Oil Sector probe: Presidency slamsRibadu Report

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61750

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

•P.7

Industrialist Hope Harriman dies @ 79 •P.16

OIL SECTOR PROBE:

Presidency slams Ribadu Report •Says committee report badly presented •He should be courageous to mention names •Accuses Ribadu of encouraging negativism

BY HENRY UMORU & BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—THE con troversy trailing report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, PRSTF, headed by former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu took a new turn, yesterday, as the presidency said the report was badly presented.

This came as President Goodluck Jonathan set in motion, machinery for

Continues on Page 5

Good hair, bad hair •P.19

07059197616

Nigeria, IMF and other matters •P.56 DONU KOGBARA: •P. 17

Mr & Mrs CONSTITUTION REVIEW— From Left, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, Comrade Abdulwahab Omar; NUJ President Garuba Mohammed and NOA Director-General Mike Omeri at flag off ceremony of the People’s Public Session on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held at National Assembly Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW:

Piracy: Achebe won't make penny from new book

Kwankwaso accuses Ekweremadu, Ihedioha of pursuing Igbo agenda •P.2 — Gowon C M Y K

•P.8

2—V anguard , FRID AY , NO VEMBER 9, 2012 FRIDA NOVEMBER 2—Vanguard

CONSTITUTION REVIEW:

Kwankwanso accuses Ekweremadu, Ihedioha of Igbo agenda •Mark, Tambuwal say NASS has no hidden agenda •Promise referendum in future Ekweremadu’s assurance

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, OKEY NDIRIBE, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, HENRY UMORU AND ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu told the NBA that the process of Constitution amendment does not require referendum, but however assured the visitors and Nigerians that no Section would be denied input in the process.

Also speaking, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, reinstated that the process of Constitution amendment would be all embracing so that no one or group would feel sidelined, adding that referendum as a process can only be accepted if the Constitution was amended to accommodate it.

G

OVERNOR Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State yesterday, pressed on with his criticism of the ongoing constitution review, accusing the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha of collaborating to foist an Igbo agenda on their colleagues.

Coming to the aid of his deputy, Senate President David Mark in a retort absolved the National Assembly of having a hidden agenda saying the National Assembly would be guided by the views of the majority of Nigerians.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives also yesterday gave the readiness of the legislature to subject future constitution reviews to popular referendum as demanded by some pressure groups including the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. Tambuwal spoke at a ceremony at the National Assembly to flag off the commencement of the public consultations of all 360 members of the House of Representatives with their constituents on the constitution review tomorrow.

It’s Igbo agenda Kwankwanso alleges

Speaking with reporters in Kano yesterday, Kwankwanso said that the “process is designed to achieve a predetermined goal and the principal officers of the committee are pursuing an agenda under an agenda”.

The Senate and House of Representatives Committees are respectively led by Senator Ekweremadu and Rep. Ihedioha.

Kwankwanso, himself a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives said that the composition of the leadership of the two committees allowed legislators from the same ethnic and regional background which he said had in effect toned down the importance of the constitution review exercise.

“Issues of national importance are better handled by people that have the interest of the country at heart,” he said.

The governor noted with dismay that the leadership of the two committees had failed to reveal criteria for what they have C M Y K

NBA’s inputs

*From right, Representative of Senate President And Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Nigi chatting with Speaker House Of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal And Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Constitution Review, Emeka Ihedioha at flag off ceremony of the People’s Public Session on the review of the 1999 Constitution held at National Assembly Abuja. Photo By Gbemiga Olamikan. been assigned to do or the desired contribution from critical stakeholders.

“What we are seeing now did not happen under the jackboot military era,” Kwankwanso, who had in the past accused the National Assembly and Ekweremadu in particular of having a secret agenda.

Kwankwaso opined that the decision to carry out a review of the 1999 Constitution at this point in time as “un-necessary”, stressing that the “document has never been fully implemented and should be given a chance.”

Ekweremadu could not be reached to respond on the development yesterday. In an interview with Vanguard last month, the Deputy President of the Senate had rebuffed the insinuations of the Kano governor saying then that he could not singly impose his mind upon his 108 other colleagues.

“My friend, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has accused me twice in that direction. My first attitude was simply to ignore him and focus on what I am doing because I believe he was mistaken in the accusation,” Ekweremadu told Vanguard in an interview.

Continuing, Ekweremadu had said: “I think my friend Kwankwaso seems not to understand clearly how states are being created for him to send signal that any person could sit in one place and ensure that

states are created. That is the way military created their own states.

I am surprised that Kwankwaso does not know that things have changed. This is a civilian regime where nobody will stay in one place and then decide the states to be created.” overnor Kwankwaso also restated his opposition to the establishment of state police based on his own personal experience, saying “we still have some reckless people in the system that would exploit such privilege to the detriment of our collective freedom” “the manner in which my predecessor and successor witchhunted me, exploited all instruments of his office to stain and bring my name and my political career to disrepute, you could imagine if such person had had police in his control, he would certainly harm me”, Kwankwaso stressed.

G

No hidden agenda—Mark

Receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in his office yesterday, Senator Mark rebuffed insinuations made against the Ekweremadu led Senate Committee on Constitution Review.

Mark told the delegation led by the NBA national president, Chief Okey Wali, SAN to allay fear that the National Assembly has a preconceived idea on the amendment of the 1999

Constitution.

Saying that there is no secret agenda, the Senate President said, “all we are interested in is to mobilize and get all Nigerians involved in the process of Constitution amendment. We have no particular agenda but that which majority of Nigerians desire.”

“I have heard people criticize my position on the desirability of State creation. No part of Nigeria or geo-political zone in the country that has not requested for State. It is not a David Mark agenda. We shall weigh the scale and respond to the genuine desire of Nigerians.

“This is democracy; everybody should be allowed to express him or herself in the process. What we shall oppose is a situation where a vocal minority would want to impose its views or position on the majority.”

Senator Mark who reiterated that all interest groups would have a say in the process, stressed that the amendment would be guided by the dictates of the Constitution, adding, “we shall not do anything outside the Constitution.”

He noted that public hearings would be held in the 109 Senatorial districts by the Senate, while the House of Representatives would visit the 360 federal constituencies to gather the views of Nigerians on the amendment.

The NBA President in his remarks suggested a referendum as a process for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, adding that it is only when all Nigerians participate in the process that the Constitution can be truly called the Constitution of the people of Nigeria.

Wali, however, announced the constitution of two special committees of the NBA on Legislative and Constitution Matters and Law Reforms headed by Paul Erokoro, SAN and Charles Edosanwan, SAN to interface with the National Assembly on behalf of the NBA. Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja to herald tomorrow’s nationwide consultations by members of the House of Representatives on the review of the constitution, Speaker Tambuwal on his part said the House could subject future amendments of the constitution to a referendum.

The public hearing by the House members in all 360 federal constituencies is taking place simultaneously tomorrow.

While calling on all Nigerians to go out en-mass to participate in the exercise, for the purpose of articulating “a Constitution that meets our yearnings,” Tambuwal explained that the Peoples’ Public Sessions programme is aimed at ensuring a more participatory, inclusive and transparent review of the Constitution.

“It is expected that this broad based approach to the process of amending the Constitution will be more credible and open to all citizens and that popular participation shall be greatly enhanced. It is designed to embrace all segments and sectors of the polity.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

Confusion as Jonathan addresses nation today Continues from Page 1 cal leaders in the country made frantic attempts to know what exactly the government had done about the review of the case.

The confusion heightened principally because of the inability of the eight-man committee raised last Thursday

by President Goodluck Jonathan to advise the administration on how to go about the assignment.

A Senator from Cross River State, who had earlier convened a meeting with other members, reportedly left for his home town after a futile effort to meet with the head of the committee for serious deliberation.

The lawmaker reported back yesterday and was said to be making another attempt to summon another round of meetings with other members. One vital member of the committee was said to be unavailable as at the time of this report.

A member of the House of Representatives from Cross River State, Amb Nkoyo Toyo, regretted the seeming frustration the

people had been exposed to in their effort to get the ICJ ruling reviewed.

According to Toyo, it was all too obvious that the committee was tailored to fail so that the ruling would not be reviewed in the interest of the Bakassi people.

She said that the Bakassi Support Group had carefully prepared its brief and was ready to submit it to the committee once it was ready to leave for The Hague.

The lawmaker said: “We have concrete documents to give to the Federal Government on the Bakassi issue but we can only give it to the committee set up by the Government on the condition that they are ready to proceed to The Hague.

“Our position on the Bakassi issue is good enough to warrant a review and we will make it public any time from now to enable Nigerians see the new facts at our disposal and to prove those who claim that there is no new evidence wrong.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

B

E courageous enough not to let opportunity pass you by; your only alternative will be to succeed. Invest your most valuable resource, your time, into your most important possession, LIFE. Spend each minute purposefully, making today a unique opportunity. With God’s help you will overcome.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

“A beautiful consciousness is constantly renewed with loving thoughts and deed. It is refined and replenished with a higher energy each time we let our actions be guided by divine love.” —E. R. Randle.

A

lady came into a photo studio for the collection of her photographs, the artist had enhanced it to look brighter and more reflective. To my amazement, this lady took one look at her photos and gave a whooping dance of joy and exclaimed over and over again.” I am beautiful. I am beautiful.”

It was like the very first time she was seeing herself through the eyes of Soul. I was startled a bit, and realised it is a blessing to know who I am and when I look at the mirror what I see is the real being, Soul a divine light of God. With god-like attributes of divine love, power of love and freedom. And this brings me constantly to a greater awareness and appreciation of life.

Someday, this lady may realise that the beauty she had recognized is the awareness of her true divinity.

It extends beyond the outer form. It may have taken an enhanced photo to open her heart to this reality but a person’s first insight to this realisation leads to a greater confidence in life.

Adoke, SAN, who was earlier said to be preparing to address the media on the Bakassi issue, did not do so at the time of this report.

However, as the confusion over the matter heightened, the government moved to douse the tension generated over the issue.

Jonathan addresses nation today The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, announced that President Goodluck Jonathan would today address the nation on a wide range of issues.

Although Abati did not specify any particular issue to be addressed by Mr. President, it was learnt that the Bakassi issue would top the range of issues to be touched by Jonathan.

The address may justify why Nigeria would not be seeking a review as earlier declared by top government officials.

In a statement in Abuja, Dr. Abati advised all radio and Television stations to hook up to the Nigeria Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

Though the reason for the broadcast was not given, Vanguard gathered that the broadcast would dwell on the contentious Bakassi Penisula and other national issues.

If Nigeria decides not to seek a review of the judgment, Bakassi would revert forever to Cameroun at midnight tomorrow.

However, the fact that the National Assembly is yet to ratify the Green Tree Agreement, under which Nigeria handed over the Peninsula to Cameroun, raises another dilemma for the deal.

There are hopes that the United Nations may step in and ask Cameroun to wait for some time before the Peninsula reverts to it in order to give Nigeria the opportunity to sort out some outstanding issues, chief among them, the demarcation of the area and the resettlement of the displaced natives.

Sources told Vanguard the Federal Government is not convinced that it has sufficient facts to ask for a review in spite of the claims by indigenes of

Bakassi, the facts presented by scholars and researchers. The position of scholars and researchers is that the Memorandum of Facts presented by Cameroon was indeed a memorandum of falsehood.. They argue that the ICJ was misled into believing the there was no maritime boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon whereas there were marked and demarcated boundaries that were well documented.

At press time, the Eight man committee led by Mr. Adoke had not reconvened after it broke up on Saturday as the AGF was not convinced that the committee has

any fact to present but Vanguard learnt that the AGF which had a verbal altercation with the Attorney General of Cross River State, was not in the frame of mind to resume with the work which he had been most reluctant to take up.

A member of the Com-

mittee told Vanguard that the AGF had made a U-turn yesterday to request that the facts available should be brought to his office.

This prompted Bakassi people to request that the International Lawyer should send her brief to Nigeria to the AGF

Mass defection looms in Adamawa PDP — Stakeholders

By HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA- ELDERS, leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, stormed the National Secretariat of the Party, warning that if the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, fails to intervene in the political crisis in the state, the party stands the risk of members dumping the PDP. According to them, the national leadership of the party must address what they described as the problem the party leadership the state is having.

The faction headed by Chief Medan Teneke and led by Sen. Paul Wampana visited the National Working Committee (NWC) members at the party national secretariat to state their complaints.

According to the immediate past national vice chairman, North East, Senator Paul Wampana, PDP in the state will not be party to illegality, adding that it appreciated the national leadership of the party for the bold decision it took in cancelling the primaries held in the 226 wards of the state.

Reading a communiqué of the Adamawa PDP elder, Wampana said, "We did not come here to argue cases, but we are here because of the decision of the leadership of the party, we are in support of the decision. You (Tukur) is our own, we will be loyal to the party on one condition,

on the condition that illegality is removed from the party, we will "We brought ourselves here, you did not invite us, we have come to support you, we hope the NWC will not let us down and we will not let you down.

“We demand the dissolution of all organs of the party in the state, from the wards, local government to the state level. We call for an immediate appointment of a Caretaker Committeecomprisingparty members and headed by a respected party elder to undertake the task of harmonizing and standardizing the state party and therefore conducting free, fair and transparent congresses throughout the state.”

Ensuring that peace and justice reign Responding, Tukur who assured his people that the national leadership of the party was working on its agenda to ensure that peace and justice reign supreme in the party. He said: "Our party is for the people, we have to give back the party to those who own it. The government should govern the country on justice and equity. Our umbrella is large enough to accommodate our people in Nigeria.

"You are all part and parcel of the party at the formation stage and I know what you want the party to be, you want to make sure that the party is based on

justice and equity. When I came here you all supported me.

"No matter the security and other challenges facing Nigeria today, we shall come out stronger and united. No nation is an island in terms of crisis. It comes and goes, but the united countries like Nigeria will survive the challenges and move on stronger as one indivisible country. This is why, I am preaching and championing party supremacy, because when the party is strong and united, the nation will be better for it.

"In every ten Nigerians, six to seven Nigerians are members of the PDP, so a united PDP built on justice and equity will be to the advantage of all Nigerians. The umbrella of the PDP is large enough to accommodate all Nigerians. It is my policy, therefore, to return PDP to all Nigerians."

Speaking on his 3Rs that are based on reconciliation, reformation and rebuilding, Bamanga Tukur said, "reconciliation without confrontation, reformation without revenge and rebuilding based on justice,” Speaking on security, the PDP National Chairman said it is dialogue, which forms part of his agenda. He, however, promised that it will take care of Boko-Haram, adding that through reconciliation there will be peace in the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

Presidency slams Ribadu Report Continues from page 1 full implementation of Petroleum Sector committee reports beginning with the committee on the nation’s refineries in order to boost domestic refining of products and to create jobs.

The Presidency while noting that the Ribadu Report was being overtly politicized, pleaded with Nigerians to be patriotic in their approach to issues. It condemned the politicization of the report and alleged attempt in certain quarters to disparage the genuine efforts of President Jonathan to bring sanity to Nigerian oil sector once and for all.

In spite of these, the presidency, however, assured Nigerians that corrections would be made to rectify the issues raised and a white paper would be issued and its recommendations fully implemented by this administration.

Addressing Journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe who noted that Ribadu was encouraging negativism and declared that the committee did not complete its assignment, however called on Ribadu to be courageous enough

with names that made overtures to make him compromise the report which he resisted.

Okupe said: “His claim of an overture to him to compromise the report is perfidious and false. We respectfully enjoin Mallam Ribadu to be patriotic enough to name the proponents of this compromise. If Ribadu claims that by serving on the committee he is on the side of the Nigerian people, on whose side is President Jonathan whose idea it was in the first place to set up the Task Force and approved the appointment of Mallam Ribadu as chairman of the committee?”

The Presidential Aide who noted that the intention of President Jonathan was for the committee to do a holistic investigation into the intransigent challenges of our oil and gas industry in the past 10 years, however stressed that the committee passed the job of verifications and reconciliation back to the Federal Government.

Okupe said: “One of the major terms of reference of the committee was to work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

M

AKE a good move, and continue moving, if you are not tired of where you are, where you are is tired of you. I don’t know what your circumstances are, but whatever you do, just keep on moving.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow — Mary Anne Radmacher

T

HERE may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you had hoped they would be. That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.

But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgements and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself. There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are. So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be. Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

downstream revenues (taxes, royalties, etc) due and payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria, but this aspect of the committee assignment was left undone.

“Unfortunately and most regrettably, this paramount duty of the PRSTF committee could not be accomplished as stated in paragraph four of the covering letter signed by Chairman Ribadu and Secretary of the committee.

“Paragraph four of the covering letter read: “The data used in this report was presented by various stakeholders who made submissions at various dates, which have been disclosed in relevant sections of the report. Due to time frame of the assignment some of the data used could not be independently verified and the Task Force recommends that the government should conduct such necessary verifications and reconciliations”.

Ribadu issues disclaimer to report Okupe noted that the implication of this paragraph four of the covering letter of the Ribadu committee was that the committee has issued a disclaimer to their own report which will now make it “impossible under our laws to indict or punish anybody except and until the federal government fully verifies and reconciles the facts as recommended by the committee in its submission to the government.

“There is a major public disinformation deliberately calculated to overheat the polity and cause disaffection and opprobrium against the President for doing what is right, what is needful and profitable to the nation”.

He, however, condemned the leakage of the report to Reuters and other international news media, adding that two versions of the same report were in circulation, but the federal government will only work with the report that was officially submitted to it by the Task Force.

Meanwhile, less than

a week after the committees set up by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Allison Madueke on the petroleum sectors submitted their reports, President Goodluck Jonathan has set in motion machinery for their full implementation, beginning with the committee on the nation’s refineries in order to boost domestic refining of products.

Jonathan commences implementation Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, who disclosed this to State House correspondents, yesterday, said that already, the president has set March, 2013 deadline for the completion of the Turn Around Maintenance of three refineries in Kaduna, Portharcourt and Warri.

It would be recalled that the committee on refineries, headed by Dr Kalu Idika Kalu blamed the epileptic performance of the country’s refineries on lack of proper maintenance and funding.

Speaking on the reports, yesterday, Dr Abati said “the president has not only commended the committee on refineries, but he also made it clear that part of the determination of his administration is to make sure that Nigeria stops the importation of fuel and he subsequently directed the Minister of Petroleum Resource to take that report and look into it and then come up with action plan as to what can be done going forward.

“He also directed that a technical report be prepared on how to get the refineries working. I just came back from a meeting now in the president’s office where the minister of petroleum resources together with her team, including the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and other directors in the oil and gas sector made presentation. The major issue that was discussed at that meeting had to do with the refineries.

“First, the state of the

refineries, their present capacities: What the Kaduna refinery is able to produce per day now which is about 110,000 barrels per day, the PortHarcourt refineries 210,000 barrel per day and the Warri refineries 125,000 barrel per day and what steps can be taken to improve the capacities of these refineries to make them perform at their optimum function for the objectives outlined by Mr President to be achieved”.

Importation of finished petroleum products The presidential spokesman said the president told the team that made the Presentation that the interest of this government is to ensure that crude oil is refined domestically, adding that ‘this administration is determined to put an end to the importation of finished petroleum products because you can refine domestically and at the same time import because if you don’t have enough you will be bridging it. Thirdly, to create jobs locally because the president’s conviction is that if you keep importing refined products, you are creating jobs for other people in other economies and hence the presentation was focused on two things; to take care of the Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, of the refineries in the immediate term and the target is that this short term intervention will be completed by march, 2013. If that is done, that will raise the capacities of these refineries taken together to 65 per cent.

But the determination is even to go beyond that to also engage in the rehabilitation of the refineries. There is also plan for rehabilitation. There are other steps that are being considered to achieve this three objectives by Mr President”.

According to Abati, contrary to the belief by some people that government sets up committees then refuse to implement the recommendations of such committees, president Goodluck Jonathan has already commenced the implementation of the recommendations of the committees he set up.

“The whole point is to make it clear that action is already being taken on the reports of the committees. The first meeting that was held today is on this issue of refineries. What I have given you is the outline. Another meeting will be fixed where further presentations would be made on the technical details on how these objectives would be achieved.

“I think this clarification is important because since the presentation of these reports to Mr President, there has been an excessive focus on the politicisation of the Petroleum revenue task force reports where as on that day, there were discussions relating to the refineries, there were discussions relating to the issues of governance system in the petroleum sector.

“It is important to clarify that actually action is already being taken and for the benefit of those who think when committees submit reports, government sleeps on those reports, you can see clearly that this is not the case”

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Gunmen kill village head, wife, little girl in Plateau zAs STF commander decries isolated killings

BY TAYE OBATERU & AKANINYENE

EZEKIEL

J

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving Letter of Credence from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Abdel Kader Salama (left) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. With them is Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Nuruddeen Mohammed. Photo: State House.

Presidency, Buhari in fresh row over Boko Haram mediation zBuhari is economical with truth —Presidency zLinking Buhari with Boko Haram, cheap blackmail —Spokesman

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

A

BUJA — THE cold war between the Presidency and the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, deepened, yesterday, when the Villa took exception to the allegation by the former head of state that the Boko Haram sect was a creation of the PDP-led government and that they should not try to robe him into its problems.

Buhari had addressed the press in Abuja on Wednesday and absolved himself of any link with the sect and also declined an offer from the group to mediate in its reconciliatory talks with the Federal Government.

But the claim by the CPC leader infuriated the Presidency, which asked him to explain why the sect chose him and not another former head of state to lead its talks.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said it was amazing that the sect named Buhari as one of its leading mediators with the government.

Okupe also questioned Buhari’s claim that Boko Haram was a PDP creation and that they should find a way to fix their own problem, pointing out that he was economical with the truth.

Okupe said: “What amazes me here is the fact that they mentioned Gen. Buhari to be one of the

mediators. So things are beginning to fall into place.

“And the reaction from the CPC does not help matters at all after all an elder statesman, Dr. Ali Mongunu, was also mentioned and the man has neither rejected nor said anything wrong but the CPC quickly disowned Boko Haram in a very suspicious and questionable manner.

“From my own perspective, it would appear to me that with the statement that is coming from Gen. Buhari that Boko Haram is a creation of PDP and that they should go and fix it, that he is economical with the truth.

“How does that apply to Boko Haram inviting him to mediate in its talks? Is it the government that asked Boko Haram to invite him?

And even if it is PDP that created Boko Haram, why should they be asking for Buhari to mediate?"

Attempt to link Buhari with Boko Haram, cheap blackmail —Spokesman But a spokesman for Buhari, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, described the attempt by the Presidency to link Buhari with Boko Haram as a cheap blackmail that had already failed since Nigerians were aware that the party’s poor leadership created the sect that has killed thousands of persons in the country.

Fashakin said in an interview with Vanguard last night that it was naïve on the part of the PDP and its sponsors to try to robe the former Head of State into the Boko Haram saga just to paint him black and earn some cheap political miles.

“The CPC spokesman said: “Buhari has said something very fundamental that he cannot mediate on behalf of a group he does not know.

“But they are making noise now because the PDP has seen that its evil plot to robe Buhari into Boko Haram saga has failed and they now want to resort to blackmailing him.

“Certainly, PDP is not happy that the CPC quickly decoded all their gimmicks and went ahead to stall them. The truth of the matter is that PDP is too naïve not to accept that its wicked plot to robe Buhari into the Boko Haram saga has already failed woefully.

They should know that CPC cannot fall into such a cheap blackmail.”

Vanguard learnt last night that Buhari’s rejection of the ‘offer’ by the sect for him to mediate in its planned reconciliatory talks with the government, was informed by his desire not to allow anything to stall him from wresting power from the PDP come 2015.

OS— A VILLAGE head, his wife and a little girl said to be their relation were on Wednesday murdered by gunmen at Kachin village around Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This came as the Commander of the Special Task Force, STF, in Jos, Major-General Henry Ayoola, has decried cases of isolated killings in Plateau State despite all efforts by security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace is returned to the state.

However, two of the gunmen were killed by security men who responded to a distress call from the village.

The latest attack came barely two days after a similar one on Chacha village in Jos South Local Government Area during which four members of a family were gunned down.

Vanguard learnt that the gunmen stormed the house at about midnight on Wednesday, killing the village head, his wife and their young relation.

Anti riot policemen who responded to the distress call from the village were said to have caught up with the assailants, gunning down two of them in the process.

Police spokesman, Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident and the killing of two of the

attackers by “some gallant policemen”.

He said the bodies of those killed had been deposited at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos. Ayoola said the challenge would be overcome if every Nigerian resident in the state showed commitment to love, peace and true forgiveness.

In his capacity as the chairman at a one-day sensitization workshop organised by the Plateau State Tourism Corporation in collaboration with Husak Consulting Nigeria Limited for stakeholders in the tourism sub-sector, he maintained the theme of the workshop which is Tourism and Terrorism, an appraisal is apt as it would give participants the clue on how to manage the tourism industry despite the challenges of terrorism and insecurity.

In his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Sylvanus Dongtoe, represented by the ministry’s Director of Tourism, Mr. Paul Danbaba, decried increase in terrorism acts not only in the nation but globally saying such is detrimental to the industry as no one would want to visit anywhere in an atmosphere of fear.

He maintained tourism creates job and accrue revenue to government and advocated tourism police as seen in Israel and Palestine so that acts of terrorism would not cut off the source of revenue.

Crisis rocks Benue Assembly

zSpeaker resigns, thugs seize Mace, lawmakers beaten

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI — THERE was commotion at the Benue State House of Assembly, yesterday, following the alleged resignation of the Speaker, Mr. David Iorhemba.

Iorhemba allegedly tendered "a hand-written and unsigned letter of resignation" following accusations by members that he was not only high handed, reckless in the management of the finances of the House but misrepresented them before the Executive.

State Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, who drove into the Assembly

complex when the process was going on was not allowed into the chamber.

It was learnt that few minutes after the Speaker’s resignation, thugs took over the Assembly Chamber and snatched the Mace just as they turned the complex into a battle field.

Sources said vitually all the members were thoroughly beaten up as they fled for safety.

Vanguard gathered that the trouble started when members of G-24 in the House moved a motion through its Chairman, Mr. Baba Ode (Otukpo/Akpa Constituency) over the constitutionality of

members to remove the Speaker when necessary, in accordance with Section 93 of the 1999 Constitution, and later presented a list of 28 members who had signed an impeachment notice against Iorhemba.

However, it was at this point that the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Stephen Onmeje, who presided over the sitting halted the process and informed the House of a purported letter of resignation that had been tendered by the Speaker.

The letter was received and read on the floor of the House without any further objection by members and Baba Ode then amended

his motion for the adoption of the resignation letter.

The new motion was seconded by Mr. Benjamin Adayi (Makurdi South) and it was unanimously adopted.

Meanwhile, sources told Vanguard at the House that the last might not have been heard about the alleged Speaker ’s resignation, since his letter was not signed and therefore not valid and binding on him. ”The Speaker actually tendered a letter of resignation to members, but we discovered when the letter got to us that it was not signed and therefore invalid because it serves no useful purpose,” the source said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—7

Otedola vs Farouk: Court to hear suit Nov 23

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

From left: Prof. Wole Soyinka, keynote speaker; Mrs Adeola Azeez, President, Women Management,Business and Public Service and Ms Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director, Bank of Industry at the Women in Management, Business and Public Service 2012 Annual Conference, yesterday.

Jombo-Ofo: CJN dares Senate

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA — I N D I C AT I O N S emerged, yesterday, that despite the ultimatum handed to her by the Senate, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Murktar, may have resolved to stick to her earlier decision not to administer oath of office on one of the newly appointed Justices for the Court of Appeal.

It would be recalled that Justice Murktar, who is the first female to attain the revered position of a CJN, had on November 5, declined to swear-in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo alongside 11 others, despite the fact that her appointment was duly approved by President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Judicial Council, NJC. Reacting to the directive from the Senate, asking the CJN to reverse her decision and swear-in the embattled Justice immediately, an aide to the CJN who craved anonymity, yesterday, adduced reasons why such order from the upper legislative chambers could not stand.

Why she can't be sworn in According to him, sequel to the petition, the CJN who is equally the head of the NJC, discovered several inconsistencies in the documents tendered by the embattled Justice, and subsequently summoned her with a view to getting her own side of the story.

He said on several occasions when the CJN confronted the learned Justice, who had been in the Abia State judiciary for over 14 years, she was

unable to enter a convincing defence against allegations raised by her adversaries, a development the source said prompted the CJN to defer her swearing-in till when all the discrepancies are sorted out.

He said: “The CJN has nothing personal against Justice Jombo-Ofo. It is

unfortunate that people never thought it wise to seek the truth of what happened but rather went ahead to rely on media reports to castigate and vilify the Chief Justice of Nigeria without getting the true facts of the matter."

Urging Nigerians to always strive to hear both sides of a story before

jumping into conclusion, the source who is equally a senior staff at the NJC, said: “If the CJN were to be vindictive, the woman may have to face disciplinary measures as this bothers on the integrity of a judicial officer, but like a mother she wants to ensure that justice is done to all parties concerned.”

EFCC nabs two with $238,858 zAs Goje’s absence stalls trial

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

A

BUJA — THE absence of former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, from court, yesterday, stalled hearing in the 18count charge of conspiracy and money laundering instituted against him and four others.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has arrested two persons at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja with $238,858.

Goje, Alhaji Aliyu ElNafarty, former Chairman Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Sambo Mohammed Tumu and S.M. Dakoro a businessman, were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for allegedly looting the treasury.

At the last adjourned date, the trial judge, Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court Gombe had fixed November 8 and 9, 2012 for accelerated hearing.

When the matter was mentioned, the prosecution was shocked that Goje, a Senator, was not in court.

Goje’s defence counsel,

Chris Uche SAN, produced a medical report purportedly issued by the National Assembly Clinic Abuja, and signed by Dr. Yero S.I. as evidence that his client was not fit to be present in court. The report claimed that Goje was under observation for “acute exacerbation of hypertension due to an underlying stress.”

But the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu, drew the court’s attention to fact that the prosecution witnesses were in court and that the matter was specifically adjourned to November 8 to accommodate Danjuma Goje’s travel for the Hajj.

Shittu wondered how a person that travelled from Saudi Arabia after the Hajj and attended a plenary session of the Senate would find it difficult to travel to Gombe for a court appearance.

He therefore demanded that the court issues a bench warrant for the arrest of Goje or adjourn for his appearance in court today.

But Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, urged the court to adjourn proceedings as a criminal trial requires the presence

of an accused person.

Alternatively, he said the prosecution should strike out Goje’s name from the charge and proceed with the trial of the other accused persons.

EFCC nabs 2 at Abuja Airport with $238,858.

One of the suspects, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, was nabbed on Wednesday as he prepared to board a Dubai-bound Ethiopian Airline.

A total of $188,858 was found on him after he had initially declared that he only had $45,000) on him.

Further search on the suspect revealed that he was carrying forty British Pounds and 5753 grams of solid gold worth N34, 518,000).

The suspect is still being interrogated by the EFCC. The second suspect, Hyginus Ezedimbu was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on November 3 as he prepared to board an Ethiopian Airline on his way to China.

He was caught with $50,000 but he declared $49,971.

BUJA — JUSTICE Peter Kekemeke of the Abuja High Court, yesterday, fixed November 23 to commence hearing on the legal tussle between oil mogul, Femi Otedola and the embattled erstwhile Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on fuel subsidy probe, Farouk Lawal.

Otedola who is Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, had in a suit he filed before the high court, adduced reasons why he said the House of Representatives should be compelled to pay him N250 million as compensation for business losses he suffered owing to his alleged indictment by the said probe panel.

He equally cited the Speaker of the House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal, as a defendant in the suit.

It would be recalled that shortly after the Farouk Lawal led panel released its fact-finding report that exposed astronomical fraud perpetuated by various companies under the subsidy regime, Otedola, in a retaliatory move, released an audio tape with a view to proving that the probe

panel demanded cash-forclearance.

Otedola specifically accused Lawal of demanding $3 million to exonerate his company, emphasizing that the lawmaker even went to the extent of stuffing monies in his cap on one of the occasions he came to receive bribe on behalf of the panel.

However, Lawal, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozokhome, SAN, refuted the allegation that he stuffed money in his cap, stressing that contrary to insinuation that he travelled to Lagos to collect bribe as alleged, he only received money from Otedola on two separate occasions at his room at Protea Hotel at Apo Abuja and at Otedola’s house at Aso Drive Asokoro also in Abuja.

Describing the audio tape which was released to media houses as “a devilish caricature”, Lawal urged Nigerians to give him the benefit of doubts, insisting that he would not rest until he proved that the primary intention why he collected the money was to uncover the level of corruption within the oil sector of the Nigerian economy

Nigeria making progress on security challenges —Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria has made significant progress in meeting the country’s security challenges.

President Jonathan was speaking to the new Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. HansRudolf Hodel, after he presented his letters of credence at State House, Thursday.

He said: "We are making significant progress in meeting our recent security challenges and we shall continue to improve, so investors have nothing to fear."

The President, who received three other ambassadors at different ceremonies, urged the new ambassadors to encourage more business delegations from their countries to visit the country.

He said: "Nigeria is a huge market, with many green areas waiting for investors. I urge you to prepare the ground for more robust economic relations between our two countries."

Jonathan told the new Egyptian Ambassador, Mr. Ashraf Abdelkader Elmorsi Salama that the two countries had a crucial role to play in the African Union, especially because of their strategic locations and population.

The new Ambassadors told the President that they were impressed by the vast opportunities in Nigeria, and expressed their determination and commitment to improving trade and other mutually beneficial relations with Nigeria.

The other new Ambassadors are Mr. Svante Kilander of Sweden and Dr. Joachim Oppinger of Austria.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

FG orders airlines to install tracking devices

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

T

HE Federal Govern ment has now made it mandatory for every airline operating in the country to have on board, a tracking device, known as automated information reporting system.

Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, disclosed this yesterday during the formal commencement of

PRESENTATION: Globacom’s Divisional Director, Lagos and South West 1, David Maji, (left); Mrs. Adejoke Shittu, winner in the Glo “text4millions” promo, and Globacom's Business Director, Lawrence Okpako, during the presentation of a cheque of N12 million to the winner, at a special ceremony in Ibadan, yesterday.

Piracy: Achebe won't make money from new book —Gowon

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—GIVEN the rate of piracy, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, yesterday, wondered if literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, would make gains from his new book, There was a country.

Speaking at the official launch of the Reform of the Copyright System in Nigeria, held in Abuja, Gowon said he was deeply surprised that A c h e b e ’ s controversial new book had already been pirated, adding, “certainly, he won’t be getting anything.”

In the book, Achebe accused Gowon and late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, of using starvation as a weapon of war that led to the death of about two million Biafran women and children during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war of 1967-70.

Narrating his personal experience, Gowon said: “The other day, as I was entering this hotel (Transcorp Hilton), a vendor tapped on my car window and was asking me to buy a book. When I looked at it, I saw that it was the new book by Chinua Achebe. I won-

dered if he really knew I was the person inside the car. However, I was surprised that Achebe’s book had already been pirated. Sincerely speaking, I wonder if Chinua Achebe will be getting a kobo from the sale of that book; certainly, he won’t be getting anything. I think we should guard against that, which is why what we are doing here is very necessary.”

Stressing that the reform of the copyright system must be considered a ‘must’ and given priority by all stakeholders in the creative environment, Gowon, said: “Nigeria is a highly creative society. We have creative talents cutting across ethnic, geographical, social and economic strata. Creativity is one activity that

not only unifies, but also finds expression in our common ethos as a nation. It is also an impetus to our future growth and participation in the emerging global information economy.

“Soon after I assumed office as Head of State in 1966, my attention was drawn to the need to take a close look at some of the legislations which Nigeria had inherited from the colonial administration as regards Copyright Laws/Acts. We observed that the British Copyright Act 1911, which was then applicable in Nigeria, by virtue of the Statute of General Application of 1912, was alien to Nigeria’s interest in the 1960s and did not satisfy the need of our domestic creative

community. Apart from the fact that the sanctions for infringements of rights were hopelessly out of date and tune, the Act was also inadequate in tackling the challenges posed by new technologies of mass duplication of creative works, which were beginning to debut.

“Consequently, we promulgated the revised Copyright Decree of 1970, which was the first indigenous copyright statute. That Decree continued until 1988, when the present Copyright Act was eventually enacted."

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by an Enrolment of Order of Her Honour, G. M. Okparavero, Esq., the presiding President of the Sapele Area Customary Court(No.2), Sapele, dated 30th day of April 2012, MRS. PHILO(aka FELICIA) OKPOCHINI (as Next Friend to all the Children of MR. CHIKEOBI OKPOCHINI(deceased) named therein)) of Amai in Ukwuani L.G.A, Delta State, was granted CUSTOMARY POWER/LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION, to administer the Estate of their benefactor, late Mr. CHIKEOBI OKPOCHINI who died intastate on the 17th day of January, 2011.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc ; United Bank of Africa Plc; Power Holding Company of Nigeria(P.H.C.N.)Plc and the general Public should please TAKE NOTE. Signed: For S. C. Odoh & Co.,(Solicitors to Enebeli Family) Samuel C. Odoh, Esq Obaleziude Chambers, 33, Yoruba Road , Sapele, Delta State

4x3Advert

flight operations by Medview Airlines.

He said the essence of the device was to enable pilots and other crew members know specific problems that might arise during flight.

He said: “It will be installed on each aircraft that we buy. What we are doing is that we are improving our airlines so that when they are flying and there is a problem, they will know what the problem is."

Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 —9

OKADA RESTRICTION:

Fashola says no gain without pain

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — GOVERnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, urged residents of the state to endure whatever inconveniences the restriction of commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders from the state metropolis might have caused them.

Fashola who made the appeal at the 2012 edition of the Lagos State Community Day Celebration, held at the Police College, Ikeja, theme: 'The Role of C o m m u n i t y Development in Tackling Security Challenges in Nigeria,’ said that the problems were characteristic of the introduction stage of every life -changing law and policies of the government.

He, however, assured the residents that the legislation would be of great benefit to Lagosians in the long-

run.“There will be no gain without some pain attached to it. And every resident of Lagos should be ready to sacrifice for the reward that would come in a short time.”

“Every time we inconvenience you because we are constructing a road, or building drainages, within a short time you begin to drive on the road and see your environment flood free by the next rainfall.”

According to him, From left: Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, Commissioner for Rural Development; Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, “Okada will not be our Lagos State Governor, Special Guest of Honour; Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor transportation model in and Hon. Olanrewaju Layode, Chairman, House Committeee on Agriculture and Coorperative and this state. Other states Rural Development, during the 2012 Community Day Celebration, with the theme: Role of Community have banned it and Development in Tackling the Recurring Security Challenges in Nigeria, Through Grassroots Mobilisation, heaven did not fall in in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez those states. Our state will not be a dumping ground for motorcycles.

But instead of banning it in Lagos, what the government has done was to restrict their operations on 475 roads out of 9,000 roads.” frustrate or erode such order to respect the

BY DAPO AKINREFON Nigerians.”

He emphasised:“I “sacrosanct right of think we have been It will be recalled that guarantee. The Governor every Nigerian to live in ought to know this and extremely generous with HE LAGOS State Mr. Fashola had warned any part of the country,” remain civil.” the new road traffic law. chapter of the that Lagos State traffic adding the he should be The party, however, What we want from Peoples Democratic law and other laws must advised against taking called on The Presidency residents is some Party, PDP, has asked the be obeyed and that those steps that can expose and the National sacrifice."

Lagos State Governor, who are not ready to obey Lagosians outside the Assembly to call the Mr. Raji Fashola to adopt should leave the state. state to hatred.”

Lagos State governor to While faulting the a more diplomatic, civil and honourable manner remarks, the party said of addressing residents “ we are taken aback to of ensuring adequate of the state. hear a governor, lawyer access to justice by the In a statement by its and indeed Senior state government may be state chairman, Mr. Advocate of Nigeria, unrealistic.

Tunji Shelle, the party SAN, threaten or make N A swift reaction, the realizes that Lagos is a This was coming as the berated the governor for statements suggestive of state Publicity melting port for every state Attorney General, threatening non- ignorance to Nigerians.”

Mr. Ade Ipaye disclosed Lagosians to leave the It added that “under no Secretary of Action Nigerian and he works to that the Lagos Public state or be ready to face circumstance can Congress of Nigeria, uphold this tenet.

Interest Law Partnership his manner of anybody, not even the ACN, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, "If Governor Fashola Stakeholders’ Meeting governance. president, deport any said “PDP is playing ever warns Lagosians was aimed at improving The party stated that “it Nigerian from any state cheap ethnic politics with who constitute menace to access to justice and is very unbecoming of in the country. The right the hope that it will wake others, such warnings promoting law and order the state Governor to be of a Nigerian to live and their dead party from the are within his through the quick in asking non- not be discriminated grave. constitutional powers as “There is no truth the Number One citizen collaborative effort of the Lagosians to leave Lagos against is guaranteed ministry of justice and State whenever such under the constitution of whatsoever in the of Lagos State. Such private lawyers persons seek redress or our great country. No law allegation and it is typical warnings are to all practicing in the state. demand their rights as can thus be made to of PDP to relish in manuf- Lagosians and never acturing and spreading restricted to nongossips and falsehood Lagosians. about Lagos, hoping they Igbokwe continued: would hoodwink "But Lagos PDP, On the need for held at Alausa area of demonstrate greater Lagosians with these.” desperate for straws to collaboration on Ikeja.

In addition, he said anchor their miserable positive attitude towards environment, Mrs. Fashola who was the environment is “For the avoidance of political hopes, will go Fashola, gave the charge represented at the event unfolding for everyone to doubts, Governor Fashola viral and twist these facts at the environmental by the wife of the state see.” is accommodative of non- with the hope they will advocacy campaign Commissioner for Yesterday ’s project Lagosians in Lagos and con unsuspecting nonorganised by the Physical Planning and inspection took the has many of them in his Lagosians.

Ministry of the Urban Development, governor and his team to government in high “It is a tragedy that a Environment for the Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, said the Oyingbo and positions. He therefore party that should be operators in the informal there was the need for all Tejuosho market under cannot be threatening advertising its strong sector by the state to demonstrate positive construction, performance with power canal non-Lagosians.

Ministry of Environment attitude towards the construction in Babs "He meets regularly with in the centre and with the theme: environment, Animashaun Surulere non Lagosians to interact majority of Nigerian 'Sustained Sanitation She said:”The reality of and Itire, housing and rub minds on how to states is not doing that System to Protect and climate change and the projects in Shitta, among enhance peaceful co because PDP has Promote Human Health,' need for all of us to others. existence because he wrecked Nigeria...”

PDP vs FASHOLA:

Gov is rude to non-Lagosians – PDP T

...Pleads with lawyers

L

AGOS — MEANtime the governor has also emphasised how important it is for lawyers to collaborate with government to provide free legal services for indigent persons living in the state.

Fashola, who was a guest of honour at the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership Stakeholders’ Meeting in Lagos, noted that without the support of private legal practitioners, the dream

Fashola’s wife tasks stakeholders on healthy environment

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

W

IFE OF the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, yesterday, called on stakeholders in the informal sector which include traders and artisans on the need to collaborate with the state government in its effort at ensuring sustainable healthy environment for today and the future.

...They are playing ethnic

politics – ACN

I

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

19 Ogun lawmakers threaten Speaker

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

From left: Antonio Garcia, Counsellor, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, Osun State Deputy Governor; Enrique Fernando Arrundell, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Federal Matters, Ms. Idiat Babalola, during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor in her office in Osogbo.

Alaafin condemns police invitation to monarch

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — ALAAFIN of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has described as desecration of the sacred traditional institution for the police to invite a monarch to their station to make a statement.

Instead, Oba Adeyemi noted the police should go to the palace of the monarch to make enquiries.

He was reacting to the invitation of Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Soliu Oyemonla Azeez, by the police on the invasion of the farmlands of his subjects by some Fulani herdsmen.

Alaafin, who was speaking at the 3rd year coronation anniversary of Sabiganna of Iganna, said the action was ridiculous and insulting on the traditional institution of obaship.

The foremost traditional ruler further said, “a situation where traditional rulers were being called upon to come to police station to make statements is ridiculous."

According to him, a police man should go to the Oba’s palace to make enquiries from him and not the other way round.

“This kind of nonsense must stop”, he warned.

Also, he advised the Oyo State Government to encourage the establishment for the people of Iganna in the Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oke Ogun in Oyo State.

He stated that it was risky for the people living in the area to travel about 25 kilometres to another town before they could deposit or withdraw money.

Alaafin said the situation was a major challenge to the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, a

retired bank official.

Chief Adeyemo stressed further that the call for the establishment of the bank was necessary to save the residents from armed robbery attacks.

He added that absence of a single bank in the whole of Iganna was an indication that the town was lagging behind in

the area of social and infrastructural development.

Oba Adeyemi also tasked the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) administration to relocate the local g o v e r n m e n t headquarters from Iwere-Ile to Iganna where it was initially located.

B E O K U TA — S T R O N G indication emerged yesterday that 19 out of 26 members of Ogun State House of Assembly have compiled impeachable offences of the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi.

Vanguard reliably gathered that, 19 lawmakers were spoiling for war against the Speaker accused of highhandedness, ineptitude and autocracy, as well as failure to recognize the House Committee on Rules and Proceedings.

A member of the assembly who craved anonymity told Vanguard, the Speaker has offended some lawmakers, who

Amnesty defends report on rights abuses in Nigeria

A

MNESTY INTe r n a t i o n a l yesterday described as a diversionary tactic, condemnations of its report that documents human rights violations in the country by the Police and the military.

Oke draws parallel between US, Ondo elections .Carpets INEC over Ondo guber poll

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—THE P e o p l e s Democratic Party governorship candidate in the October 20 election in Ondo State Chief Olusola Oke yesterday hit back at the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC over allegation that he lied over the last election.

Oke’s special Adviser on Media and Publicity Kunle Adebayo in a statement in Akure described recent reaction of INEC as diversionary and unhelpful to the inappropriate conducts alleged against Ondo INEC. He said INEC must learn from the victory of US President Barrak Obama in a truly free and fair election that Spartan

election administration and management will always be the first mark of credibility of the electoral process.

Earlier in the week, the electoral body in a statement reacting to earlier comments by Oke had said the PDP candidate was attacking INEC for no just cause.

INEC Director of Legal Services in the state, Mr. Oluwole Uzzi had said Oke’s complaints were “ vain and fruitless attempt to denigrate, discredit and belittle the nation’s progress and achievements in its path to free, fair and credible elections and a robust, enduring democracy”.

However, Oke said Ondo PDP will relentlessly lead the war against the practice where unscrupulous officials compromise

transparency and administer elections with the basest moral conduct and then hide behind the highly encumbering legal tussles where the real criminal minded individuals who compromised the system hide behind institutional defence and get away.

“Free and fair elections are not defined by arbitrary administration of voting procedure, declaration of controversial results, self appraisal and organized credibility campaign, rather the credibility of an election consists of the sanctity and transparency of the process and procedure of voters' registration, voting, counting and collation, all of which INEC inadvertently violated in Ondo State,” he said.

according to him, formed a quorum to implement his impeachement motion anytime when it would be raised.

The source said that the Speaker was ‘excessively flirting’ with the executive and has made the legislature a rubber stamp, adding that, the Speaker ‘s action was as a result of his inexperience.

Meantime, the Speaker in a bid to stop his impeachment, has reportedly begun a house-to-house lobby of the 19 lawmakers with a view to persuading them to sheathe their swords and attend the plenary session to screen the commissioner–nominees sent by the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

He said while the American election officials did not neglect to conduct election in any remote part of America, INEC, for inexplicable reason abandoned its sacred duty to conduct election in key wards and units in the state.

“We are sure that no single voter in the American election failed to see his name or find his name cloned on the voters' register, unlike here where INEC list suffered the injection of over 150,000 strange and amorphous names? Did voting materials arrive election venue hours after accreditation was over in America as was the case in several places on October 20th?”

Oke insisted that more shocking revelations will be made soon.

In a statement, the body said the attack by senior Nigerian officials is a diversionary tactic – shooting the messenger when the security forces should really be concentrating on putting their house in order.

According to the statement, “anyone who reads the report, Nigeria: Trapped in the Cycle of Violence, will see that Amnesty International condemns the unlawful actions of Boko Haram in just as strong terms as it does those of the government forces.

The report fully reflects Amnesty International’s f u n d a m e n t a l commitment to objectivity and impartiality in research, analysis and advocacy of human rights issues.

Researchers for Amnesty International interviewed victims of violence perpetrated by both Boko Haram and the security forces in compiling the report.

They spoke to judges, magistrates, doctors, teachers, health and education professionals, journalists, lawyers and representatives of nongovernmental human rights organizations.

The final report presents research gathered during numerous visits to Nigeria over two years between 2010 and 2012.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—11

Oshiomhole presents N150bn 2013 budget

G

BUDGET: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (right) at the presentation of the 2013 Budget estimates on the floor of the state House of Assembly in Benin City, yesterday. In the background is Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe.

Employment scam uncovered in Delta's flood relief camps

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—AN em ployment scam has been uncovered in some of the flood relief camps in Delta State, as swindlers are allegedly selling employment forms to victims at N20,000, with a view to securing jobs for them.

This was uncovered during one of the regular meetings the governor normally has with political office holders, members of the State House of Assembly, camp commandants and other stakeholders on daily basis.

At one of such meetings held on Tuesday, the governor was visibly angry when he got the information that some unscrupulous persons were selling forms for employment in the camps at N20,000 each.

Expressing shock at the

extent people could go to make money, the governor said: “There is no employment programme going on in the camps. I have not directed any group or individuals to recruit people to work in the camps. Indeed, nobody is recruiting workers.”

He warned applicants in the state not to allow themselves to be duped, even as he said that an-

ybody buying form for recruitment into the camps for any job was doing so at his or her own risk.

Meanwhile, the governor has said that every adult affected by the flood and accommodated in various camps in Delta State would be given N5,000, while every child would receive N3,000 before leaving the camps.

Senate approves N250b NDDC budget for 2012 N232,056,215,560.00.

This is coming when

BY HENRY UMORU

A

B U JA — B A R E LY 53 days to the end of the year, the Senate has approved for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a budget sum of N250,857,925,434.00 as 2012 budget.

The approved budget comprised Personal Expenditure of N10,218,484,743; Overhead Expenditure of N7,565,400,131,00; Capital Expenditure (internal) Expenditure of N1,017,825,000, as well as Projects (Development) Expenditure of

C-River empowers 6,000 poor households ing, they are empowered

A

BOUT 6,000 poor households in Cross River State have been empowered by the state government under a social security safety net called Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, otherwise known as Project Comfort.

The households are beneficiaries of the N5,000 monthly stipend

He said the gesture was a “token pocket money” for those anxious to go back to their homes.

Governor Uduaghan said the committee inaugurated to work out modalities for the resettlement of internally displaced persons had not submitted its report, citing that as the reason the ultimate resettlement plan was yet to be unfolded.

from the government.

A member of each household is also put through a year or 6 months skills acquisition programme and eventually benefits from the Poverty Reduction Investment Component amounting to N7,000 each month for small scale enterprise formation.

At the end of the train-

with working tools and cash.

At the empowerment ceremony held at the grounds of Calabar Municipality Tuesday, Governor Liyel Imoke said: “On assumption of office in 2007, we made a commitment to ensure that we take government to those people who needed government the most."

other Ministries, Departments and agencies of government are already appearing before the Senate Committees to defend their 2013 budget estimates.

The approval of the budget followed a report of the Committee on Niger Delta 2012 Budget Proposals by its Chairman, Senator James Manager, PDP, Delta South.

Reacting to the development yesterday, Senate President, David Mark, who described a situation where a parastatal’s budget was approved less than two months to the end of year, was unacceptable.

Although the budget was approved, David Mark frowned over perpetual late presentation of budget by the Commission.

OVERNOR Ad ams Oshiomhole of Edo State has presented the state’s 2013 budget estimates of N150, 045, 377, 060 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration, with capital expenditure taking 60 percent allocation.

Tagged Taking Edo State to the next Level, the 2013 estimate is lower than the 2012 budget of N150.97 billion.

According to the governor, “the 2013 budget proposal is geared towards lifting our state to the next level of development beyond the steady and sustainable progress we have made in the last four years.

“The 2013 budget is not only targeted at the com-

pletion of ongoing infrastructural projects but also aimed at accelerating the growth and development of the state.”

The governor disclosed that the sum of N87, 409, 475, 855 billion, representing 60 per cent, was being proposed as capital expenditure, while the proposed recurrent expenditure is N62, 637,901, 205 billion, which represents approximately 40 per cent of the budget.

“We are sustaining the tradition of putting more funds into the capital expenditure,” Governor Oshiomhole said.

In the sectoral allocations, Works is to take the lion share of the Capital expenditure followed by education.

DESOPADEC commissioner to adopt Uduaghan's three-point agenda

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—COM MISSIONER nominee on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Chris Obiuwevbi, has vowed to adopt the three-point agenda of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, in the discharge of his duties in the commission.

Obiuwevbi, who stated this during an interactive session with Chairmen and Secretaries of Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas chapter of the Host Communities of Nigeria, Oil and Gas, HOSTCOM, thanked the people and the state governor for nominating him into the board of

DESOPADEC. While reiterating his preparedness to give effective representation to the people of the two council areas, he pointed out that the essence of the commission was to meaningfully contribute to the development of oil producing communities in the state.

He assured that he would hold monthly meetings and work closely with the leadership of the host communities in the areas and ensure that they get their fair share in the scheme of things in the commission.

Earlier the leadership of HOSTCOM in the Areas commended Governor Uduaghan for nominating Chief Obiuwevbi as member to represent the areas on the Board of DESOPADEC.

NDDC donates squash courts to P-Harcourt Club

A

WORLD class squash court donated to Port Harcourt club 1928, by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been inaugurated in the squash section of the club in Port Harcourt.

The ultra-modern facility, rated among the best in the world, has two courts with pavilions, insulated floors to protect the knees and hips from hard surface as well as armoured glass-back.

Inaugurating the courts, Managing Direc-

tor, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Christian Oboh, explained that the gesture was in line with the commission’s determination to “bequeath a peaceful, secure and developed Niger Delta region using sports as a tool.”

Represented by his Media Adviser, Honour Sirawoo, Dr. Oboh restated the commitment of the present board to add value to the lives of Niger Deltans through infrastructural development.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

UNIPORT reopens

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HAR COURT—UNIVERSITY of Port Harcourt has reopened for academic activities weeks after it was closed following protests that greeted the murder of students of the univeristy by some Aluu villagers.

Public Relations Officer of the University, Dr. William Wodi, confirmed, Wednesday, that the University's Senate met same day and or-

dered resumption of the institution, adding that lectures will resume on Monday.

He said: “I can confirm to you that the Senate met in an emergency meeting on Wednesday and directed that the University be reopened immediately for resumption of normal academic activities. ”All students have been directed to return to the campus between now and the weekend, while lectures will commence on Monday."

PUBLIC NOTICE MEETING: From left: Minister of State for Niger Delta, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi; Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abubakar Kachalla, during a meeting of Special Technical Committee on Critical Technical Issues on Niger Delta Power Holding Company, at State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Edo DPP clears Ugolor over Olaitan's murder

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—PRESI DENT of African Network for Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, who was detained by the police over the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, has been exonerated from the crime by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Edo State Ministry of Justice.

In the letter dated October 29, 2012, with reference no 01/s.6712/15, addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, “D” Department, Force Headquarters in Abuja and signed by Ade Irehovbude, the DPP said his legal advice was sought in the case number FHQ/ABJ/X/SARS/540/ 2012 on Inspector General of Police versus 10 per-

sons including David Ugolor.

It observed that some of the suspects and gun alleged to have been used by the killers of Olaitan were already in police custody before the 4th of May when Olaitan was killed.

It said while two of the suspects, Danjuma Musa and Muritala Usman were said to have confessed to the crime, “we are constrained to observe that

the investigation report suggests clearly that the said Danjuma Musa and Muritala Usman, had been in the custody of the Edo Police Command since 24/04/12, in respect of a case of unlawful possession of catridges before the suspects were taken over by the FCID, interrogated and reportedly confessed to this incident that took place on the 4th of May, 2012. This is evidently incongruous."

The DPP said it was also noted that the cut to size

Okada ban: 8 riders, passenger remanded for alleged violation

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—EIGHT commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as Okada riders, and a passenger, have been arraigned before an Asaba chief magistrate’s court for allegedly violating Delta State Government’s ban on their operations.

The government had restricted movement of Okada in three major cities of Asaba, Warri and Effurun.

Arraigned were Chinenye Uzoegbunam, 26; Chinakwe Tonito, 25; James Enwenzor, 30; Anagboso Henry 28; Paul Ejike 45; David Chukwuka 32; Bamijo Sunday 21; and a passenger who boarded one of the motor-

Flood: FG urged to dredge River Niger

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE people of Izon Okosu Otu, Delta State, have urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards dredging the River Niger as a way of guarding against a recurrence of flooding in the future.

The people, in a statement by Chief E. E. Ebimami and Mr. Frederick

locally made gun allegedly used for the killing of Olaitan was said to have been recovered on April 24, by the Esigie Police Division, Benin City.

He said: “This is alleged to be a weapon used during the robbery incident that took place on th May 4, 2012. Another incongruity. Could a weapon recovered and in possession of the police be confirmed by suspects to have been used for the commission of the offence?"

Anesah, appealed to all state governments administering flood victims’ funds to be most discreet in managing them.

They said: “No light fingered public officer should be allowed to oversee the funds.

“We are particularly bothered about the post flood effects on the devastated areas. The challenges are immense. The environmental remedia-

tion work at homesteads, common grounds and even farmlands, will be terrible and require careful planning execution with its huge funding implication.

“We of Izon Okosu Otu think even that environmental remediation of the flood damage is just one aspect. The greater aspect is finding lasting solution to avoid recurrence of this environmental menace."

cycles, Douglas Mua, 25.

The accused persons arraigned before Chief Magistrate Sylvester Ehikwe pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.

Prosecution stated that the accused persons “on November 1, 2012, along Benin/Asaba expressway, Asaba, in the Asaba magisterial district, did operate your motorcycles without wearing a standard protective crash helmet and thereby committed an offence.

“That you Douglas Mua, male, on November 1, 2012, along Benin/Asaba expressway, Asaba, in the Asaba magisterial district, were carried on a motorcycle without wearing a standard protective crash helmet and thereby committed an offence contrary to paragraph 53 (m), punishable under paragraph 102 (3) Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulation 2012, of Road Traffic law cap R19 vol. IV laws of Delta State.”

HARRIET IKPEAZU FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Hon. Daniel Ikpeazu 2. Chief George Ikpeazu 3. Henrietta Onyegbula (Mrs) 4. Augustina Emeana (Mrs) 5. Ugochi Opara (Mrs) 6. Christiana Ikpeazu Aims And Objectives: 1. To offer assistance, aid and support to the needy and indigent through Health Care Services 2. To reach out to the society with social, economic and educational support.

Any objections to this registration should be directed to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: Vincent C. Amadi Esq.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MARYLAND LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION UMUOBIA LAND NKWELLE EZUNAKA This is to notify the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 The TrusteesAre: 1. Anayo Nnabugwu 6. Peter N. Ezeononigbo 2. Godwin Madubuko 7. Pius N. Ifeagwazi 3. Leo Obiajulu 8. Uche Okoli 4. Uche Onwuka 9. Okey C. Okereke 5. Peter Nnamdi Madueke 10. Nnoham Ginika AimsAnd Objectives: 1. To promote the welfare and interest of the members and the community.

2. To unite it’s members and assist in the development of the society.

3. To improve understanding and good relationship among the members and the community.

4. To render assistance where necessary to the members and the society.

5. To protect the properties and infrastructure of the members and that of the general public within the ambit of the Law. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitaima, Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: GODWIN N. MADUBUKO, ESQ. Secretary 08035534908

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—13

NANS wades into ABSU school fees crisis Diaspora, said it decided

E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—NATIONAL Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has waded into the ongoing disagreement between the authorities of Abia State University, ABSU and the students over increase in school fees.

NANS, which is an umbrella organisation responsible for the protection of interest of Nigerian students both at home and in the

From left: Guest of honour, Dr Alex Ekwueme; chairman of the occasion, General Yakubu Gowon and chief host, Otunba Subomi Balogun, at a special luncheon in honour of Dr. Alex Ekwueme @ 80, hosted by Otunba Subomi Balogun in Lagos.

Spare parts dealers protest illegal levies in Anambra

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—NO fewer than 500 traders from the popular spare parts market at Ugwuagba, Obosi yesterday stormed Govern-

ment House, Awka, to protest alleged exorbitant levies being imposed on them by authorities of the market.

Some of the placards carried by the traders read: “No, to market

executives’ incessant levies;” “We say no to corruption, multiple taxation” and “Too many levies are killing us.”

Leader of the group, Mr. Titus Aninwa, told the Secretary to the State

Government, SSG, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who addressed them that some people who claimed to be government agents invade the market on daily basis to demand all kinds of levies.

According to him, the agents often make it difficult for traders to offload containers that bring in their imported goods.

He said: “We want to remind these people that nobody has monopoly of violence. We have great respect for our amiable governor, Mr. Peter Obi and we do not want these people to cause disaffection between us and government.

“We have come to appeal to the government to intervene in this matter to avert breakdown of law and order at the Ugwuagba Obosi market.”

The traders, through their counsel, Mr. Ndubuisi Onwuka, had already petitioned Governor Peter Obi, speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Divisional Police Officer for Awada on the issue.

Addressing the traders, the SSG told them that what they had done was constitutional and commended them for being peaceful in their attempt to get government’s attention.

He assured them that the state government would not support anybody to collect illegal levies, adding that government would address the issues they raised.

to intervene in the crisis to ensure non-interruption of academic activities in the institution.

In a press statement signed by Comrade Kingsley Chidozie, National Director, Action and Mobilisation Officer of NANS, the association said it had also resolved to look into the school fees problems in most of the nation’s tertiary institutions “through consultation and consolidation approach” rather than being confrontational.

Cleric advises politicians

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—NIGE RIAN politicians have been urged not to just copy the theories of American presidential system of government without imbibing the letter, spirit and practice of the system. Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imo State, Pastor Cosmas Ilechukwu, gave the advice in Owerri, while reacting to the just concluded presidential elec-

tion in the United States of America.

“The campaign was smooth and trouble-free.

There was no thuggery, ballot snatching and other electoral crimes while the exercise lasted,” Ilechukwu said.

According to him, the presidential candidates and the American people concerned themselves with issues that affect the citizenry, which made the election most interesting.

Lawmaker condemns crisis in Otumara flow station

W

ARRI—THE re ported crises around the Otumara flow station in the Warri SouthWest of Delta State has been described as unfortunate and a deliberate attempts by some misguided individuals to truncate the relative peace that area has enjoyed in recent times.

This view was expressed yesterday by the member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju.

The area, which falls within his constituency has been bedevilled by reported inter-groups crises, report-

edly leading to loss of lives.

While calling on the Nigeria Police to fish out the perpetrators, the lawmaker appealed to the different groups in the area not to take the laws into their hands and resort to ‘selfhelp.’

He said: "If any group is suspicious of any settlement established by any group, the reasonable thing to do is to draw the attention of the Nigeria Police, who have the responsibility to maintain law and order."

While lamenting the loss of lives, the lawmaker appealed to those living in the area to embrace peace.

Amodu people don't want arbitrary monarch —Aspirant

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—THE impo sition of any arbitrary traditional ruler on the people of Amodu-Okowo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State will only take the community many years backward, cause disintegration and continued oppression of the natives as well as institutionalise injustice in the land, aspirant to the Igwe throne, Mr. Gillis Onyeabor, has

warned.

He said: For the people of the rather backward Amodu-Okowo community to experience progress like their neighbours in the 21st century world, they need to be completely liberated from the age-long bondage in which they had been held by few people who reportedly encouraged arbitrariness and autocracy in the rulership of the last Igwe, who passed on about eight years ago."

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Security beefed up at Finance Ministry zAs Okonjo-Iweala cries out over oil barons' harassment

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

A

BUJA—SECURITY has been beefed up at the Federal Ministry of Finance, following an alarm by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Onkonjo-Iweala, that indicted oil barons were harassing her.

Former member of House of Representatives, Mr. Dino Melaye, had led a protest to the ministry on Wednesday, over an alleged N2.7 billion contract to one Pinacle Nigeria Ltd, but the minister debunked the allegations and explained that her ministry does not award road contracts.

The minister told Vanguard on phone that “we don’t pay road contractors in the Ministry. Ministries that award contracts pay their contractors so anyone who says that we pay contractors is ignorant of the system.

“Dino and his group are sponsored. I have it on good authority that the demonstrators, numbering about 20 were paid N 3,000 and a T-shirt by indicted oil barons in the subsidy probe to try to harass me but they have failed.

“They are trying to intimidate me but I won’t allow it.

I will not take it. They don’t

A

BUJA—THE Minis ter of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Maduekwe, yesterday attributed the unrelenting attack on her office to those she said had been frustrated from continuing with their nefarious deals in the petroleum sector of the economy.

In an interview in Abuja, yesterday, the minister said those who have no skeleton in their cupboards needed not be afraid of the reforms

C M Y K

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and those considered to be in support of the probes.

Security sources added in Abuja, yesterday, that intelligence operatives had uncovered plots to discredit members of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration who played active roles in the various investigations.

Aviation sector: FG dismisses alleged marginalisation of North

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

A

BUJA—THE federal government has dismissed insinuations of a deliberate plan to marginalise the North in aviation infrastructure, especially with regards to citing cargo terminals at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and alleged denial of landing rights to some foreign airlines into

Why I'm being attacked,

by Petroleum Minister

BY BEN AGANDE

want me to clean up the system as we are doing in the ministry. You can quote me that they will not succeed in silencing me, no matter their antics."

It was learnt that some oil firms indicted in the Nuhu Ribadu report have joined forces with some of those involved in the subsidy scam and now threatening

in the sector as it was meant to benefit all Nigerians.

“A vast majority of Nigerians are happy with Mr. Jonathan for the far reaching decisions his administration has taken to stabilise the sector.

“Those fighting the government in the media are doing so because we have been able to frustrate their efforts in strangulating the economy through their devilish black market and questionable profiteering at the expense of the Nigeria people," she said.

the airport.

The House of Representatives had summoned the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, to explain why the foreign airlines were denied landing rights into the airport.

Her summon was based on claims by some members that she was deliberating denying the north of its due in economic empowerment through the aviation sector.

But reacting to the allegation of northern marginalisation yesterday, the minister said two of the airlines, Emirates and Etihad, cited in the alleged denial of landing rights had never indicated interest in flying into Kano, even though they had the rights to do so, in line with Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with their home governments.

She also said Ethiopian Airlines, another carrier cited in the alleged landing rights denial, had landing rights to Kano which it had not started taking advantage of, adding that it was already operating the slots to Lagos and Abuja.

She said: Recently, the media has been inundated with misinformation and deliberate falsehood alleging marginalisation against the Northern part of the country by the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah with regard to the citing of Cargo Terminals as well as landing rights by some foreign airlines into the Malam Aminiu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano.

Nothing can be further from the truth."

OBAMA: PDP fires back at good faith, adding, “those ACN, CPC who have refused to accept

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—THE na tional leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, urged Nigerians to disregard the antics of those whom it said were hell bent on stunting the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, however, expressed surprise at what he described as the the knee jerk reactions of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, over its appeal for losers of elections to accept results in

a decent political culture are gradually being left behind.”

The statement read, ‘’the PDP bemoaned the uncouth reaction of both parties to an innocent advice intended to further stabilise Nigeria’s democracy.

“The PDP is alarmed at the hot air blown by the ACN and CPC over a simple advice for losers of elections to demonstrate sportsmanship. In giving this advice, we expected a sober reflection from those who have attempted to drag our democracy back through needless and endless litigations."

Lolo Mbakwe dies at 83

T

HE DEATH of a re nowned woman educationists, Lolo Josephine Mbakwe, Nee Osangwu, has been announced. Aged 83 years, she died recently after a brief illness.

According to Mrs Onyewushi Nwokeke, a Lagos-based businesswoman, (one of her children), Lolo Mbakwe will be buried on November 16,

after a funeral service at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Umuna, Orlu, Imo State.

Late Lolo Mbakwe

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—15

Swiss govt gives repatriated Nigerians aid

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

A

BUJA—NIGERIANS residing illegally in Switzerland have returned home under the Voluntary Return Programme introduced by the Swiss Department of Migration.

This was disclosed, yesterday, by Andre Kunzi, an official of the Switzerland Federal Office for Migration while on a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Hans-Rudolf Hodel, said the programme was introduced for Nigerian immigrants in Switzerland whose papers had expired and risked of deportation.

Hodel added that each of those affected was given between one and six thousand Swiss Francs to begin a small business when they returned to Nigeria.

He said the Swiss government had also introduced skills acquisition programme for those affected, adding that the scheme had impacted a lot on illegal immigrants.

According to DabiriErewa, the programme started in 2005. She thanked the Swiss government for the initiative. She said the programme had changed the lives of affected Nigerians positively.

SUMMIT: From left— Mr. Muhammad Usman, Kaduna State Commissioner of Education; Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education, and Dr. Sharehu Ladan, Director-General, National Teachers Institute, NTI, during 3rd NTI National Teachers Summit in Kaduna, yesterday.

2013 budget: Senate summons NNPC boss over NPDC $500m revenue

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—FOR failure to disclose revenue accruing to one of its subsidiaries, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, Senate, yesterday, summoned the Group Managing

Director, Nigeria National Petro-leum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, to appear before it.

Senate put such revenue that may be earned by NPDC annually at $500 million, which it stressed the NNPC spent.

Speaking, yesterday, when the DirectorGeneral Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogwu, appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance to defend the 2013 budget, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, warned that NPDC revenue and others might lead to adjustment in the revenue profile for 2013 budget.

Makarfi said: “We are going to invite NNPC to shed further light on this.

This is one of the adjustments that will be made to the revenue framework.”

Senate was told at the

budget defence that independent producers also paid zero amount for royalties from the marginal field they acquired, just as senators insisted that the royalties could not be zero.

Senate insisted it must be furnished with accruals from the marginal field profit tax.

Meanwhile, Federal Government has increased the amount to be spent for discoveries and exploration from N12 billion to N16 billion in 2013.

At yesterday’s budget defence, efforts by Okogwu to explain why

the NPDC revenue was not captured in the 2012 budget framework was turned down by the lawmakers.

According to Okogwu, NNPC has an agreement with Federal Government, which predated the present administration, where it was allowed to spend revenue accruals from NPDC to run its operation.

He said: “The understanding is that they need money to run the organi-sation since provision was not made for them in the annual budget.”

... demands FG's account of foreign grants

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—MEMBERS of the House of Representatives, yesterday, demanded to know the whereabout of grants from developed countries and various multilateral organisations to Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public affairs, Zakari Mohammed, who made the disclosure at a briefing, said the grants were not captured in the 2013 budget proposal and that lawmakers had no knowledge of how much they were and where they were domiciled.

Mohammed, who was reacting to media reports credited to Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi C M Y K

Okonjo-Iweala, urged the House not to politicise the issue of oil benchmark in the 2013 budget.

He said the 7th assembly was in pursuit of transparency and accountability, in line with its legislative agenda.

Mohammed said: “Our 2013 budget has come.

Do you know that grants that come to this country are not captured in the budget?

“Where are those funds being applied? And other series of accounts not known. We are asking for that account and bringing it to the public for everybody.

“Nobody can play monkey games with us. Grants are not captured in the budget. Please ask them because we want to know?”

He assured that the

House would not be blackmailed into passing the 2013 budget without asking pertinent questions, insisting that “as for 2013 budget, we will not serve as a garbage in, garbage out House. 2013 budget is on course. We are working on it; we will ask questions.”

Reacting to the minister ’s submission that benchmark determination was a professional and technical issue, Mohammed maintained that the House had thoroughbred professionals in various fields, competent enough to analyze the budget and fix benchmark.

He said: “We have professionals in this House, who are better than those parading themselves as having monopoly of managing the economy. No amount of blackmail will cow us.”

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Harriman's unfulfilled dreams

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

L

Dr. Hope Harriman (middle) flanked by former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun of Edo State (left) and Dr. E. K. Clark, at a South-South Peoples Assembly rally in Benin.

Tributes as Hope Harriman dies @ 79

BY EMMA AMAIZE, AUSTIN OGWUDA, EMMA ARUBI, FESTUS AHON, GODWIN OGHRE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

S

HOCK and disbelief greeted the death of elder statesman, bridgebuilder, industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Hope Harriman, who died, Wednesday, in Springfield, Maryland, United States of America, USA, two months to his 80th birthday.

Till his last moment, Harriman, Vanguard learnt, kept asking for the result of the United States presidential election from family members including his first son, Tuoyo Harriman by his hospital bedside.

Family sources said the prominent NigerDelta leader and vivacious Itsekiri chief from oil-rich Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, died after a brief illness.

National chairman of the South-South Peoples Assembly, SSPA and first civilian governor of Edo State, Chief John OdigieOyegun, was shocked when Vanguard broke the news to him.

He said: “Oh, my God, Niger-Delta and indeed, Nigeria, have lost an excellent man. He was a nationalist and very lovely person to be with.

“I am really pained. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and all those he left behind. He was just a fine man, a man who loved family and his country.

“You can be with him for hours without feeling bored. He exemplifies what a Nigerian should be and was full of life.”

Chairman of Delta State Peoples Elders Council, Senator Nosike Ikpo went nostalgic as he recalled the man, Harriman.

He said: “He was just one fine man; he represents a typical Itsekiri chief and Niger-Delta leader with his very big hat, walking stick and traditional attire that is always complemented with a broad smile.

“His death is unfortunate and a big loss to Niger-Delta. I pray that God will give his family the fortitude to bear the loss and let us hope that it will replaceable.”

Former Minister of State for Education, industrialist and criminologist, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, told Vanguard, yesterday: “I was told about his death five minutes after his demise. He was a gem and a great philanthropist, a man without boundaries for the love of Nigeria and humanity.

“Like I said, I heard about his death at 5.45 am and I am filled with tears because he has left a vacuum that Nigeria would C M Y K

have to search the entire country to get a replacement for.

“He departed my house here in Asokoro, Abuja via Lagos to the United States for this trip that he did not return from. You can see our relationship and my plight.”

Itsekiri Leaders of Thought in a statement by Mr. Edward Ekpoko, said: “It is with grief in our heart that we announce the passing on to glory of Chief Hope Harriman in Washington D.C. He was until his death a prominent member of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought.

“He was a jolly good fellow, who had no boundary to friends. He was two months shy of his 80th birthday, which we had looked up to celebrating with him.”

Member representing Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu in his reaction said: “He was a good man, God-fearing, good father and a de-tribalised Deltan.”

Ex-Commissioner in Delta State and former member, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Ejaife Odebala said: “Painful, painful, painful. Aunty Roli’s husband is no more. He was a great estate agent and property consultant.

Great businessperson from SouthSouth. It is a painful loss to Delta state and great loss to Itsekiri nation.”

Member representing Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Olorogun Talib Tebite, said: “What a loss. I am shocked. He was a great man. He is humility personified. His loss is a big one.”

Senator Adego Eferakeyan said: “I am in shock and don’t really know what to say now.”

According to Sir K.B. Omasteye, the Itsekiri nation will greatly miss Chief Hope Harriman for his love for peace and his principle of hard work. He described the late Harriman as his very good friend, whom he said was a truthful man.

According to him, the late Chief Hope Harriman strove for the peace and unity of Delta State throughout his lifetime.

Itsekiri leader and bosom friend of the late Harriman, Chief Peter Gbragada, A.K.A. Okiapele, broke down in tears, yesterday, when he heard the news of his death from Vanguard.

He said the Itsekiri nation and, indeed, the entire Delta State and Nigeria have lost a great personality.

Former member, House of Representa-

tives, Mr. Francis Maku-Eyituoyor extended his condolence to the Harriman family, particularly Madam Temi Harima, also an ex-member of the House of Representatives, who, he said, had lost her son, about a month ago.

Erstwhile member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Solomon Edojah, said: “Chief Harriman is what I describe as a role model. He is the type of man that Nigeria lacks that has brought us to this mess we are in.

“His daughter (Temi Harriman) was the only lawmaker that refused to collect money to support a third term bid.”

Former member of the Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, and Itsekiri youth leader, Mr. Omolubi Newuwumi; Opinion leader, Mr. Ben Tobi; Pro-National Conference Organisation, PRONACO, also expressed their shock and expressed their condolences.

ATE industrialist and iconic Estate Surveyor, Chief Hope Harriman, who died on Wednesday in the United States of America after a brief illness at 79 was a happy man but he had an aching dream he would have loved fulfilled before his death.

The Chartered Estate Surveyor wanted and sought for the merging of the three leading surveying institutions in Nigeria – the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and Nigerian Institution of Surveyors but could not realise it before his death.

Late Harriman last July led other professional surveyors to seek the merger of the institutions at a cocktail in honour of the NIESV President, Mr. Emeka Eleh, and his NIQS counterpart, Mr. Agele Alufohai, in Lagos.

A consummate chartered surveyor, Harriman said the ideal thing was to brand members of the three professions as chartered surveyors, noting that it was unfortunate that the surveying profession in Nigeria was segmented unlike in other Commonwealth countries where the different surveying practitioners belonged to the RICS. “The three surveying bodies should try and merge because we don’t stand a chance as fragmented units. We should not be retarded by the mistakes of the past,” he urged Until his death, Harriman’s loved profession remained fragmented.

He attended Government College, Ibadan, North Western Polytechnic, London and Christ’s College, University of Cambridge.

Harriman was regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the practice, education and development of the Estate Management profession in Nigeria and beyond.

PROFILE real estate HIEF Harriman was a litician. He guru and front line po d the first an was the Sobaloju of Ife ity Trust. un mm Co o Chair of the Ugborod rm an , ai Ch d an er Pr in cip al Pa rtn y Harriman and Compan in 1933 and an rri Wa in rn bo s He wa nt Co lle ge , me rn alu mn us of Go ve vernment ColIbadan. He attended Go stern Polytechlege, Ibadan, North We llege, and Uninic, London, Christ Co . versity of Cambridge rveyor by proHe was a Chartered su Royal Institufession, a Fellow of the rs, Nigerian yo tion of Chartered Surve rs and Valuyo rve Su Institution of Estate

C

n of Manageers, Nigerian Institutio ment. mber of nuHarriman was board me luding NDCC, merous companies, inc . He joined the NBTC, Evans Medical Plc , December Plc board of Evans Medical 2003. g authorities He was one of the leadin ment of Estate in practice and develop n in Nigeria and Management professio beyond. sident of the He was the pioneer pre tate Surveyor Nigerian Institute of Es ) and the first and Valuers (1969-1975 ational Real ern Int Chapter President, Estate Federation.

Dr. Harriman (left) and Rev. Bolude Oyebolu at the installation of Harriman as Akogun of Okemesi-Ekiti at in 1986.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 17

Near death experience I

The Obamas: Another four years at the White House

I

FEARED that Barack Obama would lose the American presidential election but he sailed through; and I am grateful and relieved to the point of tearfulness.

My son is at school in the US and when one of his White American friends’ mothers asked me, a few weeks ago, what I thought of Obama’s policies, I shocked the poor woman by saying that I feel so emotionally attached to what he represents that I try to find a way to agree with

Obama: Glad he won everything he does or says!

I grant you that mine is not a mature or intellectually credible or morally justifiable approach. But I reckon that Obama deserves a bit of blind loyalty!

I am so very, very proud of the first Black President of the

most powerful nation on earth.

He and his wife Michelle are a great team and Class Act – as in clever, compassionate, principled and inspirational.

I thank God for sending them to uplift the ailing global image of a Black race that is usually linked to failure.

OPINION On the nation’s perennial fuel scarcity

I

T is saddening and a para dox that a nation that is richly endowed with abundant human as well as natural resources, such as crude oil, could be in dire need of what is supposed to be a blessing.

Our problems are no doubt man-made. They are generally hinged on bad leadership, corruption, poor maintenance culture, lack of patriotism and institutional failure.

Nigeria, a leading member of the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries, OPEC, has, no doubt, a large percentage of its foreign exchange earnings generated from the sales of crude oil.

While many of the consuming nations, which buy crude oil from Nigeria are comfortable with their fuel situation, our dear country is engulfed in incessant fuel crises, which has been taking a toll on virtually all facets of its national life because of the strategic importance of oil.

Latest is the recent scarcity experienced in major cities across the country as motorists formed long queues at the C M Y K

,

BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

While many of the consuming nations, which buy crude oil from Nigeria are comfortable with their fuel situation, our dear country is engulfed in incessant fuel crises

,

filling stations. Many of the filling stations sold a litre of petrol for N115, while others sold it for N150 or more, as against the official price of N97.

Initial reports of the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, were described as ‘an ordinary hitch’ in the supply chain to some Northern states has now spread to other parts of the country. Reports said the scarcity may linger for many more weeks!

Incessant fuel crises have led to long queues of vehicles at several filling stations across the country. In addition

to the sky-rocketing, deviating pump price and racketeering, it has led to a huge rise in the cost of living and increased hardship for the people.

Unscrupulous marketers usually seize the opportunity of the situation to hoard the commodity in anticipation of announcement of a rise in pump price, promoting the black market.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had blamed the shortage on the continued closure of a vandalised NNPC System 2B pipeline at Arepo, Ogun State.

Repair works at the vandalised pipeline were stopped after suspected vandals allegedly killed three NNPC engineers at the site.

The vandals were said to have opened fire and fatally wounded three of the unsuspecting workers as they tried to gain access to the damaged points, after the flames were put out and product supply successfully cut off.

Continues on the Viewpoint pg 18

*Mr. Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

AM just emerging from a major nightmare. It began last week when I was in Port Harcourt. Firstly, I suddenly, out of the blue, found it extremely hard to breathe and started to gasp for air. Then I had a massive nosebleed.

Various Nigerian doctors from various private and government hospitals ran various tests, offered various diagnoses and provided various treatments. But none of them knew what exactly was wrong with me; and I went from bad to worse to crisis.

I could barely stand up. I couldn’t perform simple tasks. I nearly lost the will to live. At one point, I had to be carried to a hospital in the middle of the night, so I could be hooked up to an oxygen tank before I completely collapsed.

Eventually, I fled to London, where I received excellent treatment; and I’m still fragile, but on the road to recovery.

And, while thanking God for allowing me the rare privilege of access to Western healthcare, let me also beg Him to help the average Nigerian medic become as effective as the average foreign medic.

Given that Nigerian doctors do NOT lack brains – and that quite a few of them were even trained internationally - they really need to solve their image problem and inspire more confidence.

The minute I started to feel poorly, most of my friends and relatives started to urge me to go abroad, rather than “ waste time” or “take risks with your life” by putting myself in the hands of Nigerian doctors.

It is outrageous for a country of Nigeria’s stature to be regarded as a dangerous place to fall ill in. Something needs to be done; and fast.

Food for thought

F

ROM

Peter

Udosen

(fazclean_ventures@yahoo.com), a regular reader. He is reacting to my oft-expressed frustration about the state of the country.

Dear Donu, I think I can interest you in what Lerone Bennett Jr said in his “The road not taken”, which was published in Ebony Magazine in August 1970. Kole Omotoso adapted it as a substitute for a preface in his book, Just Before Dawn (Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan) from where I lifted it.

Here it goes: “…A nation is an amalgam of critical decisions made at crucial forks in the road. A nation is a choice. It chooses itself at fateful forks in the road by turning left or right, by giving up something or taking something, and in the giving up and the taking in, the deciding and not deciding...

And even afterwards, the people and the nation are defined by fork and the decision that was made there as well as the decision that was not made engraves itself into things, into institutions, nerves, muscles, tendons, and the first decision requires a second decision and the second decision requires a third and it goes on and on until one day the people wake up and discover that they are mad and corrupt and divided and that they built war and hate and blood into the very

air they breathe.”

My take is in agreement with the above - that a nation is the choice of its people. I am not shedding tears, Don’t Donu. I am not. Law is said to provide facilities in pure reasoning as well as provide ability to detect fallacies in reasoning.

We are not building the Nigerian state on the three pillars known to good governance, which are accountability, probity and transparency, APT. When every politician insists on installing his surrogate in office, he is building on selfinterest. I guess this is where the burden cracks you for always having to repeat yourself on elementary facts.

And according to John Adams: ”Facts are stubborn things and nobody can erase them”.

Weep not for Nigeria for we do not know how many forks are ahead on this journey, and what to drop or pick.

Warm Regards.

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 WHY all the outrage about Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, refusing to administer oath of office on Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, as a justice of the Appeal Court? Is hers the only instance of the mass violation of the Constitution that everyone in the executive, judiciary and National Assembly has encouraged?

The current posturing is a charade and another in the ways that we react instead of acting. It is a disgrace that the exalted office of a Court of Appeal justice would be treated so indecorously. Any petition on Justice Jumbo-Ofo, should have been handled before the event. Was the petition received that morning? Why humiliate her by assigning her a seat, then asking her to leave the ceremony? Family and associates, including the Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, came to congratulate her.

She was qualified to be a Justice of the Court of Appeal. Abia State judiciary, where, according to Governor Orji, she had served faithfully, nominated her. She was denied a place because she was from

Pret ence TTo o Jus tice Pretence Justice Anambra State and should not occupy Abia State’s slot. Governor Orji reportedly in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria said her nomination was in recognition of her meritorious service to Abia State. He asked the Chief Justice of Nigeria to disregard the petition against her.

The Jumbo-Ofo case falls fully under discrimination, a common, unconstitutional practice in Nigeria.

Section 42 (1) of the Constitution states, “A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to

disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject.”

State-owned higher institutions that demand higher school fees from students dubbed non-indigenes are practising the same discrimination Section 42 forbids. Are all the people shouting about Justice Jumbo-Ofo unaware of these discriminatory practices?

More pointedly, Section 42 (2) states, “No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth.” Would justice have been done once Jumbo-Ofo is elevated to the Court of Appeal?

No, it would be mere pretence to justice.

Millions of Nigerians are suffering discrimination. Justice Jumbo-Ofo’s case has just highlighted how thriftily we consider the Constitution.

The Constitution cannot award us rights as citizens and we access the rights as indigenes: it is a contradiction that must be addressed, beyond Jumbo-Ofo.

OPINION

BY EDWIN EKENE

I

T is only a die-hard cynic that will discredit the impactful role our entertainment industry has played and is still playing in the country. Looking at where the industry was in the last century; how it evolved from the use of celluloid to the current use of high definition video camera, even an unrepentant optimist would have doubted the sector ’s ability to gain its current global recognition.

According to Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, entertainment is any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time, and may also provide fun, enjoyment and laughter. Some of the popular performing arts in Nigeria are musical theatre, comedy, film and music. There is no doubt that the industry has come of age, and like every adult who must fairly and squarely face up to the constant responsibilities and challenges life will throw at him, the sector apart from contributing to our Gross Domestic Product and creating jobs for Nigerians, must also be a strong partner, if not the main tool for the laundering of our bad image abroad.

Though, there is no specific date that is generally agreed among the players in the movie industry as the date or year motion picture actually began in the country, but credit must go to early C M Y K

Nigeria

entertainment

pioneers like Herbert Ogunde, Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugboma and so on, because it was their courageous adventures that paved the way for Kenneth Nnebue’s "Living in Bondage", the first block-buster movie made for commercial purposes in Nigeria in 1992. Ever since then, the movie industry has become a money spinner for all manner of persons, ranging from the producers, directors, actors/actresses, script writers, costume designers/artists, studio mangers and studio engineers, camera men, editors and other persons whose services were employed from the pre-production stage, production and post-production stage. This breakthrough is really worth celebrating! But the challenges must not be ignored because it has not really been easier for players on the field. The cost of producing the average Nigerian film is between $17,000 and $30,000; and it takes between one to three weeks to produce a home video.

Sometimes the qualities of the movies are questioned because of funding problem and expensive equipment.

Investors cannot confidently finance movie production in the country because of piracy and the nonexistence of a well-structured distribution network that will make it impossible for some marketers who do

industry

not mean well for the industry to determine the fate of a producer. The highlighted problems were part of the reasons President Goodluck Jonathan gave a lifeline of $200 million to the sector in 2010.

However, according to statistics recently released to the public by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Mr. Robert Orya, the Nigerian film industry is ranked third in the world in terms of revenue generation. In the last three years, ‘Nollywood’ as the Nigerian movie industry is popularly known, generated about $800 million revenue.

T

he industry has a regulatory body that approves what Nigerians watch, and it is called the National Films and Videos Census Board, NFVCB. Between 2008 and 2010, about 7,543 titles were produced in the country; 2,408 titles were produced in 2008; 2,514 titles were produced in 2009 and 2,621 titles were produced in 2010. The business of making movies is majorly done in English and four Nigerian languages in this percentage profile: English—44 percent; Yoruba—31 percent; Hausa – 24 percent and Igbo –1 percent. The global market value of the film and entertainment industry is about $906

in

perspective

billion according to 2010 reports, and it has been projected that by the end of this year, it will rise to about $102.7 billion. On the whole, North America has the largest market share of 40 percent, followed by Europe, Middle East and Africa which accounted for 24 percent of the global market share index. The next on the line is Latin America with 20 percent market share, while Asia Pacific accounted for just three percent.

Nonetheless, it is not enough for our movies to project our lifestyles, cultures, fashions, diverse religions and other trendy issues in the country, but it should also be pro-active by using positive imaginations in unveiling some innate opportunities lying fallow in the country. It should also fight against the moral decadence in the society. Above all, our entertainment industry should correct the negative impression about Nigerians by foreigners, while at the same time, Nigerians whether in the Diaspora or at home should conduct themselves in the most ethical manner, because laws are ethics codified.

•Mr. Ekene, a social critic, wrote from Achara Layout, Enugu State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 19

, T

HE other Wednesday night I was sharing a table with South African music icon, Mr. Hugh Masekela, Bra Hugh as everybody in Jo’burg calls him. He is rhapsodising about the vibes of Lagos and the different, different behinds of Lagos Mamas and why Lagos is such a place to be and be proud of. Then a young African lady walked up to our table and asked if she could be photographed with Bra Hugh. Without any hesitation Bra Hugh said no and continued his adventures of Lagos.

The night club we were at once in a month, usually a Wednesday, provided a platform for new music talents to come and do their thing in front of a patronising paying audience. And every month, young singers male and female, White and Black come

to do their thing. Drinks are served and meals are sumptuous and the atmosphere is chick.

The young lady who wished to immortalise her meeting with Bra Hugh was wearing blonde attachments to her naturally black hair. When asked why Bra Hugh would not be photographed with her, he said that he did not like African ladies who did not like their own natural hair. He mentioned the fact that Indian ladies would not wear other people’s hair. Nor would Caucasian ones wear the hairs from the heads of other human species. Why must African ladies wear the hairs of Indians and Europeans and even of animals, wear any hair but theirs?

Anyone who has watched Good Hair, a documentary by Chris Rock would know,

among so many things else, that the hair business is a multi-billion dollar business world-wide. And it is not only African ladies alone who support it. Young ladies use hair extensions because it makes them glamourous without really trying. Older women use extra hair to boost their own hair and retain their youthful looks. Celebrities use them.

T

here are different names for different types: Remi hair is where all strands face the same way and come from the same person’s head; Virgin hair is one that has not been processed; Double drawn is where the hair is all of the same length and weft hair is where extra strips of hair are attached to the customer ’s hair with micro rings or with glue.

Few customers know or care

On the nation’s perennial fuel scarcity

BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI Continued from pg. 17

A

LSO attributed to the scarcity is the reluctance by members of the Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria, JEPTFON, to import the commodity due to the fact that most of them already owed banks for fuel imported on behalf of the NNPC on credit.

As a result of the fuel scarcity, the Senate invited the Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu to a meeting alongside the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, Reginald Stanley and stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector to find a lasting solution.

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir had equally blamed the nation’s fuel scarcity on the continued lack of adequate security for petroleum marketers.

He stated that members of his association suspended the lifting of fuel from refineries due to insecurity of their trucks, to allow for the restoration of the vandalized pipelines and to ensure that products could move to the inland depots.

It is, however, not clear whether there is more to the fuel scarcity than what the public is made to believe, going by claims that IPMAN had been unable to import from international markets because their subsidy payments had been stopped.

Industry sources claim that the scarcity is further fuelled by the refusal of oil marketers to resume importation of fuel due to the N200 billion fuel

C M Y K

,

subsidies owed the marketers since last year under the Petroleum Subsidy Fund, PSF, scheme.

The Federal Ministry of Finance on its part stated that it had paid N259 billion as outstanding subsidies for 2011 and another N78.8 billion for this year despite the marketers’ outcry of an alleged outstanding payment of up to N100 billion, while about N200bn said to be owed the oil marketers by the Federal Government.

Going by past experiences, the nagging episode of the perennial fuel crises may not abate until concerted efforts are made by the relevant stakeholders. First, the activities of vandals should be stopped.

These faceless people rupture pipelines, causing the system to close down and create abysmal short supply of petroleum products.

Oil pipelines have severally been blown up or damaged not only by militants in the Niger Delta areas but also in many other parts of the country.

The pipeline networks are thereby compromised, forcing the government to outsource security of facilities for more than N6 billion.

It is quite unfortunate that our oil pipelines are insecure in this part of the world. In other countries that produce crude oil, pipelines are well secured.

Government and the relevant security agencies must ensure that our oil pipelines are secure at all times to prevent recurrence of the ugly incident of the killing of oil workers on routine maintenance duties as witnessed at the Arepo village and elsewhere.

It is not tidy that knowing the importance of the System 2B pipeline to the country and how dastardly pipeline vandals could be in their nefarious activities that the authorities should still send workers to repair the

,

Good hair, bad hair

Few customers know or care about one of the effects of such attachments to their head; it is called traction alopecia, a form of hair loss; customers even care less about where these hairs come from

about one of the effects of such attachments to their head. It is called traction alopecia, a form of hair loss. Customers even care less about where these hairs come from. They come from India, they come from China and they come from Eastern Europe. There are business people in these places who collect these hairs, separate and grade them and send them on to the centres of world fashion – London and New York. In India, women who lose their hair lose them to temples where they had pledged to give their hair if their wishes were granted by the god of the particular temple. Maybe they wanted to have a child or they wanted their relative to be made well.

These temples in turn sell the hair to entrepreneurs.

But not all the shaving of women with fabulously long hair is done with such normality. Hair is a treasure and like all treasures it can and is forcibly taken, stolen, high-jacked and criminally acquired. So, like blood diamond, there has been an attempt to obtain ‘ethically ’ acquired hair. There is a story put out by the Moscow Centre for Prison Reform that warders forcibly shave and sell the hair of prisoners in Russia.

What is fashion anyway if not the glorification of everything artificial? You can buy fake tans, dress in false

It is imperative to make sure that all the four refineries function in order to reduce the country‘s dependence on fuel importation; more refineries should be built to cater for the ever-increasing needs of the country

,

vandalized pipeline at Arepo, notorious for pipeline vandalism, without adequate police protection.

It is high time oil prospecting companies involved communities at ensuring that the pipes that passed through their domains are safeguarded.

Inadequate refineries, malfunctioning or under-functioning of existing refineries are another culprit for the incessant fuel crises. At the moment, none of the countr y ‘s refineries is working efficiently, making the country to depend on 100 per cent fuel importation.

The NNPC is known to have imported more fuel into the country than the combined efforts of all the major oil marketers in 2009.

Efforts should be stepped up in ensuring that new refineries are in place so that there can be enough fuel for domestic consumption and if possible, importation.

In tune with the government’s much-touted privatization programme, it could be economically wise for marketers to pool resources to build refineries - provided the business environment is conducive - instead of depending on fuel importation.

It is imperative to make sure that all

eye-lashes, wear fake teeth and proudly display your false breasts. And there are fake nails as well. So, why not wear false hair or hair belonging to some other body or animal?

Was Bra Hugh simply responding to African ladies not being proud of their natural hair?

Was he responding to the everlasting fate of Africa to consume what it does not produce and produce what it does not consume? What economic damages are African ladies doing to their countries by importing the hair of fellow females from India, from China and from Eastern Europe?

One of my nieces once came to Lagos with me to replenish her hair salon by buying hair extension in Lagos. She was so genuinely into her business and the ramifications of it that I did not have the temerity to challenge her particular line of business activity. She could not be bothered where the hair came from. She was so much in a hurry to get back to her anxiously waiting customers in Akure that she left me in Lagos and took public transport back!

I am not sure I like ladies who wear hair extensions. And I don’t think they listen if I tell them I like African hair in beautiful weaves!

the four refineries function in order to reduce the country‘s dependence on fuel importation. In fact, more refineries should be built to cater for the ever-increasing population and needs of the country.

Refining of the country ’s crude would lead to higher opportunities in a deregulated market; stimulate medium scale service industries, better industrial capacity utilization and creation of greater job opportunities for our teeming restive, unemployed youths.

The Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Enrique Arundel, once wondered why the subsidy became serious as he attempted to identify Nigeria’s problem; he said misplaced preference to export at the expense of refining our crude oil makes the cost of oil to be high when compared to his country.

Arundel had punctured the argument put forward by oil bureaucrats that Nigeria has the lowest price of refined products among oil-producing countries. He posited that refining the nation’s crude oil would have brought more returns in terms socio-economic benefits.

Non–challant attitude of managers and operators in the oil industry may be another factor encouraging fuel services in Nigeria. The Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Group Managing Director of NNPC had consistently refused several invitations by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, in a bid to find lasting solutions to the incessant fuel crises in the country.

This action is a clear indication that the managers of the nation’s petroleum industry are not ready to have robust deliberation and scrutiny that could bail-out the troubled sector.

Concluded

*Mr Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

20

— Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, NOVEMBER 9,

2012

Reappointment palaver: EBSU VC in the eye of the storm

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

T

HESE indeed are not hap py days for the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki, Prof Francis Idike considering that he is in the centre of a storm of controversy now plaguing both principal officers and staff of the institution since his planned reappointment by the state government for another term in office was made public. The Vice Chancellor who was first appointed in 2008 for a term of four years under the Ebonyi State University Law is now under consideration to be reappointed under the amended EBSU law of 2011 which proposes five years in office for some principal officers of the institution.

The argument among some academic stakeholders in the University community is that the Vice Chancellor do not qualify to be reappointed under a Law which did not enable his first appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University. They stressed that the University Law had been amended to suit “the selfish interest” of some principal officers of the University contrary to the expectation of others. Some of them who did not want their names mentioned expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner the VC had been piloting the affairs of the institution, especially with the increment of schools fees during his stay as Vice Chancellor.

Speaking with Vanguard Metro, VM, the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, Ebonyi State chapter, Prof Emeka Nwakpu, described the move made by the Governing Council of the institution towards the reappointment of the Vice Chancellor as wrong. “The Council is trying to recommend the reappointment of the Vice Chancellor and we’re saying it’s wrong.

The EBSU Law of 2011 has not taken effect yet; you have to appoint before you reappoint.

No one has been appointed under that Law let alone reappointed; because we have an amended Law in place since May 2011. So nobody has been appointed on the basis of that Law; so why should they be talking about reappointment.

The law has not appointed anybody and so it cannot reappoint. The EBSU law was passed by the Ebonyi State

*Citadel of controversy: Entrance gate of the EBSU. INSET: The Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Idike House of Assembly”.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, had begun investigation into all the projects executed under the administration of the Vice Chancellor from 2009 till date. VM investigation revealed that the EFCC decided to probe all the contracts awarded by the Vice Chancellor because of the numerous petitions it received from some staff of the institution alleging financial misappropriation by some key officials of the insti-

,

So nobody has been appointed on the basis of that Law; so why should they be talking about reappointment; the law has not appointed anybody and so it cannot reappoint

Operations, South East zone, Enugu, the Commission charged the Vice Chancellor of EBSU to assist it carry out its investigation accordingly.

It read in part: “This Commission is investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain information from you has become imperative. You are requested to provide the list of contracts/ procurements (com-

confirmed the receipt of the letter sent by the EFCC, stated that the institution had replied the Commission by sending details relating to all the contracts awarded by the University till date. He, however, denied any form of financial misappropriation by his administration as Vice Chancellor.

124 technical assistants for local government MDGs projects where the MDGs conditional

T

HE Federal Government has unveiled 64 new Technical Assistants recently employed and 60 former ones to take charge of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Conditional Grant Scheme, CGS, in local government areas across the country ahead of the 2015 deadline for the achievement of the MDGs targets.

It will be recalled that states and local governments under the conditional grants scheme, provide matching funds to the Federal Government MDGs Debt Relief grant to step up the execution of MDGs projects in the rural areas where the MDGs indices are low.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a oneweek training for the new officers alongside 60 others who were retained, Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr Precious Gbeneol, said that apart from 113 local government areas, LGAs,

,

tution.

Also, the probe came on the heels of the planned reappointment of the Vice Chancellor of the institution and other principal officers by the Ebonyi State government for another term in office. In a letter titled “Investigation Activities, Request for Document” dated October 4, 2012 with reference No. CR/3000/EFCC/EN/BF/TB/ VOL.6/389 and signed by Mr. Paul Timbushi, for the Head of

pleted and ongoing) executed by the University from 2009 to date; certified true copies of all documents relating to advertisements, bidding, award and acceptance letters of all contracts from 2009 to date; and certified true copies of all vouchers/E-payment mandates raised for the payment of such contracts”.

Reacting, Prof Idike who

grants scheme was already ongoing, additional 148 local governments have been added for the year 2012.

This brings the total number of local governments under the MDGs conditional grant scheme to 261 local governments.

Dr Gbeneol, whilst addressing the technical assistants, reiterated that the services of the 60 officers were retained based strictly on their on-thejob performance.

Speaking further on the issue of conditional grants scheme, Dr Gbeneol stated that several state governments had responded by providing their counterpart funding for the 2012 projects, adding that presently a lot of jobs are ongoing in the originally scaled up 113 LGs. Mrs Gbeneol also informed the gathering that the Federal Government portion of the funds for the new 148 LGs would be con-

cluded before year ends as it is expected that Mr President will approve it shortly.

According to Dr Gbeneol, the training was meant to acquaint the new officers with the details of their schedule of duties in devolving development to the grassroots, adding that the training would provide a platform for the old officers to clear grey areas they had to face whilst in the field.

While acknowledging the critical position the officers occupy in the success of the MDGs programme, Dr Precious Gbeneol warned the new technical assistants as well as the old ones against dereliction of duty, saying that any one found wanting on the job would be relived of his/her duties as there is every need for fast tracking of the country’s attainment of the MDGs. The SSAP MDGs concluded by stressing that “ your role demands commitment to the job and cooperation with local officials”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 21

Nigeria, Ghana trade not economically beneficial —Ghana Consulate

BY NAOMI UZOR

T From left: Ms Tinu Awe, Head, Legal Division,Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Executive Director, Market Operations Technology, NSE, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo; Managing Director/CEO, Vita Foam Plc, Mr. Joel Ajiga and Technical Director, Vita Foam Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi at the Bell Ringing ceremony to commemorate the company 50th anniversary at the Exchange.

MAN, Chinese investors partner to develop SMEs

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM & WILLIAM JIMOH

T

he Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State chapter, is collaborating with Wenzhou, a group of investors from China, in a bid to promote and develop the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Exchange Business Forum held at the association’s secretariat in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Dayo Oguntuga, represented by Alhaji Rafiu Anifowose, Human Resources Manager, affirmed that the relationship being forged by MAN nad the Chinese firm would go a long way in strengthening the industrial base of both country, Nigeria especially.

He observed that it would be difficult for the country to attain a level of selfsufficiency if it continues to focus on importation alone.

His words, “There is no two ways to it, when we are talking about the GDP of a county, it is based on the amount of goods you are able to produce; not what you can market. We cannot continue to be a dependent nation, thus the need for us to increase our production capacity.”

He admonished the Nigeria government at all levels to boost their efforts towards developing and improving the

entrepreneurship project in the country by making available loans and subsidies that will increase interest in producing effective and efficient made-in-Nigeria products.

Dr. Oguntuga, therefore, urged the participant at the forum to take the advantage of the partnership in other to have the needed technological expertise that the Chinese are introducing into the Nigerian SMEs. In his own address, Vice President, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Wenzhou branch, Mr. Chen Qi, said they are very happy to do business with Nigerian as he promised to be of help to any MAN member or Nigerian that have interest in doing business in China.

“If any Nigerian individual go to China for business, and they encounter any problem, they can contact us for help,” he affirmed.

He added that they want to be producing and rendering products and services which include foot wears, clothes, plastics making and pharmaceuticals which they believed is going to impact both the expertise and the economic life of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

Other area promised to invest in by the Chinese are in the production of electrical appliances, handcraft, wire cable production, ceramics and construction,n as well as building materials.

The leaders of the Chinese crew present at the event are; Huang Jian, the Minister China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Wenzhou branch, Jian Lijun, Deputy Director General and Wang Xiulam principal staff member.

Indigenous operators call for acreage allocation

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE & EDIRI EJOH

O

ne of the key promises of the earlier versions of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, was to reduce the stranglehold on inactive acreages by International Oil Companies, IOCs. However, there is no clause in the new bill under consideration at the National Assembly that sets aside any acreage category for indigenous participants.

Indigenous operators in the oil and gas sector are of the opinion that the Nigerian Content policy did not really address acreage allocations and acquisitions; rather, the policy focuses more on services.

Speaking with Vanguard on the sideline of a PIB workshop orgainsed by Ernst &Young in Lagos recently, the Executive Director of Pillar Oil Limited, Mr.

he Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Alhaji Baba Kamara, has said that even though the economies of Nigeria and Ghana have been growing in the last decades, it has not translated into the economic development that is required to lift both countries from poverty.

Speaking at the Ghana business forum on fringes at the 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), Kamara said the growth has not translated into the economic development that is required to lift the masses of our people from poverty because the growth in our gross domestic product is largely attributed to the growth in the oil and gas sector and other extractive industries.

“For the needed economic development and transformation to take place, we need to create the enabling environment that will see government and the private sector invest in the productive sectors of the economy where quality goods and services will be produced at competitive prices for domestic consumption and export. It is when we produce quality goods that we can compete with products from other countries that we can effectively trade between the two countries and reap the benefits that it brings” he said.

151.6

+1.0

2,474.00

+12.00

19.57 -0.02 Seye Fadahusi, argued that small companies must have access to acreage in other to grow.

“The Nigerian content policy does not really address acreage allocations and acquisitions, as 110.66 -0.41 such, it focuses more on services.

88.31 -0.40 “For acreage allocation, if you have indigenous companies which usually are small firms, if they don’t have the possibility of growing because oil CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING is a finite resource, when you are producing from DOLLAR 154.74 155.24 155.74 acreage if it finishes, everybody goes home.

STERLING 247.5221 248.3219 249.1217 “So essentially, you must be able to get EURO 198.2529 198.8935 199.5341 additional acreage and grow and that is one of FRANC 164.163 164.6934 165.2238 1.9304 1.9366 1.9429 the things we want to see on the PIB to ensure YEN 0.2824 0.2924 0.3024 that serious indigenous companies have access CFA WAUA 235.8579 236.62 237.3821 to acreage,” he said.

RENMINBI 24.7817 24.8622 24.9427 He, therefore, reiterated that granting Nigerian RIYAL 41.2596 41.3929 41.5262 independents acreage access will stimulate the KRONA 26.5653 26.6511 26.7369 236.7367 237.5017 238.2666 development of the otherwise small and stranded SDR fields for commercial benefits for the government CBN Exchange rate as at 07/11/20127 and the nation.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

NYSE to sell stakes to plug capital gap

N

From left: Vice President, Mr. Tola Odukoya, Mr. Malcolm Gilroy Head of Sales & Trading both of Dunn Lorren Merrifield and Mr. Bola Adeeko, Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Communication, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), during a programme for Capital Market Correspondents, in Lagos.

Stanbic IBTC sets Nov 29 to pay cancelled shares

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

S

TANBIC IBTC has set a deadline of November 29 to pay shareholders for shares cancelled as a result of its delisting from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

It would be recalled that the shares of the bank were placed on suspension following its decision to adopt a Holding Company model under the new banking rules of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

With the ownership of the bank and its subsidiaries to be transferred to the holding company, the shares of the bank would be de-listed from the Exchange and subsequently cancelled.

“In line with the provisions of the scheme document approved by shareholders the excess capital from the bank’s share cancellation will be returned to shareholders as cash. The bank intends to pay shareholders for the cancelled shares within 21 working days from 08 November 2012,” said a statement from the bank yesterday.

The statement reads, “Stanbic IBTC has officially adopted a holding company structure, following final approvals by regulatory authorities. The holding company (HoldCo) structure is in compliance with the revised regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Nigeria which requires banks to divest from non-core banking businesses or adopt a holdCo structure.

Under the new structure, the operating subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC are Stanbic IBTC Bank (including Stanbic Nominees Nigeria

Limited), Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, Stanbic IBTC Ventures Limited, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited and Stanbic IBTC Investments Limited.

Stanbic IBTC Capital

Limited and Stanbic IBTC Investments Limited are newly incorporated companies.

Subsequently, the shares of Stanbic IBTC Bank are on full suspension. The process of delisting the bank from the trading list of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and listing Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has commenced. The entire

process should be completed in about two weeks.

Confirming the development, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Holdings stated that the new structure will consolidate the strengths and expertise of different business unit and enhance the group’s ability to drive future growth.

This will guarantee significant benefits to shareholders, employees and customers.

NASCON grosses N9.2bn in nine months …as NSE maintains upward trend

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

N

ational Salt Company, NASCON, has reported gross earning of N9.223 billion for nine months ended 30 th September, 2012.

The figure represents 27.02 percent increase over N7.261 billion achieved in the same period of 2011.

The company’s unaudited financial results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, showed that profit after tax improved by 50.44 percent to N2.049 billion from N1.362 billion in corresponding period of 2011.

Cost of sales was, however, on the increase pointing to deplorable infrastructures in the country. It rose to N5.435 billion from N4.495 billion in 2011.

Paint Coating Manufacturers of Nigeria

which also released its results recorded increase in gross earning to N1.798 billion from N1.298 billion, while profit after tax jumped to N170.348 million from N83.356 million in corresponding period of 2011.

Meanwhile, transactions on the floor of the exchange continued its upward rally with both the market capitalization of listed equities and all share index recording 0.26 per cent increase within the day.

At the end of trading for the day, the equities capitalization rose by N22 billion to close at N 8.538 trillion, while the all share index went up to 26,792.27 basis points, a 68.25 increase.

They had opened the day at N 8.516 trillion and 26,724.02 points respectively.

A total of 22 stocks recorded price gains, while another 26 joined the league of losers.

RedStar Express rose by

maximum 10 percent to lead the pack of other gainers. It opened at N2.80 and closed at N3.08 per share.

Custodian and Allied Insurance followed on the day’s gainers’ table, rising by 84 per cent or N0.10 per share to close at N1.29 from N1.19.

Neimeth gained N0.85 or 5 per cent to close at N1.05 from N1.00; Oando gained N0.58 or 4.96 per cent to close at N12.28, while Honeywell Flourmills rose by N0.10 or 4.74 percent to close at N2.21 from N2.11 to close at the last three stocks on the top five gainers’ table.

On the other hand, Conoil led the price losers’ chart, declining by 4.96 percent to close at N18.78 from the previous N19.76, followed by UAC-Prop that lost N0.55 or 4.89 percent to close at N10.70 from N11.25.

YSE Euronext said it would sell its stakes in assets totalling about $100m to help plug a shortfall in regulatory capital stemming from tough new regulations around derivatives clearing in Europe.

The exchanges operator told analysts that it would need to double its regulatory capital from its current level of about $180m, with the majority related to the planned expansion of its European clearing house.

NYSE, which said it may raise funds through the sale of stakes in LCH.Clearnet and Multi Commodity Exchange of India, also said it would spend more than forecast this year on its London-based clearing operations. Shares in the group closed down 5.2 per cent to $24.27 in New York.

The moves come amid a corporate reorganisation and refocus in the wake of European regulators’ decision to block the group’s planned merger with Deutsche Börse earlier this year.

Lafarge WAPCO records N16.3bn PBT in third quarter

L

afarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc has announced a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N16.2billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This represents a growth of 90 percent when compared to N8.5billion recorded for the corresponding period 2011.

Commenting on the result, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Hudson, said “Outlook for the rest of the year remains positive as we continue to leverage on improvements and cost efficiency initiatives deployed during the year”.

Continuing, he said, ‘‘we are leading the required differentiation in the Nigerian cement market and will continue to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders through our innovative products and services”.

“Our ReadyMix business has become a preferred solution in the concrete sector in Nigeria.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 23

Campaigns, experiential marketing do not change consumers behaviour — African Marketing Forum

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

T

HE African Social Marketing Forum has said that commercial campaigns, experiential marketing and engagement through winning propositions and amount spent on campaigns do not guarantee a successful change in consumers attitude.

This was the assertion of life experiences of discussants at the first African Social Marketing Forum hosted by EXP, an activation agency in Nigeria, where it agreed that it does not matter how big or how much spent on campaigns, but rather, what tactics are employed to break down the barriers confronted daily, can only help companies achieve their objectives of engaging and making a difference.

Speaking, David Boon, Group Director, EXP International, on ‘Experiential marketing, Insights, Learn-

ing and Best Practices,’ said, “from experience, concept of experiential marketing knowledge does not change consumers insight. “We do a lot of work across Africa and have seen a trend of opening the corridors of communication and networking, sharing ideas across industries – all with the view to trying to help in learning from each other in making their efforts more effective.”

According to him,”Whether we are in commercial marketing or Social Marketing, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) field, we are all about behaviour change, while noting that there are three levels of knowledge which are; shared understanding, shared commitment and unity of action.

Based these actions, Ms. Lillian Achieng, Social Marketing Regional Coordinator, EXP, East Africa had to tie this to the sanitation programme in

Tanzania and Lighting Africa Programme in Kenya, whilst giving best practice and insights from East Africa on sexual and reproductive health, renewable energy, civic

education, hygiene and sanitation which worked as a result of the social marketing mechanism fused into the programmes.

Euro Global unveils new products at partners’ forum

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU & ESTHER ONYEGBULA

E

URO Global Foods and Distilleries Limited has unveiled three new products; Savana Apple Drink, Julius Tonic Wine and Tempranillo Wine, as it fetes trade partners.

Speaking at the event, Director, Sales, Euro Global Foods Mr. Felix Aighobahi, lauded the distributors for attending the 2012 Partners’ Forum.

According to him,“This event will help us continue to build strong rela-

tionships and to share exciting information about our new products, and we always receive great feedback from our customers that further help us meet their expectations.”

He disclosed that as part of Euro Global’s mission to provide quality products for all classes of the society, the company is continually investing in state of the art production equipments that both guarantees the company’s ability to meet product demands while also ensuring reduced production cost.

P&G’s Always Pad, Williams Sisters join forces to empower girls

By PEACE ONYEUKWU

A

LWAYS sanitary Pad from the stable of Procter and Gamble (P&G) Nigeria has joined forces with visiting international tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams to empower and inspire girls at the Government College, Ikoyi. Commenting on the Williams sisters’ visit, Temitope Iluyemi, External Relations Manager, West Africa of Procter& Gamble, said the Williams sisters visit has empowered more girls to break the moulds that have stood between them and their potential.

They surely now dream bigger and strive harder as a result.

“Their support of our puberty education programme is another way to help give these girls the confidence to enjoy womanhood without

limits.” The programme is designed to empower girls to live life to their fullest.

800,000 Nigerian girls take part every year and 8 million have benefited so far since inception 12 years ago.”

Serena Williams sharing her life experiences, narrated stories on their setbacks and how she had overcome them to return to the peak of her game; “Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come”.

Commenting on the importance of sisterhood in facing challenges, Serena mentioned how supportive her sister had been through the years helping her cope with a variety of challenges both on the field and in life.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2012 —25

e-payment thrives on cooperation and competition - Ezirim

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

E

FFICIENT electronic payment system thrives on cooperation and competition among operators.

Chairman, Committee of Ebanking Industry Heads (CeBIH), Mr Chuma Ezirim stated this at the 2nd annual conference/retreat of the Committee of E-banking Industry Heads (CeBIH) held in Calabar, Cross River State.

“The extent to which efficiency in retail payment system and other important policy objectives are attained in retail payments systems is partly determined by the complex interplay of competition and cooperation among market players”, he said.

Ezirim noted that while cooperation is necessary to set standards and build platforms to reduce transaction cost, it can also undermine product innovations.

He said, transaction costs can be mitigated through cooperation by private sector providers in the establishment and operation of financial infrastructure taking advantage of economies of scale, scope and network economies. Effective cooperation is also crucial for setting standards that will secure compatibility between the various products.

“However, centrally-agreed common features can sometimes hamper product and/or service differentiation and innovation at the individual service provider level. A key question is what factors should the authorities and key stakeholders consider in balancing cooperation and competition in retail payment systems?

“Although the dividing lines among payment services are not always clear, the sequence of payment operations can be divided generally into access services, messaging services, clearing services, and settlement services.

“Some payments services may be more efficiently provided under competitive conditions (access) versus others that may have natural monopoly features (messaging, clearing and settlement).

“Central Banks provide oversight and regulatory functions to deal with conflicts of interest and balance cooperation and competition in order to

achieve optimal availability and affordability of payment instruments.

“We appreciate the role of Central Bank of Nigeria in the formulation and implementation of policies and regulations affecting deployment of electronic banking in the country. We commend specifically the various initiatives by CBN to reduce the volume of cash transactions in the economy

through the Cashless Project, setting up of a National Switch and retail payments transformation policies (which amongst other benefits have reduced the cost of POS terminals by over 30%).

“CBN should however not unduly interfere in the provision of electronic payment access services in the country, which as stated earlier is an area that gives banks the opportunity to

Mr. Aminu Ismail, Executive Director, Enterprise Bank Limited (right), presenting a 2012 Customer Service Award to Miss Nkechi Okeke, one of the winners of the CustomerCentric Staff Award in the bank, recently.

compete for product/service differentiation and innovation. Also the input of relevant stakeholders in the industry in the formulation of policies cannot be over emphasized because of the huge impact of a wrong policy on the growth of the Industry”, he said In his keynote address, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr Adebisi Shonubi said harped on the need for increased cooperation among electronic payment operators in Nigeria.

Represented by the Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs Chritabel Onyejekwe, Shonubi said, “Developing a Nigeria payments system that works, requires: Unbiased regulation and oversight over the financial system practitioners by the regulatory authorities; Collaboration between major stakeholders in the epayment value chain.

Specifically, he said there is need for increased collaboration between CeBIH to ensure the success of the various initiatives to improve the electronic payment market. “CeBIH needs to get more involved and should set industry targets with NIBSS which they both should work towards on a recurrent basis”, he said.

He noted that the shared services initiatives introduce by the CBN to drive down cost in the banking industry, offers lots of opportunities for collaboration in the industry and banks should embrace these initiatives to facilitate progress in the electronic payment market.

Pr omo: Fidelity Bank’s first set of Promo: winners emer ge emerge NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has fulfilled its promises to its customers in its on-going Cars and Cash Splash promo by giving out various gift items to its four lucky depositors.

The event which took place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI’s Confab Centre, at the International Trade Fair saw the four depositors going home with two generating sets, one Black Berry phone and the sum of N100,000 (One hundred thousand naira).

Mr. Charles Nwaizu clinched the grand prize of N100,000; Izunna Akusonowua entered the second position to grab the BlackBerry phone, while Sunday Tobechi and Ekendirichukwu IkeOkoro went home with the

generating sets.

Speaking on behalf of the Group Managing Director/ CEO of the bank, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Mr. Emeka Obiagwu, GM e-banking, said the bank decided to hold the mini promo in order to show its support for the ongoing Fair as is customary with the bank.

He noted that it was also to encourage the depositors that either opened new accounts with the bank or topped up their existing accounts in the course of the Fair.

Obiagwu reiterated that the bank is embarking on the campaign to encourage savings culture among Nigerians of all age brackets.

“In an environment like Nigeria where access to funds is minimal, individuals must cultivate the habit of

putting something aside for the future. This invariably puts you in a better position to borrow from a bank or other sources than one who does not have savings at all,” he said.

The LCCI President, Mr Goddy Ibru, commended Fidelity for the promo, saying that the bank has always partnered with the chamber by organising a special day in the course of the Fair.

He stated that Fidelity Bank prides itself as one of the most reputable and safest banks in Nigeria’s banking landscape.

To qualify for the monthly draw, an individual is required to open a savings account with the bank with a minimum deposit of N20, 000 or top up the existing accounts with incremental N10, 000.

Stanbic IBTC records N64bn in gross revenue in third quar quartter

By PETER EGWUATU

S

tanbic IBTC Bank Plc has recorded a gross earnings of N64.0 billion for the 9 months ended September 30, 2012, representing a 35 per cent increase over the N47.4 billion recorded in the comparable period of last year.

According to the bank’s unaudited results for the period under review, which was made available to Vanguard on Monday, profit before tax stood at N9.0 billion, representing an increase of 13 per cent over the N8.0 billion recorded the corresponding period of 2011.

Profit after tax increased 23 per cent to N7.0 billion, compared to N5.7 billion September 2011.

The performance, according to Mrs. Sola David-Borha, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank, is indicative of continuing improvements in the group’s operations driven by the aggressive branch expansion programme which has continued to propel growth in transactional volumes and activities.

She stated: “We continued to grow our revenues and business operations responsibly as evidenced by a 35% and 23% growth in gross revenue and profitability respectively. Our expanded network ensured the continued growth in transactional volumes and activities and a steady growth in our deposit book. As we continue to leverage on our growing points of representation and pursue our diversified business models, our revenues should continue to witness positive growth. We maintained our traditionally strong capital and liquidity positions throughout the period, and we are focused on maximising the operational efficiency of the group.”

David-Borha noted that the bank’s gross loans and advances grew by 12 per cent year-on-year and three percent year-to-date to N273.9 billion as against N247.2 billion in September 2011 and N266.1 billion in December 2011. Steady growth was recorded in total asset size which increased by 14 percent to N634.2 billion this year as against the N554.5 billion posted in the first nine months of 2011.

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—27

Muslims urged to pray for peace

T

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Why Saudi Arabia for peace talk?

•Jihad and Paradise (1) UCH as I had wanted to sermonise on the issues of bombing before the overtures of Boko Haram for peace talk, the current Hajj and events in Saudi Arabia left no space for other issues. However, this week, within the ample opportunity the space offers, we shall take a look at the issue of Jihad and suicide bombing and killings which are antithetical to Islam.

I intend to dwell more on the fundamentals of Jihad vis-à-vis the wanton killings and suicide attacks by the Boko Haram bringing out the Islamic position on it as much as I know.

Although this is not the first time we will be discussing Jihad, we will continue to do that to correct the misconception and misrepresentation a lot of non-Muslims have about Jihad and Paradise.

But first, the peace talk proposal and the choice of Saudi Arabia by Boko Haram to many including some Muslims, will not work. This is because the basis for talks, which must show sincerity, mutual respect including genuine and realistic terms and conditions must manifest from both parties. That is why all peace moves in the past have failed. Now, the choice of Saudi Arabia has worsen the case making the whole issue ludicrous just like the initial request that Jonathan should become a Muslim.

Many among the Muslims also believe that even the Saudi Authority may not be disposed to holding such talks or wouldn't want to be seen as being supportive of the group’s activities. I remember the Osama Bin Laden’s case ever before the September 11 attack, the family who are like the Rockefellers of Arabia, popular and known philanthropic Muslims disowned Osama for his atrocities. They issued a strong denunciation and condemnation of Osama activities. “Abdullah Mohammed Bin Laden, Osama’s younger brother and Awad, bin Laden (his uncle) said: “All life is sacred; we condemned the killings and attacks against liberty and human values. Our family has no connection with his works and activities.” Besides, the Saudi government through Prince Naif Ibn Abdul-Azeez, brother of the King Fahd and then Minister of interior was quoted as saying: “the government or family should not be blamed for the deviation in the behaviour of one of them. We will not accept that.” Therefore, having noted

the activities of Boko Haram, the Saudi government will not only be ambivalent but will also refuse to be linked with the activities of the sect.

By extension, it is very wrong for anybody to link the situation with Islam. But which ever way it turns, all that we desire is peace. The danger presented by Boko Haram and their sponsors is enormous.

The anger and frustration at the death of over 3000 innocent men, women and children and over 1000 of those critically injured are regretted and I say without equivocation that this grieve is shared by all peace loving people. But as we grieve, cry over these senseless attacks,

,

M

ly) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the Fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever ”, [Bukhari (5778) and Muslim (109 and 110)].

What the perpetrators stand for is completely against all the principles that Muslims believe in. Their actions therefore, should not be accepted as representing Islam in any way.

Allah has forbidden all acts of wickedness involving terrorism and violence, condemned those who engage in such acts and said “Allah does not uphold the works of those who cause mischief.” in one of His verses.

The Quran also describes as hypocrites those who emerge in the name of Allah and reli-

"O ye who believe!... [Do not] kill yourselves, for truly Allah has been to you Most Merciful.

If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast him into the Fire..."

government should be more proactive in its bid to stop the cycle of bombings and callous killings in the country.

The lethargy of government in the past certainly have not only given more impetus to the spate of bombings, but have also incensed the tempo of the rampage, even radicalising other hitherto peaceful and toothless bulldogs in the country; dragging us to this present unfortunate situation. In fact, these deviants have never seen government security agencies as a threat of any kind against their dastardly activities. It is our fervent prayers that these culprits are apprehended and brought to book.

About Jihad and Paradise The Quran and the Hadiths which guide the actions and activities of any Muslims says: Suicide is forbidden. “O ye who believe!... [Do not] kill yourselves, for truly Allah has been to you Most Merciful. If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast him into the Fire...” (Qur ’an 4:29-30).

Then the Prophet says “Indeed, whoever (intentional-

,

gion, but actually organise themselves to commit acts of wickedness in the land. One verse talks about a gang of nine men who planned to murder the Prophet (s.a.w) by swearing in the name of Allah: There was a gang of nine men in the city causing corruption in the land and not putting things right. They said, “Let us make an oath to one another by Allah that we will fall on him and his family in the night and then say to his protector, we did not witness the destruction of his family and we are telling the truth.” They hatched a plot and We hatched a plot while they were not aware. (Surat an-Naml, 48-50). So, the fact that people do things “in the name of Allah” or even swear

by His name does not mean that what they do is in conformity with the religion. On the contrary, what they do are against the will of Allah and the morality of religion. As it is in Islam on this matter, so it is in other religion. Therefore, the actions of these terrorists should not be accepted as representing Islam in any way. It contradicts the teachings of all religions; human and moral values.

Continues next week

By Ebun Sessou

HE Business mogul, Chief Razak Okoya has called on Muslim faithful to continue to pray for peace and development of the country.

Okoya made the call recently during the celebration of Eid-ilKabir in Oluwanisola Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

According to him, it is important for Nigerians to know that the only solution to the ills that have befallen the country is for a peaceful co-existence among all people regardless of religion, tribe and race.

The wife of the famous businessman, Mrs. Shade Okoya said the Sallah period signifies a re-dedication of life to God as well as to be helpful to the needy.

According to her, “This period, we have to give as much as we can and pray more for the country for peaceful coexistence.

“We also pray that Allah will guide our leaders aright so that they lead us to where we want them to be. Killing ram is not only a sacrifice unto God but to share to those who don’t have,” she said.

Group attributes Boko Haram insurgency to bad leadership

T

HE Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Barrister Raheem Ahmad Sayi has said the insurgency of the Boko Haram group in the North to lack of leadership foresight and ‘intellectual perversion’.

Imam Ahmad stated this at a public lecture organized by ‘The Companion’, held last Sunday at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Ikeja.

Speaking on the topic entitled: ‘The Prophet’s Hijrah: Lessons for Contemporary Muslims,’ Imam Ahmad said the insecurity in the North had brought acrimony to the country because leadership of the region had not been proactive enough but had only bred a generation that is so ignorant not only in the environment they live but also on the Islamic faith they profess. “It is ‘intellectual perversion’ because the Northern society has done nothing to orientate this generation posing problems to the society.”

He said Islam is not a religion of conceptualization rather a religion of precedent defined Hijrah as an ‘inherent mechanism’ designed by Allah which is obligatory on the muslims. ”You should stop interpreting the migration of the Prophet in the 610 AD as a historical affair meant only for commemoration. There are still contemporary issues that can make a muslim do Hijrah for as long as conflict exist between truth and falsehood."

“It can be necessitated by the need for self transformation from bad behaviours to good, it even becomes an obligation when a muslim finds himself in a condition that his life will be completely determined by another making him completely helpless; he migrates to where he can achieve an optimal accomplishment and freedom to practice the religion.”

Alhaji Thabit Shonaike, Amir of the group, urged Muslims to always attend Usrah and programmes of the association.

Lesson from Prophet Ibrahim's life

By Harun Rasaq

W

E thank almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness the 1st to 10th of Zulhijah and the great acts of worship in Islam such as Hajj, Umrah, Day of Arafah (for those on Hajj 2012), EdulAdha, Ayyamut Tashriq, AlUdhiyyah etc. It is very important to understand the fact that the aforementioned acts of Ibadah and many others emanated from Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his family. Therefore, before examining the lessons

from the life of Prophet Ibrahim (as), we shall first examine the importance of Ibrahim (as) in Islam and some of his challenges.

Allah distinguished Ibrahim first in the Qur’an with the title of Khalilu llah (intimate friend of Allah). On this Allah says:“….And Allah did take Ibrahim as an intimate friend (Q 4:125) Again, Allah addressed him as Ummah, Obedient, Hanif, in the following verse of the Qur’an: To be continued

•Muslims praying at Idiat Mosque, Lekki.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

A

Left: A scene of violence in Akala, Mushin Lagos.

Below: Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Umar Manko.

Jungle justice at Mushin: Police/residents trade blames .We killed notorious criminals — residents .You took laws into your hands — Police .We will revenge — Akala group . And they did ..

,

sordid drama akin to the tragic incident at Alu in Rivers State is being re-enacted between the police in Lagos and residents of Vono Street in the notorious Mushin area of the State. The difference is that while the police in Rivers state waited for public outcry and condemnation before swinging into action, their counterparts in Lagos did not waste time before taken action.

The whole tragicomedy started early morning Saturday 3rd November, 2012, when strident shouts of thief!thief! enveloped the entire Vono Street, off Challenge Bus Stop, Mushin. The alarm was a reaction to the presence of a gang of armed robbers that invaded the area and attacked the residents, dispossessing them of their cash and valuables. The robbers who were said to be five in number were later intercepted while trying to escape by a team of vigilante men on patrol.

Crime Alert gathered that during a hot exchange of gunfire that ensued between the bandits and the vigilante group, the daredevils were overpowered and arrested by the vigilante group who had superior fire power. When they were interrogated, it was discovered that the robbers were from the notorious drug enclave of Akala in Idi-Oro area of Mushin and they were allegedly responsible for some of the robbery incidents that have been experienced within the area and Ilupeju.

A resident, of Vono Street who simply identified himself as Shola, told Crime Alert that the suspects were armed with locally made guns when they struck at the apartment but they were overpowered by the better armed vigilante men that responded to shouts of Crime Alert Ole!Ole!. gathered that an enraged crowd demanded instant justice and they ended up burning the wounded suspects.

According to eyewitnesses, “The vigilante men had better weapons and they overpowered and arrested the robbers, after that, a mob besieged the scene while the vigilante men were about taking the boys to the police station and demanded that they should be burnt.

This is because of the incessant attacks by bandits in the area and each time we arrest and hand them over to the police, they will eventually get bail from the court and return to terrorize us. There are so many of them from

Police charged them to court but they are now freemen walking the streets today. So, this is a sign that we have lost complete confidence in the criminal justice system in this country

,

Akala that we have arrested and handed over to the police over time. Police charged them to court but they are now freemen walking the streets today. So, this is a sign that we have lost complete confidence in the criminal justice system in this country.”

However, while residents of the area were parting each other at the back for taking the bull by the horn, a move they believe will permanently stop bandits from terrorizing them, the police thought otherwise. Just few hours after the incident, a team of police men invaded the street and swooped on anybody at sight.

It was gathered that, among those arrested, were landlords and members of the vigilante group suspected to have taken part in the killing. Eyewitness account stated that some policemen from Area D Command patrolled and raided the entire area after which the indiscriminate arrests were carried out.

However, after the police carried out the arrests, colleagues of the burnt suspects said to be from Akala, also invaded Vono

Street in a bid to avenge the gruesome killing of their colleagues, destroying some cars and shops. There was pandemonium as both the old, young, women and children ran in different directions to avoid the onslaught of the boys from Akala who were visibly bent on carrying out reprisal attack and avenging the death of their colleagues. A resident of the area who identified himself as Kunle told Crime Alert that the irony of the whole thing “ was that the policemen that earlier came to arrest every one at sight for illegally burning suspected armed robbers did nothing to save the residents when another set of hoodlums from the same notorious area came to avenge the death of their partners in crime. It is very unfortunate that they were allowed to operate freely as if we have no policemen on ground. If the police at Area D and the court have been living up to their responsibilities, these hoodlums from Akala would not have been having a field day, robbing, maiming and killing innocent people in Mushin. It has been happening for a long time now and it is only the intervention of the Commissioner of Police whom we learnt is a no-nonsense person and Lagos State Chief Judge that will save us all now,” he stated.

Efforts made to get a reaction from the Police spokeswoman, Ngozi Braide failed as she did not pick calls made to her. But a police source intimated Crime Alert that the arrests were carried out because nobody has a right to take laws into his or her hands. “We are there to protect and guide everybody without exception and we will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with identified criminals,”the source said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 29

EIB, UBA ent er N1 0bn deal ffor or enter N10bn SMEs funding acr oss Africa across STORIES BY PETER EGWUATU

T

Former Chief of Generak Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (middle); former General Manager, Chevron, Chief Mike Uwaka (left) and President of AISSON, Dr Ona Ekhomu at the AISSON Security Conference 20012, in Lagos.

HE European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe’s longterm lending institution, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, have entered agreement to strengthen Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa through a Euro50 million (N10 billion) regional funding initiative European

Investment Bank Vice Presidentresponsible for lending operations in sub-Saharan Africa, Pim Van Ballekom, said, “The European Investment Bank is committed to supporting the private sector in Africa . This significant partnership between UBA and the European Investment Bank will benefit small businesses seeking to expand and contribute to strengthening of the financial sector in 16 African countries. The ability to access harmonized financial services across borders will also encourage greater regional economic integration on the continent.”

According to a statement made available to Vanguard, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director and CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc, while commenting on the deal, said “Our expansion across Africa in the last five years has been driven by our commitment to fostering economic integration on the continent and supporting the development of African businesses.

The partnership with EIB

provides us with an additional source of medium to long term funding and will enhance financial intermediation in key sectors such as a g r i c u l t u r e , manufacturing, infrastructure, transport, energy, health, education and, other sectors where long term funding is required.”

He further declared that the EIB loan will be used by UBA for onlending to eligible customers in its countries of operation.

According to him, “The initiative will assist UBA to strengthen its African regional network and represents the first time that the EIB has provided such facility to a Nigerian Bank for onlending to small and medium sized businesses across borders.

“In addition to directly helping African entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses through lower cost funding, this initiative will further support the development of the financial sector and establishment of best practices in key countries where UBA operates.

Ezekwesili tasks FCMB mgt on product innovation

T

He employees of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc have been charged to be innovative in their various jobs as this will help them achieve excellence.

The immediate past Vice President, World Bank, Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Ezekwesili, who was a guest speaker at the FCMB training forum, gave the advice on Tuesday in Lagos, saying, “FCMB staff should maximize all possibilities in order to achieve excellence.”

She further tasked management of FCMB to encourage its staff to be innovative in their jobs, saying, “ For anyone to be innovative, risk must be involved.

That is your staff must be able to take risk to do something different from the regular thing. So I am saying the managing director, Ladi Balogun should allow innovation

through risk taking, otherwise, the bank will not achieve exactly what is expected from them.”

Continuing, she said, “The bank can pioneer some banking products that are very much needed by the society not necessarily those types that are already in existence. New ways, new ideas are better so that the bank can take opportunities.

It is better you go beyond the shadow.”

Ezekwesili, further recalled her stay in the government, saying, she liked to work with people who are hard working and innovative. Probably that is why they call me madam due process. I like to follow things in the way it should be. I did not work with the government to amass wealth, but to some people getting government job is an opportunity to amass wealth.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

From left: Ms. Ijeoma Nweke, Secretary, Nigerian Red Cross Society (Lagos branch); Mrs. Morin Adeyemi, Head, Corporate Social Investment, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Mr. From left: Mr. Issac Thomas, Head, Operation Development of Onibudo Mobolaji Ola, Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society (Lagos branch), during Glo and Dr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Stanbic IBTC Bank’s presentation of a N10 million cheque to the Nigerian Red Cross Communications Commission, during the 9th anniversary of Society for the rehabilitation of flooded communities.

Telecom Consumer Parliament's presentation of award to Glo, at Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos State, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

From left: Dr. Wesley Okei, University of Lagos; Segun Fayose, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mrs. Aderonke Bello, Managing Director, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited and Prof.

Folorunsho Falade, University of Lagos, at the final judging exercise of the 2012 DStv Eutelsaton, at Manor Hotel, Palm View, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

From right: Engr. Esther Okougha, representative of Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development; Mr. Femi Yusuf, Products Development Manager; Engr. Busola Awojobi, President, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers and Mr. Sunday Awofodu, Public Affairs Manager of Lafarge/WAPCO, during presentation of award to Lafarge/ WAPCO, at Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

L-R- Chioma Nkechika, Assistant General Manager/Head Card Services, Zenith Bank Plc; Daniel Monehin, Division President, Sub-Sahara Africa, MasterCard Worldwide; Chuma Ezirim, Head e-Business, First Bank Plc and Chairman, CeBIH; Chuks Iku, Group Head, e-Channels, Skye Bank Plc; at the 2nd Annual CeBIH Conference & Retreat tagged 'Developing a Market Structure that Works: Challenges and Prospects for the Nigerian Payment System,' at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

C M Y K

From left: Mr. Francos Boussugol, MD, Total Nig. Plc; Mr. Stanislas Mitelman, out-going Chairman, Total Nig Plc and Engr. James Wole Adeyinka, Director, Total Nig Plc, at a send-forth dinner in honour of Mr. Stanislas Mitelman, out-going chairman of Total Nig. Plc, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 31

C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 —33

C M Y K

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 35

C M Y K

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 37

C M Y K

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 39

C M Y K

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 41

C M Y K

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 43

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 45

C M Y K

C M Y K

46—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

MTN-sponsored pilgrims to Saudi Arabia arrived Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

Rotary Club of Festac Metropolitan made donations to the Spinal Cord Injury Centre during the visit of the District Governor.

Anomalies mar Lagos Trade Fair

BY EBUN SESSOU

L

AGOS—PARTICIPANTS at the ongoing Lagos Trade Fair have complained of multiple charges, harassment by officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Au-

thority, LASTMA, and exorbitant entry fees by organisers of the fair.

Consequently, attendance at the fair organised

by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, at Tafawa Balewa Square, under the aus-

pices of the state government, had been largely limited, as the number patronising the show had dwindled.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the activities at the Trade Fair have been marred by multiple

Fuel scarcity hits Abia

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA— SCARICTY of petrol has continued in Abia State as the price of the product now hovers between N130 and N150 per litre.

Virtually all the petrol stations in the state have no fuel to sell, including NNPC mega stations, which normally rescued

people in times of scarcity.

Already, the scarcity has made motorists and tricycle, Keke, operators to hike fares with as much as 50 percent, depending on the route, an action which has pitched commuters against the operators.

State Commissioner for Petroleum, Chief Don Ubani, gave some ray of hope, yesterday, when he

said the petrol-laden vessel being expected had arrived Port Harcourt.

He expressed the hope that products would soon be pumped to NNPC Osisioma depot in Aba. According to him, with the arrival and eventual pumping of petrol to Osisioma, Abia people would be relieved from the scarcity. He urged them to be patient.

Minister flays parents' emphasis on paper qualification

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—MINISTER of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at parents for placing too much emphasis on paper qualification.

Wike said the drive for certification by parents and guardians had been the major cause of all manner of ills in the education sector, including exam malpractices.

The minister, whose office

directly oversees basic education in the country, said some parents go as far as aiding sharp practices for their children during public examination and later turn around to blame government for poor performances.

He called for attitudinal change, adding that teachers should henceforth focus on quality output, rather than input.

Wike also cautioned school administrators against poor handling of

instructional materials provided by government, saying government’s effort at improving the quality of teaching and learning for the Nigerian child must be complemented.

He said: “The certificate seems to be the most important focus of children and their parents. This is why exam malpractice has been a problem, as parents and their wards will do whatever, employing any means necessary to possess a certificate.”

charges imposed on individuals who come to transact business.

One of the persons, who spoke with Vanguard lamented that anyone who buys ticket worth N200 as gate pass could only be allowed to use it once, adding that further entry on the same day attracted additional charges.

He said: “By making the gate pass ticket is outrageous, the organisers have made this year ’s trade fair uninteresting to those who would have come to patronise the exhibitors.”

Another factor he pointed out was the harassment by the officials of LASTMA, who tow vehicles of patrons and impose high fines on them.

A cross section of exhibitors, who came to showcase their products from outside Nigeria, have also lamented that this year’s trade fair was totally different in terms of visits by the public. They added that this had drastically reduced the level of patronage.

Media representatives, who visited to cover events at the fair, have also complained of maltreatment by organisers, security agents and LASTMA. Reacting to the situation, one of the officials of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, who wouldn’t want to be quoted, said efforts are in place to correct the anomalies.

Isoko Union raises alarm over oil wells' sale

I

SOKO Development Union, IDU, has accused Shell, in collaboration with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, of selling oil wells OML 26 and OML 30 located in Isokoland without the

consent of host communities.

The union urged state government to prevail on Shell and the new buyers to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the host communities to avoid an-

other round of violence in the area.

Describing the development as unacceptable, IDU President-General, Dr. Gregory Akpojene, told Isoko lawmakers in Asaba, that indigenous companies and the sons

and daughters of Isoko deserve “to be given the first right of refusal before oil wells are sold as Isoko nationalities deserve to have a minimum of 10 percent in the management of their Godgiven resources.”

Ibru mourns Agbon monarch

U

G H E L L I — OLOROGUN Felix Ibru has described the departed Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Ogunrimenrimen Okpara I, as an encyclopedia of Urhobo culture.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the people of Agbon and members of the late monarch’s family, Ibru said the deceased monarch was “a historian

per excellence and defender of Urhobo tradition.”

Ibru, who spoke through the Otota of Olomu Kingdom, Chief Macaulay Ovbagbedia, insisted that late Okpara I was “a defender of justice whose activities gave voice to the Urhobo nation.

“He was an accomplished leader, who should be emulated because he spent his life fighting for the interest of his people.”

ERA/FoEN boss wins Rafto prize

E

XECUTIVE Director of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/ FoEN, Sunday, received the 2012 Rafto Prize in Norway, in recognition of his long-term fight for people’s rights to life, health, food and water.

The Rafto Prize for Human Rights has been awarded to advocates of human rights and democracy every year since 1987. Some of the Rafto Laureates have subse-

quently been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Rafto Foundation said that through his rightsbased work and criticism of prevailing systems, Bassey had shown how human rights can help mitigate the effects of these changes.

In his acceptance speech, Bassey, who also doubles as chair of Friends of the Earth International, FoEI, said: “I am honoured and humbled by this announcement.”

Ogulagha celebrates monarch

T

HE traditional council of chiefs and entire people of Ogulagha Kingdom, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have congratulated their monarch, HRM Joseph Timiyan, on his seventh coronation anniversary.

In a statement by Chiefs Council Guwor, Okekiri Iyelagha, Francis Temewei and James

Yeinanagbegha, the Ogulagha chiefs also commended the monarch for his outstanding leadership quality that has brought lasting peace and even development to the various communities in the kingdom.

They called on everyone to join the people of Ogulagha in the anniversary celebration on Monday at Obotobo I, Delta State.

Raumplus debuts in Nigeria

R

AUMPLUS Nigeria, a leading furniture and interior designing company will open its Nigerian office and ultra-modern showroom tomorrow in Lagos.

The Chief Executive

Officer, Mr. Adeyanju Adelakun said the showroom offers customers the flexibility of the various range of products, innovative designs and technical support.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—47

By BENJAMIN NJOKU & ANOZIE EGOLE

W

Majek Fashek:

How I spent over N35m to rehabilitate him — Hajia *Set to launch new album INSIDE I was deflowered by Don Jazzy —Tonto

Continues on page 4 8

Rapper, Eva part ways with Trybe Records

T

Dikeh

s Celebrity Tattoo

•Eva Alordiah C M Y K

HEN many are still doubting the possibility of his returning to the studios, after years of unprofitable journey into the wildness, Nigeria’s reggae legend, Majekodunmi Fashek, popularly known as Majek Fashek is on the verge of releasing his follow-up, comeback album.

Majek is one of Nigeria’s greatest reggae artistes, who ruled the airwaves in the 80s with his hit track, “Send Down the Rain.”

The Chief Executive Officer of his management company, A-Plus Global Entertainment, Hajia Amina Dangaji, who disclosed this development to WG last weekend, said, her company has spent over N35 million to get the reggae master back on his track.

According to her, “When I met Majek, I saw nothing wrong about him… he was still composing and singing his songs. His greatness and musical skills remain untainted in anyway.

However, what I think some people misunderstood about Majek is his deep spirituality. Let me tell you, Majek is a strong spiritual person and a prayer warrior. All these are clearly evident in his songs,” she added.

Hajia who spoke shortly after she was crowned as Nne Oma-Ndi-Igbo, at the grand finale/ Awards night preceding the Igbo Film Festival, held at Duban Hotel, Ikeja, embarked on a project to rehabilitate the reggae star. She however, took it upon herself to provide him with a wellfurnished bungalow and a car. Buoyed by all these goodies and prospect of better days ahead, Majek returned to the studios and has completed work on his follow-up, comeback album.

The widely-travelled entrepreneur cum philanthropist who hails from Edo State further disclosed that massive promotion plans are underway to help resuscitate Majek’s dwindling music career, as well as embarking on a musical tour of some European and American cities.

HE contract between rapper Eva Alordiah who made waves with her GIGO EP few years ago and popular record label Trybe Records may have been dissolved.

This buzz was confirmed by the management of Trybe Records in a statement released during the week.

The statement reads thus: ‘Trybe Records and Eva Alordiah have agreed to terminate her recording contract effective immediately. Trybe Records’ vision is to discover and nurture the talents of our artists while operating with purpose, valuing relationships with our partners within the industry, and being persistent in creating and releasing quality music. Unfortunately, over the past 5 months Eva’s vision has not aligned with ours and thus, both parties have agreed to part ways.

We wish Eva the best in her future endeavors and plan on continuing towards our goal of creating quality music for Nigeria and beyond.”

Meanwhile, inside sources said Eva had since her signing on, in June, been demanding for more than what she was offered at all times and that the label was basically ‘tired of her antics.’

‘She did not fit in from the start, always trying to stand out from the rest. She was always asking for more even when eLDee and others gave her an almost perfect platform to blow up”, a friend close to the rapper said.

Eva’s name was first heard while working with rapper M.I in his debut album. She hooked up with former Cool fm OAP BooBoo who worked as her manager along with Obinna Agwu.

Problems prevailed and they call it quits.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Movie of the week

Majek Fashek?

My Life, My Damage

Continues from page 47

SYNOPSIS

Tell us more about the project to rehabilitate the reggae legend, Majek Fashek?

Majek is my boyfriend, my husband, my good friend and my son. I am very close to him. Presently, we are working on his new album which will be out this week. The producer is Chris Okoro, one of the best Producers in Nigeria. Now, there are a lot of changes in him. I do not need to guide him to talk unlike when he was dumped in my house. During Adams Oshomole’s campaign, I went with Majek to the place.

So, there are a lot of changes in him.

Are you planning to embark on any musical tour with Majek?

Yes, I am planning a big tour with him. I am going to see Her Excellency in some states because of him.

Why are you supporting Majek?

I am a hardworking woman with a lot of investments. Talking about why I am supporting Majek, I do not believe that when somebody dies, we will start celebrating the person. I believe that we should render help to the person when he or she mostly needs it, and not probably when he is no more. I do not want Majek to die because I was once his fan when he was ruling the airwaves. I have never met him before in my life until recently when I started working to revive him.

I was in my house one day when they brought him and consequently dumped him there. I thought he was dead. And the worst part of the whole drama is that I cannot trace the whereabouts of the people that brought him to my house. But I believe they know that I run an entertainment outfit that was why they dumped him on me. So, I decided to take the bull by the horn.

Can you tell us how much you have spent so far on Majek?

I can’t really say the exact amount for now.

But I know I have spent over N35 million. I have been able to get him a house and a car. His wife even came to me and spent almost a week in my house before they moved to Majek’s house. She really appreciated me and I must tell you the truth, it has not really been easy.

Tell us, how do you feel having this

Hajia honour, Nne-Oma ndi igbo?

I see it as a miracle of God. I do not even know the organizer of this programme before now. One day, a number called me and said that they would like to honour me with an award to show my excellence and commitment to the course of promoting and supporting young musicians. Actually, I am into film production so I have been supporting so many of them when the award came, I was not that surprised. I have tried to touch people’s lives many ways through my NGO either in music, film or football .

Are there any plans for you to stop helping people?

I can’t stop helping people because God said, when he blesses you, try to touch other people’s live. I do not have any condition for helping people. I can help anybody.

What did the award mean to you?

The award means a lot to me. I see it as a sense of belonging because of all the people around, I am the only person that was given an award. Initially, when they were calling me for the award, my sister was afraid. She was telling me that they want to initiate me and advised me be very careful. She really discouraged me. I told her this is not initiation because I travel a lot and I help a lot of people so you do not know where my reward will come from.

NAPTIP, Wale Adenuga’s ‘Superstory’ •Tackle child abuse, others through drama

I

n the bid to create further awareness on the issue of child abuse, prostitution and human trafficking, among other social ills, the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic In Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), led by Mrs. Beatrice JedyAgba, and Wale Adenuga Production’s “Superstory ” brand, have shot a movie entitled “Itohan”.

“NAPTIP has taken a step to create the necessary

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI ANOZIE EGOLE

awareness to warn our youth against deceit from people who con innocent individuals into some of these acts”, the executive secretary stated.

Not happy that many are aware of these ills but have not taken any serious step towards stopping it, Beatrice admitted that the movie is inspired by the works that the agency NAPTIP has been doing since 2003, putting a stop to these problems and has not spared anything in ensuring that this movie hits the right cord. “Itohan was recorded in several countries around the world; interpreted by the best of Nigeria actors and comes with much education and entertainment on these matters.

According to Wale Adenuga, “The story details some of the ways our brothers and sisters are being deceived by those profiting from these

wickedness and also how best to escape their traps.

He urged Nigerians to join hands with the government to attack the threat “as Nigerians are Nigeria’s greatest asset”.

‘My Life, My Damage’ from the “Damage Trilogy”, one of the most successful award winning Nollywood movies in recent times, produced by talented actress cum producer, Uche Jumbo deals with the consequences of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. A young lady who lives a reckless life abroad as a drug addict is given a rude shock when she discovers that she’s HIV positive and now has to seek redemption for herself.

It features the likes of Tonto Dikeh, veteran actress Bukky Wright, H Thomas Altman, Meadea Tyler, Dani Palmer, Biola Williams, Bobby Obobo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Brian Price, James Tucker, Pinky Weah and Tia Dabs.

The movie is part of The Damage series which is a movie collection of three

distinct but interwoven stories aimed at advocacy for social issues; each story addresses important problems affecting individuals, families and societies at large.

Movie Schedule

Nov 9th-Nov 15th

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, LAGOS Sparkles: 11;10am, 1;20pm, 6;10pm, 8;30pm.

Bond23: Skyfall: 11;00am, 1:50pm, 3;00pm, 4;30pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm Resident Evil: Retribution In 2D : 11:00am, 10:20pm Single & married: 5:30pm, 7:30pm English Vinglish (Bollywood): 5:30 Bourne legacy: 3:40pm, 10:30pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Sparkles: 11;40am, 2:00pm, 4:20pm, 6:40pm, 9:00pm.

Bond23; Skyfall: 12;40pm, 3;30pm, 6:20pm, 9;10pm Ted : 5:50pm, 8:00pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution 2:50pm, ;6;50pm.

Savages 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 5:40pm, 8:30pm.

Bourne legacy: 12:00pm, 2:40pm,5:30pm, 8:10pm The Dictator: 12:50pm, 4:50pm,8:50pm, .

Single & married: 12;20pm, 3;10pm, 6:00pm, 8:40pm Step up4: 12;10pm, 4;40pm, 9:20pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA The Meeting: 11:30am, 1:50pm, 6:50pm, 9:10pm Resident Evil: Retribution 2:20pm, 9:00pm.

Single& married: 4:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Sparkles: 12;40pm, 3;10pm, 5:40pm, 8:10pm.

Bond23 Skyfall: 11:30am, 2;20pm, 5;10pm, 8:00pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution: 11:50am, 4:20pm, 8;20pm.

English Vinglish( bollywood) : 11;50am, 2;30pm, 5;10pm, 7:50pm.

Savages 12:20Pm,5:00pm.

The Dictator: 2:00pm, 6:20pm.

Single & Married: 11:20pm, 1:40pm, 3:50pm,6:00pm, 8:30pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Sparkles : 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm Bond23: Skyfall: 12;50pm, 3:45pm, 6:30pm Stepup4: 4:55pm, 6:55pm.

Udeme Mmi: 1:30pm, 5:20pm.

Total recall: 3:55pm, 6:40pm.

Single& Married: 11:30am, 3:20pm, 7:10pm

Wale Adenuga

OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Sparkles :1:25pm,3.45pm,6;15pm Skyfall :12:15pm,3.05pm,6.00pm,8.45pm The Dictator: 9.00pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution 10:00am.

Savages: 7:40pm, Stepup4: 2:35pm Safe: 11.30am, 8:35pm Bourne legacy: 12:00pm, Single & married: 5:35pm.

Madagascar 10:15am.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—49

OFF-CAMERA

SHOCKER!

I was deflowered by Don Jazzy —Tonto Dikeh C

Tonto Dikeh

ontroversial actress and Nigeria’s newest singer, Tonto Dikeh is in the news again. This time, it is not about her tattoo, music or karma, it’s about her first s*x experience.

Tonto Dikeh shocked many fans and followers on twitter when she tweeted that she was deflowered by Mavin boss, Don Jazzy.

‘I got disvirgined by @DONJAZZY” i think this a lil bit Too Much info.’ Don jazzy wasted no time in responding to her comment, but he simply made a joke of it, ‘lol me dat im still a V,’ (‘V’ meaning Virgin).

As expected fans pounced on the tweets, leaving surprised comments – some took it to be a call for attention, while others laughed it off.

Tonto’s confession has since triggered off

Gabriel Afolayan drops two new singles

BY AYO ONIKOYI

G

abriel Afolayan, the re cipient of the ‘Most Promising Actor’ award at the 2012 Yoruba Movies Academy Awards, might have lost out in another award tussle with Femi Adebayo for the Best Yoruba Actor ’ in Afro Hollywood award that took place recently but the handsome dude is moving on with life as he released two new singles “DA YAN MO”and “CLUB 09” on Thursday.

Gabriel tested the warm waters of the music industry when he dropped his first single ‘Kokoro Ife’ (Love Bug)” which is still enjoying massive airplay and before that could barely wear off the multi-tal-

ce Comedian, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth is definitely undergoing a metamorphosis, wondering what the humour merchant will change into after altering his looks some months back. We know he has been paid an arm and a leg to feature at Miss Ghana 2012 but who would have thought he would turn a town-crier, shouting away on twitter “ MISS GHANA 2012 pageant. It’s magic all over again. Saturday November

Kel makes comeback with single L

ong time absentee from the music scene, Kelechi Ohia, known by her stage name, Kel is back on the scene and the beautiful, curvaceous rapper is signing her way back into reckoning with the single “Give it to me” featuring Mr. Wonda, W4 and produced by Tinti.

Laced with a thumping bass-line, heavy synths and a rousing horn section “Give it to you” is a massive and infectious party jam packed with the right ingredients for massive success on radio, in the streets and clubs. Highlight a marked evolution in Kel’s Sound into an all- artist and entertainer, “Give it to you” is exactly what fans and critics

Gabriel Afolayan ented Gabriel, who also dances, is laying claim to more

Basketmouth dreams Miss Ghana 2012

A

endless reactions online. WG gathered that the controversial actress and Don Jazzy once dated in the past.

For Tonto Dikeh, controversy is another way of life. Only recently, she was engaged in a verbal war with her fans who crticised her newly released two singles, as they advised her to look for something else to do aside music. Those who listened to her songs said ‘they are nothing to write home about.”

10th, Live @ the Accra International “ tweeted Basketmouth again and again

fame .

Recently, Gabriel said his reslve to sing did not come ot of the need just to sing like his other colleagues who tried ihad always wanted to sing from childhood. Singing, actig and dancing run in the amily, so if you like you can sy that I was born into it’ he once said.

Gabriel Afolayan like his lte father, the legendary filmmaker Chief Adeyemi Afolayan, G-Fresh, as close friends and colleagues fondly call him, has acquitted himself severally as an actor.

He has also raked in plenty awards as an actor including the awards of ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ and The ‘Rising Star ’ in the coveted Nollywood Movies Award (NMA).

Kel

alike have been clamouring for, from the hip-hop star and by all standards, she does certainly have obliged.

Last time the African hiphop star ruffled the feathers of the entertainment world was years back with the release of ‘Superwoman’ and ‘Revolutionary’. Her first album was ‘Investment’ way back 2009, featuring collaborations with several African acts such as Durella, Illbliss, M.I, Alaye, Shank and YQ, and instead of the album savouring the relative success it brought it sparked rumours, of Kel and her producer, Clarence Peter being romantically involved. Now the lady is back.

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Tuface to drop two albums same day

G

RAMMY award-winning reggae star and rapper, Shaggy; compatriot and fellow reggae singer, Patra popularly called the Queen of the Pack; and gospel music sensation, Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa are in the line-up of international music acts and groups that will light up Rivers State at this year’s edition of the internationally acclaimed cultural fiesta, CARNIRIV. The renowned artistes are some of the notable acts that will perform and enable visitors to Rivers State this December savour the full bouquet of A-list events already packaged to make CARNIRIV 2012 an unforgettable ex•Shaggy perience for local and international tourists that will attend the carnival.

This year ’s carnival is a commemorative edition, and it has been titled CARNIRIV 2012 Port Harcourt 100 Edition in celebration of the centenary anniversary of the existence of Port Harcourt. The carnival holds from Saturday 8 to Saturday 15, 2012 in Port Harcourt, the capital city.

The unique blends of culture, music and entertainment as well as the participation of international stars have been described as underlining the distinctiveness and multifaceted character of CARNIRIV as a global carnival brand compared to any similar carnival held elsewhere.

Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Dede, explained that arrangements have been concluded with a number of local and international stars and entertainers that will thrill guests year is the Christian interdenominaon various days and across tional CARNIRIV Praise Jam slated for various segments of the car- Sunday, December 9 at 7pm, at the Civnival including the opening ic Centre, Port Harcourt during which, and closing ceremonies on Grammy Award winner, the Soweto December 10 and 15 respec- Gospel Choir will be in their best element with soul-lifting songs. “This is tively.

According to him, one of the an ice-breaker event for CARNIRIV high profile events for this 2012. The best gospel artistes within

B

Shaggy, Patra, Soweto gospel choir to headline CARNIRIV 2012

arring any last minute glitches, Nigeria’s mega music star, Tuface Idibia will be dropping two albums on same day before the end of the year.

Though the details of the albums are still sketchy but the word being whispered in some in-the-know circles and reliably gathered from the singer’s inner circle has it that the iconic music star has been working like the proverbial ‘Little Busy Bee’ to make sure his fans have the two packages before the end of the year.

This, will bring to a record three albums the former Plantashun Boyz vocalist has released to the listening pleasure of his fans this year. His first album of 2012 “Away and beyond” and his fifth solo album since he dumped his Festac cronies, years back was released on April 30, 2012.

Tuface’s double coming on in matters of weeks will be his album number six and seven respectively.

The “African Queen” crooner must really be enjoying both worlds of fame and fortune. Only last week he took to twitter to announce his acquisition of two Haven mansions in Lagos for N165 million. “Just bought me 2 H A V E N homes, the Lord is good” he tweeted.

and outside the country are expected to grace this stage in an evening fused with soulful and uplifting music requisite for inspiring the added spiritual ambience which the Port Harcourt Carnival ordinarily thrives in”, Dede said.

DIS & DAT

Celebrity Tattoos Ink is the in thing for Nigerian celebrities as many of them, both male and female, show off engrafted designs on their skins.

From cute to scary, check out some amazing celebrity tattoos.

with Laju Arenyeka Rukky Sanda

Jumobi Mofe Damijo

Former TV presenter, and wife of actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, was photographed last weekend at Agatha Amata’s birthday get together with that butterfly Tattoo on her right boob. The mother of two seems to be taking no prisoners in keeping her superstar hubby happy.

•Tonto Dikeh P-Square

•Charly Boy

Oge Okoye

Fair skinned Nollywood star, Oge Okoye is one tattoo freak. Oge has at least two tattoos on her boobs in addition to the sexy stamp on her left leg.

Tonto Dikeh

Jumobi Damijo C M Y K

Tuface

•Shan George

•Lady Di

Rukky

We all know that Tonto is anything but conservative, so make up your own mind about this Nollywood beauty’s statement on her back.

This fair skinned actor, writer and producer is becoming more and more like her BFF, Tonto Dikeh.

Rukky recently bared her back to the world to witness her tattoo.

Peter Okoye

This P Square twin set tongues wagging earlier this year when he got a new tattoo that many alleged linked him to the illuminati.

Charly Boy

It’s only natural for Uncle Charly to take it over the top…and all over his body.

Lady Di

What’s that old saying again?

‘Birds of a feather fly together.’ This starlet seems to have the same hobbies as her ‘hubby’.

Shan George

Mother of four, and still spicy, this long standing actress is a bonafide resident of the inkdom.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—51

•The chamber relocates to 360 constituencies tomorrow. (Inset is Ihedioha)

The making of a Peoples Constitution

BY EMMAUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

M

ANY members of the House of Representatives are in trouble tomorrow. A number of them who have refused to engage their members on their representation are obviously in a fix as all 360 members are required to meet with their constituents tomorrow in the most spread out town hall meetings to have happened in

THE House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is commencing an innovative discourse with Nigerians in 360 centres spread across the federal constituencies in the country tomorrow. It is a bold attempt at addressing the disconnect between “We the People” and the 1999 Constitution decreed by Nigeria’s last military dictatorship. the country.

Tomorrow ’s meetings necessarily would not be a problem for the majority of members who have engaged

their constituents. However, for those who have boycotted their constituencies and stayed put in Abuja, tomorrow would be a day to fidget.

The town hall meetings taking place in all 360 federal constituencies of the country is an innovative effort by the Aminu Tambuwal house to redefine the process of lawmaking. Specifically, at tomorrow’s town hall meetings, each member of the House is expected to preside over a meeting in his or her federal constituency during which the inputs of the stakeholders would be garnered into the ongoing constitution review

'Only citizens can produce genuine Constitution'

BY INNOCENT ANABA

S

ENIOR members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA are backing the call by the body for a referendum prior to the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking in separate interviews, senior members of the bar said, the people must be fully involved in the process, affirming that a genuine statute book can only be produced through a referendum.

Messrs Solomon Asemota, SAN; Niyi Akintola,SAN, and a university don, Professor Mike Ikhariale spoke on the issue.

Akintola in his view said: “Those who are opposed to our position should take time to understand the position of the NBA. The NBA has been in the vanguard of the amendment of the constitution and that is why in 2010, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives threw a challenge to us and the NBA went for 10 days retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at our own expense and came with a model

C M Y K

•Akintola the then National Assembly leadership to invite other stakeholders and Nigerians through a referendum. We made provision for State Police for the States that desire it, like Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal. We made provision for the Judiciary, Constitutional Court to handle political cases, corruption cases, an Independent

Prosecutor who is not subject to the manipulation of the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice but subject only to the National Assembly for control.

“We recommended the office of an Independent Prosecutor because if you, an ordinary Nigerian citizen, have a case against a Minister, you get an Independent Prosecutor who is not subject to civil service bureaucracy and manipulation.

“We recognised the infighting in the Judiciary and made provision for that in the same constitution. After we submitted the draft NBA Constitution, the National Assembly complained that they did not have the required skills and manpower to

Continues on page 56

process of the House of Representatives.

The House Committee on Constitution Review, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep Emeka Ihedioha is expected to be guided by the submissions received at tomorrow’s meetings in the compilation of its final report.

The effort is a bold attempt at rebuffing fresh opposition against the “foreword” of the 1999 Constitution handed over by the last military regime in the country.

The foreword to the 1999 constitution saying “We the people” has recently been an issue with many in the legal community who claim that the phrase was fraudulently inserted as there was no convocation of Nigerians prior to the adoption and implementation of the constitution.

“A man whose signature was forged cannot say ‘I will adopt it and amend it.’ Therefore when you say: ‘We, the people of Nigeria give ourselves a constitution,’ when it is not true,” Chief Solomon Asemota, SAN, one of the country ’s senior lawyers said.

His support of the consultations, however, is not a full endorsement of tomorrow ’s planned nationwide talk shops.

“We need to consult the people and the correct thing is to have a Constituent Assembly to prepare a draft. The National Assembly has the right to prepare a law to enable the President constitute a Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution which they will pass into a law after a referendum.

“The truth of the matter is that the amount of consultation which they say that they want to do in one day makes it a charade, because you cannot have almost everybody to all come together just for one day,” Asemota submitted.

The House is, however, focused on its plans irrespective of the recent opposition from the legal community. The House members see the plans as part of the legislative agenda as promised by Speaker Tambuwal at the beginning of the seventh House.

Styled as the Peoples’ Public Sessions, the town hall meetings to be presided over by the members representing each of the 360 federal constituencies is expected to incorporate strategic stakeholders from the federal constituencies.

Among those already invited are the Members of the State House of Assembly in the particular federal constituency;

Continues on page 56

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—53

C M Y K

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

OILY MESS: What

we've learnt from

Nigeria — Baffour, Ghana’s Information Minister •As Ghana’s second biggest investor, we can’t hurt Nigerians •ECOWAS lacks political will to pursue common currency •Why corruption thrives in Africa Hon Fritz Baffour, Ghanaian Minister of Information and Member of Parliament representing Ablekuma South, Greater Accra Region on the banner of the ruling National Democratic Congress, NDC, spoke to a team of Vanguard editors during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Corporate Headquarters of the newspaper on Monday. He spoke on a wide range of issues including alleged hostility against Nigerian businessmen in Ghana, how to boost regional integration in West Africa, why Ghana is desirous of partnering with Nigeria, which he said is now Ghana’s second biggest investor after China and lessons Ghana has learnt from Nigeria on oil exploration. Excerpts:

•Baffour: We won't rely on alone

•Baffour: It will be illogical to be hostile to Nigerians

,

O

N allegations that the Ghanaian government is hostile to Nigerians’ business interests in Ghana and whether it is revenge for the Ghana-must-go incident of the 1980s We have gone a long way beyond that. Now we have gone to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Ghana has signed most of the ECOWAS protocols.

Nigeria is a very close friend of Ghana. The word 'friend' is even an understatement because the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana in terms of social and economic interaction is very important.

Nigeria is the second biggest investor in Ghana after China. I am talking about present day investments not traditional investment nations like Great Britain and the United States of

America. So, it will be illogical for us to be hostile to Nigerians.

But we have laws, which protect our petty traders and that is what has caused the problem of thinking that we are being hostile.

Petty trading has been left to Ghanaians. Foreigners are not allowed to participate anywhere in our market places, the store holders should be Ghanaians.

We have been trying to enforce that law and that is what brought about the problem. We have been lax in ensuring it is only Ghanaians that are in those particular areas. Foreigners are allowed in commercial areas, not in markets.

Those are our rules and regulations. I think along the line, it goes against the grain a little bit with ECOWAS protocol.

The problem arose not because of Nigerians but the Chinese, who we found to be encroaching into those areas. You cannot really tell the difference between a Nigerian and a Ghanaian in the market unless in the matter of accent. It was really difficult to enforce the law. So, in enforcing the law, the blanket was spread out and that naturally created a problem.

Through our investment laws, we like to ensure that only genuine investors are allowed.

So, there is a certain amount of money, which must be invested or lodged into Ghanaian accounts in order for that person to be declared as an official investor. This is within the ambit of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which came oil to my ministry and we held a press

The word friend is even an understatement because the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana in terms of social and economic interaction is very important

,

conference on this matter to allay the fears of Nigerians, it wasn’t a pogrom against them.

On reported evictions of Nigerians from the markets I did not come across any major evictions. I don’t think we had evictions. What we did was we gave a period for people, who were not within the regulations to leave. I don’t think anybody went out with arms or guns to evict anyone.

Secondly, we have also local unions like Ghana Union of Traders, GUTA, who may have been a little bit more aggressive.

I don’t think there was actual evidence of eviction at any time.

On $150,000 minimum requirement for business

registration There are investment laws. You have to register your business as a foreigner in Ghana under the Ghana Investment Promotion Laws. You also have to register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

To do that, there are certain sums you have to put in and you have to employ Ghanaians. In order to get tax breaks, you must register and regularize your investment in Ghana.

How Ghanaian economy is coping with the revaluation of the Cedi and whether overvaluation of the currency is not affecting trade I don’t think the Ghanaian currency is over-valued. The revaluation is that we decided to delete some zeros. Instead of 1000 Cedi, it became 1Cedi. We put it in parity with the Dollar.

Even at that, it has lost value since then, which was in 2008.

Now the Cedi is almost 2:1 to a dollar. Naturally, if the currency is stronger than the dollar, exports are affected and imports become a problem.

I

mpact of Cedi revaluation on inflation One of the strong points of our government is that we have kept inflation at a single digit since we came into power. Now, our inflation rate is 8 to 9 per cent in the last four years.

Photo: Diran Oshe

I don’t have to be convinced that I will win but I am made to know that I have a good case and of course, I hold the responsibility to expose to the Nigerian public the malaise inflicted on the electoral process

,

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

,

On lessons Ghana has learnt from Nigeria's oil experience since she too has started exploring oil We have learnt great lessons from Nigeria. We have learnt a lot from Nigeria. I, as a student of geo-politics, will not blame Nigerians too much for the problems they had with oil.

Basically, you did not have the infrastructure to assimilate the amount of money coming from the oil boom of the 1970s after the Yuki Po war in Israel, when there was an embargo on oil and the price of oil shot up from $3 to $23 a barrel and that created a problem.

What we have done in Ghana is that over the years, we have created an infrastructure that can absorb the revenue coming in

Continued on page 55

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—55

to help propel development of northern part of Ghana, which for years had been neglected as a result of the policies of the Colonial government. It was only Kwameh Nkrumah, who tried his best to accelerate development in the North.

On how far Ghana is pushing for single currency for ECOWAS sub-region Yes we are pushing. It is about time West Africans went 10 steps further in our integration process but unfortunately, the political will is not there because people are protecting their various terms.

I think that is where the Nongovernmental pressure groups have to come in. We really wished for a single currency.

I

•Baffour: We're working to ensure free polls in Ghana

Why corruption is endemic in Africa — Baffour from oil. We have a Revenue Management Committee that handles oil revenue and makes sure that the revenues are not misused.

We also have a heritage fund.

It went through Parliament and the government had a hectic time passing it through the Parliament. The Committee members are from all shades of political opinion and different areas in Ghana. It is representative and is not a government thing. So, for the management of our oil revenue, we have insisted that it should be open, transparent and accountable.

Unlike Nigeria, most of our oil is offshore. Now, we have very few Ghanaians about 840 working on the offshore rigs. We are not ready to utilize the gas coming from the field so we asked that the gas should be re-injected until we could build a gas pipeline.

What we are doing now is we are getting gas from the West Africa Gas Pipeline, WAGP, which comes from Nigeria. We had serious problems with supply. Recently, a ship anchor broke the pipeline, so right now we are going through load management because most of our power stations are being fueled by the gas from the WAGP. To avoid the problem, we are now building a gas pipeline from offshore fields for gas to come downstream. We are going to use that to fuel our power needs and

increase power generation in the country, which is key to rapid industrial development.

We have accessed a loan from China to build infrastructure to cope with the oil and gas coming downstream –oil refinery, gas plant, electricity stations, fuel stations, ports, etc.

A

nother lesson we learnt from Nigeria is that we should not be too reliant on oil; we should look at other means of revenue and focus on them.

One of the reasons we have single digit inflation is because the cost of our food basket has remained almost the same. Yet, food is more expensive in Ghana than in Nigeria even though Nigeria has not invested much in her agricultural production as she should have and that is what we are trying to avoid. We want to improve our agricultural production and ensure that our agricultural base is not eroded.

Agricultural production is not only about producing the food, it is also about storage and transportation. So, infrastructure like good road, rail and storage systems have to be in place to ensure that our foods are not wasted.

On the unemployment situation in Ghana The situation is not as good as we would like it to be. There is high unemployment among the youths and that is why we are insisting on the gas coming downstream to fuel the industries.

We have also come with

,

Continued from page 54

Another lesson we learnt from Nigeria is that we should not be too reliant on oil; we should look at other means of revenue and focus on them

,

certain interventions like skills training for the youths. Another intervention is called the Next Step, which trains people to be entrepreneurial.

We have set up a youth entrepreneurial fund for graduates to access so that they can actually go into entrepreneurship. We want the youths to go into entrepreneurship and business and employ others.

We want to avoid a situation where the reliance is on oil. We have a very strong agricultural basin. We are the second largest producer of cocoa and cocoa employs a lot of Ghanaians. We also have very large stripes of arable land.

Therefore, we are upping our investment in mechanized agriculture, irrigation, etc so that we are not reliant the way we are now on rain-fed agriculture.

We also have another intervention called the Savanna Accelerated Development Fund,

lived in Nigeria at a certain time in my life. I have strong antecedents in Nigeria. My father’s sisters and siblings were born and brought up in Nigeria at a certain age. There is that interaction; it is about time we started doing things together properly. When I go out and meet my Nigerian friends, all of them have strong Ghanaian connections either economic or social yet we have not formalized it in a way that it can be effective and impact on our societies in the best possible way. So, if we have a common currency, it will break down trade barriers.

We lose $3.5 billion to trade barriers The World Bank came out recently with a report that we are losing about $3.5 billion because of the trade barriers that we have. It does not make sense, it is not rocket science that we should try and integrate. But we have a problem: we have Anglophone West Africa and Francophone West Africa and that is a problem because certain policies are being tele-guided by people who don’t want that integration because the integration will impact negatively on their countries, which are outside Africa.

It is something we have to sit down and discuss and actually make a commitment. How many West African countries have signed the ECOWAS Protocol in full? None! These are things we have to consider.

On how Ghana is combating graft Corruption is endemic in Africa because it is associated with poverty. When you have poverty that is almost part and parcel of society, you are going to have problems with access to resources and misuse of resources.

What we are doing is strengthening the institutions.

Once you strengthen the institutions of governance, make them open, transparent and accountable, you are working towards the reduction of corruption. That is what we have done. We have a fraud office that is working hard to ensure that we reduce corruption in

government. We have an institution that does due diligence for banking. The Bank of Ghana is doing its work. The Electoral Commission is also making sure that our elections are free and fair. We have a national commission for civic education to educate people on their duties and responsibilities.

The Parliament is also there. All these institutions are independent of government.

On whether he foresees Ghana overtaking Nigeria with discovery of oil I am not interested in that at all. We are supposed to be brothers and we are supposed to work hand-in-hand. So it is not a question of over-taking, it is a question of strengthening ourselves to work together as partners, not competitors.

On large tracks of tobacco fields in Ghana in spite of global campaign against tobacco smoking That one I will leave to the activists. Tobacco brings in a lot of revenue. I will be quite honest with you; I have lost a lot of friends, who died at early age because of smoking. That is my personal view. But in terms of governance, we get a lot of revenue from tobacco not as much as we used to get before. I think we have to have an interaction among the government, stakeholders and tobacco industry.

Our tobacco farmers are also complaining that ‘if you push this thing too much a lot of us will be out of work and it will affect our livelihoods.’ It is something that peter out as we go along the way.

On readiness of Ghanaians for the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections In Ghana, we have the hybrid system, where majority of the cabinet comes from the Parliament. My party, NDC is the party of the government. I am standing for election. We intend to win the election with the support of the people. We want to ensure that there is free and fair and above all peaceful election.

We are working with all stakeholders and concerned institutions to ensure credible and peaceful election. We have that tradition. We have done so well in the last four elections and have not had any major negative event. We want to ensure that this one is better than previous elections. The President, John Dramani Mahama, is the flag bearer of the NDC. On chances of NDC after President Attah Mills' death The death of Professor John Evans Attah Mills was tragic but his death also brought to light the magnificent achievements he made in governance in Ghana.

He was a man of conciliation and peace. He was someone who did not react despite the fact that he was vilified by a lot of elements in the political process.

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

T

HE representative of IMF in Nigeria was reported to have advised Nigeria “to take advantage of the current growth to strengthen her fiscal decision by saving for the future, as there is no assurance of early global economic recovery” .

According to him, the global economic outlook remains uncertain. The global context has continued to witness slowing growth mostly masked in the advanced economics.

The message of Mr. Scott Rogers (IMF representative in Nigeria) is that frugality should be the watchword and this should be supported by suitable fiscal measures. This view is not different from the Central Bank’s sermon on increasing rate in government expenditure. Dr OkonjoIweala the Coordinating Minister for the economy made an indirect allusion recently when she said that “the problem is that when times are reasonably good, people tend to forget the efforts made in the past and start talking of let’s spend everything, let’s do this, yes, let’s spend for infrastructure but let us also put little aside, there were some of the achievements that we began to have in the economy”.

Realizing the great dependence of Nigeria on oil revenue and the uncertainty of stability oil price in world market, it is reasonable for the IMF representative to urge the federal government to adopt policies which would avoid undue increase in government spending and save as much as possible for the raining day.

Thus there should be no question of a budget deficit policy at this time. To him, the nation should generate fiscal surplus while oil prices are

07059197616

Nigeria, IMF and other matters high and use it to build the nation’s reserves. “Stop spending what is meant to be saved, make the oil price rule effective”.

The question of relevance of oil money to the country’s economic development has been subject to debate in the past. Some analysts have criticized the Nigerian Governments (Federal, State and Local) of ineffective and inefficient management of the oil resources. The oil resources, being over 80% of recurrent expenditure of various state budgets are meant for consumption and 20% of capital expenditure (if released). Thus, it is reasonable for caution to be exercised on extended government’s expenditures.

The other factors touched by Mr. Scott Rogers, like porous borders for traffic at petrol stations are familiar problems with us. All associated problems related to petroleum

products are attributed to rampant corruption, and the pity is that those saddled with the eradication processes are themselves parts of the problems. That Corruption is endemic in Nigeria is axiomatic and its resolution is left to the gods of our forefathers.

However, my problem is with the gospel of savings in the midst of wants and desperation. Some advocates of budget surplus (leaving more money in the coffers of the government) do not always take into consideration of the state of infrastructural decays and depth of poverty arising from mass unemployment. The problem with Nigerian leadership has been a comical misunderstanding of modern economic growth principle in a weak economy. T h e “classical” economists who have dominated the policy making cadre in the country have created the impression that increase in government

expenditure would always result in general inflation.

However, since Keynes it has been recognized that the modern economy could be subject to the deficiency in effective demand and that direct government action would be necessary to offset it.

The new thinking has been recognized throughout the western world. The recent reelection of President Obama of the USA has stamped this economic orthodoxy. President Obama has used government funds to bail out ailing motor industries and also to stimulate effective demand in time of recession to create new employment.

It is my belief that a dormant economy (with weak demand and mass unemployment) would not respond positively to a policy of budget surplus with high savings and high foreign exchange reserves, being presently canvassed by many, and followed by government.

An economy pushed up to a fairly level of full capacity would ensure a satisfactory rate of growth. It is not possible to have the required economic growth and prosperity under a condition of high employment (as we have in Nigeria today) with capable hands kept idle when they should be producing economic goods. The idle hands are now showing their capabilities in armed robberies, kidnappings and hurling bombs.

Political uncertainties While commending the activities of the national legislators for organizing rallies for the review of the present Constitution, my believe is what the country needs is a general Discourse on reconstructing of the

country. The craze now is for the creation of more states in respective of economic viability. Realists believe that the present 36 State structure is unwieldy, unviable and deficient in structure. Others believe that the six zone structure with some amendments on South - South and North Central could be a workable, viable and political stable option.

Some have even suggested that apart from the South West (Yoruba), South East (Igbo), and Bayelsa (Ijaw), other linguistic groups could be considered. This would ensure the avoidance of volcanoes in some states which abhor restless minorities who could be subversive. The advantage of a linguistic group is that common culture would be elevated and unity preserved in a mutual coexistence in a group. It is an attempt to reduce ethnic antagonisms as observed in some states in Nigeria today.

This brings me to the question of the South-Western zone (Yoruba) and South-Eastern zone (Igbo) of the six zone structure.

On the present diatribes on the personal reminiscences of the octogenarian literary genius, what modern Nigerians would expect is a high level of technological development and economic transformation in the two states to show modernity. What efforts are the giants in these two states making to achieve good education, good health and good governance to make life easy for every citizen? What seems to be required are good understanding and profitable investments among themselves and other people of Nigeria to prevent another senseless war and its tragic consequences.

The making of a Peoples Constitution Continued from page 51 the local government chairmen; the Nigerian Labour Congress; Trade Union Congress; Nigerian Bar Association; Academic Staff Union of Universities; Nigerian Union of Teachers; and Civil Society Organizations.

Others institutional stakeholders invited include the National Association of Nigerian Students; Nigerian Youth Council; National Council of Women Societies/ Representatives of Women Organizations and the Media (Nigerian Union of Journalists).

Besides the above listed institutional stakeholders invited

to the public sessions, interested members of the public with suggestions to the committee are also expected to attend the sessions.

However, it is understood that a template of issues under consideration for amendment would also be deliberated in the public sessions.

Among the issues proposed by the committee are: “Recognition of the six zonal structure; issues with respect to States creation; structure, funding and creation of local governments; residency, citizenship and the indigeneship question; justiciability of economic and social rights; fiscal provisions; independence of

State legislature; amendments to the exclusive legislative list to devolve more powers to States; fiscal federalism; abolition of state electoral commissions; Immunity removal; State police; zoning and power sharing; term of office of Governors and President whether single term of 5, 6 or 7 years or a renewal term of 4 years; independent candidacy; voting age; improved women representation; disability rights; diaspora voting; single National chamber legislature; presidential or parliamentary system; role for traditional rulers; further electoral reforms; etc.”

It is expected that the public sessions will sufficiently equip

the members of the House of Representatives to articulate the various issues affecting their constituencies for onward presentation to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

Yesterday, Speaker Tambuwal formally flagged off the public sessions at a ceremony in the National Assembly complex. At the ceremony, himself also a senior lawyer, boldly addressed the concerns of the lawyers with his assertion that the House would in due course make provision referendum in future constitution reviews.

As the House members prepare to meet with their

'Only citizens can produce genuine Constitution' Continued from page 41 put it in draft form, that we should help them.

We advised them again to get input from other stakeholders and Nigerians through a referendum.

“They are saying that

referendum it is not in the Constitution. When referendum was done in South Africa, was it contained in their Constitution?

In his view, Asemota described the 1999 Constitution as “a false document,” saying a genuine statute book can only be produced through a referendum.

He said: “A man whose signature was forged cannot say ‘I will adopt it and amend it.’

Therefore when you say: ‘We, the people of Nigeria give ourselves a constitution,’ when it is not true, you cannot change it by saying whereas, whereas we want this and so on, as is currently done.

“So, in the current effort, we need to consult the people and the correct thing is to have a Constituent Assembly to prepare a draft. The National Assembly has the right to prepare a law to enable the President constitute a Constituent Assembly to draft a constitution which they will pass

•Tambuwal:

Yes to Referendum

constituents tomorrow, it is expected that perhaps, the persistent clamour for a Sovereign National Conference and all other divisive sectional schemes that have long troubled the polity could well be addressed.

They will be helped by the 43 point questionaire to be administered to all those present in tomorrow's meetings. For once Nigerians could well address the same issues and speak with one voice.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—57

Vanguard CLASSIFIED A KW UA KA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Akwuaka Lovelyn Akuchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeani Lovelyn Akuchukwu.

All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University, LASU, and general public please take note.

UKPONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Egondu Ukpong, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Stella Egondu Ejiogu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKWONIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patience Ifeyinwa Ekwonike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Ifeyinwa Nwanakwere. All former documents remain valid. FUTO, Zenith Bank Plc and general public please take note.

IHEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iheke Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwu David Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Preye Boro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Preye Subai. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASIKAOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asikaogu Augusta Chinonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igbom Augusta Chinonye. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University, LASU, and general public please take note.

MACCARTHY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Erekpo-Ebinimi Maccarthy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Erekpo-Ebinimi Adolphus Akpoti. All former documents remain valid.

University of Port Harcourt, NYSC and general public please take note.

P O R T HARCOURT—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Po r t - H a r c o u r t Eselemai-Ere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Arisou E n e b i k e d o u Eselemai-Ere. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bester Soko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pere Bester Yibaye. All former documents remain valid. Ogbia Local Government Council, Bayelsa State and general public please take note.

A R E G B E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Omowunmi Aregbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Omowunmi Emmanuel.

All f o r m e r documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSUNUKPO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Osunukpo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Eromosele.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ESE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ese Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udoro Evelyn Ese. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olude Onome Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Evangelist (Mrs.) Anowa Onome Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O K A F O R — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Tonia Chinwendu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okonkwo A n t h o n i a Chinwendu.

All f o r m e r documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O D O N M E TA — I , formerly known and Addressed as Miss Misan Linda Odonmeta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Misan Odonmeta G i l b e r t Oritsemuogho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKWA—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Okwa Moses Ochuko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogagavworia Ochuko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOMARO—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Ozomaro Emefeluo Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mekako Emefeluo Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

B O D E YA N — I , formerly known and Addressed as Miss Bodeyan Sylvia Eseoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Etetaye Sylvia Eseoghene.

All former documents remain valid. Post Primary Education Board, Asaba and general public please take note.

O M O I R AW UA— I , formerly known and Addressed as Miss Usi Omoirawua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Usi Fregene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGENE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogene Mercie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Justin-Ifeose Mercie.

All former documents remained valid.

General public please take note. .

ESEH-OKPU—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Rita Onome EsehOkpu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Onome Aruedjere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BRAIMOH—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Braimoh Aminat Olohigbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adelana Aminat Olohigbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A N WA N A — I , formerly known and Addressed as Miss Mary Effiong Anwana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Joy Despailles.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKORO-KEM—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Ozioma Mary-Jane Okoro-Kem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ozioma Mary-Jane Evivie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZIOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Ozioko Blessing Oluebube, now wish to be known and addressed as Ugwu Blessing Oluebube. All former documents remain valid, Institute of Management and Technology (I.M.T.) Enugu, NYSC and general public take note.

W I L L K I — I , formerly known and addressed as Evelyn Willki, now wish to be known and addressed as Evelyn Kulirajolu.

All former documents remain valid. Bank JAD Construction Ltd and general public please take note.

OPARA—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Gloria Ihuaku Opara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gloria Ihuaku Amoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ELUME—I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Tobore Happy Elume, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tobore Happy Ovie Okpeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name My Correct name is Pudie Ebifiyebebe Matthew, but I am referred to as Pudie Saint Matthews. The general public should please note my correct name and all former documents remain valid as Pudie Ebifiyebebe Matthew is one and the same person as Pudie Saint Matthews.

Error in spelling of name My correct name is Pudie Saint Matthews, but in my NECO certificate my name was wrongly written and spelt as Pudie Saint Matthew. The general public and NECO should please note the correct spelling of my name which is Matthews not Matthew.

ANENEAGOLUM—I, formerly known and addressed as Aneneagolum Abigail Chinwe (Mrs), now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okosi Abigail Chinwe.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONONAIWU—I, formerly know and addressed as Ononaiwu Michelle Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Paschal - Okwundu Michelle.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUWABAMISE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwabamise Esther Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olofinmoyo Esther Oluwatosin.

All former documents remain valid. General public and The King's Kid School, Lagos please take note.

IDOGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolola Omotanwa Loyal Idogbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dada Omolola Omotanwa Loyal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADODO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rachael Aidelekohi Adodo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rachael Aidelekohi Raimi Irekhoire. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Polytechnic, Olabisi Onabanjo University and general public please take note.

MUSA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Nefisatu Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Nefisatu Omulu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orji Ogechi Pamela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuedozie Ogechi Pamela. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONAH —I, formerly known and address as Miss Onah Felicia Chidiebere, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Ezeneke Felicia Chidiebere. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria Nsukka, NYSC and general public please take note.

N WA J I D E O B I — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ujunwa Elizabeth Nwajideobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ujunwa Elizabeth Nwajideobi Ikwor. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emelda Ukamaka Okeke,, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emelda Ukamaka Jude. All former documents remain valid.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and general public please take note.

A G H A H O WA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Aghahowa Isoken Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Milton Isoken Juliet.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Benin, Benin City; National Centre for Energy and Environment (Energy Commission of Nigeria), and general public please take note.

CHILAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chilaka Chinedu Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odoemenam Chinedu Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OBIUDO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifunanya Onyinye Obiudo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifunanya Onyinye Ekene - Maduka. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MOHAMMED—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Hauwa Ladidi Mohammed, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shafa’at Hauwa Mohammed.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeh Anayo Benedette, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezugwu Anayo Benedette. All former documents remain valid. NTI Kaduna, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and general public please take note.

OYEKUNLE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyekunle Julianah Bunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajewole Julianah Bunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A G B A N A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Wemimo Agbana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adawaren Grace Wemimo. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

UKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emediong Etim Uko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emediong Emem Effiong. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ETIM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Etim Goodness Nyong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obi Goodness Ekamma. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

GBEMRE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lisa Emuobome Gbemre, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lisa Emuobome Edafe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOFOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesua Omofoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adesua Omodion. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMAHE—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwahe Mary Onyis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghara Mary Onyis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SOLOMON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Solomon Misterion Arah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Misterion Arah Victor. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta U n i v e r s i t y, NYSC and general public please take note.

M O R G A N U WANDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Morgan-Uwandu Lynder Eziaku, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alole Lynder Eziaku. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHAMPIONK PAT E G H E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ufuoma Champion Kpateghe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ufuoma Ophikor Ideh. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

ONIFADE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Onifade Emmanuel Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Adeyinka Emmanuel Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Obama vict or es PPakis akis one victor oryy infuriat infuriates akisttani dr drone victims T

HE roars celebrating the reelection of U.S. President Barack Obama on television give Mohammad Rehman Khan a searing headache, as years of grief and anger come rushing back.

The 28-year-old Pakistani accused the president of robbing him of his father, three brothers and a nephew, all killed in a U.S. drone aircraft attack a month after Obama first took office.

“The same person who attacked my home has gotten re-elected,” he told Reuters in the capital, Islamabad, where he fled after the attack on his village in South Waziristan, one of several ethnic Pashtun tribal areas on the Afghan border.

“Since yesterday, the pressure on my brain has increased. I remember all of the pain again.”

In his re-election campaign, Obama gave no indication he would halt or alter the drone program, which he embraced in his first term to kill al Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan without risking American lives.

Drone strikes are highly unpopular among many

Pakistanis, who consider them a violation of sovereignty that cause unacceptable civilian casualties.

“Whenever he has a chance, Obama will bite Muslims like a snake.

Look at how many people he has killed with drone attacks,” said Haji Abdul Jabar, whose 23-year-old

G

to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2014.

Obama authorized nearly 300 drone strikes in Pakistan during his first four years in office, more than six times the number during the administration of George W. Bush, according to the New America Foundation policy institute.

Men step on a U.S flag during an anti-American rally organized by Shababe-Milli, the youth wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, in Peshawar recently Credit: Reuters/Fayaz Aziz

Syrian president vows to ‘live and die’ in Syria S

YRIAN President Bashar al-Assad insists he will “live and die” in Syria, even as countries offer him safe

FAO slashes grain forcasts, world food prices stay high LOBAL supply of key cereal staples including wheat is to tighten sharply in the 2012/13 crop season as wheat and maize output feels the pinch of the worst U.S. drought in more than half a century, data from the United Nations food agency showed.

Separate figures indicated a slight easing of pressure on overall food prices on Thursday, but the Food and A g r i c u l t u r e Organisation’s (FAO) global index stayed close to levels seen in the 2008 crisis when food riots broke out in some countries.

The FAO’s November

son was killed in such a bombing.

Analysts say anger over the unmanned aircraft may have helped the Taliban gain recruits, complicating efforts to stabilize the unruly border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. That could also hinder Obama’s plan

Food Outlook report pointed to continuing pressure on grains output in the current season following this year ’s droughts in key producer regions from the Black Sea to the U.S. cornbelt.

Wheat production, which has also suffered heavily in the droughts in astern Europe and central Asia, was seen falling 5.5 percent to 661 million tonnes, the agency said.

World cereals production is expected to fall 2.7 percent to 2.284 billion tonnes in the 2012/13 season, it said, trimming slightly its previous output forecast of 2.286 billion tonnes.

passage in exchange for halting a gruesome civil war.

“I’m not a puppet, and I was not made by the West to go to the West or to any other country,” he told Russia Today TV. “I am Syrian. I was made in Syria and to live and die in Syria.”

He also made an ominous threat against foreign intervention, saying it would have a “domino impact” on the world.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has said it “can’t cope” with the worsening situation in Syria.

“The humanitarian situation is getting worse despite the scope of the operation increasing,” said Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Meanwhile, President Assad has told Russian TV that he will not leave Syria as suggested by the UK prime minister.

It comes as Syria’s divided opposition groups are meeting in Doha to discuss uniting

under a new leadership body.

“I am not a puppet, I wasn’t made by the West.

I’m Syrian... and I have to live and die in Syria,” Mr Assad told the Russia Today TV channel.

“I think that the cost of foreign invasion of Syria, if it happened, would be greater than one that the whole world can afford,” he told Russia Today.

“Because if there were problems in Syria, particularly as we are the last bastion of secularism, stability and coexistence in the region, it will have a domino impact that will affect the world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. (CNN) “And you know its implications on the rest of the world. I do not think that the West is moving in this direction, but if they do, no one can predict what will happen after.”

Al-Assad’s comments came after British Prime Minister David Cameron broached the idea of giving him “safe passage” if that’s what it takes to stop the bloodshed in Syria.

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 — 59

M

ORE people than initially t h o u g h t remain trapped beneath a collapsed four-storey department store in a suburb of Ghana’s capital Accra that killed at least seven people the previous day, officials said on Thursday.

The authorities had initially estimated that around 55 people were inside when it collapsed due to a suspected

GHANA MALL COLLAPSE:

Seven dead, many trapped structural failure, but that figure was based on the number of employees working there at the time and did not factor in the number of shoppers too.

By Thursday morning, emergency personnel had pulled out 61

survivors and recovered seven dead bodies from the building, which housed a mall operated

by Indian retailer Melcom Ltd. A team of Israeli experts was due to arrive in the West African nation on Thursday to

assist a search for remaining survivors as rescue workers said they feared their condition was quickly deteriorating.

“It is now clear that more people were in the shop than initially estimated, and it is

difficult to tell the actual numbers at this moment,” Kofi Portuphy, the head of Ghana’s National Disaster M a n a g e m e n t Organisation, told Reuters.

“Certainly the conditions of any

S/Africa launches banknotes with Mandela’s image

W

HEN South Africans open their wallets, they will be greeted by images of a smiling Nelson Mandela in various denominations.

This week, the nation launched banknotes featuring a picture of the former president and anti-apartheid icon on the front. The back of the banknotes retains images of the Big Five animals.

The Big Five , lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard, refer to the most celebrated animals in African game reserves.

“Our currency is a unique symbol of our nationhood, with many of us handling banknotes every day,” said Gill Marcus, the Reserve Bank governor . “The Reserve Bank is proud to be able to honor South Africa’s struggle icon and first democratically elected president in this

way.”

The banknotes feature a picture of the former president.

Before the launch, a public awareness campaign helped familiarize citizens with the new bills, Marcus said in a statement.

Mandela, a Nobel peace laureate, spent 27 years in prison for fighting against oppression of minorities in South Africa. He became the nation’s first black president in 1994, four years after he was freed from prison.

Though he has not appeared in public for years, he retains popularity for his role in reconciling a country torn apart by apartheid.

The new 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand banknotes will co-exist with the current bills as legal tender.

*Rescue efforts at the collapsed four-storey department store in Ghana’s capital Accra

MALAWI: Govt

M

AL AWI’S government has back-tracked on its decision to suspend arrests of gays, after churches in the strongly Christian country fiercely criticised the move.

Justice minister Ralph Kasambara was widely quoted in media this week as saying the government

reverses decision on anti-gay rights would suspend arrests pending a decision on whether to repeal laws banning homosexuality.

However, on Thursday he said he had never made such statements and that laws carrying up to 14 years in prison for committing homosexual acts were still being enforced.

Homes burnt at alleged Darfur attack site P EACEKEEPERS said they had discovered homes burnt and dead animals and ammunition littering the ground in a Darfur village allegedly attacked by progovernment forces last week.

Their report gave a rare close-up description of the conflict in the remote region, where rebels demanding greater political and economic sway for their ethnic minorities took up arms in 2003.

Events in Darfur are often hard to verify because journalists’ access is restricted.

An African UnionUnited Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) team that went to Sigili

on Tuesday found the village “completely deserted, with apparent signs of an abrupt departure”, the peacekeepers said in a statement late on Wednesday.

“There was no such announcement and there was no discussion on same-sex marriage,” he told the Daily Times.

Homosexuality is illegal in 36 African nations, and Malawi’s anti-gay laws have caused friction with Western donors, whose assistance is crucial to propping up the economy

“It also noticed several signs of destruction of housing and property, killed animals, and burnt houses. Ammunition was also found in different sites across the village.”

Military action in Mali ’ll have humanitarian cost — Red Cross

A

*Banknote bearing Mandela’s image

survivors down there will be deteriorating and it is our hope to get them out as quickly as we can,” he said.

The ambulance service shuttling victims from the site to a local hospital said survivors had sustained injuries of varying seriousness.

MILITARY intervention in northern Mali against Islamist militants will have a high humanitarian cost, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday.

Access for aid workers is already precarious in the north, where 500,000

people - half the remaining population depend on foreign aid, ICRC President Peter Maurer said.

Military experts from Africa, the United Nations and Europe have drafted plans to recapture northern Mali, which fell to rebels in March after a coup in the capital Bamako led to a power vaccum.

of the impoverished southern African nation.

Justice ministry sources told Reuters pressure from the Malawi Council of Churches, a group of 24 influential Protestant churches, and the Law Society had forced the Uturn.

“Our stance has always been that this practice should be criminalised because it runs contrary to our Christian values,” said the Malawi Council of Churches’ Secretary General, Reverend Osborne Joda-Mbewe.

In 2009, two men were arrested and charged with public indecency after becoming the first gay couple to marry in the socially conservative former British colony.

The prosecution drew i n t e r n a t i o n a l condemnation and was one of the reasons Western donors withdrew budget support to the government of Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in April.

A recent report presented to Mutharika’s successor Joyce Banda r e c o m m e n d e d decriminalisation of samesex marriages as a way of helping fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Emotions, as players win cars in Delta

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

T

A

LBERT Bikom stood still, looked into the sky apparently in communion and thanksgiving to God. It was an amazing evening, probably the best in his life. Seconds later, he bowed his head still stupefied momentarily.

When he gathered himself he said “thank you God for this day.”

Wednesday, October 7 will remain green in his memory. It was a day he bruised his body fighting for points that eventually won him a brand new Toyota Corolla. He competed in Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan tennis championship. He gave his all in the match against Owolabi Jinadu, beating him 6-1, 6-3 in the final that was watched

by Governor Uduaghan and a reasonable crowd at the Squash Club, Asaba.

Governor Uduahgan who has embarked on sports revolution in the state handed Albert the trophy, the car key and urged him to be a good tennis player and a great competitor. ”It really feels great to win this prize. It’s overwhelming and I’m lost for words. This is the greatest encouragement of my life and I will go to the National Sports Festival and give my all.

I have to deliver at least two gold medals to Delta in Lagos. I’m out for this feat and by God’s grace I’ll achieve it,” Albert said. He won the toss and served off the match, winning the first game after being O-30 down.

He blazed on to a 6-1 win in the first set and once reminded himself “it’s your money” after a hot rally that he eventually won. Yes, he went for the prize money which was a brand new car valued over N4m.

There were more rallies in the second set as Owolabi upped his game, holding serves before cracking and losing the second set 3-6. Albert once one a rally after a fall and rising to hit a passing shot.

The girls event was won

by Stella Bgadamosi who beat Maria Lodge 1-6, 61, 6-3 in a match that was so clumsy and appeared not to deserve the prize that eventually went to

C M Y K

AFCON Duties: NFF congratulates Oneya, Ojo-Oba, Bassey, others

MY CAR: Albert Bikom, poses beside his car which he won after clinching the Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan Tennis Championship title. the winner, another brand new Toyota Corolla.

It was a great evening for tennis in Delta and the jokes that followed entertained all. Albert was jokingly told to marry Stella and he pleaded, jokingly too, that he was too young to marry and that maintaining a family now could be an uphill task for him. Stella stood next to him as the jokes were

being cracked even to the hearing of Governor Uduaghan who was enjoying them. Albert and Stella were told that they could use one car as a family one and put the other in a transportation business, a suggestion that made two of the stare at each other and seem to be saying “that’s an idea.”

But another contributor to the jokes raised an alarm, saying that Stella was a smart girl and could be so

domineering in the marriage that Albert would always be at the receiving end. Austin Jay Jay Okocha who sat close to Uduaghan concurred, saying that from what he saw of Stella Albert would always be outwitted in affairs.

Hilarious Laughter followed. It was a good evening, thanks to Governor Uduaghan’s passion for sports.

Glo golf tour: Asaba leg ends Sunday

By JACOB AJOM

T

HE Asaba leg of G l o b a c o m sponsored West African Golf Tour that teed off Wednesday at the Asaba Golf Club, Delta State, Nigeria ends this weekend.

According to Folu Aderibigbe, the company’s commercial coordinator, the train would then proceed to the Elephant Cement Golf Club in Shagamu, Ogun State from November 14-17 for the second leg of West

Africa’s biggest golf tour.

The third leg of the tournament would see the golfers move to the prestigious IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja where competition would hold from November 20 to 23 while the final leg of the four-city tournament anchors at the Oturkpo Golf Course where the President of the Senate, David Mark will be the chief host.

Aderibigbe disclosed that a whopping N62.5million Naira will be at stake while the top prize for winner of the grand finale is N20 million.

Falcons’ def eat a w ak e up call, defeat wak ake says Hamilton Continues from B/P continent in the past and now other countries have caught up with us.”

Hamilton counseled, “in my candid opinion, the Nigeria Football Federation need a functional women football department and run a very good women football league. It is a shame that we who started women football in Africa do not have a league. This must be done for us to move forward.”He said he was not surprised that South Africa that Nigeria used to

beat with wide margin in the past shocked the Falcons Wednesday. “They have a very good league which runs full course. In our case, you have a league that some teams don’t honour matches because of no money. No sponsor would want to identify with a league that is not consistent.” The veteran coach had pity for retiring Super Falcons striker, Perpetua Nkwocha, saying, “she has done very well for the country and this defeat is not good parting one for her.”

HE Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday congratulated eminent Nigerians who have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to help deliver a successful 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Former NFF President, Brigadier-General Dominic Oneya (rtd) is a member of the Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations and will therefore be in South Africa.

Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, immediate past NFF General Secretary and a CAF Match Commissioner and Instructor, will serve as Security Officer during the tournament.

Ojo-Oba only returned to Nigeria on Monday from Egypt, where he had gone to command proceedings as Match Commissioner in the CAF Champions League final, first leg match between Cairo giants Al Ahly and Cup holders Esperance of Tunisia.

Member of NFF Technical Committee, Etubom Paul Bassey, has been appointed by CAF as General Coordinator for Group A of the tournament.

The well-travelled foremost journalist, who is also a CAF General Coordinator, was invited to the Draw Ceremony held in Durban last month and subsequently bagged the appointment as the Super Eagles were thrown in a different pool for the group phase.

Bassey, a former member of the CAF Media Committee, will superintend proceedings in Johannesburg and Durban, where host South Africa, Angola, Morocco and Cape Verde will do battle in the group phase of the tournament that will take place between 19th January – 10th February.

Bassey will automatically be in the thick of organization of the opening and closing ceremonies.

Commercial co-ordinator, Globacom Nigeria, Folu Aderibigbe (middle), Head,Post Paid, Kamal Sonibare (left), and Secretary General, Proffessional Golf Assosiation (PGA), Bolaji Olajide, at a press conference on the West Africa Golf Toure, in Lagos on Tuesday. Photo by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

Pep in ‘come and get me’ plea to City Continues from B/P end of last season.

Now his representatives have admitted the English champions are one of the clubs the ex-Spain international would consider.

His agent Jose Maria Orobitg played down an imminent switch to AC Milan by saying: “The doors are open for them, just like they are open for Manchester City, Chelsea and so on.

“Pep will listen to offers and then he will evaluate

them.

“But so far we haven’t talked about Milan

because Guardiola won’t be coaching until next season.”

I’ll score goals ffor or K eshi Keshi Continues from B/P for a place in the squad, Martins said he recognised the availability of numerous strikers in the Super Eagles. “We are blessed with stars, now we have the mixture of the home based and the professionals, and why not, the Eagles can always fly higher and

put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.’

He said he had put behind him his sad experience at Rubin Kazan and was now focused on the task ahead. “The most important thing is that I’m back to full form, and I’m committed to the Super Eagles, my family and Levante.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—61

C M Y K

62—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012—63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012

I’ll score goals for Keshi — Martins L

EVANTE forward Obafemi Martins has disclosed that he is ready to score for Stephen Keshi in the upcoming international friendly against Venezuela on November 14 in Miami.

Martins who was recently handed a call up by Keshi due to his blistering form at Levante, where he has scored four goals in six league games, told Goal.com that he would not disappoint Coach Keshi and, in particular, his teeming fans.

“I’m happy to be back in the Eagles and I appreciate Keshi for giving me this

Pep in ‘come and get me’ plea to City

P

EP GUARDIOLA has turned up the heat on Roberto Mancini by opening the door for a summer switch to Manchester City.

The former Barcelona coach is currently having a year out of football after quitting the Spanish giants at the

HOLY MOSES ... super sub Victor Moses is mobbed after socring Blues’ winner TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Continues on Page 60 ACROSS 1 Discord (6) 5 Yard (4) 8 Might (5) 9 Dolt (3) 10 Cripple (4) 11 Dungeon (4) 12 Goodness (5) 13 Plunder (6) 16 Legend (4) 18 Comply (4) 20 Limb (3) 22 Decay (3) 23 Born (3) 24 Conceal (4) 25 Paradise (4) 28 Scoff (6) 30 Ague (5) 32 Distant (4) 33 Outlet (4) 34 Fruit (3) 35 Furious (5) 36 Strip (4) 37 Dread (6)

opportunity and I promise I won’t let my fans down. I’m really thankful.”

Martins told the website that he had not met Keshi since he took over the mantle as head coach of the Super Eagles but the former Newcastle striker said he respects the gaffer.

“We have always

spoken on the phone, he is the Big Boss and I respect him a lot. He has been there for the Eagles as a player and now as a coach, he has seen it all, and I am ready to play under him, and score goals for him.”

Sounding modest but determined to work hard

Continues on Page 60

Falcons’ def eat a defeat wake up call, says Hamilton

By JACOB AJOM

P

IONEER national women’s football team coach, Paul Hamilton has observed that the 1-0 defeat of Super Falcons by the Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the ongoing African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea was a wake-up call on the NFF to reorganise the women football sector in the country.

In a reaction to the rare defeat of the Falcons by South Africa , Hamilton said, “It is a wake-up call; a reminder that other African countries have caught up with us.

We have been dominating the Continues on Page 60

•Nkwocha

DOWN 1 Tempestuous (6) 2 Improved (8) 3 Celebrated (6) 4 Designated (9) 5 Part (7) 6 Victim (4) 7 Anger (4) 8 Seed (3) 14 Reckless (9) 15 Shelter (3) 17 Deity (3) 19 Learner (8) 20 Cover (3) 21 Usual (7) 26 Snuggle (6) 27 Epistle (6) 29 Moist (4) 30 Victuals (4) 31 Colours (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Forum 9, Crater 10, Salute 11, Edged 12, Unit 15, Rare 17, Retreat 20, New 21, Loose 23, Test 25, Prop 26, Timid 28, Sag 30, Compare 33, Plug 35, Tier 36, Digit 38, Colour 39, Lolled 40, Deter

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Scour 2, Habit 3, Fee 4, Ordeal 5, Used 6, Mad 7, Human 8, Renew 13, Neutral 14, Trust 16, Respire 18, Topic 19, Asp 22, Erupt 24, Tip 27, Docile 28, Space 29, Guilt 31, Aisle 32, Erode 34, Fire 36, Dud 37, Tor

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K