risks to oil production was persistent, impacting negatively on the economy and leading to slower growth in Gross Domestic Product.

“Although power generation rose to 4,502.2Mw in December 2012 reflecting the government’s commitment to improve the power sector, it fell to as low as 2,290Mw in the fourth quarter of the financial year due to disruption of gas supply in several generating stations.

“During the second half of the financial year, the economy recorded steady decline in crude oil production due to increased activities of pipeline vandals and crude oil theft which slowed down oil production.”

“Despite the continued decline of the beer market and the stiff competition, the strength of our brands and the greater emphasis we are placing on our route to consumer delivered a five percent net sales growth during the financial year.””

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

NYSC re-deploys 1,169 Lagos corps members to other S-West states L

BY DAYO ADESULU

AGOS — Due to insufficient facilities at the Lagos State orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the authorities of the scheme have re-deployed about 1,169 Batch C 2013 Corps members to Ogun, Osun and Ondo states for the three weeks orientation training.

The corps members were originally registered for the national youth service in Lagos before they were re-deployed to

neighbouring states.

The Batch C members who were principally graduates of private universities and polytechnics appealed to the Federal Government to meet the needs of the Academic Union of Universities, ASUU, in order to re-open shut public universities that had been closed for four months.

Delivering its address to the 2,605 corps members, Governor Babatunde Fashola urged them to consider their posting to the

state a clarion call to selfless national service.

Fashola, who was represented

by Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman, Lagos State NYSC Governing Board, Dr. Wale Ahmed, tasked the corps members to be agents of change and development in the state.

According to him: "The state is looking up to you for physical transformation and technological ideas that will add to the socio-economic development in areas such as rural health scheme,

SWEARING-IN: Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mr Tha’anda Rubainu (left), inspecting a march past, during the swearing-in of NYSC Batch ‘C’ members in Gombe, yesterday.

rural educational sector and combating the scourge of HIV/ AIDS, poverty and other diseases bedeviling our society."

The governor urged the corps members to make effective use of the platform provided by NYSC to cultivate healthy relationship, stressing that the camp is a mini-Nigeria which should reflect development and peace for the nation.

Addressing the 2,605 Corps members comprising 1,030 males and 1,575 females, Lagos State Co-ordinator, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi urged them to be ready and take advantage of the various life transforming experiences in the camp.

Speaking on the importance of orientation to corps members, she said: "The orientation course will instil in you the needed positive attitudes and qualities of perseverance, diligence, determination, courage, integrity and collective responsibility.

"Our dear corps members, the National Youth Service Corps scheme has become a house-hold name in Nigeria and indeed beyond our shores. Be prepared to undergo life transforming experiences geared towards self-development, self-reliance and skillful growth.”

Adeyemi, however, commended the Fashola administration for renovation works done at the camp in readiness for commencement of the orientation programme.

FAAN denies stoppage of charges by airlines

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

L

AGOS — THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday, denied that local airline operators have stopped paying charges to all aviation agencies, with effect from November 1, 2013 pending the review of such charges.

It will be recalled that Mohammed Tukur, spokesman of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, last week said airline operators would stop remitting aviation charges to the affected agencies as a result of obsolete infrastructure at Nigerian airports, epileptic navigation aids, lack of accountability in the utilisation of aviation taxes.

Speaking on the allegation, Yakubu Dati, Coordinating General Manager, Communications, Aviation Parastatals said: Our attention has been drawn to a fictitious and misleading news release, authored by Mr. Tukur, the supposed spokesperson of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, AON, alleging that airlines under

the aegis of the association would stop paying charges to all aviation agencies, with effect from November 1, 2013 pending review of such charges.

According to Tukur, airline operators would stop remitting such charges to the affected agencies, as a result of "obsolete infrastructure at Nigerian airports, epileptic navigation aids, lack of accountability in the utilisation of aviation taxes, among other clearly malicious, ill-motivated and unfounded

allegations."

He added: "To show that the said release was only a figment of Tukur's imagination, the said author currently does not work for any airline and cannot rightly speak for them, all airlines in the country have continued to remit their charges accurately to various aviation agencies to date."

Dati further said: "To the best of our knowledge, all operational airlines in the country continue to maintain a cordial business relationship with all the aviation

agencies providing them service because they know that the present administration has shown undeniable commitment to the development of the country's aviation industry.

"We therefore wish to urge all well meaning aviation stakeholders and the general public to see the said release by Mr. Tukur as a hatchet job, designed to put a spanner in the works of government's transformation agenda in the aviation industry."

‘Blood donors have low heart attack, cancer risk’

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

L

AGOS — BLOOD donors have been said to run low risk of heart attack or developing cancerous tissues by health experts.

This was said when Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, LSBTC, took its voluntary blood donation drive to a church in Anthony Village, Lagos recently.

According to the Chairman, Church Steering Committee, Dr. Albert Adeseye Adu, a research

has shown that apart from looking younger, refreshed and stronger, voluntary blood donors have low risks of experiencing heart attack and having cancer.

He therefore called on fellow parishioners to join hands to save lives by participating in the exercise; noting that voluntary blood donation helps save lives of sick children, sickle cell and cancer patients and mothers during childbirth complications as well as victims of auto crash.

Enumerating the advantages of

voluntary blood donation against commercial blood donation, Mr. Solomon Eka, spokesperson for LSBTC said that most commercial blood donors engage in unhealthy activities that expose them to infection, like sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV which could make the blood they donate unsafe.

He added that voluntary blood donors have nothing to lose as the exercise helps their body produce new blood cells, and reduces the heart's workload.

Lagos-Badagry road: Customs reads riot act to smugglers

L

AGOS — IN a renewed effort to fight smuggling on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Western Marine Command, Lagos, said yesterday that it would soon launch an “offensiveagainst smugglers on the route.

The Area Controller, Mr. Zakka Audu said new measures were being put in place to checkmate the nefarious activities of the smugglers.

“The most challenging thing that the officers face during operations, especially along the Badagry-Benin Republic international route, is the audacity of the smugglers.

“They carry out their acts in spite of measures to stop them," he said, in Lagos.

According to Audu, the smugglers had become so deadly that they do not mind to kill to have their way.

“They can kill for insignificant amount of money. They do not care as long as they have their way.

“The command is up to the task of battling the smugglers with its might from the different collaborative efforts.

“Our synergy with our Customs command in Seme and the anti-smuggling squad of the Comptroller-General of Customs has been helpful.

“We also collaborate with the Ogun State Command and our colleagues in neighbouring Benin Republic to battle smuggling," he said.

Audu said the collaborative efforts paid off in October when the command seized 950 cartons of frozen poultry products and 302 bags of rice worth N9.5 million in duty paid value.

He added:“We have been dynamic with our measures and this seizure of 950 cartons of frozen poultry is the biggest in a long time.

“We will continue to seize them as long as they are bent on continuing with their activities."

In addition, Audu said, the command had begun enlightenment campaigns in border communities to educate the people on the effects of smuggling on the nation's economy.

“Like the carrot and stick game, we also do public enlightenment in the communities besides the physical deterrent measures," he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—11

Court dismisses Fayose’s application against EFCC ...adjourns Daniel’s trial to 2014

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — THE Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, dismissed an application filed by Mr. Ayo Fayose, former governor of the state, who had challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, attempt to try him Fayose, who is facing the charge of alleged mismanagement of the sum of N1.2billion poultry project when he was governor of the state, had sought the order of court to quash the charges brought against him by the EFCC In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Hobon, described the application as an abuse of court process, saying a similar application had been made earlier in the same case at a Federal High court in Lagos State, noting that the application was then dismissed.

The judge noted that the applicant had appealed the Lagos ruling, noting that it would have been better the applicants pursued the appeal pending at the Court of Appeal rather than filing another application after a court of competent jurisdiction had ruled on the same matter.

The judge therefore called on EFCC, represented by Mr. Tayo Olukotun and the defendants to brace-up.

Hobon, therefore, fixed December 2, 3, 4 and 5, 2013 for the commencement of hearing in the case.

Also, an Abeokuta High Court

yesterday, adjourned till Feb. 6, 2014, continuation of proceedings in a criminal case brought against former governor of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel.

The former governor was arraigned before the court by EFCC for alleged fraudulent conversion of land and diversion of public funds.

The trial judge, Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje said that the adjournment was to enable the

Court of Appeal to deliver judgment in an appeal on its ruling delivered on January 8.

Daniel filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, challenging the dismissal of his plea to quash counts 1-13 of the 38 charges levelled against him by the EFCC in the subsisting suit.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to Daniel, Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon, informed the court that

her client’s appeal had been argued at the Appeal Court and that judgment had been reserved.

She pleaded for an adjournment to a date exceeding January 28, 2014, “when the judgment would have been given in respect of the appeal.

The case was consequently adjourned till Feb. 6, 2014 for continuation of trial.

SERVICE: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (left), and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, at the Commendation Service for former Head of Service, late Princess Tejumade Alakija, at St. James Cathedral, Oke-Bola, Ibadan. Photo: Shola Oyelese

Alleged abduction of Police Inspector: Ogun monarch, 4 others remanded in prison

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — AN Ogun State Magistrate's Court sitting in Ado-Odo in the Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State has remanded a traditional ruler, Chief Mufutau Obabiyi and four others in prison for alleged attempted murder and abduction of a Police Inspector, Mulero Joseph and one Morufu Sumonu.

The traditional ruler, who is the village head of Alapoti community in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of state, was arraigned along four other persons before Ado-Odo Magistrate's Court by the Police on a three-count charge of conspiracy, felony and kidnap.

According to the charge sheet, Chief Mufutau Obabiyi, Chief Erubami Saheed, Saka Yakubu ; Saka Iyanbo, Afisu Oke, also known as Surutu, and others still at large September 16, 2012 at

Kofunlerin Village in Ado Odo/ Ota LGA of Ogun State conspired to commit felony - kidnapping thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the criminal code, cap 77 law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as applicable in Ogun State.

The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Akin Owanade from Force CID, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos told the court that the suspects were alleged to have abducted Morufu Sumonu on the fateful day, which according to him, is an offence punishable under Section 364 of the criminal code, Cap 77.

He said: “They also attempted to murder a Police Inspector, Mulero Joseph, by shooting him with gun in the right leg thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 320 of criminal code cap 77.”

The accused were alleged to have robbed their victims of a telephone handset, ID card belonging to one Akin Maku and

a sum of N200,000 However, counsel to the accused persons pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail, but the prosecutor objected to the plea, urging the court to keep the accused in prison custody pending the reception of the advice of the Director of Public

Prosecution.

The Magistrate, Olukayode Ilo, however, said that the defence counsel could not convince the court and therefore ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody while the matter was adjourned till November 13, 2013.

'Why we resuscitated Odua joint fair'

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE President, Odua Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ODUACCIMA, Iyalode Lawson has said that Odua joint trade fair has been resuscitated with a view to boosting the economy of the South Western states.

Lawson in a joint press conference with the Chairman, Joint Planning Committee, Chief Nureni Ogunbayo , yesterday, in

Abeokuta, stated that the trade fair with the theme: 'Connecting business beyond barriers for effective growth,' will be held at the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Abeokuta from November 12 to 25.

Lawson, who is also the Deputy National President of Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, stressed the need for the removal of all trade barriers to ensure effective growth of the economy.

Confab: Labour hails acceptance of Nyiam's resignation

BY VICTOR AHIUMAB YOUNG

A

VICE-PRESIDENT of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Mr. Issa Aremu, yesterday, in Lagos, said President Goodluck's acceptance of the resignation of Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd)as a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, was the needed action to restore confidence on the process.

Aremu, who spoke at Executive meeting of Sub-Sahara Africa Regional Executive Committee of Industrial Global Union, commended other members of the committee led by Senator Femi Okunrounmu for saving the integrity of the committee.

He denounced the conduct of Nyiam at the South-South sitting in Benin City where he attacked and shouted down on Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

More encomiums for Osun's youth empowerment model

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — THE World Bank was at the fore-front of another promotion of the three year-old Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, OYES, in the United States as the global financial institution, a model for comprehensive youth empowerment and solution to Nigeria's growing unemployment problems from Osun State.

The occasion was the 4th Lecture series of the Annual Yoruba Elders International Society, where the Director General, Bureau of Social Services, Mr. Femi Ifaturoti, delivered the keynote address.

The Yoruba Elders International Society presented an Excellence award plaque to Ogbeni Aregbesola, which was received on his behalf by Ifaturoti.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Boko Haram victims deserve compensation — SERAP S

OCIO-ECONOMIC Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to “reverse the recently announced policy of zero compensation for victims of Boko Haram attacks.”

The group said that the government should “ within 14 days announce compensation and reparation policies for victims of attacks by Boko Haram, and begin a process of establishing mechanisms for the effective and transparent implementation of such policies.”

The group, in the appeal by its Executive Director, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, threatened to take “all necessary legal actions nationally and internationally to compel the government to fulfil its international human rights obligations and commitments,” if the government does not comply with its appeal.

The group said: “In the wake of the devastation by Boko Haram, compensation and reparation programmes are absolutely essential to deliver justice to the victims of human rights abuses precipitated by the group. Paying compensation and reparation to victims of human rights abuses by Boko Haram is a matter of rights and not charity. Refus-

ing or failing to pay adequate compensation and reparation to victims is to buy impunity for perpetrators.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned about the policy of your government that there will be no compensation paid to victims of Boko Haram attacks. This policy is a clear violation of the country’s in-

ternational human rights obligations and commitments to provide effective remedies, including compensation and reparation to victims of serious human rights abuses such as those perpetrated by Boko Haram.

“The attacks against innocent citizens by the Boko Haram constitute gross violations

of international human rights law, having being systematically perpetrated, and affecting in qualitative and quantitative terms, the most basic rights of human beings, notably the right to life and the right to physical and moral integrity of the human person,” SERAP added.

BRIEFING: Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Foluso Adenajo, briefing newsmen on the arrest of 29 suspected criminals in Benin, yesterday.

Why we bought N4.5bn equity share from electricity private investors —DELTA GOVT

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State Government, yesterday, said it had purchased N4.5 billion equity from three private owners that took over from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, despite its failure to win an outright bid in the deregulated power sector.

Briefing newsmen in Asaba, during the presentation of his mid-term report, the state Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Charles Emetulu, explained that the aim was to protect Deltans especially those in the rural areas from neglect.

“We have invested over N4.5 billion to buy shares from three of the private companies, so we are part of them now. As a government, we can take the task of extending light to rural areas where ordinarily, the private investors would initially abandon because they would prefer high populated areas for maximum profit. We will extend the light to those rural places, then investors can come and collect their tariff.

“We want to protect the people in the hinterland as we

ensure power supply to the state and support the development of power supply infrastructure in the country. To achieve these objectives, we made a contribution of N15.7 billion towards the imple-

mentation of the Federal Government’s emergency power project.

“The ministry is currently repositioning itself to adjust to the dynamics of the postPHCN era. Its role will in the

future involve consumer protection promotion, power supply equipment, household energy appliances and systems, standards monitoring to ensure that Deltans enjoy the best of power supply services to be provided by successor entities.”

Community probes assassination attempt on Delta Speaker cause it was waiting for the ardice.”

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

A R R I — O B O M K PA community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has launched an investigation into last week’s assassination attempt on the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, during a visit to the community.

President-General of Obomkpa Progressive Union, Prince Emeka Dibiat, in Warri, said that the explosion that rocked the venue of the ceremony came as a shock to the community, adding that its delay in responding was be-

police to finish their investigation and come out with their findings.

Prince Dibiat spoke just as the National Coordinator of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, Warri, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, condemned the assassination attempt, which he described as “an act of cow-

The Obomkpa community leader, however, cautioned that suggestion of foul play be held with circumspect until police investigations were concluded.

S-South group lauds FG on maritime academy

S

OUTH-South Youth Agenda, has commended the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, Cross River State, Mr. Joshua Okpo, for re-positioning the school to achieve its age-long dream of becoming a maritime university.

The group also praised the Federal Government for appointing Okpo, who was seconded from the Federal Ministry of Transport in 2011.

The youths, in a statement by their President, Mr. Godwin FredFish, also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his effort in ensuring the upgrading of the academy.

He said: “We have recently undertaken an independent tour of facilities at the maritime training school and concluded that the transformation agenda of the Federal Government has reflected in all facets of the academy’s life.

“The rector and his management team have demonstrated selfless service in administering the institution, hence offering a postcard of leadership that ought to be emulated by others.

The touch of international standard is evident in virtually everything in the school.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—13

Jonathan laments Rivers crisis as Gowon sues for peace zCharges warring politicians to embrace peace

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has expressed worry over the political crisis in Rivers State.

Urging those behind the development to sheathe their swords, the President, who spoke, yesterday, at a centenary symposium organised to mark the one hundredth anniversary of Port Harcourt, said he was deeply pained by

the crisis, which he blamed on rivalry among politicians.

The President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, charged leaders in the state to take steps to resolve the crisis.

He said: “Even as we celebrate, I have observed with pains that the struggle for political space in recent times is creating unnecessary tension

in this city, which had served all of us well. I believe that this is not what Port Harcourt deserves. We can all as fathers, mothers and leaders, do more to intervene and help douse the fire of partisan differences, in order to preserve the peaceful glory of Port Harcourt. This city will always be home to me and I believe, for millions of others as well.”

He charged the political class to sheath their swords, adding that they should pursue the path of peace for the common good of the state.

“Port Harcourt is the commercial nerve centre of the SouthSouth. And we all should continue to

SUSTAINABILITY IN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES: From left: Director, Institute of Communication and Corporate Studies, Dr. Austin Tam-George; Executive Director, CSR-in-Action, Ms. Bekeme Masade and Guest Speaker and former Vice President, African Region, World Bank, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, at the 2nd Edition of Sustainability in the Extractive Industries, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Federal High Court retirees beg for entitlements

BY INNOCENT ANABA

N

O fewer than 48 retirees of the Federal High Court, who were dismissed from service pursuant to the Federal Government Public Service Reform of 2010, have appealed to the management of the court to pay them their entitlements.

The retirees, who spoke to newsmen at the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos, said that some of them spent 15 to 18 years in service before their disengagement, adding that the court’s management and their pension fund administrator, had refused to pay them their entitlements despite repeated demands.

A copy of their retirement letter sighted by Vanguard, said: “In line

with the Federal Government Public Service Reform and the management’s decision to give effect to same, I am directed to inform you that your services are no longer required.”

The letter, which took effect from December 31, 2010, was dated July 5, 2011, and endorsed by Bello Okandeji, Deputy Chief Registrar of the court in charge of administration.

The letter assured the retirees that their entitlements would be calculated and paid in due course in line with the Public Service Reform Implementation Circular No BPSR/GC/1/001/07 of February 15, 2007.

One of the retirees, Jimoh Fagbemi, who spoke on behalf of others, lamented that it was painful that their entitlements had not been paid

three years after their disengagement.

He said: “I want the whole world to know that after putting 15 years of meritorious service in the court and the nation, our entitlements are yet to be paid three years after our disengagement.

Just few months back, we lost one of us due to the fact that he could not get money to take care of his health. Many of our children have been sent out of school because we could not pay their fees, and yet, the management of the court has failed to pay our entitlements.”

Efforts to get reaction from the court management on the issue proved abortive, but a source in the court, who pleaded anonymity, said that serious efforts “are being made to pay the retirees their entitlements.”

move on the path of peace, unity and stability. The city of Port Harcourt helped to shape my life and by the grace of God to be the President of Nigeria.

“Port Harcourt is a special city. It is difficult to talk about Port Harcourt and not have a sentimental attachment to the city. Port Harcourt, whether in terms of palm oil or crude oil, is an oil city. Port Harcourt fills me with nostalgia. Port Harcourt is a city of hope.

“The future of Port Harcourt is the creative population of its youths, who learn and work hard. We must all continue to nurture Port Harcourt City as a home to an amiable, lively and resourceful indigenes and residents. Port Harcourt City is a city where all visitors share a feeling of nostalgia,” Jonathan added.

Earlier, the chairman of the event and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), called for what he dubbed a centenary handshake between President

Jonathan and Governor Amaechi.

According to Gowon, the foregoing was the first step towards settling whatever differences existed between the two.

After the handshake and warm embrace between Governor Amaechi and Mr Douglas, who represented the President, General Gowon assured that he was going to get President Jonathan to personally return the warm handshake from Governor Amaechi, probably in Abuja.

He said: “I call this the centenary handshake. It was to be between the President and the governor and not with a representative. The handshake will be repeated in Abuja. I call it the centenary handshake,” he said.

Gowon, who said he was deeply disturbed by the crisis in the state, appealed for peace, adding that efforts should be made at all times to “preserve the sanctity of the state and “enable it serve as a beacon of hope.”

14— Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Obi's aide slams APC over Ojukwu varsity

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE senior special assistant to Governor Peter Obi on Media & Publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem has decried what he called the All Progressives Congress, APC’s, penchant for opposing everything done by a non APC–led government, arguing that it is laughable that a political party should oppose the naming of a university after late Chief Chukwwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Reacting to a statement credited to the minority leader in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Tony Muonagor in which he was quoted as opposing the renaming of Anambra State University after Ojukwu, Obienyem said there should be limits to politicking, even in election season.

He said: “A tragedy happens in Anambra State and even before credible, first hand witnesses could come up with a report, one Lai Mohammed from a Lagos or Abuja base was already pontificating and laying blames on a matter he knows nothing about. That is very indecent and unhealthy.”

According to Obienyem, APC cannot reject what Anambra citizens and Nigerians have hailed as a good gesture from Governor Peter Obi and lamented that the APC was introducing a dangerous species of opposition in Nigerian politics.

He said that when a political party forms the habit of opposing every policy because it emanated from a rival party in government, that opposition is clearly out for the destabilization of the state, recalling that every action taken by the governor to immortalize the late Ojukwu has continued to receive commendation from all quarters, except the APC. He said further: “I have followed the APC, that is, the South-West ACN bloc of the APC, and noticed the way they revere Yoruba eminent persons, dead or alive. Even recently, late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi was honoured. You wonder then why moves by Igbo to honour their own should be opposed and politicized."

C M Y K

Alleged ambition of ex-Pencom boss threatens reform bill

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LIVINUS NWABUGHIOGU BUJA—ALLEGED ambition of a former director-general of the National Pension Commission to come back to his position after serving two tenures of four years each is said to be posing a serious threat towards the passage of Pension Commission Reform Bill.

It was said that alleged behind-the-scene efforts by the former D-G led to withdrawal of the proposed bill from the Senate Wednesday, ostensibly to allow further consultations on the matter.

Meantime, the House of Representatives Deputy Committee Chairman on Pension, Samson Okwu has advised the federal lawmakers not to trivialize the matter in the bid to satisfy unnamed interest groups.

A

DG and Commissioners of the commission should possess at least 20 years cognate experience on pension matters,” during the public hearing on the pension commission reforms.

NLC rejects position

But the position was rejected by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Students Union Government who reasoned that what mattered most

was the integrity and character of the person occupying the position.

Vice President of NLC Comrade Isa Aremu in his paper entitled “PenCom DG: Let’s not make fetish of long years of experience,” stated that “The position of labour is that experience matters but more than ever before, what also matters is ability and integrity of people to manage the

fund properly.

“Every other person talked about competence and integrity. Every person was talking about competence. And if you look at the CBN Act, we are t alking about cognate experience of the Governor. How old is pension industry in Nigeria? It is barely 9 to 10 years.”

Intrigues and disagreement

The Senator Aloysius Etuk led-Committee on Establishment was to present its report on Pencom Reforms Bill to the Senate but could not do so folFORUM: From left: Enugu State All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chairman, Mr lowing intrigues and disagreeSunday Nwachukwu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Enugu State, Dr Lawrence ments among committee memAzubike, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Secretary, Enugu State, Mr. Steve Oruruo and bers, leading to its withdrawal state Chairman, PDP, Chief Vita Abba, after a stakeholders' election forum in Enugu, yesfor more consultations. terday. Photo: NAN. It was gathered that some influential personalities from the North in collaboration with some members of the National Assembly had been lobbying to ensure that the position of AGOS— HUMAN rights law confined to the Government Unwarranted the managing director reyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, has House by his neuropsychiatric mental torture mained in the zone for the next repudiated the claim by the gover- doctor. The mistake we made The statement read: “When 20 years. nor of Enugu State, Sullivan was that we allowed her access Governor Chime was recently Chime, that he did not receive a to her telephone and laptop, con- medically challenged he was not brief from his wife to represent her trary to her doctor’s advice,’’ subjected to solitary confinement Withdrawal of report Vanguard investigations re- to secure her release from the ille- Chime had told newsmen in in the Government House but Enugu, Tuesday night. vealed that before the commit- gal detention imposed by her husHowever, Mr. Falana pointed flown abroad for adequate mediband, the governor. tee withdrew the report, it had out that contrary to the gover- cal treatment.

“I wish to say, without any fear of recommended that reputation “But Mr Chime has conspired nor’s statement, he did not need and capability should be the contradiction, that I have her in- the instructions of citizens who with his private physicians to senmajor consideration for any structions in writing to challenge are illegally detained to demand tence his wife to unwarranted her illegal detention at the Governappointee to the position. mental torture and psychological ment House, Enugu,” he declared for their release.

“De-emphasize qualifying “Without any instructions I am trauma in a room in the Governin a statement, Wednesday. years of graduation just as ob“Through the assistance of some duty bound to file cases in court ment House for the past four tains in the Central Bank of of the security personnel in the Gov- to secure the enforcement of the months. If Mr. Chime’s claim is Nigeria, CBN, and other re- ernment House she has since spo- fundamental rights of detainees correct that the wife is non comlated financial agencies. It ken to me on phone to confirm her to personal liberty. pos mentis, when was the Enugu should be noted that require- instructions. Indeed, Mrs Chime’s "For the avoidance of doubt, the Government House converted to ment for appointment for board mother and her personal physician doctrine of locus standi in the a psychiatric hospital? members of the CBN, the FIRS have also been in touch with me area of human rights has been “Having confirmed the allegaand the NDDC has no stipu- urging me to take all appropriate abolished by the Fundamental tion that he has wilfully infringed lated number of years of post- measures to secure her freedom Rights (Enforcement Procedure) the fundamental rights of his wife graduation experience but just from Governor Chime’s illegal con- Rules 2009 which came into force to personal liberty, dignity of the mere mention of it and proper finement.” on December 1, 2009,” he said. person and freedom of moveChime had said that Falana person with adequate cognate Falana further noted that at the ment, Governor Chime should experience,’’ the report alleg- would have sought to talk with his press conference Governor release his wife from illegal cuswife personally or sought audience Chime succeeded in confirming tody (and) be warned not to diedly stated. with him to hear from the other side, the allegation that he has held vert attention from the brutal adding that his wife, Clara, was not AGF's suggestion his wife in illegal custody but abuse of the rights of his wife.

The Accountant-General of in a position to brief him properly attempted to justify the illegality "If he and his doctors are conthe Federation had “suggested because of the state of her health. by alleging that his wife has “a vinced that she is medically chal‘’My wife has health challenges. that the persons to be aplenged they should send her to We have been battling her health medical challenge.” pointed to the office of both the a hospital for quick recovery!” challenges since 2011. She was

I have Clara Chime's mandate —Falana

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—15

Chevron, NGO flag off Roll--Back-Malaria in Kogi, Niger Delta

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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OKOJA—AN in ternational Non- Governmental Organisation, AFRICARE yesterday, in Idah, Kogi State flagged off a six-month Malaria Control and Health Pro-

motion programme in flood affected areas of the country under its Roll Back Malaria Programe.

The Roll-Back-Malaria

programme which is being sponsored by Deep water Petroleum company (a subsidiary of Chevron Company) and Agbami partners will be carried out in

Kogi State and other States in the Niger Delta area of the country.

AFRICARE Malaria Programme Director, Dr. Patrick Adah said the or-

ganisation will spend N65 million to carry out the programe which is expected to end in March, next year.

According to him,

ADERINSOLA ADESHINA WEDS EYITUOYO AMUKA

Miss Aderinsola Adeshina and Mr. Eyituoyo Amuka, son of Mr. Sam Amuka, Chairman and Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, during their traditional marriage and engagement ceremony held at Havilah Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Mr Eyituoyo Amuka, groom and his wife, Miss Aderinsola Amuka, cutting the engagement cake. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor & Bunmi Azeez.

“The activities that will be carried out during this period in these communities will include: Baseline studies to establish benchmark for determining project impact, training and orientation of health workers on appropriate malaria case management and diagnosis using Rapid Diagnostic Testing, RDT.

From left: Mr. Sam Amuka, Chairman and Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, groom’s father, Mrs. Jumoke Funmi Adeshina, bride's mother, Mr. Eyituoyo Amuka, groom, his wife, Mrs. Aderinsola Amuka, Mr. Dayo Adeshina, representing the bride’s father and Mrs. Oyindamola Amuka, groom's mother, at the event.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—16

Senate decries poor funding of Command & Staff College, Jaji

BY LUKA BINNIYAT & MAYENETIM

K

ADUNA—THE Sen ate has frowned at what it described as the under-funding of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AFCSC, Jaji in Kaduna State, saying that the development was impeding the development of the institution to international standard.

The Senate Committee on Defence made this known when it visited the Military Cantonment as part of its oversight functions yesterday.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator George Sekibo who led other members on the visit said that, considering the size and importance of AFCSC in training middle level commanders for the

Armed Forces, the college deserved better budgetary allocation to enable it functions according to international standard.

Sekibo then asked the Ministry of Defence to as a matter of urgency, prioritize the development of the AFCSC towards achieving its goals.

He further said that from what his committee saw on ground, the college was still in the analogue age instead of being digitalised. ”This is necessary, because if we don’t give the young officers the training they need, it means that we will be producing incompetent middle level manpower in the armed forces”, he said.

Sekibo however, urged the management of the college to submit their input to the committee ahead of the 2014 budget presentation by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly.

Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Eko Osim later presented the college’s budet of N3.46 billion made up of N2 billion as overhead cost and N746 as capital expenditure.

He highlighted projects executed by the college to include construction of four laboratories, renovation of the college headquarters, renovation and furnishing of syndicate rooms and renovation of captains’ quarters among others.

Conference of speakers mourn late Taraba Speaker

G

OMBE—THE Con ference of Nigerian Speakers has expressed shock over the death of the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr Haruna Tsokwa.

The Chairman of the conference and Speaker of Gombe House of Assembly, Alhaji Inuwa Garba, made this known when he spoke with newsmen in Gombe yesterday.

“His death came to us as a very serious shock because he died at a time when Taraba State and democracy needed him the most.

“He died at a time when Taraba is undergoing its trying time; he died at a time when democracy needed perfection, commitment, trustworthiness.

“But, nevertheless, God needs him more than us and we have no way of bringing him back, but only to pray for him.

“We also pray for God to bring peaceful coexistence in Taraba House of Assembly and the state in general so that they can continue to move in peace and without any rancour,” he said.

Garba described the late speaker as ‘a fine gentleman, dedicated person, a committed legislator ’, who believed in transparency and trustworthiness.

He advised the Taraba House of Assembly to live in harmony, abide by the

constitution and the house standing rules in selecting a new speaker.

The speaker also urged them to exhibit maturity, eschew bickering and acrimony in the choice of the next speaker.

“Let them not allow

personal or selfish interest to create problems that will affect the entire people of Taraba State because their conduct will translate to peaceful and harmonious working relationship between and among the entire people of Taraba.”

Katsina Assembly moves against sickle cell

K

AT S I N A— T H E Katsina State House of Assembly, yesterday, commenced plans for the establishment of an agency for the control of sickle cell disease in the state.

The move followed a motion moved by a member representing Batsari Local Government, Alhaji Aliyu Iliyasu, with Alhaji Abdu Umar from Bindawa Constituency seconding the motion.

Iliyasu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Health, observed that the number of sickle cell patients in the state was increasing.

“As a result, there is a need for urgent efforts that will assist in fighting the disease,” he said.

He said over 14,000

patients were registered at the sickle cell centres in Daura, Funtua and Katsina, where they received free medication rendered by the Service to Humanity Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the foundation is a non-governmental organisation established by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Fatima Shema.

Iliyasu called on the state government to assist the organisation with office structure, equipment and more staff that would render the much-needed services to people of the state.

He therefore urged the House to enact a law for the establishment of an agency for the control of the disease.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 —17

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AST week, I said that I didn’t regard a National Conference as necessary…and was convinced that all of Nigeria’s problems would be solved if we simply compelled our leaders to do their jobs efficiently and honestly.

I also praised Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, who had just passed away; and I fondly reminisced about once spending a very pleasant evening with him and his wife.

Many readers responded.

Here are some of the reactions I got.

From Ifeka Okonkwo of Anambra State (ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com).

I have not, since the l970s, shed any tears over the premature deaths of government officials…because I blame them for impoverishing our country by looting it blind; and I laugh about the fact that their ill-gotten wealth didn’t enable them to live up to the ripe age of 102, like my step-mother who died in August this year without being ravaged by illness and with her senses intact!

It beats my imagination why these looters of our common patrimony are so greedy and selfish; and I wonder whether they will take the stupendous and obscene wealth that they have accumulated to the Great Beyond when they die!

I cannot condone the outrageous benefits our politicians enjoy. Their salaries, allowances and corrupt practices are gradually dragging Nigeria into bankruptcy. And I will only support a National Conference that will fashion out a system of government that is less expensive and more focussed on the developmental needs of our country and the welfare of its citizenry.

Because we are a docile and ethnically divided people, we cannot forge a united front to enact an Arab-type Spring in our country. And our politicians will continue to urinate on our heads and God will not come down from heaven to help us, if we do not bestir ourselves, wake up from our deep slumber and say that enough is enough. But who will bail the cat? That is the big question!

C M Y K

•President Goodluck Jonathan

•The late Mike Akhigbe

Readers responses to National Conference, Akhigbe

From: olajidebanjo@yahoo.com I disagree with your statement that the country will be poorer without Mike Akhigbe’s “thoughtful and genial” presence. I want to ask what his presence contributed during the June 12 crisis. He was a member of the junta that acquiesced to the annulment of the election that MKO Abiola won.

You eulogize Akhigbe simply because he once invited you to dinner…and say that he was

,

is not important! What is wrong about talking and addressing revenue allocation issues, gender issues and other concerns?

Why must the South-South give 95 per cent while others bring nothing? Is this not enough reason for a National Conference? Why the violence

by Boko Haram?

Continue in your ignorance!

From +2348035661463 (Anonymous) You don’t support the National Conference. You think it will achieve nothing. And yet,

I will only support a National Conference that will fashion out a system of government that is less expensive and more focussed on the developmental needs of our country and the welfare of its citizenry

,

a compassionate liberal [because he opposed the death penalty] and devout Catholic.

But he did not abhor injustice and benefitted immensely from the spoils that were shared out to…[junta members] perpetrated evil.

From (+2348128958605)

Abulu

You have not impressed me.

Ken Saro Wiwa would have stoned you for saying that the National Conference

there are Nigerians who don’t believe in resource control, Nigerians who feel that it is their birthright to lord it over this country and Nigerians who are bent on establishing one type of religion from the desert to the ocean.

You don’t belong to this part

•Femi Okurounmu, National Conference Committee Chairman of the world. You’d better go back to Britain and leave us alone to sort out the reasons why we should continue to remain one, rather than tearing the country into shreds…and the reasons why we should strive to have strong states and a loose centre.

My Dear Donu, you may not see why we should jaw-jaw but should jolly well let those of us who DO see the need go ahead, l think that you are too comfortable to know what is at stake. Sometimes, women don’t know where the shoe pinches the wearer.

From +2348052921805 (Anonymous)…in response to my claim that Dr Goodluck Jonathan is not nasty enough to send soldiers to mow down people who choose to protest – in a public, placard-carrying way - about governmental inadequacies.

My Sis Donu, regarding your comments about the National Conference: I am 100 per cent in agreement, except that I don’t agree that the President will not send soldiers after us if we make trouble. He is capable of doing so. Do not try him!

Real justice for all?

I

recently watched a thrill ing American TV drama in which well-connected Police and government officials were arrested for taking bribes to protect a criminal.

OK, so it was a purely fictional scenario. But it IS possible, in the Western World, for influential miscreants to be

punished for the RIGHT reasons.

Will Nigeria ever become the kind of place in which one can go to jail for misbehaving, even if one is a big-shot or a close crony of a big shot? Or will we forever only hassle criminals (or innocents) who have annoyed big shots?!

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 HEN the name of retired Col. Tony Nyiam was included in the 13-member Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue headed by Chief Femi Okunrounmu, many who knew his role in the aborted Col. Gideon Orkar coup of April 1990 concluded that President Goodluck Jonathan decided to go beyond the usual “system people” and involve those with more radical viewpoints about Nigeria.

Nyiam, therefore, not only represented the South-South geopolitical zone, he also weighed in for a section of Nigerians, who are more impatient with the way things are run in the system.

However, Nyiam disappointed not a few of his admirers, when the committee made its landfall in Benin City, the Edo State capital. When the governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole rose to speak, he made it clear that he was not speaking for his state. Rather, he was expressing his personal opinion, which was the conference will be a waste of time and would produce no fruitful results.

This is the position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political party

W

Nyiam’s confab misadventure to which, Oshiomhole belongs, has taken publicly. The party is not the only entity to voice this skepticism. Nigeria has had so many conferences, and the experience of the 2005/2006 National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC) convened by former President Obasanjo, which ended in a nullity following the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Senate, made many Nigerians to lose faith in such exercises.

Besides, Oshiomhole, as a governor and citizen of Nigeria has the constitutional right to his opinions. The decision of Nyiam to cause unruly behaviour towards the governor was totally uncalled for. He accused the governor of “talking down on the people” and showing insensitivity to

the yearnings of ethnic nationalities for self-determination.

He thus played the role of an agitator, rather than a moderator or umpire with an open mind to accommodate all shades of opinions. It was a betrayal of the mission, whose primary purpose was to encourage all sections of the country to make noholds-barred inputs towards resolving the many socio-political problems bedevilling the nation.

It therefore came as a matter of considerable relief when Col. Nyiam voluntarily submitted his letter of resignation from the Committee to the President, who readily accepted it and appointed Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN).

It is to Nyiam’s credit that he recognised that his conduct made his continued membership of the body untenable.

We must, as a nation and a democracy, learn to respect the views of one another, even those that we do not agree with. Even when we disagree, we must not do so disagreeably, especially in the glare of the public.

Let us quickly put this incident behind, with lessons learned.

OPINION

BY EMMA FEJOKWU

S

HAKESPEARE in one of his novels, de scribed death as a necessary end which will come when it will come. There is no doubt that dying is a sad reality but one thing which is always noticed is the ill-feeling and very ugly mood such occasions bring to those affected.

The sudden death of a community leader, the Eze-ebo of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta-State, Chief Dominic Nwanze Ofuokwu, came to me as the rudest shock of my life. In the evening of September 19, 2013 to be precise, at about 7pm, my mobile phone rang. It was a call from a close pal and when I picked to answer the call, behold I was confronted with the saddest and unbelievable news. The caller from the other end confirmed that Diokpa Ofuokwu was no more. When I eventually broke the news to my wife and children that Diokpa Ofuokwu was dead, we all broke into tears, jolted by the suddenness of his death, especially when I saw and had a talk with him the previous day.

The question on my lips was what must have been responsible for the death. Could it be accident or attack by some disgruntled criminals? My earlier informant could not give me details. Throughout that night I made contacts and still the cause of death was sketchy.

Early the next day, I left my house in Asaba for Ibusa. When I arrived at Diokpa’s residence at Ogbeowele quarter in Ibusa and saw the atmosphere, it then dawned on me that it was all over and that the man full of energy, a distinguished personality, an enigma, philanthropist and lover of peace, is gone to be seen no

C M Y K

Chief Ofuokwu: When an enigma departs more. I was made to understand on further enquiry about the cause of his sudden death, that Papa died peacefully in his sleep.

I came into close contact with Papa Ofuokwu, as I always address him, in 2000 at one of the meetings of the PDP in Ibusa. Though I am not a practising politician but as a journalist, I was always engaged to cover most of his activities, political or otherwise.

As he found me to be trustworthy and who also does his work to his satisfaction, Papa Ofuokwu and many others took interest in me, hence any event he is involved in he would insist on inviting me. It is on record that till his sudden demise, most of his activities that required publicity were carried out by me.

Papa Ofuokwu, even at the age of 84, was always neatly and gorgeously dressed, full of smiles at all times and remained a personality with a sense of justice, fair play. He stood out among equals as the champion of human rights, advocate of the down-trodden, and above all a philanthropist to a fault.

I recalled when I lost my father in-law, this man of many good parts in company of some friends, drove down from Ibusa to Isele-Uku with drinks and gifts to support me.

It is pertinent to state here that Papa Dominic Ofuokwu for whom I have tremendous respect for, genuinely inspired and encouraged me with how he identified and appreciated my publicity works, like he would always call me Chief Fejokwu even though I am not yet a titled chief.

Papa Ofuokwu who was born in February

1929 hails from Ogbeowele-Ibusa in OshimiliNorth local government area of Delta State to the family of Obi Ofuokwu Elueze and Mrs. Nwobosh, Ofuokwu. He is the Eze-ebo of Ogbeowele, Ibusa and had his early education at St Theresa’s School Jos and St Thomas College practicing school, Ibusa.

As a man determined to succeed in life having lost both parents at early age, Pa Ofuokwu between 1952-1957, attended the Railway Technical School Ebute-meta as well as the Yaba Technical school (now Yaba College of Technology) Federal ministry of education evenmg school for his NCE at the Methodist school, Herbert Maculay Street, Yaba Lagos.

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apa Dominic Nwanze Ofuokwu joined the employment of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in 1952 from where he retired in 1988 as a senior Technical Officer after 35 years of meritorious service In the course of his working life and immense contributions to the socio-economic growth and development of his immediate community, he was recognised and conferred with the title of Eze-ebo of Ogbeowele. He was a thorough bred unionist and union leader per excellence having had the privilege of several overseas training, including the 1985 training at the famous Labour College, Bernau Berlin, German Democratic Republic (as it was then known), among others. While in Germany, his sterling leadership qualities did not go unrecognised as he was elected leader of Afri-

can Trade Union students m Berlin. He attended many other seminars and courses, including that of industrial relations at the University of Lagos in 1963 and same course in Lagos Mainland, Ebute-meta and Yaba College of Technology in 1964 and 1965 respectively.

Other courses Papa Ofuokwu attended included restructuring of Nigerian Trade Unions University of Ibadan in 1977, seminar on industrial relations, Bargaining Technics Cooperative and Labour Law organised by I.T.F/NUR at Zaria in 1979 as well as another seminar on Industrial Relations by the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and that of the Federal ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity.

Chief Patrick Ofuokwu till death served his people of Ibusa in many capacities as a founding member of Ibusa Premier Club of Nigeria, Central Treasurer, Ibusa Community Development Union Lagos Area (1973-1977) President Ibusa Community Development Union, Ebute-meta (1974-1980) a founding member of PDP and chairman of Ibusa PDP elders forum.

The man Ofuokwu was married to his heartthrob, the late Mrs. Victoria Uchemudi Ofuokwu (Nee Odogwu) of Ibusa in 1959, and blessed with loving and caring children and grand children.

*Mr Fejokwu, a consultant, wrote from Asaba, Delta State

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013— —19

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OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan may not celebrate birth day because of the heavy burden of governing a state like Delta. If he does, it gives his horde of critics the opportunity to feast like vultures of opportunism; if he does not celebrate, his core political associates may be offended. These are the contradictions that define our political space where every move, statement or inaction is laced with grave meanings. As Governor Uduaghan clocked 59 years on October 22, 2013, my uncle’s advice that “any venture that goes too easy at the very beginning, without obstacles, may not have a good end” comes to my mind. Governor Uduaghan is possibly the most prosecuted, vilified, misunderstood and persecuted Governor in the history of political mudsliding since 2007. I wonder how he managed to put the past behind and won over opponents as his friends, political comrades and members of his inner circle, without losing his traditional old associates in his political journey as leader of the State since 2007. This is new in our political history that is not devoid of politics without bitterness.

As he clocks 59, the Governor's achievements, challenges and estimation in the eyes of ordinary Deltans come to mind because Delta State is a multi-ethnic state that thrives in inter-ethnic sentiments usually exploited by some politicians, ethnic bigots for personal reason. In order to govern Delta state, wisdom, tolerance and understanding of the terrain of the state and its people are required.

Warri province that was changed to Delta province, from which the state derives its name, was a home in precolonial, colonial and still home today to the various ethnic nationalities that make old Delta province and Warri remains their eternal spiritual and economic capital. The Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Urhobo, Ijaw and Isoko that make Delta province, see Warri as a home and economic base for ages even before the advent of Colonial masters. These nationalities see Warri as a spiritual indivisible city that cannot be tainted or tied to ethnic apron and that’s why every ethnic nationality claim Warri as a “home” despite the fact that they don’t hail from the city historically.

Warri over the years acquired the status as a bond of unity and centre of freedom and liberty to the people that make the old Warri province and beyond, the strategic historical and political importance of Warri was enhanced by its economic value as an important trade rout and center of commence. The influx of Africans and Europeans into Warri and its viable sea route only boosted its status. These encouraged interethic marriages that had produced leaders of mixed marriages, giving credence to Warri as a cosmopolitan city.

Gov. Uduaghan is a product of the warri and deep in the blood that runs in his veins are Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ishan, which he inherited at birth 59 years ago. The Governor speaks Urhobo language and understands the culture than many who claim to be of Urhobo ethnic nationality. The Governor also speaks Itsekiri and Ishan and is versed in their culture.

These attributes which should have

,

endeared him to all were exploited by ethnic jingoists for political reasons, in order to promote predetermined journey to Golgotha.

Uduaghan’s father was a patriot who was strict and disciplined but was also a man of peace, tolerance, respect for elders and traditional institutions. These were the legacies inherited by Governor Uduaghan as he grew up.

F

rom the 2007 political perse cution and mindless attacks to the present time, I wonder how he had managed to carry on without bitterness, without carrying the mines of the vicious cycle of hatred normally associated with our body politics.

The Governor had transformed many political attack dogs and bats into useful tools of development using his deep sense of uncommon humility in ruling the state. Whenever I read the immortal words of Buddha by my bedside: “Silence the angry man with love, silence the ill natured man with kindness, silence the miser with generosity and the liar with truth”, Governor Uduaghan’s attributes as a humble,

Mbaise nation and the governorship of Imo State

BY JOHN KEKE

M

BAISE clan made up of three local government areas of Aboh, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte is an integral and thickly populated part of Imo State. Since the creation of the State in 1976, people from the area, like those from some other areas, have made several unsuccessful attempts to occupy the coveted number one position in the State. In 1979, Steve Evuleocha then of PRP made a very strong showing but he and Nwakanma Okoro of NPN could not match the large reputation of the NPP, Dr. Azikiwe and Chief Sam. Mbakwe who eventually held sway.

Again, during the Babangida diarchy experiment, Prof. Fabian Osuji and Dr. Alex Obi made vain attempts to secure the governorship position. The eventual candidate of the SDP then, Dr. Alex Obi, lost to the NRC candidate Chief Evan Enwerem.

It is understandable that in every contest, there must be a winner and a loser but I want to recall with regret or rather disappointment, that one of the reasons for the loss then by the young and vibrant Mbaise son was the covertly orchestrated campaign of calumny by a section of the Imo populace targeted at ensuring that an Mbaise man did not emerge as governor.

According to the masterminds of that destructive campaign, the Mbaise man is “a crafty and domineering person”. For as yet very inexplicable reasons, that vicious campaign sold, and the SDP candidate lost to the less vibrant and less articulate NRC candidate.

Today, the general view (and rightly too) is that it is the turn of Owerri zone to produce the next governor of the state. Some persons from the zone have shown tacit interest while others have openly declared their desire to run for the position. That politicians from other zones C M Y K

have indicated interest in running for the position is nothing unusual since they have the constitutional right so to do. However, Owerri zone which, going by reasonable precedent, is entitled to produce the next governor, should get their acts together so as not to fall victim to the predatory disposition of Orlu zone.

I do not come from Owerri zone but I believe that for the sake of equity and fairness the zone deserves to produce the next governor of Imo State.

Since all the known political parties, except PDP and APGA, have come together as APC to which party the sitting governor belongs, and since the governor has indicated his intention to run for a second term, Owerri people acting as one united force should give him a fight. It is my considered view that the contest will be an easy one for the simple reason that the Imo electorate have now realised the foolery in allowing the deceit that has prevailed in Imo (in the name of governance in the past two and half years) to continue. All one need do is to walk round Owerri and/or other parts of the state and talk with the man on the street, the civil servant, the opinion moulder and even the average politician of whatever party and it will be clear that the governor’s days are numbered. Indeed, a trader in Owerri market whom I engaged in a long chat said, by way of regret, that while PDP was sharing the money which reached them in the market, 'the man is eating the money all alone'.

However, I have my fears. These fears stem from the fact that the segregation and divisive campaigns within and among Owerri people have started rearing their heads again. There are at the moment seven known aspirants from Owerri zone, namely: Emeka Ihedioha, Bethel Amadi, Emma Iheanacho, Bethel Zimako, Chris Anyanwu, Jerry Chukwueke

detribalized and committed leader come to my mind. One of the major achievements of Governor Uduaghan is the sustenance of peace and peaceful co-existence in Warri city, from the ashes of the Warri fratricidal war and a people strongly divided came hope and determination never to witness another carnage. The Governor through his exemplary lifestyle restored peace to Warri and many who were afraid of inter–ethnic marriages during the crisis had embraced it again. The Governor was so sensitive to the situation in Warri that he carried the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo of Agbasa and Okere along in his policy of integration, thus demonstrating unity in diversity. The “Awankere” Festival in Okere and the Agbassa festival are being embraced by all, an indication of peace. Today while inter–ethnic marriages sprout, ethnic boundaries are being shattered as Deltans live together peacefully. There is trust today between the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo of Warri as the city is back to life.

Many who wanted an ethnic Governor in Uduaghan are surprised he had not developed Itsekiri nation at the exclusion of others, though some Itsekiri leaders are not happy. This clearly shows that the Governor is detribalized. The Governor knows he was elected by all and does not want to be a sectional leader, but leader of the entire state. Governor Uduaghan had been fair to all ethnic groups in promoting fairness and sincerity as a principle of good governance. However, considering the fact that Warri is the bedrock of political and economic activities in the State, Governor Uduaghan should open Warri to Ode-Itsekiri and other riverine communities to give Warri city its proper political status.

Any leader who transforms his people had transformed a nation.

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BY PRINCE A. ABUGO

,

Celebrating Uduaghan, his achievements at 59

One of the major achievements of Governor Uduaghan is the sustenance of peace in Warri city, from the ashes of fratricidal war came hope and determination never to witness another carnage

Mbaise as a people love themselves; they are their brothers’ keepers, it follows that if an Mbaise man becomes governor he will show love to Imo people, work hard to develop the state and make life worth living for its people

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and Emma Ojinere. These are all eminently qualified to be governor but in terms of exposure, experience, visibility and public relations, the records of Emeka Ihedioha seem unassailable (that is if available information is anything to go by). His ability to manage himself and not get involved in unnecessary controversies and disagreements in the House of Representatives as well as his continued rise from one leadership position to another in a chambers peopled by equals, speak volumes of the sterling qualities of which he is made.

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have singled out Ihedioha not because of any special interest in him but because I was confronted in a function recently by a politician who, in a bid to canvass my support for the candidacy of a certain governorship aspirant from Owerre, said: “You know an Mbaise man cannot be the governor of this State”. This statement was preceded by an argument between him and a supporter of Ihedioha.

My response to that rather thoughtless remark may not be necessary here but I hasten to say that this misconception, deliberate and unwarranted maligning of an entire clan by the same section of Imo is most unfortunate and condemnable. No doubt, there certainly

Governor Uduaghan had transformed the capacity of Deltans to think and act positively. The Governor through his capacity building had brought peace and political cohesion to the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The partisan struggle in Delta State and Uduaghan’s unimaginable response in putting the State before self only proves that: “Our enemies may not be those who oppose our political methods or speak against us but may be those who sit and plan with us either as friends or associates. These are the cankerworm that destroys the kolanut from within and the rot is noticed when the kolanut is broken to be eaten”.

Governor Uduaghan had many of these characters around him but he had been able to manage all as a leader and father of the State. The Governor's high rating lies in his ability to channel all interest groups within the state to support President Goodluck Jonathan. He believes that Nigerians must rally round the President in all our political challenges. The South-South have no reason to jettison the President because he is one of us and he had performed exceedingly well in all ramifications, considering the challenges confronting the nation.

Governor Uduaghan's respect and reverence for elders is unprecedented. Uduaghan calls Chief (Dr) E.K Clark, his father and the elder statesman agrees that the Governor is his eldest son among the governors of the South-South.

This is the strong diplomacy that have United all the ethnic groups in the State into one united family.

Continues on Monday

•Prince Abugo, a political analyst, wrote from Uzere, Delta State.

will be some bad eggs in Mbaise as in other sections of the state but such over generalisation as often perpetrated by the same section of the Imo society not only smacks of crass unenlightenment but also shows pathological hatred with which the rest of us must refuse to be infected. This level of hatred, in my opinion, borders on envy.

Some of my best friends are from Mbaise and I have in my association with them over the years, found them reliable and trustworthy.

Mbaise, like Igboland, has a very high population density which suggests that their land mass is hardly enough to accommodate their population. They, like Igbos in general, are therefore outgoing people who work hard for resources to sustain their overflowing population. These are not bad attributes. They are indeed virtues and leadership qualities that we require of the man or woman who aspires to be governor of Imo State. Let us face it, some sections of Imo have the reputation of being unserious and hedonistic. Much as not everybody from such sections can be said to have such laissez-faire attitude to life but would we rather have an unserious person as governor.

Mbaise as a people love themselves. They are their brothers’ keepers, and if we have to reason syllogistically, it follows that if an Mbaise man becomes governor he will show love to Imo people, work hard to develop the state and make life worth living for its people.

To make uncharitable remarks about a people and by so doing attempt to deprive them of a fair chance to have a shot at the governorship position in the State is a clear contravention of their right to freedom from discrimination as enshrined in section 42 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which states: “No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth”.

*Mr Keke, a political analyst, wrote from Owerri, Imo State

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 8 , 2013

War against begging:

Isoko LG empowers its people with SURE-P

BY FESTUS AHON

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HE Isoko North Local Government Transition Committee, Delta State, recently put smiles on the faces of its people by empowering over 744 traders and artisans drawn from the 13 wards that made up the council area from its proceeds of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE_P. The empowerment ceremony, which is part of government effort to eradicate poverty in the council area, was attended by all stakeholders and opinion leaders in the area, including the Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay The scheme was broken into three categories, namely: Small Scale Business Empowerment, Starter Packs for Artisans and Transportation. At least 470 persons got cash of N30, 000 each, while 209 artisans received different types of starter packs and 65 indigenes got one tricycle each.

Speaking during the ceremony, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay told the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items or cash given to them, adding that the programme was aimed at alleviating poverty in the area. Macaulay said: “We will ensure every unit benefit. We plead with the beneficiaries to put what they will get today into good use. We want to eradicate poverty in Isoko land; what we are giving today is a lifeline.

“We must get out of the syndrome of perpetual begging; we do not beg in Isoko land but it has become a habit here.

Someone get N50, 000 every month and still continue to beg.

We shall come with second round. We shall put some people on N50, 000 monthly. Whatever happens let your loyalty be to the PDP.” Flagging off the programme, the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Newworld Sefugha said: “I thank the chairman and all the leaders of Isoko North Local Government Area for their commitment to the well being of their people. This Local Government is among the local governments that have benefitted from the SURE_ P. Our Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, directed that the money should be saved and when it is reasonable it should be used to empower the people.

This Local Government will empower 744 persons today. So

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Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay addressing the beneficiaries He recalled that the 120 far 6,023 persons have been Idise said SURE_P was empowered in the programme.” established to ensure that the indigenes that were engaged by Earlier in his address, chairman subsidy proceeds were the Federal Government in of the Local Government channeled to provide palliatives community services were still Transition Committee, Mr targeted at the poor and other receiving monthly stipends Samuel Idisi commended the vulnerable in the society, adding consistently, commending the Federal and State Government that it was designed to invest Federal Government, the State for making the implementation of subsidy money in social safety Governor, Dr Emmanuel SURE_P a reality at the various nets and infrastructural Uduaghan and the State local government councils in programmes that would impact Commissioner for Local Delta State, particularly in Isoko positively on the lives of the poor. Government Affairs, Mr Newworld Sefugha for the North.

approval and release of fund for the SURE_P empowerment.

He said: “This empowerment will be in three different categories: 470 persons will benefit from the N30, 000 cash empowerment, 209 artisans have also been selected to receive different types of starter packs, while 65 indigenes have been carefully selected to receive tricycles as their empowerment.

Cumulatively, the total of 744 beneficiaries would be empowered today to glory of God. This administration is aware of some teeming youths who have acquired vocational skills in different areas but are not able to procure the tools and materials needed to transform them into small scale entrepreneurs and we are also aware of the difficulties experienced by some of our small scale business owners hence we painstakingly selected 679 of them in this category for empowerment.

“We will present equipment ranging from 56 generating sets, 56 barbing clippers, 71 sewing machines, 51 hair dressing accessories, 20 welding machines, 3 auto electrician packs, 2 video cameras, 4 aluminum fabrication packs, 2 vulcanizing machines and 4 musical equipment. Also, 65 tricycles were procured for distribution to 65 indigenes.”.

For 2,000 persons, manna cometh, courtesy of church

BY EVELYN USMAN

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YEWOLE Street in Ilupeju area of Lagos was a beehive of activity recently, as men, women, youths and children alike, thronged Divine Appointment Ministry located on number 17, to have their own fair share of free medical treatment on offer to the public. The crowd which cut across different religions and ethic s, could not contain the over 3000 sitting capacity in the ministry ’s auditorium, as many of them waited outside patiently for their turn.

The free medical treatment according to the General Overseer , Rev. Ben Eragbai , was the first of its kind organised by the ministry as a way of giving back to the society.

Speaking with Vanguard Metro, Eragbai disclosed that the free medical treatment included medical check_ups of the eyes and gift of free eye glasses to those who needed them. Over 1500 persons benefitted from the

eye screening and free glasses.

General checks were also conducted on some of the ailing beneficiaries by doctors and free drugs administered.

One of the beneficiaries who spoke with VM could not hold back tears as she described the church’s gesture as an answer to her prayer . According to the elated woman who simply gave her name as Iya Sherrif: “I have been ill for a week now and have no money to feed let alone to buy drugs. When I went to the General Hospital, l was and asked to go for laboratory test to ascertain what was wrong with me, I could not afford the money.

So I had to return home and started taking agbo( herbs). But I could only afford N50 worth which unfortunately , did not provide the required solution.

I was just on my way to a visit a relative with the intention of borrowing some money with which to go for the test when I sighted a large crowd here. On enquiry, I discovered they were offering free treatment. At first I

thought I won’t be attended to since I am not a Christian. But when I went inside , a woman who saw my condition swapped positions with me and to my surprise, a test was conducted and I was given free drugs just like that”. She appealed to this reporter to give her some money to buy food to eat before taking her drugs.

On what motivated the gesture, Rev. Eragbai recalled

how his parents could not afford medical care when he was much younger. He said, “I am supposed to be from a very poor background, that my parents could not afford medical care those days. When you look around and discover that you are in a position where you can help people, nothings stops you from doing it and that is what we are doing today by the grace of God.

Rev Eragbai (left) handing a free pair of medicated glasses to one of the beneficiaries,while one of the doctors looks on.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 21

Expert lists conditions for apps monetisation

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

A

N information technology expert, Mayowa Owolabi, has identified studying target market, choosing sustainable business model for monetisation and building across all

platforms as necessary conditions for monetising mobile applications.

He stated this while speaking on ‘Strategies for Effective Mobile Design, Development and Monetisation’ at the first Nigerian App Summit in Lagos.

He said that besides meeting those conditions, mobile apps

developers should ask users for ratings and endeavour to have a creative User Interface while focusing on customer engagement.

He further listed, “Payment options, advertisement, virtual goods and subscriptions as four main business models that can be employed to make money from mobile apps.”

According to him, “Decision on making money out of your application largely depends on what you are looking to achieve with the app. If you are predominantly using it as a marketing tool to help establish your brand, it may be the best option to focus on getting as many downloads as possible by offering a free app.”

From left: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Goodie Ibru; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefoand Managing Director, Tropicana Resort, Mr. Wanle Akinboboye at the 2nd annual symposium/centenary lecture of the Hotel, Tourism & Entertainment Group of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Lagos.

115.95

-0.5

2,747.00

-13.00

18.97

0.27

110.81 +0.85 102.39 +1.18 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.77 247.2451 210.0384 170.4515 1.5737 0.3003 236.4638 25.285 41.2665 28.1554 237.4791

155.27 248.0438 210.7169 171.0022 1.5787 0.3103 237.2277 25.3671 41.3998 28.2463 238.2463

SELLING 155.77 248.8426 211.3955 171.5529 1.5838 0.3203 237.9916 25.4493 41.5331 28.3373 239.0135

CBN Exchange rate as at 07/11/2013

“On the flip side, apps can present a significant revenue opportunity; some applications have become a multi-million dollar business,” he added.

He noted that to add value, it is important that app creators look at apps beyond mere internet related services.

“It sounds simple, but just like every other product; it needs to be based on a good idea. It is always going to be necessary to think of an app as a separate product rather than a copy of your website. Come up with a simple idea that would reflect your business and its core values. In such a competitive market, you need to think of something new and different to grab the attention of the audience,” he said.

Mayowa further explained that, “It is important to understand that your mobile app won’t solve or answer every need of the customer. You need to provide the required information within the application and offer important tips and suggestions related to your product or services,” adding that app creators should, “Continue providing information to your users regularly, which may include updates and news regarding your products and services. The best way to achieve this is by creating a system that would automatically update all the information even before the user realises its need.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Beyondbranches Ltd, Simon Aderinlola, said that app creators should concentrate on crating apps that solve problems.

Bankers task SMEs on adoption of financial integrity test

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

E

NTREPRENEURS operating in the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) segment have been enjoined to develop the practice of conducting sound Financial Integrity Tests (FIT) on their businesses as it guarantees sustainability of any business.

Mrs. Adaeze Ume, Segment Head, Micro Enterprises and Business Development Services, Diamond Bank Plc, gave the charge at the 39th Diamond Business Xpress Seminar.

Ume noted that FIT are processes that every MSME owner should pass to guarantee growth and sustainability of their businesses, while assuring of the bank’s support for Micro, Small and Medium Sized

enterprises. ”Diamond Bank regards MSMEs as the engine room of the economy; hence, we have put in place structures to support this vital sector. In Diamond, we have bankers who are specialists in helping MSMEs manage their finances. For us, we understand the importance of this vital sector and that informs our decision to cater to their needs,” she said.

The facilitator of the seminar and President/CEO, Integrated Catering Company Limited, Mr. Oluwatoyin Alabi, in a lecture titled ‘Developing the Uniqueness in Your Business’ advised entrepreneurs to ensure their businesses never fail a financial integrity test. He noted that every business owner must pass the test to keep profiting in the business. ”Integrity is the insurance of business. Integrity will take you up,

be a man of integrity and your business fortunes will continue to be on the increase,” he said. ”Moral integrity is also a critical test every business owner must pass to enjoy business success and keep profiting. To keep on profiting in business, you must be morally sound and upright, by so doing you will save energy, money, time and ultimately, your soul from destruction,” he added.

Alabi explained that in building structures for business entrepreneurs, there is a need to understand their markets very clearly for proper planning and evaluation. He also stressed the need to understand the sources of finance, proper accountability and good enterprise governance for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, which according to him will help growth and development of their businesses.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Vitafoam storms trade fair with new products

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L – R: Mr. Adebayo Jimoh, Group Managing Director/CEO, Odu’a Investment Company Ltd; Chief Tokunbo Omisore, Managing Director, Top Services Ltd. (Developers of Cocoa Mall); Prince Ade Adefioye, Executive Director, Wema Bank; a special guest and Segun Oloketuyi, Managing Director, Wema Bank at the commissioning of Cocoa Mall, Ibadan financed by Wema Bank Plc.

Infrastructure deficit: Stockbrokers tasked on creation of financial products

BY PETER EGWUATU

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TOCKBROKERS have been charged to create financial instruments that will tackle the infrastructure deficit in the country.

The President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun , who gave the advice to stockbrokers during the 17 th Annual Stockbrokers Conference stated that the dearth of much needed infrastructure in Nigeria is one of the most pressing economic and financial challenges facing the country.

To this end and, he said “In line with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers mission to continue to provide solutions to topical economic and financial issues of the day, “Power, Housing and Energy Challenges – The Capital Market Solutions” was chosen as the theme of this year ’s Annual Conference. He stated that Nigerians can begin to successfully tackle the power, housing and energy challenges via the capital market.

According to him “ As securities and investment professionals, we must work as never before to create and introduce to the capital market, financial products and instruments that will help reduce Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit. We have been given our marching orders; the degree to which chartered stockbrokers are in the forefront of those

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providing workable capital market solutions to the infrastructure challenges we face as a nation is the degree of viability, prestige and demand that our great profession will enjoy.”

Continuing, he said, “A sure way to succeed in the coming years in our industry is to specialise in the area where you are best

suited, your area of comparative advantage.

Some of these areas include financial and investment advisory services, corporate finance, asset management, proprietary trading, market and specific company research to name a few. The future belongs to stockbrokers who meet the needs of investors through superior

service, having invested in capacity building and acquired cutting edge skills in transaction origination, structuring and above all, robust research.”

On the newly inducted members to the institute, Olushekun charged them to maintain the integrity and uphold professionalism in discharging their duties.

Japaul Oil suffers 144.60% drop in profit, amidst increasing cost

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

HAREHOLDERS of Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc may be in for a bad year as the nine months financial results has shown a declining fortune in consolidation of its streak of negative perforances.

The unaudited financial statement for the period ended September, 2013, obtained by Vanguard showed that the profit after tax declined significantly by 144.60 percent over the period, even as the cost of sales was on the rise.

This is in spite of the assurances given by the chairman, Major General Joseph Omosebi (rtd), at the last annual general meeting with shareholders

of possible return to profitability after a negative outing in 2012.

Specifically, the profit before taxation slumped to N485.500 million from N1.397 billion, while the profit after tax fell to N485.500 million from N1.19 billion in nine of 2012.

Meanwhile, the cost of sales grew to N4.51 billion from N4.400 billion in equivalent period of 2012, showing inefficiency in use of resources.

A further look at the results pointed to a company in financial distress as interest on loans rose to N546.760 million from N220.230 million, indicating an urgent need of fresh capital injection.

However, the turnover for the period grew marginally by 0.70 percent to N9.61 billion from N9.54 billion in 2012.

General and administrative

cost also improved marginally, rising from N3.544 billion in 2012 to N3.416 billion in the review period.

The recent results could be a pointer to the fact that the company was yet to recover from adjustments made for depreciation and newlyintroduced policies for preparations of statutory financial reports as alluded to by the chairman, which he said were responsible for the drastic decline in the profit of the company in 2012.

Explaining the ballooning finance charges, Omosebi had explained that some of the new vessels acquired during the year were financed with loans from the bank, “hence the high amount of interest that we paid during the year.

ITAFOAM Nigeria Plc has stormed the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair with innovative products as a justification of its dynamic approach to business.

Specifically, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc has positioned the following innovative products: Spring Mattress, Memory Topper, Music Pillow, Memory Pillow and Twill.

Trade Fair observers said the new products have turned Vitafoam’s Pavilion to an earthly paradise in terms of purchase and enquiries..

The company’s Head, Sales and Marketing, Mr. Gabriel Okoli, explained that one of the major attractions is the company’s offering of generous discount at the Trade Fair.

Okoli noted that though the downturn in the economy expectedly impacted on the Trade Fair, the impact on Vitafoam’s products was insignificant.

“We all know that the economic downturn would impact on the Trade Fair, but we thank God that we are forging ahead because of our products’ quality and generous discount offered to our customers. Disposable income would certainly impact on the people’s ability to make an effective demand. But there are products that would always attract patronage. That is why our quality speaks for us”.

Commenting further, Okoli explained that the overriding philosophy that informed Vitafoam’s participation in the Trade Fair was the needs to enable a large number of people have access to the company’s products. We believe that a Trade Fair provides this platform”, Okoli said.

Early this year, company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joel Ajiga, had at an interactive session with the press in Lagos highlighted the rationale for innovative products saying: “In our continuous efforts to constantly delight our numerous consumers, deliver unparalled shareholder value while remaining the investors delight, we have recently developed many unique and irresistible products.”

Ajiga had explained that Memory Foams were slow recovery foams which reduce pressure points of the body, thereby relieving joint pains, regulate blood circulation and reduce motion transfer between two people. He noted that music pillows afford the user the opportunity of listening to devotional messages shortly before sleeping off.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

of the Nigeria-Biafra war, notwithstanding the fact that the institution had become anachronistic even in those sections of the Nigerian society where the monarchical system was traditional.

After the national conference, the issue of structuring the federating units and the third tier and creating constitutions for these tiers will then be holistically addressed, with critical inputs coming from the respective towns.

NCNC on the National Dialogue Memorandum to The Presidential Advisory Committee on the Proposed National Dialogue/Conference presented at a stakeholders forum in Lagos

BY UMA ELEAZU

Preamble T is a good thing that the President has seen it fit to set in motion the process that will lead to the holding of a national conference to give Nigerians opportunity to make their input in the making of a constitution that will govern our common life. Except in 1949/50 when the colonial government of Nigeria sent questions to every clan council or Native Authority to seek the views of Nigerians from the grassroots up, no other constitution making effort has involved such a widespread consultation and public participation since then.

People of the age bracket (80 +) will remember the Ibadan Conference of 1950 which was the culmination of that exercise which was started in 1949 at the various local government levels; then to the provincial councils moderated by the colonial officers known as resident; then to the Regional level (in 1948/49 parlance, they were not called Regions but Groups of Provinces) where the views from below were harmonised and streamlined into a “Constitution” for each group of Provinces. And so we had a constitution for the Eastern Group of Provinces, another for the Western Group of Provinces and the third for the Northern Group of Provinces.

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Nigerians.

1). Structure of the Dialogue/ Conference It is being suggested here that the Advisory Committee should adopt a staggered multi-layered, bottom-up, and then up-down approach to this proposed Dialogue/ Conference. The bottom-up approach will primarily be in terms of raising the delegates that will ultimately represent each group or zone in the national conference as well as collate the opinions and preferences of the people from down up. On the other hand, the up-down stage will come after the National Conference when each federating unit will begin to work out its structure and the size of its third tier (and perhaps a fourth tier if so decided at the national conference), and the constitutional arrangements from the level of the federating unit down to the third and, if need be, fourth tier. What we stress here is that it is the people themselves that should raise the delegates and not the state or local governments, and that their choices and preferences must be aggregated and taken to the ultimate dialogue: the national conference.

Let the people decide Thus, each town or village in the country will be given the opportunity to nominate, select or elect (whichever method a town prefers) a given number of its citizens (preferably 10 per town) to represent the town in a Local Government Area, LGA, conclave in which all the towns in the LGA shall have equal representation.

Delegates should include men and women, mostly between 30 and 50 years

It is the people themselves that should raise the delegates and not the state or local governments, and their choices and preferences must be aggregated and taken to the national conference

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In the process, each Region built in the peculiarities of their region. For example, the West had a Council of Chiefs in addition to a House of Assembly, also the North had two chambers, but the Eastern Region had a single-chamber legislature; a House of Assembly. It was from this build-up that the London Conferences that came later hammered out what we had as 1960 Independence Constitution.

This process had three effects: 1) It created awareness that something momentous was happening and gave the various groups in the country a sense of belonging as well as satisfaction for their aspirations; 2) It helped the people to identify their credible leaders; and 3) It substantially aided the process of nation-building and the awakening of national consciousness among

of age but also sizable numbers of more elderly politically conscious delegates to guide them.

Ideally at this level, education, experience and maturity matters Each LGA Conclave across the country shall also select, nominate or elect from among its constituent membership the people that will represent the LGA in the subsequent state conclave. Of course like what obtained at the lower levels, the state conclave or conference shall have equal representation for all the constituent LGAs in a State (say, 10 per LGA). Similarly, the state conclave shall from among its members nominate, select or elect those that will represent the respective states at zonal or regional conclaves or conferences; again with representation on equality basis from

— 23

•Femi Okurounmu the constituent States in the zone (say, 40 per State).

The zonal or regional conference shall then from among its membership raise those that will represent the zone in the proposed National Conference in which each zone is likewise to have equal representation (say, 60 per Zone), to create a people-based constitution for the country. This will result in a National Conference of 360 delegates from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Actually, it must be noted that the above provisions should not obviate the rights of a conclave at whatever level to draft, nominate, select or elect notable individuals or specialists in the community, from outside itself, to be part of the delegates of the LGA, State or Zone to the next level of conference.

Summary: *We want the Conference/ Dialogue to be composed of respective territorial units of the Nigerian society; the towns, LGAs, states and zones, and to be staggered to give each level scope to seat, starting from the lowest level *Representation to be on equality basis *Size to be 360 delegates at the national level 2). Legal Framework for the Dialogue/ Conference We accept the authority of the President to convene the Conference.

We also urge the President to take every necessary step to put the legality and authenticity of the conference beyond doubt or question.

3). Duration of the proposed Dialogue/ Conference We suggest one year duration for the four stages of conferences, including the referendum and the ultimate promulgation the National Constitution.

4). Issues to be tabled before the Dialogue/ Conference Our treatment of the question of what issues are to be tabled is only indicative and not exhaustive. At town and local government levels, issues of local concerns are to be dealt with. Discussion of the relevance or otherwise of Traditional Rulers/ monarchs, etc and what role for them if adjudged relevant.

Each town shall decide if it wants to retain the monarchy as a facet of grassroots administration. This provision is especially relevant in Igboland where the monarchical institution was imposed on the people

by Nigeria’s military rulers at the end

Issue of what will constitute the federating unit of the country: At the national level, appropriate issues such as what unit of government should be regarded as the “federating unit” – the state or the geopolitical zone? Where an ethnic nationality falls into two or more zones, should they be allowed to merge into one federating unit, say in a zone?

Following on this, and considering the COST OF GOVERNANCE, how many levels of government should the constitution allow – two, three or four? It might become appropriate to combine and subsume the state and local government areas systems into a provincial (or Division) system. The Province as a unit will then be slightly larger than the present LGAs and slightly smaller than the present territorial size of existing states. It will then constitute the second tier of government under the zonal or hoped for regional governments. In this way, a zone which today is made up of five to seven states might be turned into 3050 provinces, replacing its constituent states/LGAs. It will be the business of the national conference to pronounce on what constitutes the federating units of the country – whether it is the zones or states – but it will then be the business of the federating to deal with the actual creation of Provinces, Divisions or whatever the second tier of government at under the federating units is called and what number of these each of them wants.

Form of government: Do you want a presidential form of government with executive powers outside of the elected assembly (as in the 1979 Constitution) or a parliamentary system under which the executive (cabinet) is formed from elected members of the House of Assembly as in the 1960/1963 Constitutions, with the leader of the majority party becoming the Premier or Prime Minister?

Devolution of powers What powers should be devolved to the central government (Federal Government) and what powers should be reserved to the Federating units?

Which level of government should levy and collect which kind of tax? How are the proceeds to be distributed among the various levels of government?

Here the delegates to this level will have to do a thorough study of the existing Legislative Lists in order to answer the above questions.

Judicial Powers and the Criminal Code: Should any federating unit be allowed to adopt Sharia or Customary law? What protection should be accorded to people not covered by sharia or customary law

*Continues on page 24

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8,

2013

Port Harcourt City, Past, Present and Future

BY CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI

T

ODAY I am filled with excitement and feel truly honoured and particularly blessed to be sitting as Governor of Rivers State at a time when our beloved city Port Harcourt commemorates a hundred years o f its founding. The celebrations today are an announcement that our city has come of age in a different way. One hundred years of growth, albeit in fits and starts, is a testament of the enduring nature of our city and the burst of life it continually gives to those who live here. Port Harcourt has remained the city that everyone who visits makes home.

Like the theme of the symposium “Port Harcourt City, Past, Present and Future” suggests, this is a time to celebrate our history and culture. It is also a time of remembrance, reflection and most importantly a time to project in terms of development of how Port Harcourt should look in another 50 to a 100 years.

As we celebrate this historic moment we must with much thankfulness pay tribute to the men and women who have served and worked assiduously to frame the canvas on which we now paint. May I use the opportunity of this special occasion to on behalf of Rivers State Government congratulate the hardworking men and women who cut the forests and paved the way for our city a hundred years ago. Chief of these is our own respected Chief Jonas Happy Elemuwa Nwuke, the first Black provincial commissioner for Port Harcourt whose significant contributions to the development of the city include the development of the Trans Amadi Industrial layout.

He it was who lowered the Union Jack when the British left in 1960.

Along with Chief Nwuke, we remember the various mayors and administrators who handed over the baton to

,

Port Harcourt will surely be better by the close of this administration to the glory of God and the well being of our people

,

our most visionary first military governor of old Rivers state, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyabo of Twon brass, and his team of able and the men and women who served in that pioneer government of our state, for setting the pace and pathway for development in Port Harcourt. Posterity has judged them fairly and today their works continue to speak for them.

May I also pay my resects to the late Melford Okilo, who amongst other things established the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, as well as AIG Fidelis Oyakhilome who signed the edict to establish the Rivers State School of Basic Studies.

It was also Oyakhilome who, noting the importance of agriculture, also introduced the school-to-land programme which not only increased agricultural input in Port Harcourt,

Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi but also afforded young school leavers the opportunity to learn and farm.

Former Governors Anthony Ukpo and Ernest Adeleye deserve our respect and appreciation for inaugurating the Provisional Council of Rivers State Polytechnic and signing the edict establishing same school respectively. ...We acknowledge today the roles played by my predecessors, Chief Rufus Ada George and Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili, in elevating the face of Port Harcourt and expanding the city.

The City of Port Harcourt means different things to each one of us as we have had different experiences. But one thing that is clear is that our city is very dear to all of us.

I grew up in Port Harcourt as a young boy, had my primary, secondary and tertiary education in Port Harcourt and so I can speak first hand about this city. I was not from a rich home. I used to pick food from Olu Obasanjo Road – Man must wack as we called it then. I hawked at different times for my parents in this city. After God, I owe my growth to Port Harcourt.

I am quite nostalgic about what the City of Port Harcourt used to be. It was popularly called the Garden City because of the order that characterized our houses built in beautiful well-planned layouts and the greens and open spaces all over the city. Pot Harcourt was also serene and had a peaceful mien which explained why many people preferred to holiday in Port Harcourt. You could leave your doors open to visit a friend in another street and return to still find your belongings intact. We would walk from Diobu to Borokiri. We used to climb trees to watch football at the temporary stadium.

H

ow many of you remember that we used to dance nwa otam in Bonny or Opobo or when we couldn’t go to either place we would go to Iloabuchi Street to watch the dancers.

Those of you from places like Ikwerre would remember our regular “ wake keepings” during burials. You could go from wake to wake confident and assured that you would get food to eat.

Nobody was afraid. Nobody worried.

Our Port Harcourt was a city bubbling with life, where to be called a Port Harcourt boy didn’t only mean that you had swag, like our youth will say today, but meant that you were responsible, responsive, respectable, intelligent, sociable and found dignity in any career path that you choose.

The residents of Port Harcourt people were admired even when they went out of the state because they were hard working and had pride in their

culture and of course we had all the oil companies around, doing their businesses without any iota of security challenge. But one day we woke up and our city had changed. Some people masquerading as Niger Delta militants began to maim and kill with the support of politicians.

The Port Harcourt we used to know gradually changed from its grace and position of honour to a gory situation. There is no well meaning resident of the old city of Port Harcourt who does not strongly desire that the city return to its original status.

An assessment of the crux of the matter would show that at the root of most of the crisis was poverty, although in some cases greed as well. This explains why the present administration from 2007 till date has made and implemented clear urban renewal policies to return the city of Port Harcourt to the garden city it used to be. I know that we may have forgotten the demolition exercises undertaken by this administration in our first tenure and even till now. This was not done to witch hunt anybody for whatever reasons, even though some persons perceived it as such. It is important to note that the Port Harcourt that we are going to leave behind will be far better than the Port Harcourt that we met in 2007.

Besides our removal of illegal structures on the right of way, the State government has done so much in terms of road construction; this job is still on- going as we can see in parts of Port Harcourt. The old Port Harcourt Township is wearing a new look in terms of roads and drainage channels as well as the construction of several sports facilities in the area.

As we speak the State government is reconstructing all roads and drainage in D/Line. My honest assurance to the residents of Diobu is that these efforts will be replicated in the area. Government has also constructed several bridges within the city of Port Harcourt to ease movement and reduce traffic congestion. The end advantage of all of these efforts is a boost to the economy of our State, which we are already witnessing.

I do not intend to bore you with the achievements of this government. The fact is that is why you elected us. To govern and to deliver to you infrastructure that is functional. We have pledged to serve you with humility and render transparent and accountable stewardship even as we strive to better the lives of our present and future generations.

On behalf of the present administration, I wish to firmly promise that Port Harcourt will surely be better by the close of this administration to the glory of God and the well being of our people and those who come to Port Harcourt to do business. Our dream will be a global destination for tourism, investment both local and international business.

I therefore urge us to sustain our sense of hospitality and friendship.

Long live Port Harcourt Long live Rivers State Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State, delivered this speech at the occasion of the Port Harcourt Centenary celebrations Symposium on November 7

NCNC on the National Dialogue *Continued from on page 23 within such states or zones? To what extent should this be allowed to operate? What happens in case of conflict with the received Common and Statute laws and the Constitution?

How many levels of Court should be established?

Armed Forces and Police Formations: Should we have a professional Army, Air Force and Navy under the central (Federal) government with a unified command or should each zone or federating unit be allowed to maintain its own regiments? What are the implications?

Should we have a unified federal police system and/or zonal/state police formations? How should law enforcement be organised for effectiveness?

What safeguards should be put in place to ensure that politicians do not misuse the law enforcement agents to intimidate ordinary citizens or nonindigenes?

Regional constitutions for local peculiarities: This will come after the national conference, but the zones have two tasks to perform before the national conference; 1. To prepare the position of the zone for presentation at the National Conference.

2. To elect 60 delegates to represent the zone in the National Conference, a leader of the delegation, a secretary and a legal adviser.

At the National Conference, the first question to be put to the House is: “Given our common experience in the last 53 years, are we ready to stay together as one country? If yes, do we want a unitary, federal or confederal country?

Depending on the answer to these questions, then the burning issues will be tabled for discussion, negotiated and agreed to before lawyers are asked to draft the constitution, incorporating what has been agreed upon.

BURNING ISSUES Basic principles to which all must subscribe: Sanctity of human life; and Basic freedoms and inherent rights.

Should the country adopt one religion or should each Federating unit adopt a religion or should we leave the issue of religion to individual choices?

Consider the implication of each.

What rights has a CITIZEN or RESIDENT or INDIGENE of Nigeria. Should we define these precisely in the constitution?

Who owns the minerals found underneath the surface of the earth and what rights have the people who live on top of such mineral bearing land? What of other natural resources rivers, sea, lakes, forests, etc?

5). Legal Procedures and Options for integrating the Outcomes of the Dialogue / Conference into the Constitution and laws of the Nation The draft National Constitution will be published nationally and subjected to public scrutiny for 60 days and thereafter subjected to a national referendum. Thereafter, the National Assembly is to be suspended to enable the National Conference Delegates to promulgate the Constitution, repealing Decree 24 of 1999 that put the present constitution into operation.

6). Other Matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed Dialogue/ Conference The Dialogue/ Conference exercise has budgetary implications. Government should make funds available for the project.

Finally, for security and other reasons, we suggest that the National Conference be held in the old House of Representatives Building in Lagos, more so now that Bashir Tofa has reportedly warned that the Conference could be bombed. His words: “And then, how do you protect the conference from a terrorist attack?” – The Punch, Wednesday, October 9, 2013 (page 27).

We believe and we affirm that if we all come to the table in GOOD FAITH to do a deal for our national survival, we should not be bogged down with debate over words. Let us do the talking first.

*Elder Eleazu is the Chairman of Ndi-Igbo Council for National Coordination, NCNC.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 25

Why actresses prefer married men — Bose Arowosegbe

B

ose Arowosegbe, from Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, has come to pitch her tent with the very best in Nollywood. Having started acting in 2003 she shot into limelight in 2008 with her sterling lead role in ‘Kareni Barin’ and affirmed her arrival on the scene as a ‘made star’ in ‘Anikisaya’, a flick that earned her the alias with which she is known in the industry today, and thereafter went ahead to record string of successes with her own productions.

In this chat with Weekend Groove, the Business Studies graduate of LASPOTECH talks of her sojourn in the movie industry; her beliefs and a lot of other issues.

Excerpts:.

How did you find your way into the movie industry?

I didn’t start out as an actress, I started out as a video vixen in 2002 before I was introduced into acting at the insistence of an editor named Jide Bambo.

He was involved in movie production and music video production. It was as a result of his influence I veered into acting.

What was your first film and how was it like?

It wasn’t much of anything because it was a two-scene cameo. The film was “Akamo’’

and I played the role of an angel. But after that I think I caught attention of some people and it started the flow of other jobs coming my way.

Which film would you say launched you into limelight?

My break or what I can call my break came about in 2008 with my own production. The name of the film is “Kareni Barin”. It is a story of betrayal, loyalty and trust. The film teaches that it is sometimes necessary to keep friends in spite of their treachery and disloyalty. But before that I had also played a lead role in “Eni Mi”.

What are the challenges of making it in the Yoruba sector of the movie industry?

The biggest challenge is patience, having to wait for your own time. Then there is the issue of seniority when some people older than you in the industry expect you to accord them some docile kind of respect, like, not addressing them on a first name basis.

These people expect you to call them “aunties” even when you are older than them in real age.

What of sexual harassment, isn’t there sexual harassment in the Yoruba as it is rampant in the English-speaking sector?

There is this saying that how you make your bed is how you sleep on it. If you present

yourself as a harlot then you w o u l d meet your k i n d .

There’s no denying the fact that there are sexual scandals, I don’t call it harassment because no one would go out of their way to harass anybody but if the woman makes herself available, then that’s her problem. It all depends on how a lady presents herself and what she seeks to achieve. If you have your focus your focus would always be your focus.

I heard you are now married, when did you marry?

I married May 26, 2013. I have known my husband a

Continues on page 28

I N S I DE:

Jim Iyke dumps Nadia Buari Pg 31 C M Y K

Omotola to be honoured by kinsmen Continues on page 29 Pg 32

More iPad shipments keep Apple atop Q3 tablet market

Pg 34

.....

By AYO ONIKOYI

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Synopsis The Movie THE BUTLER is releasing on Friday, attached are the art work.

Why actresses prefer married men

Synopsis: Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man’s life and family.

The movie stars Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker.

Continues on page 27 long time before we got married. I met him 13 years ago, before I even started acting. I was working then at Tafawa Balewa Square.

How has marriage affected your career?

Even though marriage hasn’t prevented me from acting, it has definitely prevented me from taking up certain roles in my films. Even when I shot my 4th production “Akoda Oro” my husband was on set with me.

I just delivered my baby then.

As a married woman, can you take up sensual or sex scenes?

Like I said before marriage has limited what role I can play again in films.

I cannot take part in a sex scene, real or unreal, either in my production or other productions. And nothing can make me go totally nude but I can wear seductive dresses because when I am with my husband I still wear them. I can never go nude or play sex scene but I can be seductive. Before I was married, I wear seductive dresses anywhere but now I only wear them when I am with my husband.

What did your husband say must stop about your acting?

Doing sensual roles of course. Maybe I could do them before but now it is out of the question. Then my style of dressing outside unless we are together.

Is it true that lesbianism also exists in the Yoruba industry?

Yes, you can say that again. I have heard about it and I have seen one with my own very eyes How so?

It happened when two friends came to visit, then three of us had to share a bed. As we were on the bed with my back turned to the other two, I felt some movements and I turned, alas, the two other girls were at it, doing it. I was simply aghast and dumbfounded. I watched them transfixed for about two minutes and then gave one of them a slap. She looked at me and asked if she had touched me or what. I was so mad that I started shouting at them.

The other one was just laying down while the one I slapped was working on her. she said she didn’t know and thought I was also part of it but I shouted ‘God forbid’. She then started crying and I told her to desist from associating with the other girl again.

Are you a jealous person?

Yes, when it comes to my husband, I am very jealous.

What if you catch him in bed with another woman?

That is the end of the relationship.

But as a jealous woman you would be on set kissing another man, isn’t that unfair?

See, that is why I have to cut off taking up some roles when I got married.

Why are many actresses getting married to married men?

I am married to a married man too. I have not told anyone this before. Other journalists I have met were fed the story that my husband is abroad when he has always been in the country.

Most single men out there are not matured enough to handle the fact that actresses are normal women. They

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK CAPTAIN PHILLIPS believe we are harlots to be used and dumped. I believe they are too immature to handle the life around us.

They are easily affected by things they read and hear about us, and also things they see on screen about us.

But married men are matured to handle all this. They listen to us instead of listening to gist about us. They seem to understand women better. Besides, they are more caring, gentler and wiser.

You just said you are a jealous woman, how then can you share your man with another woman?

Because I knew he was married before I decided to marry him. It was my decision and I knew what I was walking into. Before I made up my mind I knew the price I was to pay and how I have to adapt to that. I have decided to share with the woman inside not any one outside.

Look at the case of Funke Akindele, why is it that actresses don’t seem to last long in a marriage?

See, it depends on the man you are dealing with. If he is the type that understands you, he won’t be looking out for rumours about you. As a lady, you must let your man understand the kind of person you are. So, when he hears things about you he understands you without your having to explain anything.

Again, when you are married you must steer clear of some things you used to do.

Like in the case of Funke Akindele, I don’t think the problem came from Funke.

I don’t know much of the story but I heard Funke’s husband had impregnated another lady. Even if he had, there is a way he could have gone about it instead of going public to rubbish her name because she’s a star. I hate that man for that. Funke is my friend.

You have been saying your friends, your friends – who are your friends?

I have many friends in the industry.

There is Biodun Okeowo, Tayo Odueke, Sikiratu Sindodo, Funke Etti and many others.

Which of your films have been most successful?

“Kareni Barin” of course. The film won me many accolades both here and abroad. People called me as far as Europe to tell me how much they enjoyed the film and I also made good money from it. Then there is “Anikisaya” which gave me my screen name.

Though, I didn’t make money from it but it helped my career a lot. It was my only film not marketed by Toymaxx. My 3rd film “Ina Orule” came out some six weeks ago and it still selling in the market. The 4th one, “Akodo Oro” also marketed by Toymaxx is expected to hit the market before December of this year.

BATTLE OF THE YEAR KICK ASS Exhibition Schedule from NOV, 8 — NOV, 14 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND The Butler : 4:10pm,8:50pm Captain Philips : 5:30pm,8:10pm Thanks for Sharing : 11:20am,3:50pm Battle of the year : 11:50am SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA The Butler : 12:00pm,6:20pm,8:50pm Kick Ass 2 : 12:10pm Captain Philips : 5:40pm,8:20pm Thanks for Sharing : 4:10pm Confusion Na Wa : 1:30pm Battle of the year : 4:30pm R.i.p.d. : 11:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Captain Philips : 12:50pm,3:30pm,6:10pm,8:50pm Confusion Na Wa : 3:30pm,7:25pm Thanks For Sharing : 12:15pm,2:10pm,6:25pm Battle of the year : 12:15pm,2:25pm,4:40pm,7:00pm,9:10pm R.i.p.d. : 12:20pm,2:20pm,4:20pm,6:20pm,8:20pm Pain & Gain : 8:45pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Captain Philips : 12:55pm,3:30pm,6:10pm,8:50pm Confusion Na Wa : 3:05pm,9:00pm Battle of the year : 12:50pm,2:55pm,5:00pm,7:05pm Keeping My Man : 1:00pm,5:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Captain Philips : 12:30pm,3:10pm,5:50pm,8:25pm Thanks for Sharing : 2:15pm,8:55pm Confusion Na Wa : 2:30pm,6:50pm, Battle of the year : 2:10pm,8:20pm R.i.p.d. : 4:25pm Alan poza : 12:20pm,4:40pm Keeping My Man : 9:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Confusion Na Wa : 12:25pm,4;45pm, Thanks for Sharing : 12:20pm,4:30pm,6:55pm Battle of the year : 12;15pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:50pm Keeping My Man : 2:40pm,7:05pm Dark Skies : 4:35pm The Big Wedding : 7:00pm 2 Guns : 11:50am,2:05pm,4:25pm,6:45pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, SURULERE The Butler : 11:20am,4:05pm,8:50pm Captain Philips : 6:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Captain Philips : 12:05,4:25pm Thanks for Sharing : 10:00am,2:05pm Battle of the year : 4:10pm,8:15pm, FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,CALABAR The Butler : 11:20am,4:05pm,8:50pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 , 2013 — 27

28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 , 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 , 2013 — 29

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 Stories by Ayo Onikoyi

Jim Iyke dumps Nadia Buari J

ust when the gist about the impending wedlock between Nollywood top act, Jim Iyke and his Ghollywood girlfriend, Nadia Buari was looking like a wrap, the actor put paid to the romantic tale

when he took to Twitter to deny the rumour, saying ‘it’s unfounded’ It would be recalled that the duo came forth some ten months ago to openly declare they were dating, after series of denials. And when people were thinking Nadia would suffer the same heartbreak Jim’s ex-girlfriend, Jamaican Ketura Hamilton suffered, Jim surfaced in Synagogue Church of Nations with a claim of being delivered of demonic spirits which have prevented him from finding a woman to marry.

Going by his latest tweets of ‘no show’ with Nadia it seems those exorcised demonic spirits have either return to haunt Jim or they never left in the first place.

Yvonne Okoro floats own reality show B

eautiful Ghanaian Actress, Yvonne Okoro is taking a giant leap into the world of reality TV show and making her debut as a TV host.

She has completed filming a new cooking reality show with her London based sisters called “Dining with Yvonne Okoro”.

“Dining with Yvonne Okoro” is said to be a fine mix of cooking and talk show set to be split into episodes, with each episode seeing guest on the show cook with Yvonne and afterwards talk about issues most amenable to them at the time. No première date has been announced yet.

*Yvonne Okoro

Omotola to be honoured by kinsmen N

ollywood’s l e a d i n g Actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has never had honours, lurking too far away from her as every single stride the sexy actress makes seems to have a golden lining of honour about it. She has won virtually every award there is to be won in the movie industry within and outside the shores of the country and the only vacuum in her list of honours, which is one from her State of origin, is now on the cards.

The gist reaching WG has it that the traditional council of the Ondo kingdom has decided to confer on the actress a high-profile chieftaincy title in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the movie industry and also as an illustrious daughter of Ondo State.

Omotola, who was named as one of the most influential 100 people in the world by TIME magazine recently has become an human rights advocate and only a couple of days ago was presented with the Ebony Vanguard Award for her long standing achievements in acting, in Birmingham, United Kingdom in the presence of leading British film-makers.

Biodun Okeowo wins Best Yoruba Actress award

Quincy’s daughter, Marita set to marry oil & gas big boy P

*Quincy Ayodele

opular slimming expert, Mrs. Quincy Ayodele’s daughter, Marita will be walking down the aisle with her heartthrob, Prince Adekunle Olaiya Abdul-Bojela, a young Oil & Gas dude come December 7th in Lagos.

The event which has been touted to be the biggest wedding ceremony to usher in 2014 in the society will see Engr. John and Mrs. Ayodele hand over their lovely daughter Barrister, Marita Oluwatola to the family of Otunba Aderemi and Mrs Elizabeth Nana Abdul-Bojela.

According to information made available by the families, the ceremony kicks-off with traditional marriage and engagement at the compound of Engr. Ayodele, in Ikoyi,Lagos,followed by the marriage solemnization at the famous Redeem Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Victoria Island Extension.

*Omotola Jalade

T fame can now be regarded as

op Yoruba Actress, Biodun Okeowo of Tolani Oshirin

*Biodun Okeowo

the Best Yoruba Actress of the year. At least, that was the verdict passed by Exclusive Impact when they presented her with the award.

Biodun has featured in many blockbuster movies over the years. One of her latest productions ‘Omo Butty’ must have had the beautiful damsel smiling to the bank, just as her flick which she used to expose the ills of lesbianism titled, ‘Ife Nsiere’ rocked the movie market.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 31

Sean Tizzle returns with ‘Komole’ T

By KEHINDE AJOSE

he fast rising pop star has just released another hit track called ‘Komole’. Fresh from a UK tour, Tizzle is on the path of serenading his fans with groovy tunes. He emerged into the music scene with his mainstream hit ‘Sholee’ which became his claim to fame and has become a pop anthem in the Nigerian music landscape

•MI and fans

East Africa’s best comedian, Basketmouth, others stun Owerri at Glo Laffta Fest …as Port Harcourt hosts show on Sunday

O

werri, Imo State capital, was last Sunday treated to a long night of fun and excitement as Globacom staged Africa’s biggest comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, in the city.

Government officials, businessmen, civil servants, workers and students filled the Rochas Convention Centre, venue of the show to the brim to savour the amazing evening of rib-cracking jokes and delightful music. The expectations of the guests at the shows were met as the 12 comedians who were on call sent them laughing heartily non-stop with hilarious jokes complemented by hit tunes from three of Nigeria’s leading musicians.

Popular comedian Basketmouth led the likes of the hilarious Okey Bakassi, Senator, Julius Agwu, the Ugandan sensational standup comedian, Salvador, Gordons, Buchi, Akpororo, Funny Bone, Emeka Smith, 2CanTalk and Osama to entertain the audience with exceptionally funny and spontaneous jokes. Mr. Incredible, MI, ended his performance with his hit track, Africa rapper Number 1, which had virtually everybody in the hall chorusing with him.

Naeto C, an indigene of Owerri was super thrilled to perform in his home town for the first time and he wowed the crowd

with a brilliant performance gingered by two female dancers. The energetic Omawumi also came to the party, crowning her performance with her hit song, Who I go tell .

The Ugandan master of comedy, Salvador, was one of the major highlights of the evening as the audience connected superbly with his demonstrative jokes. He got a standing ovation for his session. His Nigerian counterparts drew their jokes largely from contemporary developments in the Nigerian social scene to entertain the people.

Buchi recalled a lyric from a popular music where an artiste mentioned a banana line 15 times in quick succession. Everybody in the hall was astonished when he played the track and asked them to count with him.

Basketmouth who anchored the show, asked the crowd to show some love to Globacom for organising the event and the crowd responded with a deafening ovation.

By the time the curtain was drawn on the event aptly tagged Invasion LOL, the audience, among whom were Hon. Chike Orjiako, Director-General, Youth Development and Empowerment, Imo State, Mr. Alfred Ononugbo, Chief Protocol Officer, Governor’s Office, Mr. Chimezie Duru, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Roachas Okorocha on ICT, Bar. Olutoye Durosimi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Imo State Police Command, and a host of others, agreed that the show was the very first of its kind in the Heartland City of Owerri.

Tales of Eve ‘Simi’ goes on DVD P

opular TV soap “Tales of Eve ‘Simi’” which has been airing on AIT for the past two years now is set to be collapsed into a 8hour movie DVD. Genesis Studios, owners of ‘So Wrong So Wright’ and ‘Chat Street’, has decided to put the series into a DVD. This was disclosed during a media chat held during the week. ’Tales of Eve’ is a story which portrays the life experiences of an African woman as they live through the trials and triumphs of womanhood.

Welcome note was delivered by Miss Oyinda Adesina, Head, Corporate Affairs,Genesis Studios. Then came media

tour of Genesis Studios facilities where the ‘So Wrong So Wright’ series is being shot, a building big enough to house over 30 casts during shoots, alongside state-of-the-art facilities.

Speaking at the event was Mr. Ebenezer Owoeye, the Executive Director, CREN Africa.

According to him, the company is geared towards packaging top-quality works for local and foreign TV stations,cable networks, foreign agencies and media organization in and outside the country. The Collector’s Item DVD of the series which will see over 100, 000 copies churned into the market, will be marketed and distributed by Genesis Studios’ partner company, CREN Africa.

*Sean Tizzle

TJ Hays debuts with Iworiwo

By SAM ANOKAM

J

ust like Flavour and J Martins are doing, a protegee of Cardinal Rex Lawson, Prince TJ Hays is set to debut with his unique highlife album entitled, Iworiwo.

Hays popularly known as Sober Singer says his kind of highlife is a mixture of pure undiluted highlife and hiphop that makes hiplife. Though not new, he brings his own kind of hiplife music to help portray the African culture and traditions.

He said “There is the need to preserve our culture through indigenous music, in the 60s to 80s we still had songs from Europe and America, but the artistes then never let the western kind of music influence their own style, this led to the creation of highlife, afrobeat, apala, fuji and many more genres of music in Nigeria. We want to bring back those great times when people listened to good music that made them rejoice”.

Iworiwo is a love song dedicated to all he beautiful *TJ Hays African women.

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

More iPad shipments keep Apple atop Q3 tablet market

*iPad tab

D

espite losing a market unit share in the third quarter of 2013, Apple still shipped more products and remained the top company in the tablet business in the Quarter.

Apple shipped 14.25 million iPads during the quarter, including the mini and the larger 9.7-inch counterpart.

The shipments, according to industry data providers, HIS, provided the company with a 29.7 percent share of unit shipments. However, the figure represented a decline from its

second-quarter shipments of 14.62 million and its market share of 33.5 percent.

Apple’s weaker shipment performance was said to be due to a shift in its product release cycle, from a two-pronged launch approach in 2012, with tablet launches in the spring and fall, to a single fall release in 2013.

Apple has crossed the 170 million mark in terms of cumulative units sold since the launch of its first iPad, in the second quarter of 2010.

Meanwhile, second on the

table, Samsung, finished the quarter with 10.7 million shipments and a 22.2 percent share.

The South Korean electronics c o m p a n y improved on its tablet shipments during the year and increased its share position by 8.1 percent.

Samsung, has shipped 54 million units since its arrival in the tablet market in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Asus in Taiwan, which recently launched the new version of its Nexus 7 tablet, seems to be the third on the table having substantial stronger quarter-on-quarter growth than either Apple or Samsung at an 87 percent expansion.

Lenovo also had strong outing with 94.6 percent quarter-overquarter growth, which was attributed to its regional presence in China and its strength in Europe and in

emerging markets such as Latin America.

While vendors such as Samsung, Asus and Lenovo have been part of the growth of the Android operating system in the tablet market, much of the growth is said to be attributable to regional vendors based in China.

With the new Windows-based tablets entering the market at prices less than the base unit of the newly configured iPad mini with Retina display, it does not seem as if Apple may be displaced in the market leadership, not at least in the few years to come.

*Samsung Galaxy

The speaker technology in music enjoyment N

o matter how sonorous the tone of a particular music may be, it never gives comfort from a bad speaker.

The speaker is however not bad based on the look or age but by the technology behind its making.

Over time, the challenge has been to overcome the distortion that frustrates seamless sound, particularly when the speaker is getting cranky, but the new speaker technology known as the Aramid fibre cone may have come with a solution.

The Aramid fibre cone speaker maintains a more constant dispersion pattern across all frequencies in its range and transmits far fewer delayed sounds to consumers.

The problem with many speakers is the possession of weak reliability which requires the use of special textile material for bass sound playback, which experts say, are not too good for bass.

But the Aramid Fibre cone speaker comes with a special textile normally used for bullet-proof vests or fire fighting suits with high resistance. It is normally referred to as ‘Kevlar ’ and delivers crystal clear sound owing to its low audio signal distortion capability.

Interestingly, LG Electronics, in introducing a

new range of home theatre devices, LG BH9630 and DH7530 recently, said the speaker technology of the systems, were based on Aramid Fibre cone. Both systems, which boast of over 1,000 watts sound output are equipped with Aramid Fibre Cone Speakers.

The BH9630 Bluray player for instance has a 5.1

channel speaker system and full High Definition upscaling that enables consumers enjoy external content from the internet or devices in high resolution. It provides a solution to poor image resolution on content files with the Full HD Resolution Upscaler, which magically improves the resolution of the original content

*LG Home theatre

making it look great on the big screen as well.

General Manager, Media Division, LG Electronics, Mr. Jae Sang Lee prided his company as blazing the trail on new technologies for home theatre systems, adding that “this is to further reaffirm our status as the leader in Home Entertainment as we have presently introduced the Aramid Fibre Cone speaker technology into our product lineup. LG’s Home Theater System is much more than just a HTS; it is a comprehensive package that brings comfort and pleasure to consumers’ living room”.

Emirates KIS customers with knowledge Tab I

f every passenger in an aircraft is special and deserves special treatment, then, the Knowledge-driven Inflight Service, KIS, Tablet, developed by Emirates airlines has given more insight into how technology can be used to enhance customer experience.

Developed by Emirates’ Group IT, in partnership with Microsoft and HP, the system, enables cabin crew to operate with greater efficiency and provide a more personalised service to the airline’s customers.

It was created exclusively for the use of Emirates. The technology places flight, staff

and passenger-related information into the hands of Emirates’ Cabin Crew. This enables the team onboard to respond dynamically to operational and customer needs and deliver a heightened level of service.

Emirates says KIS is one of the initiatives under its continued drive to harness technology to enhance customer experience.

No wonder, the initiative was just recently recognised with the Editor’s Choice Award by the Corporate Publishing International, CPI. Divisional Senior Vice President IT for The Emirates Group and Head of Mercator,

Patrick Naef, said that “the KIS tablet is the first of its kind in the industry. It has transformed the way Emirates’ 17,000 plus cabin crew interact with each other, and how t h e y respond to the needs of 35 million customers annually.

This award is testament to the competencies a n d

commitment of our people, not only in IT but in other departments across the Emirates Group.

*Emirates KIS tab

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 , 2013 — 33

34— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 momentous event like the begining of Hijrah 1435, affords us the opportunity to attempt to track the passage of years again. How did it begin, and what was in place before itd advent? The Gregorian calendar derives its count from the olden days Before Christ, BC, Christ Era, CE and After Death, AD. All these recorded the number of years from the birth of the Noble Messenger of Allah, Isa ibn Maryam (a.s.) otherwise known as Jesus Christ. But Almighty Allah caused a change in the counting of passage of years with the Prophet (s.a.w) had to get Ali advent of Islam and the ibn Abi Talib (r.a) to sleep in revelation of Qur’an using the his bed, or how he had to hide Arab nation. From the time in a cave, to avoid being Allah annihilated the Yemen harmed by his persecutors, King Abrahah and his troops the movement eventually who came on elephants with became a transition from a a view to wiping out the position where Muslims traces of Islam and represented a small group of destroying the Holy Kaaba, people, surrounded by the need for counting the enemies and threatened by passage of years became death, to the position of a necessary. Although, it was regional power with a strong only after the death of central leadership. It was a Prophet Mohammad (saw) transition from spreading that the Muslims led by Umar Islam through individual ibn Khattab started to record Da’wah to institutionalised the passage of years from the Da’wah, initiated by the state year of the migration of the reaching out to other parts of Prophet (saw) from Makkah the world. At that point, to Madinah marking the Islam became not only the act of worship, but a way of ‘Hijrah’.

Why did the Muslims life; encompassing politics, migrate from Makkah (where economy, social interactions Islam was first announced) and every other aspects of becoming a first to Abyssinia, and later to life; Madinah? It was no other comprehensive religion.

So, while we celebrate reason than persecution and safety of their lives from the Hijrah today, it’s not enough hands of the pagans and to merely recount the history other unbelievers who of Hijrah and point to its vehemently declared a total routes and heroes. Rather, we war against the new faith and need to look and review its people. They were not ourselves, draw useful from the only looking for greener inference pastures, they desired a movement and make use of peaceful avenue to carry out the tangible lessons inherent da'wah and spread Islam. Not in this important phase in the for wealth as evident in many history of Islam. Essentially, of them like Shuaib Ar-Rumi we should not only look at among others who left the Hijrah as merely a estates and properties in movement, we should rather Makkah and flee to Madinah. look at the overall ideological Without bogging ourselves significance in terms of Islam with the story of how the and the Da’wah mission. It is

A

Hijrah 1435:

Breaking new grounds critical for us, to realise that the event not only marked the beginning of our calendar, but more importantly it commemorates the establishment of the first Islamic state spreading to what it is today.

Secondly, we should be

frontiers of material gains, but anchored essentially on the preservation of the Muslim identity.

Thirdly, let hijrah bears on your behaviour and relationship to the next person. This is basically another dimension which the

,

A Muslim is someone who spares people the harm of his tongue and his hand, and a migrant is someone who migrates from what God has forbidden

resolute in our duty to serve Allah even in the face of persecution. We should not allow circumstances to rattle us or resign ourselves to a status quo characterised by lethargy and passivity; rather, we should use available means and circumstance to better our situations without changing and losing our identity as Muslims. As one particular environment becomes unbearable for your belief and identity as a Muslim, there are other areas ready to offer its blissful breeze that will cool the heart.

Remember that hijrah was not based on expanding the

,

Prophet mentioned when he said: “A Muslim is someone who spares people the harm of his tongue and his hand, and a migrant is someone who migrates away from what God has forbidden”.

So, endeavour to migrate away from what God has forbidden, and not just physically by moving to a new place, but also spiritually and ethically, by choosing good over evil and ethics over corruption, and plyour resolve to confront headlong trials and struggle to stay on that path for God. Fourthly, Hijrah teaches us that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness

to the land. Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.

The Prophet encouraged the immigrant Muslims to cultivate land, bringing about food surplus in Madinah where everyone had enough to eat. The Prophet established a Masjid; he worked (himself) in carrying stones for the building of that powerful structure. He also established Madrasah (Islamic and educational institution for the community). The first one under his supervision was named Suffah. He also established Mu’akhah brotherly relations between the Muhajirun (Muslims who migrated from Makkah) and the Ansar (residents of Madinah who helped the Prophet and his Companions). He was involved in cleaning the city; he dug well, providing water for the whole community. It was said that more than 50 wells were dug in the city of Madinah and there was enough clean water for everyone. The city which was known for vices like drunkenness, murder etc also became safe through his da'wah. So, do what you can to develop the society you are living in.

Again, the Prophet (s.a.w) carried out the commandment of Allah. As Muslims, we have to be conscious of Allah’s commandments and prohibitions in the Quran, the ability to distinguish between divine commandments and personal interest is required.

You should seek to rise in rank in the sight of Allah by constantly working to be a better Muslim. Remember again, the hadiths of the Prophet which says: “A Muslim is someone who spares people the harm of his tongue and his hand, and a migrant is someone who migrates away from what God has forbidden” Happy new year!

MAP AMA holds con MAPAMA convvention

M

OSHOOD Abiola P o l y t e c h n i c Abeokuta Muslim Alumni, MAPAMA, has concluded arrangement to hold its 2013 National Convention on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

According to a statement by the National President, Lukman Junayd, the convention with the theme “Creating Wealth through Sustainable Business Partnership” will hold at LCCI Conference Hall, Central Business District, Alausa, Lagos.

Junayd emphasised that this year’s MAPAMA convention’s topic was specifically chosen to empower members in their various businesses and professions, noting that the association has been

empowering members through its various programmes.

He said: “members have benefited from many topical presentations at the monthly forum across states while the Association has been implementing many welfare schemes for undergraduates at the Alma-mata as well as members.”

The statement further stated that Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a distinguished alumni and member of Mapama, will be the Special Guest of Honour while the Group Head, Non-Interest Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Dr Basheer Oshodi will be the guest speaker. Chairman, Board of Trustees of MAPAMA, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri will be the Chief Host.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle) members Osun State government and residents watching the fireworks to mark the new Hijrah 1435 recently in Osogbo, Osun State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—35

Celebration of new Hijri 1435 BYADERONKEADEYERI

Show love to humanity — Onimosa Onimosa,, dep Imam, An-Nurul Islam

Islamic banking can turn Nigeria int o into major int'l financial hub — Sanusi T

HE Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, said Islamic financial products have the capacity for ensuring financial inclusion of significant segment of the population.

Sanusi stated this recently in Abuja at the National Conference on Islamic Banking and Finance in Nigeria, organised

by Sheikh Nasir Kabara Research Centre in Abuja.

He stated that when properly harnessed, Islamic finance could contribute significantly in turning Nigeria into a major international financial centre.

"Islamic finance has shown its potential in achieving financial inclusion in many economies by bringing in large under bank populations, especially Muslims into the urbanised financial sector."

"We have so far registered Jaiz bank, and we have given a licence to Stanbic IBTC Bank to operate some window."

"We have given an approval in principle to Sterling Bank to operate an Islamic window and a microfinance bank that has applied for Islamic banking licence."

"This is in addition to the work being done by National Insurance Commission to promote Takaful, an Islamic insurance product,’’ he said.

Sanusi said that many Islamic financial markets had established their presence in all the major financial centres and were playing key roles in deepening the financial markets with products across the globe.

"In the face of the growing interconnectedness of the global financial system and its integration, it is thus unrealistic for any existing or aspiring financial centre to be oblivious of this development.

"Last week, I was at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum in London hosted by the UK Government. Prime Minister David Cameron announced his government’s plan to make London a capital for Islamic finance to the Western world."

"He said it would stand alongside Dubai and Kuala Lumpur as one of the great capital of Islamic finance."

"The UK is embarking on this plan, despite the fact that it is a non-Islamic country.

"This illustrates what we have been saying; that Islamic finance, though based on Sharia, is a financial product with clear goals and is accessible to all,’’ he said.

The CBN boss noted that Islamic finance works effective-

ly in attracting liquidity through the Sukuk, a loan facility for infrastructure development, used currently to aid developing economies in building their much-needed infrastructure.

"It is in view of this potential that the Central Bank, in conjunction with other sister institutions, has assembled a technical team to explore this prospects of alternative modes of finance.

"The team has identified in its report potential projects that can be financed by sovereign and sub-sovereign Sukuk; the projects include upgrade, maintenance, repairs and new construction of roads and highways.

"They also include upgrade, renovation and construction of airports, rehabilitation of the rail line and the building of a new rail line and railway stations,’’ he said.

He said the would also provide part funding for the construction of the planned three refineries and mass housing, as well as light rail for some states in the federation.

The Chairman, Jaiz Bank, Dr Umaru Mutallab, said Islamic banking was growing rapidly and was expected to continue.

"Islamic banking has evolved from being just a niche offering into being part of the mainstream financial service landscape.

M

USLIMS should not celebrate Hijrah by drinking or indulging in ungodly things, rather, it is a period to move closer to Allah and show love to humanity. According to the Holy Qu’ran Chapter 9 verse 36 (Surat Taobah) A true follower of Prophet Mohammed should maximise the period for the service of Allah. Hijrah is a time for Muslims to come together, a time to organise mass rally round the world to propagate the good work of Prophet Mohammed. It is also a period to organise open field lectures where the followers of Allah we hear his words and give alms to the less privilege. The An-Nurul-Islam Society used the day to pray for

the nation and create awareness Hijrah indicates migration to a better place, they should migrate from every act of indiscipline and sin to become law abiding citizens and good followers of Prophet Mohammad.

I implore Muslims to have a change of heart, Islam is a religion of love, a religion that encourages giving back to the society, let all Muslims irrespective of your tribes show love to one another. As we celebrate the beginning of another year, let us resolve to doing good. I also encourage those in power to change their ways of life. Nigeria is a country flowing with milk and honey. God has richly bless us with resources that is more than enough for everybody. Those in power should work on making the nation a better place for everybody.

•Lamido Sanusi

UNILA G alumni urge Muslims UNILAG to imbibe Hijrah lessons

I

SLAMIC year known as the Hijrah, the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni has urged Nigerians Muslims and non-Muslims alike to imbibe the lessons of Hijrah in the overall benefit of the country.

The group in a press statement signed by its President, Alhaji Lere Alimi said the essence of Hijrah is for Muslim Ummah to cultivate the habit of embracing virtues and doing away with bad habits.

Hijrah has its history in the journey by Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) from Makkah to Medinah in the year 622 AD and since then it has become significant in the Muslim world as the Islamic Calendar year.

Alimi opined that if the nation’s political leaders govern with the fear of Allah and remain committed to campaign promises, life will become worthy and promising for the people.

The UMA President lamented that endemic corruption still remains the greatest challenge in the country which he said constitutes the greatest

hindrance to socio-economic development of the nation.

“For so long since the nation got her independence from the colonialists the people of the country have been subjected to long years of misrule and high level of corruption even by its own people. The dream of the founding fathers is on the verge of been shattered by successive governments and despite abundant human and natural resources millions of Nigerians yet live in abject poverty”.

He however stressed the need for the people to take their destinies in their own hands by always keeping those in government on their toes through regular demands to accountability.

On the lingering ASUU strike, Alimi lamented that within the period of four months that universities had been under lock dreams of many students would have been shattered.

He appealed to government and the University lecturers to reconsider their stands and come to a common ground for resolution of the strike in the overall good of the students and the nation.

Adhere to the teachings of Prov.

Muhammad — Olohungbebe, Imam, Lagos Secretariat Mosque

T

HE celebrated Hijrah was not the only time Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) migrated to another place, he had migrated twice but this is the most popular one because it was with huge success and significance. His achievement included building of a mosque, an Islamic and educational school, digging of well for the people of Medina. He at a time traveled from Mecca to Abyssinia that is known as Ethiopia today but even before his arrival, somebody had been sent from Makkah to order the King not to permit his stay. On his second migration, he encountered series of hurdles, there was a time he spent three days in a cave, but all these did not stop his good works.

The significance of Hijrah is to strictly adhere to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. An hadith says even when there is no Hijrah again, we should follow the injunctions of Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of Allah.

My message to Nigerians is that they should refrain from killing in the name of religion, Islam is a religion of peace and not about killing people and non-Muslims in particular. Our leaders should be God-fearing and lead the country justly.

Hajj: 3,264 Zamfara pilgrims return

T

HE Zamfara Task Force Committee on Hajj, on Wednes day said a total 3, 264 pilgrims from the state have returned home.

The Chairman, Publicity and Information subcommittee, Prof.

Abdullahi Shinkafi, who disclosed this at a news conference in Gusau, said the number was part of the 4, 088 pilgrims that performed the hajj.

Shinkafi, who is also Commissioner for Religious Affairs, said the rest of the 824 pilgrims would be conveyed back home in two flights by Saturday.

He described this year's hajj operation as successful, and thanked the state government for its support to the committee. Shinkafi expressed appreciation to the pilgrims for their cooperation and display of good conduct during their stay in the holy land.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

30 months after, soldiers still guard Togo's remains

Edo flood victims get free malaria treatment

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI— SOLDIERS have continued to mount guard over the remains of exmilitant leader and founder of defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, “Gen” John Togo, at the Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, two and half years after his death.

John Togo was killed by the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Niger-Delta on May 14, 2011, in an aerial bombardment of his camp.

The soldiers, who carried out the attack, were unaware that their principal target, Togo, died in the encounter and was buried by his lieutenants.

However, acting on a tip-off 24 hours after, soldiers exhumed Togo’s remains and brought them to the Central Hospital, Warri.

“Since that day,” a top official of the hospital told Vanguard, yesterday, in Warri, “soldiers have been guarding the remains.

“They are at the gate of the mortuary both day and night.

They check to ensure that nobody takes away the corpse.

You know the ways of

B

E N I N — COMMUNITIES affected by flood in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, received free malaria treatment and mosquito treated nets, yesterday.

The drugs and mosquito treated nets were donated to the communities by the Agbami Partners, which comprise Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Star Deep Water Petroleum Ltd., Famfa Oil Ltd., Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Statoil and Petroleo Brasileiro Nig. Ltd. Speaking on the occasion, the Director, Star Deepwater Petroleum, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing, said that they were implementing the Roll Back Malaria initiative in the affected communities.

Mantrac runs promo

M

ANTRAC Nigeria Limited, the sole Caterpillar dealer, is offering a wide range of CAT generator sets for residential, commercial and industrial use this festive season.

Mr. Edmond MartinLawson, Managing Director of Mantrac said: “The global brand promise of the CAT power systems is in its lifetime of low cost through exceptional fuel economy.”

He said comprehensive financial solutions are also available to customers, while the promotion lasts.

soldiers.”

Reacting to the claim that Togo’s corpse might have been removed from the hospital’s morgue, the official said: “How is that possible? I have just told you that soldiers are there guarding the remains. So who removed it and how?

“It is true that there was a time the management of the hospital said people should come and remove unclaimed corpses because the place was filled with unidentified corpses, but it had nothing to do with Togo’s remains.”

There was speculation recently that military authorities had authorised the removal of the remains for burial, but there was no confirmation of same.

‘He deserves a hero’s burial’

Meanwhile, one of his former lieutenants, “Captain” Mark Anthony, told Vanguard yesterday: “We are making preparations for the burial of John Togo. We appreciate the news of the army authorities releasing the corpse to NDLF

and Togo’s family.

“However, we have not gone to the police in Warri, as the news says the corpse had been released. One duty we owe John Togo is to give him proper heroic burial as Ijaw tradition demands.”

Vanguard learnt that the group, communicated the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice through its solicitor, seeking the release of the corpse for burial and demanding for compensation for his family.

Dickson commends Nembe communities

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA— GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, commended the chiefs and leaders of Oluasiri community in Nembe Local Government Area of the state, for the prevailing peace, law and order in the community despite the challenges confronting them.

Oluasiri is an oil rich

community on the Atlantic fringe bordering Bayelsa and Rivers states.

Dickson, while receiving the chairman and members of the Nembe Bassambiri Council of Chiefs in Yenagoa, expressed satisfaction with their conduct and called on other communities to emulate them.

He said: “For us in Bayelsa, because we value our common fraternity, I know that you have all exercised

restraint.

“I have also called for restraint in resolving the issues that some people try to raise from time to time.

“I commend you all, especially the Nembe people, for your restraint and understanding.”

Burial

‘Calls for Kuku's sack mischievous'

F

ORMER ex-militants leader, ‘General‘ Preye Ekpebide, yesterday, described those calling for the sack of Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, as mischief-makers.

He expressed confidence in the management of the funds by the Amnesty Office.

Ekpedide, who spoke in Bomadi, Delta State, said that Kuku had demonstrated prudence and accountability in handling the programme,

adding that he had also shown that he was a detribalised Niger Deltan.

The ex-militant leader, who is also the chairman Delta State Phase III of the programme, however, noted that since the payment of the Phase III of the amnesty programme, the boys that fought with them were yet to be paid their entitlements.

He said there was no ‘General' without boys, and that the boys were facing hardship since they were yet to receive their stipend.

He said: “We call on the financial section of the amnesty programme to look into this issue and ensure that all documented ex-militants of the Phase III are paid.”

The ex-militant leader commended Kuku for his efforts in ensuring that all exmilitants benefit from the amnesty programme and urged him to convince the president of the need to provide more slots for the Phase III exmilitants.

ATE Mrs. Ogugua Okonji, 62, of Isieke quarters in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been laid to rest.

Transition Committee Chairman of the council, Mr. Innocent Esewezie, urged her children, including one of his political aids, Miss Isioma Okonji, to take heart.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

L

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Golden Eaglets'performance

N

IGERIAN youths have good potential, but the knuckleheads ruling the country are always trying to kill their dream. What is wrong in the so-called Oga at the top organising different clubs for these children to play each other?— Mrs Ifeoma Ayambuba, Businesswoman.

C

ONGRATULATIONS to these young budding talents. I pray that the star of your destinies will help you do well in the final and grab the coveted trophy. NFF should promote various developmental programmes for these young lads. — Miss Anastasia Ezeka, NYSC Member.

I

T is wonderful to have great talents. I am happy to be a Nigeria and I wish them success and God’s blessing as they play Mexico in the final match. I know that the God that started good things will surely perfect it to the end. — Miss Ukoma Ezeokoye, Student.

O

UR boys were indomitable, resilient and good at team work. When it seemed they were running out of steam, and the Swedes seemed likely to equalise, our heroes dug in their heels and took the fight to the opponents.— Mr. Nonso Azudiefe, Student.

I

F our young boys, a mirror image of Nigerians (Christians, Muslims, Ibo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba) can unite and defeat rivals; then we can overcome each of our arch enemies— corruption, impunity, mediocrity, legislooters, etc.— Mr. Japhet Emejuru, Businessman.

N

IGERIA is blessed with great talents.

The problem is that we don’t believe in our abilities. After watching the quarter final match, there were fears for the game against the Swedes. I give God all the Glory. — Miss Cynthia Osuchukwu, Communicator.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—37

Amnesty beneficiaries hail Kuku

Delta Foreign Poly Project suffers financial setback

P

B

OMADI—THE Foreign Polytechnic Project in Delta State, which is a partnership between a United Kingdom- based tertiary institution and the Bomadi Vicariate of the Catholic Church, has suffered a set-back, owing to the failure to raise the over N10 million, needed to complete the ongoing building project.

Speaking with newsmen in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, the head of the Vicariate, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo, said that the fund raising ceremony held to raise funds for the completion of the project was a flop, as none of the highly placed politicians from the area supported the efforts of the church to build a higher institution in the area.

He lamented the attitude of able sons and daughters of the area towards the project, adding that the Catholic Church wooed the project to the area due to non-availability of higher institutions in the riverine area of the state.

ICCN set for 2013 dinner, dance

N

O fewer than five legal luminaries within and outside the country will grace the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, ICCN, annual dinner and dance being organised to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the ICC International Court of Arbitration. The event coming up in Lagos, November 22, will feature several activities.

A statement by the Secretary-General of ICCN, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, said that the 2013 edition of the annual dinner is to mark the 90 years of the court and celebrate the achievements and milestone of the chamber.

The occasion will be chaired by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, and the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who will be the keynote speaker.

Other dignitaries expected at the event include the special guest of honour, Mr. John Beechey, President, ICC International Court of Arbitration, who will be joined by members of the Diplomatic Corps.

DIGITAL EDUCATION: Ms. Ronke Ogunbodede, representative, Events and Sponsorship Segment, MTN (left), Mr. Samuel Arewa, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, MTN(right), and students from West End Mixed Secondary School, who participated in the MTN-sponsored digital enlightenment initiative in Delta State.

Amioku, Ighrakpata, others express confidence in Aguariavwodo

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—A CROSS section of Urhobo leaders, yesterday, expressed confidence that Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo would give the Urhobo nation adequate representation in the Senate.

Those who spoke include Chief Tom Amioku, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata,Chief Ominimini Obiuvwevbi, Chief Felix Anirah, Chief Arthur Akpowowo, Mr. Daniel Idolor, Mr Johnson Boro and Mr. Godwin Atose.

Chief Amioku said “the emergence of Senator Aguariavwodo has put paid to politics of opposition in Urhoboland and I want to congratulate him on his inauguration.”

Chief Ighrakpata said Senator Aguariavwodo would give the Urhobo adequate representation having served in the House of Representatives and as Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, saying: “The emergence of Senator Aguariavwodo is a good development in the political his-

tory of the Urhobo nation.”

Chief Ominimini Obiuvwevbi, said “Wednesday has recorded a monumental return to the Mukoro Mowoe’s vision for the Urhobo people, the Mukoro Mowoe’s vision is to continuously put measures in place to ensure that the Urhobos are prominent in national politics. As Urhobo, we must depart from politics of opposition.”

Delta State PDP Youth Leader, Chief Arthur Akpowowo, said: “The swearing-in ceremony is an epoch making event for us as Urhobo people because we had been excluded from the Senate for over four months and with the swering-in, we have a member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, representing us in the upper chamber.”

Mr Daniel Idonor, on his part, said: “Wednesday's swearing-in is a landmark event for the Urhobo people in the sense that the Urhobo have decided to return to their home, the PDP. Now

the Urhobo representative in the Senate can sit with the highest decision making body to discuss issues of common interest.”

Mr Godwin Atose, said “Wednesday's ceremony has marked a new beginning in the political history of the Urhobo people because the Urhobos have been known to be a great nation in the politics of Nigeria. However, in the past two years, we have not been at the centre due to politics of opposition, but the emergence of Aguariavwodo has corrected all of that.”

While congratulating Senator Aguariavwodo on his election and swearing-in, Mr Johnson Boro, said Aguariavwodo has the capacity to attract democratic dividends to the Urhobo people.

Chief Felix Anirah on his part, said the election of Aguarivwodo has taken the Urhobo nation out of politics of opposition, urging the people to give the senator all the needed support to effectively carry on with his legislative duties.

NDDC's LG electrification project in Edo to be completed March 2014

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—THE over N700 million electrification project embarked upon by Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, will be completed in the first quarter of 2014, the state's commissioner on the board of NDDC, Mr Henry Okhuarobo, has said.

The Edo NDDC representative, who disclosed this to newsmen during an inspection of some of the on-going projects

which cut across over 30 communities in the oil rich Orhiomnwon, said however, that the HT/LT electrification projects in Igbekhue and Presco-Obagie-Idunowina, which were awarded in 2012 had been completed.

He said: “NDDC has a comprehensive plan to electrify Orhiomnwon and some neighbouring councils. Before now, the people of Orhiomnwon have been depending on Delta State for electricity, but we have put in place some electricity

projects that will enable them now generate electricity within.

“We constructed an inter town connection line linking 13 villages. We are generating power from Sapele Road substation to a substation in Ugo. The other half is the sub-station itself in Ugo, which is a 30MVA substation which is another project on its own. When completed, it will light up Orhionmwon and extend power to some parts of Uhumwonde and Ikpoba Okhai.”

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT— BENEFICIARIES of the Federal Government's amnesty programme for Niger Delta, under the Okoloma Ikpangi Unit in Bonny, Rivers State, have hailed the Presidential Adviser on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, for the prompt and full payment of their allowances.

Speaking to Vanguard in Port Harcourt, after a meeting of some beneficiaries on the recent payment by the Amnesty Office, Diebo Jumbo, of the Okoloma Ikpangi beneficiary cluster, said allowances have become timely and in full after Kuku resorted to direct payment, following complaints that proxies hitherto entrusted to pay were delaying disbursement and pilfering released allowances.

The Bonny beneficiary group alleged that under one of the officials who was earlier entrusted to pay them, they only received N10,000 monthly, adding that since Kuku’s commencement of direct transfer to individual accounts, they have been earning N65,000 per beneficiary.

The ex-militants appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to disregard recent allegations of misconduct against Kuku, adding that were borne out of malice.

Madam Gbemre for burial

S

ERVICE of songs for the late Mama Bage Gbemre will be held today at her compound, Iwhrekan Town, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State at 4pm.

Her remains will leave Nobel Mortuary, DSC Expressway, tomorrow, at 10am for her husband's compound, Ukpiovwin Town, before her interment at 12 noon.

An outing serving will eollow on Sunday at God’s Power Mission Ogbe-Udu Town.

Late Mama Bage Gbemre

38—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Privatisation: Abakaliki residents expect improved power supply

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BAKALIKI— SOME residents in Abakaliki, yesterday, said they expected that the justconcluded privatisation exercise in the power sector would enhance their economic fortunes.

They said this in Abakaliki in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. They told NAN that they expected the reforms to translate to immediate improvement in power supply and ultimately rub-off on their businesses.

Mr. Isaac Ituma, a cold room operator, said he was optimistic that the privatisation exercise would boost commercial activities.

He said that he expected the improvement in power supply to translate to more business opportunities for residents.

“Many businesses have closed down because of inefficient power supply and we believe that the latest move by the Federal Government will resurrect the comatose power sector,” he said.

Group flays Orubebe’s guber bid

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— TOWARDS 2015 governorship race, a group, Concerned Citizenship Niger Delta Forum, CCNDF, has expressed concern over the aspiration of Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe.

At its last monthly meeting in Ahoada, Rivers State, the group made up of youth activists across Niger Delta said it would not support the minister’s governorship ambition.

In a statement following the meeting, National Chairman of the group, Matthew Daniel who hails from Buruttu said: “The East West Road under his supervision may not be completed before 2015. “ Others at the Ahoada meeting of CCNDF include Joseph Turu, Vice Chairman, Seaman Ayeson David (Edo, Secretary), Adwie Abelo (Rivers), Adama Temibre (Bayelsa) and Aminugo Williams (Delta ).

Gov Okorocha tasks town planners on Nigeria’s devt CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State Gov ernor, Chief Rochas Okorocha has called on town planners in the country to brace up for the challenges of developing the nation.

Okorocha spoke while flagging off the 44th annual conference of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, in Owerri yesterday.

The theme of the conference ‘’land use, planning and national security, is very apt, especially now that our nation is under threat due to criminal insurgencies,” he said: He identified the inability or unwillingness of the nation’s leaders to work and corruption as the bane of development in the country.

According to Okorocha, proper urban planning would reduce the cost of governance, as well as solve the problems of establishing acceptable human settlements.

Earlier in his opening address, the NITP National President, Chief Steve Onu, said the institute was concerned about poor town planning say-

ing that the ugly development was effecting the corporate existence of Nigeria.

Onu however, said that the NITP was committed to finding solutions to the problem

through planning.

A guest lecturer on the occasion, Brigadier-General Olatunji Reis, rtd, noted that poor urban planning encouraged crimes which put citi-

zens at risk.

Participants from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, attended the conference.

SAFETY WEEK: From left: Mr. Oluropo Owolabi, MD, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd, SAHCOL, Capt. Godwin Akosim, GM, Ramp Operation, NCAA and ACP Chuks Enwonwu, Operations Department, Airport Police Command, during the SAHCOL Safety Week 2013 in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

CAN counsels Ebonyi pilgrims on good conduct

BY PETER OKUTU BAKALIKI—THE Chris tian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ebonyi State chapter, yesterday, warned the 369 pilgrims from the state to be good ambassadors by avoiding acts capable of embarrassing their faith.

Chairman of CAN in the state, Dr. Emmanuel Nshii who gave the advice while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki on members’ level of preparedness for the spiritual exercise said that it was necessary for the pilgrims to comport themselves well during their stay in Israel, so that the essence of the exercise would be achieved.

According to him, the pilgrims who have been sched-

A

uled to leave for the Holy Land today through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will spend 12 days in Israel.

He said: “the association will

not condone any acts contrary to Christian norms and standards.

“Our pilgrims from the state should comport themselves as

Govts urged to embrace agriculture

O

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—Federal and state governments have been advised to embrace agriculture if the nation’s quest for self sufficiency in food production would be realised.

An Owerri-based veterinary doctor, Dr. Godwin Offor, who made the plea in an interview with Vanguard, however, lamented over the way successive federal and state governments

had neglected agriculture for decades.

“Economic potentials abound in the agricultural sector. Apart from helping to absorb our teeming unemployed youths, it is one sure way of ensuring food sufficiency for our equally large population.

“Our teeming unemployed graduates can be gainfully employed in poultry farming.

Apart from helping to reduce

Kogi spends N1.186bn to relocate flood victims

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

L

OKOJA—KOGI State Gov ernment said it has spent about N565 million on 272 housing units for relocation of 2012 flood victims.

The Commissioner for Land and Housing, Mr. Stephen Mayaki disclosed this, yesterday, while briefing the Good Governance Tour Team in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The commissioner explained that the project, which comprised 78 two bedrooms and 81 one bedrooms is in rersponse to the flooding that ravaged some parts of the

good ambassadors of Christ and Ebonyi State so that their actions do not cause any embarrassment to Christianity.“

state last year as a long term measure and accommodation for the victims of the flooding.

He also stated that the houses were built at N2.4 million and N1.8 million respectively for the two categories of housing in the estate.

He added that additional N621 million had been approved by the governor for infrastructure development in the area.

According to him, the project is being funded from the N500 million donation from federal government and donations from corporate and organised civil society groups from within and outside the country.

The project, which he said started in April this year has reached 90 per cent completion and is expected to be handed over to occupiers in three months time.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defense, Mr. Labaran Maku represented by his Special Assistance on Media, Mr. Kingsley Osadolor commended the initiative and the Federal Government for its intervention on the project.

He urged the state government to ensure adequate security on the property.

unemployment, poultry farming can also make the farmers economically self reliant.

Imo to renovate Magistrates’ Courts

O

WERRI—GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo has directed the immediate renovation of Magistrates’ Courts in the State.

Okorocha gave the order when he visited Nwaorieubi Magistrates’ Court in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.

He frowned at the level of dilapidation of the office blocks and court buildings.

He said the environment was totally unacceptable as it could dampen the morale of the magistrates.

The governor said his administration had commenced the reconstruction of Owerri Magistrates’ Court and would extend same to others in the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—39

,

LECTURE: From left, Director of Institute for Security Studies, ISS, Olalekan Odugbemi; Guest lecturer/Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Director of Medical Services, ISS, Greenwell Ernest, and Director, Training, SS, Lawal Argungu, during the ISS 2013 Graduation Lecture, in Abuja.

PRESENTATION: From left, Mr. Godfrey Odamah, Branch Manager, Shoprite, Lekki; Mrs. Nkechi Nwachukwu, Brand Manager, Sky Vodka; Mr. Sanya Salako, winner in Sky Vodka 'Buy and Win' promo; Mr. Paul Omekwe, National Sales Manager, Brian Munro Ltd, and Mr. Fidelis Ajibogun, Zonal Coordinator, Lagos Zonal Office, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, at the presentation of Kia Piccanto car grand prize to Salako by Brian Munro, marketers of Sky Vodka

AWARD From left, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Solid Minerals, Kwara State, Mrs. Ikeoluwa Orunmuyi, representing wife of Kwara State Governor; representative of wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Mosumola Junaid, and wife of Oyo State Governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi, during the conferment of award of excellence by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigines, CCII, at Civic Centre, Ibadan. Photo: Shola Oyelese

COMMISSIONING; From left, HRM, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Elegushi of Ikate Land; representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Professor Placid Njoku, President, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science; His Royal Majesty, Oba Tijani Akinloye, OON , Chairman/CEO, Akin-Sateru Farms, Ajah; Mr. Tunde Owolabi, Group Head, First Bank Plc, Lagos; representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mrs. Funmi Bamtefa, at the formal commissioning of ultra modern Pelletised Floating Fish Feed Equipment, Ajah, Lagos.

VISIT: From left, Director of Human Resources Department, ITF, Jos, Ayo Alabi; Director General/ Chief Executive, Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Professor Longmas Sambo, and Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, during a visit by the management of ITF to the Governor's Office, in Akure.

MUSICAL: From left, Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye; Myma Belo-Osagie, and member, Board of Directors, Etisalat Nigeria, Isabella Okagbue, at Etisalat sponsored Saro, the Musical, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

ENLIGHTENMENT: Ms. Ronke Ogunbodede, representative, Events and Sponsorship Segment, MTN (left), and Mr. Samuel Arewa, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, MTN (right), and students from West End Mix Secondary School, participants in the digital enlightenment initiative, sponsored

by MTN, at South Gate Hotel, Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State.

TRIBUTE: From left, Professor Soji Akomolafe, husband of the daughter of the deceased; daughter, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akomolafe, and Mrs. Afolake St. Mathew Daniel, at the Day of Tributes for the former Head of Service, Oyo State, Princess Tejumade Alakija, at House of Chiefs Secretariat, Ibadan.

Photo: Sola Oyelese

ANNIVERSARY: From left, Mayor Michael Ayodele, Mayor of Brent, United Kingdom; Mr. Ayodele Adewale, Executive Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local VISIT: Mr. Charles Gerald, Corporate Affairs Department, Vanguard Government Area; Chief Pius Akinyelure, Guest of Honour, and Chief Charles Newspapers, addressing students of Kiddies Kingdom Private School, Odugbesan, All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Protem Secretary, during Olayinka Adenubi Street, Aviation Estate, Mafoluku, Oshodi, during their the 5th anniversary account of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area stewardship, visit to Vanguard Media Ltd, Apapa, Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau and breakfast with media, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi C M Y K

40—Vanguard, FRIDDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Ohanaeze chieftain urges Igbo to unite

Kaduna gov assures corps members of adequate security

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K

ADUNA —GOV ERNOR Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, yesterday, assured the 2013 Batch ‘C’ National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members posted to the state, of adequate security during their one year national youth service.

Represented by his Deputy, Nuhu Bajoga, the governor said at the flag off of orientation course for the corps members in Kaduna that various security measures had been taken to ensure the security and safety of all corps members. ‘’I urge you also to be security conscious and cooperate with all security operatives to have a secured environment," he said.

Yero said the NYSC had provided a platform for educated youths to contribute their own quota to the socio-economic development of the country.

He challenged the new corps members to leave behind legacies of selfless sacrifice and commitment to the development of their host communities.

"Your predecessors over the years have been able to leave several legacies behind, try and leave yours," the governor added.

Earlier the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Victoria Ango, said a total of 2, 210 corps members were registered to serve in the state in the next one year.

AGRIC SHOW—Farm produce displayed at the 2013 National Agricultural Show in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Danjuma lamments lack of maintenance culture

BY TAYE OBATERU & MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS— FORMER Minster of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, rtd, has identified lack of maintenance culture as the bane of many institutions in the country, calling for a change to make things better.

Speaking, yesterday, while commissioning a dialysis centre- DEE-Medical Centre, he said “one of the challenges facing the country is lack of maintenance culture and this has crippled many viable institutions in the country.”

According to him, “the problem is either lack of equipment or lack of maintenance culture. This has to be addressed for the betterment of our institutions.”

Chief Medical Director of the centre, Dr. Gyang Dareng said the experience of patients

especially blood infectious ones at the Nephrology and Urology units of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, where patients have difficult times to be dialyzed brought about the vision of offering preventive and curative medical care to patients and reduce the rate of traveling out of the country for medical issues.

According to him, “the pas-

Commissioner resigns over alleged move by Kwankwaso to join APC

K

ANO —THE Kano State Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Farouk Iya, has resigned his appointment in protest against alleged moves

by Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

FG can't solve security problems in North-East — Rep it is today. men at NUJ secretariat

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—THE member representing Bauchi Federal Constituency at the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aliyu Gebi has said that the Federal Government lacks the political will to address the insecurity challenges bedevilling the NorthEast part of the country.

Gebi spoke, yesterday, while fielding questions from news-

Bauchi.

He expressed disappointment over the manner in which the Federal Government was handling the security problems in the geopolitical zone, saying that it had not done enough to confront the security challenges.

“The Federal Government has not done enough to address the issue of insecurity in the country and it is disheartening that the situation has deteriorated to the level

sion to build this centre came because of our experiences with patients with renal failure during our training in JUTH and the incidences of patients developing renal injury everyday led us into this capital-intensive project which has proven to be expensive to manage both for the healthcare provider and the patients.”

AGOS—THE Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Olorunda LCDA of Lagos State, Chief Gilbert Ikeagwuonu Ezeike, has charged Igbos in Lagos to united regardless of the largely misunderstood Igbo republican nature.

He gave the advice during the installation of Eze Ekene Ajunwa as Eze Udo of Olorunda Local Council Development Area by Eze Nwabueze Ohazulike, Eze Ndi Igbo of Lagos at New Oko-Oba, IfakoIjaiye LGA, recently.

He regretted that though Igbos were accomplished intellectuals, and international businessmen of repute, they have continually been denied of their rightful position in the leadership of Nigeria.

He regretted that lack of cohesion has resulted in the factionalization of the Igbos into groups of opposition.

He enjoined Igbos everywhere to learn to speak with one voice and commended Igbos living in Olorunda LCDA for their spirit of co-existence with other Nigerians in the LCDA.

“When people are denied social justice, it will not be right to think that all is well and if we assume that all is well then we are wallowing in self deceit. For over two years now, the government has spent a lot of money on insecurity and yet nothing has been achieved,” he said.

On the elongation of state of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan, Gebi argued that nothing had been achieved in the last six months of the emergency rule.

Speaking to newsmen, yesterday in Kano, Iya said he was not ready to dump the PDP for APC. “It is true that I have submitted my resignation letter to the state governor, because the government is trying to or has joined APC and I am not interested in the APC. “The governor is my leader and there is nothing wrong between me and him but I will remain in PDP,” he said.

The resignation letter, made available to newsmen by the commissioner, reads: “In view of the government’s decision to join the APC, I hereby resign from the executive council.

“I will no longer be in a position to give you my honest contribution when I have no allegiance to the party.

“This letter comes from my greatest respect.”

It will be recalled that Kwankwaso, recently received leaders of the APC in Kano, who were wooing him to dump the PDP and join the new party.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kwankwaso has presented names of three candidates to the state House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioner and local government interim management officers.

Alhaji Tajuddeen Gambo was nominated for appointment as Commissioner while Alhaji Magaji Zarewa and Alhaji Musa Kachako were nominated for appointment as Interim Officers.

The Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Gambo Sallau, made this known during the house plenary session.

He said the nominees would appear before the house on Tuesday for screening and urged the legislators to attend the session.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 41

C M Y K

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—43

•Oyinlola

•Tukur

PDP and Oyinlola: Upside Down LAST Wednesday the Court of Appeal affirmed Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the National Secretary of the Bamanga Tukur led mainstream of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Oyinlola is also the National Secretary of the Kawu Baraje led faction of the party. Yesterday, the intrigues became more bizarre after the nPDP served notice on Tukur to swear Oyinlola in as the National Secretary of the mainstream faction latest by next Monday!

T

HE battle for the control of the soul of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP last Wednesday took a dramatic twist with the judgment of the Court of Appeal which re-instated Prince Olagunsoye Onyinola, as National Secretary of the party.

The three-man panel sitting in Abuja and chaired by Justice Amiru Sanusi upturned the January 11, 2013 judgment of the Federal High court, Abuja that declared Oyinlola’s nomination and subsequent election as the National Secretary of PDP as invalid, null and void and ruled that Oyinlola should be sacked. The appeal court verdict said that the High Court lacked the jurisdiction to meddle into issues bothering on domestic affairs of a political party.

The High Court declaration was based on the order and two separate judgments of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which nullified the South West zonal congress that produced Oyinlola as candidate for the position of national secretary in the March 24, 2012 national convention in Abuja.

Prior to the convention, other candidates for that office

including Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Chief Olusola Oke; Professor Tunde Adeniran; Dapo Sarumi, among others had openly complained that they were forced out of the race in favour of Oyinlola.

However, not long after the Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee, NWC was inaugurated on March 24, 2012, trouble broke out between him and most members of the NWC with Oyinlola, the national secretary as the arrow head of the opposition against the national chairman.

It was not difficult to understand the nature of the trouble. Tukur was essentially positioned by President Goodluck Jonathan while Oyinlola was the candidate of the governors.

As the crisis intensified within the national secretariat Tukur was accused of taking opportunity of Oyinlola’s troubles at home to push his national secretary out of the NWC. Indeed three days after the January 11 judgment by the Lagos Federal High Court presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati that Oyinlola was not qualified to contest the election, Tukur took the issue to a meeting of the NWC

where it was resolved that Oyinlola should be replaced by his then deputy, Barrister Onwe Solomon Onwe. Onwe, remarkably was just one of about three persons in the NWC that Tukur could count on for support within the NWC. The emergency meeting of the NWC which took the decision had the following in attendance: Tukur; former Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; Deputy National Secretary, Onwe; former National Auditor, Bode Mustapha; National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha; former National Treasurer, Bala Bawa Kaoje; and National Financial Secretary, Elder Bolaji Akpan Anani.

Following the meeting Tukur issued a statement saying thus: ''Pursuant to the powers conferred on the National Chairman by Chapter V Section 35 (1), 35 (1)(b) as well as section 36(2) of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, (as amended), the Deputy National Secretary of the PDP, Barr. Solomon Onwe is hereby directed to assume duties as the Acting National Secretary of the PDP. “Barr Onwe shall by this

directive conduct all correspondences of the party, issue notices of meetings of the National Convention, the National Executive Committee, the National Caucus and the National Working Committee as stipulated in the Constitution of our great Party.

“This directive takes immediate effect and is hereby communicated to all the levels and offices of the Party.”

Not happy with the

,

BY HENRY UMORU

non-justiciable, just as he stressed that the plaintiffs failed to maximize the internal remedies provided by the party for adjudication of disputes, adding that the crux of the matter was such that neither the Federal High Court nor indeed any court of law, has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the suit.

Besides, he submitted that the trial judge erred in law when the court disregarded the ruling of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal in CA/35/12 delivered on June 25, 2012, and held that the entire action does not constitute an abuse of court process.

Oyinlola consequently asked for an order reversing the judgment given by Justice Kafarati and substituting thereto, an order striking out and or dismissing the entire action with substantial cost.

Meanwhile, the party had also become ensnared on account of reservations raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC that the election of many of the executive officers at the March 2012 national convention was irregular.

Hence, a special national convention was ordered for August 31, 2013 to regularize the elections. Prior to that election, members of the NWC affected by the INEC report were compelled to resign from office leading to the emergence of Remi Akitoye as acting national secretary before Prof. Wale Oladipo was sworn in as substantive national secretary following an extraordinary congress in July by the South West zonal chapter of the party.

Meanwhile, when push came to shove at the special national convention last

As the crisis intensified within the national secretariat Tukur was accused of taking opportunity of Oyinlola’s troubles at home to push his national secretary out of the NWC

development at the party and when the opportunity came for him to fight back, Oyinlola, joined the splitter group led

by Abubakar Kawu Baraje and he was made the National secretary August 31 st.

Prior to his pitching tent with the Baraje led group, Oyinlola had approached the Appeal Court in January and insisted that the subject matter of his suit was purely a domestic affair of the PDP which he said was clearly

,

August, Oyinlola teamed with the G7 governors to form the parallel faction of the PDP. He was promptly designated as the national secretary. With last Wednesday ’s court judgment, Oyinlola is now secretary of both the mainstream faction of the PDP and the Baraje led faction.

It is an ambiguity that the Tukur mainstream is very bothered about. Reacting to

Continues on page 45

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44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Another journey into misery

BY AFOLABI IGE

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C M Y K

N October 1, 2013 at Nigeria’s 53rd Anniversary, the president was burdened once again to address a nation steeped in spiritual and socioeconomic distress. This is far from a time to envy a president with troubles looming all about.

The ruling octopus PDP, which produced the president some 30 months ago, is heading for the worst (precipice) in the words of one of its leaders and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The nation’s Governors’ forum is engulfed in an eternal turmoil; the proclaimed dead Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram sect all of a sudden resurrected back to life and kicking missiles of fear and striking confusion and shame into Nigeria’s military and security camp.

On the economic front, the marriage between the statistical figures and realities have long broken down irretrievably with the result of worsening poverty on the streets and a high sounding growth figures from the coordinating minister of the economy.

On the education front, ASUU is trotting its gun like the Shekau missile to shut down the ivory towers permanently having kept Nigerian universities’ students at home for more than one academic semester because of alleged of infidelity over past agreement with the union.

So it was with high expectation and with our last breath as high-spirited nationalists that we have expected the president’s national day broadcast with ‘perhaps ‘ Alas! The president indeed debut again not with a blazer for battle but with a dampening blanket to cover the problems.

It was the gimmick of concurrence with the advocates of sovereign national conference.

What is the value of a national conference in a democracy and what prospect does it hold for solving the many Nigeria’s current travesties? A conference whether as in politics as a multilateral diplomatic negotiations or as in business, talks organized by organizations to discuss pressing issues such as sharing formula, wage fixing and determination or ethical issues etc are the natural ingredients of a working democracy.

Fundamentally, freedoms of speech, association and self expression a.ka the right to conferencing, dialoguing or discussing are naturally part

•Jonathan

and parcel of what constitutional democracy delivers and these rights are unfortunately what the advocates of the sovereign constitutional are exercising and misapplying in the first instance.

Since 1999 till date, Nigeria’s democracy with all its imperfections provides the free atmosphere for any group of people who have any genuine desires to freely discuss, negotiate and even canvass such within the ambit of the laws of the land.

This seemed symptomatic of intellectually redundant elite (ruling and civil society), morally bankrupt leadership and largely mortally docile followership. The national dearth of genuinely thinking leaders makes us to waste precious time and energy on begging and distracting the president to duplicate sovereignty by convoking a sovereign national conference instead of directing such energies into thinking genuine

•Okurounmun

solutions and canvassing the adoption of such alternatives through the available avenues i.e. political parties, civil society organizations, organized labour, religious bodies and the ever increasing regional and ethnic ‘mouth-piece’ organizations, etc, which are veritable means of sieving ideas and translating them into political representation in government. This has been the withholding argument of government until the recent capitulation which has been dubbed variously as suspicious, diversionary, illtimed and ill-conceived.

The principle of sovereignty does not accommodate duplicity and hence once a government is duly elected, to convene a sovereign national conference amounts to duplication of sovereignty and state of anarchy.

Perhaps the only things democracy does not have magical cures for are our endemic corruption, indulgence and sheer docility

in the face of leadership ineptitude and emptiness.

Rather than accept electoral responsibility for the fate that befell us and brace for the opportunity of a change always around the corner, we prefer to shift blame, absolve self and further indulge in “boju-boju” (children’s hide and seek game) national confab which outcome can be predicted with clairvoyant’s precision.

How can such a national talkshow, going to be far more humongous as twice the size of the National Assembly, organized and bank rolled by the sitting government address the problems of treasury looting, oil theft and brigandage that has become part of the official seal? How will the confab stop the implosion of a party that has bungled its own internal rules to stupefaction? How will this on coming confab help solve the problem of beggarly and merchandising opposition that traded off their presidential candidates on the Alter of petrol

dollars and juicy contracts?

How will it answer the puzzle of Boko Haram without breaking the country?

Rather than solve any of the national puzzles, I see this on coming national conference as a manipulation of public opinion in favour of a hidden agenda like it happened under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. I see a deliberate ploy to divert attention away from the many failures of leadership on the eve of the 2015 general election; a diversionary tactics to buy time and bury the ruling party’s hara-kiri. I see it as a sheer waste of Nigeria resources and time. If the people genuinely have anything to say, let it be said through their votes at all levels and during the mandate negotiations leading to the next election. * Mr. Ige, a public affairs commentator and national coordinator of the Concern for Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria (CODEGGON) wrote from Abuja.

Without dialogue, Nigeria may break— Uko * We‘ll emerge stronger and more united after the confab PRESIDENT of Igbo Youths Movement, Evangelist Elliot Uko, in this interview outlines why Nigerians must dialogue and how to make conference work.

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

H

AVING agitated for national conference for close to 20 years, how does IYM see moves to convene the confab?

It is not about IYM, it is about saving Nigeria. We all should remain prayerful until a new Nigeria is created at the conference and affirmed by INEC conducted referendum.

Until then, Nigeria is still

tottering at the edge of a precipice. Only the proposed National conference will save Nigeria and heal the land.

Nigerians want to save Nigeria, nobody wants Nigeria to die.

The National Conference is the best thing to happen to Nigeria. It will succeed. It will enthrone justice and equity. Nigeria will come out stronger and better.

Everybody does not seem to share your optimism…

There will always be mischief makers but the truth is Nigeria needs reconstruction. This National Conference will redesign Nigeria. Nigeria will come out stronger and more united. It is the first opportunity Nigerians will have to decide how we want to live together.

All those against it know that

without this National Conference Nigeria will have a very short time to live. This actually is a last ditch effort to save Nigeria. I know it will be very successful. I know that even the pessimist will rejoice at the end of the day.

This genuine effort to truly save Nigeria must not fail.

The opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) has said it would boycott the conference, which it described as a Greek gift,

Continues on page 57

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013—45 IT has been observed that not much good news have greeted President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan since his return from the Holy Pilgrimage to Israel. The Boko Haram insurgents‘ struck in Bama (Borno) killing about 30 people and also in Maiduguri where an unfortunate groom was among the numerous victims after a wedding ceremony. It is unfortunate to have such bad news when ‘ODUAGATE‘ (coined by the mischievous media to describe the purchase of armored vehicles) is fastly receding into its characteristic Nigerian base.

If the problems of corruption and violence (wanton destruction of life and property) are no more news to many Nigerians, it is because their final resolution is yet to be discovered. It can be said that the authorities are trying their possible best, even if the best might not be good enough to justify the absolute confidence of the populace.

However, the best that could be said or hoped for is that with much determination, the end would justify whatever harsh method used in the process.

The other equally disturbing news of the week was the alarm of the hardworking Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. The bad news was that with the dwindling income from oil, the federal government revenue could be down by about $12 billion at the end of the current year.

The alarm became necessary in view of the constant murmurings of the State Governors on late or inability to receive their monthly allocations as at when due. Many analysts have expressed misgivings about the utilization of oil money (being reduced by domestic theft and vandalisation of pipelines).

It is a well known fact that oil provides about 80 per cent of federal government revenue and crude oil of about 95 per cent of the country ‘s total export earnings (foreign exchange). The revenue is shared between the Federal

The many troubles of Nigeria Government (52%); 36 States; 774 Local Councils and Abuja Federal Capital Territory.

It is instructive to know that the Federal Government has been critically warned by many about the danger of relying on oil as the mainstay of the economy without any visible re-action.

The stubbornness of the center is being shared by the states and local governments who rely on monthly allocations (about 85% of their respective budgets) for their survival.

The advantage of oil money should be the provision of capital for infrastructural development and not to supplement the budget (70 per cent of which is devoted to consumption – recurrent expenditure). The serious problem is that both the Government and the Opposition in all tiers of government are wedded to the same concept of exporting crude oil and importing foreign conspicuous commodities. Hence, the foreign exchange policy becomes punitive to an import dependent nation.

Even the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and the Excess Crude Account are different things to different people.

According to the Federal Government, the Sovereign Wealth Fund was created

to redistribute oil wealth for the benefit of the present and future generations.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Fund which is about $1 billion (N155 billion) is being invested overseas in real and financial assets such as Stocks, Bonds, Real Estates, Precious Metals, etc.

Some analysts who believe in the concept of Sovereign Wealth Fund would question the rationale of its investments. Of what use is the investment of SWF in foreign stocks and bonds to the decaying economy, which borrows money from abroad at a cost to develop its own infrastructures?

Rational thinking would support the use of oil money to fix the domestic economy to produce more goods and offer better employment opportunities. It is believed that if the economy is truly diversified and domestic manufacturing is flourishing, the shock attributable to volatibility of oil prices could be managed. It is conservatively estimated that oil theft, even after rigorous vigilance, is about 70,000 to 80,000 barrels a day. Crude oil is not air that is invisible and the celebrated thief is not a ghost. It is possible that the ghost and the guard are the same person – human being who warns the owner

about possible theft he organizes. But the question is who owns “our oil”?

According to the Federal Government, oil activities ‘in any part of the country are vested in the ‘Government of the Federation‘. But to MEND and other Niger Delta militant groups, this oil is “our oil”. Some could not see the wisdom of complaints against owners taking a small part from their property, even if it is illegally done. Perverted thinking, but real. A frail young man innocently told me a story that he was told how government officials would say “don’t worry, everything in the pipeline”. One day on opening the pipeline, it was discovered that everything that was there could fetch good money.

The time has come to determine the ownership of Nigerian oil which is currently being produced by Nigerian Federal Government and multi-national oil companies. These foreign companies are owned by their shareholders and the proceeds from oil activities do not go into the pockets of their home governments (except some taxes) but directly to the companies.

In the Nigerian example, the proceeds of oil activities go straight into the Consolidated Fund (which is shared amongst all tiers of government). The Federal Government at present, with others, in a joint venture, finances the operations of the oil industry and shares the returns. It is a question of “monkey works, baboon chops” in respect to other states and their local governments.

Oil Ownership If the ownership of ‘our oil‘ is determined, many of the problems would be solved. My suggestion is based on this formula: Oil Producing Areas – 60%; Federal Government -20%; Other States – 20%. Therefore, Production costs and revenue would be shared according to share holding. It is recognized that only a genuine National Government could tackle and resolve Nigeria‘s many troubles.

PDP and Oyinlola: Upside Down Continues from page 43 the judgment, Victor Kwon, National Legal Adviser of the Tukur faction said it was studying the judgment and would react and take action at the appropriate time.

Also reacting to the judgment in a text message to Vanguard, the National Coordinator of PDP Stakeholders Forum, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere hailed the judgment as a big victory for democracy.

“This is a big blow to the imposters whose attempt to hijack the soul of our party has now back fired. Today’s victory is a motivation for us all to finish the ongoing crusade including the support to the legal process to sack Bamanga Tukur which is at advanced stage.”

In his own reaction, the incumbent office holder, Prof Oladipo vowed that he would remain in office pending when the Supreme Court takes a final decision on the issue.

“Nothing has changed. I remain the National Secretary of the party. Supreme Court will have the final say. No cause for alarm.”

According Section 36 of the PDP constitution “there shall be a National Secretary who shall be the Chief Administrative and Accounting officer of the party and whose functions shall be

to supervise the day- to- day activities of the party; issue notices for NWC, NEC, Caucus and National convention meetings, in charge of all correspondence and staff issues and he is the

custodian of the common seal of PDP and many other powers. What it means is that if Tukur fails to get a stay of execution, the party may be operating illegally as no NWC, NEC meetings or

administrative work will take place at the national secretariat of the embattled party. Remarkably, the Baraje faction of the party yesterday issued a notice on the Tukur faction to swear Oyinlola in as National Secretary by next Monday putting fresh pressure on an already embattled party!

Can confab address the problems of Nigeria?

S

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

INCE President Goodluck Jonathan made u-turn on national conference and set up a 13-man committee led by Senator Femi Okurounmu, to work out modalities for holding the dialogue, the polity has been awash with mixed views concerning the necessity or otherwise of the exercise.

Among those, who have opposed the idea and argued that it was tied to 2015 polls are All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and some lawyers among others.

Those on the side of the President include Chief Ebenezer Babatope, former Minister of Transport and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief

Cliff Mbagwu, Evangelist Elliot Uko and some eminent Nigerians. Contributing to the debate, Mr. Christopher Onwukwe, said if the national conference can help arrest the current challenges plaguing the nation he was in support.

“If the national dialogue can tackle our present challenges as a nation, I support Mr. President’s sense of reasoning and concern. You know it is become has become a nightmare in our country as we have continued to live with the menace of insecurity; terrorism, kidnapping, and incessant strikes in virtually all the sectors, unemployment, power, and among others.

“That is why the national conference is needed, in order for every segment of the Nigerian society to meet and iron out these national

problems staring at us. I hope it will be a solution to the challenges we have now and those who will represent us will tackle these issues on our behalf. “My advice to those who will represent each state or ethnic group is that they should consult with people who are not politicians in their domain and report back to Mr. President. And I see this national conference addressing any negative occurrence in 2015 election,” Onwukwe added. Meanwhile, a civil servant, Mr. Daniel Otodo, said: “For me, national conference will make no impact neither in the present economic realities in the country, nor in the future because all will end up in arguments and waste of time and resources.

“If the President still wants

the conference to go on and Nigerians support it, let it be done at the local government level, like the town hall meeting. This will give the people at that level the opportunity to speak on what they feel in their own language, then to the state level before the federal level,” Otodo suggested.

There have been several national conferences before now, what those conferences could not address and solve include insecurity, marginalisation, ethnoreligious crises, poverty, abuse of human rights, inequality, poverty, revenue generation, epileptic power supply, unemployment, impunity by political and religious leaders, corruption, political and religious violence and electoral offences.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

I'll do well cos I am a Journalist — Fatigun, Ekiti LG Chairman AKINTOBA Fatigun, the chairman-elect of Ekiti local government area of Kwara State is a seasoned journalist who before now worked for eight years as Special Assistant on Media and Communications with then Governor Bukola Saraki. He spoke on his experience so far on the political field and his blueprint for his people. Excerpts

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

W

HAT is your action plan for the people of Ekiti Local Government Area?

You know that the state government and the ruling party in the state, PDP, has its own policies and programmes, so we are going to key into that and domesticate the policies in our respective councils. Apart from this, when I went round the communities in my local government council during my campaigns, I was able to get the direct needs of the people which are different across communities. While some are asking for water, some are asking for roads and health care provision among others. I have taken note of all these and I will ensure that their demands are adequately met.

To me that is the whole essence of democracy; knowing the real needs of the people and providing them. I also want to tell you that, our people are peasant farmers,

•Fatigun so towards this end, I will make deliberate efforts to ensure that agriculture in Ekiti Local Government is revolutionalised in all manners possible. We will support the farmers with farm implements and fertilizers to increase their productivity and also facilitate easy

transportation of their farm produce to the nearby market for sales What is your plan to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the local government?

Like I said, our people are peasant farmers so we cannot impose taxes on them. I mean

there is a level we can push them around for tax, but what I plan to do is to partner with Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry to make loans accessible to my people in order to help them in the agriculture business and also boost their trading enterprise.

Through this we can be able to generate taxes from them and thereby complement monthly internally revenue from the federal government How will you describe the landslide victory of the PDP in the just concluded local government councils polls in the state?

For over a decade now, the PDP has been the only visible party in Kwara. We are the only party with structures, so towards this end, PDP was the only party that the people of Kwara saw in the last local government council polls in the state.

For instance in my own case, I went round the nooks and crannies of Ekiti local government council to meet my people and I was the only person they saw and they poured out their hearts to me, telling me their hopes and aspirations.

The PDP structures in Kwara State also confirmed that the leadership qualities of Senator Bukola Saraki is not in doubt because he has laid a good example which we are all following in the state.

What was your perception of the last local government

councils polls in the state?

From my own point of view, the turn-out was massive and very impressive.

In my own local government, the turn-out was unprecedented to the extent that I wondered where the people came from.

The election was peaceful and the people were very happy as they went about casting their votes without any problem. I also commend the good conduct of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASEIC) because, they did very well in ensuring that the conduct of the election was conducted without any problem.

I also commend the good people of Ekiti local government area because they came out en-masse to perform their civic right.

What would you want to be remembered for at the end of your tenure?

I pray that God Almighty will give us long life and help us to stay focused with our blueprint because our help cometh from God Almighty.

I want to be remembered as a journalist who had that opportunity and brought the needed comfort to his people.

I will like to show a shining example to the extent that a journalist will be preferred far among other professionals as the best for elective office because we know more than others, being the custodian of other professions.

Without dialogue, Nigeria may break — Uko Continues from page 55 won’t that affect the overall outcome?

No, it won’t, 99 per cent of our countrymen are in full support of the conference. It is painful and regrettable that some people choose to place their personal political ambitions above the survival of Nigeria. That says a lot about the quality of leaders in Nigeria.

It is quite

and not sabotaged. The very few who are afraid of the outcome of the conference are in the minority, majority of Nigerians are excited and prayerful that this great opportunity to rebuild Nigeria must not fail. Those who plot to shoot down the conference know that the injustices they instituted while they ran the country as military despots will be dismantled at the

,

Nigerians expect better performance, but you can’t perform magic when you are stuck with a perverted structure and system

unfortunate.

What about allegations that Mr. President plans to use the National Conference to divert attention from the myriad of problems plaguing his party and the nation in general?

I agree that the nation is very sick and adrift. That is not debatable but every effort to save and salvage the situation should be supported

,

conference.

Will the conference solve the economic, social and political troubles eating up Nigeria?

Our basic problem is corruption and misgovernance and both have everything to do with this unworkable military structure.

This awkward structure encourages corruption; the centre is too attractive that

some people promise to soak the dog and baboon in blood in about 18 months. Nigeria is artificially held together albeit temporarily by the greed of very corrupt ruling elite, sustained only by the oil wealth which will dry up in about 30 years. All our troubles flow from this very wrong and faulty foundation.

Nobody is happy with the frightening youth unemployment, brazen oil theft, massive and mindless corruption, arrogance of those in power, insecurity etc, but Nigeria cannot survive unless we address the basics. We must go back to the root cause of our dilemma, which is: a very wrong unitary structure, a very expensive system of governance that gulps over 68 per cent of our resources leaving only about 32 per cent to develop the country with.

We will never succeed unless we face reality. The 774 Local Governments and 36 states structure with a very strong centre have not and will never work. We need to tell ourselves the truth. Nigeria must be restructured for a more efficient system.

•Uko Nigerians will have an opportunity to design a workable and fair constitution that will make Nigeria truly great.

How do you see the government’s handling of the economy?

Nigerians expect better performance, but you can’t perform magic when you are stuck with a perverted structure and system. The government is hamstrung. But this government hasn’t done badly. When people say Mr. President is not performing they fail to tell us: like who?

In comparison, Jonathan is doing great things for this country but the problems are legion. We want to see Nigeria where things work.

We have not got there yet.

They say our economy is growing. The average Nigerian can’t see or feel it.

Life is still rough and politicians are still living very provocative and offensive life styles. It will be wrong not to acknowledge that Jonathan is trying his best. But we are still very far from the Promised Land. I know we will get there.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 47

Ekwueme endorses Nwoye

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

ERSTWHILE Vice-President of the country and a founding father of the PDP, Dr. Alex Ekwueme has blessed the PDP candidate, Comrade Tony Nwoye saying he has no doubt that Nwoye would emerge victorious in the election.

Dr. Ekwueme spoke when the Nwoye campaign train stopped at the former VicePresident’s residence at Oko. “I have no doubt that you will come victorious come Nov 16, you have been a grass root man for a very long time, a dogged young man with the required drive and push and the energy to implement the vision” Ekwueme was quoted as saying.

“We must all do our best to return Anambra state to the Umbrella family so as to bring down the desired dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra.”

Earlier Nwoye had intimated the former VicePresident of the plans for the

•Nwoye receiving Ekwueme's blessing flag-off of the campaign by Vice-President Namadi Sambo and told him that his presence in his house was to give homage to whom homage is due.

“I cannot help but to come to you as a father to celebrate an exemplary son of Ndi Igbo, a man of excellence,

courageous and visionary political icon, architect and a philanthropist.

Ide! you are to me the greatest patriot of our time and we must leave no stone unturned in our efforts and plans for PDP to win this Election so that we can use it to celebrate you” Nwoye said.

Obiano: INEC’s hands are tied

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

INEC, the election agency may after all not do anything if allegations of multiple voter ’s registration made against the Willie Obiano, the APGA candidate are proved to be true sources in the commission have told Vanguard.

The controversy over Obiano’s possession of multiple voter ’s cards have been replete since he emerged as APGA’s candidate last August.

Sources at INEC headquarters in Abuja revealed that the major reason why the leadership of the Commission may not take any action against the APGA flag-bearer was because the commission would not want to

•Obiano be seen as taking the law into its own hands since it doesn’t have the statutory power to disqualify a candidate.

An authoritative source who

spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said: “We don’t want to be seen as witch-hunting any candidate.

You know the law does not empower us to disqualify a candidate.”

“But we know that this question would be asked at Awka next Wednesday during INEC’s meeting with stakeholders and it would be factually answered.

After this, people can take their decision based on that.

We don’t have to embark on a media campaign over what we need to do.”

He continued: “Even if INEC goes to court over this case now, we have to wait until the judge pronounces that Obiano has been disqualified. That is the position of the law.”

ACD’s Ekelem promises to pay unemployed monthly

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

THE candidate of ACD, Dr. Ifeatu Ekelem has promised to pay monthly stipend to all unemployed persons in Anambra State as a way of reducing hardship in the state.

He said his administration would place emphasis on revenue generation, so as to be able to pay those who would not secure jobs.

According to him, the

increasing rate of crime in the state is due to high level of unemployment and I believe that once the unemployed person know that there is something to collect at the end of every month, they would desist from committing crime and ultimately insecurity would reduce.

The American –trained medical doctor turned politician also promised to make education free at all levels, just as he said that his

administration would establish five new universities and a state of the art Institute of Technology to meet the demands of those who want to acquire higher education.

Ekelem attributed the high level of corruption in the country to the attitude of politicians who, he observed, abuse their offices, arguing that if politicians spend the resources of the state wisely, the level of corruption would drastically.

APC outs PDP “moles” in INEC THE APC yesterday cried foul over what it claimed as plans

by INEC to rig the elections in favour of the PDP based on what it claimed as the dispatch of card carrying members of the PDP on the INEC supervisory team for the election.

APC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, specifically named two INEC commissioners, Mr. Lawrence Nwuruku, a former minister in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and Mrs. Gladys Nwafor who Mohammed claimed to be a grassroots political organizer for First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

“Mr. Nwuruku was the

Chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State, while Mrs. Nwafor had worked closely with First Lady Patience Jonathan as a grassroots mobilizer. These officials cannot, in all honesty, be expected to be unbiased, because they have been compromised by their antecedents. ‘’If INEC indeed has any hope of organizing a free, fair and transparent election in Anambra on Nov. 16th, it must immediately shelve the plan to send these highly-partisan and heavilycompromised officials to supervise the election. Any action short of that will open INEC to accusations of bias which is not what any umpire wants,’’ APC said.

Change not continuity— Rep Odedo

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

REP. Charles Odedo (APC, Idemili North/South, Anambra) has punched holes in the APGA campaign for continuity saying what the people of Anambra really need is change and not continuity.

Saying that Anambra will be better under the APC than the ruling APGA, he said: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) because “the APC has a 12-point agenda for Anambra people” Picking holes in APGA’s campaign for continuity, he said what the state needs now is change, which he argued that APC is ready to offer.

“They (APGA) want continuity but we want change.

Let me tell you why there must be change in Anambra State.

One, security of lives and property. Anambra State Government led by Peter Obi has not done well at all in terms of security of lives and property.

Anambra State is the last in the entire country, 36/36.

This is a statistics from the police. South-east zone is the most insecure zone in the country and Anambra State is worse. Do we want to continue to be last in terms of security?

We do not want continuity of last positions we want change. Our candidate, Senator Chris Ngige has been governor before and under his watch, Anambra State has one of the best security system,” he said.

Obiano should bow out — Ubah

BY ENYIM ENYIM

THE Labour candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah wants the APGA candidate, Chief Willie Obiano to bow out of the contest on the basis of lacking a verifiable blueprint on how to govern the state.

The Ubah campaign in a statement issued by the director of media and publicity, Afam Ilouno also accused Obiano of cheating during the recent debate for the candidates.

“Towards the end of the debate Obiano was caught answering questions from a prepared text which he kept hidden from peoples’ view. It was at that point that Ifeanyi Ubah who saw what was happening walked up to Obiano’s lectern, brought out the prepared notes from him and showed the bewildered audience.”

The statement further stated that the standard instruction

•Ubah that nobody should enter or read from prepared notes was totally and fraudulently flouted by somebody who wants to be the next governor of Anambra State. Consequently, Ubah advised the electorate to open their eyes very wide in order not to vote for a person that was not prepared to contest the election and that was also dragged into the race because his political god father wants him to succeed him.

48 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Full access to family planning ensures futures of promise

BY VALERIE DEFILLIPO

“I

TOLD them, ‘Any man could be the father of the next president, if he carefully planned his family,’” said Bridget Anyafulu, Executive Director of the International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development.

Bridget is a member of Family Planning 2020’s Rights and Empowerment Working Group and she was sharing a pivotal moment in her work as a maternal and reproductive health advocate. It was an experience that demonstrated to her two powerful truths that have underpinned her work since: first, that women have the right to take charge of their own fertility and will try and find ways to do so; and secondly, that community education to bring everyone on board with this first truth – even if it takes years – enables the most sustainable and meaningful change possible.

Advocacy

Bridget’s work as an advocate had taken her to cities and towns across Nigeria, but on this particular day she arrived at an especially remote and impoverished village in the Delta district.

Electricity was scarce and water

was a four-kilometer walk for the women of the village – most of whom had around eight children.

Despite prevailing patriarchy, which dictated that men controlled their wives’ fertility and often disallowed the use of contraception, Bridget learned that the women of the village had developed a novel strategy to reclaim both choice and access: they hid packs of birth control pills in a designated tree along the route they took each evening to fetch water.

This reproductive health innovation was functioning rather successfully until a well-meaning development project – which laid pipes that brought the village running water – changed everything. No more walks to fetch water for the women meant no more privacy or opportunity to access family planning. Ironically, one positive water development for the village also meant a not-so-positive health development for women in the village and served as one more reminder of how intimately connected aspects of our lives are.

Autonomy

But the desire to exercise autonomy over one’s own body is

• Lack of access to effective family planning often results in too many children, too soon. powerful. And soon the water pipes had been mysteriously vandalized, and women once again were fetching water from the river.

It was at this point that Bridget arrived and quickly understood what was happening. She saw the need for family planning from the women, and the lack of acceptance from the men. She also saw poverty, poor health, and a great opportunity – not for more surreptitious family planning

Why smokers look older than their age I T'S official. Smoking makes you look old. A new study in twins, published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, shows just how much smoking prematurely ages your face.

The publication in the Huffpost explains how researchers from University Hospital Case Medical and Case School of Medicine found that smokers tended to have more upper eyelid sagging, under-eye bags and wrinkles, among other indicators of aging.

For the study, 79 pairs of twins with an average age of 48 who attended the annual Twin Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, were professionally photographed. For each of these pairs of twins, one of the twins smoked, while the other did not, or one of the twins smoked for at least five years longer than the other twin.

Then, plastic surgeons looked at these photographs of the twins and pointed out "specific components of facial aging."

Among twins where one twin

schemes (important as the “pill tree” had been) – but to face this issue head-on.

Family planning is a universal human right. The evidence is clear, not only do women deserve to decide freely and for themselves, whether and when they want to have children, but the positive ripple effect is widespread when this happens.

Women and children are healthier, family resources go further, and the possibilities for education, employment and prosperity open up wider.

In this tiny village where men were adamantly against family planning, Bridget spent the next several years reaching out to community leaders and men on the broader health and development benefits of family planning and slowly changed their mindsets. In recent years, family planning usage, acceptability and awareness has dramatically increased. Maternal deaths have dropped as a result.

Pay-off

• Smoking makes you look old. was a smoker and one twin had never smoked, the smoking twin had more lines between the nose and the mouth (also known as nasolabial folds), lip wrinkles and sagging jowls, in addition to the under-eye bags and sagging eyelids.

And "among twins with greater than five years' difference in

smoking duration, twins who had smoked longer had worse scores for lower lid bags, malar bags, and lower lip vermillion wrinkles," the researchers wrote in the study.

Interestingly, most signs of aging linked with the smoking were seen in the middle and bottom part of the face.

The pay-off to Bridget’s thoughtful, community-based work did not come easily, and it did not come quickly. But its groundwork is the kind upon which healthier, more equitable and prosperous societies are built.

Her efforts are also a critical piece of the puzzle for Nigeria, whose FP2020 commitment is to increase its family planning usage by 2percent every year until 2018, thereby averting 31,000 maternal deaths and 1.5 million child deaths.

As part of one of the four FP2020 Working Groups that provide technical support, Bridget is connected with other change

agents who work diligently around the world to transform the reality of family planning access in their communities. FP2020 provides the critical platform and framework from which to meet these ambitious, yet achievable family planning access goals.

Conference

Next week, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, FP2020 will gather along with thousands of family planning advocates, providers and policy makers at the third biannual International Conference on Family Planning. We will build on this momentum to share news of real and positive change occurring worldwide. Progress towards our collective goals is being made, strategies for improving access to family planning are working, and more women and girls are able to access the contraceptive information, services and supplies they want.

The conference in Addis will be a time for celebrating achievements as much as it will be a time for candid discussions on challenges, transparency and accountability. The work of FP2020 has only just begun and while much more needs to be done to ensure 120 million more women and girls have voluntary access to family planning by 2020, we are absolutely on the way there.

Dedicated and determined women like Bridget are at the forefront of this unfinished agenda. Together, we will make good on her promise that with the tools to plan its future, every family’s dreams are within reach.

•Valerie DeFillipo is Director, Family Planning 2020.

V anguard anguard,, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 49

BRIEFS

Mandela's grandson in trouble over unpaid legal fees

L

Nuclear talks: Pressure mounts on Obama, Rouhani

H

AWKS and hard liners in Washington and Tehran are putting the squeeze on the US and Iranian presidents as they grasp for a landmark nuclear deal.

As new international talks on Iran’s nuclear program open in Geneva, deep mutual suspicion leaves American and Iranian negotiators little time or political space to act.

In Washington, national security conservatives who view Iran’s diplomatic charm offensive through the same skeptical lens as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, want the White House to swear off inducements for Iranian concessions and threaten to toughen sanctions.

In Tehran, clerical and political conservatives, temporarily silenced by Rouhani’s election, disdain talks with the “Great Satan” America.

“It is entirely possible that there are political considerations on either side that will complicate this,” said Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution. “Both sides have to insulate against that to the extent that it is possible.”

For Obama, a deal to

disable Tehran’s nuclear program without using military force would offer a shining foreign policy legacy.

But Democratic and Republican hawks steeped in decades of antipathy towards revolutionary Iran doubt a genuine deal is possible.

A new Senate push for even tougher sanctions than those currently hobbling Iran’s economy prompted intense lobbying from a White House fearful that hardliners in Tehran could torpedo Rouhani’s diplomatic outreach.

But powerful Democratic Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Robert Menendez and Republican colleague Mark Kirk argue Iran only came to the table because of sanctions — and urge more

HE US economy grew at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the third quarter, the government said Thursday in a report that revealed weakness in vital consumer spending.

The world’s largest economy accelerated from a 2.5 percent pace in the

T

* Obama

* Rouhani

tough medicine.

Convincing the Senate to hold off on new measures to further choke Iran’s oil sector is one thing — selling a divided, dysfunctional Congress on interim and final deals brokered by the US team in Geneva is another.

Although Obama has

the power to waive certain sanctions on the Islamic Republic, he would need help from lawmakers to offer the full relief that might motivate Iran to do a deal. But his sway on Capitol Hill is waning amid criticism over his handling of the Syria crisis and a second term malaise.

second quarter, surprising analysts who had expected the Commerce Department’s first read on third-quarter gross domestic product would show only a 1.9 percent expansion.

It was the strongest pace of GDP growth in a year. But analysts forecast

Plotter of attack on Malala is Taliban's new leader

T

HE Pakistani Taliban chose the ruthless commander who planned the attack on teenage activist Malala Yousafzai as the militant group’s new leader yesterday, and it ruled out holding peace talks with the government.

Mullah Fazlullah was unanimously appointed the new chief by the Taliban’s leadership council, or shura, after several days of deliberation, said the head of the shura, Asmatullah Shaheen Bhitani. Militants fired AK-47 assault rifles and anti-aircraft guns into the air to celebrate.

The decision came less

*Malala than a week after a U.S. drone strike killed leader Hakimullah Mehsud in the North Waziristan trib-

al area near the Afghan border.

Even though Mehsud was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistani civilians and security forces, his November 1 killing outraged Pakistani officials. They accused the U.S. of sabotaging the government’s attempt to strike a peace deal with the militants — although many analysts doubted a deal was likely.

HE family of Egypt’s toppled president visited him in prison yesterday, their first face-to-

face contact with him since a popularly-backed military coup ousted him from power four months

Kerry optimistic on Middle East peace talks

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday he was “pleased” with his discussions among Israeli and Palestinian leaders this week as he scrambled to salvage faltering peace talks in a furious round of shuttle diplomacy.

“We’ve created some clarity on some of the points,” Kerry told Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in

a weaker fourth quarter this year, after a Washington budget battle forced a 16-day government shutdown in October that shaved an estimated $24 billion from the economy.

“Unfortunately the details of this report are more likely to send chills up your spine than to warm your heart,” said Robert Brusca, chief economist at FAO Economics. It was the department’s first estimate of GDP growth for the third quarter; but the number could change significantly in its two subsequent estimates.

The July-September pick-up was mainly due to a sharper decline in imports from the second quarter and accelerating rises in private inventory investment and state and local government spending.

Morsi’s family see him in prison visit

T

the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Wednesday. “I was pleased.”

Kerry’s comments after he announced he would be returning to Israel on Friday for a third meeting with Netanyahu in two days.

Speaking in a joint interview with Israeli and Palestinian TV networks, which will air later Thursday, Kerry said he would meet with Netanyhu in Jerusalem. He had not originally been scheduled to return to Israel.

Kerry brokered the re-start of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, which began three

“We’ve obtained a judgement against Mr. Mandela,” he said, adding that the sheriff would seize Mandla Mandela’s assets.

The firm represented Mandla in several cases, most famously in July, when he lost a court battle with 16 family members while the Nobel peace laureate was critically ill in hospital.

Filipinos brace for typhoon Haiyan

US economy records 2.8% growth

T

AWYERS for Nelson Mandela’s eldest grandson said they have gone to court over unpaid legal fees after a wellpublicised court feud with relatives while the peace icon lay in hospital.

Mandla Mandela owes Randall Titus & Associates “approximately half a million rand ($49,000)”, firm director Randall Titus told AFP yesterday.

*John Kerry months ago. But little progress has been made in the talks, which are supposed to produce an agreement by the end of April 2014.

ago, his wife said.

Naglaa Ali told The Associated Press by phone that she and other family members met with Mohammed Morsi inside a maximum-security prison called Borg al-Arab, which sits in a remote desert area near Alexandria, Egypt’s second city.

Ali said the visit, monitored by security officers, lasted one hour. “Thank God, it’s just like I saw him yesterday. ... He is more steadfast and bold,” she told the AP when asked about his condition.

A high-ranking Interior Ministry official later told the AP that Morsi was warned to send any secret messages through his conversation with his family."

HOUSANDS of vil lagers in the central Philippines, including those from a province devastated by a recent earthquake, were being evacuated yesterday as one of the most powerful typhoons globally this year approaches.

Typhoon Haiyan was already packing sustained winds of 215 kilometers (134 miles) per hour and ferocious gusts of 250 kph (155 mph), and could pick up

strength over the Pacific Ocean before it slams into the eastern Philippine province of Eastern Samar on Friday, according to government forecasters.

The U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Hawaii said it was the strongest tropical cyclone in the world this year, although Cyclone Phailin, which hit eastern India on Oct. 12, packed winds of up to 222 kph (138 mph) and stronger gusts.

PLO calls for inquiry into Arafat's death

M

EMBERS of the Palestine Liberation Organisation has called for an international inquiry into the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, a day after Swiss scientists said he probably died from polonium poisoning.

A report by Swiss experts, obtained by Al Jazeera, showed that Arafat’s exhumed remains contained 18 times the natural levels of the highly radioactive isotope, Polonium-210.

“The [test] results proved Arafat was poisoned by polonium, and

*Arafat this substance is owned by states, not people, meaning that the crime was committed by a state,” said Wasel Abu Yusef, member of the PLO’s executive committee.

Carter’s grandson eyes governorship

A

grandson of former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter plans to run for governor of Georgia, an office once held by his grandfather on his path to the White House.

Jason Carter, who serves in the state senate, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Governor Nathan Deal next year in a state that has not had a

Democratic governor in 12 years, a legislative assistant to Carter said on Thursday.

Carter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his campaign would focus on ways to improve the state’s education system, economy and ethics laws.

Carter, 38, has served in the Georgia Senate since 2010.

Media uncovers massacre in CAR

A

L JAZEERA has un covered evidence that armed forces in the Central African Republic were responsible for a massacre that took place on October 26, few kilometres from the centre of the town of Bouar. Eighteen people were killed in the incident, the youngest victim just two weeks old.

Landlocked CAR - a nation of 4.6 million people has slipped into chaos since a coalition of fighters named Seleka took control of the capital, Bangui, and de-

posed President Francois Bozize in March this year.

Human rights organisations estimate that thousands of people have been killed amid the deterioraring security situation. Michel Djotodia, the Seleka leader, has claimed himself president of CAR. Last week, senior UN officials told the UN Security Council that the CAR is at risk of slipping into genocide as armed groups incite Christians and Muslims against each other in the virtually lawless country.

50 — Vanguard Vanguard,,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 GEMINI; Both your mood and element of luck are as friendly as you would want them to be. Thus success may come the harder way today. Protect your finances.

CANCER; Many will look up to you both for practical assistance and leadership direction thus, you must not ball-up under pressure. Try to reason with your spouse.

LEO; Diplomacy may become very important today as development within your working arena calls for both maturity and cleverness. Be family minded today.

VIRGO; No matter how helpful friends were yesterday it is important you don’t dance to discordant tunes from any quarter today; gamble not with matters-of-the-heart.

LIBRA; Many people are under pressure today but, if you do away with sentiment and give priority attention to money making, your finances will be better for your efforts. Don’t allow misunderstanding within your family circle go out of hands.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

LISTENED to a motor mechanic being interviewed in a radio programme sometime ago and this was what he said: “I went to a would be customer in his house sometime ago, and immediately I

Do you see yourself less? got to his compound and he saw me in my Jaguar car he shouted ‘mogbe” meaning simply ‘I am in trouble’ in apparent reference to how he would pay a big man

mechanic”. And this attitude runs through every of our national life. We expect the mechanic to be a wretched person, living a miserable life.

That should not be so.

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

Are you a mechanic? Are you a trader?

Or you are a housewife? You are not less human than the lawyer, the engineer, the accountant etc.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

SCORPIO; To be on the safer side it is imperative you respect the law and it’s enforcement agents. Some people are trying to deceive you for an obvious reason.

SAGITTARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity but for you not to lose it you must exhibit maturity. Protect both your money and source of income.

CAPRICORN; Others will step on your nerves yet it not the best for you to over-react today. It is good to prove reliable but your secrets must remain intact.

AQUARIUS; This may not be the best of days as there will be a few challenges within your working arena. If you rely on luck today, you would be disappointed.

PISCES; You will need to watch what you tell others, especially those friends you don’t know too well. Be more loving but refuse to gamble with love

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic”

By Andy Akman

ARIES; If care is not taken what you have gained yesterday may be lost due to your care-free attitude within your base of operation. Avoid deceit today.

TAURUS; You would fare better if you prepare your mind for possible confrontation from unexpected quarters. Don’t promise more than you can actually deliver.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Who do you think I am?

Dear Joshua, I have been following your write-ups for a long time you can not believe and to be sincere you are good.

Now I wan you to analyse my star and tell me my horoscopic personality. More in to your pen.

Tony, Delta.

Dear Tony, What you will find here under will prove useful if you take them seriously and utilise them.

ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA/PLANETARY PLACEMENT Spiritual Neptune as the only Planet at home when you were born pointed to you as a person with great deal of spiritual energy you can tap at will, especially if you are conscious of it’s presence in your inner-self.

But then, with majority of (five) planets placed in the Cardinal Zodiacal constellations you are equally an ambitious person who will desire worldly honour and prominence, and luckily for you, you were endowed with abilities to achieve your ambition.

Prominence of Mutable quality and Air Element in this chart are indications of a person with higher pitch of intelligence who can adapt to so many situations without being stressed unnecessarily. And GREAT LEADERSHIP QUALITY is present here. Although you are a Lady, with nothing-less than SEVENTY PERCENT of PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE in your Horoscope you can unexpectedly become aggressive, especially when issue of freedom is to the fore. Beside 70% of PUSHFULL INFLUENCE in you, mighty Sun (an indicator of your inner-self) with Uranus (a great freedom lover) conjoined in SAGITTARIUS ( another freedom loving Star Sign) all these are pointers to greater love of freedom in your deeper-inner-self. And whoever is trying to curtail such unnecessarily may unexpectedly court trouble, because you will resist such.

With your natal Sun (your conscious self) and Moon/ Stellium (your emotional state/ sub-conscious self) placed in Sagittarius and Libra respectively, you are mainly a Sagittarian and partly Libran and that is to say basic characteristics of the two Star signs are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OYELOHUNNU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oyelohunnu Dare Francis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Agboola Dare Francis.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGWEBUIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwebuike Chinelo E., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Muoneke Chinelo E. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria, Nsukka; NYSC and general public please take note.

O K O B O S H I — We , formerly known and addressed as Okoboshi Michael Ikemefuna, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikemefuna Michael. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Science Equip Centre, Ijanikin and general public please take note.

OBIORAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiorah Nneka Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anuluba Nneka Catherine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eke Francisca Chinonso, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oba Francisca Chinonso.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

WOKOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orusoso Wokoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orusoso Wellington.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKORIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Lois Ifeyinwa Okorie, now wish to be known and addressed as Ms Lois I f e y i n w a Bartholomew. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYODELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Oluwafunmilayo Ayodele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenike Oluwafunmilayo Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid.

Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and general public please take note.

AMAEMEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maureen Nwamaka Amaemeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maureen Nwamaka Afonne. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

G E O R G E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Alaere George, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Alaere Eisenwort. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WAG B A R A — I , formerly known and addressed as Mr. Fidelis Chukwuemeka Nwagbara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Fidelis Chukwuemeka Ikengwa.

All former documents remain valid. Orlean Investment West Africa Limited and general public please take note.

UMUKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Umukoro Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okotie Blessing.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPUKPU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpukpu Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana E m o n e n a Onephrojire.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public please take note.

OBOMINURU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obominuru Ufuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obodo Jennison Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O W O L A B I — I , formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Owolabi Adebusola Olufunto, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adeleye Adebusola Olufunto. All former documents remain valid. NOUN and general public please take note.

OGHENEMAVWE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenemavwe Oghenerukevwe Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. P a t r i c i a Oghenerukevwe Oghenemavwe Evwori. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKPEBOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lauretta Oselumenose Ukpebor , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lauretta Oselumenose Uwadia. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

ANANZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gotapwa Gilbert Ananze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gotapwa Nahungu Nzokala. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANI—I, formerly known

public please take note.

OJEAGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Onome Ojeaga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Iberedem Umoh. All former documents remain valid. Saint Annes Private School and general public please take note.

EDEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edeh Chinasa Cecilia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anigbogu Chinasa Cecilia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZIKE—I formerly called Miss Azike Blessing Uchenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeuduji Blessing Uchenna. All former documents remain valid.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi (N.A.U.T.H), School of Midwifery, and Water Side Onitsha and others, please general public take note.

ASOEGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asoegwu Uzoma Pamela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ubong Umoh Pamela.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSONDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osondu Jecinta Adamma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaiwu Jecinta Adamma Ifeyinwa.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ONYEMAIZU—I, formerly known and addressed as Onyemaizu Sunday Obiaku, now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Mike Williams. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ALLOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Allor Fumnanya Lisa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnani Fumnanya Lisa.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKAFOR —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Justina Ifeyinwa Okafor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Justina Ifeyinwa Okafor Okolie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBOMAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Iyari Agbomah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Iyari Agor. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ETIONWU—I, formerly

ODIH —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odih Isioma Lois, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ovenseri Isioma Lois. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

RAJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Raji Ololade Medinat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinyugha Ololade Medinat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omode Josephine Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeisi Josephine Blessing. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and general public please take note.

NWOKOCHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Pieta Chioma Nwokocha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pieta Chioma Mbamalu. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba and general public please take note.

OWOYEMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Grace Paul, now wish to be known and addressed as Grace Evans Owoyemi. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State and general public please take note.

AW O R I N D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Abidemi Olufunke Aworinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abidemi Olufunke Adegbenro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Okpa E m m a n u e l Okeoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Matthew Emmanuel Okeoghene.

All former documents remain valid. Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, WAEC and general public please take note.

JOHN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss John Ezeh Nneka S., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okonkwo Chukwu Nneka S. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUERI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogueri Ogechi Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Inikori Ogechi Rosemary. All former documents remain valid.

Imo State Government, American Embassy and general public please take note.

PETER—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peter Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egba Esther Peter. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

and addressed as Miss Ani Salome Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isiesi Salome Nkiruka.

All former documents remain valid. General

known and addressed as Miss

Anulika

Vera

Etionwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anulika Vera Eze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDENOJIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edenojie Esther Ekeoseye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Atausi Esther Ekeoseye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AW O D O L A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Awodola Oyeyinka Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bada Oyeyinka Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMMANUEL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosemary Nwakaego Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rosemary Nwakaego Michael Akpa. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED NWOSU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwosu Maureen Ifeamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okala Maureen Ifeamaka. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Sercurity and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and general public please take note.

DUNG—I, formerly known and addressed as Gabriel Dung, now wish to be known and addressed as Gabriel Dadieng. All former documents remain valid. Dia AsokoroAbuja and general public please take note.

BELLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Onoshioagbe Bello, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Onoshioagbe Ithenumah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JAMES —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss James Jamila, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Msheliza James Jamila. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Ijeoma Emmanuela Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okponwa Ijeoma Emmanuela Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Emmanuela Iwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Emmanuela Maduabuchi-Nwosu. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Omreore Folorunsho Michael, refers to one and the same person as Oghenovo Folorunsho Michael, now wish to be known and addressed as Oghenovo Folorunsho Michael. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNMEFUN—We, Ogunmefun who were formerly known and addressed as (1) Adebayo Adeolu Ogunmefun, (2) Immaculate Mokwu Ogunmefun, now wish to be known and adrressed as (1) Adebayo Adeolu Adebayo, (2) Immaculate Mokwu Adebayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAUREEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olokpa Maureen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egbeluya Olokpa Vivian. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LOUIS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Louis Chioma M., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chikodi Chioma M. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UGWUSIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Chinagorom Juliet Ugwusie, now wish to be known and addressed as Chinagorom Juliet Onuegbu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the names Okonkwo Valentine Richard Nzodilichukwu and Okonkwo Richard Nzodilichukwu, refer to one and the same person as Okonkwo R i c h a r d Nzodilichukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Chinyere Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinyere Linda Jerome. All former documents remain valid. Abia Poly Aba and general public please take note.

KALU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kalu Georgina Eme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alichi Georgina Alichi. All former documents remain valid.

Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and general public please take note.

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08053068728

Diwali prayers for Eagles crackers are fired like Indians do at Diwali. Just imagine residents of every compound blowing fireworks and crackers for a whole day almost non stop. They compete to outdo each other and what is at

,

DID not know that I would be called upon to pray.

Before this time I said the Lord’s prayer, Holy Mary, Glory Be God and went on in my meditation to pray for the family that has shown me great love and which was leading us in prayer.

I prayed for my own family and for Nigeria. I prayed that God grants our leaders the wisdom to lead well and our people the principle to follow only those who can deliver social justice and good governance. I then went on to pray for the Super Eagles to qualify for Brazil 2014 World Cup and for our sports to grow to such an enviable height that the industry will be huge, providing business and entertainment that will reduce our stress and make us live long.

I said these prayers silently while others sang melodious songs in prayer to God. I did not sing along with them for I did not know the lyrics but I knew that they were singing to God. I prayed as a Christian, thanking God for His mercies and further asking for more favours.

After the singing, prayers commenced. Mrs Asha Arya led the prayers. Then the son Yogender Arya followed with his wife supporting. Sandeep prayed too. Shrishti meditated and made sure Yogender’s daughter, Gushi did not distract us. I was asked to pray too.

I thanked God again for His mercies and thanked Him for the special day. It was a day of festival, a special day for Indians. It was their Christmas if you would permit such literary bias.

India is a country with over 40 festivals, among them Makar Sankrati, Lohri, Maha Shivrati, Vasant Panchami, Ram Navami, Holika Dahan, Holi and one special festival that I find funny but wished we had something like that in Nigeria. It is Karvachaut, a day set aside for women to offer special prayers to God for the success and general well being of their husbands.

Their biggest is Diwali. 20 days before Diwali is Dusshera when effigies are destroyed to symbolize the destruction of evil people. Just two days before Diwalli is Bhai Duj when people celebrate their brothers. Last Sunday was Diwali, a vibrant Hindu festival that celebrates the return of lord Rama after 14 years in exile during which he fought and defeated three demons including king demon, Ravana. There was wild celebration at his home when he returned.

They decorated and illuminated everywhere with all sorts of lights to symbolize the victory of light over dark, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali is also celebrated in Napal, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago and some other countries.

Activities that precede Diwali are tremendous.

Shopping, visits, exchange of gifts, prayers, shows etc. High rising and low buildings and structures are decorated with different designs of illumination. It is such that even the skies are illuminated because the reflections cast a floral beauty in them. At homes, new paintings are made, families prepare delicacies. They make cakes and sweets for the sweet and exciting moments that Diwali offers. Visitors come with gifts and go with gifts. It is a day to show love to all. There are those who visit the temples but many stay with their families at home on the day and after family prayers, the merrymaking begins. Companies that produce crackers and fireworks must have Diwali in mind. I cannot possibly imagine any show or festival in any other part of the world where fireworks and

I prayed for the Eagles to qualify for Brazil 2014 World Cup and go on to do well there

show is such an incredible shootings that produce hostilities in the skies of a country with over 1.5 billion people. It is stupendous. It’s always a spectacle of unimaginable proportion. They continue the following day but the intensity is not anything near what happens on the day of Diwali which I have now experienced two times, the first being in 2010.

Nobody sleeps on Diwali day until the early hours of the following day. The crackers, some of them louder than bomb explosions (they must be produced specially for Diwali) keep you awake, the fireworks and the illumination make the night bright and the fumes from the crackers and seeming explosives affect the eyes, choke and interestingly smoke mosquitoes out of homes on the night. I have never seen a country so infested by mosquitoes as in India. But on Diwali nights the smokes from crackers and fireworks are so thick that the mosquitoes disappear, at least temporarily. ack to the prayers. The Hindus believe in many gods. There’s virtually god of everything. God of the sea, god of agriculture, god of the sky, god of love, god of colours, god of trees etc. All these gods are linked to god of destruction, god of preservation and most importantly god of creation. But they pray to god of destruction not to destroy them. They dread him and revere god of preservation and creation. They believe lord Rama for whom they celebrate Diwali is a descendant of god of preservation, the god that preserves good things and what has been created by god of creation.

I’m here in India and spending Diwali with the Arya family who invited me to join them in prayers after a six course lunch. I have met wonderful people since my first trip here. Dr. Dussyant Nadar and Dr. Sapna Nangia and her secretary Jetinder Kaur. May God continue to bless them all.

I started by thanking God for the day. Before us was a well decorated table that could pass for an altar. The

B

Kanu signs new TFG deal N

IGERIAN football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, on Wedneday in Abuja signed a new twoyear contract with global property company, The First Group.

Kanu has been a brand ambassador for the Dubai-based company in the last four years.

Chief Operating Officer, TFG, Rob Burns, spoke glowingly of the contributions of Kanu, Nigeria’s most decorated footballer, to mankind at an elaborate occasion at the Transcorp Hilton.

“With the signing of

this deal, we hope to continue our relationship, which has been very beneficial, with Kanu,” Burns said.

“We’ve been able to get involved with things he (Kanu) does like the Kanu Heart Foundation.

We need someone like him to motivate our staff because of his personality.”

Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medalist Kanu said KHF has benefitted immensely from the TFG partnership.

Kanu said, “This is an

,

extension of my contract with them (TFG) and I appreciate their partnership with KHF. “On Tuesday, they donated money for the treatment of three kids on the waiting list.

“One of the kids on the waiting list died recently.

We have over 200 kids on the waiting list and the more you can’t raise money to treat them, the more they are dying. So, I am happy for TFG’s contribution to the survival of our children with heart-related issues.”

room is largely for prayers and different from the others. There were items on the table representing prayer points or symbols. I prayed in that light.

There was a live plant representing the ecosystem and I prayed God to preserve the ecosystem and make the world a better place for us us. I remembered Lagos where somebody cuts down trees at the National Stadium, exposing the ugly nakedness of that once beautiful edifice and the authorities allow such destruction in this modern day that tree planting is encouraged globally.

There were notes of money on the table and I prayed God to make our purses healthier.

There were fruits and I prayed God for us not to lack food, for Him to provide for the Arya family and for us all.

There were flowers and I prayed God to grant us peace, love and most importantly the grace to love Him daily more and more for we know that when we find Him every other thing shall follow. I concluded by saying “God, we have prayed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ your son, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, ONE GOD forever and ever.

Thank you, thank you and thank you Father”.

I heard my friends say Amen. Many Indians are like that. Sandeed once took me to the Cathedral here and on sighting the statue of Jesus Christ and our blessed mother, ever Virgin Mary, he prostrated, placing his hand on the chest in reverence. I have seen other Hindus do same. he prayer ended but something of interest happened. Mrs Arya who led the prayers took the notes of money which we prayed upon and shared to us all. I got equivalent of about N1000. I was told to keep it for God would multiply it many folds. I said Amen. They did not ask us to sow seeds. Rather, they gave us seeds from God for us to part with, do good to fellow men and see the seed grow to make our purses healthy as I prayed. In my perspective they gave us fruits from God and we will never lack in the mighty name of God. I BELIEVE. We parted and I felt good. I believed that God heard our prayers. I recalled my prayers for Eagles and wondered the spirit that touched me to do so. In sports, I have always believed that God is neutral. You pray to win a match and your opponents pray to God too.

They don’t worship devil, anyway. I have always believed in hard work as a form of prayer in sports, knowing that God loves all and helps those who help themselves. But on Diwali day here in India I prayed for the Eagles to qualify for Brazil 2014 World Cup and go on to do well there. May God hear my prayer in Jesus name as November 16 approaches. I have not still forgotten the nightmare that was the first half in Ethiopia when the home team made us look ordinary but our experience prevailed and we smiled at last.

Eagles will be at home in Calabar and should muscle the visitors with power game in the early minutes of the game. An early goal will knock Ethiopia out of their stride and kill the passion with which they play their passing game. That is one way to overwhelm them early and avoid anything that could cause us heart problem should they settle and begin to enjoy the game. Let’s not Ethiopia settle in the game early in Calabar. Early goal will lighten up the stadium in Calabar like a Diwali day in Delhi. And we shall celebrate with fireworks even if we can’t match the fever, frenzy and excitement that mark Diwali. That will mean well for our World Cup bound Eagles.

T

Milo football clinic ends in grand style in Ogun

A

FTER being staged in five cities across the country, the annual Milo Football Clinic will end on Saturday in a grand style in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Thousands of kids besieged MKO Abiola International stadium to be part of the clinic being coordinated by Super Eagles former captain, Peter Rufai.

The camp, which began on Tuesday, will climax tomorrow with dignitaries from Ogun State Ministries of Sports and Education

expected to grace the grand finale.

At the finale, the consortium of coaches will select 32 finalists that will participate in the novelty match while the winning team will be rewarded with scholarship and other juicy prizes by the organisers.

For the Brand Manager of Milo, Funmi Osineye, said the clinic this year has been exciting as most of the participants are looking forward to the next edition.

Osineye, who spoke

during the Akure edition of the clinic said: “I am so excited that the final of the Milo Clinic has produced worthy champions for the future. The aim of the clinic is not just to coach the children with worldclass football skills, but also to equip them with key value like discipline, determination, respect, honesty and teamwork to make them succeed in life. These values are essential building blocks in raising a generation of future champions for which Milo is known for.”

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Madam Nwakali tips Eaglets T

HE mother of Golden Eaglets defender, Chidiebere Nwakali, is confident that her son and his teammates will win the 2013 Fifa Under17 World Cup in the UAE. Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will go head-tohead against their Mexican counterparts, El Tri, in the final of the tournament in Abu Dhabi this Friday.

Madam Francisca Nwakali, who hails from Eziokele and Eziobodo Autonomous Communities in Owerri West, has now backed her son and his Nigerian teammates to go ahead and win a fourth title.

“There is nothing that is impossible before the Almighty God. They have come this far and they will conquer by His grace. I am confident that my son will do well (against Mexico) and Nigeria will win the trophy by the grace of God,” said Francisca Nwakali, who is a trader.

Taiwo Awoniyi(r) fights for the ball against Christer Lipovic of Sweden during their FIFA U-17 World Cup semi final match in Dubai. Nigeria won 3-0.

Photo: AFP She was also full of joy that her son has finally lived up to his dream of becoming a footballer.

“I am joyful and happy that Chidiebere’s dream has come true. I have watched all of his matches for Nigeria and I am happy with my son. Now I’m praying that they will win this (next) match (against Mexico),” she said.

Two captains, five questions

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EAM captains have a special responsibility to lead by example ahead of the big game. FIFA.com caught up with Nigerian skipper Musa Muhammed and Mexico’s captain Ulises Rivas ahead of the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE on Friday.

We posed five questions to the team leaders about what they expect in from the game – a rematch of the group stage contest that ended 6-1 for the Africans – their dreams of becoming world beaters, and who they’ll go to first when the final whistle blows.

FIFA.com: What kind of game do you expect in the final?

Nigeria captain Musa Muhammed: The first game that we played against Mexico is over now. It’s in the past, so we’re focusing on the next one. It will be a hard game, because it’s a final and both sides have a lot to play for. We are sure to be totally focused before we kick

off.

Mexico captain Ulises Rivas: It’s a different match from the first one, for sure. It will be a tough game for us, so we’ll have to be ready.

It’s a World Cup final and this is a stage where you have to be at your best.

Has your team gotten better over the course of the tournament?

MM: Yes. Absolutely.

We tried to get better with every game because this is a special tournament for Nigeria and for Nigerians. We’re just completely happy to be playing for a fourth U-17 World Cup title here in UAE. UR: Obviously we started badly, so there was nowhere to go but up for us. The last games were difficult ones, but they’ve made us stronger and more together in the team and they’ve prepared us for the final.

What is the main strength of your team at this moment?

MM: We have a lot of players who can hurt

you; there’s not just one guy who’s above the other guys. Everybody puts the job on his shoulders because football is about 11 players, not one or two.

Everyone in this team gives his all for the cause, for his team and his country.

UR: Our main strength is our unity and our willingness to move the ball around. When we play together as one we become better than we are as individual players.

What would it mean for you to become a world champion here in UAE? MM: It’s hard to describe. It would be something so good for me, for my life and my family, so I just hope that we can do it on the day and go home as champions of the world.

UR: This would be a tremendous sensation for us. Everyone in the team is hoping for this, and it would be like a dream come true.

Who is the first person you will call after the

final?

MM [Pause] I will, actually, call my teammates over to me because we are working so hard together for so long. I want to share the moment with them no matter what happens.

We are all together as a team and I want to share the moment with all of my mates.

UR: I will go to my family. They’re here in UAE and I will run to hug them. They will be the first ones I look to.

Musa Mohammed

Success fit for final

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OLDEN Eaglets striker Isaac Success has been passed fit for today’s U17 World Cup final between Nigeria and Mexico.

Success has been sidelined for four games after picking up a hamstring injury in the game against Sweden during the group phase of the tournament.

However, head Coach Manu Garba has confirmed that his striker has been declared fit for the finals. ”Success is fit for the final. But we have resolved not to rush him.

So he would be starting from the bench in the finals,” he disclosed.

Success Udinese-bound Success was top scorer at the African Junior Championship in Morocco earlier this year.

The highly-rated striker has scored twice at the U17 World Cup.

MATCH FACT: Nigeria – Mexico

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his is the pair ’s third meeting in the U-17 World Cup. The first occurred in the group round in 1987 and was won 1-0 by Mexico. The last encounter took place earlier in this edition on 19 October, when Nigeria inflicted a resounding 6-1 def e a t on the Mexicans in their opening match of the campaign.

Nigeria have won three U-17 World Cup titles (1985,1993 and 2007) compared to Mexico’s two (2005 and 2011).

This is the fourth U-17 World Cup to be staged in Asia. Nigeria won all three of the previous editions ,namely China PR 1985, Japan 1993 and Korea Republic 2007.

Nigeria are playing in their seventh U-17 World Cup final, more than any other team has contested.

The Golden Eaglets’ record in past title deciders s tands at three wins and three defeats.

Reigning champions Mexico have the chance to clinch a second consecutive U-17 world title, a feat achieved only by Brazil in 1997-99.

This is the first final to be played between CONCACAF and CAF teams. Representatives of the two confederations have crossed paths 37 times in the

competition, including 35 times in the first round,once in the quarter-finals (Costa Rica 2-0 Burkina Faso in 2001) and once in the match for third place (USA 0-2 Ghana in 1999).

For the fifth time, two teams that met in the group round are reunited in the final. The same thing happened with S o v i e t Union and Nigeria in 1987, Spain and Ghana in 1991, Brazil and Australia in 1999 and finally France and Nigeria in 2001.

Mexico lost one group match en route to the final,6-1 against none other than Nigeria. In previous editions, two sides lifted the U-17 World Cup trophy despite losing a match. They were France in 2001 and Mexico themselves in 2005.

Nigeria have scored 23 goals so far this c a m p a i g n .

The record for a single edition is held by Germany,who hit 24 in 2011.

Garba

Vanguard, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2013 — 55

Eaglets coach begs Keshi to admit his boys in Super Scottish refs for Eaglets Eagles S G OLDEN Eaglets coach Manu Garba has asked national coach Stephen Keshi to give some of his players a chance to train with the full Super Eagles squad, but admits that next year’s World Cup might be a bridge too far for them.

“I want to appeal to Keshi to give some of the Eaglets a chance to train with the senior national team as that will be of immense benefit to them in the future,” Manu said.

The Golden Eaglets have swept all in their path to reach the Final against Mexico on Friday, playing a brand of football that has captivated fans and destroyed opponents.

The likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ezeh and Taiwo Awoniyi have stood out, and Manu believes they can get their senior opportunity.

“I believe that some of my players are good enough for the Super Eagles,” he said. “They can even play at next year’s World Cup, although it may be too early for them.

TOUGH: Erdal Rakip (R) of Sweden is challenged by Kelechi Iheanacho during the semi final match at Al Rashid Stadium in Dubai. Nigeria won 3-0 (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)

Mikel tips ‘wonderful’ Eaglets

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HELSEA star Mikel Obi has tipped Nigeria to win a record fourth U17 World Cup on Friday, describing the team as “wonderful”.

The Golden Eaglets face Mexico in Friday’s final in Abu Dhabi after a superlative run in the

tournament and Mikel said they will be champions again if they are not over confident.

“They are great kids.

They play wonderful football. I salute them and their coaching crew for wonderful job. I believe they will be the

Imoke storms UAE for Eaglets

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ROSS River State Governor, Liyel Imoke flew out of Lagos lastnight with a promise to bring back the FIFA U-17 World Cup to Nigeria.

The Governor

Gov Imoke Continues from B/P ever. ”There is an extra motivation for me to win this trophy and it would be my greatest honour yet because in 2007 I was an assistant when Nigeria won this trophy,” Manu said at the lobby of Abu Dhabi Hotel before heading for his last pre-match press

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accompanied by his Sports Commissioner Patrick Ugbe said that he was going to Dubai to lend support to the Eaglets and bring back the Cup to Nigeria. ‘’The Governor promised to be with them at the final. They are his boys and he will be the first person to bring the cup to President Goodluck Jonathan’’, Ugbe exuding confidence said.

The Governor, no doubt, deserves a resounding applause

for the success of the Golden Eaglets. The amiable Governor of Cross River State provided a home when no one knew the stuff of the young lads. ‘’My Governor loves sports and demonstrates it. The Eaglets have been close to his heart since they were assembled. And the Super Eagles, too, have found a home in Calabar where they will qualify for the World cup on November 16'’, Ugbe said before jetting out.

Manu

conference at this 2013 UAE U-17 World Cup. Manu’s Golden Eaglets are hoping to become a record fourth titlist at this level following Nigeria’s previous win in 1985, 1993 and 2007.

The team ramped up fantastic results along the way to reach their sixth final including a 6-1 defeat of defending

champions as well as scoring a total of 23 goalsmore than any team in the competition.

Going into Friday ’s final against Mexico, the Golden Eaglets have played a total of 48 matches; won 43, drew 4 and only lost once; scoring a total of 218 goals and conceded just 53.

champions,” said Mikel, who featured at the 2003 U17 World Cup, where Nigeria failed to go past the group stage.

“All they need is not to think about the trophy before playing the final match, but I see them winning the trophy.”

Several other Eagles stars have also thrown their weight behind the U17s.

Sporting Braga defender Elderson Echiejile, whose Eaglets Class of 2005 failed to qualify for the World Cup, said he expects the current team to go all the way. Now there is no stopping these wonderful kids from being world champions a record fourth time#Eaglets,” Elderson tweeted through his handle@Eldersonech

Continues from B/P

Bad dream

superiority over another.

Depending on which divide you are, it appears to be the truth.

Defending champions, Mexico have recovered from the pangs of that 61 humiliation in the hands of the Golden Eaglets to play in today’s final, beating notable teams like Brazil and Argentina before squaring up against the Nigerian goal-machines.

But one Eaglet who also shot himself into reckoning with the Mexico match is Kelechi Iheanacho who told them that they were nursing a bad dream in their revenge mission today.

Iheanacho scored four out of the six goals and today stands tall as one of the contenders for the hotshot award.

“I’m sure they won’t feel great about that first result.They’ll want to put pressure on us and we’ll have to be careful. We’ll

respect them, but it’s hard to go against us when we’re playing our good football”, he said.

Football is good at offering second chances, but Iheanacho – near the top of the scorer’s charts with five of Nigeria’s 23 goals – has bad news for the revived Mexicans.

“We’ve got better since that opener. We’ve become closer and we’re going to chase them all over the field; we’re going to press them with our attackers and we won’t rest. We’ll go at them for 90 minutes until we’re sure the trophy is ours’’, he said with a note of certainty.

Asked about the army of supporters club led by Dr Rafiu Ladipo who have provided moving songs for them, he shyly smiled and said; “They give us courage,” Iheanacho said of the Nigerian fans who’ve offered the tournament colour and

COTTISH referee, Craig Thomson, his compatriots Derek Rose and Alan Mulvanny have been picked by FIFA as officials for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 final match between Nigeria and Mexico at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Thomson has been a match official since 1988 and has officiated in the Scottish Premier League since 2002.

The fourth official is Nobert Hauata from Tahiti while Mark Rule of New Zealand would be the Reserve Assistant Referee.

Golden Eaglets in the meantime, would don the white jerseys while the El Tri would be in green. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm local time (5:00pm Nigerian time).

•Craig Thomson

swagger, their trumpets blaring for all of the Eaglets’ matches. But you can’t play for the gallery, you have to play for your team-mates. But they do give us confidence and they cheer us up so that we can play in the right way,” he went on about the supporters who’ve sparked the venues of this Arab country with flashes of Lagos and Abuja.

“We have to work as a team, play as a team,” he added, knowing fully well he and his mates have offered as harmonious a brand of football as any before at this age level. “This is how you win matches.” It is indeed, and with talents like Musa Yahaya, Taiwo Awoniyi and Abdullahi Alfa alongside Iheanacho, rest may not come easy for Mexico’s defenders starting from 5pm(Nigerian time).

V anguard, FFRIDAY, RIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Eaglets coach begs Keshi to admit his boys in Super Eagles

Nigeria Vs Mexico...Kick-off 5 p.m......Nigeria Vs Mexico....

Bad dream for Mexico – Iheanacho

Success fit for final

M

ANY have dubbed today ’s match a revenge mission.

Others, too, have called it a match to prove one’s Continues on Page 55

•Mikel tips ‘wonderful’ Eaglets •Imoke storms UAE for Eaglets •Scottish refs for Eaglets Details Inside

BONE OF CONTENTION

TWO CAPTAINS, ONE TROPHY -- Captains, Musa Muhammed of Nigeria and Ulises Rivas of Mexico

Manu: Winning will be my greatest achievement

H

E has already won the world Cup as

an assistant coach in 2007 but Golden Eaglets’

Sudoku TODAY'S

PULL-OUT 8 pages of undiluted sports

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Head Coach, Manu Garba (MFR), said here

ACROSS 1 Locate (4) 4 Faucet (3) 6 Feeble (4) 8 Individual (6) 9 Kind (6) 10 Consumed (3) 12 Despondency (5) 14 Vault (5) 15 Broom (5) 18 Erase (6) 20 Loath (6) 24 Sum (5) 26 Adhered (5) 28 Domesticated (5) 30 Insect (3) 32 Coin (6) 33 Elevated (6) 34 Boss (4) 35 Chart (3) 36 Observe (4)

that winning the trophy on Friday would be his

greatest achievement Continues on Page 55

DOWN 2 Perfect (5) 3 Undress (7) 4 Tunny (4) 5 Sheet (4) 6 Irrigate (5) 7 Pertinent (7) 11 Also (3) 12 Deity (3) 13 Encountered (3) 16 Fixed (3) 17 Rug (3) 19 Obsolete (7) 21 Tank (3) 22 Exhilaration (7) 23 Finish (3) 25 Possess (3) 27 Belief (5) 29 Upright (5) 30 Particle (4) 31 Excursion (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Brash 7, Score 8, Vital 10, Enter 12, Got 13, Moved 15, Demoted 17, Eroded 19, But 20, Ravaged 23, Reed 25, Dear 26, Rotated 30, Dug 31, Desire 34, Pledged 37, Fatal 38, Ore 39, Dived 40, Hoard 41, Alley 42, Petty.

DOWN: 1, Actor 2, Breed 3, Render 4, Seed 5, Bigoted 6, Later 9, Tot 11, Rebated 13, Merry 14, Voter 16, Mug 18, Damaged 21, Debit 22, Creel 24, Doddery 27, Tug 28, Defeat 29, Aloof 32, Sadly 33, Rated 35, Era 36, Dine.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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