ALLEGED TRAINING OF SNIPERS: NHRC holds emergency meeting over OBJ's letter

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62049

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

SOKU OIL WELLS: Bayelsa Lemo bows out as

CBN Deputy Gov Govt faults Amaechi ALLEGED TRAINING OF SNIPERS: 8

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NHRC holds emergency meeting over OBJ's letter •Council members to meet January 15 in Abuja

15 killed, 200 shops razed as tanker fire wreaks havoc in Lagos

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS—WITH the polity still rumbling over the exchange of letters between President Goodluck Jonathan and his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, will meet next week. The meeting is to consider the request

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COLUMNISTS: Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17

Josef•P.19

Omorotionmwan

Mr & Mrs

The tanker fire at Berger Suya, Apapa, Lagos as captured, yesterday, and the damage after. Photos: Dada Adekola, Kehinde Gbadamosi & Akeem Salau. See more pix and story on Pages 14&15.

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POCKET CARTOON

WORKSHOP—From Left: Chief Judge of Plateau, Mr Lazarus Dakyem; Plateau Commissioner for Finance, Mr Davou Mang and Gov. Jonah Jang at the sensitization workshop for international public sector accounting standards for top policy makers, accountants and directors in Jos, yesterday.

NHRC holds emergency meeting over OBJ's letter Continues from page 1 by the Federal Government for it to investigate the allegation by Obasanjo that President Jonathan was training snipers and had placed 1000 political opponents on his watch list.

Vanguard gathered that the commission’s extra-ordinary meeting of its Governing Council, slated for January 15, will discuss modalities

and parameters under which to proceed with President Jonathan’s request.

The Federal Government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke, SAN, had on December 23, last year, asked the NHRC to probe former President Obasanjo’s letter.

Adoke had said: “May I draw your attention to

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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HEN beauty graces the heart it becomes a pure gift of love which awakens the concealed beauty in all things and gratitude becomes an attitude for awakening in the warmth of love and likeness of Spirit in an ever expanding connection with God —Ella Roli Randle Every now and then I get a chance to interact with persons of knowledgeable insights about everyday spirituality and life in general. One day in New York City, I met with a dear friend, Professor Rodney Jones at the Julliard prestigious school of music. I went straight at the question burning from my lips. I asked him the meaning and purpose of life. These were his exact words: “Perhaps God has been calling to you. Through the darkest of days and those filled with sunshine. You can learn to hear God’s call more clearly and answer, and the answer, the deep answer, is always: How may I love more deeply and serve life more fully?

“We begin by seeking God’s love, or if we have had some transcendent moment of experience, the presence of the Holy Spirit or God. We then spend a lifetime learning to enter into that state of Grace where we are in direct contact with Spirit. The statement, “You exist because God loves you”; “I exist because God loves” now becomes an understanding that you know and live momentarily.

Life is an ongoing process, we are here to give and receive Divine Love and to be a clear channel for this love at all times. You keep re-working your life like a mound of clay until you realize the divine love that has been inside your heart from the very start.

the above and the attached State House memorandum dated December 23, 2013 in respect of the above subject matter (Before it is too late). I am to request you to investigate the allegations bordering on the human rights’ violations contained on pages 9-10 of the letter written by former President Obasanjo to President Jonathan, attached to the memorandum under reference.

“In order to properly delineate the issues within your sphere of competence particularly as other issues raised in the letter are being investigated by appropriate agencies of government, I have decided to reproduce the relevant paragraphs below.

“Allegations of keeping over 1, 000 people on political Watch List rather than criminal or security Watch List and training snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely acquiring weapons to match for purposes like Abacha and training them where Abacha trained his own killers. If it is true, it cannot augur well for the initiator, the government and people of Nigeria.

“Here again, there is lesson to learn for anybody who cares to learn from history. Mr. President would always remember that he was

elected to maintain security for all Nigerians and not for personal or political ambition or interest of anyone.

“The Yoruba race adage says, “the man with whose head coconut is broken, may not live to savour the taste of the succulent fruit”. Those who advise you to go hard on those who oppose you are your worst enemies. Democratic politics admits and is permissible of supporters and opponents.

When the consequences come, those who have wrongly advised you will not be there to help carry the can. Egypt must teach some lessons."

NHRC summons council members Vanguard gathered from an authoritative source that the commission had invited all members of its Governing Council for meeting, which will decide among other things, how to treat President Jonathan’s request.

The meeting, according to the source, would also decide who to invite during its investigation and how to probe Obasanjo’s allegation and perhaps at what level to invite the former president, if the need arises.

Obasanjo to Jonathan Obasanjo in his letter dated December 2, 2013 titled “Before Its Too Late...” had said: "Allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on political watch list rather than criminal or security watch list and training snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely acquiring weapons to match for political purposes like Abacha, and training them where Abacha trained his own killers, if it is true, cannot augur well for the initiator, the government and the people of Nigeria.

“Let me repeat that as far as the issue of corruption, security and oil stealing is concerned, it is only apt to say that when the guard becomes the thief, nothing is safe, secure nor protected in the house. We must all remember that corruption, inequity and injustice breed poverty, unemployment, conflict, violence and wittingly or unwittingly create terrorists because the

opulence of the governor can only lead to the leanness of the governed. But God never sleeps, He is watching, waiting and bidding His time to dispense justice."

Jonathan to Obasanjo Jonathan in his reply to Obasanjo’s letter, had accused him of inciting Nigerians, saying “Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time.

Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left.

Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back.

"In 2005/2006, linkmen were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the Governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.

“Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over 1,000 Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people.

Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicising it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter.

Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?

“The allegation of training snipers to assas-

sinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me.

Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our Fourth Republic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.

“Regarding the over 1000 people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.

“I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation.

"It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter ” has provided for them."

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

One killed, 9 injured in Bauchi auto crash

Kwankwaso’s father survives gun attack in mosque ...3 die, 3 injured

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI — AT least one person was killed while nine others sustained injuries in an auto crash along Bayara village, few kilometres from Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The accident which happened about 3.15pm, involved a construction vehicle with number plate XG241NSR, a Honda Accord car with number plate AJ 779 TRN and a motorcycle.

According to an eyewitness, the accident was as a result of over-speeding by the driver of the Honda car who was heading towards Dass Local Government Area.

The eyewitness said: ”The driver of the Honda Accord left his lane in the process of overtaking and collided with the construction vehicle and a man on a motorcycle died on the spot.”

Confirming the accident, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Sunday Olatunji, said 13 persons were involved in the accident of which one was confirmed dead while nine sustained injuries.

Man remanded over neighbour’s death

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — A 28-YEAROLD man, Godwin Elijah, was yesterday remanded in Ikoyi prison by an Ebute Metta Magistrate Court over alleged death of his neighbour pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. Magistrate Olatunbosun Abolarinwa ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison, pending DPP’s advice.

The defendant is facing a count charge of murder.

The police prosecutor, Cpl Cypriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged crime one December 21, 2014.

Osuji claimed that Elijah unlawfully killed one Kalu Chima, who was 28-yearsold and was his friend, while they were gambling.

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ANO — POLICE authority in Kano has confirmed that three persons died while three others were injured when unknown gunmen attacked the country home of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Tuesday night.

The police also confirmed

that Musa Kwankwaso, father of the Kano State governor, who was in the mosque during the attack, escaped unhurt.

In a statement,the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, Majia said the incident occurred about 7.30 pm when Muslim faithful were observing the late evening congre-

gational prayers.

According to the statement, “The identity, motive and target of the assailant is not yet established but investigation has already commenced to unravel to those behind the attack.”

The attack, that disrupted the serenity of Kwankwaso ancestral home, 28 kilometres south of Kano city, also forced

the locals to flee their homes in droves for safety before arrival of troops.

Majia revealed that the gunmen had during the prayers opened fire on worshippers before the police dislodged them, stressing that the police stopped them from accessing the mosque.

Musa Kwankwaso is the District head of Kwankwaso village.

Two undergrad sisters burnt to death in Agbor

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A Accident involving a petroleum tanker with number plate, AKD 864 XC, and a Honda car with number plate, EKY 492 CC, at Rainbow bus-stop Oshodi-Mile expressway, yesterday.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Two in court over N16.5m theft

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BY CHINYERE ABIAZEM

AGOS — TWO men, Tokunbo Martins, 40, and Olumide Ayobami, 39, have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's court for allegedly obtaining N16.5 million under false pretences.

The defendants, who were docked before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo reside at Mushin area of Lagos.They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

The police prosecutor, ASP Barth Nwaokoye, told the court that the defendants obtained the said sum, from one Alhaji Abdulmumuni Yakubu on the pretext of supplying petroleum products to him.

Nwaokoye said the defendants and others at large committed the alleged offence on October 29, 2013 at Idi Araba area in Mushin, Lagos.

According to him, the offence committed is contrary to Sections 285 and 312(1) (a) (3) and punishable under section 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the

charges preferred against them by the police.

Magistrate Fabamwo granted the defendants bail

in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 3, 3014.

Ogun traffic agency hands over N13m to accident victim

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, yesterday, handed over cash and cheques recovered from the scene of an accident which occurred along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway, last Tuesday, to the victim of the crash.

The TRACE Commander, Dr. Ayo Sangofadeji, handed over the money and other items to the owner, Alhaji Shittu Samsudeen.

Samsudeen was travelling in his black Toyota SUV marked LAGOS: FST 278 AR, to Lagos when he was involved in the accident at Kobape-Onipepeye village along the expressway.

The items handed over to the victim included two cheques worth N6.9 million, a bank draft of N6.89 million and over N118,000 cash, including his Samsung Android phone.

Samsudeen, who was brought

to the TRACE office from the state hospital in Ijaye where he was receiving treatment, was presented with the items by the TRACE Commander in his office located in Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.

The TRACE commander shortly after handing over the items to the victim said a “good Samaritan” had actually taken the victim out of the car before a team of TRACE officials led

by Commander Adekoya Adeola got to the scene and took him to the hospital for treatment.

Recalling how the crash occurred, Samsudeen said he was trying to avoid a learner’s vehicle ahead of him which had only a man and another female occupant before the crash occurred.

He, however, expressed appreciation over the integrity and spirit of sincerity displayed by officials and management of the agency in the course of discharging their duties.

SABA —TWO fe male undergraduate siblings have been burnt to death following a midnight inferno that razed their hostel in Agbor, Delta State, Tuesday.

The two girls were students of College of Education, Agbor and were among those living in a private hostel adjacent the college.

Their names were given as Favour and Ndidi from Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

According to an eyewitness, “the unfortunate incident occurred while they were sleeping in the hostel. The fire started at about midnight unknown to neighbours that the two girls were in their rooms.”

The cause of the fire was not immediately ascertained but Vanguard gathered that men of the state fire service were called in for rescue operation after the havoc had been done. The two corpses were deposited at the Central Hospital, Agbor.

State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Dr. Tony Nwaka, had while delivering his mid-term report last year said 90 lives and property worth over N7 billion were lost to fire in the last six years.

He said over N65 billion property were salvaged.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—7

Apo killing: DSS opposes N500m compensation to victims

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA — AS more revela tions emerge on how 12 Boko Haram kingpins took over an uncompleted building situated behind the Apo legislative quarters in Abuja, the Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday, urged the Federal Government not to accede to a N500 million compensation demand by surviving victims of the September 20, 2013 midnight shootings.

Addressing the investigative panel of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, the DSS said it was satisfied that most of the squatters in the uncompleted building were Boko Haram members, insisting that it was occupants of the building that initially opened fire on security agents that came for a search operation following a tipoff by an apprehended terror suspect.

Speaking through its senior lawyer, Mr. Clifford Osagie, the DSS, while imploring the Federal Government to, in the meantime, ignore demand by the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, NATOMORAS, that families of the deceased and injured victims should be compensated, said there was need to firstly ascertain that the eight persons that lost their lives during the operation were innocent.

The DSS, which took the position shortly after the Nigerian Army tendered exhibits before the NHRC panel, further maintained that its investigations revealed that eight persons that were arrested at the building on the day of the incident were die-hard Boko Haram members who were planning to unleash mayhem within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

No to N500m compensation

According to Osagie, “The position of the DSS on the N500 million compensation demand is very clear.

“We need to first ascertain and determine whether those people that were killed were actually in-

nocent. Until you reach that decision you cannot pay compensation.

"Moreover, eight of the people that were arrested at the building on that day were Boko Haram members. It will be difficult for anybody to conclude at this point until investigation is concluded.

“This is why we think that the NHRC has a big task on hand.

We must first ascertain the culpability or otherwise of those that died as well as determine the nexus between the occupants of the building and Mallam Suleiman who is currently at large.

“We have submitted a written submission to this commission

where we articulated that the speed and manner with which the corpse of people that died during the shoot-out where removed, hampered our investigation and made it difficult for us to link them. We would have carried out a post mortem test on the corpses.

We came under fire

"Like we have said here repeatedly, we came under fire and we responded. Now if the government is to give compensation, it must be determined that the deceased persons actually fell under the bullet of security agents and not from Boko Haram elements in the building.

Hoodlums extorting money from drivers on the bridge-head in Onitsha, Anambra State, Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Rape of sex workers: 4 dismissed soldiers left duty posts — Witness

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BUJA — A PROSECU TION witness, Police Inspector Olamide Olayemi, said the four dismissed soldiers charged with rape of seven commercial sex workers in Abuja, left their guard duty-posts to commit the crime.

Olayemi stated this while giving evidence at an FCT High Court in Abuja, yesterday, where the dismissed soldiers, Nse Eyedip, 33; Ugwu Matthew, 23; Emezien Uzonna, 24, and Efosa Ikhomoregbe, 23 are being tried.

They were arraigned on a 12count charge bordering on con-

spiracy, rape, assault and robbery on January 23, 2013.

Olayemi, while being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mr Adama Musa, told the court that on the day of the incidence, they were supposed to be on duty at the Airtel mast in Wuse 2.

He said: “The accused persons left their guard duty-post with their Hilux van, armed with their official riffles.

“The accused persons arrested the victims and collected N104,000 from them which they shared among themselves.”

The witness, who was also one

Ex-AAU registrar's wife commits suicide

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— THE Univer sity town of Ekpoma, in Edo State was thrown into mourning yesterday, when the wife of the former registrar of the Ambrose Alli Unversity, Mrs. Kate Edokpayi, was found dead after committing suicide.

Her dangling body was discovered by her husband, Mr. Larry Edokpayi, in one of the rooms in their boy’s quarters.

“Unless there is a pre-conceived notion by this commission that the institution is responsible already for the deaths, then we can start talking about compensation. We have no problem if you have reached a conclusive decision that they died innocently and therefore deserve compensation.

"However, we insist that this panel must first prove that the institution was responsible.

“Some of those that were arrested in the building were released on bail while we detained others we think have connection with the Boko Haram sect. We came under fire and under the rules of engagement for the operation, we were entitled to return fire.”

Although she did not leave any suicide note, it was, however, learnt that she might have been frustrated over her health challenges.

It was gathered that she had repeatedly expressed frustration over her inability to get cure for her diabetic condition.

Vanguard learnt that the husband, who recently retired from the service of the university, had suspected kidnapping after a long

search before he was advised to check the boy’s quarters.

On getting to the quarters, he was said to have observed that the door was bolted from behind and forced it open. He was shocked to see the dangling body of his wife at the ceiling.

She was an Assistant Director with the Edo State Ministry of Education, overseeing the ministry’s office in the Ekpoma before her death.

of the investigating police officers, told the court that he took the statement of the fourth accused (Ikhomoregbe).

He said: “The fourth accused told me that he got only N1,500 as his share from the amount they stole from their victims.

“He also told me that his colleague, Matthew, the second accused, had sexual intercourse with one of the victims with her consent.

“My team also visited the scene of crime located at the River Plate Garden Wuse 2.”

Olayemi also told the court that he led the team of police officers who took the victims to the Wuse General Hospital, where they were examined by medical doctors and that a medical report was sent to the police.

He further told the court that at the end of their investigation, the police filed a case of criminal conspiracy, rape, assault and armed robbery against the four soldiers.

After listening to the testimony, the presiding judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, adjourned the case to February 19 for continuation of hearing.

Bizwoman docked over N806,500 fraud

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AGOS – A BUSINESS WOMAN, Uzoma Agu, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged N806, 500 fraud.

Agu, 28, whose address is unknown, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and theft.

The prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 30, 2013 at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.

He said Agu obtained 37 pieces of office chairs and tables worth N806,500 from one Mrs Chibuzor Anole with a promise to pay within one week after sales.

“The accused was arrested by the police when she could not pay the money as promised,” he said.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr Taslimi Shomade, adjourned the case to February 11 for mention.

Court remands 4 spiritualists over N5m fraud

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BEOKUTA – AN Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded four men believed to be spiritualists in prison custody for allegedly defrauding a man of N5 million.

The Chief Magistrate, Anthony Araba, ordered that the accused should remain in Ibara Prisons pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The accused are Hammed Yusuf, 49; Suraju Akinwande, 47; Michael Sokanlu, 40; and Kazeem Olayiwola, 45.

The men, whose addresses are unknown, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.

The prosecutor, ASP Paul Etusi said the accused committed the offences sometime in June 2013 at OkeIlewo in the Central Business District of Ogun capital.

He alleged that the accused collected N5 million from one Mr Rasak Adebolu on the pretext of delivering him from “spiritual attack.”

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Patriots, ENM to hold confab in Feb lAs Igbo leaders urge Jonathan to reject PAC recommendations

BY TONY EDIKE & DAPO AKINREFON THNIC Nationalities Movement, ENM, in collaboration with The Patriots, a group of eminent citizens, have resolved to hold a conference which is aimed at promoting fraternity and peaceful co-existence among ethnic nationalities in the country.

The two-day conference, scheduled to hold in February, is said to be conceived as a dress rehearsal for the national conference proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

This came at a time when the Professor Ben Nwabueze-led Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought, CILT, called on the President to reject the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee, PAC, on the conference, insisting that the type of conference the committee recommended was different from what Nigerians demanded.

Briefing newsmen yesterday, National Coordinator and Chairman organising Committee, Mr Solomon Asemota, SAN, said the conference was imperative “to promote fraternity and peaceful co-existence.”

Aside Asemota, other members of the group, who lent their voice to the initiative include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Col Tony Nyiam (rtd), Mr Yinka Odumakin, Mr Michael Orobator and Chief Segun Ojo. Asemota argued that the long years of colonial and military rule in Nigeria has prevented the country from making headway in all areas.

He said: “It has become very clear that in the years after independence to date, the system in place largely entrenched the colonial legacies of indirect rule, divide and rule and tripod of assimilation and did not and could not meet the yearning for change by the Nigerian people.

“This is evident from the way those in positions of power in executive and elective posts, religious and traditional office holders crave for colonial titles and regalia, some original, others counterfeit.”

He, however, said that failure to hold a conference that will address the anomalies in the country might lead to a revolution, saying “the danger is that the gap between the monarchs and ordinary Nigerians has widened to such an extent that a violent revolution is in the horizon."

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Soku oil wells: Bayelsa govt accuses Amaechi of distortion of facts B

AYELSA State Government, yesterday, accused Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi of distortion of facts on Soku oil wells and blackmailing of President Goodluck Jonathan over the wells.

The state government also accused Amaechi, who recently defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, of using Soku to incite the Kalabaris in Rivers State against their Nembe kinsmen in Bayelsa State.

A statement by Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, said the controversy on Soku had long been resolved by the Supreme Court, National Boundaries Commission, NBC and several presidential committees.

The state government expressed surprise that Amaechi, being fully aware that the matter had long been resolved, was now stoking the matter just to grab media attention and score cheap political points.

Iworiso-Markson said Amaechi was aware that Soku was merely a name adopted by Shell, being its nearest operations base at the time, and not necessarily the location of the oil wells.

This fact, he noted had been attested to by the NBC as well as a committee set up in October 2000 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, and headed by Maj. Gen. A. B. Mamman (rtd).

“The crux of the matter is whether the said oil wells, which bear the name given by Shell are within Bayelsa or Rivers states according to the administrative map of Nigeria and other instruments for purposes of derivation?”

“It is instructive to note that not only are the survey coordinates of the affected areas within the geographical area of Bayelsa State, it is also in Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, delineated electoral constituency as electoral ward 13 in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.”

Citing chapter 3 of a report of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, dated August 2006, he stated, “The Bayelsa/Imo/Abia State governments complained that the naming of oil fields was often done arbitrarily without any regard to the culture and particular environment of the people where the wells or fields are located. This has given rise to wrong attribution by relevant agencies.

"Incidentally, Soku village in Rivers State is about 10 km, as the crow flies, from the flow station while the Oluasiri/Soku oil wells/field are completely surrounded by various Oluasiri communities such as Etukekiri, Ijawkiri, Fredkiri, Adokonikiri etc all in Nembe council of Bayelsa State.”

Quoting the report of the General Mamman committee, he said

“Soku Oil Field: The team relied on the legal notice captioned “The Eastern Region Local Government Law, 1955 E.R. NO 26 of 1955. Instrument Establishing the Nembe District Council” tendered by Bayelsa State on Pages 40-41 of its submission.

"It should be noted that while the Kalabaris of Rivers State call the area Soku, the Nembe people of Bayelsa State call it Oluasiri which is one of the councils mentioned in paragraph 5 of the above mentioned instrument. In the light of the above, it is recommended that the production from Soku Oil Field be attributed to Bayelsa State.”

The statement said that it was the reports that paved the way

for Bayelsa to apply for the monies that had been placed in an escrow account when Amaechi approached the Supreme Court.

“From July 2004, the Revenue Commission officially attributed the Oluasiri (Soku) oil well to Bayelsa State and N7.292 billion was subsequently released from the Escrow account to Bayelsa State on March 19, 2007, during the administration of President Obasanjo,” it said.

The government said the application for a refund of N17.

4billion was made during the administration of President Umar Yar’Adua, on the reconciliation on Nimbe South oil field in Bayelsa State and was found

by RMAFC to be true.

The statement added that

Amaechi failed to disclose that Rivers State made a similar claim on Nda and Okwori oil wells from Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Delta states, and got a refund of N17.5 billion.

It accused Amaechi of leading a smear campaign against President Jonathan, and threatening the peace and security of the country.

"The Government of Bayelsa State assures our brothers, friends and the good people of Rivers State that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this trying moment in the life of our parent state, where a good number of our citizens still reside and call home,” the statement added.

Efforts to get official reaction from the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Seminatiri proved abortive.

CONFERENCE —From left : Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; DIG 'F' Department, Mr. Atiku Kafur and DIG 'C' Department, Mr Emmanuel Udeoji during a conference with top police officers in Abuja, yesterday.

PDP automatic ticket offer stalls senators' defection to APC

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE alleged dangling of automatic return ticket by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to aggrieved senators elected on its party platform to drop their defection plan to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, seems to be responsible for the reluctance of the senators that had indicated interest to dump the party for APC. Already, the promise of automatic ticket for the senators was made to save the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur from the alleged plan to remove him from office.

Some senators are however, of the opinion that Tukur could

only be removed at the party’s convention, and not through any other process.

At the heat of the plan by some senators loyal to the disbanded Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, to dump the party and join the APC, the embattled PDP chairman held a closed-door meeting with the leadership and PDP senators to persuade them not to jump ship.

They were said to have been promised automatic return ticket to the senate as the constitution allowed them limitless tenure as legislators.

A senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Tukur’s relationship with the senators improved following the said promise, even as the national chairman further prom-

ised to mediate between them and some of their governors who the lawmakers lamented had hijacked the party structures in their states.

It was gathered that Tukur had assured the senators of brokering peace between them and their governors to ensure harmony in the party.

It was also gathered that it was only in the five states where the PDP governors defected to the APC, that the senators sympathetic to the governors are said to have indicated some level of seriousness in the defection plan.

Apart from Senators Magnus Abe of Rivers South East and Abubakar Saraki, Kwara Central Senatorial districts that have boldly announced their defection to the APC, some other senators are playing hide and seek game as a result of the automatic ticket promise.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—9

PDP, APC in 'war of words' over use of religion zName your 35 interim officers—PDP zYou 're scare mongers — APC

BY HENRY UMORU & DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE Peoples Democratic Par ty, PDP, and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, were yesterday, locked in a war of words over use of religion to achieve political goals.

While the PDP, which first threw the gauntlet that the APC was shaped in Islamic fundamentalist robe insisted on its claim yesterday and challenged the opposition party to name its 35 interim officers.

The APC on its part said the use of religion by the PDP was a new low for a party it claimed stands for incompetence, looting and election rigging.

Reiterating its earlier accusation that the APC was a party adorned in religious attire. The PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, thus dared the leading opposition party to name its interim officials for the world to know.

Metuh said “it is shocking that the APC would attempt to hoodwink Nigerians even in the face of incontrovertible facts exposing its religious inclinations and plots to divide the nation along religious lines.”

The PDP said contrary to the denials posted by the APC in a hollow statement yesterday, “the revelations by an Islamic cleric, Ambassador Yusuf Garba and the Religious Equity Promotion Council, REPC, that APC seeks to impose an agenda like the Egypt Muslim Brotherhood remains a fact that cannot be brushed aside.”

Counter to clams by the APC that the PDP was playing a religious card to overheat the polity, the ruling party said it decided to “buttress an alert to Nigerians on the evil machination of the APC with every sense of duty to ensure that Nigeria remains united as one and not fall to the evil plot of the APC.” The ruling party reiterated that it “remains committed to the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal, ethnic or regional affiliations” adding that it will continue to expose and resist anything that seeks to cause divisions among the people and balkanize the country.

"It therefore called on Nigerians not to succumb to the antics of the APC which is now bitter that its plans have been exposed, but to be alert and ensure that the enemies of the nation are not allowed to have their way."

The APC in a sharp riposte articulated by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “this irresponsible accusation by the PDP that the APC is dividing Nigerians

along religious line is a new low even for a party that stands for nothing but incompetence, looting and election rigging. It is an indication that the desperadoes in the PDP will throw everything, including the kitchen sink, into their campaign to stop the wave of change blowing across Nigeria.’’

According to the party, the reason it has refrained from joining issues with the PDP, despite its sponsored campaign to portray the APC as an 'Islamic party', is

because it knows the dangers that religious politics portends for any nation that brings religion into politics, and that no nation which has descended into religious warfare has survived intact.

The APC said no party wishing to lead Nigeria aright can do so on the basis of religion or ethnicity. Therefore, we are compelled to warn the PDP not to play what it believes to be its trump card, the religious card, against the APC, because whatever politicians do, they must refrain from

ethnic or religious politics and put the country above selfish considerations. Only an irresponsible party will play the religious card for any reason.

"It alleged that even when President Goodluck Jonathan decided to wear religion on his sleeve, kneeling down before respectable religious leaders and pushing the pictures into the media in an apparent ploy to score political gains, the APC refrained from making any comments on it."

The party further alleged that

DEDICATION—From left: Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii and Rivers state Head of Civil Service, Mr. Samuel Longjohn during the 2014 Rivers State civil service prayer/dedication in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

CASHLESS POLICY

Bank customers free to deposit cash in any bank

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

big relief appears to be coming the way of Nigerian banking public, as a cashless banking backbone agency, BeyondBranches has teamed up with Interswitch to enable Nigerians deposit cash into accounts in any bank.

With this partnership, customers no longer need to reach their bank to deposit cash. They can now pay into any bank and the money will be credited into their account in the same manner as they withdraw cash from any bank’s ATM. The new deal was made possible by BeyondBranches, owner of the payment platform, QuickTeller, a value added service platform developed by Interswitch.

Chief Operating Officer of BeyondBranches in Nigeria, Simon Aderinlola, said: “We are excited to make life easier for bank’s customers.

“The cost of transportation, time wasted due to the traffic and queues in banks have made life difficult for the people. Instead, customers of any bank can now go to a Quickteller agent and deposit funds into any bank account in Nigeria.”

FG denies ban on im por tation of fr ozen ffish ish impor portation frozen ...T o e xpor ps tto o USA ...To expor xportt shrim shrimps

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA—THE Federal Gov ernment, yesterday, debunked the news making the rounds that it had banned the importation of frozen fish into the country, describing the allegation as false.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said there had never been any ban on frozen fish in the country, pointing out that what the government did was rather to enforce strict control on prohibition of farmed fish.

Adesina explained that the new fish importation policies were geared towards boosting local fish farming and production in a bid to protect the country from becoming a dumping ground by fish importers at the expense of local investors and general health of Nigerians.

Adesina, also said that Nigeria has been recertified to export shrimps to the United States of America, USA, indicating efforts made to transform the fish indus-

try.

He said the recertification was as a result of the ministry's push to register the abundant shrimps resources, including some marine and fresh water fish species under the Marine Stewardship Council.

His words, “The Federal Government had at no time placed a wholesome ban on the importation of frozen fish into the country. The only fish species being strictly regulated and under prohibition from being imported without strict control were farmed fish.

This is in line with best practices all over the world.

“The circular of October 29, 2013, which states that all Bills of Lading must be dated on or before October 30, 2013, and the fish cargo landed not later than December 31, 2013, did not ban fish importation but was directed at having a clear cut demarcation between frozen fish imported under the old regime and the new regulation coming into effect in January, 2014.

“To further effectively regulate

the importation of frozen fish into the country, the ministry has decided to regulate and monitor quantity and species that each fish importer will be allocated to import to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a dumping ground but only imports what she actually needs and stop the practice of stock piling frozen fish in cold rooms of some importers for weeks before selling thereby making the fish unwholesome for human consumption.

“Nigerians deserve to eat fresh frozen fish not rotten and rancid fish. The health of Nigerians is of prime importance to the government.

“More importantly is the financial implications on the economy due to the fact that the large quantities of fish are imported at a time when they cannot be disposed off easily, leading to the stored fish getting spoilt and rotten. Many of these companies have therefore year-in year-out declared losses and so do not pay tax to the government. This cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

Air Airttel hits 25m subscribers

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU & WILLIAM JIMOH

A

IRTEL Nigeria yester day announced that it has hit 25 million subscribers in the Nigerian telecom market, saying it was due to the support of Nigerians.

MD/CEO of the company, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, who made the announcement at a media parley in Lagos, said it was a huge feat considering that the network was just only four years old in the Nigerian market.

He, however, said that the achievement was not without strategic and careful treatment of the Airtel network which according to him, have made the operator one of the most friendly, data centric, and reliable network in the country.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Ejigbo women: Lagos Assembly places N1.25m reward on perpetrators

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — LAGOS State House of Assembly, yesterday, placed a bounty of N1.25 million to unravel the perpetrators of the brutalisation of two women in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, last year.

Chairman of the five-man ad hoc committee investigating the matter, Mr. Ajibayo Adeyeye disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting on the issue, at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

According to Adeyeye: “Anybody that gives information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous act shall be given N1 million. And I will add the sum of 250,000 from my private account to increase the sum to N1.25million.”

During the deliberation, the video clip of the incident which ran for about eight minutes was played, showing how the two women were tortured by the perpetrators. The video clip moved the participants at the meeting to tears.

The President of Women Arise Initiative, Dr. Joe Odumakin, who had

previously led a protest to the House on the matter, explained that she saw the video for the first time on December 7, 2013.

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — THREE estate agents were, yesterday, docked before an Ebute Metta Magistrate's Court by the Lagos State Police, over alleged land fraud worth N5million.

NMA president urges NASS to pass Health Bill L interaction between the civil population and of course, their leaders in terms of their ability to demand accountability.

“And, that is why we are calling for the passage of the National Health Bill to be able to help the people to demand accountability.

“That is why we are asking the National Assembly, even as they are still reconstructing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, to have a place in chapter four that guarantees the health right of the Nigerian people.

“Once they have their health right guaranteed in terms of making it a statutory provision and indeed a

Odumakin said that the greatest gift anyone could give the women was to get justice for them.

Three estate agents docked over N5m fraud

VISIT: Alhaji Issa Hayatou, President of Confederation of African Football, CAF, and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, during the CAF President's courtesy visit to the Governor, in Lagos House, Marina, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

AGOS — THE National President, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, yesterday, urged the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the National Health Bill pending before it.

Enabulele said in Lagos that passage of the bill would solve many of the problems facing the nation’s health sector.

He said that Nigerians were full of expectations from the various tiers of government in 2014 in the area of improved healthcare services.

“So, 2014 may be pregnant with lots of expectations, but whether they will be delivered will be dependent on the

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu speaks from Paris

fundamental right, you and I can take on the local government chairman and demand accountability: why he has not provided the minimum package of healthcare to you?

The defendants, Olusegun Oresanya, 47; Jude Dike,46, and Samuel Nkem,74, are facing a four count charge of conspiracy, wilful damage to property, false pretence and fraud, preferred against them by the police.

The police prosecutor, Cpl Cyriacus Osuji informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged offence on December 21, 2013 at Plot 13, Federal Government Layout, Suberu Oje,Abesan Site ii, in Agege, area of Lagos.

He said that the defendants damaged the fence and iron gate, worth N500,000, belonging to one Mathew Komolafe, adding that the defendants forcefully entered Komolafe’s property.

Osuji said that the defendants obtained the sum of N5 million from the complainant, Jude Dike, on the pretext of selling a plot of land belonging to Komolafe to him.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant, showed the complainant fake title documents of a land and promised to hand over the documents to him after payment, but instead of handing over the documents, the defendant disappeared and converted the money to his personal use.

Osuji said the offence committed is contrary to Sections 312,318,337 and punishable under section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, of Nigeria 2011.

However, the defendants, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Magistrate, Y.B Okusanya Badejo, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case to January, 22, 2014.

Erelu Dosunmu

E

RELU ABIOLA Dosunmu, who is holidaying in Paris, yesterday, spoke to Vanguard following media insinuations that she might have passed on.

She said she is alive and well.

She indicated that the lady that passed on is Ajoke Dosumu, who is Erelu Osugbo Iledi.

Lagos commissions 180th park

A

S IT commissioned the Oshodi Heritage Garden, the Dolphin Park and the Alao Aka Bashorun recreational Park and Garden, the Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, brought to 180 the number of parks and gardens it has completed and handed over to the end users since the inception of the aggressive open space development campaign called Operation Green Lagos, OGL. The Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello noted in his welcome address that the official commissioning of the three parks was a demonstration of the commitment of the Babatunde Fashola administration to restore the lost glory of Lagos and create a safe and healthy environment for all.

3 die in Benin Lagos road crash

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY — TRAGEDY struck, yesterday, at Iwu junction, after Ekiadolor, on Benin Lagos express road when three persons lost their lives in a road accident involving many vehicles.

The crash was said to have

occurred at about 9a.m., which according to an eye witness, involved a black Toyota Landcruiser Sports Utility Van, SUV, and an ash coloured Volkswagen Golf car marked SMK 404 BZ. Both cars were coming from the Lagos end of the road and a Toyota Vanette bus painted in the yellow and red,

Edo State commercial vehicle colour, with registration number USL 324 SD. The casualties were said to be in the bus conveying staff from the Edo State Ministries of Agriculture and Environment (forestry officials) as its occupants, and was driving against the traffic.

It was gathered that the SUV

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—11

‘Only 3 Osun PDP guber aspirants showed intention’

O

VISIT: From left: Member, National Assembly, Osun East Senatorial district, Senator Babajide Omoworare; Aare of Ife, Aare Muyiwa Omisade; Obasewa of Ife, Chief John Odeyemi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Chairman, Osun State University Governing Board, Professor Gabriel Olawoyin, and Prince of Ife, Ade Adefioye, during solidarity visit of Ile-Ife's dignitaries to Governor Aregbesola, in Osogbo, Osun State.

Okurounmu blasts Igbo group over confab recommendations criticism

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA — THE chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, Senator Femi Okurounmu, yesterday, blasted the Professor Ben Nwabueze-led Igbo leaders of thought for criticising his committee’s report, accusing the group of pursuing personal agenda.

Okunrounmu, who also stated that Nwabueze group clearly went beyond the bounds of decency and decorum by fabricating a report purely from their own imagination, describing the allegations against his committee as "wild, mendacious, obfuscatory and ill intentioned."

Speaking in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Okurounmu said attempts to discredit the committee would not succeed because majority of Nigerians are enthusiastic about the proposed national dialogue.

The Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought, led by Nwabueze, on Monday, in Enugu, expressed disapproval of the recommendations in the report of Presidential Advisory Committee, PAC, on national dialogue, saying the report fell

short of the aspirations of Nigerians.

The Igbo leaders who said the confab committee recommended mere amendment of the nation’s constitution as against new constitution, also kicked against the panel’s alleged proposal to select delegates on the basis of senatorial zones or federal constituencies.

But, the group declared that the ability of the committee to present a single report and forestal “dissenting or minority report” was a tremendous achievement, adding that the criticisms by Nwabueze’s group were meant to be a setback for

the national conference by injecting a crisis of confidence between the committee, the people and the government.

He said: “They say, among other allegations, that the committee recommended a mere amendment of the constitution, whereas what the people desire is a new constitution.

"They continue and allege that the Presidential Committee recommended that the findings and conclusions of the conference be passed to the National Assembly whereas what they desire is a referendum.

“These allegations show clearly

that members of the group have neither seen nor read the report that they are criticising and are merely acting on hear-say because the Presidential Advisory Committee, under my chairmanship, made no such recommendations as alleged.

“The Nwabueze led group has clearly gone beyond the bounds of decency and decorum by fabricating a report purely from their own imagination and leveling such scathing criticisms against it with a view to discrediting the real report, which it has obviously not yet seen.”

All public varsities to benefit from released N220bn — ASUU

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN —THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, yesterday, in Ibadan, clarified that all public universities across the country, including state owned would benefit from the N220billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government.

The clarification was made by

the Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye when speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.

According to him, the 2009 agreement was not restricted to the federal universities alone.

He explained that it would not be proper to say that the intervention fund was meant for the federal universities.

The struggle for the implementation of the 2009 agreement to develop infrastructure facilities in the universities was jointly done and the fund would be used by all.

Ajiboye stated that full academic activities had resumed since the Federal Government had granted their demands by signing the memorandum of understanding.

SOGBO— AHEAD of this year's governorship election in Osun State, only three aspirants of the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, collected letters of intention and submitted same at the close of the exercise on December 31 last year.

Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa disclosed this in Osogbo, yesterday.

Olaoluwa said a former House of Reps member Hon. Oluwole Oke from Obokun, a former senator who was also a former minister, Sen Olasunkanmi Akinlabi from Ayedaade local government, and a former deputy governor and former chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore from Ife East Local Government have shown interest in the party’s primaries.

LP’s legal adviser, Fasakin resigns

ATIONAL LEGAL N Adviser of the Labour Party, Biodun

Fasakin, a lawyer, has resigned his position from the party in protest over alleged manipulation of the party’s constitution Speaking at a press conference, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, Fasakin mentioned the issue of leadership between the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the LP chairman in the state, Mr. Bode Simon and the manner in which a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Opeyemi was manipulated to take the position of leadership of the party in Ekiti State as reasons for his resignation.

Father of murdered girl in Ekiti resigns to fate

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — CHIEF Samuel Olowu, father of the 18 year old girl, Opeyemi Olowu, who was shot dead at Ise Ekiti last Sunday, yesterday, said he has resigned to fate over the murder of his daughter.

The student of Ise Comprehensive High School was shot dead with a dane gun However, angry youths in the community apprehended the alleged killer burning him at the community’s round-about.

When Vanguard visited the

deceased’s home at No. 12, Oraye Quarters, Ise Ekiti, yesterday, sympathisers were seen in pensive mood consoling the family.

Pa Olowu in an interview denied knowledge of how the alleged killer who was his tenant, got the gun used to kill his daughter.

His words: “I don’t have a gun; I have been a farmer after my retirement from the Ministry of Agriculture. I don’t know where he got the gun from, may be, it was his own because he used to be a security man at a sawmill in this town, but dropped it and decided to be operating a commercial motorcycle.”

When pressed further, he said he had left everything to fate, adding that, “who do I sue to court since my daughter has been killed and the person that shot her had equally been killed. I have resigned to fate.

I have collected her corpse and buried.”

Also, Opeyemi’s mother, Mrs. Rachael Olowu, said she was in the bathroom when she suddenly heard a gun-shot.

“Before I entered the bathroom, both my daughter and Ifeanyi were outside interacting and playing.

"Suddenly I heard a gun-shot, on getting out, I saw my daughter writhing in pain, in her pool of blood and crying.

12 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Ugborodo, Itsekiri's worst problem —Lori-Ogbebor

Proclaim 2014 year of prayers, Delta CAN tells Jonathan

BY EMMA ARUBI

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BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State chapter, has decried what it described as the myriad leadership potholes in the polity and urged President Goodluck Jonathan to proclaim 2014 a year of national prayers.

It said: “Viewing from the handwriting on the wall, where the immediate past and incumbent President are at war of words, throwing the security of Nigeria to the air, it has become necessary for the wise men in Nigeria, who are patriotic enough with the leadership of the churches through CAN to initiate the proclamation of a national year of prayers for Nigeria.”

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the 2014 CAN rally in Ughelli, Chairman of the chapter, Rt. Rev Diamond Emuobor, said: “The rottenness in the politics of Nigeria calls for a year of prayers, so as to attract the hand of God’s mercy upon our country."

Delta PDP leaders task Nwaoboshi on reconciliation in Ika South

P

EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman in Delta State, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, has been urged to ensure proper reconciliation of members of the party in Ika South Local Government Area of the state. Some PDP leaders in the council, while reacting to a statement credited to Nwaoboshi that peace had returned to Ika South PDP at Agbor on Monday, said “the only condition for peace is when all party leaders and followers in the council are given opportunity to elect party chairmen that will represent them at the council and ward levels.”

The aggrieved members, who spoke through a former transition committee chairman and party leader in the area, Col Godwin Eboma (rtd), said since the party’s last congress that produced the incumbent PDP chairman of Ika South, there had been no peace in the area.

MEETING: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) welcoming Chief Rita LoriOgbebor to Government House Annex, Warri, during a meeting with Itsekiri women, yesterday.

Rivers CP, known PDP member —AMAECHI

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, yesterday, described the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Mbu as “ a known politician of the PDP,” noting that he was among those that wanted to stop the state lawmakers from performing their legislative functions in the state.

The governor spoke while assenting the 2014 Appropriation Bill passed by the state House of Assembly at its sitting in Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said: “The Commissioner of Police is not a complete policeman, he is a known PDP politician, who attends meetings with them and carries out illegal action. Yesterday, you were able to assert that democracy is about people and that when you talk about democracy, it begins with the legislative arm of government for the reason that you represent each unit of our people and you actually go down to the people.”

Thanking the state lawmakers for the passage of the bill, the governor said the initial plan of those he styled 'our Abuja brothers’ and the Commissioner of Police in the state was to stop the passage, adding that the passage would empower his administration to effectively provide dividends of democracy to the people.

“Let me thank the House (of Assembly) for your action, yesterday.

There was the need to defeat those who wish the state evil and I am sure the whole state is extremely pleased with the level of patriotism you displayed.

“The initial plan of those led by our so-called ‘Abuja brothers’ and the Commissioner of Police was to stop you (lawmakers) from discharging your legislative functions. I heard that one of them is telling people that

he has been able to stop the House from sitting and that he has been able to stop the judiciary from functioning," he added.

Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr Chidi Lloyd, who has been granted bail by the Police, said the lawmakers were satisfied with the performance of the governor so far in the state.

He said: “May I, by leave of Mr. Speaker (Otelemaba DanAmachree) invite Your Excellency to kindly assent to the 2014 Appropriation Bill, as passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Your Excellency, we urge you to continue to deliver on the dividends of good gov-

ernance as you have done.”

It will be recalled that Governor Amaechi had on Tuesday, presented the proposed 2014 budget of N485.524 billion to the state Assembly, which it passed same day.

The Felix Obuah-led faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state on its part, had faulted the lawmakers for the passage of the appropriation bill, describing the presentation of the bill by the governor before the lawmakers as criminal.

Obuah said the action of the lawmakers and the governor was nothing short of impunity, adding that it destroyed the tenets of popular democracy.

ARRI—THE persistent crises rocking the oil –rich Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has been described as the worst problem confronting the Itsekiri nation.

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor made the remark when she led Itsekiri women to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at the Government House Annex, Warri, to demand an explanation on the continuous crises between youth groups in the community and explore ways of resolving same.

Responding, Governor Uduaghan explained that his interest in the community was for the sustenance of peace and security for the lives of the people and also ensure security for the smooth take–off of the $16 billion Gas City project at Ogidigben.

He said that the two warring factions in the community were his boys and therefore, he cannot sacrifice one for the other, adding that in an effort to restore peace to the area, the two factions had been invited to Abuja for further talks as the project had come to stay.

The governor said nobody should play God in Ugborodo, adding that no one can fight government, as his administration was committed to ensuring that peace reigns. He promised to contact Chief Lori-Ogbebor for further briefings.

2014 Rivers Budget: Product of doctrine of ment by Chukwuemeka Eze, his necessity —APC media aide, the state APC boss

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HAROURT—AS reactions continue to trail the 2014 Rivers State budget, All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, has described the same day presentation and passage of the budget as a demonstration of the doctrine of necessity.

Interim state Chairman of the party, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, in statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, commended the state House of Assembly for speedily debating and passing the budget, as this would enable the wheel of government to run without undue encumbrances.

He said: “This is another demonstration of the doctrine of necessity for which the law-

makers should be commended. While we look forward to reopening of the state Assembly Complex presently under siege, it would be wrong to bring governance to a halt because it is the masses who will suffer and not Govern o r Amaechi as an individual,” Ikanya said.

In the state-

said it was contradictory that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, went to court and got judgment invalidating National Assembly takeover of the Rivers legislature.

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 13

No apology for sacking teachers—OSHIOMHOLE

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—EDO State governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, said that his government had no apology for sacking 836 teachers in the state.

He spoke on the heels of the disclosure by the leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, that he had promised to review the recent sack of the teachers, with a view to recalling those who were improperly sacked.

Oshiomhole, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said his administration was poised to sanitise and revitalise the education sector to produce students who would pass the Senior School Certificate Examinations without recourse to miracle centres, noting that the presence of some teachers that could not read, write or speak good English would not produce intelligent pupils.

He spoke in Auchi during the celebration of Allah at the 17th edition of Auchi Day, with the theme The Holy Qu’ran: Guidance for Mankind.

He said: “Some people are bellyaching that we sacked teachers. We have no apology for that. Some persons ought to have retired 10 years ago,

but they reduced their ages in order to remain in the system.

They have passed the age of 60 and are still in the system.”

He noted that many Nigerian leaders abandoned God and are pursuing wordly things, adding

that the country needs leaders keen on moving it forward.

Otaru of Auchi, HRH Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, warned that the struggle for power and influence only for per-

petuating stealing and killings, which brought the country on the verge of collapse was caused by the inordinate ambition of citizens.

A

BUJA—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidate in the October 12, 2013, bye-election in Delta Central senatorial district, Mr Oghenetega Emerhor, have said they intended to challenge, at the high court, the qualification of Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo to contest the election.

They have, meanwhile, asked the tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, to strike out their petition, in which they are challenging the election conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which Aguariavwodo was declared winner.

Counsel to the petitioners, Mr. Ahweyevu Mukoro, in an application to withdraw the petition, contended that “the petitioners/applicants have found out that Chief Aguariavwodo, did not submit his nomination form, Form E.C. 4 (v) and affidavit in support of personal particulars of persons seeking election to the office/ membership of the Senate, Form C.F.0001 latest 26/09/ 2013, as stipulated by INEC

BY MICHAEL EBOH HE Federal Government will earn $18.4 million, about N2.94 billion, as taxes from Chevron Nigeria Limited’s $481.6 million twoyear contract with Pacific Drilling.

Also, Pacific Drilling is expected to reap $156 million (N24.96 billion) annually, about $39 million (N6.24 billion) per quarter, after deducting costs and taxes from the deal.

According to documents from Pacific Drilling, it has entered into a twoyear contract with Chevron Nigeria, which required it to deploy its newest drillship, the Pacific Khamsin, with Chevron expecting to pay the company $660,000, about N105.6 million daily, translating to about $60.2 million (N9.632 billion) per quarter for the services of the company.

Pacific Drilling further projected a tax rate of four per cent per quarter, meaning that the Federal Government of Nigeria will earn about $2.3 million (N368 million) per quarter, translating to $18.4 million, about N2.94 billion, in the two-year life of the initial contract.

According to the company, the rig was originally expected to begin its work on its first contract on December 1, but it was unable to begin on time due to delay by Nigerian authorities to issue a drilling permit.

Pacific Drilling stated that in the third quarter of 2013, its drilling operations had direct rig operating expenses of $163,400 (N26.144) per day, adding that this can in some cases, increase to approximately $180,000 per day to operate one of its rigs.

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INSPECTION: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Madam Grace Eghaghe, Market Women Leader, Yanga Market, during the governor's inspection of Oba Market Road in Benin City, yesterday.

DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL POLL: APC to challenge PDP candidate’s qualification in court

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

FG to earn N2.94bn from Chevron’s N9.6bn drilling contract

in the timetable/guidelines for the bye-election, the return of which is the subject of the petition.

“The petitioners/applicants have filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, challenging the candidature of Aguariavwodo at the bye-election of 12-10-

2013 upon which INEC declared him elected. The issues raised in the suit are pre-election matters which cannot be determined by the election tribunal, and retaining this petition after the suit may raise issue of abuse of the judicial process.”

In the suit at the Federal High Court, APC and its candidate, are contending that they had sufficient evidence to prove that PDP connived with an official of INEC in Abuja, and smuggled in forged documents relied upon to endorse the nomination form of Senator Aguariavwodo, who eventually won the election.

Six arrested youths were on community's errand —MONARCH

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— THERE is a new twist in the case of six suspects arrested by the Joint Task Force, JTF, recently for illegal possession of fire arms. The suspects were handed over to the Police. But the community has said the youths were sent to recover the arms.

According to the Amayanabo of Ogu, King Nicholas Biobele, the community got wind of an alleged plot by a neighbouring community to invade his community, hence the youths were sent to go in search of the arms being amassed and retrieve same.

He said those arrested were community vigilante, who recovered the arms that would have

been used by a neighbouring community to attack his community.

He said they recovered the rifles but were apprehended on their way back by the JTF, adding that those

linking Senator George Sekibo and a member of the state House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, to the issue were being unfair. He said that the matter had nothing to do with politics.

Edo people laud Oshiomhole on devt

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—RESIDENTS of Benin metropolis, Edo State, trooped out to applaud the developmental strides of the state governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, during his inspection tour in some parts of Benin City, the state capital, yesterday

The residents showered praises on the governor and thanked God for sparing his life in an auto crash. The governor inspected the level of compliance with the state’s sanitation laws at Oba Market, New Benin market and New Lagos Road. The residents said the governor had performed beyond their

expectations.

Mrs. Mary Igbinovia, who resides on Igbinaduwa Street, expressed appreciation to the governor for his timely intervention in the erosion problem which had been a menace in the area.

She said before the governor’s intervention, a number of lives had been lost to erosion in the area.

14-Vanguard , THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

15 burnt to death in Lagos tanker fire

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN, BOSE

ADELAJA,OLASUNKANMI AKONI,MONSUROLOWOPEJO, ANOZIEEGOLE&AKINLEYE OGUNBIYI

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AGOS—NO fewer than 15 people were burnt to death when a tanker laden with petrol fell and went up in flames Tuesday night. The inferno lasted till yesterday morning, at the Berger Suya junction, Apapa, Lagos.

Also, several buildings, eight vehicles and about 200 lock-up shops including a commercial bank in the area were razed.

There were, however, conflicting accounts of the number of casualities. While Federal Fire Service and National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, put the figure at 15, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the State fire service said only five bodies were recovered.

The fire which started at about 10:35pm on Tuesday was said to have been caused by a tanker laden with 33,000 litres of petrol which lost control as it was negotiating a sharp bend. It exploded close to suya spots in the area.

The driver of the truck, his assistant, several passengers in two commercial buses, bystanders and two Hausa suya vendors were burnt beyond recognition. Rescue workers were seen picking and collecting bones and burnt human parts into cellophane bags.

A commercial bank was not spared as a part of the building which housed the Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, was badly damaged. Eyewitnesses said that the bank guard was trapped and burnt in the inferno.

Fire fighters led by the Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Fadipe Razaq Idowu, had hectic time combating the fire which lasted about five hours.

Speaking with Vanguard early yesterday, Idowu stated that the team which comprises 21 officials responded promptly with three fire trucks each containing 10,000 litres of water. According to him, each of the trucks was replenished three times.

He said: “The State Fire service responded with three fire trucks, each containing 10,000 litres and was replenished three times. We also used 600 litres of synthetic chemical foam to stop the raging fire, if not, the whole building would have been razed.”

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Idowu disclosed that the tanker which was carrying about 33,000 litres of petrol, went up in flames after it lost control when trying to negotiate a bend at the Berger Suya Junction leading to Wilmer.

Reacting to the number of deaths recorded, Idowu stated that five bodies were evacuated

by Lagos State Environmental Unit at the spot.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said 15 people died in the conflagration.

But an eyewitness said more than 15 people were burnt beyond recognition. “It will be more than that (15 people).

They don’t know what they are saying. Two buses which were at the spot when the incident happened caught fire and all the occupants were burnt. The suya sellers including a woman selling orange at the junction were burnt.

Victim wails

One of the executives of the Berger Suya Traders Association, Gabriel Ojum, cried that they were like orphans now having lost everything they had laboured for. He said he lost more than N5 million worth of goods to the inferno. He disclosed that more than 200 shops were affected with goods burnt.

Ojum pointed to another member of the executive of the union who lost about 30 articulated vehicle engines, each costing about N850,000.

How it happened

An eyewitness, who resides in the area told Vanguard that the tanker, which number plate could not be identified was coming from Kirikiri jetty and lost control probably as a result of brake failure. He said the tanker fell as it was trying to negotiate a bend and caught fire immediately.

“As it lost control, the truck fell close to the suya spot at the junction with its content spilling across the road into the immediate environment, from the suya furnace it wildly spread to the street. The driver and the conductor were trapped in the truck which was burnt beyond recognition. Two buses which were carrying several passengers were also burnt without a survivor. A woman who sold oranges at the junction was also burnt to death; a guard in the bank was also trapped. Some policemen at the junction were also not spared. But I don’t know whether they (the policemen)

One of the burnt vehicles being removed from the scene, at Berger Suya, Apapa Expressway, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

z200 shops, eight vehicles, bank razed zWe’ve become orphans —Spare parts traders

zIt’s shocking —Lagos Government survived it or not.”

On how it spread to the adjoining street where about 200 shops were affected, another resident, who also lost goods worth about N5million to the inferno said: “As the tanker fell, its content (petrol) spilled and flowed into the gutters and as the fire began, it spread immediately to the gutters, linking the shops and vehicles parked along the road. The entire area was gutted. We immediately reached the fire service, which responded promptly.”

An eyewitness said the fire was put out at around 3:00 am yesterday with property and goods estimated at N500million destroyed.

This is a bad New Year gift —Victims

Edwin Ibe, who had just returned from his village for the Christmas celebration said he lost more than N45 million worth of goods. He described the incident as bad new year gift.

A middle aged father of six who spoke amid tears, lamented: “As you can see, I lost a lot of money here. Not only that my engines worth more than N25 million got burnt to ashes, a fairly new trailer that I recently acquired which is worth over N15m was also burnt.”

Promise Lezieanya, a trader, absolved the tanker driver of blame saying “he tried his best to maneouvre shouting that the truck had lost its brake as he was approaching the junction.

“A commercial bus by the

side which was fully loaded with passengers to Wilmer got burnt. No one survived in the bus. I counted more than 28 people, 94 shops, eight motorcycles and eight vehicles that were burnt that night. I lost 38 pieces of engines to the fire outbreak each at the rate of N1.1m and a new truck that I had sold at the rate of N7million but had not delivered to the owners. All the Okada riders that used to stay at the junction were all burnt to ashes,” he narrated.

Fire fighters

No fewer than 21 men from the state fire service were busy fighting the fire with about 90,000 litres of water.

The State Director, Lagos State fire service, Fadipe Razaq Idowu stated that apart from the fact that three trucks were used, they also used 600 litres of synthetic chemical foam to stop the raging fire.

He, however, acknowledged the support of private fire units of Julius Berger and the Navy which complemented the state fire service to combat the inferno.

Looting spree

Razaq told Vanguard that street urchins had a field day looting as the fire was raging. He noted, “Many of them were carrying machete, sledge hammer and other dangerous weapons trying to loot. They impeded our work, we would have recorded more successes if they had stayed out of our way.”

Another eyewitness

indicated that looters were trying to gain access into the ATM compartment of the affected bank just as others were busy vandalising property around.

Lagos government reacts

Lagos State Government yesterday described the Apapa fire incident which killed 15 people as a shock,saying “in order to avoid this, that was why the state government embarked on the enforcement of the 2012 road traffic law.”

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, M r. Lateef Ibirogba, while reacting to the inferno said: “We noted it and have always advised full compliance with the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 in terms of maintenance of vehicle road worthiness, compliance with speed limits and use of indicator lights.

“That’s why we also reorganised and strengthened our Vehicle Inspection Agency. There’s often a tendency for tanker drivers to resist enforcement, gang up and threaten to withdraw their service.

We must all resist this and insist on full compliance with the Law.”

Lagos records 194 fire incidents in 39 days

The inferno was the 194th fire incident that Lagos would witness in 39 days since December 2013.

As of Tuesday, Mr Rasak Fadipe, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that 193 fire outbreaks had occurred in Lagos within the last one month.

Before the Berger Suya disaster, Fadipe said the last incident occurred on January 7 at about 3.08 a.m., at Sawmill Market, Ipaja, Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—15

THE TANKER FIRE THAT CLAIMED 15 LIVES AT BERGER SUYA, APAPA, LAGOS, YESTERDAY. PIX: KEHINDE GBADAMOSI & AKEEM SALAU.

A burnt refuse disposing truck at the scene.

The exploded tanker with 33,300 litres of petrol.

Official of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps fielding questions from newsmen.

Sympathizers watching rescue operations.

LASEMA officials at work.

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The burnt building which housed the Sterling Bank Plc, Apapa branch.

Members of the Lagos State Rapid Response squad keeping watch.

Burnt articulated vehicle engines in some of the razed shops.

Observers at the scene of the accident.

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16 — Vanguard,THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 17

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Ranks of world's billionaires Abdulsamad was said to have joined the ranks of the world’s billionaires for the first time, “based on success at his BUA Group, whose biggest businesses are sugar refining and cement”. The BUA Group’s “annual revenues are estimated at $2Billion. The group “also does business in real estate, steel, port concessions, manufacturing, oil and gas and shipping”.

Nigeria’s second richest man, Mike Adenuga, was named 15th biggest gainer, with a gain of $100Million (N16Billion) to end the year with a net worth of $4.7Billion (N752Billion). FORBES said of Adenuga, that “he built his fortune in oil production and telecom…He hit it big when the

Nigerian billionaires and the Nigerian condition

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man.

military regime of former President Ibrahim Babangida awarded him construction contracts and his first oil prospecting license with which he became the first Nigerian to strike oil in commercial quantities”.

So the uber-capitalist magazine, FORBES has again revealed the nature of the society that is being built in Nigeria.

When these annual reports began coming out a couple of years ago, it became clear that we have arrived at a new pass in Nigeria, the pass of the fetishism of money and the lionizing of the super rich.

Neoliberal capitalism has been

“successful” in Nigeria; it has created a tiny clique of super rich who worked the Nigerian system to their advantage in a unique alliance of the nouveau bourgeoisie and the political elite. The transition to civil rule in 1999 consolidated and expanded a trend which had emerged in the wombs of military dictatorship, but especially during the implementation of Structural Adjustment Policies (SAP). Obasanjo’s neoliberal surrender consolidated the incestuous alliance of these rich individuals and the political elite and it was no surprise that these individuals, in the main, have bankrolled the political and electoral expenses of the

,

AST Friday, January 3, 2014, VANGAURD newspaper, like other Nigerian newspapers, carried a report sourced from FORBES magazine, titled “The Biggest African Billionaire Gainers in 2013”. The report said that the combined net worth of four Nigerian billionaires, Aliko Dangote, Folorunsho Alakija, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Mike Adenuga grew by $12.65Billion (or N2.024 Trillion) in 2013 alone.

FORBES added that Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, was the biggest gainer in terms of increase in net worth. In 2013 alone, Dangote gained $10.1Billion (N1.62trillion), and by the end of the year, he was worth $22.9Billion (N3.66Trillion), up from $12.8Billion as at the end of December, 2012. Nigeria’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, was described as the fourth biggest gainer in 2013, with a $1.9Billion (N304Billion) increase in her wealth, thus ending 2013 with a net worth of $2.5Billion (N400Billion). She is a big oil industry player as owner of Famfa Oil Limited.

Similarly, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of the BUA Group, was named Africa’s ninth biggest gainer in 2013, with a $550Million (N192Billion) increase in wealth, taking his net worth to $1.2Billion (N192Billion).

What is also clear is that the Nigerian ruling class processes which created conditions that allowed four billionaires to increase their wealth by $12.65 billion (N2.024 trillion) in JUST ONE YEAR, is NOT SUSTAINABLE!

ruling administrations and party. And for their labour, they got the accesses which allowed their flowering as members of the

Hon. Justice Saidu Kawu: Closure of an era

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HE seventh day prayer for the late Justice Saidu Kawu took place in the family house in Ilorin on New Year’s Day. And just as on the day he was buried, Boxing Day, December 26th, 2013, his 85th Birthday, there was a turn out of hundreds of people from all walks of life. And since he died on Christmas Day, the family has received hundreds of visitors as well as messages of condolences.

His death brought home most poignantly, the well-quoted observation by the Malian Professor Hampate Ba, that when an old man dies in Africa, it is the equivalence of the burning of a library.

Justice Saidu Kawu’s life was reflective of some of the major phases of our nation’s development. He was an incredible unifier of our family; a man with a generous sense of community and a genuinely decent father and patriarch. He ceaselessly reminded us all of the importance of a sense of honour and of fidelity to the history of our people and Islam. They were points he harped on regularly. Let me illustrate.

I was appointed pioneer GM of KWTV in February 1997.

On the eve of my resumption of work, he called my late mother and I, to remind me of the history of our forefathers: “We have never been ‘materially rich’ in our family”, he told me. “We have always been a family of scholars and public administrators; please uphold our honour in your new appointment”. I could NEVER have forgotten those words!

Similarly, many of the people who experienced his incredible humanity have C M Y K

spoken with a deep sense of appreciation and of loss, since his passing. In response to some of the messages of condolences we received, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari wrote: “Thank you…for sharing the grief of all true sons and daughters of our community in Ilorin who have lost a rare gem, a true gentleman, an incorruptible judge and an outstanding leader. He was my surrogate father, yet so humble.

Surrogate father To illustrate: just last June when I was in Ilorin for the ceremony of my installation as pioneer Chancellor of Kwara State University, he not only attended the event at the campus which is several miles out of town, he was with me at the Emir’s palace for the special prayers which HRH organised to mark my retirement from UN service and appointment as Chancellor, but he also came to the Airport to see me off!!

That was who he was: kind, decent, humble and caring”. Yemi CandideJohnson said of him: “A judge from a different age and time. It is good that we can remember what is possible. May his soul rest in peace”. While Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of the NHRC, added that: “his humility and decency on our bench at the highest levels all seems like it was from such an age ago. May Kawu JSC’s soul find merciful and eternal rest”.

Twice a year, during the Sallah holidays, he brought the whole family together and

clan of the world’s billionaires.

The obverse of the process that FORBES magazine reported with relish, is the Nigerian condition. That Nigeria of the few billionaires and their allies in politics, is today one of the most unjust and most unequal societies in the world. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics on January 6, 2014, reported that 112.519million Nigerians live in relative poverty conditions; this is out of a population of 163 million people. The StatisticianGeneral of the NBS, Dr. Yemi Kale, who presented the report said “in 2004, Nigeria’s relative poverty measurement stood at 54.4per cent, but increased to 69 percent or 112.518million Nigerians in 2010”. Kale then added that “it remains a paradox, however, that despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year”. Urban and rural poverty is increasing and the economy which allows a few billionaires to increase their “net worth” in billions of dollars annually, is not creating the jobs that can take millions of young Nigerians out of desperation and despair. These alienated young people are high on drugs; they are involved in many criminal endeavours; they are in desperate search for opportunities abroad and those who have stayed do not love the Nigeria of a few billionaires that FORBES magazine celebrates. It is the condition that gave rise to a few billionaires, that has also provided the conditions for insurgency in Northern Nigeria. Afterall, The National Bureau of Statistics’ report also added that North-West and North-East Nigeria recorded the

given the dispersal of people in all directions, they were dates we endeavoured to keep, because one was sure to meet other members of the family.

It is a tradition we would have to consciously uphold in his memory. He was a remarkable conversationist, able to engage young and old alike about various issues. And because of my own work in journalism, in recent years, he became particularly obliging with tales of his years as a teacher, headmaster, scoutmaster, development administrator in the old Ilorin NA and as Magistrate in various parts of the North.

The politics of the 2011 elections caused a major chasm within the family, because some of us supported Dele Belgore and became pitted against those in the family who had been part of the Bukola Saraki government. It got so bad that people on both sides stopped relating with each other. He called something close to a family truth and reconciliation meeting to mend relationships. He reminded us that our forefathers never broke over partisan differences and he was not going to allow division, so close to the end of his own life.

I think his generosity of spirit and leadership helped to mend fences. That was the person he was and who we lost: father and patriarch; modest; decent; unifier; honourable; incorruptible judge; a proud sense of community and a very sincere Muslim. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Al-janna. Allah ya Jikan Justice Saidu Kawu.

,

highest poverty rate in the country in 2010, with 77.7 percent and 76.3 percent respectively.

The Nigerian ruling class made a conscious choice of the nature of the capitalism that has been foisted on our country. The Washington Consensus type of neoliberal capitalism tears society asunder because it is the most pitiless, uncaring and criminal form of that most inhuman capitalist system. It is not an aberration that we have created a monstrosity of a few billionaires who continue to get richer while the majority continues to get poorer and are in distress and despair.

What we are witnessing is the logical result of the choices made by the ruling class. Check out the past decade in Nigeria, and it will soon be clear that the trend has been constant. Maybe one or two odd individuals will join the billionaires’ list, but the process that produces them also deepens the poverty amongst the majority of Nigerians. Not even the acts of philanthropy, which a few of these billionaires, like Aliko Dangote, have embraced in recent years, can dent the ever widening gap between them and the majority of the Nigerian people.

What is also clear is that the Nigerian ruling class processes which created conditions that allowed four billionaires to increase their wealth by $12.65Billion (N2.024Trillion) in JUST ONE YEAR, is NOT SUSTAINABLE! It is that same process that has also made 112.5 Million Nigerians desperately poor. Something HAS to give! The portents around us are very frightening indeed! So FORBES magazine’s celebration of the wealth of just four individuals might become something the super rich billionaires and the ruling class in general, will come to rue. It is just a matter of time.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 AN interesting debate is going on over South Africa’s 2013 public school matriculation results, where candidates achieved a 78.2 per cent pass rate, the highest since the examinations were administered country-wide from 1994. The University of the Cape of Good Hope conducted the first examination in 1858. The 2013 mark was also 4.3 per cent points higher than last year’s 73.9 per cent.

South Africa’s Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga was expectedly triumphant. Free State was tops with 87.4 per cent pass rate, from 81.1 in 2012. KwaZulu-Natal scored 77.4 per cent, 73.1 percent in 2012.

The Department of Basic Education had aimed for a 75 per cent pass rate by 2014.

The examination is the equivalent of Nigeria’s senior secondary school leaving certificate.

South African educationists are warning that it was important to assess the quality of education beyond the pass rate. Their main grouse was that the figures would not reveal number of pupils who dropped out of school and disparities from district to district.

“Once the euphoria is behind us, we will

South Africa Debates 78.2% begin to analyse the results in greater detail and identify the areas where we have not done well. The retention rate is also significant,” said Anthony Pierce, the KwaZuluNatal head of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa.

Of the 654,723 candidates who wrote the 2013 matriculation, 562, 112 were full-time and 92, 611 part-time; 171, 755 of the pupils got a bachelor pass, qualifying them for university admission.

The National Freedom Party in its reaction called for a 50 percent matriculation pass mark. “We are not in the least happy with

the promotion of the 33.33 percent pass to learners across all basic levels,” said NFP Youth Movement president Sibusiso Mncwabe.

Brad Brockman, Equal Education’s general secretary, said, “We want more emphasis on retention rates, the quality of passes and inequality between schools. Majority of children in South Africa either drops out of school or fails matriculation. While we celebrate those who manage to achieve despite all odds, our focus should really be on why the majority do not achieve.”

We are looking at the result and the debates they are generating in the context of Nigeria’s results in our final secondary school examinations and the near absence of concerns about them.

The best pass per cent rate is consistently under 40 per cent. There are no analyses of our “achievements” and the Ministry of Education does not have any plans to improve the result or projections of its expectations from candidates.

Criticisms of South Africa’s system can help improve it. Like us, their education needs improvements. Unlike us, they have something to improve, and they plan to do so.

OPINION

BY KAYODE OJO

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NE of the elements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s New Year message to Nigerians was the expected reeling out of achievements recorded by his administration in the past year. Indeed, in keeping with his pet mantra tagged: “National Transformation Agenda,” the President mentioned the word “transformation” not less than four times in his speech. This raises the question: Is the Transformation Agenda really working?

To be clear, this is not an attempt to lampoon the President just for the heck of it, or just because it is fashionable to do so.

This is a dispassionate effort to assess the Transformation Agenda on the basis of the available facts vis-à-vis the stated objectives of the initiative by which the success or failure of the Jonathan administration must necessarily be appraised.

In 2011, when Jonathan launched the Transformation Agenda, it was described as a summary of how the Federal Government plans to deliver projects, programmes and key priority policies from 2011 to 2015. In his January 1, 2014 speech, the president said, “We have diligently carried forward the purposeful and focused implementation of our agenda for national transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agriculture development, education and employment generation.”

In assessing this claim, it is pertinent to look at some of the key sectors that Jonathan himself mentioned. Beginning

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Is the “Transformation Agenda” really working? with the power sector, even critics of the President have conceded that despite the setting-out challenges of the policy, the unbundling and privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is in the interest of all Nigerians. This is because virtually all major problems of our country arise directly from economic hardships resulting from poor or inadequate infrastructure.

Therefore, the privatisation of the power sector by the Jonathan-led Federal Government is a major leap in the quest to create the right infrastructure base and enabling environment for Nigerians to shape their own economic destinies.

Nigerians are expected to be able to engage in income yielding ventures that were hitherto hampered by lack of power or erratic supply of electricity.

In the all important education sector, 2013 was, unfortunately, blighted by the prolonged strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In this regard, one can only hope that now that the Federal Government has met all the demands of ASUU, the sector can be rejuvenated to produce forwardthinking graduates who will bring about positive and innovative changes in the country.

Another key sector of the Transformation Agenda mentioned by the President in his speech is employment generation. The fact on the ground, as shown in a presentation

by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a recent interactive session with the private sector, is that the Federal Government created 1.6 million jobs in the year 2013. While detractors of the administration may argue that this number is not enough to absorb the many unemployed Nigerians who are seeking jobs, it has to be said that it is still far better than the employment embargo that was the order of past administrations. And, to be fair, the government is not resting on its oars.

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onathan even acknowledged the jobs challenge in his speech. He said, “We are keenly aware that in spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our economy.”

The President also announced that in 2013, the government commenced implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) aimed at industrialising Nigeria and diversifying the nation’s economy into sectors such as agroprocessing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals. Given the benefit of historical economic hindsight, one can attest that policies in this mould are the bedrock of all industrialised nations. No

nation has ever become industrialised without deliberate and actionable plans; and, the proof that the NIRP is an achievable plan can be seen in the fact that, for the first time in her history, Nigeria is exporting rather than importing cement.

As the President remarked in his New Year message, “I am pleased to note that as a result of our backward integration policies, Nigeria has moved from a country that produced 2 million metric tonnes of cement in 2002, to a country that now has a capacity of 28.5 million metric tonnes. For the first time in our history, we have moved from being a net importer of cement to a net exporter.”

Moreover, the President further revealed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria has remained robust. He said, “For the second year running, the UN Conference on Trade and Development has named Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa.”

From the foregoing, therefore, even though there is room for improvement, it is clear that when assessed on available facts, and not emotion or disparaging speculation, Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda is truly working for the over all good of Nigeria and all Nigerians.

•Mr. Ojo, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014— 19

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HAT is happening? At the end of last year, President Goodluck Jonathan finally robbed himself of the immense benefits of appearing before the National Assembly to present his Appropriation Bill, thus further whittling down the glamour of his exalted office. This is quite a negative development. By the time the leadership of the National Assembly has enough time to think it over, we shall not be surprised if they one day decide to delegate the chairman of an obscure subcommittee to receive the Bill from the Finance Minister. Or, better still, it could just be submitted to the Sergeant-AtArms.

Before now, the moment a Nigerian President was sworn in, he looked forward, with enthusiasm, to the opportunity to appear before the National Assembly, in just the same way as an American President looks forward to the opportunity to appear before Congress to deliver his State of the Union Address.

Even in times of ill-health, we have never heard of the Queen of England delegating the delivery of

the Message from the Throne to anyone.

We had reckoned that this is one year that President Jonathan must reinvent a zero-tolerance to policy somersaults and inconsistencies.

He must be steadfast and refuse to be pushed around by self-serving aides. Right now, the echoes coming from around him are not encouraging. Two of his aides are dancing naked in the market place over the issue of whether to sell the refineries or not.

Listen to the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison, in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa, London: “The refineries would be sold. We would like to see major infrastructure, such as refineries, moving out of government’s hands into the private sector. Government does not want to be in the business of running major entities and we haven’t done a very good job at it over the years.”

Mr. Reuben Abati has since overruled her: “Government is not going to sell any refineries. There is no such plan, and there is no presidential approval for such.

Nobody, not even the Minister of

,

Petroleum, has powers to sell government’s property.”

This rumble in the jungle is certainly a bad way to begin a new year, for a good administration, that is.

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pparently, that important policy had not been duly considered and properly consummated by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, before Madam rushed it to the world market. To that extent, it lacked due process and, therefore, voidable.

Reuben Abati is doing well but it also depends on what is doing. He is doing well in the business of exposing the porous nature of the Jonathan administration. True, he wants to avert a strike. But that is hardly a good reason to be crying more than the bereaved. No matter

Enugu MFM building demolition

BY ONYEKA ONWUCHEKWA

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IKE an interminable incubus, the Friday, October 18, 2013 demolition of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) South East (1) Headquarters building complex in Enugu by the Enugu State Government, has become a major recurring decimal in the government’s cocktail of avoidable controversies.

The demolition that was carried out in defiance to a restraining order of a court of competent jurisdiction was a callous display of state coercive power. Many members and workers of the church, who were inadvertently present within the premises of the church on Zik Avenue that fateful day, for worshipping, ministration, intercession or evangelical and other purposes, were literarily reduced to human ‘rubbles’ of sadness, blood and tears in the mayhem that ensued.

The thugs hired for the purpose and casual workers of the Ministry of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority led by its Commissioner, vented their collective spleens on the worshippers and other people found in the premises when the demolition squad came to actualise the Sullivan Chime administration’s order on the Regional Headquarters building complex of the church.

The magnitude of the attendant mayhem and destruction is attested to by the number of casualties who were either treated for one form and severity of injury or the other. The seething shows of angst and bile and the intensity of the wholesale vengeance inflicted on both the members and staff of the church, is indicative of a planned and calculated process of destruction and pain that involved the use of mechanical and brute human force in the exercise.

In order that the illegal demolition process

was carried out unhindered, the agents of government comprising both the official and unofficial, descended on the worshippers and staff found within the premises with all manners of weapons like shovel, rods, planks etc. Many of the devoted, who were not aware of the unannounced demolition notice of the state government, scampered out of the premises under the attack and hail of projectiles by the government “delegation”. In the process, many were grievously-wounded with sprains, dislocations, broken skulls etc.

To ensure that the demolition of the Regional Headquarters building complex was a fait accompli, the sprawling complex was irretrievably destroyed, many speciallyrecruited casual workers were drafted in the follow-up mop-up action to grind the rubbles of the remains of the MFM building into smithereens, as if to prevent the building from “resurrecting”!

While this gross violation of a corporate organisation’s rights was going on, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (which is a disciplined and law-abiding organisation built on the finest tenets of peace, deference to prescribed authority and non-violence) did not physically resist the demolition of their Regional Headquarters building complex in spite of the initial unprovoked assault and battering, and taunting of the church’s worshippers and workers. Rather, they converged at safe distances around the area of the demolition exercise especially on the River Asata bridge, praying and making supplications to God. True to their diabolic intent and stone-hearted determination to render the MFM worshippers homeless, the agents of the state government carried on as if they were pulling down an illegal structure and not one with all the relevant and legal papers intact and subsisting.

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Policy somersault, inconsistencies

Just imagine how three successive administrations of the same party have dubiously vacillated on a single issue: The Obasanjo administration sold the refineries; The Yar’ Adua administration revoked the sale; and now, President Jonathan is playing hide and seek, wanting to sell

how good his intentions are, he is still a personal staff to the President. By whatever designation he now parades himself, he is still the Public Relations Officer, PRO, to the President. We know of no better definition of a PRO than that offered by late Emmanuel Obahiagbon, years ago, when Abati was perhaps yet pinning his ABC together that, the PRO is a glorified messenger.

It is only in an administration like Jonathan’s that a personal staff of the President can over-rule a Senior Cabinet Minister in her area of administrative coverage.

There are clear limits to the audacity of power. In the policy domain, the official spokesman of government is the Minister of Information.

Understandably, NUPENG insists it must proceed on the planned strike, except it hears from the real person, the Petroleum Minister who kicked the first ball.

It is easy to accept that Abati was merely echoing the master’s voice.

That aggravates the situation as it immediately promotes the public disagreement to one between Jonathan and his Minister.

Incidentally, the President on whose table the buck stops and who should whip his appointees on line is busy swimming in his own pool of confusion. For a very long time, the administration’s stand on the prohibition and gradual phase-out of imported used vehicles into the country had become a settled issue.

This also presupposes that a full cost-benefit analysis had been done before the issue was brought to the public domain. And the implementation of the new policy was billed to start this March.

Elsewhere, the President would hold tenaciously to such policy and be prepared to defend it even at the edge of doom. But not under

It is advised that the violence done to the members and staff of MFM in Enugu should not be swept under the carpet

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Particularly, the invasion and total devastation of the Regional Headquarters building complex on Zik Avenue (by River Asata bridge), Enugu on Friday, October 18, 2013, may have been programmed to be fatal in consequence and comprehensive in execution, given the modus operandi and excessive force applied by the demolition crew led by the “Honourable” Commissioner of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, in cahoots with other top officials of his ministry.

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t is trite to repeat here that on the fateful day, the squadron of security men and the posse of earth-moving equipment that included pay loaders, graders etc were deployed with military dispatch and specific instructions and orders to lay waste the MFM building complex and crush any opposition in the process, mercilesslyperceived or active.

It is also significant to note that the casualty figure was not taken into account by the state government in all its botched out-of-court negotiations with the church authorities in Enugu. With the apparent indifference to the good health and welfare of the members and workers of the MFM, who were brutalised and dehumanised by the demolition gang, the state government has continued to gloss over a vital section of its electorate which voted for it in past elections and got assault and battery to the bargain.

The issue of wielding power in trust for

Jonathan, where anything that would not translate to votes in 2015 must be destroyed and thrown into the lake of fire.

He is beginning to double-talk on the issue of the importation of used vehicles.Listen to his speech to members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, this last Friday: “I will abort the new policy on Tokunbo vehicles if it inflicts pains on Nigerians. If that comes up, I will abort it even midway because we cannot come up with a policy that will make Nigerians suffer or pay higher prices for vehicles…

Attempting to be your enemy is suicidal because you can prevent people from voting.” This is looking increasingly like one administration at war with itself!

Policy somersault is one thing that this administration has lived with all along.Examples are legion but we will take just one.We wonder how many people have forgotten the imbroglio between the Executive and the Legislature on the question of the ill-fated N5,000 notes. While the Information Minister, Labaran Maku, was busy announcing that there was no going back on the proposal, the President was busy announcing its suspension. A good administrator would have announced two suspensions – the Minister and the proposal!

This macabre dance is becoming uninteresting. Just imagine how three successive administrations of the same party have dubiously vacillated on a single issue: The Obasanjo administration sold the refineries; The Yar ’ Adua administration revoked the sale; and now, President Jonathan is playing hide and seek, wanting to sell! What greater disincentive do investors need than this bundle of inconsistencies?

the followership is a divine covenant bestowed by God and should not be misused or misapplied to sate or oil personal egos. A station in life, at any given period in a man’s lifetime, is ephemeral and fleeting and should not be turned into a pedestal to oppress, suppress and dehumanise.

Many questions spring up: (a) Why has the government of Barrister Sullivan Iheanacho Chime elected to play possum, unconcerned, unmoved and in a permanent state of silence over the group of Mountain of Fire and Miracles members and workers who were brutalised, dehumanised, battered and humiliated when, in actual fact, they neither hindered nor attacked the agents of government sent to carry out the wilful demolition exercise of Friday, October 18, 2013? (b) Was it necessary for the government to use excessive force and Gestapo tactics against man and structure in the aforementioned exercise, considering the facts on the ground and the pedigree of the MFM as a peaceful religious corporate entity? (c) Almost two months after the carnage visited on the MFM Regional Headquarters building complex and the forcible acquisition of the property in question coupled with the corporeal beatings of the members and staff of the church, the area still lay fallow and undeveloped for any purpose in spite of the rush to demolish the church?

Inspite of he several questions, one answer is paramount: The Chime Administration should make some form of restitution and put this sad saga behind it by building a befitting church edifice for the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, not just as a replacement for the one it illegally demolished on Zik Avenue but as a renewed commitment, by the administration to religious tolerance, peace and co-existence.

It is advised that the violence done to the members and staff of MFM in Enugu should not be swept under the carpet. but investigated as the Constitution of the *Mr. Onwuchekwa, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Nsukka, Enugu State.

C M Y K

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY,

JANUARY 9 , 2014

Royalty on display as Igwe Oruche marks maiden Ofala festival

BY VINCENT UJUMADU and okanga drums early in the morning to herald the c e r e m o n y.

This was followed by an interdenominational service and then the arrival of Igwe Oruche and other traditional rulers at the Ofala festival guests.

No fewer than 10 traditional rulers from witness the event marked last Anambra State has been Ozubulu community for other communities, including by his late father, Igwe enhanced by activities of the being one of the towns in the Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Leonard Oruche. present administration in the state that have been enjoying Nnewi, Igwe Nick Obi of As the traditional head of state which has empowered uninterrupted peace and Nnobi, Igwe Emma Nnabuife Ozubulu, Igwe Oruche is held the royal fathers with vehicles harmonious coexistence with of Isekke, Igwe in high esteem and and funds that enabled them themselves and their reverence. The Ofala festival, administer their domains with neighbours. He told the known in Ozubulu as Okife ease. monarch: “As I rejoice with Day, is the day the monarch The monarch appealed to those who you, may I take this marks his installation. It is Uninterrupted were still opposed to certain aspects of opportunity to urge Your usually the day the Igwe peace Royal Highness to continue to addresses the people and the policies in Ozubulu to sheathe uphold the principles of makes certain rules that The monarch appealed to equity and justice in your their swords officially become the guiding those who were still opposed domain as this is one way principles for all and sundry. to certain aspects of the your people will continue to western axis of the town is G.O.Ezechukwu of Umuchu, After his royal procession, policies in Ozubulu to enjoy peace which is a Atani in Ogbaru Local Igwe F. C. Ebelendu of the Igwe mounted the throne sheathe their swords, adding precondition for sustainable Government Area and on the Agulezechukwu accompanied from where he prayed for that the only way forward for progress of your town in East by Ukpor.

Igwe Oruche as he danced peace, prosperity and love in progress is through unity. particular and Anambra State Four major villages namely, round the arena to the Ozubulu. He was particularly Governor Obi, who attended in general.”

Amakwa, Egbema, Eziora admiration of thousands of his happy that the status of the the ceremony, commended and Nza make up Ozubulu subjects who gathered to traditional institution in town, with Amakwa being the most senior that produces the traditional ruler. All the villages featured their traditional dances and masquerades at the ofala.

At the ceremony that N line with its resolve to make million naira (N7,000,000.00) has been of URRSF, one Toyota Sequenda Jeep attracted a coterie of the country safe and secure for extorted from their various victims. with registration number BGT 151 AA distinguished Igbos including the citizens of Nigeria, the Nigeria The website being used by the and other incriminating items. the Governor of Anambra Police Force said it has smashed a s y n d i c a t e h t t p : / / State, Mr. Peter Obi and Noting that the arrest of these fake recruitment syndicate known as www.universalrescuecorps.com members of his cabinet, scammers is an eloquent testimony to Universal Response and Rescue C u rrently, three of the alleged his administration’s commitment to the chieftaincy titles were Support Foundation,URRSF members of the syndicate identified as fight against all forms of crimes in our bestowed on six notable allegedly owned by the Economic Lemmy Odogwu ‘m’ 35 yrs, Michael society, the Inspector-General of Nigerians who had excelled and Social Council of the United Abraham ‘m’ 45 yrs and Innocent Police, IGP MD Abubakar pledged in their various professions Nations.

Prosper ‘m’ 35yrs have been arrested to re-double efforts at ensuring that and human endeavours.

This organisation, which has an and will soon be arraigned in court positive gains at reducing crimes by Among those honoured illegal training camp in Lagos with on charges of criminal conspiracy, the Police and other security agencies were the National Chairman branches in Ekiti, Cross River and impersonation, cheating and forgery. in 2013 are sustained and improved of All Progressives Grand Imo States as well as Abuja, and Items recovered from the suspects upon. He advised prospective job Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor claims to be in charge of recruitment include: 181 copies of unfilled seekers to always seek confirmation Umeh and the Corps Marshal for the UN, is said to have exploited recruitment forms with UN logo, 20 from appropriate authorities on all jobof the Federal Road Safety the gullibility of the Nigerian youths photograph copies of URRSF members related promos and adverts in order Commission, FRSC, Chief to hoodwink many able- bodied in paramilitary uniforms, a booklet not to fall prey to scammers.

Osita Chidoka. citizens into parting with their money. containing lists of recruitment and There were 21 –gun shots, So far, an estimated sum of seven phone numbers of intending members the beating of the ufie, ekwe

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HE traditional ruler of Ozubulu Ancient Kingdom in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Nnamdi Fidelis Oruche, the Ezeugodinobi Okife 11 last week celebrated his first Ofala festival in grand style at the town’s palace ground in line with customs and traditions of the area.

Ozubulu is located east of the River Niger. The town is bounded on the North by Nnewi and North West by Oraifite, while it is bounded on the South by Okija and Ihembosi towns. On the

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Police smash fake recruitment syndicate I

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 —21

Inconsistent policies make Nigerian ports unattractive — Expert

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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ATIONAL President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, has said that Nigerian ports would have been the preferred ports in the subregion but for policy inconsistency on the part of government.

Shittu, who disclosed this to Vanguard in his office in Lagos, said most of the problems in the ports were caused by government and called for concrete efforts to correct these anomalies.

The ANLCA boss said port operators complain about the multiple charges by terminal operators and shipping companies but do not consider the problems that they (terminal operators and shipping companies) are facing.

According to him, “All the things that we were crying against in 2011, 2012 still reoccurred in 2013. When you banned rice, somebody who goes abroad and is returning home will say, let me just bring in 10 bags of rice and distribute to my people and the 10 bags of rice passes through the

From left: Mr Mike Ezuruonye, Nollywood Actor; Mr Segun Ogunsanya, CEO; Mr Deepak Srivastava, COO both of Airtel Nigeria and Mr Emeka Opara, Director, Corporate Communications, Airtel during the launch of new product, ‘Come Alive’ to empower youths, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

port.

“10 bags of rice in almost 200,000 containers, how many bags of rice have entered into the country or is it illegal to bring food to your people so they can eat? But in the ten bags com-

ing into the country, some people will benefit.

“We are talking of smuggling now, when 20 gun throttling smugglers meet a Customs officer on the way, what will happen? But when our import re-

gime is friendly, there will be no alternatives to Nigerian ports. When you take it to Cotonuo, you must pay for all the charges in Cotonuo and must put these things in an effective transport mode and you deal

with foxes who want to make money from you resulting in additional cost. By the time it gets to Balogun the goods will be so expensive than when you ship them through our ports.”

On multiple charges by terminal operators and shipping companies, Shittu explained that “Even up till now we have not been able to identify what people call multiple charges.

It was in 2012 that the Minister of Transport through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) granted increase in storage charges in order to discourage people from using the ports for storage purposes.

“A least charges have remained constant. There is no terminal operator that has deliberately increased charges but that does not mean that the charges regime at the port is acceptable to all stakeholders.

“The concession agreement states that when changes are to be adjusted stakeholders meeting should be called” but he expressed regret that NPA has deliberately ignored this provisions over the years. The ANLCA boss said that NPA only call the terminal operators and shipping companies and neglects the others.

He warned that unless government makes deliberate efforts to correct some of these problems, stakeholders may resort to self help which he stated will not be in the interest of the nation’s economy.

Exclusion of youths undermines African economy — UNIDO

By FRANKLIN ALLI

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NITED Nations Industri al Development Organisation, UNIDO, has warned that the exclusion of youths from the employment market will continue to undermine the economy of African countries.

LI Yong, Director General of the Organisation, stated this in a speech titled “Job creation and entrepreneurship development: A means to accelerate industrialisation.

He said, “Africa’s growth prospects remain strong, too, at an expected rate of 5.1 per cent in 2014. But at the same time so many young Africans are excluded from the economy.

“How can we make growth more inclusive? How can we sustain our economic path when the future of so many young men and women are potentially bleak, at best? Are our children doomed to be this “generation at risk”, as ILO’s most recent report on youth told? Are we facing a lost generation?”

“In Africa a total of 34.5 millions of people were unem-

ployed in 2013. This is an increase of 0.9 million over 2012.

At first glance, Africa’s unemployment rate at 9 percent seems to be relatively low.

But this should be no reason for optimism, because only 28 per cent of the African working population is engaged in formal wage paying employment.

“In most developing countries, a young person is 3 times more likely to be unemployed than an adult. Africa has the youngest population in the world with over 200 million aged between 15 and 24; this number is bound to double in the next 30 years.

“At the same time, 60 percent of Africa’s unemployed are young people, and 10 to 12 million young people enter the African labor market every year.

“Clearly, the economic and social costs of unemployment, underemployment, and widespread low quality jobs for young people continue to undermine Africa’s growth potential.

“In many countries of the re-

gion such socioeconomic situations was often the trigger of political tensions and inter ethnic unrest.

“The phenomenon of “jobless growth” characterises the experience of many developing countries and regions today. In Africa as a whole, growth has tended to be restricted to the commodity and natural resource sectors, although, as I have just said, the past decade has seen strong growth and export performance. While exports have grown by 18.5 per cent a year and GDP by 5.4 per cent, the number of jobs has increased by only 3 per cent annually.

“It is our hope that the solutions being implemented by my Organisation will prompt us to do more for the benefit of our young people, and to do so in a holistic manner, in partnership with all development stakeholders.

Because of the public sector’s limited absorptive capacity, the promotion of the private sector is vital, as 9 out of every 10 jobs are created by private companies.

“In this connection, the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is a proven and effective mechanism to facilitate economic development, yet they require significant support, guidance and investment,” he said.

“History has shown that all countries that have achieved sustained economic growth and job creation have done so through industrialisation.

“Whether we look at the early advancements in Europe or the United States and Japan over a hundred years ago or at the countries that caught up quickly in recent decades, such as the Republic of Korea and the many “tigers” and “dragons” –it was industrial development that shaped their success.

“In fact, there is not a single country in the world that has reached a high stage of economic and social development without having industrialized” he said.

119.2

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2,687.00 +20.00 16.04 107.35 93.88 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR 154.72 POUNDS 253.9884 EURO 211.0845 FRANC 170.6784 YEN 1.4814 CFA 0.3019 WAUA 236.4181 RENMINBI 25.5655 RIYA 41.2521 KRONA 28.2826 SDR 237.1858

155.22 254.8092 211.7666 171.23 1.4862 0.3119 237.1821 25.6485 41.3854 28.374 237.9523

-0.04

+0.62 +0.45 SELLING 155.72 255.63 212.4488 171.7816 1.491 0.3219 237.9461 25.7316 41.5187 28.4654 238.718

CBN Exchange rate as at 08/01/2014

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2014

BANK FAILURES: Hong Kong moves to comply with global standards

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Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno (middle), accompanied by other officials during the inspection of Chad Basin Development Authority Bump Station in New Marte, Borno State, Tuesday.

ONG Kong financial regulator has commenced moves to comply with global standards for dealing with the problem of failed financial institutions.

On Tuesday the Hong Kong financial regulators commence public consultation on the establishment of a framework for resolving failure of financial institutions.

The framework will include additional powers for regulators to shut down failed banks, in line with the standards issued by the Financial Stability Board, of the Bank for International Settlement (BIS).

“The proposed resolution regime for financial institutions in Hong Kong seeks to meet the standards set by the FSB,

CBN should address high lending rates in 2014 — WAIFEM DG

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria, CBN, in 2014 should address the regime of high interest rate in the country in order to enhance job creation and growth of the economy.

Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, WAIFEM, Professor Akpan Ekpo made this call in his outlook for the economy in 2014.

“In 2014, the Central Bank of Nigeria must address the matter of high lending rates in order to revamp the real sector. It is the revitalization of the real sector that can enhance growth and create jobs”, he said.

Last year, the apex bank raised bank’s Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on public sector funds to 50 per cent from 12 per cent. This, Ekpo noted, “ was a shock to the banking sector; the banks complained but adjusted; moral persuasion would not bring down lending rates; the monetary policy rate has had no impact on lending rates. It follows, therefore, that a shock therapy is needed as regards lending rates. The banks must lend to the real sector thus financing long-term investments in the economy”.

The Professor of Economics also called on the government to address the divergence of certain macroeconomics indices. He said, “For 2014, the empirics on the Nigeria economy show clearly that though certain macroeconomic

fundamentals like the inflation rate may move in the right direction, others such as unemployment, lending rates are not. In addition, poverty is rising and most of the social indices point to an economy that is growing but not experiencing development; primary production and export of crude petroleum defines the economy.

“The discomfort and misery indices are also rising. In order to confront the seeming paradox of growth with rising unemployment and poverty there must be a general consensus that there is a disconnect between growth and de-

velopment. Apart from the output loss, the social vices linked to unemployment particularly youth unemployment cannot be over-emphasized. Furthermore, dependence of the economy on raw material export is not sustainable.

Ekpo noted that while it is always not too easy to make forecast about the economy no matter the sophistication of the model(s) that is utilized, some factors however indicate that the outlook for the Nigerian economy for 2014 is brighter.

He said, “ The outlook for 2014 seems bright if efforts are made to complete the following: The power project is com-

pleted and power supply is relatively constant; The railway transport system is operational in most part of the country; Fiscal prudence at all levels of government not allowing the election year of 2014/15 activities to dominate the economy; Stress human capital development by restoring quality into the public school system at all levels and the quality of public health delivery system; Begin to concretize the diversification of the economy away from crude oil exports; Continue the drive to make agriculture a business by the sector relying more on technology than nature; and Ensure proper processes (transparency, accountability and comprehensiveness) in the conduct of government business.

ForexTime encourages investors on FOREX trading

BY PETER EGWUATU

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OREXTIME Nigeria limited has advised investors in the country to diversify their investment by partaking in foreign exchange (forex) trading that would lead to further wealth creation. The company gave the advice during a free training exercise organized for journalists to intimate them of opportunities available in forex trading.

The journalists were taught how to trade forex , which was accompanied with a demo contest.

The winner that emerged achieved the highest ratio of profits during the competition period was presented with a Samsung galaxy mega phone , while two other winners got consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, ForexTime recently announced the launch of currency pairs and 13 new commodity futures and index , cfd instruments for trading, which gave traders more options and variety in their trading. The new currency pairs

include exotic pairs, crosses with the Swiss franc and crosses with the Australian dollar, a major commodity currency.

Forextime offers its clients access to the global currency market and offers trading in forex, precious metals, commodities, shares and indices.

Olga Rybalkina, CEO of Forextime, said: “The new currency pairs include exotic currencies such as the Turkish lira, the Danish krone, Norwegian krone and Swedish krone.

These currencies tend to make quicker and larger movements than major currency pairs and it is this volatility that makes these pairs popular with experienced traders.”

The new currency pairs are: USD/TRY (US dollar vs Turkish lira); EUR/try (Euro vs Turkish lira); AUD/dkk (Australian dollar vs Danish krone); AUD/nok (Australian dollar vs Norwegian krone); Aud/SEK (Australian dollar vs Swedish krone); AUD/SGD (Australian dollar vs Singapore dollar); CHF/SGD (Swiss franc vs Singapore dollar).

including in relation to scope, governance arrangements, resolution powers and options, safeguards, funding, cross-border cooperation and information sharing.” The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said in a press release issued to announce the public consultation.

It said, “The Government and the financial regulators, namely the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Insurance Authority, today (Tuesday) launched the first stage of public consultation for three months on establishing an effective resolution regime for financial institutions, including financial market infrastructures, in Hong Kong.

“The establishment of an effective resolution regime for financial institutions in Hong Kong is required to meet the latest international standards for the regulation and supervision of financial institutions.

An effective resolution regime will provide the authorities with powers to resolve non-viable financial institutions without severe systemic disruption whilst protecting taxpayers,”a government spokesman pointed out.

China lifts ban on privately owned banks

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HINA said it will allow the first privately owned banks to operate in the country this year as part of efforts to reform and open the banking sector.

Following through on reform plans announced at a major Communist Party meeting in November, the China Banking Regulatory Commission announced Tuesday investors will be allowed to own and operate up to five banks in a closely supervised pilot project.

Ownership will be restricted to Chinese citizens, with foreign investment being considered for the future.

Independent financial commentator Gong Shengli said that the reforms are needed because the monopoly of China’s five major state-owned banks has reached unsustainable levels. “These five banks have monopolized more than 80 percent of the currency flows in the national monetary market,” he said.

All banks in China are state owned. Critics said this has led to cheap and often ill-advised loans for state run enterprises and a shortage of lending to private businesses.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2014 — 23

New automotive policy ignites global car manufacturers’ interest in Nigeria

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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10-year automotive policy

The 10-year automotive policy launched a few weeks ago includes a phased ban on used cars and high tariffs to discourage imports.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, MITI, Dr. Olusegun Aganga said, he hopes to change all the aberrations of the past through direct policy intervention, starting with the motor industry. He has drawn on the experiences of India and Brazil and also South

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A car assembling plant.

Africa in devising the policy.

Aganga’s visit to South Africa in May, a memorandum of understanding was signed to secure South Africa’s input into the policy, including technical assistance and sharing information about South Africa’s own policies.

Aganga has also approached global car manufacturers, including South African-based Nissan and Toyota, to persuade them to set up in Nigeria, a country to which they export vehicles at present. Nissan, in its alliance with France’s Renault, has already pronounced its interest in starting vehicle assembly of semi-knocked-down kits with its exclusive Nigerian distributor and, in time, using its first-mover advantage to make the country an automotive African hub.

But the issue of government picking winners for economic development is controversial.

He added that the transformed automotive industry would realise its potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification, job creation, local value addition, and technology acquisition.

In Nigeria, where industries targeted by previous governments for intervention have been costly failures, there is reason for caution.

It will be a while before a critical mass of “made in Nigeria” cars is reached. Meanwhile, the price of imported cars will soar as the onerous tariff regime kicks in. There may also be negative unintended consequences in other areas of the economy.

Why industrialisation has not taken off in Nigeria

There are many reasons industrialisation has not taken off in Nigeria. The biggest of these is the lack of political will to make deep structural changes to remove

the inherited dysfunction embedded in the economy. .The Director-General of the National Automotive Council (NAC), Alhaji Aminu Jalal, said countries in the world that assemble cars do source for spare parts hence Nigerian will not be an exemption if the country outsource its spare parts to assemble for local patronage.

“I want to tell you that last year

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RAMMED with im-ported cars from every region of the world, Nigeria is now ready to reignite its motor industry and get the sector to underpin a new industrial era.

There is undoubtedly a market for cars in the country and the federal government claims it has identified the pitfalls of past attempts and will address them having realised that the country loses more than N1.05 trillion annually to car imports.

In the 1970s, the government tried to build a car industry. It formed partnerships with companies including Peugeot, Volkswagen, Fiat and DaimlerBenz. By the 1980s, most of the companies had stopped operating because of poor domestic patronage, low capacity utilisation, a high-cost environment and a failure to implement the automotive policy of the time. Only two survive, running at a fraction of capacity.

Nigerians then turned to imports, including used cars.

Spare parts companies went out of business because of high costs and competition from smuggled imports.

Dunlop and Michelin had plants in Nigeria. They, too, are gone.

For instance, the Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria (PAN), which produced 90,000 cars in 1985, and had about 4,000 permanent employees, now produces about 3,000 vehicles annually with 250 staff, its Managing Director, Alh. Ibrahim Boyi, said.

Boyi said: “In the mid-‘80s and early ‘90s, we were doing very well. In 1985, we produced 90,000n cars. Government policy was very favourable then. But after that the environment became very bad as all kinds of vehicles started coming into the country. Today, we produce between 25 and 30 cars only during working days.

Our workforce of 4000 in the ‘80s is just now 250. We are hoping that the situation will change, because we have put in every modern facility, and forged the right international technical partnership to succeed.”

Nestlé to sell US frozen pasta business

Car manufacturing in Nigeria has failed a couple of times. The primary reason for this is the lack of adequate technology to manufacture locally made vehicles

,

alone, this country spent N550 billion on importations of cars, buses and trucks. That does not include tractors, and military vehicles. Again, we also spent around N500 billion on spare parts. In fact, on tyres alone, we spent N150 billion. And this year, the same trend is showing.

“This is not good for our country. With the new policy, we are going to support our car plants to produce very standard cars at globally competitive prices. This is going to greatly add to our local content.

For example, to assemble a car here, you need about 2,500 parts. If many cars are produced and sold here, it would encourage the local manufac-

turing of these parts, creating more wealth here and driving down the cost of vehicles.

By the time we start implementing this policy, you will see a very impressive positive change in just six months.

While the global economic meltdown has forced car sales to decline globally, the Nigerian auto sales has retained its lucrative status, still selling large units at attractive sales margins.

Automobile industry in Nigeria is moribund

This is due to the large market and relatively affordable options as most cars used in Nigeria are out dated by at least 3 years. But that is only for one side of the automobile business; car distributorship.

The other side, car assembly isn’t doing too well. While on one hand the automobile industry in Nigeria is moribund because it currently has only one serious car assembling company which is Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd (PAN), on the other hand is doing extremely well with Major car dealers found in the most exotic parts of the country.

Car manufacturing in Nigeria has failed a couple of times.

The primary reason for this is the lack of adequate technology to manufacture locally made vehicles and the near absence of encouraging indicators that will promote transfer of the much needed technology for local use.

However, car distributorship business has been doing very well. Virtually all major car brands are effectively represented in the Nigerian market.

For instance, sole distributorship arrangements exist with major car makers and their Nigerian partners.

ESTLÉ has agreed to sell Joseph’s Pasta Co., which supplies restaurants with ravioli, manicotti and tortellini, to Brynwood Partners, a U.S. buyout firm that specializes in acquiring corporate castoffs.

Neither party is disclosing terms of the transaction. Brynwood usually makes equity investments of $100 million or less. The Connecticut-based firm said it is tapping its newest $400 million fund to pay for Joseph’s, which is based in Haverhill, Mass.

In October, Nestlé Chief Executive Paul Bulcke said the company had identified underperforming product lines among its about 1,800 business “cells” that it would look to sell.

“The decision to sell Joseph’s Pasta was driven by our increased focus on Nestlé USA’s retail brands,” said Hannah Coan, Nestlé USA’s vice president for corporate and brand affairs.

In October, Nestlé struck a deal to sell its struggling Jenny Craig diet business to U.S. buyout firm North Castle Partners LLC. It has also found buyers in recent months for a Danish icecream delivery business, a French bottler of mineral water and its Bit-O-Honey candy line, which Brynwood bought in May. Bit-O-Honey wasn’t the first business Brynwood bought from Nestlé.

The firm acquired the Flipz chocolate pretzels and Turtles chocolatecovered nut clusters in separate deals in 2004 and 2007, respectively.

Last month Brynwood sold the company it created to house those brands to the Turkish owner of Godiva chocolates, Yildiz Holding AS, for $221 million. That haul is more than four times as much as Brynwood had invested in the brands, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Nestle’s logo is seen at the company ’s headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY,

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JANUARY 9 , 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 25

Back to the usual routine: Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University queing to fetch water.

Strike aftermath:

Life returns as varsities resume

By AMAKA ABAYOMI & LAJU ARENYEKA

A

LTHOUGH the six-month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, was called off on December 16, 2013, academic activities have only just begun in earnest in universities across the country.

The strike was called off just in time for the Christmas holidays and stakeholders in the sector took advantage of the situation to enjoy the festivities.

After spending nearly seven months away from the academic environment courtesy of the strike and the holidays, many students have returned to school with mixed feelings.

A master's student at the University

of Lagos who did not want her name in print told Vanguard Learning: “I can barely remember the course titles that I am offering this semester or even my matriculation number. And from

What JAMB’s ‘one-varsity only’ directive could mean for candidates

M

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

ANY candidates registering for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, were shocked when they were given the choice to pick only one university of their choice, contrary to the traditional first and second

‘We could not celebrate Christmas’ — Family of missing Physicist mourn ——Page Page28 27 C M Y K

the feedback I am getting from my colleagues, we would most likely begin examinations in February as soon as the undergraduate students are done. Meanwhile, there are some classes that haven’t held in this semester even before the strike. There aren’t even available lecturers for

about three courses in my department.”

Excited to be back in school, an undergraduate student of the University of Ibadan who simply gave her name as Bisi, said “I thank God the strike is over and we are back to school. Though serious lectures are yet to start, but I have fully prepared my mind for studying, studying and more studying because that’s the only way to make up for all the lost time.”

Daniel Igiekhumhe, a student at the University of Benin also speaking to Vanguard Learning, said: “The strike began just when we were about to start writing our examinations in July. So we are expecting that we will be welContinues on page 26

There are over 400 Nigerian students in Chinese prisons —Tingilin

choice options of universities and/or polytechnics. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, responsible for the UTME, in a new policy has made it compulsory for candidates to pick one university, one polytechnic, one college of education and one innovative enterprise institute (IEI) when

Continues on page 26

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

— Page 30

Novel screening strategies for colorectal cancer — Page 32

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Continues from page 25 registering for their exams.

The Registrar, JAMB, Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde, believes that this policy will go a long way in solving the admission crisis bedeviling the country. In an exclusive interview with Vanguard Learning, he said: “Most university managements claim that they do not run second class universities, and as a result, do not want to admit students who choose them as a second choice. From our experience, universities refuse to take students who make them a second choice, but they do not hesitate to collect the students' money when they want to write the post-UTME. And this is not fair to students.

So last year, Vice Chancellors of universities, provosts of Polytechnics and other stakeholders in the sector decided that students should only pick one university, one polytechnic, one college of education and one innovative enterprise institute when applying to write the UTME. If they do not follow these instructions, they cannot apply. We are also hoping that this will go a long way to curb the admission crisis. A lot of times, there are spaces in tertiary institutions other than universities, but the bottle neck lies in the fact that everyone wants to go to the university. So, beyond this move, the government must go a step further to make these tertiary institutions degree-awarding institutions.

Professor Oby Ezekwesili had suggested this earlier. For example, Polytechnics should be given the authority to award Bachelor of Technology awards.

This will go a long way in solving the dichotomy that exists which causes candidates to flock mostly to the universities.”

As expected, most candidates are not pleased with the devel-

Students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University waiting to recieve lectures upon resumption.

What JAMB’s ‘one-varsity only’ directive opment. One of such, Victoria Akachukwu told our correspondent: “I don’t really like the idea of choosing only one university,” she said, “because it means that my chances for entering the university are slimmer. But on the other hand, it just means that I have to work much harder so that I can get into the university and study my dream course which is Law. Last year, I got admission into a polytechnic, but my Dad did not want me to attend. So I have to try really hard so I can get into a university this year.”

O

ther stakeholders are more concerned about the implementation of the directive than the paper it is written on. The chairman, Academ-

ic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha argued: “There have been different kinds of policies in the past, but the problem is always with the implementation.

Whatever step is being taken, stakeholders should ensure that they follow up implementation.”

Speaking to Vanguard Learning, Dr. Andrews Jegede, the National President of the Association of Innovation and Vocational Institutions, said: “If this is well implemented, then the admission crisis the country is facing is already solved.

It means that government is beginning to understand the need to give technical, vocational and teaching education their rightful place. What we

must do now is to encourage JAMB to ensure that the cut-off marks agreed on are enforced across board. In other words: 180 and above for universities, 160-169 for polytechnics, 150159 for colleges of education, and 150-159 for innovative enterprise institutes.”

There are about 120 institutions approved by the FME and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and have been listed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board since 2007. IEIs cover areas such as computer hardware engineering, software engineering, multimedia technology, oil and gas, information technology, creative arts, industrial welding, early childcare edu-

cation, paralegal studies, computer networking and securities, film production and many more. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is the certification approved by the FME for IEIs. It is the equivalent of the National Diploma, and it is equally four semesters of course work spanning over two years with Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

In the past few years, the nation’s higher institutions have only been able to accommodate about one third of the population of teeming candidates who write the UTME every year. Whether the new resolutions made by JAMB will help solve the admission crisis, remains to be seen.

Varsities settle in after extended break Continues from page 25

Students and teachers of Supreme Basic International Schools, Magada-Onimale off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State on assembly on the first day of resumption of public and private Schools in Ogun State. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

comed by examinations soon.

But for now, things are a bit slow around here, people are trickling in, but we all know that examinations are around the corner. Even then, it feels good to be back to school after such a long time.”

Stanley Ekpa, a 200 level student of Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, should be in this third year by now had the six-month strike not stalled his academic career. He said: “If the system was stable, I and my classmates would be in the first semester of 300 level by now. But we thank God that at least, we are back to school.

Work here started in earnest on Monday, and we are not likely to write examinations until early May."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 27

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28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

A

Professor of Nuclear Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor James Bolarinwa Olomo, has been declared missing by members of his family.

Olomo was said to have checked into Hotel Farlem at 8, Archibong Street, Afaha Ukwu, Eket, in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, October 17, before his disappearance three days later.

According to a statement issued by the Olomo family of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State entitled: Please Save Professor James Bolarinwa Olomo and made available to journalists, stated that Professor Olomo travelled to Eket for an engagement as Radiation Safety Adviser (RSA) by an oil company based in Eket before his sudden disappearance and has since remained incommunicado as his suspected abductors refused to pick his calls.

The matter has been reported at the Eket Divisional Police headquarters where police detectives have swung into action to unravel the mystery surrounding the academician’s disappearance.

The statement reads in part: “James Bolarinwa Olomo, a professor of Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, undertakes safety advice for oil companies.

“He was in Eket for one of such engagements as Radiation Safety Adviser (RSA) when this unfortunate incident happened. He flew into Calabar from Lagos by Arik Air on that Thursday and approached Eket by road. He was in Eket, where he lodged into a hotel called Hotel Farlem.

‘We could not celebrate Christmas’ — Family of missing Physicist mourn

Missing Professor James Bolarinwa Olomo “The family, in conjunction with his employers, OAU, has made efforts to establish

contact with him since October 20, without success.

The matter has been reported

T

(PRO 1) and Dopemu Wole (PRO 2).

The election was conducted at the body’s reunion/annual general meeting held at the school premises along Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway in December, with 30 members in attendance.

Kareem who was elected unchallenged said the election

was not about who takes what position, but the passion by the new exco to work for the success of the association.

Craving members support and encouragement, Ganiyu said a new account with the prefis: ‘Metho 85-91’ will be opened this month. He threrfore urged members to start sending in their widow’s mite

and communicative effects.

er) of the scandal.

4. Our teacher (advised/ adviced) us to leave Facebook and face our books.

5. The speed limit on the road was 100 (Kilometres/ kilometers) per hour.

6. Is he crazy/mad?

7. Which period of the year is fall/autumn?

8. He lives at the (ground/ first) floor of the house.

9. She was going through a

fashion (catalog/ catalogue) when I saw her.

Prof. Dora Akunyili is a woman of (honor/honour).

Students’ (enrolment/enrollment) in the University has dropped.

How many people go to the (theatre/theater) to watch plays these days?

Not every house has a pre-paid (meter/metre).

The Library is the place to find (Encylopedia/ Encyclopaedia) Britannica.

He promised to be of good (behaviour/ behavior).

Blue is my (favorite/ favourite) (colour/color).

Niyi Osundare’s poetry has (aesthetic/esthetic)

12.

C M Y K

in as soon as aqccount numbers is made available so that the association’s activities can kick off in earnest At the reunion, members also discussed how to reach out to those not yet aware of the body, assist less privileged colleagues, as well as how to assist the new executive to succeed, among others.

HE Methodist Boys High School Old Boys Association of 1985 - 1991 set has elected its first executive that will paddle the association’s activities in 2014.

The members are: Ghaniyu Kareem (Chairman); Tella Aderemi (vice); Bode Ajayi (secretary); Odeleye Supo (treasurer); Adegunle Olugbamila

11.

Choose the British English word/spelling in each of the following sentences: 1. There is a (tin/can) opener in the kitchen.

2. A new (bar/pub) just opened at Malomo street.

3. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company was at the (centre/cent-

Adegbola Akinola, said he wasn’t sure as no contact has ben made demanding for any ransom.

“Due to his kind of work, anyone could want him out of the way but we are not sure of what happened. We are appealing to the government and Police to intensify efforts to locate him”,Akinola said.

In the same vein, the young brother of missing Professor, Mr. Segun Olomo, says his family members could not celebrate the Christmas because of what they are going through.

Segun Olomo said he has continued to call the three lines of his elder brother without positive result. “I even tried the three phone lines today and it didn’t go through. Ever since he got missing, I have continued to call the lines everyday but the phones are not reachable, he explained.

According to him, the family members are not happy with the situation of things and have resorted to prayers for God’s intervention even as he explained that it is difficult to monitor the situation in Eket or Uyo from their base.

Methodist Old Boys elect executives

10.

EXERCISE (1)

at the Eket Divisional Police headquarters and all security agencies in the area have instituted an investigation into the incident, but the family is disturbed that, though authorities are working on the possibility of a kidnap, nobody has contacted the family neither has any news been heard about him.”

Professor Olomo was said to have told the staff of the hotel on the morning of October 20, that he was going out briefly to return later, but never came back to the hotel and could not be reached on phone.

It was also revealed that when family representatives reported at Eket police station on October 26, a team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Sunny Digha, who went in search of him only met his belongings in the hotel.

The family of Olomo has therefore appealed to wellmeaning Nigerians to assist the family, the university and the police in the efforts to locate Prof. Olomo and bring him back to them alive.

When asked if it is a case of kidnap of death, the OAU ASUU chairman, Professor

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

CORRECTION 1. There is a tin opener in the kitchen.

2. A new pub just opened at Malomo street.

3. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company was at the centre of the scandal.

4. Our teacher advised us to leave Facebook and face our books.

5. The speed limit on the road was 100 Kilometres per hour.

6. Is he mad?

7. Which period of the year is autumn?

8. He lives at the ground floor of the house.

9. She was going through a fashion catalogue when I saw her.

10. Prof. Dora Akunyili is a woman of honour.

11. Students’ enrolment in the University has dropped.

12. How many people go to the theatre to watch plays these days?

13. Not every house has a pre-paid metre.

14. The Library is the place to find Encyclopaedia Britannica.

15. He promised to be of good behaviour.

16. Blue is my favourite colour.

17. Niyi Osundare’s poetry has aesthetic and communicative effects.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—29

SSANU rejects N373.4bn budget on education

...says 2014 budget falls short of UNESCO 26 per cent recommendation

By DAUD OLATUNJI

T

HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has said that the N373.4 billion allocated to the education sector by the Federal Government in this year’s budget fell far short of the 26 per cent minimum recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural O r g a n i s a t i o n

(UNESCO).

The Chairman of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta chapter of SSANU, Abdussobur Salam said this at a press conference held at the end of the congress by members of the union in the institution.

He said further that inspite of the fact that education got the second highest allocation in this year’s budget, the fund was too paltry to have the desired impact on the

sector.

SSANU said: “We note that though education got second highest allocation of N373.4 billion in the budget, it is a far cry from the 26 per cent UNESCO minimum allocation to national budgets. Government only pays lipservice to leakages and corruption and no tangible action is taken in that regard.”

The FUNAAB SSANU boss who submitted that the 2014 budget was not in the interest of ordinary

Nigerians, lamented that the discovery that only 10 per cent of this year’s budget would be spent on capital development was unpalatable.

While describing the budget as lacking sensitivity and consideration for the Nigerian people, 70 per cent of who he said lived below poverty level, SSANU urged Nigerians, to reject the FG’s 2014 budget in its entirety.

“It is a budget that insults the sensibilities of

the discerning mind. The amount of wasteful and reckless spending being planned for by the Federal Government in 2015 is criminal and should be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“We are shocked that inspite of the 10 aircraft already in the presidential fleet, another is being budgeted for purchase at N1.6 billion. We are pained that our common patrimony is being wasted on the frivolity of

animals at the Aso Rock Zoo budgeted at N34.5million.

The President and his family shall be eating food worth N362 million in 2014, while Aso Rock shall spend N834 million for generators.

“More than 70 per cent of Nigerians live below poverty level, yet our government is not thinking of how to improve the lot of these people.

Rather, luxuries of jets, exotic animals, and food are their priorities. We also see the budget as a conduit to finance the 2015 elections. We ask that Nigerians demand a more service-driven and development-oriented budget from our government.”

FUTA’s paper adjudged best at international conference on internet security A paper authored by a team from the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, has been adjudged the best presentation at the 8th International Conference for Internet Technology and Secured Transactions (ICITST-2013) held in London, United Kingdom, in December 2013.

Entitled DGM Approach to Network Attacker and Defender Strategies, the paper, which was presented by Dr Kayode Alese, was co-authored by himself, Iwasokun Gabriel Babatunde and Haruna Danjuma Israel (all from the Department of Computer Science, FUTA), beating 1,241 papers received from 96 countries to emerge the overall best according to the panel of assessors.

The paper, which was later adjudged as the best for the year 2013, dwelt on novel strategies to checkmate infiltrations of secured transactions on the information super highway. A lot of uplifting remarks from the international faculty went in favour of the ambassadors of FUTA who presented the award-winning paper.

Alese, who is the current Dean of Students Affairs, said the general consensus at the conference was that FUTA showed great strength in global competitiveness through excellence in technological advancement, learning and research.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—30

There are over 400 Nigerian students in Chinese prisons —Tingilin

By VICTORIA OJEME

T

ukur Hassan Tingilin is the Treasurer of Associ ation of Nigerian Students in China, and is studying Mechanical Manufacture and Automation at Tianjin University of Technology and Education. In this interview with Vanguard Learning, he talks about the difference between Chinese and Nigerian education, discriminations Nigerians face and number of Nigerian students in prison. Excerpts: How do you think China’s educational system is useful to Nigeria’s need?

To start with, China is by far ahead of Nigeria in terms of educational facilities and infrastructure. So, I think the availability of better facilities/infrastructure will avail Chinatrained Nigerian students the necessary expertise and skills, especially in terms of practical knowledge and its application which is lacking or inadequate back home. Secondly, with China’s rapid investments in most African countries (Nigeria inclusive), having Nigerians that have passed through the Chinese education system will go a long way in helping the country achieve a better synergy with Chinese investors. Such people will have a better understanding of the Chinese system, work ethics etc.

Presently, there are over 1,000 Nigerian students studying in China that have identified with the Association during the last tour we conducted in conjunction with the Nigerian Embassy, and most of them are on self sponsorship.

Why do most Chinese students prefer studying abroad, preferably in America and Europe?

I think this is driven, to a large extent, by the quest of most Chinese to learn and speak English, especially the younger generation. I have also come to a conclusion based on my interactions with some Chinese students, that they see America as a benchmark in everything, so they have this feeling that studying in Europe or America will help them achieve their aim of being able to learn and speak English as well as give them better prospects and opportunities.

For example, a recent analysis I watched on CCTVNEWS shows that a considerable number of graduates, especially with specialty in arts, find it difficult to secure jobs related to their fields or are unemployed.

Another factor is low income.

Like I said earlier, they have this notion that things are better in America and Europe and when they study in these places, they can secure high income jobs.

C M Y K

Is it true that most students who come here to study actually come to do other things?

It is true that some of the students who came to China to study end up doing other things that have, in some cases, led to imprisonment either as a result of fraud, drugs, promiscuity, etc. For example, some usually come to China under the guise of studying

have a tighter grip on Nigerian institutions, especially secondary and tertiary education.

It is understandable that the country is still struggling with basic education so introducing another responsibility might overstretch the Ministry thereby making it unable to deliver any, but the area of concern here is the gross indiscipline displayed by our youths today.

few friends in Africa” which is really true.

It took some of my African friends in my class time before they started relating with me because they were warned from home not to associate with Nigerians. It took over a semester before a Tanzanian friend told me that he found us totally different from what he knows of Nigerians in his country.

Though the Chinese government has very strict laws and we have never heard cases of discrimination, but Nigerians always undergo thorough checking at airports and immigration because of the records we have.

R

Tingilin, Treasurer of Association of Nigerian Students in China Chinese language, but they quit and go into social vices and end up being arrested and sent to prison.

But it would be fair to say only a handful of students compared to the large population of good Nigerian students are found wanting and have succeeded in putting the multitude of the Nigerian people and even students in an uncomfortable situation and given the country a bad image.

I

was opportune to be at Be ijing in July just before the Presidential visit where I heard the Nigerian Ambassador, Aminu Wali, say that there are currently over 400 Nigerians serving terms in various jails in China.

Wali also disclosed that 80 per cent of the prisoners committed drug-related offences. He also said about 80 per cent of the crimes committed by Africans were committed by Nigerian citizens.

The Ambassador called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to take action to support the efforts to help Nigerians in distress abroad and also support the embassies outside to “give more consular support to Nigerian prisoners or Nigerians who find themselves not only in prisons but in difficulties in the host countries.”

Also, the Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission need to

Discipline is a recipe for leadership, if the leader of tomorrow lacks discipline, then there is probably no tomorrow. We have had cases of students who find it hard to attend classes, don’t have respect for their teachers but prefer to roam around during classes, dress indecently and are arrogant. We have heard of Nigerian students who cannot keep up their grades and had to be demoted to carry electives in elementary Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, before proceeding to their major courses while fellow compatriots are best in their classes.

How do Nigerian students cope with discrimination and language barrier?

It is really challenging for anybody coming to China for the first time because you hardly get someone who can speak English. As students, we have to force ourselves to learn the language and it is really interesting to learn and speak because once the Chinese understands you can speak the language, they usually become more friendly and kind to you.

On the issue of discrimination, Asians are more accommodating compared with the Europeans and Americans. When you talk of Nigerians in particular, the discrimination for us is all over the world, even with our fellow Africans. After the last African Cup of Nations, the Senate President was quoted as saying that “Nigerians have

ecently, we (the Associa tion) received a lot of complaints from students in some Provinces that the universities they applied to denied them admission because they are Nigerians. Some reported to us that when they further enquired on why Nigerians only, they were referred to the Entry and Exit Police who usually are responsible for issuing students’ visa application form.

We forwarded these complaints to the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing and I urge the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Education Ministry to intervene, work together with Chinese Embassy to control the way students are being admitted, so that the image of the good ones will be saved and Nigerians will be free from such discriminations.

What is the difference in graduate education between China and Nigeria?

Graduate education in Nigeria is largely theory-based with little or no practical knowledge.

This is due to inadequate facilities to meet the requirements of the large number of students as well as an unconducive atmosphere for research to thrive, especially with our obsolete equipment in our laboratories and workshops, outdated books in our libraries, lack of internet facilities, etc. All these have adverse effects on the benefits of graduate education back home.

On the other hand, the story is different here in China. I am not saying the system is perfect but it is definitely better than back home. Students gain a lot in terms of practical knowledge and researchers are upto-date with research trends in their fields. Laboratories and workshops are equipped with modern facilities; internet facilities are always available, students use latest software related to their fields etc. All these give an edge or sort of benefit for a person that is opportune to study here over someone that studied back home. These are few of the differences in terms of benefits.

Amosun trains 20 best WAEC students abroad

By DAYO ADESULU

F

IRST Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has stated that the 20 best students who emerged in 2012/ 2013 WAEC from Ogun State will be flown abroad for leadership training.

She said, “We will be taking the best students abroad for leadership training programme in the first quarter of 2014 as a reward for their excellent performance in the last WAEC.” Speaking during the unveiling of the 20 best SS3 students from public secondary schools held at the Progress Hall, South-West Resource Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Amosun urged students to work towards possessing good leadership qualities in the course of their studies.

She disclosed that the 20 best students in WAEC were drawn from each of the 20 Local Government areas of the state.

Amosun who tasked the 20 beneficiaries on giving their best as ambassadors of the state noted that such quality will leave the door of opportunity open for other students to benefit in the programme come 2014 and beyond.

She explained that the leadership training was to serve as a motivation for students to study hard in order to improve in their studies.

According to her, education is in the fore-front of the agenda of the present administration in the state adding, “the present government places high premium on the welfare of children and youths.”

Meanwhile, in its welcome address, the state Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Barr. Segun Odubela pointed out that the programme was an opportunity for the students to have a feel of the dividend of democracy as put together by the wife of the governor to complement the efforts of the state government in improving the standard of education in the state.

He advised the new beneficiaries to emulate the virtues of the last beneficiaries by taking good advantage of the programme with the aim of contributing their quota to the development of the state.

On behalf of the students, Master Sobowale Bukola expressed appreciation to Mrs. Amosun for fulfilling her promise as advertised in the media to recognise excellence in the WAEC results, saying this has helped boost his morale and motivated him to study hard for the examination.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 31

L

AST week, the focus was on the Course Notes racket and the way it has undermined scholarship in Nigerian universities. Omitted from the write-up was the allied racket of “expo” – which entails lecturers revealing to those students who bought the Course Notes questions likely to come out in the examination.

Running side by side with the Course Notes racket is the sex racket which is just as pervasive and which had fostered cultism on campuses in ways most people don’t often understand.

The straight forward sex racket is easily understood by everyone. Lecherous lecturers and professors earmark some female students who they must take to bed. One way or another, the victims get the message: you will fail my course irrespective of what you do unless you “see me.”

Most easily succumb; more stubborn ones get the message after scoring low marks in one or two tests. Only very few resist to the bitter end.

I first became aware of the extent of the sex racket on Nigerian university campuses in 1989. I was travelling from Kaduna to Kano, when a young lady flagged me down at Zaria begging for a lift. She was extremely good looking and carrying two pieces of luggage. Soon, I was able to establish that she was an undergraduate student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Knowing that the university was still in session, I was curious to find out why she was carrying so much for what I thought was just a brief visit to Kano. She candidly told me she was travelling that night out of the country with her man friend, a Minister. They were going away for 10 days.

"How about the classes you will be missing?" I asked in innocence.

"I don’t have to worry about that; the Head of Department who is my friend has assured me I will pass the exams even if I don’t study. You just have to know your way around the

How ASUU members destroyed Nigerian universities (2 )– Sex Racket university.”

It was all I could do to hold on to the steering as she recounted the exploits of girls and their lecturers – not only in that university but other universities as well. Much later, I discovered that everything she told me was the gospel truth. Many Nigerian academicians, who routinely condemn public servants, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners etc, would make those they vilify appear like saints if all their own atrocities on campus are exposed.

Invariably, the lecturers indulging in the sex racket become known to the student population and then two things occur. First, most female students who feel they 'have something to offer' invariably start to hunt for the lecturers. A great deal of the sexy dressing on campus is not aimed at the male students – who have nothing to offer – but the teachers; who can offer much.

Second, the romance between the lecherous lecturers sometimes instigates cultism or fosters it. Since the boys have nothing to offer and they find themselves studying hard just to barely make good grades, they resort to selfhelp. Cultism is one of the defences male students have mounted to even the score.

Again, let me illustrate with a real life example from Lagos.

One evening, I found myself at one of the watering holes in Lagos and on the next table were two men in their 40s according to my impression.

One asked the other why he was resigning his appoint-

could kill him if they wanted and nothing would happen. But, they won’t do that. They have decided to make use of him. But first he must be punished.

He was stripped naked; tied to a tree and one of the boys, who was in his class, was ordered to give him 48 lashes. Then his wound was washed with alcohol and he was given more to drink.

His final sentence was then pronounced. He would be given the list of all the cult members in his class. None of them must fail. The girl must receive an A grade; otherwise he would be assassinated.

He was declared missing for two days before he was freed to return home and cover his tracks with a story he made up. Suddenly, he found himself entering the classroom and the boy who had whipped him would be making funny faces at him. He couldn’t stand it anymore.

He revealed a lot more about how cultism dictated who failed or passed examinations in that university and ended up with a statement which has grave implications for the future of Nigeria. He said: “When people say we are graduating unemployable people, they don’t know that many of them should not have graduated at all. But, we send them out with certificates for a lot of reasons which have nothing to do with their academic performance.”

Finally, some day, a study will be conducted to determine the extent of sex for cash or prostitution on campus.

Men-about-town holding parties have been known to send to the nearest university campus to recruit young ladies, whose parents are unaware of their escapades, to be shared out like food and choice wines, to spend the night with absolute strangers. Sometimes, the recruiter is a lecturer who knows which girl to call who will bring a whole flock of other girls. Some girl hostels in our universities might as well be called brothels. And the school authorities look aside.

*From left: Mrs. Wonuola Idris; Mrs Foluso Ogunlana, Tutors-General/Permanent Secretaries (rtd), Lagos State Ministry of Education; Mrs. Folasade Ogunbekun, Director of Education (rtd) and Otunba Ayobade Obajimi, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary at the sendforth party in honour of Mrs Ogunbekun and other senior officers of Lagos State Government Education District IV in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

C M Y K

Lagos State govt., 9nineteen intensify efforts on girl-child education

By VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

B

ORN with the view to help Nigerian teenagers develop a mind-set that will enable them locate their potentials early enough in life, publishers of 9nineteen, a life coaching magazine, recently partnered Lagos State Ministry of Education (District 3 Eti-Osa), in educating teenage girls on better approach to achieving their desired dreams.

Under this arrangement, the event with the theme: Groom the teen girl-child, which was held at Saint Gregory’s Primary School Hall, Falomo, Lagos, charged participants, who were mostly females, to ensure that they sustain charismatic and eloquent personalities that would grow their individual capabilities in resolving some national issues.

Educating them in the self management/life application processes to achieving the three important etiquettes to becoming embodiments of public relations, which are, Business, Social and Image, 9nineteen’s Chief Responsibility Officer, Mrs. Umeseaka, advised they refuse every association that is capable of dragging them into inappropriate behaviour that could mar their self esteem.

She said: “It is imperative that you be able to exercise control over your life, by not allowing any Personal idiosyncrasy to mar your skill, thereby, affect your productivity.”

Also unveiling the benefits of being able to build oneself to achieve self recognition, she further charged them to hold on tight to things that would only provide them better aspects of accomplishment, noting that the survival of any entity lies on the youth and most importantly, women, who are too important to be fragmented in any given society.

Describing the exercise as a better approach to curtailing many of the nefarious activities perpetrated by teenagers, and also a good framework to fully educate teenage girls on the dangers of self denial, the District Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education district 3, Mrs.Sufianu, tasked parents to ensure that they strongly support and engage in efforts towards assisting teenagers to locate and develop their potentials for a better Nigerian economy and a violence-free society.

Experts task Volunteer Teachers on nation building

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

E

XPERTS have called on Volunteer Teachers to act as agents of positive change and transformation to enable the nation to achieve its education goals. Mrs Ibukun Awosika, founder, Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC), said this in her keynote address at the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project Volunteer Teachers Scheme Award held in Lagos recently.

She challenged them to use the opportunity as volunteer teachers to work harder in imparting useful knowledge, discipline and patriotism to the younger generation. “It is important that as volunteer teachers engaged to address the shortage of teachers especially in core subject areas such as English Language, Mathematics and the Sciences, you should be dedicated and resourceful professionals and contribute your quota to the overall vision of excellence of the present Lagos State administration. Invest time with students and work creatively for their success, act as agents of positive change and transformation for our nation”, she added.

The award, according to Ms. Ronke Azeez, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor/ Project Coordinator, Lagos Eko project is to reward and celebrate outstanding Volunteer Teachers. As the first education intervention in Lagos State with exclusive focus on ‘enhanced learning outcomes,’ this set has shown exceptional commitment and resourcefulnessin adding value and enhancing learning outcomes.

32— Vanguard, THURSDAY,

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JANUARY 9 , 2014

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INEC lacks power to withdraw certificates of return issued (5)

Corruption not responsible for inefficient justice system — Ajogwu, SAN

— Page 35

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Judiciary is least funded arm of government — Oyetibo SAN Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, is the founder and Senior Counsel at Tayo Oyetibo & Co. He is a consummate advocate, reputed for his integrity and professional skills in the area of dispute resolution, particularly litigation and arbitration. He was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2003.

He was a member of a team of consultants to the National Assembly

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

of Nigeria, appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the First and Second Amendments to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which were carried out in 2010. In this interview, Oyetibo explained that the judiciary is the least funded arm of government in Nigeria, and expressed views on sundry matters in the Administration of Justice.

Excerpt:

happen all through the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria. If you do that, it ensures transparency. Everything that you say in court is recorded. Whether it is said by the judge, a party or a counsel, it is on record.

But the transcript would just be the official removing of unnecessary comments by the side. The CD would be mere recording, verbatim; everything that is said in court is contained in the CD. The transcript would be the official record that can then be certified and given out. That is what we should be doing in Nigeria and it is not difficult. How much would a State invest in acquiring electronic recording gadgets to be able to do this. If you do that, we will be 50% away from this slowness in the Administration of Justice.

Some lawyers also argue that the judiciary is been influenced by the executive arm of government who determines judges pay, which to an extent ties the hand of some judges, what is you stand on this?

I do not think so; the judiciary hands are not tied, except a judge who wants to tie his or her own hand. No executive is tying any judge’s hand. The governor has no power to remove a judge from office.

The governor has no control over the salary of a judge, so why should a judge say his or her hands are tied, who is tying the hands? I do not think so. It is only a judge who wants his own hands tied by the executive that can make such complain. I do not see any reason why any judge should

N

BA has expressed fear in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducting a free and fair election in 2015, what is your take on this?

Well, INEC is an institution set up by the constitution. And as a statutory body invested with power to conduct general election, there is no other body that can do so outside INEC. So INEC exist for that purpose. But if the personalities that make up the body are not performing up to standard, they can be changed. It remains the body responsible for the conduct of elections, there is no other body. You cannot say INEC cannot conduct election, but you could say that the personalities that constitute INEC at present cannot conduct election. I do not think that the personalities could be written off completely. They have tried, on a comparative note. Going by our previous experience, I do not think it will be absolutely correct to write off INEC, as constituted by the present team.

Some Nigerian lawyers are of the opinion that the Administration of Justice in the country is very slow and inefficient,

,

There are quite a number of factors responsible for that. First, the courts are not, to me, well funded by the State. Under the constitution, there are three arms of government; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. Of these three arms, it is the judiciary that is least funded

,

what is your position?

Yes, it is slow and there is no doubt about that. Those of us who have been in practice in this country for some years would readily agree that the machinery is slow, and there are quite a number of factors respon-

•Tayo Oyetibo, SAN sible for that. First, the courts are not, to me, well funded by the State. Under the constitution, there are three arms of government; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. Of these three arms, it is the judiciary that is least funded. And unfortunately, the judiciary cannot fight for itself because it is not peopled by politicians.

That is part of the problem. If you go round the courts in Nigeria, you will find out that almost in every State, judges still take proceedings in long hand. Why should that be so? Even in the highest court in Nigeria (Supreme Court), they still write in long hand. Even though we have filed written briefs, but in the course of oral arguments they take proceedings in long hand. That ought not to be so for God sake. It is most

discouraging to any practitioner.

The Supreme Court by now should have electronic recording system, and the CDs could be paid for by the litigants. Each litigant should have a copy of the proceedings. It is public proceedings, everything should be electronically recorded, and there should be companies that would produce the transcript, as it is done in some other countries. As a matter of fact, as soon as you file your processes, you should be able to pay for copies of the CDs that would be made available to you, and the transcript at the end of the proceedings. So that within 24 hours or 48 hours, you should have a copy of the CD, backed by the official transcript that you then subsequently obtain. That should

Continues on page 34

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

34—V anguard AY, JANU ARY 9, 2014 34—Vanguard anguard,, THURSD THURSDA JANUARY

Corruption not responsible for inefficient justice system — Ajogwu, SAN

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

H

OW would described the judiciary 20 years ago when you started your law practice and now, has there been any s i g n i f i c a n t improvement?

Law is an evolving thing and changes everyday. We largely inherited the English procedure of Administration of Justice and that system has since been severely modified by the United Kingdom, but we sadly have not done the same kind of modification.

The result is that the level of growth of commerce, and with the growth, comes the growth of disputes generated from the intercourse of commerce.

The number of judges and faculty to handle this issue have not grown, so the gap has created a vacuum and inefficiency that, even if for instance in the Court of Appeal, if nobody files any appeal in the next 2 to 3 years, there will be several

Dr. Fabian Ajogwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been practising for the past 22 years . His law firm recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. In this interview, he spoke on the judiciary, proposed national dialogue and the Lagos State Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Excerpts: cases to attend to. They have to sit in threes to deal with them because of the federal system we run. You will see that a state like Lagos does not have judges in commensurate proportion to the population and commerce that occur here where about 60% of Nigeria’s commercial activities are being operated. One state out of 36 and so some of these capacity issues, procedural issues, man power issues have largely been responsible for inefficient justice system.

I don’t subscribe to the fact that it is corruption that is the problem. It is one part of the problem, but for me, there are so many good judges numerically.

They outnumber the ones that are not good. As you know, bad news speaks louder than good news.

Dr. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN .I think what we need to look at is the reform in the administration of justice.

Would you say the issue of insufficient

judges has affected the practice of law in the state?

Lagos state needs to be commended. Thank God

for the amiable Chief judge of Lagos, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Philips for rising to the challenge of realizing that law must keep pace with the changes in the society, and the administration of justice must keep pace with the rapid increase with the way in which commerce occurs.

That is why the Lagos Civil Procedure rules of 2011, 2012 and 2013 that just took effect have a good motive because the underline philosophy is that, about ten percent of plaintiffs really go through trial. The other 90, one way or the other, resolve their dispute.

So the new rules encourage Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), put all cards on the table by not hiding anything from your opponent and then the judge can look at it and say it is a case that party can resolve. The rules allow parties explore mediated settlement and when that happens the court is less congested with cases.

Why did you choose Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, to deliver the

lecture of your 20 th anniversary, and what was the major intention for the theme: “Law as an instrument of Social Engineer”?

The choice of the speaker is instructive, Chief Folanke Solanke , SAN, represents an icon of excellence in the society and in the profession She is the first female senior advocate in Nigeria.

Formerly a mathematics teacher. She taught maths and Latin in the UK and excelled in her field. She has continued to maintain a high level of integrity.

Some of my colleagues here were born in the year I was called to bar so we have different generations in this law firm . She stands for us as an inspiration. She is an icon that every professional should aspire to be, we chose her and we are grateful she accepted to speak.

The topic, “Law as an instrument of social engineer ”, was chosen to mark our anniversary lecture. It is relevant because of where we find ourselves in Nigeria today.

Judiciary is least funded arm of government — Oyetibo SAN Continues from page 33 complain of his hands being tied. There is a laid down procedure to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, no governor can single handedly remove a judge from office. So every judge is free to give judgment in the case before him or her, according to his conscience and the law of the land.

Lack of thorough investigations in criminal allegation is a front burner of issues affecting our judiciary system, what would you say?

That is correct. Some of the agencies responsible for prosecuting criminal offences in Nigeria do not do their home work properly before filing cases in court. At the end of the day when objections are taken against such criminal charges and they are thrown out, the judiciary is made the weeping boy; as if it is the judiciary that has connived with the accused or the counsel to the accused. Whereas it is the prosecutor who has not done his home work properly before filing his charge, that could be due to inefficient investigation on the part of the agency con-

cerned or the prosecutor who has not put his paper properly before the court. So I think there is substance in that view.

Ghana and Tanzania, for example, have used proactive case management and application of robust rules of court to change the face and wave of justice delivery in their country, but in Nigeria that does not seem to be the case, what would you say?

That is attributable to human beings because law dynamic, you cannot be using 1945 rules or procedure, 1916 procedure. In

civil procedure for example things are changing, but in criminal procedure things are not changing. You see states changing their rule relating to civil proceeding.

Most of the states now have adopted the new regime in the civil proceedings, but in criminal proceedings it is still the archaic procedures that are still obtainable in most of the states, such that the criminal procedure act was enforced as far back as the 60s, the CPC in the North, and the Criminal Procedure Act in the South.

Except Lagos State that passed a new Administra-

tion of Criminal Justice Law recently, and even with that there are still some problems. So I think there is room for improvement to be made in the Administration of Criminal Justice in this country. There should be a mechanism whereby criminal proceedings would be expeditiously disposed of in our criminal courts.

Can you shed more light on how you helped Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to have his rank restored in the Nigeria Police Force, as Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) before he resigned?

Well, Mallam Nuhu Rib-

adu said part of it during the official opening of my new law firm in Lekki, Lagos. What Ribadu said is on public record. He was demoted from the rank of AIG in the Nigeria Police, and then eventually he dismissed. We challenged the motion and also the dismissal. And at some points the Federal Government saw the hand writing on the wall and agreed that we should file terms in court and his rank was restored as Assistant Inspector-General, and also he was reinstated in the police service.

And he went back and voluntarily retired from the force.

I remember they (Federal Government) did challenge our action that we could not challenge the police authorities. We argued it, and our case was upheld that we are entitled.

The regulation being relied upon was declared unconstitutional. There is a regulation in the police regulations that forbid police officers from going to court, and we challenged it as being unconstitutional and the court upheld our submission and held that it was unconstitutional. So the court gave us the green light to continue with the case, and that was how we were able to proceed with the case to conclusion.

V anguard AY, JANU ARY 9, 2014 — 35 anguard,, THURSD THURSDA JANUARY

INEC lacks power to withdraw certificates of return issued (5)

Continued from last week ISSUE III Whether the lower court is right in entertaining the case of the 1st to 10th respondents and granting all the reliefs sought in the originating summons. Grounds 6, 8 of the Notice of Appeal field on 20th of March, 2013.

ISSUE IV Whether the lower court was right in dismissing the preliminary objection and relying on Section 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to assume jurisdiction in this case. Grounds 1, in the Notice of Appeal filed on 20th March, 2013.

For avoidance of doubt I am of the firm view that the court below has jurisdiction to entertain the case the 1st 10th respondents presented before it on originating summons. In addition to the specific jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under Section 251 (1) (p), (q) and ® of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, jurisdiction inheres in the court below by dint of Section 6 (6) of the said constitution, to undertake judicial review of the powers the 11th - 14th respondents, who were the 1st - 4th defendants at the court below, arrogated to themselves in the matter of the certificates of return issued to the Appellants by the 1st defendant/11th respondent (INEC) when the appellants were not candidates at the election orgainsed by INEC, and INEC having, in the election in which 1st - 10th respondents were candidates, declared them the winners and issued a Certificate of Returns issued to each of them

by INEC in evidence of that return. In issuing fresh certificates of return to appellants and purporting to have withdrawn, canceled on nullified the previous certificates of return issued to the 1st - 10th respondents, the plaintiffs, INEC acted ultra vires particularly in view of Sections 68(1) and 75 of the Electoral Act, 2010, and Sections 285 (1) and 246 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. INEC, having no legitimate powers in law to issue Certificate of Return to any person who was not a candidate at the election and withdrawing or canceling certificate of return issued to the candidate at the election; the certificates of return issued to he appellants were/are null and void.

Those certificates being void and a nullity confer no authority on the 12 - 14th respondents to swear-in the appellants as members of National Assembly.

The law in Nigeria, as re-stated by the Supreme Court in Rossek v. A.C.E. (1993) 10 SCNJ 20 at 39 – 40, is that a party, like the 1st - 10th respondents in this appeal, who is aware that an order or act of public authority or body is null or invalid should apply to have it set aside by the court of competent jurisdiction. Yes, I agree with the appellants that on authority of Macfoy v. UAC Ltd (1962) AC 152; Ladoja v. INEC (2007) 12 NWLR (pt.1047) 119 that a void act confers no right or liability. It, however, still needs to be formally set aside by the law court in its judicial review jurisdiction: Rossek v. ACE (supra).

The mistake the appellants have been perpetually laboring under in this matter is their confusing the judicial review jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under Section 6(6) and 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution over the questions or issues raised before it with the limited and exclusive jurisdiction of the National Assembly and States Houses Assembly tribunal under Section 285 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The complaint of the 1st 4th defendants, now 11th - 14th respondents, acted ultra vires their powers and they prayed the court below to declare so. That may appear to be post-election dispute; but is is not such a post-election dispute that falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Election Tribunal as the Appellants sought to make it look in their preliminary objection. I am of the firm view ther3efore that the court be3low was right in dismissing the preliminary objection based on Section 251 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended Section 251 (1) ® of the Constitution specifically vests in the Federal High Court jurisdiction over any action or proceeding for a declaration or injunction affecting the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision by the Federal Government or any of its agencies.

This is in addition to its jurisdiction over matters covered by Section 251 (1) (p) & (q) read together with the

proviso to sub-section (1) of the same section 251 and section 6(6) of the same constitution. The proviso to section 251 (1) of the constitution says that nothing shall prevent a person from seeking redress in any court against the Federal Government or any of its in an action for damages, injunction or specific performance where the action is based on any enactment, law or equity; as the instant case.

The court below has jurisdiction in the matter of the judicial review of the action or decision of INEC, who after issuing certificates of return to the 1st - 10th respondents who were actually candidates at elections INEC conducted in their respective constituencies, purported to withdraw, cancel and nullify the said Certificates of Return without any order of a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction. The court also has jurisdiction in the matter of the Certificates of Returnh issued to the Appellants by INEC who were not candidates at the elections conducted by INEC and withotu order of court or tribunal established by law. Ditto for 1th - 14th respondents giving effect to the certifiates of return issued to the appellants which certificates of return are invalid in law. In view of all I have said the Federal High court was right in dismissing the appellants’ preliminary objection and entering judgement for the 1st - 10th respondents, as plaintiffs, as it did.

There is no merit in this appeal argued on all the four issues formulated and argued by the Appellants. The appeal is hereby dismissed in its entirety. The judgement and and orders of Federal High Court in the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1042/2011 delivered on 11th January, 2013 are hereby affirmed. Parites shall bear their respective costs.

EJEMBE EKO JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL Counsel appearances John Olusola Baiyesnea, SAN lead Prof. Yem. Akinseye-George SAN, Ismalia Alasa, Samuel Ipinlaiye, Richard baiyeshea, Usman Afegbua, Clifford Omozeghan, Stewart David, Adedeji Adeyemi and Joshua Akor for the Appellants E.Y. Kurah with C.O. Agwu (Mrs) and Samuel Ogala for the 1st - 10th Respondents.

Tobechukwu Nweke for the 11th Respondents Ifeanyi Nnalike with Ejike Obiefuna for the 12th - 14th Respondents.

CA/A/83/2013 JIMI OLUKAYODE BADA, JCA I had a preview of the lead judgement just delivered in this appeal by my Learned brother Ejembi Eko, JCA. I agree with his analyses and conclusions.

Let me by way f complement add that there is a difference between a pre-election and post-election. In case of Pre-election an aspirant who complains that any of the provisions of the Electoral Act and the guidelines of a political party ha snot been compiled with in the selection or nomination of a candidate of a political party for election may apply to the Federal High Court or the High Court of a state or FCT for redress. See Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

In the case of post-election, Section 285 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended deals with whether any person has been validly elected as a member of National Assembly or as a member of the House of Assembly of a state.

In this appeal, the issue in contention is post-election in nature i.e having arisen after the conduct and/or conclusion of the conduct of the election, but it is not the kind of post-election matter that should go to the tribunal. The post-election disputes which should go to the election tribunal are those circumscribed and within the contemplation of Section 138 (1) (a)-(d) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended. Under the Section mentioned above, an election may be challenged based upon the following grounds:(a) that a person whose election is questioned was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election. (b) that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. © that the respondent was not duly elect4ed by majority of lawful votes cast at the election, or (d) that the petitioner or its candidate was validly nominated but was unlawfully excluded from the election.

The case of the 1st to 10th respondents (who were 1st to 10th plaintiffs) in the lower court was for the interpretation of Sections 68 (1) and 75 (1 & (2) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

Under Section 68(1) of the electoral Act w0q0, INEC has the burden of obligation to declare the scores of candidates and the return of a candidate. And the declaration is subject to review by a tribunal or court. INEC cannot review a return under any circumstance. Also under Section 75 (1) of the same Electoral Act, once the certificate of return is issued, it cannot be reviewed by INEC except in accordance with the order of a tribunal or court, and

pursuant to Section 75 (2) of the same Act where the Commission refuses o neglects to issue a Certificate of Return, a Certified True Copy of the Order o a court of competent jurisdiction shall, ipso facto, be sufficient for the purpose of swearing-in a candidate declared as he winner by that court.

In my humble view this case falls outside the jurisdiction of the Election Tribunal as provided by Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. The jurisdiction is meant for the regular courts. The Federal High Court therefore had jurisdiction to review the acts of INEC which is a Federal Government agency under Section 251 (1) ® of the 1999 Constitution.

See – Yusuf Vs Obasanjo (2004) All FWLR Part 213 Page 1884 at 1914 – 1915 paragraphs H-A for the above reasons, and the more detailed reasons in the Lead Judgement, I am of the view that his appeal lacks merit and it is dismissed by me. I endorse the orders made in the Lead Judgement.

JIMI OLUKAYODE BADA JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL APPEAL NO. CA/A/83/2013 ADZIRA GANA MSHELLA. JCA. I have read the judgement just delivered by my learned brother Eko, JCA. I am in complete agreement with his copious reasoning and conclusion that the appeal be dismissed and the decision of the lower court be affirmed.

No order as to costs.

ADZIRA GANA MSHELLA JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL CA/A/83/2013 SIDI DAUDA BAGE I have had opportunity fo reading the judgement of my learned Brother, Ejembi Eko, JCA in this appeal. The issues raised by the appellants have been fully considered, and, I have nothing further to add.

I am in complete agreement with the judgement, and therefore adopt the Order made by my learned brother in the lead judgment.

SIDI DAUDA BAGE, JCA JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL CA/A/83/2013 ONYEKACHI A. OTISI, JACA: I have had opportunity of reading the jdugement of my learned brother, Ejembi Eko, JCA in this appeal. The issues raised by the Appellants have been fully considered, and, I am in complete agreement with the judgement. I will only make a few comment in support.

Jurisdiction is fundamental and always threshold issue, determined by the claims of the plaintiff and by the statutory powers of the court to which the matter is submitted for adjudication. See: Aewa Paper Converters Ltd vs. NDIC (Nig. Universal Bank Ltd.) (2006) 6-75.C. 84; Adetayo vs.

Ademola (2010) 15 NWLR (PT 1215) 169.

The functions or powers of the 11the Respondent are well spelt out in the Third Schedule Part 1 Section 15 (a) (I) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

By virtue of the provisions of Section 68(1)(c) of Electoral Act 2010, as amended, it is the responsibility of the 11th Respondent to declare the scores of candidates and the return of a candidate. This declaration by the 11th Respondent shall be final; and, only is subject to review by a tribunal or court in an election petition under the Act.Outside these provisions,s the 11sth respondent is without the necessary vires to review its declaration.

Upon the provisions of Section 75(1) of Electoral Act 2010, as amended, once the certificate of return is issued, whether made in error or not, the issue cannot be reviewed by the 11th respondent, except upon an order of a tribunal or court. See: Ibrahim v Shagari (1983) 9 SC 59; ANPP vs.

Faruk (2008 LPELR-3783 (CA).

The lower court, by virtue of the provisions of Section 251(1)(r) of Constitution, is empowe3red to review the acts of the 11th Respondent, which is a Federal Government Agency. See: Oloruntobo-Oju vs. Dopamu (2008 34 NSCQR (PT 1) 278. The lower court therefore, had the jurisdiction to grant the reliefs 1, 2, and 3 sought by the 1st - 10th respondents before the lower court.

Reliefs 4, 5, 6 and 7 sought by the 1st - 10th respondents before the lower court were therefore consequential upon the grant of Reliefs 1, 2, and 3.

As already stated above, I am in complete agreement with the conclusions reached by my learned Brother. I therefore, adopt the Orders made in the lead judgment.

ONYEKACHI A. OTISI, JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEAL

•Concluded

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Delta 2015: Stakeholders, aspirants hold late night meetings

MTN boosts nite of a thousand laughs

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

T

HE popular Nigerian comedy show, Nite of A Thousand Laughs has received a boost with the support of a Nigerian leading telecommunications company, MTN. The New Year was ushered-in, with fanfare at the Aztech Arcum, Port Harcourt, Rivers State venue of the event, as entertainment heavy-weights, kept the audience that thronged the show reeling with laughter.

Speaking on the show, Sponsorship Manager, MTN, Dola Bamgboye, said “MTN is enriching the lives of its customers by creating hilarious atmospheres and opportunities for them to unwind after working so hard throughout the year.

MTN wants them to Live, Love and Laugh, as it thrives to connect its teeming customers with their passion.”

Comic actors such as Gandoki, MC Abbey, Funny Bone, Shakara, I Go Save, Buchi, Pencil Monkas, Hezekiah and others thrilled the fans with ribcracking jokes.

A

SABA—POLITICAL activi ties in Delta State have stepped up in the past few days, with consultations ongoing among the various interest groups and individuals on who will succeed incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015, Already, stakeholders have started holding late night meetings with their choice contenders to perfect strategy, while awaiting official pronouncement from the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP., in the state.

State Chairman of PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, had recently, said that the leadership of the party would make its position known by next month (February) on where exactly the governorship candidate would emerge from.

Reacting to the contentious issue of whether there was zoning in the party or not, he said “I want to say categorically that we should not be derogatory in our statements because there is no zone or senatorial district that does not have capable people to occupy the governorship seat.”

Meantime, Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Political Forum, UPF, Chief. Ejaife Odebala, said yesterday, in Asaba that “UPF is out

to ensure the Urhobo nation was not short-changed in 2015.

“The UPF has been the platform for the actualisation of the Urhobo political interest for a long time.

It has been very effective. Now,

as the general political landscape is moving, it is good for that formidable body to start gearing up to satisfy the Urhobo yearnings.

“The 2015 election is part of the

Contr over sy trails SWest NBA caucus mee ting Contro ersy S-W meeting

BY INNOCENT ANABA ONTROVERSY is trailing a meeting of South West caucus of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Egbe Amo ofin, slated for January 18, in Ibadan, Oyo State, as the Interim Publicity Secretary of the group, has denied that any gathering of the lawyers was called for that date.

Mr Kunle Adetowubo, Interim Publicity Secretary of Egbe Amo ofin, in his reaction to the purported meeting, said “it is rather unfortunate that some people, who have the mentality of garage touts, have hidden their identities under the guise of Ayekoto to disseminate falsehood about Egbe Amo ofin and are still labouring under the illusion that one Ranti Ajileti is still the Secretary of Egbe Amo ofin.

“Please be reminded that Ranti and his co-travellers have been removed as leaders of Egbe

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Amo ofin at the Akure meeting of December 7, 2014. The interim leadership of Egbe Amo ofin has therefore, not called any meeting of the association in Ibadan on January 18, 2014.

Please disregard any notice of a meeting to that effect.”

Mr. Ranti Ajileti, who claimed to be the Secretary of the group, had said every member of Egbe Amo ofin was welcomed to attend the meeting, adding “We don’t want a divided home in Egbe Amofin, we welcome everybody, everybody is free to attend, they are our people and we are not discriminating. They have equal opportunity with everyone and each and every one of them is qualified to be president of the Bar. “Funke Adekoya, SAN is good, Dele Adesina, SAN is good, Niyi Akintola, SAN is good and Osas Erhabor is fantastic, he

Benin Prince ffaults aults FG's pr oposed cent enar proposed centenar enaryy celebration

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN CITY—THE Enogie of Obazuwa and younger brother to the Oba of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, yesterday described the proposed centenary celebration of the birth of Nigeria by the Federal Government as a misplaced priority.

The Benin Prince, told to newsmen that the banishment of his great grandfather, Oba Ovonramwen to Calabar by the Brit-

B

ish and his eventual death paved way for the amalgamation, adding, however that “the amalgamation was a coercion that should be celebrated by Lord Lugard and his descendants not us.

“If anybody is to celebrate that, to my mind, I think it is Lord Lugard and his descendants, who should be celebrating it. It is like we want to be celebrating the Berlin Conference, where Africa was partitioned among European countries. The amalgamation

was something Lord Lugard and his people did for their personal interest and not for us, that is why I said I don’t see anything to celebrate.

“We must do exactly what the early Americans did, we must sit down, all of us and talk, talk about how we will want to relate to each other, talk about what we really are. Today, they are making superficial peace. This group is fighting the other group; let us forget about what divides us,

let us talk about what unites us, those are just platitudes.

“There are no two ways to it, we cannot pretend that there will be no need for us to talk, we have to talk. We are different people just like the early Americans began, we don’t need the constitution the soldiers gave to us, we don’t need the one the British gave to us because there is evidence that the British participated in rigging elections in our country."

is also our own. We have a lot of parameters for them, we will screen them, asses them and take the best out of them, we will really go for the best,” he said.

He was referring to the purported meeting, which was in furtherance of the group’s effort to produce the next president of the NBA, to take over from the incumbent, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, who will complete his two years tenure on August 31, 2014.

Adekoya,Adesina and Akintola mentioned by Ajileti are the three top contenders for the position of NBA president from the South West.

Reinforcing Adetowubo’s position, Bunmi Olugbade, interim chairman of the group, noted that it was laughable that Ajileti and his cohorts were now talking of setting parameters for the Presidential aspirants, wondering what parameters the group would set for the aspirants for political offices in the NBA. He said: “They should start by telling the world the parameters that were set for such aspirants in 2008 when Adesina SAN contested with Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the only parameter was endorsement by branch chairmen and appeal to Adesina to step down for Akeredolu, SAN, on the understanding that the group will endorse Adesina when next it comes to the West, why are they not supporting him now that it has come to us."

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

agenda of UPF. And this is the only forum that can effectively negotiate the Urhobo interest for the benefit of all while striving for balance relationship with other ethnic nationalities in the state."

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

100 yyear ear earss amalgamation of Nigeria (2)

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O you know how many Nigerians that were killed and imprisoned in order to fight colonialism? Do you know how many Nigerians that were cheated and subjected to abuses and other horrors by the so-called colonial masters? Does that worth any celebration?

Mr. Ezekiel OlatadeMusician.

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HY are we celebrat ing such forced and unsolicited marriage? Celebrating such amalgamation is like celebrating colonial superiority over us. I do not think that Nigerians are interested in such history but good governance.

Mr. Eyinna OkpaniStudent.

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HE name Nigeria was given to us by our colonial masters and we have lived with it for 100 years till date, then we are still talking about celebrating Amalgamation when an average Nigerian cannot boast of three square meals in a day. People are suffering, is that what you want to celebrate? Mr. Obim Nwosu- Worker.

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UR celebration should either start from 1963, when we became a republic or from the date we renegotiated our existence as a country. Honestly, I do not see anything to celebrate in Nigeria’s Amalgamation.

We should stop wasting public money in this country. Ms. Regina OsakweWorker.

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HAT gain has 1914 brought Igbo, Ijaw, Efik etc. If not deaths with over three million souls, marginalization, hatred, underdevelopment, backwardness, bondage, killings

by Islamists fundamentalists, ethnic cleansing in all facets of human life, deprivations of human rights etc.

Mr. Martin DicksonStudent.

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E are talking of 1914 Amalgamation, and till now the country is still talking about a national dialogue, so what are we celebrating? I believe that this country should have been far from what it is now, in terms development, if our leaders were sincere. Ms. Deborah Awodi- Communicator.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—37

DEFECTIONS: Strategy to stop Jonathan in 2015, says Odje

2015: Delta leaders insist on Olejeme

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OLITICAL leaders in Delta State have described Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as the best person to replace Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as Delta State governor in 2015.

Chairman, Delta Leaders Forum, Chief Julius Akpomughe, in a statement yesterday, in Asaba, said Olejeme has all the necessary qualities to replace Governor Uduaghan as the governor of the state based on her track record in Nigeria and her political savvy, which has made her the bride of all political groups in the state.

He said: “Anybody following her activities in the country, particularly in Delta State, will agree that she is the right candidate for the coveted post. She has the antidote to make the people happy and to carry all along. Even the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not unmindful of her unique leadership qualities, so the party might eventually pick her as governorship flag bearer.”

The state leaders pointed out that the fear expressed by some politicians over transparency and accountability could be handled appropriately by Olejeme, who will also continue with the three-point agenda of the current administration.

Uduaghan’s aide tasks Nigerians on unity, love

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ENIOR Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion, to be united and show more love in the New Year.

Uduaghan, an aspirant for Delta State House of Assembly, Warri South Constituency I, in 2015, said Nigerians despite the ethnic and religious divide, were created by the same Almighty God, adding that Nigerians being united and showing love would fast track the desired growth and development of the country.

The chieftain of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, charged Nigerians to continue to support governments and leaders of the country, as such would create the enabling atmosphere for good governance.

BY FESTUS AHON

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ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama ( middle) representing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith (left) and the state Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Major Daniel Armereh, during the launching of the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week, in Asaba, yesterday.

Court grants bail to Ugborodo spiritual head

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—A DELTA State High Court sitting in Warri, yesterday, granted bail to embattled spiritual head of oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, Priest Benson Omadeli, the Olaja-Oroii.

Trial judge, Justice Marshall Mukoro, admitted Omadeli and three other accused persons, charged to court for sundry criminal acts by the state government, to bail in the sum of N15 million, a level 14 serving officer and two sureties with landed property.

The court ordered Omadeli to deposit his travelling documents and to report every Monday to the court.

Hundreds of Itsekiri youths took to the streets to celebrate the release of the accused persons. They had wondered why the accused were kept for such a long period in prison custody, when the offence for which they were charged was bailable.

Speaking on the bail granted the Olaja-Oroii, Mr. Jolomi Metseaghanrun told Vanguard that the ruling had vindicated the state government that it has no interest, nor was it in favour of any faction in the community crisis that led to the death of one Oritseneye Efejuku and the hospitalisation of others.

Vice Chairman of Ugboro-

do Community Trust, Mr. Isaac Botosan, told Vanguard that they were requested to bring along all documents supporting their various positions in the fracas, adding that his 60 years old mothers’ residence was destroyed and valuables worth millions of naira stolen by some youths in Ode-Ugborodo during the crisis.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the community, led by Chief Thomas Ereyitomi and the faction led by Mr. David Tonwe, are currently in Abuja on the invitation of the Inspector-General of Police to state their case and fashion out a way forward for the return of peace to the troubled community.

No Ugbomro indigene's been employed by FUPRE since inception —COMMUNITY

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RESIDENT-GENERAL of Ugbomro Community, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Raymond Olughor, has said that no indigene of Ugbomro has been employed by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, since its inception in 2007, despite being host to the institution.

Olughor, who described Ugbomro as the most peaceful community in Uvwie Kingdom, during a protest held at the gate of FUPRE, accused the Federal Government of deceiving women and youths of the community with a promise of engaging them in the institution without anything tangible to show for same.

He said that the management of FUPRE was, rather employing non indigenes into the institution without considering Ugbomro indigenes despite the clear provisions of the Local Content Act. The leader of a neighbouring

community, also playing host to FUPRE, Mr. Atutu Okotie, who was among the over 300 protesters, wondered why employment opportunities were being given to non indigenes in the institution without recourse to well qualified members of the host communities.

A woman leader in the community, Aghogho Efe

and Ugbomro Public Relations Officer, Mr Monday Orhoma , who were among protesters, lamented the utter neglect of the community, noting that the situation was so bad that even as oil producing community, Ugbomro lacks good internal roads, other basic infrastructures, healthcare facilities and good schools.

GHELLI—A Warribased lawyer, Dr Akpo Mudiaga-Odje, has said that the current defections in Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were part of a plot to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the presidential election in 2015.

Odje, who spoke to newsmen in Ughelli, Delta State, said: “All the defections from PDP to APC are geared towards cajoling the President from contesting for a second term in office.

I am not against any person constitutionally opposing the President for a second term. I am not against any person saying that he has not done well and so should not be delivered for a second term. You are free to air your view. My objection is that the sitting President is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has served one term in office in addition to the one year he did for Yar ’Adua, who sadly passed away in office.

“The Supreme Court has said that every Nigerian citizen has eight years to be elected if he meets the qualification as a governor or as a president of this country and the eight years cannot be shortened or elongated. In effect, the man still has unexpired residue of four years to complete his second term.

“So, if you want to defeat him, beat him at the primaries of PDP or meet him if he succeeds at the electoral contest. But you cannot say that he should not contest. He has every right to contest, he is qualified. If you want to floor him, go to the poll or go to the primaries to floor him. So, that is my view and I believe, as a minority, people have been perceiving it as weakness of population."

Osanebi vows to reposition Ndokwa people

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EOPLES Democracy Party, PDP, member, representing Ndokwa East constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has promised to reposition the people of Ndokwa by joining hands with other positive forces to make the constituency relevant in the nation's politics.

In his New Year message,

Osanebi, said he would work hard to ensure unity and strategically reposition the Ndokwa people to take their rightful place in the state and at the federal level.

Pledging to represent the interest of the people because of the confidence entrusted on him, he said he plans to commence his empowerment programmes this year by giv-

ing out 40 cars, buses and gifts items to people in his constituency as he has always done for the youths, widows and women.

Osanebi reiterated that he was ready to reposition and deliver all promises to the people of Ndokwa and others in the area by ensuring that the region feels the impact of the government.

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38—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Court acquits 5 of murder

BY CHIDINKWOPARA

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WERRI—FOUR policemen and a consultant medical doctor, Dr. Fidelis Onuh, were yesterday discharged and acquitted by Imo State High Court for alleged manslaughter and murder respectively.

The four policemen, who were left off the hook included Corporal Achonu Kelechi, Martins Lifu, Chukwuka Obugagbe and Nnama Asukwo.

While the four policemen were charged in suit HOW/ 109c/2011 for allegedly killing Eze Emeka Njoku, the medical doctor, Dr. Fidelis Onuh, stood trial in suit HOW/164c/2012 for allegedly killing his wife, Mrs. Grace Onuh.

Delivering the separate judgments yesterday, the state Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin A. Njemanze, ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the cases beyond reasonable doubt.

According to Njemanze, the provisions of Section 35(5) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended, states that “it is not the duty of an accused to prove his innocence.”

He stressed that it was the accuser who must prove the accused person’s guilt.

....Handicap docked over alleged N1.7m theft

Crisis: UNN teachers sack scribe over unauthorised negotiation with varsity N

SUKKA—SECRETARY of the University of Nigeria branch of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Aaron Agbo, was Tuesday sacked by his colleagues after being accused of unauthorised negotiation with the university administration in the ongoing demonstrations for the recall of the pro-chancellor, Dr Emeka Enejere.

Agbo, who is in the Department of Psychology, had held the post for only a year before the sudden loss of it.

A panel headed by a senior academic, Professor Damian Opata, Head of Department of English, was also set up to determine further punishment to be meted out to the former ASUU scribe.

Members of the four unions in the university operating as Joint Action Committee, JAC, Monday resumed the demonstrations they suspended for Christmas and New Year break. However, Dr Agbo issued a notice instructing lecturers not to join the other four unions.

The chairman, Dr. Ifeanyi Abada, promptly countered the instruction in a different notice mobilising his colleagues.

Academic staff of all levels, therefore, joined the other three unions and marched round Nsukka campus on Monday but unknown to them, Dr Abada had gone to a meeting reportedly called by the Vice Chancellor,

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AGOS—A 40-year-old handicap, Kenneth Okpe, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court for allegedly stealing N1.7 million.

The defendant, who was yesterday docked before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo, is facing a twocount charge bordering on obtaining and stealing preferred against him by the police.

Police prosecutor, ASP Barth Nwaokoye, said the defendant committed the alleged offence on October 3, 2013, at Iba in Ojo area of the state.

He said Okpe fraudulently obtained the sum of N1,740,000, from one Osita Amusiogo, under the pretence of buying him one Toyota Corolla 2007 Model car, a representation he knew to be false.

She adjourned the matter to February 19, for mention.

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Professor Bartho Okolo, at Enugu campus in an attempt to negotiate with the staff.

The other unions, apart from ASUU, were National Association of Academic Technicians, NAAT; NonAcademic Staff Union, NASU, Enugu Campus; and NonAcademic Staff Union, NASU, Nsukka Campus..

Sources said workers at the Enugu Campus, however, resisted the attempt to negotiate with JAC in that meeting.

“Patrick Emeter, chairman of Non-Academic Staff Union

(NASU, Enugu Campus) rose and told the VC that meetings of that nature were not convened verbally through telephone calls.

Ms. Rebecca Nnamani, ASUU’s Assistant Secretary, raised the objection that a meeting summoned to address the issues raised by four unions could not go on without proper representation of ASUU. The branch chairman was not invited and he was not in the meeting,” the source said.

According to the source, the VC was compelled to put off the

meeting after appealing to workers to stop further demonstrations and come to the negotiating table.

The source also said the meeting was rescheduled for yesterday so that all parties would be properly represented.

Before the demonstration Tuesday, ASUU convened emergency congress at Nsukka campus and tabled the issue of Dr Agbo’s attempt to represent the union in the meeting with the VC without the branch chairman, Dr Abada.

VISIT: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (right), receiving a souvenir from Dr. Christian Ike, President, Abia State National Association of North America, USA, during a visit by the association to the governor in Umuahia.

Anambra LG polls: NULGE counsels members against money-for-votes

BY ONOZUREDANIA&

CHINYEREABAZIEM

BY EMEKAMAMAH

O

BY ENYIM ENYIM

NITSHA—THE Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has advised its members not to mortgage their conscience for money in Saturday ’s council poll in Anambra State.

President of the union, Mr. Jerry Nnubia, gave the admonition while giving his acceptance speech after inauguration of his newly elected state executive.

Nnubia, who described the local government election as a welcome development after 14 years, said elected local government chairmen would fast-track development at the grassroots as well as improve the welfare of the people in the rural areas.

He said: “What is cardinal in leadership is the welfare of your workers. You must carry them along by protecting their interest at all times.

“I am satisfied with the construction of a befitting union secretariat and I hope that the

new executive would put more structures including guest house here within the next four years

of their administration.”

Nnubia assured that his leadership would consolidate on

the achievements made in the last four years of its first tenure.

Council boss urges expectant mother to patronise health centres

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AGOS—CHAIRMAN of Mushin Local Government of Lagos State, Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan, has called on expectant mothers to patronize the primary healthcare centres closest to them for quality antenatal services.

He spoke when he visited the

Omodigbo Primary Healthcare Centre, PHC, in the local government for the presentation of gifts to the 1st baby of the year delivered at the centre.

According to him, “the N200,000 is the first gift to welcome the baby to the world and to assure him of the good

tidings the country has for him.

“The medical personnel at the centre are qualified, experienced and gentle with the patients. They all attended universities as those in General Hospitals and private hospitals. I assure pregnant women of a safe delivery if they chose the centres.”

Herbal practitioners seek better recognition by govt Herbal Medical Practitioners counterparts in other parts of the

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AGOS—Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Union of Herbal Medical Practitioners has called on Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State to accord its members better recognition by providing them a land to build own hospital and maternity centres.

The herbal practitioners, at their annual national conference in Lagos, blamed Lagos State

Board established by the Lagos State Government to regulate their practice of not doing enough to fight their cause.

Speaking on behalf of the union, the Iyalode-General of the Lagos State chapter, Chief (Dr) Ogunpeju Oguntokun Ayoka, lamented a situation where the state government was not doing enough to encourage their practice as their

country, particularly in the Northern states were enjoying from their state governments.

According to the herbal medicine practitioners, the regulatory board has not been doing enough to draw attention of the government to their practice, unlike their counterparts in orthodox medicine practice who are getting full attention and recognition of the government.

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40—Vanguard, THUIRSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

FG seeks alternative funding for Ajaokuta Steel Coy

NUTGTWN blames incessant labour unrest on FG

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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OKOJA — THE Fed eral Government says it is looking for alternative sources of funding to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Company and make it functional.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, Chief John Jegede made this known yesterday at Ajaokuta, Kogi State, during a tour of the steel plant.

Jegede said that the plant was crucial to the realization of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, hence the need for alternative sources of funding to fast track the completion of the remaining segments of the steel plant since it was the bedrock of the nation’s industrialization.

“What we mean by alternative funding is signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to complete the remaining part of the plant."

Kebbi verifies pensioners for E-payment of benefits

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IRNIN KEBBI— THE Kebbi State Government has introduced mandatory verification of pensioners for Epayment of benefits, the Chairman of the verification exercise, Alhaji Muhammadu Garba, said.

Garba told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Birnin Kebbi that 4,000 pensioners had been verified for the E-payment. He said the introduction of the E-payment was for easy access of benefits by pensioners.

He added that the E-payment was also aimed at meeting global trend of technological advancement and end the delay in payment of pension to retired workers.

The pension verification chairman, who did not disclose the commencement date for the new payment, urged pensioners in local governments to ensure that they were verified.

From right: Hajiya Hamdalat Aremu, wife of the celebrant; Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu; with the first Executive Governor of the old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and the President, NUTGTWN, Comrade Oladele Hunsu at the Keeping Fit for Better Nigeria and Greater Africa to mark the 53rd birthday of Comrade Aremu at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Benue CNPP backs Buhari for Presidency in 2015

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI —THE Con ference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, in Benue State, has declared its support for Gen.Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in forthcoming 2015 presidential elections, saying that he remains the genuine face of opposition politics in the country.

State Chairman of the CNPP, Mr. Baba Agan who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Makurdi, the state capital, said, “Buhari candidature will certainly galvanise mass followership across the country.

“We have all been following the political trends since the advent of the present democratic dispensation in this country and no one in the opposition block can deny the fact that Buhari is the candidate to beat in any election in this country because he represents the face of the opposition.”

Agan who further noted that the task of wrestling power from the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, would be herculean said, “if the opposition truly wants to assume leadership of the country in 2015, we have no choice but to seek for a detribalized and disciplined Nigerian who has garnered so much experience like Gen. Buhari.

“That is the more reason why I urge all those angling for the presidential ticket of the APC

to jettison the idea for now and throw their weight behind Buhari’s candidature in the collective interest of all Nigerians.”

On the open letter written by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Agan said, “in as much as I have no qualms with people writing letters to perceived friends or enemies, I strongly believe that the letter by Chief Clark was absolutely unnecessary.

“Chief Clark might have his genuine reason for the piece but the truth is that the impression some of them are creating in the minds of Nigerians is that the presidency of the country as at now is an Ijaw

business.

“That is certainly not a good omen for our unity and the oneness of this country. It is undoubtedly a dangerous dimension that must be checked before we lose conscious of the fact that an elected president is the symbol of the country’s unity.

“We never had it this way during the Obasanjo and Yar ’Adua’s administrations.

The president of Nigeria should not be reduced to a clannish leader. Moreover, President Jonathan had taken time to reply Obasanjo; it should end at that. Those loitering around the corridors of power for self aggrandizement should please save us these pains,” Agan warned.

AGOS—THE National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has blamed the incessant labour unrest in the country on insincerity and wrong approach to reforms by the Federal Government.

General Secretary of the union, Issa Aremu, made this known in Kaduna, during activities marking his 53 birth day.

"The Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, recently announced the sale of refineries, giving credence to the earlier statement credited to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke in London that the Federal Government had concluded plans to sell off its four state-owned oil refineries before the end of the first quarter of next year.

"After the petroleum unions threatened a strike, the presidency has come out to deny any sale of refineries.

"Already, there is a distrust and crisis of confidence in the reform of a government that lacks transparency. Reforms must have integrity and sincerity of purpose.

"We support the legitimate concerns of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG. Let the Ministry of Petroleum resources do one thing at a time. It must ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which has been gathering dust for over 10 years. The proposed privatization of the refineries points to our official wrong approach to reforms. If we cannot pass PIB in 10 years, why selling off refineries in 18 months?," he asked.

27 PDP lawmakers defect to APC in Sokoto House

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OKOTO—TWENTY seven members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Sokoto State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that only three members of the assemblyBala Musa, representing Yabo, Mustapha Hurumi representing Bodinga South and Gatau

Mustapha of Isa constituencyhad remained in the PDP. The defection was announced, yesterday on the floor of the Assembly by the Speaker, Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana.

The defected members immediately brought out brooms to celebrate their move after the announcement of their names by the speaker.

The state Governor Aliyu

Wamakko and his supporters had since defected to the APC, while his Deputy, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari had remained in the PDP. Shagari had at a recent news conference in Sokoto said that his loyalty to the party and President Goodluck Jonathan was intact.

The deputy governor also maintained that his relationship with Wamakko was still cordial.

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— Vanguard,THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

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44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

APC in Delta:

Chasing shadows or what?

THE election and inauguration of an interim executive for the Delta State chapter of the APC was marred by infighting as leaders of one of the legacy parties fought against alleged distortion of an already determined deal. Were they crying foul or wolf?

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR AND AUSTIN OGWUDA

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UGGESTIONS that the last state chairman of one of the legacy parties that formed the All Progressives Congress, APC, had turned a clog in the wheel of progress of the new party would have shocked many.

Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh, the last chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, however, had his beef and it was serious last Friday.

“I am not satisfied with the list of those to be sworn in, (and) the reason is that that list has not been approved by the national body of APC in accordance with the guideline,” Okotie-Eboh told newsmen who thronged the Grand Hotel, Asaba venue of the scheduled inauguration of the interim state executive of the newly merged party.

Okotie-Eboh, a scion of the Festus Okotie-Eboh family had few years ago and against odds, turned into a fiery critic of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP led administration in Delta. He was particularly critical of the administration’s failure to conduct local government elections and the use of caretaker committees.

It was a surprise to some that Okotie-Eboh, an Itsekiri

•Ikimi: Insisted protest must stop before election

•Omo-Agege: 2011 ACN guber candidate returned to PDP

term constitution amendment in 2006.

So given his antecedents, Okotie-Eboh’s strong reservations against the

Change, CPC got 9, 7 and 6 slots to the delegate congress last Friday, but that the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP which was not an integral member of the alliance at the national level got 10 slots.

Party sources say that Okotie-Eboh’s claims against the allotment of slots to the DPP was the reason for the postponement of the election of the interim executive which was earlier fixed for last December.

,

Ikimi with his entourage arrived, he was quick to dismiss the insinuations conveyed by the demonstrators and insisted that the DPP had won its slots meritoriously would agree to lead the opposition party to a government led by an Itsekiri son in the person of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

He was, however, not alone as he had as fellow crusader, the former member of the House of Representatives, Ms Temi Harriman who made a name for herself when she became the only southern member of the PDP who openly stood against the third

C M Y K

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consolidation of the new opposition party was bewildering to many last Friday. But not totally surprising given the impression that Okotie-Eboh was about to be edged out from his place of reckoning in the leadership of the APC in Delta State.

Last Friday he, however, had a cause, at least in his own consideration. He was especially grieved by what he

claimed was the distortion of the original harmonization committee empanelled by the national secretariat of the party for the state.

“The NEC of APC should immediately come out with a definite statement as it concerns the Delta State Harmonization Committee (DSHC) and that the ACN’s list should be restored to its original form and the two names substituted be restored”, Okotie-Eboh told newsmen last Friday.

The former ACN chairman also raised issues with the constitution of delegates for the election of interim executive of the APC. OkotieEboh was especially grieved by the fact that whereas the former All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, ACN, and Congress for Progressive

Allocation of slots The opposition to the allocation of slots to the DPP was, however, dismissed by the party’s interim national executive which as it was learnt had in its wisdom decided to recognize the DPP

in Delta State as one of the legacy parties given the drive and devotion of the DPP in the state to the merger with the APC. It was also understandable that the DPP in Delta State would be accorded the highest number of slots because it had by far the largest presence among the legacy parties.

In choosing delegates to the election of the interim executive, the national secretariat had stipulated that national leaders of the party, former and serving governors, former senators and serving senators, the state chairmen and secretaries and women leaders should be recognized as delegates to the election of interim executive.

Based on these criteria, DPP emerged with the highest Continues on page 45

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—45

•Participants at the Women in Government and Politics conference

When women became Oliver Twist

Politics:

WHATEVER his critics would say, President Goodluck Jonathan can hardly be faulted in his drive towards the attainment of the 30 per cent benchmark for women in public office positions. His success in that respect nonetheless, Nigerian women still want more and more from him. Leading Nigerian women were in the frontline for female assertiveness at the recent Jemide Conference series.

D

ESPITE the increasing number of women in governance globally, the latest hunger for more women participation in politics could be likened to the pre-Beijing Conference era when gender issues were mere tokens by governments in Africa and Nigeria.

This renewed quest for the main streaming of gender issues in politics and governance, played out at a recent Women in Government and Politics conference.

The two-day conference, held

at the House of Commons, London, which was sponsored by Onboard Impact Consultancy, attracted female delegates in influential leadership positions such as parliamentarians, cabinet members, academics and activists from many parts of the world especially Africa.

In attendance were Madam Grace Kabayo- Uganda, Executive Secretary, Pan African Women Organization; Dr. Dere Awosika- Nigeria, Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power; Dr. Nic Cheeseman- Oxford University, UK; Mrs. Diezani

Alison Madueke - Nigeria, Minister for Petroleum Resources; Mary ChineryHesse - Ghana, Former Vice Chairman, National Development Planning

,

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

Ghana, Founder and Head of African Union Diaspora Forum; Proscovia Alengot- Ugandan Parliamentarian,and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu of Nigeria among others Convened by the Winihin Jemide Conference Series, the event particularly focused on how to articulate steps and concepts that will make government leaders, lawmakers and academics, who jointly influence policy, to support an increase in the number of women in politics.

Expectedly, the deliberations among participants, threw up issues on gender inequality across the Africa, which many present claimed had reduced the position of women in governance.

In her keynote address, Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke, acknowledged that only 11 African countries had attained the 30 per cent benchmark of female representation in leadership positions, adding that Nigeria had surpassed the average.

"We need to pull up as many women as possible up the ladder and put aside petty grievances and nuances. We must educate, empower, and mentor more of our women to ensure that they have the compelling attributes and capabilities that make us as good as anyone else that may be considered to occupy any job or office,’’ she noted.

Lending her voice, Sen AlHassan stressed that successful

We need to pull up as many women as possible up the ladder and put aside petty grievances and nuances, we must educate, empower, and mentor more of our women

Commission; Dr. Elsie ScottUSA (Howard University; Senator Aisha Al-HassanNigeria; Dr. Erika Bennett-

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women ought to sponsor younger women, as opposed to limiting themselves to mentoring, which appears to be

appealing to most women across the continent.

Former Deputy Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Dr. Mary Chinery-Hesse, underscored the need to revive some traditional African values which placed women at the forefront.

Earlier, founder of the lecture series, Winihin Ayuli-Jemide said:•gThe Women in government and politics conference boldly explored issues and concepts surrounding women•fs increased involvement in Africa•fs political arena with consideration given to succession planning and the next generation. This will be an annual conference aimed at raising the global profile of the growing role women play in the heart of African public life.’’

Articulate conversations She further said: "The Winihin Jemide Series is an umbrella organisation that works to increase awareness in several diverse spheres and causes. Through various programmes, events and platforms, it serves to support and articulate conversations and initiatives that enable nation building, community development and transformative thinking. These events are as diverse as Youth Internship Africa, WIGP Conference, The Garden Show and This African Woman.’

"Many sub-Saharan countries had not invested in women and most of the women who have gained relevance in society have done so mostly on their own. Few governments in Africa have been helpful in creating the structures required to guarantee that they excel. A new breed of men are required to open these doors, according to statistics provided by the United Nations."

APC in Delta: Chasing shadows or what?

Continues from page 44 number of slots a development that peeved Okotie-Eboh and some of his associates who marshaled the demonstration against the conduct of the APC election.

However, whatever sympathy Okotie-Eboh garnered was equally undermined by impressions that the demonstration against the election and inauguration of the new APC executive was instigated by agents of the PDP in the state and where not, by the PDP administration.

Inferences to this was especially conveyed by the alleged presence in the vicinity by a former stalwart of

the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN who has returned to the PDP from where he came from and is now known to be actively working for the political interests of the state administration.

Besides, the policemen that were alleged to have guided the demonstrators to the hotel were said to have been policemen deployed to one of the leading political office holders in the state.

Peeved by the action of the demonstrators, Chief Tom Ikimi, the national vicechairman, South South of the APC whose duty it was to preside over the election and inaugurate the new executive

was reported to have told officials of the APC already in Asaba, the Delta State capital that he would not come until the protest was calmed.

When the commotion died down and Ikimi with his entourage arrived, he was quick to dismiss the insinuations conveyed by the demonstrators and insisted that the DPP had won its slots meritoriously.

Dismissal by the national secretariat “There was no violation of any sort. We are in order,” Ikimi said as he noted that issues raised against the inauguration had in the past

been channeled to the national secretariat which dismissed them.

“Ikimi also told us that he was not surprised that the opposition in Delta State had for long not been able to bite given what happened on Friday,” one of the delegates told Vanguard on the condition of anonymity.

The delegates who voted were chairmen and secretaries of the four legacy parties that rmed the APC in Delta State and party elders including former Senator Francis Okpozo, former Deputy Inspector General DIG Donald Ugbaja, former union leader Chief Frank Kokori among others.

Of a list of about 32 expected voters only 26 it was learnt were accredited for the vote.

At the end of the voting, the following were elected as interim officers of the party in Delta.

1)Rev Jones Erue- interim chairman, 2)Mr Chidi Okonji-interim Secretary, 3)Mr Akpodafe Edeworinterim Treasurer, 4)Mr Precious Enweayoi interim Publicity Secretary, 5)Hon Harvest Igben-interim Organising Secretary.

How the new officials proceed from now would determine the shape and structure of the opposition against the dominance of the PDP in Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

One of the products of the workshop that will be exhibited in London

Bruce Onobrakpeya’s centenary festival of art holds in London

By JAPHET ALAKAM

I

N what could be described as the greatest exhibition of the year, foremost Nigerian print maker, painter , sculptor and founder of The Harmattan workshop, Bruce Onobrakpeya is set to take the best of Nigeria’s art to London for a special exhibition tagged “Dream Fantasy and Reality: the Bruce Onobrakpeya Harmattan Workshop Series at Agbarha-Otor from 1998 – 2014” The Harmattan workshop is an informal educational established in 1998 by Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation for the promotion and growth of art and culture through the provision of capacity building opportunities for artists through sharing of ideas, skills acquisition and experiment.

The workshop which also promotes and develops public interest in the visual arts by creating awareness for intrinsic values of the arts and their benefits to the larger society takes place at the Niger Delta Arts and Cultural Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, and since inception, it had imparted positively on the lives of many artists who have passed through the workshops and the gains are enormous.

It all started from mid-Febru-

ary 1998 till date and altogether sixteen (16) regular Harmattan events have been staged spanning into thirty-two segments for the sixteen years of its existence.

After series of editions of the workshop, the products of the workshops will be on display in London as all necessary arrangements have been put in place for a successful hosting of the exhibition at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Brunei gallery, London.

First Nigerian project in UK:

The exhibition which coincides with the Centenary celebration of Nigeria and has been scheduled to hold for three months beginning from the 10th of April on through to mid June, 2014 will feature Stone carving, wood carving, Drawing and illustration , Printmaking and plastography, photography, metal design and forging, Painting, Pottery and ceramics, textiles and bead works, blacksmitting, sculpture etc.

Speaking at the media chat last week, the curator, Prof. John T.

Agberia of the ing by the jury.

University of Continuing, Agberia who Portharcourt dis- traced how the journey that culclosed that the ex- minated to the exhibition began hibition will be the during his visit to the institution first Nigerian as a fellow, pointed out that due project to hit the to the magnitude and importance UK in the celebra- attached to the exhibition, govtion of the cente- ernment and its agencies, Coornary and called on perate organizations and indithe federal gov- viduals are encouraged to key ernment to key into this grand centenary festiinto the project. val of Art in London with finanHe stated that ar- cial and material support particrangements have ularly with the transportation of been put in place the art works. for a successful hosting of the ex- Material hibition at Brunei support and that a total of two hundred and He also commended The forty-four (244) art Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation pieces of different (BOF) and the Prince Eng Dr media reflection Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Profeswill be on display sorial Chair in Fine Arts & Deat the Brunei Gal- sign of the University of Port Harlery, London court, the first of its kind in the which focuses on West African sub region for takart works of dis- ing the initiative to support this tinction from Afri- exhibition. ca and Asian On his part, the founder of the worlds. According workshop, Bruce Onobrakpeya to the curator, it who confessed that he was hapwill feature the works of the best py to hear about the exhibition of Nigerian artists and foreign said that “the exhibition is one of counterparts like the Master the ways that has come to give printmaker himself, Bruce Ono- the workshop the strength, direcbrakpeya, Kunle Adeyemi, Peju tion and meaning the workshop Layiwola, Sam Ovraiti, Best has been to all of us. Any profesOchigbo, Uwa Usen, Philip The exhibition is one of the Nzekwe, ways that has come to give the Muyideen Uyes, Peju workshop the strength, direcAlatishe, Ndition and meaning the workdi Dike, Adeola Balogun shop has been to all of us and others.

He also disclosed that there will sion you find that there must be be a book catalogue that will a nursing programme. The show show the works of the participat- in London is one of the things ing and essay by scholars from we have made to help art grow.”

Nigeria and outside.

Onobrakpeya who enumeratAgberia, who described the ed some of the gains of the workHarmattan workshop as an in- shop and also reiterated the need ternational programme that if for good spirited Nigerians to supported by the federal govern- come to the aid of the project. “We ment will help in solving the need money to carry on with this unemployment in the country work. Money to take the works stated that the artists were select- to London and some of the arted after series of rigorous screen- ists to the place.” He added.

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46 —

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Drama, song mark MRA Award

By PRISCA SAM-DURU & VERA SAM ANYAGAFU

T

HE Lagos Chapter of Mor al Re-Armament/Initiative of Change- MRA/IofC, a non profit worldwide movement initiated by famous Frank Buchman in 1938, held its maiden Award titled, “Celebration of Unseen” at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The organisation which maintains that change within Nigeria and around the globe can only take place with individuals, practicing high morality in both public and private life, ini-

tiated the Award so as to celebrate people doing unique things at the corners of their office and homes without reward.

The Award was marked by songs and drama which spoke eloquently of the vital role Art Plays as agent of change and development.

The special song composed by a volunteer member of the association, Obas Ukoko served both as the organisation’s theme music as well as the members way of proclaiming their vision which is geared towards change in the country and beyond. The song, titled

“United We Stand” was performed by MRA Volunteers who appeared radiant in their colourful uniform.

A theatrical sketch also acted by the volunteers which was as humourous, satirical as it was educating, engaged the large audience that turned out for the celebration, in a most interactive manner. The skit projected MRA’S mission statement which centers on breeding a crop of honest individuals who together, will turn the entire world around for good. The theme of the short drama revolved around honesty, sincerity and

team spirit which are virtues which when imbibed, create the much needed transformation.

Speaking at the Award, the General Secretary of the association, Barrister Owoseni appreciated the awardees whom he noted made landmarks without being rewarded or noticed. According to him, MRA/IofC, preaches change initiatives rather than blame government or anyone for the nation’s woes adding that it “believes in personal change because the change everyone is clamouring for begins with a person.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—47

Enugu PDP dismisses Chimaroke’s alleged plan to rejoin party

BY TONYEDIKE NUGU—ENUGU State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, denounced reports that former governor of the State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, was planning to return to the party, describing it as a dramatic move that will never see the light of the day.

The party was reacting to a news report by a national daily (not Vanguard) that “the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, was locked in a marathon meeting with former Governor Nnamani, ostensibly to distill the former governor’s grievances and conditions for reuniting with the PDP.” But Senator Nnamani in a quick reaction, said he was not bothered about what was going on in the state for now as he only returned to the state during the holiday to see his people.

However, in a statement signed by the state chairman of the party, Mr. Vita Abba, PDP said it would employ every possible means at its disposal to ensure that such a bad omen did not revisit it in the state.

The party said, “It would amount to gross disservice to the Party and the State to allow such attributes of vendetta, villainy and despot to rejoin the party at this point in time the State is enjoying the highest level of peace and good governance under the dynamic leadership of Governor Sullivan Chime.”

Abba noted that despite the fact that the PDP constitution made provisions for returnees, the state chapter took exception to any clandestine move by the former governor to return to the party he worked in vain to destroy.

E

INAUGURATION: Enugu State governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime (middle), his deputy, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi , state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Vita Abba ( right), former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo, and the newly inaugurated 17 council chairmen of the state, after their swearing in, at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

Lemo bows out as CBN Deputy Gov

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja

Bureau Chief

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Mr. Babatunde Lemo, will retire from the apex bank tomorrow, after 10 years in the position.

The retiring deputy governor was credited for playing a key role in the implementation of the Banking Sector Consolidation under both administrations of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and incumbent Sanusi, resulting in the 24 stronger and well capaitalised banks with combined equity of over N1.6 trillion from 89 largely weak banks as well as the formulation and implementation of the Microfinance Policy and Supervisory Framework.

A statement by the CBN in Abuja, yesterday, indicated that Lemo’s retirement would take effect from January 11, 2014, being the last working day before his retirement date.

Prior to his appointment, Lemo was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Nigeria, Plc between 2000 and

2003. Born in 1959, he attended Lisabi Grammar School, Ogun State and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he emerged as the Best Overall graduating student in the Faculty of Social Sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy (First Class Division) in 1984.

Lemo is also reported to have attended Advanced Management Programme, AMP, at the

Wharton College, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, U.S.A in 2002 as well as executive training programmes in world class institutions including Harvard University, INSEAD, Fontainbleau, France, Brandies University, Boston.

He also championed the restructuring of Abuja Security and Commodities Exchange and Nigeria Export Import Bank, NEXIM, as the Chairman of both

institutions. As Vice Chairman Technical Committee for the establishment of Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Lemo participated actively in the establishment of the Pan-African investment institution.

Lemo was equally responsible for the transformation of the National Payments System for widespread use of electronic payments and the transformation of the Nigeria Inter-Bank and Settlement Systems (NIBSS), Plc.

Nigeria needs N2trn for road network in 4years

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

T

HE Federal Government, yesterday, said it needed N2 trillion to achieve sustainable road network in the country by 2018.

Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, said in Abuja that N500billion would be invested on roads annually starting from now year to 2018.

He said, ”There are some arterial roads that are affected by lack of required funds. If you ask me, for us to be able to drive these roads to the level

Nigerians want, we need to be investing about N500 billion in road development in the Ministry of Works every year in the next four years. Insufficient funds continued to be the major challenge faced by the ministry and this had led to the slow pace of some arterial road projects. It is like you have have maybe N70 to N80 billion to play with.

“So funding, no doubt, is a limitation, but even within that limitation we are doing our utmost best to ensure that such critical fate section of the federal road

are tackled within the little resource that is available to us.”

Onolememen lamented that the budgetary allocation alone was not enough to stimulate the road development that would sustain the economy of the nation, pointing out that this was why it was mandatory for every country to have a special fund set aside for infrastructural development.

He said, “That was what the National Development Plans were doing in the postindependent era and that was why they succeeded the way they did.”

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Pilgrimage: BASA to commence this year, says FG

Pope stops priests below 65 from becoming Monsignors P

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—THE F e d e r a l Government, yesterday, said the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, it had with its Israeli counterpart would take effect with this year ’s pilgrimage.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Mr. John Opara, said Nigerian airlines would participate in the airlift to make the agreement beneficial to Nigerian pilgrims.

Opara, who stated this during a post-pilgrimage press conference in Abuja, explained that the involvement of Nigerian and Israeli airlines in the airlift of the pilgrims would reduce the stress and cost of flying on pilgrims.

NEPC reviews criteria for Export Expansion Grant

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

N

IGERIA EXPORT Promotion Council (NEPC) said it has commenced a review of the qualification criteria of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG).

Executive Director/Chief Executive of the Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo disclosed this while on a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM).

He said: “The NEPC was already working towards reviewing the Export Expansion Grant and the review will cover the qualification criteria and other aspects.”

The new strategic focus will place greater emphasis on market development, with Nigerians in diaspora as major target.”

Pope Francis

OPE FRANCIS has announced his intention to scrap the honorific title ‘monsignor ’ for priests, saying, “it will make priests more simple and humble.”

The Catholic Pontiff who broke with papal protocol, yesterday, as he invited an old friend, Rev. Fabian Baez, for talks at his weekly general audience in St. Peter ’s Square, said, “scrapping the title of Monsignor is a decision that will make priests more

simple and humble.”

According to the Pope Francis, eliminating the title of “Monsignor ” for all secular priests under the age of 65, is a move aimed at reforming the clergy and eliminating careerism in the Catholic Church.”

Consequently, the Pope had has abolished the conferral of the Pontifical Honour of ‘Monsignor ’ on secular priests under the age of 65.

He said henceforth, “the only Pontifical Honour that will be conferred on ‘secular

FG liberalises oil bunkering … to realise N250m from licensing of bunkerers

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

T

HE FEDERAL Government, yesterday, took steps to legalise and liberalise bunkering activities in Nigeria, to tap from the revenues accruable from that sector.

Already, government expects to generate at least N250million from the licensing of such activities in the country.

Hitherto, bunkering had been a sector for all manner of illegal activities through which the nation’s oil and gas resources were used for personal gains, which were not recorded in the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. However, this notion was dispelled by the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Mr. George Osahon, who defined bunkering as “a downstream business involving the fueling of ships. It also means the process of

supplying fuels, including but not limited to automotive gas oil, AGO, fuel oil, liquefied natural gas and lubricating oil to users in the marine environment.”

Announcing the move in Lagos at a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Resuscitation of Bunkering in Nigeria, Osahon, said the legalisation already had the Presidency’s approval.

According the regulatory agency boss, President Goodluck Jonathan had given approval for the beginning of bunkering from this January, adding that with the approval, Nigeria is set to becoming the hub of bunkering activities in West Africa.

He also explained that the resuscitation of bunkering would provide stimulus for growth in other sectors of the economy, including inland ports and waterways.

Leadership: PDP lawmakers jittery as House reconvenes

BY EMMANOVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—AS the House of Representatives re-convenes next Tuesday, palpable fears that the All Progressives Congress, APC, may take control of leadership from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, have heightened.

Vanguard reliably gathered that PDP members that had gone to their various constituencies to mark the Xmas break were, yesterday, summoned to an emergency meeting on how to checkmate the rampaging APC. It was gathered that APC has also been holding meetings outside the National Assembly complex since last Monday on how to take over the House leadership.

But Majority Deputy leader of the House, Leo Ogor, PDP, Delta, doused the fears of his members,

describing the planned change as a “mere storm in a tea cup.

“We are not jittery and we are ready to combat whatever situation we meet on the floor of the House because we are still in majority. “ “We have all the necessary technical know-how to handle the situation, legally and otherwise.

“For instance, the decampees went to a competent court of jurisdiction to seek an injunction that the status quo should remain without necessarily declaring their seats vacant.

“They do not own any seat, the seats belong to PDP, not individuals, that is what they do not know. Those who defected are technically still members of the PDP until a court of competent jurisdiction declares otherwise.

Osahon also argued that bunkering, which is a good source of revenue to the government, has some other economic benefits such as increase in maritime activities and employment opportunities for Nigerians.

“There are no limitations to what you can bunker,” he said.

Bunkering guidelines The forum, which was organised by the DPR, also offered an opportunity for the regulator to spell out the guidelines for participation.

Accordingly, any company or group wishing to engage in bunkering activities for the lifting of Nigeria’s oil resources either of crude or refined products, in and out of the country, must be dully registered for it.

Parts of the criteria for getting a bunkering licence include: *Applicants must show evidence of technical and financial capabilities, which will be verified. *All companies must be duly incorporated and registered for bunkering business in Nigeria. Applicants must have functional offices with technically efficient communication equipment capable of supplying operational data in real time to a portal created by DPR. *Ships/vessels to be utilised for mobile bunkering operations in Nigeria must be listed in the Lloyds, BureauVeritas or any of the internationally recognised classifications and evidence of such registration shall be provided by the applicant.

Before 1979, not much was recorded of bunkering activities in Nigeria, until in 1979, when it was introduced as a legitimate activity with licences issued by DPR. In 1984, bunkering was limited to five companies and subsequently cancelled.

priests’ will be that of ‘Chaplain to His Holiness’ and this will be conferred only on ‘worthy priests’ who are over 65 years of age.

In the Catholic Church, “Secular priests” refer to priests in dioceses, who are not monks or members of religious institutes or orders.

The Vatican’s Secretariat of State said it has communicated the Pope’s decision to Apostolic Nuncios around the world, and has asked them to inform all bishops in their respective countries of the decision in this regard taken

by Pope Francis.

The pontiff made the move in an effort to eliminate careerism within the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis had wanted to scrap the title since last October at the first meeting of the Council of Cardinals.

The title is handed out by the pontiff himself, typically at the request of the bishop, for loyalty to the bishop or for distinguished service performed in the diocese.

Currently, there are three grades of “Monsignor ”: Apostolic Protonotary, Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, and Chaplain of His Holiness. But, with the change, there will only be one grade, Chaplain of His Holiness, only available to priests over the age of 65.

FG to launch independent Debt management report Dec 10

BY PETER EGWUATU

T

HE FEDERAL Government has concluded plan to launch an independent review report of debt management in Nigeria, on Friday.

Vanguard gathered that Vice President Namadi Sambo will launch the independent review report of debt management in Nigeria in Abuja, on January 10, 2014.

The partnership between the Nigerian government and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, DFID, in the management of Nigeria’s public debt, has yielded positive results, a review of partnership has revealed.

DFID in October 2000 assisted Nigeria to establish the Debt Management Office, DMO. Thirty years on, an independent review of the partnership between Nigeria and UK said it had been a success story and Nigeria is now sharing its expertise with other countries in Africa.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—49

employees.

Although Zamfara state adopted the CPS, enacted its law in 2005 and registered 63,254 employees under the Scheme and remitted N534.4 million as employee portion of the Pension Contributions as at November, 2013, it is yet to commence remittance of employer portion of Pension Contributions from the commencement of the CPS. It has also not put in place a Group Life Insurance Policy for its employees.

Sokoto state enacted its law on the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2007 and registered 46,808 employees with PFAs under the Scheme. The state is yet to commence remittance of the Pension Contributions.

Pension contributions

COMMISSIONING: From left: Former Governor of Kano State Senator Kabiru Gaya, Acting Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu and Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State at the Commissioning of PenCom’s NorthWest zonal office in Kano.

Kano, three North-West states shut workers out of new pension scheme •Zamfara not remitting govt 7.5%

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

K

ANO and three other states in the North-West zone of the country are yet to key-in their workers into the contributory pension scheme, CPS, nine years into the scheme which came out of the Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2004. The other states are Kebbi, Kastina and Sokoto Though Kano state enacted its law on the CPS in 2006, but it is yet to appoint Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, and has not transferred pension funds for management, while Kastina state drafted a bill on the CPSwhich was reviewed by the National Pension Commission, PenCom, and found to be largely in conformity with the PRA, it has however not translated the bill into law Although Zamfara state adopted the CPS, enacted its law in 2005 and registered 63,254 employees and remitted N534.4 million as employee portion of the contributions as at November, 2013, it is yet to commence remittance of employer portion of from the commencement of the CPS. These were some of disclosures by Acting DirectorGeneral of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, during officially opening of the commission’s North-West zonal office in Kano.

The new regional office has a mandate to effectively extend the Commission’s services to all the seven states in the zone namely; Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna,

Kastina, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Four zonal offices located in Calabar, Awka, Lagos and Ilorin had earlier been opened by the Commission.

The North-East zonal office in Gombe has been established and will be formally commissioned.

A statement by Emeka Onuora, Head Communication unit, PenCom, said “although the Contributory Pension Scheme is one of the most remarkable of initiatives that would bolster

productivity and enhance industrial harmony, only three out of the seven states in the NorthWest zone, have recorded appreciable milestone, while others are at various stages.

Jigawa state which was the first out of the thirty-six states in the federation to enact its law on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2005, had appointed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to manage the Pension Funds which have a total value of N16.49 billion as at September, 2013. Kaduna state adopted the CPS and enacted its law in 2007.

It has also made significant progress in its implementation of the CPS, having registered 143,722 employees under the Scheme, with Pension Contributions of N9.46 billion as at October, 2013. The state had conducted an actuarial valuation and determined the accrued pension rights of its employees for their service prior to the CPS and established a Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund which currently has a balance of N1.6 billion. The state is however, yet to put in place, a Group Life Insurance Policy for its

With regards to Kebbi state, it enacted its law on CPS in 2009 and registered almost 38,000 employees with PFAs under the Scheme. It has however not commenced the remittance of pension contributions.

The status of Kano state shows that it enacted its law on the CPS in 2006. It is however, yet to appoint PFAs and has not transferred pension funds for management. Kastina state drafted a bill on the Contributory Pension Scheme which was reviewed by the Commission and found to be largely in conformity with the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA). It has however not translated the bill into law. The compliance status of the states in the North-West zone as indicated clearly shows the imperative for the states to expedite action on the full implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The acting Director-General appealed Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to spearhead the compliance of the states in the North-West zone with the CPS.

Scam: PenCom steps up supervision of old defined benefit Scheme

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ATIONAL Pension Com mission, PenCom, is focusing greater attention to the supervision of the old defined benefit scheme of the public service with a view to stemming the tide of inefficiencies identified.

The Acting Director-General of the Commission, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu told a gathering of stakeholders in Kano that the cardinal principle of separation of custody of funds from management and supervision had resulted in a Pension Scheme with sound internal mechanism for the transparency and accountability.

A statement by Emeka Onuora, Head Communication unit, PenCom said whereas the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, manage the funds, but had no access to same as custody was vested in the Pension Fund Custodians, PFCs, and the Commission ensured both parties adhere strictly to regulations governing the funds.

According to the statement, the acting Director General said, “This ring fencing

of Pension Fund Asset and regulatory non-interference, the Acting DirectorGeneral noted, has resulted in the consistent growth in a large pool of pension Assets of N3.8 trillion which are invested in structured and safe financial instruments.

The Commission is refocusing greater attention to the supervision of the old defined benefit scheme of the public service with a view to steming the tide of inefficiencies identified. This will be carried out through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD).

Mrs. Anohu-Amazu who explained that the establishment of zonal offices in all the six geo-political zones of the country was a deliberate attempt to encourage and facilitate compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme, said the Commission expected the states in the North-West zone to renew their commitment by ensuring the speedy implementation of the CPS in order not to shut out their citizens from the benefits of a hassle-free retirement.

Speaking, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who stated that the Central Bank had been collaborating with PenCom for the success of the pension reforms, noted that the reforms guarantee a secured future for workers.

He pointed out that the pension industry has generated funds that could be invested in infrastructural developments.

Senate Committee Chairman on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Dr. Alloysius Etok, advised the Commission to ensure that only the states that key into the Scheme would benefit from the pension funds.

He assured the Commission and the pension industry that National Assembly would soon pass the Pension Reform Bill 2013 to enable the Commission work more effectively.

House Committee’s Deputy Chairman on Pensions, Mr. Samson Okwu, commended the Commission for opening zonal offices in the country thereby bringing its activities closer to people.

50 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

BRIEFS African migrants continue rally

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ANC will rule for eternity: Zuma S

OUTH Africa’s President Jacob Zuma vowed yesterday that his ANC party will rule Africa’s wealthiest nation “forever” as the country gears up for elections expected within months, a local newspaper reported.

“We will continue to run this government forever and ever. Whether they (detractors) like it or not,” Zuma was quoted as telling ANC supporters in Zulu, one of the local languages.

He was speaking during an impromptu door-todoor campaign in a township in Mbombela, the capital of northwestern Mpumalanga province where the party will on Friday launch its election manifesto and kick off the polls campaign.

He urged his supporters to vote in numbers to ensure that the African National Congress (ANC) garnes 90 percent of votes in the province, already a stronghold.

Observers predict a fall in nationwide support for the ANC this year, to around 60 percent or less.

In 2008, Zuma also declared that his party would “rule until Jesus comes back”.

Zuma, 71, was first elected to office in 2009.

As the party’s leader, he is almost certain to be its presidential candidate in the polls whose date has yet to be fixed.

Repeated corruption scandals, increasing crime levels, poverty, high unemployment levels and internal bickering are hurting the ANC’s popularity.

The country’s largest labour union, the National Union of Metalworkers’ of South Africa, decided last month to ditch the ANC and will not campaign for it nor support it financially in the upcoming polls.

Gates' criticism rattles Obama •South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma But the ANC leader scoffed at suggestions that support for his party is waning.

“They are dreaming while they are awake. We are going to hammer them,” said Zuma in

HOUSANDS of people are fleeing the South Sudanese city of Bentiu amid fears of a government offensive to recapture the oil-rich area

from rebels, a BBC reporter there says.

Many people are taking refuge in a UN base in Bentiu, says Alastair

13,000 families escape from Fallujah

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ORE than 13,000 families have fled Fallujah, NGOs said yesterday, warning of a dire humanitarian situation in Iraq, as masked gunmen held the city, locked in a days-long standoff with the army.

And though traffic police returned to its streets, some shops reopened and more cars could be seen, Fallujah was still rocked by clashes and shelling, after an AlQaeda-linked group urged Sunnis to keep fighting the Shiite-led government.

Fallujah and parts of nearby Ramadi, both in the western, Syrian-border province of Anbar, have been outside government hands for days — the first time militants have exercised such open

remarks quoted and translated by the City Press. “We are stronger than before”.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu confirmed to AFP that Zuma had been quoted correctly.

S/Sudan: Residents of Bentiu city flee from troops advancement

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Residents of Fallujah fleeing from the conflict zone control in major cities since the height of the insurgency that followed the 2003 USled invasion.

Yesterday, the Iraqi Red Crescent said it had provided humanitarian

assistance to more than 8,000 families across Anbar but added that upwards of 13,000 had fled and were living with relatives, or in schools or other public buildings.

Leithead.

Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between the two sides appear to be deadlocked over the government’s imprisonment of 11 alleged coup plotters.

At least 1,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Nearly 200,000 people have been forced from their homes in the fighting, which has seen ethnic violence between the Dinka and Nuer communities.

The conflict broke out in mid-December when President Salva Kiir accused his ex-deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

Mr Machar denied the allegation, and called for the unconditional release of 11 of his allies who were detained over the alleged plot.

On Wednesday, Mr Kiir offered to free them to take part in the regionallybrokered talks, if the discussions were moved from Ethiopia to the South Sudan capital, Juba.

Iran, super powers resume nuclear talks today

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RAN and world powers will meet in Geneva from today to iron out remaining obstacles in implementing a historic nuclear deal struck in November, Iranian and EU officials said.

The two-day meeting

will bring together deputy negotiators from Iran and the so-called P5+1 group of world powers, European Union foreign policy spokesman Michael Mann told AFP. It was still not clear when the two sides’ chief negotiators could meet, he

FRICAN migrants have gathered outside Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, demanding to be recognized as refugees and protesting against the government’s policy of long-term detention.

Yesterday’s demonstration was “calm”, Micky Rosenfeld, Israel’s police spokesman, told AFP news agency, adding that police were deployed to keep order. He put the number of protesters at “more than 10,000”.

Al Jazeera’s Tom Ackerman, reporting from Jerusalem, said: “This is, according to the police, one of the largest assemblies of protest to have been held outside the Knesset.

“It’s the fourth day of their strike and they’re all saying they have no intention of giving up their struggle.

added.

Iranian officials had also announced the meeting earlier Tuesday, with Tehran’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham telling reporters that the talks would focus on “one or two remaining issues pending a political

decision” before the deal can be implemented.

Technical experts from Iran and the EU-chaired P5+1 — comprising the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany — held two sessions in Geneva in mid and late December.

P

RESIDENT B a r a c k Obama’s “team of rivals” first-term cabinet has come back to haunt him, f o l l o w i n g surprisingly blunt critiques of his leadership and top •Obama aides by ex-Pentagon boss Robert Gates.

Gates, the Washington Republican lifer who served six presidents in senior national security jobs, sent political shockwaves through Washington after his unsparing assessments of the Obama administration in his new book, leaked to top newspapers.

Bad weather delays Morsi's trial

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HE judge in the trial of Egypt’s deposed Pres ident Mohamed Morsi has ordered the hearings adjourned until February 1 after bad weather prevented bringing Morsi to court, according to state media.

State media reported that the helicopter that was to fly Morsi from a prison near the Mediterranean city of Alexandria to the court in Cairo could not take off because of fog yesterday.

Morsi and 14 others are on trial for inciting the killing of protesters outside a Cairo presidential palace in December 2012, when at least 10 people were killed and hundreds wounded.

US sends more troops to S/Korea

T

HE United States said it will send 800 more soldiers and about 40 Abrams main battle tanks and other armored vehicles to South Korea next month as part of a military rebalance to East Asia after more than a decade of war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The battalion of troops and M1A2 tanks and about 40 Bradley fighting vehicles from the 1st U.S. Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas, will begin a nine-month deployment in South Korea on February 1.

Protest erupts in Tunisia

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LASHES have erupted in central Tunisia between police and demonstrators as instability continues to plague the North African country.

Dozens of protesters tried yesterday to force their way into the offices of the ruling Islamist party Ennahda in the town of Kasserine, but were pushed away by tear-gas fired by police, an AFP journalist reported.

Central Tunisia has long suffered from neglect and a lack of opportunity, which were driving factors behind the popular uprising that began in nearby Sidi Bouzid in 2011, when a young street vendor set himself on fire in protest at his impoverished circumstances.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014—51

TAM, NEPWHAN lament neglect of Nigeria’s ART regimen

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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IGERIA’S anti-retroviral therapy, ART, regimen us suffering much neglect if observations by the Treatment Action Movement, TAM, and the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, NEPWHAN, are anything to go by.

Raising alarm over series of core challenges bedeviling the nation’s antiretroviral therapy, ART, regimen, the TAM Executive Committee, recounted how the nation’s ART treatment landscape is perpetually bogged down by glaring discrepancies.

“Drug supply has become inconsistent eroding the gains that was previously recorded while cases of ARV drugs stock-

outs are now a frequent occurrence. Worse still, essential drug regimens are no longer being provided at treatment centres across the country, as patients are being indiscriminately switched to other regimens due to non-availability of their line of drugs,” the Committee noted.

Attention was drawn to the rampant instances of stock-out of Paediatric ARVs resulting in children being made to take adult tablets that have been broken into pieces in the absence of specific children sensitive formulations.

In addition to revealing that ART and PMTCT sites run by State Governments and Mission Hospitals have no provision for drugs for treatment of Opportunistic Infections while some are still charging

for services provided free in other ART sites,TAM lamented that the treatment environment is also plagued by compromised quality of service delivery, inadequate funding, and increased inpatient-provider ratio compounding stress and burnout incidences among healthcare workers in ART sites.

“We are witnessing the disappearance in training and updating by Implementing Partners for officials involved ART management. Also important is the unacceptably high and increasing cases of Loss to Follow-Up, LTFU, with some ART sites experiencing as high as 38 percent LTFU. “We are losing Fixed Dose Combinations, FDC, and going back to

• All is not well with Nigeria’s anti-retroviral therapy regimen.

higher pill counts. Some 2nd line drugs are unavailable, especially pediatric formulations and there are no new patients being put on 3rd line drugs. There is zero salvage therapy for patients failing 3rd line medication while laboratory monitoring has dropped to only once a year so it usually is late before it can be discovered that someone is failing therapy.”

Worse still, there are very few sites doing viral loads. Most Nigerians with HIV only get tested for CD4 and Full Blood Count, FBC, and even that is done annually. There is no access to Pap smear as part of treatment package and besides condoms, family planning activities are almost nonexistent.

In a related devlopment, the TAM Executive Committe described the suspension order and investigations by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, into safety and quality concerns of Tyonex brand of anti-retroviral drugs as a necessary step in the right direction.

Calling on government to ensure that the suspension should not be allowed to create a gap in access to medicines by patients at treatment centres, TAM stated: We request that members of TAM and NEPWHAN be immediately drafted unto the Committee jointly set up by NAFDAC, Federal Ministry of Health and NASCP charged with investigating the quality and other associated clinical issues surrounding Tyonex.

Among others, TAM is demanding cancellation of the company’s contract if found liable in any way and subsequent application of the WHO pre-qualification to the supply of essential drugs in Nigeria including HIV/AIDS drug procurement and supply.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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ELLO everybody and happy New Year. We hope you all had a good holiday. Zee Virtual Media has reopened after our holiday and today, we will kick off with new products that can make your love lives better. T he first of these products is designed to cater to the four main complaints that adult men have namely weak or no erection, premature ejaculation, penis enlargement and performance energy. The name of this supplement is Red Lips Premium and it is a very potent formula that does much more than your average performance supplement. Red Lips Premium is all natural, works for four to seven days in the body to control premature ejaculation and also enlarges the penis, strengthens weak erections and gives performance energy and multiple rounds to the user. It can be taken by adult men of all ages.

The next product we want to introduce to you today is the Swiss Navy Water Based Lubricant. It is one of those products that is needed by everybody and can be used in a variety of ways. Women who experience sexual dryness and pain will benefit from the use of Swiss Navy Water Based Lubricant and so will men who need lubrication with their penis enlargement pumps and other toys.

Last year, many of the couples who complained of a dull and inactive love life wrote to tell us about how helpful some of the movies we recommended have been to them. This is good news because like we tell a lot of people, not all problems require treatment with drugs.

Sometimes, we are less sexual simply because of the daily grind of work, raising children and navigating through all manner of domestic problems.

Modern life is very draining so here are new adult movies for couples who need a little inspiration. They are Iron Man XXX, The Simpsons XXX and Scar Face XXX. Let us now answer a few questions from our readers.

Hello sir. I want to enquire about Spanish Fly. Please how effective is it and how is it taken? I have

used it before but I am not sure of the dosage. Thank you? Ann Hi Ann, the typical Spanish Fly supplement that comes in liquid form is enough for two doses. This means that you can take half of it in one day and half another day.

And for the Spanish Fly Mints that come in tablet form, you take two tablets a day. Spanish Fly is a fast acting aphrodisiac that works to arouse men and women in as little as thirty minutes. It is affordable and works fine but depending on one’s condition, stronger supplements may be needed – Uche Happy New Year sir. I am interested in penis enlargement but I cannot take pills. What else can I use that is safe? Mike Happy New Year Mike. You can use a penis pump for enlargement and they are very safe. Examples are the Bull Fighter Pump and the Penis Enlarger Pump. Penis enlargement can also be achieved with enlargement creams some of which offer you instant results such as the Liquid Sex Enlargement Cream and the Plump Cream. But for longer lasting results, go for the Maximus Enlargement Cream – Uche I have been having poor libido for two years which has now resulted in weak erection inspite of all my love play with my partner. Is there a permanent solution to this problem? – Chinedu Dear Chinedu, it all depends on the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Diabetes and old age are two of the main causes of erectile dysfunction and if this is the case with you, then there can be no permanent cure.

Diabetes has no cure neither does old age. So supplements such as Red Lips Premium and Exploding Thunder can help you but only for the period you are taking them – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can reach us on 08191978308 or 08027901621 to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com. Happy holidays - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

52

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse LEO; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

VIRGO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image LIBRA; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

SCORPIO; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

guess you are won dering whether tomorrow is a physical thing that you can see. You see, what we are simply asking you is: what is your vision for your future.

If you don’t have a vision for tomorrow, honestly, I will say, it

Can You See Your Tomorrow? is a tragedy.

Everyone that must be somebody should have an idea of how his future will look like. And in order to realise his vision, it

should have a realistic feature. For example, if you want to be an Engineer, you must be seen to be engaged in things that could lead you to

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

to be an engineer – do the necessary examination etc.

Be an active participant in the business of life. Have a clear picture in your heart of what you want from life. Remember, there can’t be a place for you in the future that you can’t picture.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS ; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?.

CAPRICORN; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but, you’ll succeed.. Entertain no fear, and take advantage of your sex-appeal for love.

AQUARIUS;. Placement of the Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed PISCES; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powers-thatbe, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation ARIES; Tomorrow is your better day. But you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS; If what you’re doing today’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today.

Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now GEMINI; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble.

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,

Basic characteristics of Sagittarius Sagittarius is a mutable sign by its quality. It ‘s element is fire, symbolised by half horse half man and/or an Archer aiming at the sky. Mutable means changes and experimentation, while fire is all about enthusiasm, taking of the initiative and leadership ability. Thus, you are the type that will exhibit strong interest in an important project that catches your fancy and you will not mind to experiment with ideas just to achieve your objectives and aims.

Sagittarius is 9th of the twelve Zodiac signs that rules philosophy, RELIGION, law, foreign land, higher mind/ higher institutions, lawyer, long (distance) travelling, inlaws, future, optimism and bluntness. Major problem or weak points of Sagittarians are excessive openness/bluntness and sometimes fanatical approach to religion.

Being a born adventurer, you are not afraid of exploration and new beginning. Sagittarians are incurable optimists and ever ready to listen to and eager to believe others.

Honesty is truly in your inner self You are a tolerant person but you are not ready to compromise your FREEDOM Sagittarius as a fire sign can make you a quick tempered person. Half horse half man as the symbol, of Sagittarius indicates dual (double) personalities known in different circles with different personalities. Yet, you are not a pretender. As the Archer aims arrow into the sky so also Sagittarians have many lofty ideas and ambitions. But sometimes their ideas and/or ideals are not practical enough for realisation. Many times, they start too many things at the same time only to .either forget or lose view of their original target.

Development of practical approach is more important for Sagittarians this is in order to make success of many of their brilliant ideas, otherwise they tend to become dreamers.

In reality, Sagittarians are dreamers (by this 1 mean real dream many use to have at night when sleeping) and many of their dreams usually come to pass. Sometimes their dreams are vividly prophetic.

Sagittarians are born philosophers. That is why they have well developed minds indispensable to rare wisdom, Then, they are humorous, lively, sports loving out going, energetic, good hearted, in love with change/experimentation, ever willing to co-operate, socially inclined, enthusiastic and highly intelligent.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY JANUARY 9, 2014 — 53

Only Bafana Bafana can stop us — Kwambe N

IGERIA defender So lomon Kwambe has stated that the Super Eagles have what it takes to soar high when the African Nations Championship gets underway in South Africa.

Hoever, he claimed that the hosts will be the only major obstacle to their aspiration of lifting the trophy in their debut outing.

“The only team that could pose a likely threat to our title ambition is South Africa because they parade most of their national team players and are very compact because they play together week in, week out,” he told Goal.

“They have quality players and will not be lacking in terms of home support as hosts and the atmosphere will be in their favour. Even at this, we will give them a fight for their money because their intention will be to break their jinx against the Super Eagles.”

The Sunshine Stars player also said the absence of key men like Sunday Mba, Yinka Adedeji and a host of others will have no negative impact on the team’s performance.

“We are not going there to make up the numbers but we are going to compete for the trophy.

“Their absence won’t affect our performance because we have other great players in the team. In fact I must say it is a big blessing because it created an avenue for the big boss [Stephen Keshi] to recognize other players who are good for the team.

“Sincerely, the players picked are equally good ones and are ready to make the nation proud. Being picked to represent the country in the first CHAN outing is a big motivation to us,” Kwambe concluded.

Nigeria will kick off their campaign in Group A on January 11 in Cape Town before facing Mozambique and South Africa.

•Kwambe

Fashola receives Commonwealth Baton, gets IOC honour

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AGOS State was the last point of call for the Commonwealth Baton as Governor Babatunde Fashola received the delegation of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Tuesday as part of the baton tour of Nigeria.

Also, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bestowed the highest honour on the governor as part of the 150 years anniversary of the modern Olympics.

According to the representative of (CGF), Sharad Rao, the baton tour across Commonwealth nations was lauched by the Queen of England in October 2013 with the final berthing in Scotland during the Commonwealth Games in July.

He described Nigeria as an important country in Commonwealth considering the performance of Nigeria at the games.

However, IOC plague to Fashola was presented by the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, who said among the four outstanding individuals honoured across the globe based on his support for sports both in terms of providing facilities and organizing tournaments.

54 —

Vanguard,THURSDAY JANUARY 9, 2014

Stallions dream Eagles rematch W

EST African neigbhours, Burkina Faso, say they are thinking of CHAN Cup final against Nigeria to redeem their loss at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations which, incidentally, was hosted

by South Africa. Nigeria defeated the Burkinabes 1-0 in a pulsating final in February last year.

The Stallions were on the same flight with the Super Eagles to Cape Town and seized the opportunity to wish Nigeria well in its group games even as they wished the two teams will meet in the final like last year.

Coach Paul Putt after asking after Stephen Keshi said his team has come to the tournament to win. “If we meet Nigeria like last year, we will win it”, he said.

But Nigerian officials reacted immediately with Assistant Coach Houandonou Valere saying it will be impossible to defeat the African champion, with a smile.

Also on arrival at the Oliver Thambo International Airport, football fans and workers at the airport had already given Nigeria the trophy “The Super Eagles have come again to win, I wish you well”, declared Tarto Thandile.

Deputy Sports Editor of the City Press, Timothy Molobi, who is based in Johannesburg, said Nigeria seems to have a psychological edge but noted that because many of the players who won the Nations

Eagles Continues from BP ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, who is holding forte for Stephen Keshi, who will join the team after this weekend’s Glo-CAF Awards in Nigeria, left the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos on Wednesday night at about 10:30pm. After five and half hours flight with a South Africa Airways plane, the team arrived Johannesburg at 4:30 Nigerian time, which is 5:30 in South Africa.

The team was received by a team of Nigerian Embassy officials led by Ambassador Sunday Yusuf, who expressed delight at their safe arrival and ensured that the team had a smooth passage through immigration procedure. The envoy also charged the team to ensure that they win the trophy at the first try.

“Nigerians are now used to winning, especially here in South Africa and I’m sure you will not let the nation down”, he said.

Qatar 2022: No decision yet – Fifa

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Action recorded during the 3013 AFCON final match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Nigeria won 1-0.

Cup with the Eagles will not be coming for CHAN, it will be difficult for Nigeria. “We should

at least think Bafana Bafana can win this time with almost the full squad ready for the host”.

IFA has moved quickly to play down claims from its own general secretary that the Qatar 2022 World Cup will not take place in the summer.

The sport’s governing body stressed no final decision will be taken until after the 2014 World Cup and only after lengthy consultation.

It comes after Jerome Valcke told Radio France: “The dates for the World Cup will not be JuneJuly.”

He suggested it could take place between 15 November and 15 January.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter had already said the tournament would take place in November or December, with organisers in Qatar still hopeful of hosting it in June and July.

Following Valcke’s Radio France interview, a Fifa spokesperson said the general secretary had only been expressing “his view”.

•Blatter The spokesperson added: “The precise event date is still subject to an ongoing consultation process which involves all main event stakeholders, including both the international football community - Fifa confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs, players - as well as Fifa’s commercial partners.

Haruna Lukman eyes Eagles return M

IDFIELDER Haruna Lukman has asked for national team selectors to give him an opportunity to prove himself as Nigeria prepare for the World Cup in June.

The Dynamo Kiev man last played for the Super Eagles at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where he was one of the standout performers in a largely lacklustre squad.

However, the 23-year-old

Amokachi assured that the team will do its best at the tourney, even as Keshi is being expected on time before the Eagles opening game against Mali.

After a little wait at the OR Thambo International Airport, the team connected another SAA flight to Cape Town where it will play its preliminary matches. The flight to Cape Town lasted 1:40minutes. On arrival the team was received by about 30 cheering and drumming Nigerians under the aegis of ‘Nigerian Union in Western Cape’. The group was led by Kalu Obi. From there the team whose Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, was already on ground was taken to its abode at Garden Court De Waal, a quiet suburb of the city. The team has since settled down and will have its first training session on Thursday night at 8:30pm local time, which is 7:30 Nigerian time.

has not been called back since Stephen Keshi took over the helm just as he was overlooked by previous trainer Samson Siasia.

Haruna was the captain of Nigeria’s victorious U17 side that won the Fifa U17 World Cup in 2007 in South Korea.

He also led the U20 team to a second round finish at the 2009 U20 World Cup in Egypt.

Having scored three goals in 15 matches thus far in the Ukrainian top flight, the lad believes an increasingly bigger impact at his club will be key to catching the eye of the national team coach.

“I have to be more focused in what I do in my club, the most important thing is to play well for my club and see if I will be called back to the na-

Chelsea Continues from BP jet. I will arrive on the awards day and return immediately after,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com “It is an honour to be selected and nominated for the award. I am looking forward to winning it for my country.”

His brothers Patrick Tochukwu Obi and Ebele Obi, who is a goalkeeper with Nigeria Premier League side Heartland, will accompany him to the event.

Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigeria star to be named Africa Footballer of the Year by CAF when he won in 1999.

•Lukman

Moses Continues from BP may be taking his stay at Liverpool for granted.

He singled out Moses’ performance against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday, which Liverpool won 2-0, as particularly poor with the 23year-old showing no heart and passion on the pitch.

“Victor Moses was handed a big opportunity when Brendan Rodgers brought him to Liverpool FC from Chelsea last summer.

“Not many players get the

chance to go out on loan to a bigger club but I don’t think he realises how lucky he is,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.

“The Nigeria international could have no complaints about being hauled off at half-time of Sunday ’s 2-0 win over Oldham.

“He looked completely disinterested in that opening 45 minutes and gave the manager little option.

“There was no desire, no spirit. Maybe he’s lacking a bit of confidence or maybe he’s just unhappy because he’s played so little recently."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 — 55

GLO-CAF AWARDS SPECIAL

D’Banj, P-Sqaure, Lagbaja to thrill at Glo CAF awards •Lira, Zeynab to perform too

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ONIGHT’S GLO CAF Awards in Lagos promises to be a bumper entertainment show as top African music stars like D’ banj, Lagbaja and P-Square, are to thrill fans and guests who will grace the high-profile event at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotels on the Island.

Organisers said yesterday that these celebrated acts will set the tone for the mother of all shows that essentially celebrates African football stars who shone in the football sphere in the year just gone by.

Prominent on the list is the masked artiste from Nigeria, Lagbaja, who is expected to keep the night alive with his AfroCalypso genre of music, a product of various influences ranging from traditional yoruba music to Jazz. The masked one is expected to enliven the hall with his scintillating dance steps and rhythmic saxophone.

P-Square, the identical twin brothers will also entertain the crowd at the event. P-square ´s music is Afro centric; combining western and African rhythms in creating a marvelous blend of R&B, Hip Hop and Dancehall songs.

Their songs cut across various age genders and geographical

HOMAGE . . . From left: Alh. Aminu Maigari, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alh. Issa Hayatou, President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Gov Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, during the CAF president courtesy visit to Governor in Lagos House, Marina, Lagos Island, Photo: Bunmi Azeez boundaries, making them one of the most popular and sought after artistes in Africa. Since the release of the Get Squared and Game Over album, they have performed in several major concerts all around the world.

Also billed to perform at the event is singing sensation and Glo Ambassador in Benin Republic, Zeynab who, as usual will thrill the audience with her unique style.

South African singer, Lira who set the benchmark with her 2006

album, Feel Good - and with her late 2008 release, Soul in Mind will also thrill the audience. In the last two years, Lira has grown in stature most especially as a songwriter and intuitive performer, turning the young girl who showed the first glimpses of her gift more than five years ago into a woman with a world class talent.

Also billed to perform is D’ banj, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, harmonica master and a charismatic stage performer with

boundless energy. D’Banj is moving from height to greater height everyday and has been glorified as the poster boy of Nigerian Music. The beginning of his achievement recognition came when he won Most Promising Male Artiste at the KORA AWARDS, He also performed at the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and has since release a single, “on of the World” from that breathtaking performance.

Past winners of CAF Award (1992–present) Year Player Nationality 2012 Yaya Touré Ivory Coast 2011 Yaya Toure' Ivory Coast 2010 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon 2009 Didier Drogba Ivory Coast 2008 Emmanuel Adebayor Togo 2007 Frédéric Kanouté Mali 2006 Didier Drogba Ivory Coast 2005 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon 2004 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon 2003 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon 2002 El Hadji Diouf Senegal 2001 El Hadji Diouf Senegal 2000 Patrick Mboma Cameroon 1999 Nwankwo Kanu Nigeria 1998 Mustapha Hadji Morocco 1997 Victor Ikpeba Nigeria 1996 Nwankwo Kanu Nigeria 1995 George Weah Liberia 1994 Emmanuel Amuneke Nigeria 1993 Rashidi Yekini Nigeria 1992 Abedi Pelé Ghana

Club Manchester City Manchester City Inter Milan Chelsea Arsenal Sevilla FC Chelsea FC Barcelona FC Barcelona RCD Mallorca Liverpool RC Lens Parma Arsenal Deportivo La Coruña AS Monaco Inter Milan AC Milan Sporting Vitória Setubal Marseille

•Kanu

•Drogba

•Eto'o

•Toure

•Adebayor

•Ikpeba

Hayatou arrives, invites Fashola

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RESIDENT of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Isa Hayatou, arrived Lagos on Wednesday ahead of today ’s Glo-CAF Awards Gala Night, describing Nigeria and Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, Globacom’s Chairman, as the Pillars of African football.

Alhaji Hayatou whose first official assignment in Nigeria upon his arrival from Cameroun was a courtesy call on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola said Nigeria, to him, is the Pillar of African football because each time he and CAF faced difficulties, it was Nigeria they turned to for succor.

He also lauded Dr. Adenuga who he hailed as one of the great pillars of African football because of his lofty and innumerable contributions to the comprehensive development of African football.

He cited the CAF Awards, the 2013 edition of which will hold at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre on Thursday and sponsored by Globacom for the eighth consecutive year in a glamorous manner that has brought pride and dignity to the continent’s football, as an example of the quality of support Dr. Adenuga has given the game in the continent.

The CAF President, who spoke in French, seized the opportunity of the visit to invite the Lagos State Governor to attend the Glo-CAF Awards. He said the recent run of good results accomplished by Nigeria in continental and global football is a reflection of the quality of support Governor Fashola and other Nigerian leaders have given the game.

“Your Excellency, you have massively supported youth development and African football. We shall be greatly honoured if you can find time out of your extremely busy schedule to join us at the event tomorrow (Thursday) which celebrates the best of African football. Africa will feel highly honoured if you can dignify us with your presence at the event”, said the CAF President.

Governor Fashola said it is a great privilege for Lagos State to be the host of such a huge event like the annual Glo-CAF Awards, indicating that he would honour the invitation.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

CAF Awards: Chelsea jet flies in Mikel More on GloCAF Awards on P.55

CHAN: Eagles arrive Cape Town in high spirit

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HE Super Eagles arrived South Africa on Thursday morning to begin their quest for honours in their maiden appearance at the African Nations

Championship (CHAN) 2014, specially designed for players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues across Africa.

The team led by Assistant Coach, Dan Continues on Page 54

N

I G E R I A midfielder Mikel Obi will be specially flown in and out of Lagos by the jet of his EPL club Chelsea for the CAF Awards today.

Mikel has been nominated for the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award 2013 alongside Yaya Toure(Manchester City and Cote d’Ivoire)

and Didier Drogba(Galatasaray and Cote d’Ivoire).

He specially told MTNFootball.com he plans to fly in and out of Lagos for the awards ceremony by his club’s jet all on Thursday.

“I am coming for the CAF awards, I will be flown in and out of Nigeria by the Chelsea Continues on Page 54

Shape in or ship out, Albridge tells Moses

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•Fans welcome Super Eagles

ORMER Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes that Victor Moses needs to improve his attitude or risk having his loan-

deal terminated and sent back to Chelsea.

Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column that he feels that Moses Continues on Page 54

•Mikel

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Lawful (5) 7 Bay (6) 9 Equality (3) 10 Resin (3) 12 Sum (5) 13 Throw (4) 15 Famous (5) 17 Maintain (6) 19 Pitcher (4) 20 Weird (5) 22 Kind (3) 24 Gossiped (7) 27 Vegetable (3) 28 Upright (5) 31 Lump (4) 33 Pitted (6) 35 Irrigate (5) 37 Sapient (4) 38 Manufacturer (5) 39 Barrier (3) 41 Objective (3) 42 Bewail (6) 43 Whiskers (5)

DOWN 1 Merry (6) 2 Cavalryman (6) 3 Solidify (3) 4 Tardy (4) 5 Wear (5) 6 Scholar (8) 8 Thoroughfare (4) 11 Ruminated (9) 14 Aperture (4) 16 Inform (4) 18 Jump (4) 21 Prank (8) 23 Eager (4) 25 Trial (4) 26 Sketched (4) 29 Revised (6) 30 Score (6) 32 Curse (5) 34 Spoken (4) 36 Parched (4) 40 Insane (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Prod 4, Urn 6, Part 9, Ode 10, Converse 11, Road 14, Won 16, Shame 19, Agitated 21, Revel 23, Delegate 24, Maybe 27, Rid 31, Tube 33, Pretence 34, Tea 35, Reek 36, Dry 37, Meek.

DOWN: 2, Room 3, Dive 4, Uprooted 5, Need 6, Porch 7, Ado 8, Realm 12, Harem 13, Giddy 14, War 15, Never 17, Allay 18, Enter 20, Delivery 22, Led 25, Acute 26, Break 28, Sped 29, Seem 30, Ache 32, Bee.

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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