I won't leave office till June 2 — Sanusi, CBN Gov

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62055

I'm not anti-North 9 — Jonathan

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

SOKU OIL WELLS:

Bayelsa Govt distorted facts — Amaechi 8

I won't leave office till June 2 — Sanusi, CBN Gov •President lacks powers to sack Sanusi — Lawyers L •Senate yet to receive letter from president •APC warns against suspension of Sanusi

BY OUR REPORTERS

AGOS—THE stage is set for a showdown between the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi and the Presidency over when he will step down from office. Sanusi is insisting he would remain in office till June 2 when Continues on page 5

Lagos tanker fire: Stakeholders want tank farms moved

6 COLUMNIST: •P.17

Mr & Mrs

DIFFERENT STROKES—Top left: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, jumps the road demarcation,

during the inspection tour to Agiliti Road under construction at Mile-12, in Lagos. Top right": A Conoil petrol tanker that fell along Arowofela Ajuwon Road at Grailland Iju, Ogun State, yesterday. Below: An accident scene on Calabar-Itu Road bridge, Photos: Bunmi Azeez and Akeem Salau. in Cross River State, where about 19 people died, Wednesday.

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2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

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4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.

BRIEFING—From left: CBN Deputy Governor, Mr Tunde Lemo, addressing a news

conference on Scripless Securities Settlement System (SSSS) in Abuja, yesterday. With him are Director of Banking and Payment, Mr Dipo Fatokun and Director, Audit, Mrs Vivian Agu. Photo: Nan.

I won't leave office till June 2 —Sanusi, CBN Gov Continues from page 1 his tenure expires.

Sanusi’s insistence on staying in office till June this year followed the storm provoked by President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly ordering him to resign as reported by a national

newspaper yesterday over allegedly leaking a letter Sanusi wrote to him (President) claiming that $49.8bn oil revenue was missing.

Sanusi’s position has received support from lawyers who said that the President lacks the constitutional powers to

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

The first step towards success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you find yourself – Mark Caine.

TAKE HEART

Y

BY ELLA RANDLE

OUR encouraging word, given today, may for ever change a receptive life. I wonder who needs to hear it — Steve Goodier

At book signing, people waited in line for a guest author to autograph a copy of his latest novel. An encouraging, elderly woman at the front of the line turned around and said with obvious enthusiasm, “I just have to say – this is the BEST book I’ve ever read. Why, I couldn’t put it down until the very last page.”

Before anyone could respond, the author glanced up and said, “All right, Mother, that’s enough!” Although a mother’s praise is a bit on the biased side.

Besides, if we’re looking for more warm vibes and verbal support, we certainly can’t take our mothers with us wherever we go. That said, there is tremendous power in words of encouragement. Power to change lives. A young Polish boy wanted to play piano, but his teacher told him that his fingers were too stubby and that he would never play well. The boy was advised to try the cornet, but was later told by an expert musician that he did not have the lip to ever be good. Discouraging words.

Then, one day, he met the great pianist Anton Rubinstein. The famous musician gave this young boy the first bit of musical encouragement he ever received. “Young man,” Rubinstein said, “you might be able to play the piano. In fact, I think you can...if you will practice seven hours a day.”

He did practice for many hours every day and his hard work was rewarded. Years later, Jan Paderewski became one of the most famous pianists of his time.

direct the Governor of the Central Bank to resign from office. Most of the lawyers, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, maintained that only a two-third majority of the Senate can validly sack the CBN governor from office.

The senators on their part, however, told Vanguard that the President was yet to inform the senate of his decision to remove Sanusi as the CBN Governor.

On their part, Economic operators called on the President to follow due process, in his attempt to remove Sanusi from office. They said while the President has the power to fire Sanusi, he should do so according to the terms and conditions of the office.

CBN sources confirmed to Vanguard that Sanusi has made up his mind to resist any attempt to force him out of office before June 2 when his tenure expires.

This position was further confirmed by the CBN’s spokesman, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor. According to him, Mallam Sanusi told members of the management at a meeting on Wednesday that he would be in office till June and did not even indicate that he might proceed on any terminal leave before completing his tenure.

Okoroafor ’s words: "He told us at the meeting we held, yesterday, that he will be leaving in June and did not give any indication that he would proceed on retirement leave before that time.”

Sanusi is relying on CBN Act 2007 which defines the tenure, appointment and removal of the CBN governor.

What the law says Section 11(2f) of the CBN Act 2007, says: “The Governor, Deputy Governor or Director shall cease to hold office in the Bank if he: (a) becomes of unsound mind or, owing to ill health, is incapable of carrying out his duties; (b) is convicted of any criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction except for traffic offences or contempt proceedings arising in connection with the execution or intended execution of any power or duty conferred under this Act or the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act; (c) is guilty of a serious misconduct in relation to his duties under this Act; (d) is disqualified or suspended from practicing his profession in Nigeria by order of a competent authority made in respect of him personally; (e) becomes bankrupt; (f) is removed by the President: Provided that

Sanusi: presidency keeps mum

The Presidency, yesterday, kept mum over reports that the president had asked the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to resign.

Though the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati had promised to react to the story before the end of the day, several attempts to reach him, last night failed.

President yet to inform Senate The Senate, yesterday, said it had not received any communication from President Goodluck Jonathan over his alleged plan to sack Sanusi over his role in the alleged missing $49.8 billion and so, would reserve its position on whether it would support or kick against the alleged planned action.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Media, Enyinaya Abaribe, told Vanguard that the Senate would not want to be dragged into the controversial issue since there was no correspondence from the president to that effect.

He said: “The Senate will resume on Tuesday and we have no such information before us.

Until we resume and get communicated by Mr President on the issue, we cannot take any position on that yet. For now, I am sure we don’t have any such information. Until we resume and such information comes before us, we cannot as a Senate respond to that."

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang, PDP, Akwa Ibom North East, said: “Well, I am not aware of that and so I cannot comment on an issue I am not aware of.

Besides, there is no letter or indication to that effect to my knowledge.

I cannot say anything about the leaked letter because I do not know how all that came about.

I am sure Nigerians will want to know even as the damage has already been done.

But Senator Solomon Ewuga, APC, Nasarawa North observed that sacking of the CBN boss was within the purview of the president even as he refused to comment further.

“It is within the power of Mr President and so I have nothing to contribute to that. Besides, I don’t like telephone interview and so leave me out of that matter for now,” he said.

Lawyers back Sanusi

Sanusi’s resistance has received the backing of legal practitioners across the country. A cross section of senior legal practitioners that spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, maintained that only a two-third majority of the Senate can validly sack the CBN governor from office. They said that the President has no such powers under the law to Sack Sanusi, adding that President Jonathan would be acting beyond his constitutionally guaranteed powers should he insist on relieving the CBN governor of his duties without recourse to due process.

Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, said: “The CBN governor was right in his position. Although, he was appointed by the president, however, that Continues on page 52

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Police close in on Ogunro's killers

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS— As family members of late marketing communications guru, Mr. Sesan Ogunro, Group Managing Director, Eminent Communications and Spot-On Media, prepare for his burial, the police in Lagos may have closed in on his killers.

Vanguard gathered that operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos, who launched a manhunt for the bandits, following an order by the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, after the December 22, 2013 incident, have made some breakthroughs.

Sources disclosed that the Toyota Yaris snatched from Ogunro’s widow may have been ferried to neighbouring Benin Republic to a waiting buyer.

A source who spoke with Vanguard on the condition of anonymity said SARS operatives spread its drag net to various parts of Lagos and other states in the quest to round up the suspects and their efforts are currently paying off.

The source said: “I can tell you categorically that the police in Lagos are not sleeping over the Ogunro’s murder and are closing in on his killers. At the moment, they have been able to track his wife’s car to Benin Republic where it was sold to a notorious stolen car receiver. Am sure within days the police will complete its operation and make publictheir findings.”

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, BOSE ADELAJA & MONSUR OLOWOPEJO

L

AGOS — VICTIMS of last Tuesday ’s inferno in Apapa area of Lagos State where 15 people were burnt to death, have called on the government to relocate the fuel tank farms from their present location in Apapa, saying the number of casualties arising from tanker-related accidents in the area was on the increase.

Also, the victims want the government to assist them get back on their businesses.

A victim, Mr. Daniel Apere, lamented that he lost goods worth more than N5 million to the inferno.

“I don’t know where to start from, I watched all my life earnings totalling more than N5 million being consumed by the raging fire. Also, my elder brother lost over N30 million to the fire.”

Apere appealed to the Federal Government to relocate the tank farms from Apapa, saying: “The number of casualties from tanker-related accidents is increasing daily, as a result the tank farms should be removed from Apapa and environs.’’

It would be recalled that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, while assessing the extent of damage caused by the explosion at the MRS tank farm, last year, urged the Federal Government, in the interest of the masses, to relocate the tank farms from the area.

Another victim, Collins Okafor, said: “All my goods were completely burnt and I could not salvage anything.

For the past four months, we have been experiencing fire disasters around here but this is the greatest of all. An orange seller lost her son to the inferno and she also got burnt in the process, in her bid to rescue her son.”

Mr. Oke Udeagbara, President of the Berger Business Community, lamented the loss of his members. He said: “The

An accident scene involving a fully loaded Conoil fuel tanker with number plate, XB 467 AKN, at Oke Ajuwon, along Iju-Ishaga road, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

Lagos tanker fire: Stakeholders want tank farms relocated loss was unimaginable. We lost over N1 billion on that day. One can imagine all the shops loaded with engines and the least of the truck engines costs N800,000.

The explosion occurred at a time some of our members had just stocked their shops with new arrivals.’’

Mr. Moses Okolie, chairman, Board of Trustees of the traders, said five of the traders who had rushed to the scene to salvage their property were injured in the process.

Mr. Arinze Okolie, manager, Berger Suya car park, said: “The fire started at about 10:00 pm and immediately spread to nearby buildings, burning several people to death.”

Okolie, who attributed the incident to negligence on the part of the tanker driver, said: “The fuel-laden tanker experienced brake failure and rammed into the Police post at the bus stop. Its content spilled on the road caught fire. The driver should have checked the brake system and other parts of the vehicle

before setting out on the journey.’’

Govt should rehabilitate our roads —Residents

Residents of Osho Drive, the closest community to the scene of the incident, yesterday, expressed disappointment with the state of Kirikiri-Ajegunle road and called on government to rehabilitate its and save them from incessant tragedies.

Chairman, Osho Drive Community Development Association, Mr. Nwogu Emmanuel, who spoke to Vanguard said the road was an eyesore.

He said: "May I state categorically that the tragedy was aggravated by the bad road. The tanker driver would have been able to handle the situation if not for the deplorable condition of the road. The bus-stop is prone to gridlocks as a result of the bad road, the number of casualties would have increased if there was gridlock on that day.’’

The CDA chairman, however, affirmed that many of the victims were non-residents of the community.

He said: "Nobody has come to search for their relatives because the victims mostly consist of traders, lotto dealers and suya dealers who come from far away places to transact their businesses in the area."

Tankers should operate at night —Petroleum dealers

A trailer with container crushed a Honda Saloon car at Ilasa bus stop along Apapa/Oshodi Expressway in Lagos, yesterday.

President, Petroleum Dealers Association, Badagry branch, Otunba Adisa Osiefa, said the tankers were causing more havoc than good especially in day time.

He said: “We cannot continue to lose lives on our roads. Tankers are not supposed to be on the road during the day, rather, they should move in the night. I

have travelled far and wide and discovered that things like this rarely happen in foreign countries.

"I have told the government on many occasions to restrain tankers from operating during the day. The amount we make on tankers cannot be compared with the number of lives lost each time an explosion occurs on our road.”

Fresh tanker explosion averted

What could have been another petroleum tanker explosion was averted in Lagos, yesterday, through the quick intervention of the state’s fire fighters and men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who prevented an overturned tanker from igniting fire.

According to an eyewitness, a tanker fully loaded with petrol which registration number was removed, while on transit suddenly overturned in the process of negotiating a bend and spilled the content on the road.

The incident which reportedly occurred at about 1pm at Oke Ajuwon, along Iju-Ishaga road, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, led to traffic congestion as men of the Lagos State fire fighters and LASTMA, who sped to the scene following distress call, kept onlookers and motorists away from the spot of the incident.

According to Mr Tayo Adewale, a banker in one of the new generation banks in the area, “It is a miracle that the tanker did not burst into flames.

But thank God for the quick arrival of LASTMA and fire fighters, it would have been a different story.”

The situation was brought under control few hours later and the tanker was removed from the road.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—7

Mother of 18-yr-old boy who killed virgin for ritual speaks zSays ‘My son is possessed with evil spirit’ zHe has been arrested 4 times for attempted rape zI dont know the boy — Sign Fireman

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS —MOTHER of the 18-year-old boy, Ikechukwu Lucky, who was arrested by the police in Lagos State for strangulating a 12-year-old girl, Bose Ogoja, to death for money ritual, in Badagry area of the state, has said her son is possessed of an evil spirit that has been tormenting him.

The mother of the boy, Esa Egbo, told newsmen, yesterday, that her son had been arrested four times for attempting to rape little girls between the ages of 10 and 15 years by the police in Badagry Division.

Mrs. Egbo also said she and her family are members of Perfect Christianity Mission in Surulere area of Lagos, where Dr. Ofuche Ukoha (aka Sign Fireman) is the General Overseer, adding that her son does not know or have any access to the cleric, whom he claimed sent him to kill the girl.

Neighbour laid a curse on him

She explained that two years ago, a neighbour laid a curse on her son and after then he started behaving strangely, thereby attempting to rape little children whenever he sees them.

According to her, “He started two years ago to molest girls in attempt to rape them. It is not an ordinary thing. You know some people are very good in hurting other people’s children. So for that reason I am suspecting that.

He has been staying with me from birth and just two years ago when he was 16 years old, a man who lives close to us laid a scurse on him.

"What happened was that we have a well in our compound and Ikechukwu and one of the man’s daughters were at the well fetching water and they had a quarrel. Ikechuwu beat up the girl and when the man returned he brought out a belt to whip Ike and I prevented him. He started boasting that he was going to make Ike useless and miserable.

I thought he was joking but after that Ikechuwu started behaving funny.

"Whenever he goes out during the day and sees a little girl he would grip and attempt to rape her and the girl would scream alerting people around, who would arrest and beat him up before handing him over to the police at Badagry Police Station.

Arrested four times for attempted rape

"On lucky days, he would escape and flee the area. He has been arrested four times over the same offence and I am the one who normally goes to bail him.

"In April last year, he made me lose over N25,000 I paid as WAEC exam fee. On the day he was supposed to start the exam, he left home with his school uniform and didn’t return until after two weeks. When he came back he told me that the demon came over him on his way to school and he gripped a girl and when the girl screamed he managed to escape so he decided to run away from home.

"I and the father went to beg the people whose child he molested and I decided to follow him to school through out his NECO examinations.

"The last one before this occurred on December 10, 2013 at Imeke. He was arrested and charged to court and remanded in Badagry Prison. I got a lawyer who stood for him before he was granted bail.

"While these things were happening, I told our branch pastor at Badagry about it but I didn’t tell our GO. "Whenever he sees a little girl he would grip the girl and when she screams he would return to him self. He does not do it at night, it's always during the day time.

On the current issue

"On thisparticular case, he told me that he was going to work at a place where a building was demolished by government opposite the French Village in Badagry. They are actually constructing a factory at that place and he used to help them carry bags of cement for which they paid him some stipends at the

Sign Fireman and Ikechukwu Lucky end of the day.

"He failed to return home that day and I and his father went out to look for him at his place of work and people around told us that they didn’t see him. The next day we didn’t see him, so by Wednesday, we decided to go to the police station at Badagry.

"A police woman we met told us that we should go to the SCID to look for him. I asked her what was his offence and she refused to tell me, rather she said when I got to the SCID that I would know what was my son’s offence.

"The next day I and my husband went to the SCID and when I saw my son he told me that there was a woman who sells food close to where he used to work and the woman had a daughter.

"He said on that day he was eating at the woman’s shop when he saw the girl passing and all of a sudden something came over him and he stood up and followed the girl and gripped her so tight and the girl screamed and died after which he regained consciousness.

"He attempted to run, but someone at a building close by who

saw all what happened apprehended him. He used to tell me that he was not misbehaving consciously but that something used to come over him and I have told our branch pastor about it and he prayed for him.

I dont know the boy — Sign Fireman

"My son didn’t accuse the GO. I don’t have the GO's phone number and that of my son. My son didn’t beg the GO for money and even our branch pastor he has never gone to beg for money.

Ikechukwu was the most gentle of all my chidren but this demon destroyed his life.”

Contacted, Dr. Fireman told Vanguard that he was innocent of the allegations, saying he does not know the boy.

He said: "I don’t know that boy and if anybody should know him or his family as members of our church, it’s the Badagry branch pastor. I am the GO of my church.

You can imagine how possible it would be for an 18-year-old boy from a distant branch to have easy access to me talk alone contracting him to kill someone on my behalf."

4 die, 4 others wounded in cult war over lover

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN — THERE was bloodbath in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday morning, following a clash between two rival cult groups, leaving four persons dead and four others severely wounded in a gun battle.

An eye witness told Vanguard that the corpse of one of the victims of the clash, a boy identified as Suleiman Babatunde, was brought to the Specialist Hospital, Sobi, Ilorin at about 9.45 am. yesterday.

As police were waiting for the corpse to be admitted into the hospital’s mortuary, information reached them that three other persons have been killed at the same spot in Baboko.

Though the immediate cause of the clash could not be ascertained but a police officer confided in Vanguard that the cultists were fighting over a girl.

A relation of the late Babatunde, however, said the hoodlums who killed his brother came from Adabata area of the town.

He said they opened fire indiscriminately in the building where the deceased was sleeping and he died on the spot after having been hit by the bullets.

He said another person who was also inside the building sustained bruises on his cheek while two others sustained various bodily injuries.

Contacted, spokesman of the state Police command, Ajayi Okusina said: “When this thing happened yesterday, about seven trucks of combat policemen were sent there and they are still there as I speak."

19 die in Calabar-Uyo road auto crash C

BY EMMA UNA

ALABAR — NINETEEN people including the drivers of a commercial bus and a truck were among those killed in an auto crash along Calabar-Uyo highway, Wednesday evening, when an Onitsha bound bus collided with two trucks.

According to an eye witness, Peace Monday, the accident occurred when a Cross Link bus conveying 18 passengers

to Onitsha from Calabar was descending the Obot Isong slope and close to the bridge a truck carrying rock chippings also from Calabar came right behind it on top speed with apparently failed brakes.

“The truck was on high speed and overtook the bus on the bridge and since the bridge is narrow, the commercial bus was forced to face oncoming vehicles and inci-

dentally, a truck was coming from the Akwa Ibom end of the road.

“The driver of the oncoming truck with number plate Akwa Ibom NGD 01 XA, also on high speed, could no longer control his truck which eventually ran over the bus, killing all the 17 pasengers except one who sustained severe injuries.

"The truck that over took the bus tore through the bridge

railings and plunged under the bridge.

“The driver and his motor boy also died but two others who were at the back of the truck sustained serious injuries as they were flung into the bush.”

Federal Road Safety Commission officials from Uyo were said to have taken corpses of the dead to the mortuary while those who were injured were taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

FG promises improved power supply

by June, 2014

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, said that there was no going back on its promise to ensure improved power supply across the country by June this year.

Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo made this known at a workshop on the inauguration of the 29th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, in Abuja.

Nebo said his ministry was working towards ensuring the attainment of constant electricity by June this year, despite the unique challenges ahead, adding that the efforts in the last few months had proved that the feat would be achieved as experienced during the last Christmas celebration when stable and improved power supply was witnessed in many cities and states across the country.

The minister, however, asked the private sector to tap into the opportunity provided by the new policy of Public Private Partnership, PPP, by partnering with government on infrastructural development in all sectors of the economy.

According to him, the Federal Government’s commitment at delivering power supply to Nigerians was not in doubt, even as his ministry would stop at nothing in ensuring that President Goodluck Jonathan’s ultimate goal of uninterrupted power supply was achieved in the nearest future.

“My ministry is forging ahead; we have our challenges and we are doing everything possible to overcome those challenges. I believe that over the Christmas, apart from Lagos, because of very unique problems, most parts of the country got better power supply. Kaduna had excellent power supply, Abuja and many places had 23-24 hours supply and so many other cities had the same thing."

Soku oil wells: How Bayelsa govt distorted facts — AMAECHI zSays Bayelsa cajoled Kalabari people to relinquish oil wells

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME OVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, yesterday, accused his Bayelsa State counterpart, Governor Seriake Dickson of distorting facts on the ownership of the Soku oil wells, saying attempts to use Ijaw hegemony to browbeat him into submission would not work.

Amaechi in a response to Dickson’s claims that Bayelsa’s ownership of the oil wells flowed from the map produced by the National Boundaries Commission in year 2000, reminded his colleague that that map was subsequently proved to be erroneous and upon which the then Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, apologized to the then Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili.

Governor Dickson had in a statement on Wednesday accused Governor Amaechi of distorting facts concerning the ownership of the Soku oil wells and using the issue to blackmail President Goodluck Jonathan who is from Bayelsa State.

He had also claimed that the oil wells were ceded to Bayelsa State upon the report of the National Boundaries Commission in 2000.

Responding in a statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr David Iyofor, Amae-

G

chi said: “After a very long slumber, the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, through his Chief Press Secretary, has issued a statement, claiming that the Soku oil wells, which historically have always been in Rivers State are in Bayelsa State.

"This statement is coming many months after the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has been consistently reiterating that the Soku oil wells which belong to Rivers State have been appropriated to Bayelsa State by the President Goodluck Jonathanled Federal Government.

“It is also interesting to note that the statement from the Bayelsa Governor is coming after he has held several clandestine meetings with a few Kalabari indigenes and Chiefs in his bid to get them to publicly renounce the Kalabari ownership of the Soku oil wells. At these meetings, all sorts of dummies were thrown up, including the ‘story’ that President Jonathan is Ijaw; Kalabari people are Ijaw; so Kalabari people should support their fellow Ijaw brother, who is the President to take

away Kalabari oil wells and should not join Governor Amaechi, who is not Ijaw, in the fight to return Soku oil wells to Kalabari people of Rivers State.

“The facts on the Rivers State ownership of the Soku oil wells are immutable, no matter how the Bayelsa State Governor tries to stretch, twist or spin them.

Even in his statement, he conveniently left out the fact that from colonial times up till the 10th edition of the Administrative map of Nigeria, the boundaries between the Kalabari communities in Rivers State and the neighbouring Nembe communities of Bayelsa State have been clearly delineated, with the boundary clearly marked as the Santa Barbara River.

“The 11th edition of the Administrative map, prepared by the National Boundaries Commission and the Federal Surveyor General’s Office in 1999, but published in 2000, strangely shifted the boundaries between Rivers and Bayelsa states from the initial boundary between Kalabari and Nembe, west of the Santa Barbara River, to San Bartholomew River, contrary to the delineation by all

SIGNING—From left: Ms. Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Officer/Company Secretary, Oando PLC; Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, CEO Oando Gas and Power; Mr. Chris Okonkwo, COO; and Mr. Emeka Ottih, Company Secretary (both of Oilserve Limited) at the signing of a construction contract in Lagos.

Oando extends gas distribution to Marina central business district

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

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IGERIA’S indigenous energy group, Oando Plc, said it has concluded plans to extend natural gas distribution network of its Greater Lagos Area franchise from Ijora to the Marina Central Business District.

The project, which is being executed by one of its subsid-

iaries, Gaslink Nigeria Limited in conjunction with Oilserve Limited, will increase available gas distribution capacity from current utilisation put at 55mmscf/d against 85mmscf/d installed capacity.

Oando argued that the venture will have a substantial socio-economic impact on the Central Business District, as the availability of natural gas in those areas will attract industrial investors and businesses thereby enhancing commerce and industry in Lagos State.

Natural gas is a cheaper alternative to liquid fuels such as diesel and low pour fuel oil, LPFO, that have been used by industries and commercial customers to augment the epileptic power supply from the national grid.

The project is also expected to have a positive environmental impact as natural gas, which is more environmentally friendly, will displace diesel/ LPFO as the primary fuel

source in the industries and power generation plants in the areas.

Commenting on the signing of the Construction Contract, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Oando Gas and Power, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, said, “We are extremely pleased with the strides we have made thus far, and our overall strategy remains focused on the aggressive expansion and growth of our asset portfolio."

preceding administrative maps of Nigeria and all historical records.

“Irked by this distortion of facts, the Rivers State Government, under Dr. Peter Odili, petitioned the chairman of the National Boundaries Commission, His Excellency, Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a letter dated July 3, 2002, the Director General, National Boundaries Commission acknowledged the error and apologized, stating, “I have discussed this issue with the Surveyor General of the Federation and wish to state as follows: that the National Boundaries Commission has taken note of the State’s observation on the inadvertent misrepresentation of the Bayelsa/Rivers interstate boundary on the San Bartholomew River as shown on the map.” The Director General also said: “I am to assure your Excellency that your observations have been noted and necessary corrections shall be reflected on the 12th edition of the map currently under production. I am to assure you that the boundary line as reflected in the said edition of the map shall in no way have bearings on the current efforts.

“The Bayelsa State Governor, in his press statement, accused the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, of “blackmailing President Goodluck Jonathan and leading a smear campaign against President Jonathan; and of using Soku to incite the Kalabaris in Rivers State against their Nembe kinsmen in Bayelsa.

"This assertion is dangerous, unfounded and in bad faith. Rather, it is the Bayelsa State Governor who has been blackmailing Kalabari people of Rivers State, cajoling them to relinquish the Soku oil wells to Bayelsa State, using the puerile argument that President Jonathan is Ijaw; Kalabari people are Ijaw; so Kalabari people should support their Ijaw brother, who is the President, to take away Kalabari oil wells and should not join Governor Amaechi, who is not Ijaw, in the fight to return Soku oil wells to Kalabari people of Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, will continue to accord the highest respect to the person and office of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but will never submit to any attempt, as is being orchestrated now, to be intimidated in its responsibility of preserving the property and resources that rightly belong to the people of Rivers State.

“The Governor and people of Rivers State cherish the historic good neighbourliness they have enjoyed with the Governor and people of Bayelsa State. Governor Amaechi will work to preserve this cordial relationship in the context of mutual respect and observance of the rights of each state.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—9

I'm not anti North — Jonathan zTo present ministerial list to the National Assembly soon

BY BEN AGANDE BUJA—PRESIDENT Good luck, yesterday, stated that he has no personal grudge against the northern part of the country and stressed that his administration would continue to ensure speedy and equitable development of all parts of the country.

The Presidency also described reports attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Okey Wali that President Goodluck Jonathan refused to receive a minority report from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the proposed national conference as untrue and incorrect.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan was unaware of the existence of a minority report supposedly prepared by a member of the committee, Chief Solomon Asemota.

Abati’s statement read, “It is also a verifiable fact that Chief Asemota himself was present at the submission of the committee’s report to the President on December 18, 2013."

However, speaking when he received a delegation of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, from the North West region, Jonathan said, “Sometimes people say Jonathan is anti-north; he does not want to develop the north and sometimes they sell these ideas to people from outside, especially those from the United States of America, USA. "You Nigerians believe the West must say something for us to listen. And I have spoken to one or two envoys and I said I am not anti-north. Agreed I am from South South minority. I had established three universities in the North and three in the South."

President Jonathan explained that before he came on board, there were some states that had no Federal universities in the South.

Jonathan said: "Before we established the new universities, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Bayelsa, had no Federal universities, in the south. All the others have federal university each.

"As at that time nine states in the north did not have universities. And I believe that the very first thing you use to emancipate people is education. I often use myself as a good example. I grew up in a peasant home, if I did not go to school there is no way I would have been here today."

He stressed that what stood for him to achieve his present height was education. “What has made me to be here today is education.

They said I am lucky, if I didn’t go to school, will luck bring me to be President of Nigeria? And I said it is not fair, no matter what

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let’s start small universities that will not admit more than 400 students, that can provide decent environment and more facilities.

"Some people call themselves progressives; they have done that before, did they change the system? Today if you can abuse Jonathan you are a progressive, if you can attack the Federal Government you are progressive, even if nothing is happening in your state you are progressive. We have seen the progressives.

"So if I am against them would I have done that? The issue of Almajiri education, if I am against the north would I have encouraged that we work with the governors to provide for quite a number of children who are out of school? We can go on and on but this is not the time for that. All these are blackmail, political blackmail.

"We have also agreed to tackle

the issue of desert encroachment robustly. I am yet to get the last briefing; I believe it is because there is no substantive minister yet. But immediately the National Assembly resumes, they will get the list of ministers, so that we will get a law on that.

"We have earmarked N10 billion as a take off fund, this is from the ecological fund not from line budgeting. And we will make sure that it is not just planting trees but planting trees and grasses that would create income for the people.

"On agriculture, I read an article in the paper where somebody said government has budgeted N2 billion for the north. That was seed money. In some northern states alone we are intervening with N14 billion which I have approved

and that is outside line budgeting for some northern states not the whole country.

"The northern part of this country has more resources. What is in the Niger Delta is oil, the land there is not good for farming. We have the best savannah area from the Guinea savannah to the Sudan Savannah to the Sahel savannah; to the Mambila Plateau area. We have the best ecological zone and this is where the resources are.’’

He then asked the north to support his government to deliver on the transformation agenda, saying, “the indivisibility of Nigeria is guaranteed, there is no one person or group of persons that can divide us. Lord Lugard brought the north and the south together, there is a reason why that was done, it was not by chance."

SOLIDARITY VISIT—From left: National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and former National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed, during a solidarity visit of the Peoples Democratic Party North West zone, to President Goodluck Jonathan, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Jang's NGF condemns attack on Kwankwaso's father

BY HENRY UMORU & ABDULSALAM MUHAMMED

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BUJA—FACTIONAL chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, yesterday, called on the security agencies to apprehend those behind the attack on the father of Governor of Kano State, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Jang, who insisted that the perpetrators of crime must be unmasked and punished according to the laws of the land, condemned the attack on the ancestral home of Governor Kwankwaso by gunmen.

In a statement by Kassim Yakubu, the Jang-led NGF media office thanked God that Alhaji Musa Saleh, the governor’s father, who is the district head of Kwankwaso village escaped unhurt in the brazen attack.

Jang extended his sympathy to the families of victims of the dastardly act and assured Governor Kwankwaso that members of the NGF he leads were in solidarity with him to resist any form of intimidation in carrying out his functions as the governor of Kano state.

Meanwhile, Governor Kwankwaso, yesterday, described the gunmen's attack at Kwankwaso community mosque as a threat to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

During a visit to Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to commiserate with the 13 people that sustained various degrees of injuries over the bloody attack that claimed the lives of three people, the governor said the incident was ‘regrettable.’

Defection: Senate, House of Reps express divergent views

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE,JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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HE two chambers of the Na tional Assembly are sharply divided on how they would treat defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. While the Senate is insisting that defectors from the ruling party to the APC would lose their seats, the House in a contrary position said defections would be welcome as the House insisted that breaking party ranks is constitutional.

The Chairman of the Senate committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, gave the Senate position while his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Rep. Sam Tsokwa spoke for the House.

Both men spoke at different press conferences ahead of the resumption of the two houses next Tuesday.

Enang in a briefing threatened that any senator who defects to another political party would automatically lose his seat.

Though Senator Enang stated that he spoke in his personal capacity, there were feelings that he was indirectly speaking the mind of the senate leadership.

He said: “In Nigeria today, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) prohibits independent candidates to participate in any election, therefore, to participate in any election, one must begin by joining a political party."

Drawing references from Section 68 (1) (g) of the constitution which stops legislators from de-

fecting unless there is a crisis in the party through which they were elected, he made reference to a precedence in 2012 when a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, representing Akure North/Akure South Constituency, that defected from the Labour Party, in Ondo State, lost his seat.

According to him, the court upheld the contention that the lawmaker did not prove a division (or faction) within the Labour Party.

Rep Tsokwa in a separate press conference, however, differed saying that no lawmaker’s seat would be declared vacant by the leadership of the House, citing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to support the House’s decision.

He said: “Like the open letters,

we are also into a season of defections and rumours of defections from one party to another. Crosscarpeting, as it is commonly known, it is neither a new phrase in our lexicon nor a new phenomenon in Nigeria since 1999. Indeed, it is on record that the ruling party has benefited from defection or cross-carpeting of no fewer than four governors and numerous legislators to it since 1999.

The chairman revealed that the leadership of the House was intact, saying that it shall continue to enjoy the unity it has maintained since inception.

“Therefore, defection or no defection, the leadership of the House of Representatives remains intact, having enjoyed and is still enjoying the confidence of the members."

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

NDLEA arrests Congolese woman with fake $240,000

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

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INSPECTION: Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Works and Infratructure, (right), explaining things to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle); Mr. Remi Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategies (left), and others, during the inspection tour to Agiliti Road under construction at Mile-12, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

APC factions in free-for-all

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — IT was a free-for -all, yesterday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital when some thugs believed to be operating under the instruction of a faction of the All Progressives Party, APC, invaded the state secretariat of the party, brutalising everyone in sight including four journalists and residents of Leme, Abeokuta.

The incident, which occurred at 10:30a.m. in the presence of the members of combined Police

and Army security outfit, code named ‘Operation Messa,’ who allegedly held down the newsmen for them to be attacked by the hoodlums.

The rampaging thugs who stormed the APC secretariat to stop a meeting of the members of the Harmonisation Committee scheduled to hold at the party secretariat, snatched cameras belonging to the correspondents of the Galaxy Television and MITV, Kunle Ojo and Taofeek Lawal, respectively.

The suspected thugs armed with various dangerous weapons and missiles with the

aid of soldiers and policemen deployed to the APC secretariat, also snatched blackberry phones belonging to the correspondent of the Radio Nigeria/Paramount FM, Mrs. Modupe Sobukola.

Scores of residents of the area were also seriously injured by the thugs who attacked all members of the community in sight.

Several cars at a dealers' shop near the APC state secretariat were vandalised by the thugs who also capitalised on the commotion to deprive residents of their valuables and

Ikeja NBA advocates Sovereign National Conference

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

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HE NIGERIA Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, cautioned that rather than embarking on a national conference, the Federal Government should convene a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, which its outcome will be subjected to referendum.

The Ikeja branch of the association at a press conference organised to address various national issues, said anything short of this will be outrightly rejected by the people of Nigeria who are already expressing doubts on the genuineness of government’s national dialogue.

Its chairman, Mr. Monday Ubani said the country cannot afford another conference which will eventually become a political jamboree, adding, the outcome of the conference, if agreed upon

by Nigerians, will become the country’s new constitution.

“The National Conference will hold in February we are told.

While others have dismissed it as one laden with ill motive from the convener, others are still doubting the modalities that will be employed both in the mode of the representations and the treatment that will be meted out to the outcome of the conference.

“The NBA Ikeja branch demands a Sovereign National Conference whose modalities, representation processes and outcome should be well spelt out by an Act of the National Assembly.

"Whatever is agreed at the conference table shall be subjected to a referendum of the people and if agreed upon becomes a new constitution for the efficient running of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The association also berated

the government over the plan to sell the nation’s refineries, saying the hand-over of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to those who bought, has not justified any improvement in the energy sector.

NBA said the sale of the refineries must be resisted by well meaning Nigerians because the proceeds from the sales might be eventually shared among the public office holders and their political cronies.

other personal effects.

However, it was gathered that, the genesis of the crisis, was traced to the committee membership which was said not to be favourable to a faction.

It would also be recalled that, the party had since split into two factions, one headed by a former governor of the state.

Addressing newsmen at Iwe Irohin Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, shortly after the incident, members of the state Harmonisation Committee led by Senator Gbenga Kaka condemned the attack on journalists and called for police investigation.

Kaka announced the names of the members of the harmonisation committee in the state, asking the governor to provide the Chairman of the committee.

He said: “Surprisingly in Ogun State, before the formal inauguration of the harmonisation committee by the Interim Vice Chairman of the South West, some members of our great party decided unilaterally to be parading themselves as acting Chairmen, Interim Executives at the various State, local government, ward and polling unit levels with no legal backing, as they attempt to usurp the functions of the yet to be inaugurated harmonisation committee.

Economic diversification: Gbajabiamila seeks autonomy for states

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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HE MINORITY Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that for the diversification of Nigeria’s oil dependent economy to become a reality, the federating states must be granted unrestricted financial and political autonomy.

He also called on the Federal Government to embrace taxation as an alternative source of revenue, adding that countries that had no natural resources survive on taxation.

Gbajabiamila said this,

yesterday, in Lagos, at a public lecture entitled: 'Nigeria Beyond Petrodollar: A Realistic Perspective,' organised by the Good Governance Group, otherwise known as the January 9 Collective, J9C, in commemoration of the second anniversary of the 2011 nationwide strike against fuel price increment.

His words: ’’Before the discovery of oil, other things sustained us as a nation but oil changed everything. There are efforts at diversifying the economy through agriculture.

"That is why in the last three budget cycles, the House gave priority to agriculture. We are

even ready to support anything budgeted for agriculture.

"Oil revenue accounts for eight trillion annually, while taxation accounts for five trillion. If we could generate such an amount from tax, I believe we can achieve more through taxation because countries that are not blessed with mineral resources, survive on tax. ‘’We cannot be talking about diversification without restructuring. The country needs to embrace true federalism because what we have now in the name of federalism is a unitary system. The states need to be autonomous for them to be able to diversify.

PERATIVES OF the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday, arrested a 39 year old Congolese woman with fake $240,000 (N40.8 million), hidden inside dictionaries, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

The suspect, Ms. Mfundu Angela, a fashion designer was apprehended while attempting to export the fake dollars to Congo Kinshasa through Cargolux Airline.

Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said the seizure was made following reasonable suspicion on the consignment.

“The suspect, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, brought a sewing machine and a bag containing clothes and five dictionaries for export to Congo.

"There was high suspicion on the consignment and in the process of search, the dictionaries were found to contain 24 envelopes containing $10,000 each,” he said.

The suspect, a divorcee and mother of two, said that the money was given to her by her boyfriend.

Cleric says lack of party ideology hinders political devt

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

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HE FOUNDER of Dominion Faith International Church, Rev. David Olatona, yesterday, described lack of political party ideology as the biggest hindrance to the nation’s political development.

The cleric made this statement during an interview to announce the church's annual programme known as 'A Night With The King' with the theme: 'And you shall have good success,' scheduled for Friday, January, 24, 2014 at the church headquarters, at Ipaja, Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—11

INEC is ready for Ekiti, Osun guber polls —Jega year.

This declaration was made, yesterday, at the commission’s headquarters, in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the Netherlands' Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Groffen.

Jega expressed confidence that INEC would conduct a much better election in 2014 than it

did in 2011, adding that what happened during the last governorship election in Anambra State was unfortunate.

According to him: “Anambra was an unfortunate case, but it doesn’t in anyway indicate our level of preparedness for the forthcoming general elections in 2015."

The INEC boss pointed out that conducting credible election in the country was the joint responsibility of INEC and all its stakeholders, HE INDEPENDENT including political parties, civil National Electoral society groups and international Commission, INEC, has partners. declared that it has plans on how “As we move towards 2015, we to conduct Ekiti and Osun state would strengthen our relationship governorship elections later this with our stakeholders,” he said.

He thanked the various stakeholders for assisting the commission overcome its various challenges.

Earlier on, the Netherlands' envoy had said his country ’s government wanted its long standing relationship with Nigeria as business partners to continue.

He, however, observed that for business to thrive in any country, there must be a conducive environment which must be anchored on peace and stability, adding that his country’s government was interested in ensuring that the forth coming general elections are free and fair.

ACCIDENT: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (3rd right); Ogun State Traffic Compliance and He stated that he visited Enforcement, TRACE, Corps Commander, Ayo Sangofadeji (3rd left), with officers of the Corps: Shoyelu Adejoke the commission to find out (left), Adejumo Oluwatoyin (2nd left), Adekoya Adeola (2nd right), and Ayelaagbe Adegoke, when the governor met the officers, who rescued an accident victim, on the Abeokuta-Sagamu express road, and thereafter returned the challenges faced by it in order to examine the the N13 million (cash and cheque), recovered at the scene, to the him. prospects of partnering with INEC.

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

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Retiring High Court Judge gives reasons for high level of corruption in judiciary ...asks NJC to improve on welfare, tenure of judges

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA — AS the National Judicial Council, NJC, intensifies its effort to determine the culpability or otherwise of about 23 judges accused of complicity in acts of judicial malpractices, a retiring judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Bello, yesterday, called for caution and adduced reasons for the seeming widespread corruption within the judiciary.

Justice Bello, who bowed out of active judicial service on December 31, 2013, after clocking the 70 years mandatory retirement age, during a

valedictory court session in his honour at the headquarters of the High Court, in Abuja, fingered poverty and lack of welfare package for judges as key factors behind the spate of judicial impunity currently ravaging the country.

Consequently, he maintained that while it was right and proper for the NJC to discipline erring judges, it should also intensify efforts to secure the welfare of judges and protect their tenure.

He said: “I will not end my speech without making few comments on the state of the Nigerian judiciary. I am one of those who believe that the Nigerian judiciary is among the

best in the world.

"We may have our ups and downs and even habour some bad eggs, but that does not give anyone the licence to lampoon the whole institution of the judiciary like it is being done in this country.

“Our critics should tread softly and avoid undermining the whole institution of the judiciary while exercising their right to criticise for good reasons. The judiciary can and has always tried to sanitise itself through the instrumentality of the National Judicial Council, NJC, under the able leadership of the honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma

Muhktar.

“Other organs of government do not have such internal disciplinary control mechanism to deal with their erring officials. The judiciary therefore deserves commendation rather than condemnation.

"The reform being carried out by the NJC to improve on justice delivery is a step in the right direction, but care must be taken when it comes to the discipline of judges, so that the baby is not thrown away with the bathwater.

“While it is right and proper for NJC to discipline erring judges, it should also intensify efforts to secure the welfare of judges and protect their tenure.

Osun seeks approval to access N1.5bn housing loan

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SOGBO — GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has sought for the approval of the State House of Assembly to access N1.5 billion housing development loan offered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN. This is contained in a letter written by the governor to the assembly, which was read at the plenary, in Osogbo, yesterday, by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Najeem Salaam.

In the letter, the governor said if the loan was approved, it would be used to build 342 housing units by the State Property Development Corporation, OSPDC.

He said the houses would be sold to the contributors to the National Housing Fund, NHF, in the state public service.

The Governor said his administration had deemed it worthwhile to accept the loan offer because of its benefits.

He stated that building the houses was part of efforts at realising the objectives of the Urban Renewal Programme of his administration.

The letter read in part: “The FMBN offered the state in principle, loan facilities of N1.5 billion on April 8, 2011, the opportunity which the last administration missed in May, 2010.

FG signs prisoners’ transfer deal with UK

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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BUJA — THE F e d e r a l Government and Britain, yesterday, signed a Prisoners’ Transfer Agreement.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammad Adoke, SAN and the United Kingdom, Minister of Justice, Mr. Jeremy Wright sealed the deal at a ceremony, in Abuja.

Wright said: “This is a good agreement for both Nigeria and UK. It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and friendship. It is also an opportunity to ensure that the prisoners which come from either country will serve their sentences in their own countries, that is better for their rehabilitation,” he said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, who earlier received Wright in her office, said “experts from both countries will now sit down to bring the modalities for implementation. After which the two countries will go back to ratify and then it will come into force.

“We have two arrangements with UK on prisoner transfer. Already we have an existing agreement under the commonwealth scheme which provides transfer with consent and we have been implementing that but this one we have signed today is without consent, the consent is not required so that has gone through a process and we have arrived at it today, so there will be transfer but the consent is not required,” she said.

Mr. Wright assured that his country would show commitment to the implementation of the agreement which would affect those serving terms of 12 months and above.

According to him, the prisoners have no choice in the transfer agreement.

Over 500 Nigerians are serving various jail terms in the U K. He said: “This is an agreement that will start now and will roll into the future, it is difficult to be precise how many prisoners will be affected, but not all Nigerians already in British prisons, are eligible for transfer under this agreement.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Uduaghan tasks Deltans on peace

Digital switch over takes off in Nigeria, June —NBC

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

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ELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has asked the people of the state to avoid conflicts and promote peace.

Speaking at the launch of the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week in Asaba, he said: “It is important that we use this period to reflect on the need to avoid future violent conflicts in our society by doing everything possible to promote peace and harmony at all times.”

Group slams Ikimi over comment on Okotie-Eboh

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI-A socio-political group, Delta Network for Qualitative Governance, yesterday, berated National Chairman, South-South,of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Tom Ikimi, over media reports credited to him that the complaints by former Chairman of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in Delta State, Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh, over the inauguration of APC’s executive in the state, were irrelevant.

FUPRE: Ugbomro youths disown allegation of unemployment

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OUTHS of UgbomroCommunity, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have dissociated themselves from the claims by the President General of the community, that no Ugbomro indigene has been employed by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, since inception in 2007.

In a statement by the Youth President of Ugbomro community, Mr. Francis Obodo,said while it was not out of place for the people to ask for more, "it is totally unacceptable and callous for the President-General to resort to cheap blackmail in the quest for job slots in the university."

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VISIT: From right: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Mr. Zheng Changsheng, Senior Manager, Yongxing Steel Company Limited and Mr. Spark Lee, Public Relations Officer, during a visit of the executives of Yongxing Steel Company to the governor, in Benin City, yesterday.

APC secretariat in Bayelsa vandalised

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—BARELY 24 hours after loyalists of the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, unveiled the secretariat of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Yenagoa, the party, yesterday, accused Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of hiring suspected thugs and policemen to dismantled its flags and signposts.

But the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Osom Macbere, dismissed the accusation, describing same as “unfounded” and “attempt to throw the state into crises.”

He said that no PDP member would go to APC secretariat and urged APC to settle its factional crisis instead of pointing accusing fingers at others.

The Sylva loyalists, through APC state Interim Secretary, Mr. Godwin

Sidi, alleged that a vehicle carrying five suspected thugs, including two policemen, stormed the secretariat of the party at 2am and pulled down the flags of the party at gun point.

Sidi described the alleged act as undemocratic, unconstitutional and atracious.

The interim secretary alleged that he received telephone calls from private security guards of the party’s secretariate that some plain clothes policemen stormed the secretariat in the early hours of Thursday and dismantled all the party flags and sign posts and took them to an unknown destination.

Contacted on telephone, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Macbere, said though he was not aware of the incident, “no PDP member in the state will go

near APC secretariat. No credible PDP member will commit such act. Instead, let these APC people settle their internal wranglings. We are law abiding people and will never resort to such act.”

Meanwhile, another parallel secretariat of APC has been opened in Yenezue-Epie suburb of the state capital, fuelling speculation of a divided party in Bayelsa.

The parallel secretariat, it was learnt was opened by a former chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Chief Tiwe Orunimegha, a close friend of Sylva.

Orunimeghe was allegedlysacked as council chairman by the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson over alleged misconduct.

2015: Uduaghan to run for senatorial seat

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA, EMMA ARUBI, FESTUS AHON & GODWIN OGHRE

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OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, declared his intention to run for Delta South senatorial district election in 2015.

Uduaghan, while speaking with journalists in Asaba, said that there was an unwritten zonal arrangement on where the senatorial race would go at every point in time.

He said: “This unwritten understanding gives the opportunity to the Itsekiri race, in the senatorial district, to take its turn and I have every right to do that.

“When it comes to the issue of election, I have a lot to offer, but the election being one year from now is not what I should break my head over.”

Refuting the allegation that he was defecting to another political

party, Uduaghan said that there was no need for such a move.

He added that he was a foundation and a life time member of People’s Democratic Party, PDP. “There is nothing that will ever make me to leave the party. I will swim and sink in PDP and I also know that the party will not sink. I will continue to be a member of PDP because Delta is a complete PDP state.

“Few persons in the opposition parties who have not defected to PDP are still waiting for a date to do so,” he said.

He assured the people of the state and Nigeria at large that the present challenge facing the party would soon become a thing of the past, adding that PDP remained a strongbased party that would be difficult to beat.

Uduaghan announced that PDP was already putting some

strategies in place to address its challenges.

The governor, who commended the party faithful in the state and its members in the state and the National Assembly, a p pealed to them to support the p a r t y, Presid e n t Goodl u c k Jonathan and h i s 2 0 1 5 political ambition.

HE National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, yesterday, announced that the country’s first switch off from analogue terrestrial television system onto digital will take place in Nigeria by June 17, this year.

However, the commission has chosen Jos, Plateau State, as the first city to begin the switch off.

Director-General of the commission, Mr. Emeka Mba, who revealed this to journalists in Abuja, yesterday, said that the choice of Jos was because of its compact nature and fair housing of numerous government and privately broadcasting stations.

Mba said the development was in strict adherence to the resolutions reached at its broadcast summit in October 2013, where an important roadmap was set for achieving the country’s deadline for digital switch over, DSO,

by December 31, 2014.

Noting that the summit, the Digiteam put in place for the actualisation of the mandate had been working tirelessly he expressed happiness that a positive light has appeared at the end of the day.

He dded that the commission was also working on getting signal distributors on board to kick start the new system immediately. The commission, according to him, was also working on the passage of enabling laws that would help the smooth running of digital transmission, as well as collaborations with other government agencies and relevant bodies to ensure success.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—13

UGBORODO YOUTHS AWAIT RELEASE OF DETAINED LEADERS

UGBORODO QUARTET: Lawyers representing Ugborodo quartet incacerated at Okere prison confering to secure the detainees' bail, at the state High Court, Warri, Delta State.

Cross section of Ugborodo indigenes awaiting release of Olaja-Orori and three others detained in Okere prison, in Warri, Delta State.

Cross section of Ugborodo indigenes awaiting release of Olaja-Orori and three others detained Okere prison, in Warri, Delta State.

Indigenes of Ugborodo outside Okere Prison, in Warri, Delta State.

Rivers govt alleges plot by Wike to scuttle 2014 budget

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME & said that the government was EGUFE YAFUGBORHI drawing the attention of government agencies and people of the ORT HARCOURT—RIV- state to the alleged move.

ERS State Government Meanwhile, the faction of Peohas raised alarm over alleged ples Democratic Party, PDP, led plot by the Supervising Min- by Mr. Felix Obuah in the state, ister of Education, Mr. Nye- has threatened to initiate imsom Wike and some persons peachment proceedings against to secure a court judgment Amaechi, over perceived hurried against the 2014 Appropria- passage and signing of the 2014 tion Bill, signed into law on budget, as well as breaches in the Wednesday by Governor Roti- implementation of past budgets mi Amaechi.

It will be recalled that Governor Amaechi presented a budget estimate of N485.5 billion on Tuesday to the lawmakers’ and they passed it same day.

BY HENRY UMORU The state Commissioner for Information and CommunicaBUJA—MINISTER of the tions, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Federal Capital Territory who addressed newsmen, yes- Administration, FCTA, Senator terday in Port Harcourt, said Bala Mohammed, yesterday told the alleged move by the min- the management of the Economister and the others whose ic and Financial Crimes Comidentity she did not disclose, mission, EFCC, that Nigerians was part of moves to strangu- steal money from all over the late the economy of the state. country, and run to Abuja to acExpressing confidence in the quire property with their dirty integrity of the Chief Justice money. of the Federation, Semenitari Mohammed, therefore, urged

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under the current administration.

Mr Jerry Needam, media aide to the state faction of PDP, in a statement, yesterday, alleged that the party has proof that the governor withheld over 80 percent of budgetary allocations for ministries, departments and agencies of government in 2013.

“Top on the list are minis-

tries of Information and Communications, Chieftaincy, Commerce, Housing, Transport, Agriculture, Power, Water, Culture and Environment. Also affected are judiciary, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and TIMARIV amongst others,” he said.

However, Semenitari continuing, said: “We have information that Mr Wike, in

connivance with some of his acolytes, is attempting to purchase a judgment against the Appropriation Bill passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. We are also aware that his intension with his Abuja friends is to do this and strangulate Rivers State, to ensure that we do not receive funds; this is regardless to the fact that we have salaries to pay and development projects to complete."

Nigerians buy property in Abuja with stolen money —FCTA MINISTER

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EFCC to beam its searchlight on property scattered across the FCT, especially the unoccupied ones which he said were posing serious security challenges to the government.

Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Lamorde, has said, that about 270 land fraud cases had so far been handled by the commission in the last three years.

Receiving the Chairman,

EFCC, Mallam Ibrahim Lamorde in his office, the minister noted that the existence of the anti- graft agency had created fears in the minds of Nigerians, and expressed the commitment of FCT administration to stamp out corruption in all its ramifications.

Mohammed called for closer collaboration between the EFCC and the FCTA to help achieve the set goal of ad-

dressing corruption issues.

“Without the anti-corruption agencies, I cannot imagine how the FCT would have been, as people steal money from all over the country and launder or use it in buying property in Abuja,” he said.

Mohammed lamented that such property owners had refused to come forward for Deeds of Assignment so as to enable his administration ascertain the original owners.

14-Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

SEC indicts ETI over lack of transparency, conflicts of interest zDirects it to appoint new board A

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA—THE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has indicted the Board of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, for lack of a clear vision and strategy to drive the institution and inadequate transparency in the recruitment procedures as well as relationship with the stakeholders.

SEC, on account of this findings, has directed the institution to immediately convene an extra-ordinary general meeting to appoint a substantive Board Chairman who will lead the effort to attain an improved governance climate.

The Commission in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, explained that ETI was a company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and, therefore must strictly adhere to its mandate of fostering the integrity of the Nigerian capital markets.

SEC, specifically identified the areas of weakness of the ETI Board which include its inability to manage its own activities; role in monitoring management and evaluating its performance against defined goals; role in

overseeing the achievement of ethical behaviour in the organisation and responsibility towards shareholders and other stakeholders as well as accountability for their interest.

The statement read, “following a series of publications in the local and international media regarding breaches of corporate governance and allegations against the Board of Directors and certain principal officers of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, a company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission, “SEC” or “the Commission,” pursuant to its core mandate of fostering the integrity of the Nigerian capital markets and ensuring adequate protection of the investing public, commenced an investigation into the alleged breaches and corporate governance practices within ETI in August 2013.

The Commission also engaged KPMG to supplement its efforts and make recommendations on the way forward.

“The gaps identified in the review are the absence of a clear vision and strategy to drive the

institution; inadequate transparency in the recruitment procedures and mechanisms for Board members and executive staff which fostered conflicts of interest, weaknesses with re-

spect to the tone – at – the – top; governance culture, communication, remuneration for Board members and executive level personnel, decision making, absence of dedicated

channels for whistleblowers to report instances of anomaly, and the often compromised autonomy of governance mechanisms such as Internal Control, and the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board.”

FG’s police reform on course —MINISTER

BY TONYEDIKE NUGU—THE Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd.), said yesterday that the reform embarked upon by the Federal Government to enhance the competence of police personnel in handling the menace of crimes and criminality has begun to yield results.

In a keynote address during the inauguration of the Intelligence Led Policing Surveillance Course for 500 Inspectors and Rank and File of the Nigeria Police Force at the Police Detective College, Enugu, Olubolade said that capacity building and training, logistic capacitation, provision of facilities, police image and

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community policing which were a major part of the reform, were being pursued with vigour.

The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Yakubu Mohammed, a director in the ministry, said that aside from training of police personnel, a number of procurement that would enhance operational efficiency and personnel security while on duty had been made.

He listed them to include protective gears, non-lethal crowd control equipment, helicopter for aerial surveillance, transportation and sophisticated intelligence equipment.

In addition, he said government approved the

installation of CCTV trackers in Abuja, Lagos and the Niger Delta to frustrate, minimize and checkmate the dastardly act of kidnap, hostage-taking, extortion and other crimes that had become rampant in the country.

Olubolade said: “The global upsurge in crime rates related to kidnapping, hostage taking and extortion of money is a challenge to people and governments across the world; this is also the case in Nigeria.”

He said governments at all levels in the country had risen to the current security challenges and that police and other law enforcement agencies had successfully prevented many of the crimes.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—15

Stop demonising Islam, Muslim group tells PDP zDemands retraction, apology zAs CIGN quetions sincerity of MURIC

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL

EDITOR, NORTH BUJA—MUSLIMS in the country have warned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to desist from making claims capable of demonising Islam and its adherents.

The warning followed alleged claim by the party’s spokesman that the agenda of the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC, was to Islamise Nigeria.

Reacting to the claim in a statement made available to Vanguard yesterday, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, described PDP’s claim as unguarded, unprofessional, parochial and myopic.

The rebuttal, which was signed

by MURIC Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said such a claim could only emanate from a man with diarrhoea of the mouth.

The Islamic group asked PDP to call its spokesman to order, knowing that religion was a very sensitive issue in Nigeria.

He warned that no political party should attempt to turn Islam into a pawn in its political chess game.

The group warned that any party that attempted to drag the name of Islam into the murky waters of the Nigerian politics would have Muslims to contend with.

MURIC said: “APC as an Islamic agenda exists only in the figment of the imagination of dreamers who lack drive. We have no doubt that Allah is waiting for any political party or leader

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who seeks to persecute Muslims or to mock the religion of Islam.

“Instead of crying wolf where there is none, we advise PDP’s spokesman to engage in critical self-examination. PDP’s political woes are self-inflicted and they should blame none but themselves.

“If the problems of the party are properly examined with microscopic accuracy, PDP will find that the raison d’etre for its current dwindling fortunes is not unconnected with complacency,

executive impunity, managerial ineptitude, moral bankruptcy, poverty of integrity among its leadership, etc.”

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Islamic Groups in Nigeria, CIGN, in a sharp reaction questioned the sincerity of MURIC on the issue saying the group had its roots in All Progressives Congress, APC. “While it is not our business to defend any political party on this issue, we are indeed shocked that somebody would

choose to use a religious platform to distort the facts in a clear attempt to destroy the unity we enjoy as a nation. As such, we are compelled by duty to make this response.

“We wish to state in strong terms that neither MURIC nor its self- styled Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola speak for Muslims and their position on the issue does not in any way represent the opinion of an average Muslim in the country on the issue.”

VISIT: Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (right), presenting a souvenir to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James F. Entwistle, during a visit to the governor in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Government House Minna.

FG receives $2m grant for mining sector devt

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BY GABRIELEWEPU

BUJA—THE federal government has received $2 million grant from the governments of Canada and Australia for rapid development of the mining sector.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Linus Adie, while delivering report of activities of the board at a recent review of the road map for the sector by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Adie stated that the grant received would be utilised to boost human capacity building in artisanal and small scale mining and provision of strategic infrastructure in the sector.

He also said the benefits of the grant were enormous as it would create a robust and active mining sector, which would facilitate more job opportunities far more than the oil and gas sector.

Adie said: “Mining remains relevant in the economic transformation of Nigeria. Mining by its structure provide elements of economic contribution, throughout its value chain from exploration, mining, and value addition to marketing.

“Since inception, the board facilitated the grant of about $2 million from the governments of Canada and Australia for analytical evaluation of the sector’s standing after the reforms.

“The grant will be used specifically to prepare strategic infrastructure corridors in the mining sector, capacity building in artisanal and small scale mining

and general governance of the sector. The grant will also be used to review business models for running Geosciences Research Laboratory in Kaduna to enable this vital infrastructure serve the industry.

“The fund will design programme for developing the technical capacities of lending institutions to appreciate

appropriate lending facilities in the mineral development chain, evaluate and monitor projects.

“On the other hand, operators will be provided with outreach programmes to develop skills in planning business, preparation of bankable feasibility studies and financial management of mining projects.”

Why govs are after Tukur, by group

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—A group, Alliance for National Transformation, ALNAT, yesterday called on governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to drop their presidential and vice presidential ambitions to support the leadership of the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

According to the group, the governors are bent on removing Tukur as national chairman because he has vehemently refused to compromise his position of ensuring total

reconciliation and discipline in the party.

The group in a statement signed by National Secretary,, Mr. Daniel Ohiomoba, urged the PDP governors to stop disturbing the party’s transformational process with their selfish interests and ambitions of becoming president and vicepresident in 2015.

The statement read, “Tukur has good intentions to reform PDP and introduce discipline and party supremacy. The call for the chairman’s removal is senseless and uncalled for as Tukur has not

faulted anyone or gone against the party ’s constitution whatsoever.

“We demand all well meaning PDP governors and the party faithful to resist this setback by a handful of some overambitious governors who want to achieve their selfish aims at all cost. The Alliance for National Transformation demands these overambitious governors to tell the party faithful what the national chairman has done wrong that they so badly seek his ouster.

Defection of 27 in Sokoto: It is democracy in action, says PDP

BY HENRYUMORU

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BUJA—NATIONAL chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday boasted that the party was not moved by the defection of 27 lawmakers in Sokoto state House of Assembly to All Progressives Congress, APC. According to him, the PDP will gain 270,000 as replacement in the state.

“That they have done already when the governor left. When 27 people left, 270,000 will come. This is democracy, if a few had left, many would come in,” Tukur said at the inauguration of a 14man Kwara State caretaker committee at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The committee is led by Solomon Edoja.

Tukur, who prayed for the return of President Goodluck Jonathan as President of the country in 2015, also vowed that a PDP governor would emerge in Kwara State during the next governorship election. He stressed that the party deserved to maintain supremacy in the state.

He described the defection of the Sokoto state House of Assembly lawmakers to APC as democracy in action.

Tukur said: “This is democracy in action, where freedom of choice is entrenched. First of all, the process is starting to ensure a foundation which the PDP always talk about.

“Foundation of democracy starts with the process of election, not selection; process of consensus after agreement, not imposition.

That is what the PDP stands for, democracy not dictatorship. I feel happy today that Kwara, like any other state, will now go back again and get the mandate of the electorate to bring together our party executive.”

Explaining why the inauguration of Sokoto State caretaker committee was shelved, Tukur said it was democracy in action.

“They are trying to again talk to themselves and they are coming later in the day.

They are all ready,” he said.

16-Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

PRESENTATION: From left: General Editor, The Sun Newspaper, Steve Nwosu, Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu and Special Assistant to the DG, Mrs. Cynthia Ifeagwu, during the presentation of The Sun newspaper award letter to the SON DG in Lagos, yesterday.

MEETING: From left: Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Football Federation Chairman Ogun State, Mr. Dele Ajayi, Chief Segun Odegbami, Chairman, Organising Committee, Obafemi Awolowo Football Tournament, Rev. Adetunji Adebiyi, Mr. Seyi Akinwumi, FA Chairman, Lagos State, Dr. Isaac Ayodele, representing Ekiti State government, Mr Adewale Adeoye, Mr. Micheal Awopetu, after the meeting of the committee members of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Football Cup Tournament, for South-West in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Army kills 38 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

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BUJA—SPECIAL Forces of the Nigerian Army in the early hours of yesterday foiled an attempt by members of the Boko Haram group to launch a surprise attack on the 195 battalion barracks at Damboa, Borno State, killing 38 of the insurgents in the process.

The Army in a statement signed by Col. Timothy Antigha on behalf of the Directorate of Information, said one soldier was killed in the exchange of fire with the insurgents.

The statement read: “The attacks, which occurred in the early Thursday, January 9, 2014, led to the killing of about 38 members of the group, while three vehicles, assorted types of weapons and ammunition for Browning machine gun, light machine gun, general purpose machine gun and AK 47 were also captured.

“However, one soldier of the battalion was killed in action. One of the vehicles, a Toyota Sienna, was laden with improvised explosive devices.

“In the light of this continuous threat to the security of lives and property, the Nigerian Army wishes to assure all Nigerians of its continued readiness to meet and defeat threats to the peace and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014 —17

Leadership matters more than ministers!

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Some ministers during Federal Executive Council meeting. servants if Jonathan had made it crystal clear to them that they would be disciplined or ditched or jailed and disgraced if they dared to

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ANY Nigerians and foreigners are convinced that Nigeria cannot move forward significantly until Mr President totally or partially reshuffles his Cabinet.

I agree that the Jonathan Administration will benefit from some personnel changes but feel that the widespread belief that a reshuffle will miraculously solve the nation’s most pressing problems is totally misguided and naïve… …because – let’s face facts! – it is Presidents, NOT those who are below them in the pecking order (Ministers, critics, advisors, etc) who set the tone, call the shots, determine agendas and decide how the country should be governed.

If a President allows his Ministers to do as they please and be overbearing, politically insensitive, blatantly unethical or downright incompetent, he is making a conscious choice to keep working with these individuals despite their flaws.

Malfunctioning Ministers are, after all, not powerful or invincible in their own rights.

They do not bestow impunity, influence or the ability to be high-handed upon themselves. They are only able to escape punishment or dismissal because their Boss likes them as they are or simply regards them as necessary or useful. And they aren’t necessarily dim-witted or ill-qualified or irredeemably corrupt.

As far as I can see, all of the Ministers who are being accused of tarnishing Jonathan’s image are smart and professionally experienced enough to handle their portfolios adequately – impressively even – under certain circumstances.

And I put it to you, dear Readers, that they WOULD have been much better public

insisted on high standards and flatly refused to tolerate our tiresome teenage-isms.

In other words, the character of the Leader is more

President recruits a bunch of angelic, super-special newcomers who have great CVs and are resolutely principled, these newcomers

The point I am making is that Mr President needs to change his mindset and modus operandi much more than the cabinet needs to be reshuffled

shame him.

Some folks are saintly by nature and will do the right thing even when nobody is monitoring their progress or putting a gun to their heads or rewarding them.

Some folks are such icons of moral rectitude that they would rather suffer or die than NOT do the right thing.

But most mere mortals are riddled with human frailties and will misbehave within laissez faire, Anything Goes environments.

When I was a schoolgirl, my classmates and I related to different teachers in different ways. We lavished respect on the strict ones who struck fear into our hearts….and bullied or ignored the timid ones who let us get away with rubbish.

And there were exceptions to the rule, but most of us only excelled academically in subjects that were taught by no-nonsense types who

important, in almost every situation, than the characters of juniors or followers; and the buck stops very firmly on our Oga At The Top’s desk on the ministerial performance front.

Ministers who have what it takes to achieve reasonable results - but are not innately saintly and can only resist juicy temptations and do their jobs properly if they are compelled to do so - will only pull their socks up, fulfil their potential and stop cruelly depriving us of the socioeconomic development we crave if Mr President becomes a tougher taskmaster and puts both of his feet down.

Meanwhile, even if Mr

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will fail or flounder unless Mr President provides them with quality leadership.

A lot of people think that Dr Jonathan is an easily manipulated weakling. But he can be extremely stubborn and ruthless when he feels like being extremely stubborn and ruthless! Let us remember that he sacked nine Ministers last year.

I can only assume that he feels very comfortable with the Ministers he DIDN’T sack and doesn’t care what their detractors think; and I won’t be surprised if Jonathan continues to doggedly cling to the status quo; and I reckon that it won’t be the end of the

world if he insists on retaining his current Cabinet.

Jonathan’s reputation will go up several notches if he tosses controversial Ministers and injects fresh blood into his premier league. But he can also boost his reputation by forcing Ministers who are messing up to quit being scandalous.

The average Nigerian is a forgiving pragmatist. If a formerly dodgy leopard changes its spots, the average Nigerian will forget about its past delinquency.

The point I am making is that Mr President needs to change his mindset and modus operandi much more than the Cabinet needs to be reshuffled!

The Bottom Line is that whether he reshuffles or doesn’t reshuffle, the ball is in HIS court. And the truth is that he will not become the kind of Numero Uno we desperately need until he embraces a more aggressive, kick-ass management style that is driven by a genuine commitment to integrity and effectiveness.

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 SOMEWHERE in the midst of the selfexcusing reasons that are being given for the bombing of courts in Ahoada and Okehi, Rivers State, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has adopted the same self-defeating posture that has failed to improve the country’s security.

“We condemn these acts of brigandage and view them not only as sacrilegious, but also as a desecration of the temple of justice. On no account, will we ever, idly stand by and watch these acts of violence and impunity to our courts, which are tantamount to an affront to the rule of law and threat to our democracy,” NBA’s statement said “The lackadaisical attitude accorded to the security of our courts nationwide, is now brought to the fore. The need to secure the premises of the hallowed courts of justice across the nation should be taken more seriously,” the NBA said in a statement that failed again to see the security situation as more compounded.

Does what happened in the Rivers courts have a link to the security situation in the country? We do not think so. Some people

BY MAZIMA ONOTHOJA

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CHIEVEMENTS may be viewed from diverse prism depending on the parameters employed and the benchmarks set.

Success in one clime could therefore pass off as failure in another. But in all of human history and civilization men that evolve ideas and visions that shaped the future of their worlds beyond their generations have never gone down unnoticed and are proudly admitted into halls of fame. Delta beyond Oil programme, which has conferred on the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan the rare privilege of the architect and pioneer of a Nigeria beyond Oil philosophy and initiative, is one such pragmatic initiative of a leader of modern Nigeria.

Visionary Governor Uduaghan in 2013 made history by winning four coveted awards from leading newspapers in Nigeria. First, the Leadership Newspapers named him their Governor of the Year for 2013. In the same breadth he emerged as The Sun, Vanguard, and Nigerian Pilot Man of the Year for 2013.

The common denominator that earned the governor these awards was his novel programme of a Delta beyond Oil.The Sun in announcing the governor as winner of its 2013 Man of the Year declared, “Uduaghan got the winning votes for envisioning Nigeria beyond oil and taking practical steps about it in Delta State.” This was also shared by the Leadership, “For his vision of a state beyond oil-a vision beyond time and politics-and for building bridges of peace across one of Nigeria’s most disparate communities, massively building and renewing infrastructure and placing the economy of Delta State on a solid footing, Dr.

Justice Under The Bomb burnt the courts because for years, the high and mighty have acted above the law; they have seen themselves as the law, destroying whatever stood on their way with impunity.

Over time, they have managed to extend their immunity to their minions. What happened in Rivers State is purely political.

If the security agencies are serious, they can find the criminals and their backers in days. They may not because they have accepted the “security situation in the country”.

What makes security in courts more important than in other places? NBA talks about the importance of justice. Is NBA

serious in relating insecurity in the country to the dispensation of justice?

How would the courts be secure if the other places are insecure? Or would secure courts be the security that Nigerians have been asking governments to ensure?

There are obvious challenges with security. The biggest threats to security are politicians. They do not respect anyone or anything. They promote illegalities. They have no respect for life, so law and order are meaningless to them.

Whoever bombed the courts intended, among other things, to heighten the tension in the State. Did they succeed? If they failed, they would try something else, something more devastating.

The fire next time may not be in Rivers State. Anywhere lawlessness thrives, as the polity has pre-disposed in the past 15 years, security breaches would be common.

NBA should be asking governments to make Section 14 (2b) of the 1999 Constitution, “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”, actionable.

OPINION Newspapers’ awards as testament to Delta beyond Oil vision Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is the Leadership Governor of The Year 2013.”

Vanguard in its profile on the governor also observed, “underlying the successes of the Uduaghan administration in Delta State is vision: looking beyond the present. It is that vision that is driving the administration’s passionate pursuit to position the state outside the perimeters of the shock from fluctuating oil revenue. The policy framed as Delta State beyond Oil encapsulates the three cardinal philosophy that was the hallmark of the Uduaghan administration at inception…For his visionary steps in governance, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is the choice of Vanguard Editors as the Man of the Year, 2013.”

Nigerian Pilot Newspapers on its part noted that the choice of Uduaghan as its Man of the Year was informed by the governor’s landmark achievements since assuming office in 2007.

The newspaper informed that Uduaghan emerged after “critical appraisal of the performance of all 36 state governors in virtually all areas of assessment.”

The Uduaghan administration came into office in 2007 with a clear cut vision that aimed at moving the state away from an oil dependent economy. A critical analysis of the governor’s policy thrust from inception reveals the Delta beyond Oil policy as being at the root of his three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital development and infrastructure development. The diligent implementation and

prosecution of these programmes laid the foundation blocks upon which the superstructure for a state that that is not tied to the vagaries and fluctuations of oil revenue is being erected.

Palpable sense of insecurity, militancy, piracy, armed robbery and other violent crimes confronted the administration when it came into office. Knowing that peace and security was the bedrock of development and investment, the governor quickly formulated a security architecture that comprised among other measures equipping security agencies with modern communication and operational tools, joint police-military patrol teams, waterways security committee, advocating amnesty for militants. Today the state apart from isolated criminal cases is one of the peaceful in the country. Credit also goes to the governor for the success story of the Federal Government’s amnesty programme, being the first to canvass that position.

The governor has also put in place the infrastructure base that is helping to diversify the economy of the state. The successful delivery of the Asaba International Airport which has since begun commercial flight, the on-going extension of the run-way at Osubi Airport, the dualization of the Ughelli-Asaba Highway to connect Delta Ports to the Eastern markets at Onitsha, Nnewi and others, KokoUgbenu Road project to link the Koko Export Processing Zone are projects of great economic

value, some of which have started to have multiplier effect on the state.

The government’s free primary and secondary education, bursary and scholarship programmes are helping to build capacity and skills to drive a non oil dependent economy.

The free medical schemes, namely: free maternal healthcare programme, free under five programme, free rural health programme and standard health institutions are keeping the populace healthy. Already Delta State Micro-Credit Programme that won Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) awards for three consecutive years, 2009 to 2011 has not only reduced poverty but helped to produce entrepreneurs from small to medium scale.

Some of the enterprises now earn foreign capitals, exporting their produce outside the country.

According to the governor, ”The ultimate goal of Delta beyond Oil is to provide employment for our teeming population.

Specifically we are concentrating on agriculture, culture, tourism, solid minerals to achieve our Delta beyond Oil.” The Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture and Farmers Support and Assistance programmes, the Delta-Obasanjo Farms at Ogwashi-Uku are practical steps the administration has taken in the area of agriculture. The Delta Leisure and Wildlife Resort at Oleri and Ogwashi-Uku and the Warri Industrial Park and other multi-billion dollar projects like the 16 billion gas city projects, fertilizer plant that are sited in the state due to the foresight and influence of the governor have the potentials to turn around the economy of the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014— —19

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HE idea of the social contract is one of the foundations of the American political system. This is the belief that the state only exists to serve the will of the people, who are the source of all political power enjoyed by the state. The people can choose to give or withhold this power from the state. The idea and concept of social contract started from the philosophical archives from the writings of Plato, Thomas Hobbes, and Rousseau, in fashioning how government and governance should be organized for power and in the best interest of the people. Some philosophers like Rousseau and John Locke each explained the principles of Social Contract, or Political Right in which government is based on the idea of popular sovereignty, based on the strong role of the individual.

Thus, the will of the people as a whole gives power and direction to the state.

In this desired social contract, everyone is free because they must have a right to choose the laws under which they live, and therefore how they should be governed. Thus, government remains a separate institution from the sovereign body. When the government exceeds the boundaries set in place by the

people, it is the mission of the people to abolish such government, change or remove it and begin anew. This concept of the social contract was invoked in the United States Declaration of Independence.

Nigeria in its wisdom adopted the American Presidential System of governance 14 years ago, but is yet to imbibe and manifest the advantages of the concept of social contract which in essence enables a people to bring their will and desires to bear on their governments for their own best interest. The absence of the concept of social contract in our relationships with our political leaders’ accounts for the big gap, between what the people expect from the leaders, and what the leaders are willing to give to the people, after they have been put into power by the people. The near complete absence of the idea of the social contract in our political system or practice leads to betrayal of the people by their leaders and the resultant exploitation by the leaders of the conscience and collective will of the people. The exploitation comes in our case in Nigeria, by way of touting manifestoes, in which the politicians themselves have no faith in, knowing they are empty promises to fulfill all

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t is obvious that the manifestoes of most, if not all the political parties in Nigeria, have no ideological framework or foundations. These manifestoes turn out to be words assembled to create an impression that something good, in the will and desire of the people was intended.

They would be read or announced from soap boxes before elections, only to be dropped as soon as election results are announced.

How to be CBN Governor

BY ERIC TENIOLA

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N April 25, 2005, my boss then, Chief Ufot Ekaette, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, summoned me to his office and asked me to announce the appointment of Professor Charles Soludo as the new Governor of the Central Bank.

I asked him if he had the Curriculum Vitae of Prof. Soludo so as to firm up my Press release.

“Eric, go to the villa and ask Oby, I think she has something to do with the appointment” he directed. The Oby he referred to was Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, who was special assistant on budget monitoring and price intelligence to President Olusegun Obasanjo but reporting directly to Mr. Steve Orosanye, who was then Permanent Secretary to the State house.

The thought that came to me after leaving the office of Chief ufot Ekaette was how easy it was then to become the Governor of Central Bank without having led a big organisation.

To my mind, the Governor of the Central Bank is a very powerful, potent, forcible and puissant office in that he among others determines our present and future. A man who has the power to devalue our currency, determine the interest rates equally has the power to devalue our lives and I thought the appointment for that office deserves very serious attention and screening.

Getting back to my office I met Dr. Akin Ogunlewe, who was the Chairman of EKO Bank at that time and Ambassador Isaac Agboola Aluko Olokun (1944-2011). I told both of them that Charles Soludo will be succeeding Chief Sanusi as the Governor of Central Bank. They were shocked. Dr. Ogunlewe told me that Prof. Soludo is not known in the banking world and that the appointment will shock those in the industry.

At the time of the appointment, Charles Soludo was the Economic adviser to President Obasanjo and the Chief Executive of National Planning Commission.

C M Y K

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righteousness, while the betrayal is by way of massive blind and heartless rigging, be it manual, print or electronic, by which the political parties and politicians connive to jettison the collective will of the people to establish a social contract with their preferred leaders.

Although an outstanding Economist, Soludo did not rise to the head of any bank before the appointment. The way Central Bank Governors are appointed in Nigeria is a little bit interesting. But after reading the Chronicle by Mr. Dada-Stephen on how Central Bank Governors are appointed in Nigeria, I concluded that something was wrong and should be corrected by the present President.

The First indigenous Governor, Alhaji Aminu Mai-Borno (1919-1970) taught English at Yola Middle school from 19421946. After he graduated from Bristol University where he studied Economics in 1957, he returned to Nigeria and served with the Northern Nigeria Public Service as an Administrative Officer where he held various positions before his secondment to the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1959 as an Assistant Secretary. At the CBN, Mallam Mai Borno went on to become the Deputy Secretary and Secretary before his appointment as Deputy Governor in 1962.

He became the first indigenous Governor of the Bank in 1963 to succeed Roy Pentelow Fenton, a British who served from July 24, 1958- July 24, 1963.

Dr. Clement Nyong Isong (1920-2000), an Ibibio from the present Akwa Ibom succeeded Mai-Borno. He had his Ph.D from Harvard University in the United States of America. An Economics teacher at the University of Ibadan, he worked as an adviser at the International Monetary Fund before his appointment as Governor of the Central Bank on August 15, 1967 and retired on September 22, 1975. Isong was also elected Governor of Cross River State in 1979 and served his full term of four years. I attended his funeral service in June 2000 in Akwa Ibom.

Alhaji Adamu Ciroma succeeded Clement Isong and served from September 24, 1975 to June 28, 1977. He was born on the 20th of November, 1934 at Potiskum, Yobe State.

He completed his primary education in 1949 at the Borno Middle School in Maiduguri from where he proceeded to Barewa College in Zaria for his secondary

,

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

,

Road to 2015 and our social contract

There must be serious sensitization of our peoples about preparing their own specific list of demands and terms of their social contract

The people have no basis to challenge nonperformance, or delivery by our leaders, due to the absence of a social contract. This is why party loyalty is almost none existent, as any politician can cross from any end of the political parties’ spectrum of political differences to another without qualms.

A politician can therefore wake up with Labour Party, have his breakfast with the APGA, keep a lunch date with APC, have his dinner with ANPP and then go to bed with PDP ! The people only watch them with dismay, read them with disgust, and listen to them with distrust, but cannot do much to change them because of the handicap of the absence of a social contract. If there was social contract, it would have been a different matter, because there would obligations to perform and or deliver on the terms of the contract. All we hear and see are deluges of campaigns and clichés ranging from, Change Missions, Redemption Agenda, Reformation Agenda, Restoration Mission, Rescue Mission to Transformation Agenda. Each government ascends into power to announce what it will do for the people, instead of the people negotiating a social contract of things that must be done, or they will exercise their collective will and desire and send the non-performing leader out of the way.

While the politicians jostle for which seats they hope to occupy, and salivate about how they will 'chop', come 2015, the road of the led to 2015 should be to make

2014 will require a new market and with it a new kind of portfolio management which the CBN Governor will play a vital role

,

education in 1950. After obtaining his A Levels in 1957, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Chief Olatunde Olabode Vincent (19252012) succeeded Adamu Ciroma and served from June 28, 1977 to June 28, 1982. Before the appointment, he was a Vice President at the Africa Development Bank, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire between 1966 and 1973.

H

e was succeeded by Alhaji Abdul Kadir Ahmed who served from June 27, 1982- September 30, 1993. For 11 years, Alhaji Abdul Kadir was the longest serving Governor of the Central Bank.

AbdulKadir Ahmed was born on October 31, 1940 in Jama’are, Bauchi State. He had his early education in Jama’are and Bauchi before proceeding to Barewa College Zaria in 1955. He graduated from South West London College in 1972 after a stint at the University of Ife in 1961. He joined the service of the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC), in January, 1960 and worked in various capacities within the group’s many subsidiaries and associate companies. He later served his state, Bauchi state as the first Commissioner of Finance from March 1976 to June 1977 after which he was appointed a Deputy Governor with the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was appointed the Governor of the Bank on June 27, 1982 and retired September 30, 1993.

Dr. Paul Agbayi Ogwuma from Abayi in Imo State succeeded Abdulkadir on October 1, 1993 to May 29, 1999. Dr. Ogwuma who now has sight challenges

compendium of the needs of our respective towns, communities, societies and states. All soap box candidates and their parties should be confronted with these specific needs and desires of the people, which should be painstakingly negotiated and agreed to by the people and the politician, such that half way into their tenure, the people ought to know by check list who will be voted out at the next elections. There must be serious sensitization of our peoples about preparing their own specific list of demands and terms of their social contract. For many communities like mine in Orlu, no person should expect our votes without doing something about the erosion menace, lack of potable water in the community. At all levels, political office aspirants who cannot point to a clear convincing plan to create jobs, and provide facilities, which compare considerably with the peoples compendium will surely not get the votes, irrespective of the party. The people should make their own respective list of issues well in advance of campaigns. It ought to be clear that to win votes from the South East for example, such poorly thought out policies as the planned imported vehicles new tariffs, must wait. The second Niger bridge, International Airports, Two seaports, rail lines that traverses all states capitals, refineries, and fight against kidnapping and job creation, to name a few, must be in the front burner.

*Mr. Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

retired as Managing Director of the Union Bank. He was succeeded by Chief Oladele Sanusi on May 29, 1999.

Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, the present Governor took over on June 3, 2009 and all things being equal, he should proceed on terminal leave in March. So far only three bank Chief executives have become Governor of Central bank. They are Chief Joseph Oladele Sanusi from Ogbagi Akoko in Ondo State, who was Managing Director of First Bank, Dr. Ogwuma, who was Managing Director of Union Bank and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Lamido, who was former Managing Director of First Bank.

A lot has been said about Sanusi and he has said a lot too. Of all the Governors of the Central Bank, he is the most controversial. And now that his tenure is almost over, we should ask ourselves, what the qualifications to be Governor of Central Bank are. The prerogatives lie with the President and only the President knows who should be the next Governor. As a result of the sensitivity in relevant circle, I think the President should seek for somebody of quality and the appointment should be based strictly on merit irrespective of geo-political considerations. We need a candidate with experience in both commercial and central banking and also a deep knowledge of Economics. The office in consideration needs a cool headed banker and an Economist who will not convert the office to a television studio and who will have the confidence of operators in the economic and financial sectors globally. This year is definitely a campaign year and a lot will depend on who occupies that office.

The economy needs bold proactive measures. The future Governor of the CBN should be someone who grew up in the banking system and who understands the mechanics of all that it takes and who can withstand the political pressure in a highly volatile political climate. 2014 will require a new market and with it a new kind of portfolio management which the CBN Governor will play a vital role.

*Mr. Teniola, a former director at the presidency, wrote fromLagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 — 21

WAMI boss calls for integration of West African monetary zone

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

D

IRECTOR General of the West African Monetary Institute, WAMI, Mr. Abwaku Englama has called for financial integration of the West African Monetary zone, WAMZ. Englama , who stated this in Lagos noted that enhanced cooperation among various stakeholders is also important for ensuring effective integration of the zone.

Englama said “Integrated financial markets including insurance are a key element in the transmission process and hence for the smooth conduct of monetary policy in the envisaged common central bank arrangement for the WAMZ. Financial integration also leads to better diversification of risks and makes a positive contribution to financial stability by improving the capacity of economies to absorb shocks.

“On the other hand, fully integrated financial markets also pave the way for shocks to propagate more quickly among market participants and across countries, which could necessitate appropriate safeguards.

To mitigate the risks and maximize benefits from financial integration, it is imperative that the financial markets are developed and integrated further in the Zone,” Englama stated.

According to him, integration of the insurance sector in a monetary union must be pursued consciously and conscientiously with clear time lines outlined for the various components of the integration ef-

forts.

“The fierce urgency for the WAMZ is to adopt immediate and workable strategies to accelerate the integration process of the financial sector, particularly the insurance sub-sector in order to facilitate trade in goods and services within the Zone,” he said.

Englama said that several factors still constrain particu-

larly the growth and integration of the regional financial sector and specifically that of the insurance market. The key challenges and the concomitant proposal towards resolving them are non harmonisation of legal and regulatory frameworks; non existence of a single licensing regime; non mutual recognition among regulators; inadequate regional-

ly compatible financial infrastructure; non existence of cross-border supervisory practices; weak data gathering mechanism amongst others.

According to Englama, the key challenges to the insurance sector integration in the WAMZ include the lack of harmonisation of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the sector, the high costs of

From Left : Olugbenga Fagbohun, (Trainer & Consultant, ForexTime , FXTM Nigeria ); Olumide Ladipo (Marketing Manager, FXTM Nigeria); Michael Akinwale (Public Relations Manager, FXTM Nigeria); and Madu Nwegbu (IT Manager, FXTM Nigeria) during a free training programme organized for journalists by ForexTime Nigeria in Lagos

System breakdown slows Customs’ operations, revenue collection

BY GODWIN ORITSE

E

transaction, and the insolvency regime. Jurisdiction dissimilarities include measurement of assets, minimum capital requirements, regulatory solvency capital, insurance laws, solvency laws, policy holder priority during wind-up, scope and coverage of insurance policies and the existence of other types of policyholder protection,” Englama said.

FFORTS of the Nigeria Customs Service to meet its annual revenue target and ensure efficient port operations are being threatened by frequent breakdown of its information technology system.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the frequent system breakdown has reduced cargo clearance at the ports.

The Customs inter- connectivity of the system starts from the Abuja office of the Nigerian Customs Service, from where it is connected to the Zonal Headquarters in Harvey Road in Yaba and then to the router in Lilipond in Apapa, and from there to other Commands in the Lagos ports.

Investigations however reveal that the router in Lilipond has been constantly under repair in the last two weeks. Investigations reveal that whenever the systems breakdown, port

operations are delayed for hours before it is restored.

The frequent breakdown of the of the system has also affected the Bonded terminal operators connection to the Customs server in Abuja. As a result they have been unable to process the release of cargoes as at when due.

It was however not clear as at the time of filling this report if the technology provided by Web Fontaine is system experiencing the fluctuation.

Besides slowing down Customs operations, there has been a reduction of the number of containers cleared from the ports since the Customs took over scanning operations..

For example in November 2013, shortly before Customs took over, over 26,000 containers were cleared from A P Moller terminals as against 16,000 in December after Customs took over.

Commenting on this development, President of the National Council of

Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, (NCMDLCA) Mr. Lucky Amiwero said that unstable system has impacted negatively on cargo clearance.

Amiwero explained if the system fluctuated for thirty minutes to one hour, it is understandable but for 36 days then it is total system collapse.

He also said that it is better to know where the problem is coming from adding that it is after that is done that a solution can be applied.

“Web Fontaine has been powering the Custom system for about six years and should have tested the integrity of the system they have been using all this while.

“Even the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) is foreign to us in Nigeria. This PARR project should have been experimented with before implementing in Nigeria” he added.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

SEC approves IPO of Griffin 30 ETF

By PETER EGWUATU

V

From left: Mrs. Betty Okonoboh, General Manager; Oracle Experience; Mr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, MD/CEO; Mr. Ororo Azemhbo, Creative Director; Mr. Ikem Okuhu, Analystin-Chief, Brandish, and Mr. Goddie Ofose, Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria during the presentation of BJAN best effort in innovative experiential marketing award to Oracle Experience at the company’s head office, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

etiva Fund Managers Limited has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, that Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has granted approval for the Initial Public Offer of Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund (VG 30 ETF) which will open to the public for 15 working days in line with SEC Rule 301, commencing Monday, 13th January, 2014 and closing Friday, 31st January, 2014.

If the fund is listed on the NSE, it will become the second Exchange Traded

Oteh hinges capital market recovery on reforms

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, has said that the recovery being witnessed in the capital market is an outcome of the commission’s reforms and zero-tolerance for corrupt practices.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News, Oteh said the focus of the commission on her assumption of office in 2010 was restoration of market integrity encapsulated in the various reform programmes initiated by the commission to sanitise the market.

She said: “The global financial crisis was really bad for Nigeria. We had our market declining from a peak of N12.6 trillion in March of 2008 to a bottom in February 2009 of N3.9 trillion. So, you can imagine what that meant; to every dollar we invested; we lost more than $76. It was that horrible for Nigeria.

“The reforms we initiated were varied, but the most important thing was really to establish that we will not tolerate anything that is wrong in the Nigerian stock market from anybody, whether investing through a company or investing through the exchanges in Nigeria because nobody will ever accept to give another person money if he knows that he will be defrauded. So, that was first and foremost, the most important thing for us. What we call restoring integrity of the market.”

“Today, our market has more than doubled since January, 2010 when we started this reform programme. We are

back at the level we were in 2008. We have a market capitalisation in our stock market that is over N12 trillion; we have both the domestic and foreign investors fully investing in the market on 50/ 50 basis,” Oteh added.

She emphasised that no financial market around the world was as intolerant of corruption as Nigeria was, saying that all those that were found culpable of corrupt practicse prior to 2008 global financial crisis were all dealt with.

“Let’s take the financial sector for instance, there was a global financial crisis and we the financial market regulator in

Nigeria took a very bold step.

The people that needed to be brought to book for wrong doing were all brought to book. Those that needed to be punished for illegal acts were punished. Tell me the country in the world that recovered as fast as Nigeria did in terms of making decision as in tackling corruption in the sector? We have zero tolerance for corruption because of the cost to us in Nigeria,” she further stated.

She posited that opportunities abound in agriculture, power, oil and gas and other sectors in Nigeria, saying that the only way for both foreign and local investors to fully access the

opportunity was to use the capital market as a vehicle.

The SEC boss restated that Nigeria would not meet her $35 billion annual infrastructural needs without the capital market.

In her words, “The World Bank said that Africa needs about $100 billion for development of infrastructure; we are told by the Africa Development Bank that Nigeria needs $35 billion per year for infrastructure. And we know that it cannot come from the Federal Government’s account. Our total budget is $30 billion to pay salary and others.

Emerging market investors face political risks

A

s the tidal wave of global central bank liquidity recedes in 2014, emerging market investors are growing more anxious about local political risks and how to spot them early on.

Developing economies have had a rough ride since the Federal Reserve first muted a wind-down of its money printing last year. The looming withdrawal of easy cash worldwide pushed the dollar and Treasury yields up and drove Western investors home, jarring countries most dependent on foreign capital.

Emerging market bonds posted only their third year in the red since 1998 last year, while emerging equities ended 2013 in the red for the second year in three.

And as the global investment tide sweeps out, it may reveal a beach strewn with political detritus.

As competition for funds hots up while their economies

rapidly lose steam, political risks have been amplified in the so-called ‘Fragile Five’ of Turkey, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Brazil, the emerging economies with the biggest overseas financing

needs.

All five face elections this year, adding to brewing local concerns over a deepening corruption probe in Turkey or the waning popularity of South Africa’s and Brazil’s leaders.

Fund (ETF). An Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is an investment vehicle that tracks an index, a basket of assets, or a commodity, but trades like regular shares on a stock exchange.

Meanwhile, the NSE had explained that ETFs are less expensive to operate than actively managed funds because they (ETFs) have less frequent portfolio changes.

On transparency, it noted that the performance and portfolio composition of an ETF reflects the underlying index or commodity, as the holdings of an ETF closely mirror the underlying index or commodity it tracks.

The NSE further stressed that an ETF is a direct and inexpensive way to attain diversified exposure to an index, commodity, sector, or region, while remaining in the capital market.

Some advantages of ETFs include: Providing a cost effective way of trading a basket of shares through a single transaction, offers a market related performance or return; allows for diversified exposure through buying a single share, as well as provides an opportunity for investors to track a market.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of ETFs include: prices determinination by market forces, so a buyer might buy at a slight premium or discount versus the Net Asset Value (NAV).

Some ETFs may not track widely accepted indices, which sometimes result in higher costs and higher risks.

Meanwhile, the risk associated with ETFs includes general market risks, interest rate risks, liquidity risks, inflationary risks, and legal and regulatory risks. An investment in ETFs may increase or decrease in value as the market changes.

Access Bank appoints Osuntoki Executive Director

A

ccess Bank has appointed Mrs. Titi Osuntoki as Executive Director in charge of Business Banking, a business division within the Bank which is focused on Small and Medium Scale business entities.

According to a statement by the bank, Mrs. Osuntoki is a highly qualified and experienced banker with over two decades of cognate experience cutting across all facets of banking.

She joined Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 1991.

Following years of outstanding contribution to the Bank’s success, she was appointed an Executive Director in 2008. In that role, she had direct responsibility for strategy formulation and business development in the Bank’s Lagos Division. She resigned from Guaranty Trust Bank in October 2011.

Mrs. Osuntoki is a member of the Non-Oil/

Non-Agric Policy Commission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Until this appointment, she was an Independent NonExecutive Director on the Board of Wapic Insurance Plc and the Chief Executive Officer of GTO Professional Services Limited, a business consultancy outfit based in Lagos.

She holds a Second Class Upper Degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Lagos. She is an alumnus of Cranfield University School of Management, UK. Mrs. Osuntoki has attended Executive Management Programmes in world leading Business Schools. The appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria. By this appointment, Access Bank Board now comprises of 16 directors made up of 7 Executive Directors and 9 Non-Executive Directors, 2 of whom are Independent directors.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 — 23

I

I

t is a World Bank Assisted Project aimed at strengthening Agricultural Production Systems and facilitating access to market for participating small and medium scale commercial farmers.

Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) is aimed to improve Agriculture production in Nigeria by supporting the commercialization of agriculture production, processing and marketing outputs among small and media-scale commercial farmers and agro-processors.

Today, CADP is supporting Nigeria strategy options of diversifying into non-oil sources of growth by assisting to improve access of participating farmers to new technologies, improved infrastructures, finances, and output markets, to strengthening agricultural production systems and facilitate access to market for some targeted value chains in five participating states of Cross Rivers, Enugu State, Kaduna C M Y K

CADP: Moving farming to profitable business

By JIMOH BABATUNDE, with agency reports State, Kano State, and Lagos State.

At an event in Lagos recently, beneficiaries of the projects in the selected value chainsAquaculture, Poultry and Ricenarrated their success stories.

In the area of aquaculture value chain, the project has supported 1,483 farmers with various inputs including collapsible fish tank, extruding technology, fish seed, solar submersible pumping machine smoking kiln, pen and cage culture system, tricycle etc.

With the support of CADP through acquisition of improved smoking kilns and improved packaging materials, Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs) in the state under the Aquaculture Processing value chain made breakthrough.

Mrs. Bolaji Dania, Quicklink Farms, a member of the Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate and the President of Commercial Agricultural Development Association (CADA) has this to say “I have benefited greatly from CADP. We got collapsible tanks which reduce stress of mobility.

“If I decide to change location today, my business would still continue because all I have to do is find a way of moving my fish and my collapsible fish pond. The collapsible fish pond is an improved fish rearing pond system. Also, we got fish inputs which includes the improved Clarias Garriepinus (Dutch breed) and quality fish feed. We also got automatic fish grader (sorting machine).

“In areas of training and capacity building, we have

•Mrs.Dania

,

MPRESSIVE progress in agricultural science and food production has helped significantly in feeding the world’s growing population over the past 30 years. However, major challenges remain. Of the 5.1 billion people who live in the developing world, 1.2 billion still confront the ravages of poverty on daily basis.

According to a report by International Food policy Research Institute (IFPRI), about 800 million are food insecure while 170million children under five are malnourished.

Natural resources that support food production are being degraded. Agricultural productivity growth in developing countries, once rapid, is now decelerating.

Investing in agriculture, according to Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, is the surest path to reducing poverty and hunger in Africa.

Despite the challenges African farmers face today- poor seeds, poor access to markets, insufficient access to finance and credit and too little government support- African smallholder farmers produce most of African’s food.

Realizing that achieving food security for all will require access to resources by the poor, better technologies for producing and distributing food supplies, many African governments, agencies, and NonGovernmental Organisations have come up with policies and strategies in the areas of food production and markets. In Nigeria, one of the international agencies’ projects that is impacting positively in changing the face of agriculture is the World Bank’s Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

CADP is supporting Nigeria strategy options of diversifying into non-oil sources of growth

,

participated in a lot of workshops and seminars which they organize regularly for us.

We also go on agricultural fairs to showcase our produce and interact with other farmers which have really been beneficial to me and my farm.”

Dania added “The farm can boast of a standard hatchery, located on the farm with six (6) concrete nursery tanks by the side of it. The hatchery turns out up to 100,000 juveniles per month and the farm turns out about 12tonnes of table size fish

per month. So prior to CADP’s intervention, Quicklink Farms used to produce less than 70tonnes per annum but with encouragement from CADP and with what we see at seminars and workshops, our output has increased to about 150tonnes per annum.”

T

he story is the same for Mr. Abdul-Ghaniyy AlabiOjolowo of Rice 4 Job Cooperative Farms (A Member of Rice 4 Job Commercial Cooperative CIG).

He is one of the 741 farmers under the rice value chain. The project had supported the farmers under the rice value chain with various inputs including tractor, milling machine, threshing machine, combine harvester, storage bin, rotary dryer, willower, de-stoner, agro chemicals, tricycle, improved seeds, and motorized

sprayer among others.

With Intervention of CADP, Land preparation for rice has changed from manual to mechanized system with provision of 4WD Tractors and implements. This has reduced the cost of land preparation from N30, 000 to N5, 000 per Hectare.

“The cost of land partition has drastically reduced unlike before the CADP intervention.

Likewise, the project also supported us with the procurement of bird scare (Gas gun) because before the project intervention there has been complaint of bird gathering and damage of the rice field but with the introduction/demonstration of gas gun technology by CADP to farmers, it has helped us to reduce the cost we spend on scaring of bird because ordinarily what we do is to hire human labour to be on the farm for about two months- morning till evening and we have to feed them morning, afternoon and possibly evening.

“We were given the combine harvester which is another important support of the project.

Initially, we use to harvest our field with human labourer also.

It is either they use their hands, knife or sickle and it will take 7 to 10 days for 20 able women to harvest a hectare but the combine harvester can harvest two hectares in one day and if the operator can go the extra miles and with a favourable weather, it can harvest three hectares in a day.

Nigeria recertified for shrimp exportation to US — Adesina

By GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA — THE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, had revealed that Nigeria has been recertified to export shrimps caught from the wild to the United States of America, USA, indicating efforts made to transform the fish industry of the agricultural sector.

Adesina who disclosed this said the recertification on the exportation of shrimps from Nigeria was as a result of the ministry’s push to register the abundant shrimp resources, including some marine and fresh water fish species under the Marine Stewardship Council.

He said: “Under the marine industrial sector, the ministry is embarking on the Marine Stewardship Council registration of

her shrimp resources and some marine and fresh water fish species. This is to ensure the products optimum market prices.

“The Ministry is also opening up the Deep Sea/Exclusive Economic Zone, DEEZ, for exploitation by issuing Letter of Assurances to companies to bring in deep sea vessels into Nigeria.

“The country has also just been recertified to export shrimps caught from the wild to the United State of America. The ministry is also currently on the Fish Seed Development Programme, FSDP, under a Public Private Partnership, PPP, is to encourage local production of quality fish seeds to address shortage in fingerling supply in the country.

“This project also is to encourage local production of quality fish seed to address shortage of fingerlings supply in the country.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

FG frowns at non-implementation of port policies

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Federal Gov ernment has expressed concern over the poor implementation of its fiscal and trade policies particularly implementation of port policies with regards to cargo clearance.

Speaking at the inauguration of a Ministerial Committee on import clearance practices and implementation of fiscal policies, Director-General of Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu said that the government has been inundated with petitions with regards to the modus operandi for cargo clearance at the ports.

Okogu stated the objectives for instituting fiscal policies are not being realised at the level of implementation of such policies.

He noted the import clearnce at the ports are at variance with relevant statues and guidelines, and consequently impact on trade facilitation.

He explained that as a listening government, the FG believes stakeholders’ representations on policies provide an opportunity for assessing the performance of such policies.

He said, “ In this particular case, Government is interested in ensuring that fiscal policies achieve their objectives of stimulating investment in critical sectors such as power agriculture and steel.

“We also want to assure all users of our ports that government will encourage practice that would in the long run, reverse the long standing sub-optimsing ulitisation of the ports which continue to impact negatively on public revenue and normal trade.

“Government is aware of the diversion of businesses to neighbouring ports and the crippling effects of smuggling due, in part, to the challenging clearnce procedures in the ports.

“It is in our national interest to reverse the current situation of things at the ports with a view to significantly increasing the volume of trade passing through them “.

He urged members of the Committee to discharge their duties with subsisting legislation and administrative circulars issued by the Federal Ministry of Fi-

nance.

The budget office boss advised them to consult as widely as possible with a view to submitting a report that will proffer implementable solutions.

Member of the Committee were drawn from the Nigeria Customs Service, Budget Office, Ministry Finance, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NAMDLCA)and National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and A g r i c u l t u r e (NACCIMA)

An articulated truck with number plate AGL871XE, laden with cargo which fell off the Apapa-link bridge at Coconut,Tuesday.

Illegal wood export: Importers association indicts govt officials

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has said that some official of Government particularly those in the seaport aid and albeit illegal the exportation of wood through the ports.

Deputy Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the group Mr. Prosper Okolo disclosed this to Vanguard saying that the group recently accosted some Asians involved in the illicit trade.

Okolo noted that the is-

sue export of some prohibited items have been on the increase following the connivance of some Nigerian officials.

He said that the exportation of wood is currently causing serious deforestation in some states where this commodity is gotten.

“The above commodity is listed in the prohibition list of items un -exportable from Nigeria.

Currently, Nigerian and some Asians exporters in collaboration with Nigerian freight forwarders,

shipping firms are involved in this illicit exportation.

“Some of the states known for growing woods are currently experiencing deforestation as a result of cutting and exportation of these woods.

“In such a time when global warming is sweeping across the world and trees being planted to protect the environment, we are exporting our own for peanuts” he added.

Okolo also expressed concern not only on the il-

legal wood export,but fraudulentl collection of export proceeds from the government the Non negotiable Duty Deposit Certificate (NDDC) grants.

Investigation revealed that the processed wood at the Tin Can Island port showed that the clearing agent Adlat Investment Limited alongside some Customs officers were involved in the examination of a container laden with woods.

Some of the containers with number BMDU 21711719, IPXU3013104,

TRLU 3839665 fscu 7982233 CMAU 1142494 and CMAU 1215559 all laden with treated woods Despite the discrepancies in the some of the containers, the Customs officials alongside officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) issued a certificate of examination.

Despite the sanction of a five year jail term that awaits offenders, Nigerians still connive with foreiners to short change the system.

Operators fault NPA, back Shippers Council as port regulator

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

O

PERATORS in the maritime industry have accused the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, of neglecting their interest, even as they expressed confidence in the proposed move by the Federal Government to make the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, the commercial regulator for port operations.

The operators noted that NPA had failed to take their interest into consideration in its decisions since the ports were concessioned years back.

National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, blamed the authority for the increase in charges few years back without involving all stakehold-

ers as stated by the concession agreement.

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

“At least charges have remained constant.

There is no terminal operator that will deliberately increase charges but that does not say that the charges regime at the port has the blessing of all stakeholders.

“The concession agreement states that when charges are to be adjusted, a stakeholders meeting should be called” but expressed disappointment that NPA has deliberately ignored this provisions over the years.

He however, ex-

pressed confidence in the ability of NSC to take up the responsibility of the commercial regulator for port operations, as they have all the data on port operations and cargoes in the nation’s ports.

Similarly, National Secretary, Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents, NCMDLCA, Uchu Block, said agents and their principles have been left at the mercy of shipping companies and terminal operators.

Block stated that “We cry about this regulator issue but the thing is that when Sarunmi was in charge of NPA, he tried to regulate most of these things. When he left NPA for Nigeria Shippers Council and became the boss there, NPA and everybody came under Shippers council. Since

he left, nobody is talking about this regulator issue and we have nowhere to turn to for our problems with the shipping companies or port concessionaires.

On who should be the regulator, Block said, “We have the shippers council there and by their name, they are supposed to protect the interest of Nigerian shippers. If they are given the power to regulate and punish anybody who does not play according to rules, then I think things will improve because we would hold them responsible for any illegal charges.

Recall that a member of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Port chapter, Patrick Okafor, who spoke with Vanguard, had accused the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) of being jobless

and only interested in collecting money.

Okafor pointed out that NPA is not concerned about what is happening in the ports any more.

According to Okafor, NPA is supposed to ensure that terminal operators have the necessary cargo handling tools for effective clearance of goods but stressed that the authority seems to be more interested in revenue they generate daily from importers, shipping lines etc.

“What are they doing with the money?”, he asked.

He further called on government to take a second look at the functions of NPA to make it relevant after the concession exercise because the authority has completely lost relevance.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—25

in intercontinental she brought kilishi for me.

The culture is here is that our Jollof rice is another wonderful dish here in Nigeria, it is such market is Nigeria. We need to an art . Before, I used to think ensure that the food we produce you just throw rice into water with n in the buffet and the entire restomatoes, but now I know it is taurant is of the high quality for more than that . The palm oil in our Nigerian guests, but we are Nigerian dishes is something I also a business hotel , so I will The Sunday brunch of the InterContinental Hotel, Lagos has become so popular among don’t like. Any dish made from say on the buffet we have 60% Lagosians and guests that you find people queuing up before the restaurant opens at noon Nigerian food and the other 40% palm oil I don’t like. every weekend. The man behind the delicacies people are queuing up to taste is no less a Some of the chicken stew, fish is European, Indian, Chinese Scottish, Austen Reid, the Executive Chef . In this interview with JIMOH BABATUNDE, he stews and goat stews I can han- and some American. Every day gives an insight into his journey into cookery and the joy of being one. Here is an excerpt dle, so also the pepper soup I like. we vary the continental food. from the interview.

Our Sunday brunch is the best I have not been brave enough to try bush meat. If you Google bush now as we have customers who ON his journey into the promeat and you look at the animals come back every single week. If fession that come up, I get very fearful you come here by 12.30 pm you It started when I was taking of those animals. So, as a chef, I see people waiting to have the home economics in high school am staying away from bush meat. Sunday brunch with us. It is the and my uncle offered me a job best in Nigeria. We have too On best advice for a novice working weekends in his resListen, listen and listen. Peo- much food on the buffet. We try taurant at age 15. ple don’t listen, because if you to change every week, but not the From my uncle’s restaurant, I come into a trade like this, it is pepper snail , gizzard . Lot of started getting a taste of what it things happens. not easy. You should try was being a chef, which is and gain as much inforbasically you working to make mation as you can get sure other people have nice time. from your bosses and you Except the option of working need to listen. Even someweekends and all those long body washing the floor hours, I think most people who can give you ideas. So, we are into cookery did for the love never stop learning in this of it. It is not like an office work industry. It is always good that you resume at 9am and close to listen and this is the key at 5pm. Your job is to make peoto starting in this industry. ple happy whenever they come.

Just listen to people and And Nigeria is a very traditional HE Board Chairman of the Na try to absorb the instrucplace where people make tional Institute for Hospitality and tion and everything else booking for 5pm and might come Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Kanayo will fall into place. The key till 7pm; so again, this is someOnyekwere Kanayo, has called for to success in kitchen opthing I am trying to get use to. good learning environment for students erations is communication.

Again it is a culture here that in its Lagos campus, just as he On his best gadget in people come late and the traffic expressed happiness at the level of Chef Austen Reid the kitchen does not help issues. work at the Osun state campus of the The chef’s knife. BeOn the school he attended institute.

On his favorite food on the cause you can have blendthe Carribean and later moved I am from Scotland. I attended Kanayo, who was on tour of the inback to the Middle East in menu ers, you can have this or Trinity High School. When I left stitute’s campuses recently, said he was Lobster of Calvados . It is a that but the chef knife is Intercontinental Muscat, Oman school, I went to culinary school happy to see that work on the offices classical French dish, lobster is like his bare hand. If you before moving to Kuwait . in Scotland too. And I have and classroom structure at the 50-hecAnd this is my first time in a wonderful product. Basically, don’t have a good knife in done lot of cookery courses, even tare permanent site at Oke Pupa area Africa. I have been here ten it is a very simple dish, but again the kitchen you are empty. in home economics class we did of Ede was nearing completion. months and Lagos has been it has to be cooked in the right Other gadgets like blendeverything, I learnt how to sew, He said the management of the inway. If you don’t get it right ers and others start with a fantastic. do a lot of things. stitute will work towards an early reloOn the food culture in the people will criticize you, because good chef knife. And most cation from the temporary site which is it is regarded as high status chefs guard their knives places he has worked Hotel under threat of demolition to make way Food culture in the Middle dish. and they lock them up in operations for a new block of classrooms and road In Nigeria, when I arrived I the lockers.

East countries has been fantasbeing constructed by the state governtic, Lebanese, Egyptians but the tried some restaurant. Some I On the funniest thing in I learnt not just cookery alone, Arabic food is much, except you don’t like because of the British ment. but accounting, how to answer have regional difference. My taste , some too spicy , but Suya the kitchen On his visit to the Lagos campus, the I will have to get back to telephone, I learnt how to make years in Carribean were very in- is my favorite . One of our staff popular Nigerian actor who is better bed. Since I have chosen to work teresting , because the food in just came back from Abuja and you on that (Laughter) known as KOK was appalled at the On the food experience in the hotel, I also have under- Caribbean are similar to the food level of noise at the institute located in standing of what goes on in other here in Nigeria, so you have the the Moshalashi area of the busy Agege areas of the hotel.

Motor Road, prompting him to say that fried plantain , chicken stew, the Knowing something about hot chicken, fish stew, beans. if the institute must continue to stay other areas of the hotel operathere; all the classrooms had to be air On Nigeria food culture and tions is important as this makes others conditioned. you as a chef to understand what He said that is the only way the enIt is unique. Nigeria is not the others do in other departments same as European or Arabian. It vironment will be conducive for and so have good relationship is unique on its own. I don’t learning and attract good hands as with them. When a waiter delays have any experience to compare instructor from four or five star hotels, in coming around to pick your to other African countries. “you cannot expect personnel from fourfood, you need not shout but you star and five-star hotels who are used But what I am seeing here is check the restaurant to find out unique. Some many types of to a certain level of comfort to leave their why. There is always a reason sauce. Pepper sauce, if I eat the well-appointed offices to the why there is a delay, so the sauce I can’t taste anything for NIHOTOUR environment which are understanding of the workings 20minutes, because my mouth is more or less glorified primary schools.” of others is important.

Speaking with students on the camon fire. So this type of cuisine is On his experience working as new to me , I am learning all the puses visited, Kanayo who was in coma chef pany of the Director General of the new ones like Efo riro, Ogbono It has been a roller coaster, I soup and the pounded yam and institute, Dr. Munzali Dantata and the have travelled widely. I left my swallow. I don’t like the draw okro Board secretary, Hajia Mariam Inuwa, country, Scotland, in 2006, moved soup. I have tried it with my urged them to gain self confidence to Dubai. I worked in Burj Al fingers, but don’t like it Revellers during the adult costume parade at the about what they are doing and to be Arab hotel from there I moved to 2013 Calabar Carnival in Calabar, Cross River State the best they can be.

On his food philosophy

I’ve not been brave enough to eat bush meat — Chef Reid

‘NIHOTOUR needs good learning environment’

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26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

How I stumbled on acting – Chelsea Eze C

helsea Eze, a Linguistics graduate of University of Maiduguri has long gone from being a rookie to a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood since her exploits in her debut movie ‘Silent Scandal’ in 2009. Her recent efforts in blockbusters like ‘Hoodrush’, ‘Two Brides and a Baby’ confirmed her arrival on the scene.

In a recent chat with our reporter, Chelsea opens up on her route to acting and other things that have shaped her life. Excerpts:

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escribe yourself?

I’m Chelsea Eze, Nollywood actress. I love the simple things of life, so I guess I’m a good girl.

How did you start acting?

I guess I was at the right place at the right time. God put me in line with people that mattered at the time to help boost my career. My friend was shooting and she said it seemed you’re bored at home, follow me to see.

And then I went and I met Aunty Emem Isong and they said: “Let’s put her on camera and see what she looks like”. So they had a mini-audition for me, after that, they said: “Fine, now we know what you look like on camera and if we have something we’ll call you ”.

C M Y K

And I got a call after a long time from Vivian Ejike and that was how I did my first movie, ‘Silent Scandal’ in 2009.

How has the journey been?

It’s been great and I really thank God. Starting out, I’m not going to lie,it wasn’t really easy. Then, again, when I did ‘Silent Scandal’, I wasn’t so sure if I wanted a career in acting at the time.

It was just something I felt, “Okay, this is here now, let me just do it”. I didn’t know if I wanted to do it long term.

When Silent Scandal broke,when the movie came out and it got the kind of reviews it got, a lot of people stated saying, “Chelsea, why don’t you take this seriously” and I thought to myself “Well, maybe it’s time to take acting seriously”. It’s been a very long journey, but in the end, I give glory to God. What challenges have you encountered so far?

Well, being a ‘rookie’, you are bound to experience some difficulties, because then I didn’t know what I was doing, I was just there, I didn’t necessarily know what to do, what to say, how to act and behave. But I learnt on the job. I’m so grateful I have the people I had around me, who are veterans in the industry like Genevieve Nnaji, Bimbo

We have loads of actresses out there, so as an up-comer, you want to be seen and when you are finally seen, you have to put in a lot of work to remain there Akintola and so many of them. They’ve been there.

When I have a challenge or I’m not sure what to do at a particular time, I just call them for advice and assistance and it works. I

I N S I DE: Top Nollywo od Nollywood beauti es beauties on the rise!

had a lot of challenges trying to stay relevant, it’s a big deal trying to stay relevant. We have loads of actresses out there, so as an up-comer, you want to be seen and when you are finally seen, you have to put in a lot of work to remain there. The fact that you’re there doesn’t mean nobody is coming after you, there are ‘trucks’ of them coming, so you have to just keep up your game going and try and maintain that place that God has given you.

How do you intend to do that, maintain your place in the industry considering the stiff competition?

To be honest with you, it’s all centred around God. I know what I want to do, I have that drive, I have the passion for it, but I end up committing everything to God and ask him to just lead me. I don’t have a strategy like “Okay, I must do this to

How my gay controversy brought me fame – Benson Okonkwo

get there “. I just ask God to take the lead, He gave me ‘Silent Scandal’.‘Silent Scandal’ gave me three awards by His grace. I couldn’t have done that by myself, so I’m just like “You (God) who put me there, I

Continues on page 26

Blac kBerr y BlackBerr may go back t o QWER QWERTT Y keyboard technology

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 —27

I am not desper at desperat atee but hungr hungryy Continues on page 26 trust you to take it from there.

Most upcoming actresses are desperate, how far can you go to get movie roles?

I am not desperate but hungry. I have that hunger in my spirit which is equal to passion and drive. I feel desperation is negative, if you’re desperate, it’s negative. I will not do anything out of desperation, I will not put myself in a negative light or in a crazy situation just because I want to get something. I’ve always believed that if it’s yours, it will come to you. Maybe it has to do with the way I started because I wasn’t out there on the streets looking for a film, it just happened. I remember I was somewhere with a friend and I got that call. At the end of the day I think it boils down to how you start, where you’re coming from always determines where you’re going to.

Because God has helped me thus far, I just feel like “ Chelsea, there’s no need to be desperate, just relax, everything will come in due time”. And I’m patient, I’m still young, come on.

Which movies have you done so far?

‘Silent Scandal’, ‘Hoodrush’, ‘Two Brides and a Baby’, ‘Tears of Passion’, ‘Closed Door’, ‘Laugh won kill me die’, ‘The Kingdom’ and so on.

If you have the power to change anything in the industry, what would that be?

I would change the minds and the thinking of our industry people and I would leave it at that. To change a community, you start from yourself and the thinking of other people because if you think positive and I think positive, together, we’ll do positive things. I want us to think outside the box. Nollywood is growing and I’m so grateful to be part of it at this point when it is evolving. If we, as an industry can come together and think outside the box, Nollywood will become the biggest because we have the numbers. First of all, we have to change our thinking and mentality and then everything is great.

Do you have plans of going into production?

I do. I actually have a script, it’s a very personal script. I want to do that at some point, though I don’t know when. I’m trying to find the perfect time and I don’t want to confuse or contradict the image I’m trying to put out there. First of all, I’m an actress before any other thing.

I think going into production is a way of broadening your horizon, you have to also see what it’s like behind the scene. So, I have plans of doing that, I also intend going to film school as well, take some courses in directing and editing because I love the concept of directing and editing.

How do you handle your fans?

I don’t know, I just smile and laugh, let’s just be happy. I just try and do things to make them happy by first of all, putting out good movies . Then, every now and then, I get calls and messages from them

and then I try to respond to them. But, most times, it’s not enough. So, most times I just put out a message saying, “ I love all of you”. I just try to be nice to everyone.

What’s the worst rumour you’ve heard about yourself?

At some point, I heard people say I’ve been married before. I remember a guy was chatting with me recently and he asked me, “How did the divorce go”? And I was like “What?

I’ve never been married before!”. I also heard I was a lesbian. I’m very straight.

Talking about lesbianism in the industry, has anyone ever approached you or try to woo you?

No. Have you been sexually harassed by producers or directors?

I’m not ignorant of the fact that there is sexual harassment in the industry, just like in every other industry, but personally I’ve not had that experience.

What was your childhood like?

I had an amazing childhood. I grew up in Kano. I have three siblings. We were a very small family but I had a lot of cousins growing up with us. It was great. It’s so sad, Kano has changed. As a child, I had everything I needed. And then as a child, you don’t really want a lot. But now, growing up as an adult, I just realise I want a whole lot of things. I thank my parents, they did the best, they gave me that one thing that any parent can give their child, which is education.

When you have that, whatever you decide to do in life, you’re secured.

Do you do any other thing besides acting?

I do a whole lot. I do interior decoration, I do a bit of catering as well. On a low key, I deliver food to specific organisations. I do anything that brings money genuinely.

How do you unwind?

I love my house. I would say I’m an indoor person, because even when I have the opportunity to go out, I’d rather just seat at home with friends, have wine, play cards, monopoly or whatever. But, when I need to go out, I go out and I make sure I have maximum fun. But basically, I love to be indoors.

What’s your sense of fashion?

I am simple, elegant and chic. I don’t like to go with the trend, in the sense that if something is trending right now, I won’t wear it, because everyone is wearing it. But give it a few months, when everyone has calmed down, then I might just come up and rock it. I like to keep it simple and elegant, because I’m young, I don’t want to overdo it and look too old.

What’s your message to your fans?

I love you all, you guys are amazing.

How my gay controversy brought me fame – Benson Okonkwo

S

OME years back, the name, Benson Okonkwo, wouldn’t have meant anything to quite a number of people, but not now, when the gangling actor is one of the fastest rising stars in the movie industry. Though, Benson, fondly known as ‘Mr Packaging’ by his fans, has all it takes to make it in the competitive world of make-believe: looks, talent, the attitude and probably the Xfactor. But it would be none of these qualities that brought him to limelight. What actually clinched it for him was the gay role he played in the movie ‘One Dollar’ and the controversy it generated.

According to Benson, the role generated so much controversy that some people actually labelled him ‘gay’, failing to understand that he was only playing out a script.

Hear him: “You know one thing with Nigerians, when you play a role and play it well that’s what you are. I have done three gay movies, and I starred in a gay movie titled ‘One dollar’, I incurred the wrath of many movie fans. At the time, my critics were asking questions about my sexuality in real life.Unperturbed by the outrage, I also appeared in another gay movie ‘Pregnant Hawker’ and ‘The Strippers.’

But, I have 50 movies to my credit, I am unhappy about the negative reactions that trailed my decision to star in those

My family understands that I am only acting and the roles have nothing to do with my personal life or character, that’s why they stood by me and continue to stand by me

movies. I insist that the public is ignorant of the fact that actions in movies are not real.

Although these movies sparked off controversy about my sexuality, I make bold to say that Nigerians are hypocrites. They secretly enjoy watching porn movies, yet when they see Nigerian movies that contain suggestive scenes, they secretly watch them online and then drop anonymous comments. I am only acting and doing my job.

Although I have acted as a homosexual three times, I am afraid of being tagged a stereotyped actor. Despite the fact that the gay controversy has brought me fame, I want people to remember that I have not starred in only gay or adult films. Contrary to what some persons think, I have never been sexually harassed by homosexuals. I am not a homosexual.

Notwithstanding the negative comments, it took much willpower to get into character. It was hard for me to accept the role at first, and it took a lot of convincing and support from the director before I could play the role.

The ‘pay was right,’ I enjoy the support of my loved ones in spite of the criticism. “My family understands that I am only acting and the roles have nothing to do with my personal life or character, that’s why they stood by me and continue to stand by me. I believe that versatility is one thing any actor must possess, that way, he or she stands out.

Maybe not being in any relationship with the opposite sex is another reason why the ‘gay’ idea about you persists?

Being in a relationship will not convince people that I am gay or not.

Some have this mindset from the movies they have seen and the roles I took, so that’s it for now but I don’t want to talk about my relationship anymore. I have decided to keep it private What would you consider your best film of 2013?

The movie I will consider my best of 2013 is ‘James Town’ which featured stars like Mama G, Star musician, Veeck kings. Gbenga Richardson, Jegede and all, it’s a must-see movie coming out this year February. It’s a ghetto movie and I was one of the ghetto leaders and I know my fans will love it.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 Stories by Ayo Onikoyi

Top Nollywood beauties on the rise!

Tope Osoba:

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ope Osoba does strictly Yoruba films but her talent and beauty has earned her recognition across board, winning her accolades from several quarters. She featured in ‘Gucci Girls’, ‘Igboro Ti Daru’ and many others.

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hile many actors would tell you that talent, is a better quality than beauty, to succeed as a movie star, none of them would beat their chest that beauty counts for nothing. Just as talent seems to speak the loudest, beauty does do some talking, to weave a blend of perfection which either could bring.

Now imagine a perfect blend of beauty and brain, this, many actors have concurred is a sure winner. Here, are a list of ten actresses who took Nollywood by storm, parading uncommon beauty and brain, which keep them on top of their trade.

Collete Orji:

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ollete Orji is said to have made her breakthrough in ‘Hidden Treasure’, a movie which starred her alongside veterans like Olu Jacobs and Ramsey Nouah. She has been enjoying a good measure of fame since she came on board. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Damilola Adegbite:

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annequin-like Damilola Adegbite came into prominence on the cast of Tinsel, a long-running soap opera. Damilola finally dumped Tinsel some years ago to test the allure of the big screen where she scored big with ‘Flower Girl’. She has since become a conscience hard to shake off on people’s mind.

Tracy Obonna :

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racy Obonna started out as a video vixen, then a model and right now pursuing her passion, which is acting. Tracy has said she looks up to the likes of Genevieve Nnaji and she is recently filming in Boston, a movie called ‘X-Class’. She has acted alongside John Dumelo and she intends to storm Nollywood soon. She is called ‘The Nigerian Bombshell’ because of her electrifying curvy figure.

Chelsea Eze:

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helsea Eze has got everything going for her. Even though she said she never planned to be an actress, she has done right by herself by pursuing an impulse that became an obsession which is now keeping the wolves away from her doors. Her first film ‘Silent Scandal’ open the doors and she has featured in high budget films like ‘Hoodrush’, ‘Two Brides and a Baby’ and many others.

Mary Lazarus

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ary Lazarus isn’t the shy type who would mince word about what she wants. She has said fame doesn’t interest her, that money, is all she is after. Perhaps, this is why she has done virtually everything the entertainment world could offer.

She was strictly doing soaps, until, she was made an offer too good to refuse in ‘Desperate Housegirls’ where she announced her arrival on the big stage.

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Daniella Okeke:

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here has been so much talk about Daniella Okeke’s butt recently with allegations running wild that the beautiful actress did a surgical job on her butt which according to many, was not as big and voluptuous as it is now. Daniella relaunched her career with a daring exploit in a recently released ‘Lagos Cougars’, a film by Royal Arts Academy productions.

Tamara Eteimo:

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amara Eteimo who won the Next Movie Star reality show in 2011 has come to stamp her presence in the movie industry. Even highly critical director, Charles Novia could not fault as he named her among his top actresses on 2013.

Eteimo did several blockbusters in 2013 including the ‘Desperate Housegirls’

Uru Eke:

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ru Eke dumped her highpaying IT job to pursue acting, which she says, is her passion. “If I was still at my former job, I’d be wishing that I was in front of a camera” she said and it appears the beautiful actress hasn’t made a bad career choice as her hunches has paid off well.

She has featured in many good movies. One of such is the ‘Weekend Getaway’ produced by Emem Isong.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—29

By AYO ONIKOYI

Top dra w mo vies draw movies on D VDs (1) DVDs

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ince few movies are trending right now it would not be out of place to visit those that have made their tour of cinemas and now testing the waters of the DVD market. Though there isn’t a set pattern, a movie is expected to hit the DVD market after staying between a month to three in the cinemas. Here are a list of those you can still enjoy

Synopsis The movie Gold Digging is releasing on Friday, attached is the art work.

Synopsis for Gold Digging

Week end eekend Getaway

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eekend Getaway’ which was screened in cinemas nationwide, enjoyed a successful run in the cinemas. It stars Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Monalisa Chinda, Beverly Naya, Uru Eke, Uti Nwachukwu, Bobby Obodo, Alex Ekubo, Bishop Ime Umoh etc. It was produced by Emem Isong, Ini Edo & Monalisa Chinda and directed by Desmond Elliot. The DVD copy includes several extra features like deleted scenes. A bored bachelor meeting his online love, a married couple looking to revive the spark in their relationship and a wealthy cougar descend upon the tropical paradise that is Le Meridian Hotel in Akwa Ibom for a weekend getaway. ‘

The Meeting

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his movie produced by Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo, was only released into the DVD market on New Year ’s day. The movie which was nominated in 15 categories for five different award platforms stars Rita Dominic, Femi Jacobs, and Linda Ejiofor, along with Jide Kosoko, Kate Henshaw, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chinedu Ikedieze, and Chika Chukwu.

Set in Abuja, the story is about the trials of a Lagos-based corporate executive Makinde Esho (Femi Jacobs) who finds himself at the mercy of political patronage, bureaucratic red tape. He’s struck by Cupid’s arrow while in hot pursuit of a ‘meeting’ to secure a government contract. The movie was released in November of 2012 and only completed its run of cinemas some months ago and coming to the DVD market after running online.

Desperate Housegirls

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‘

esperate House Girls’ which stars Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Kenneth Okolie, Mary Lazarus, Benjamin Toitou and others was directed by Desmond Elliot and produced by Uduak Oguamanam. The movie is also in the DVD market after its online success.

The plot is simple: Three beautiful, smart, young girls have had enough of the ghetto life. In a bid to step up their game, they decide to become house girls to rich families. Their mission is simple: Get rich or die trying.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK BESTMAN HOLIDAY 47 RONIN PARANOIA CARRIE LAGOS COUGARS

Exhibition Schedule from JAN, 10 — JAN, 16 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Gold Diggin : 12:00pm,4:10pm Carrie : 1:30pm 6:40pm, Paranoia : 12:20pm,6:50pm,8:55pm Best Man Holiday : 6:10pm8:35pm Lagos Cougars ; 2:00pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Cloudy a with a chance of meatballs 2 : 11:50am,1:55pm,4:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Gold Diggin : 2:15pm6:30pm 47 Ronin : 3:25pm,8:00pm Carrie : 6:40pm Paranoai : 4:55pm,9:05pm Diana : 8:20pm Alakada 2 : 2:15pm Best Man Holiday : 6:25pm,8:50pm Amadea Christmas : 12:05pm Lagos Cougar : 4:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Gold Digging : 2:30pm,6:50pm,8:50pm Carrie : 1:20pm,3:20pm,7:20pm,9:20pm Best Man Holiday : 12:40pm,3:10pm,5:35pm,8:20pm Diana : 12:10pm,4:30pm Redemption : 8:30pm Cloudy with a chance : 11:45am,4:10pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Gold Diggin : 1:15pm,7:15pm 47 Ronin : 2:00pm,4:15pm,6:30pm,8:45pm Carrie : 3:15pm,7:05pm Paranoia : 5:10pm Best Man Holiday : 4:50pm Amadea Christmas : 12:00pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 10:25am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, SURULERE Gold Diggin : 10:40am, Paranoia : 12:40pm Best Man Holiday : 6:25pm,8:45pm Amadea Christmas : 4:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN Gold Diggin : 10:15am,3:05pm Paranoia : 8:30pm Best Man Holiday : 1:40pm,6:15pm Alakada 2 : 8:00pm A madea Christmas : 8:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,CALABAR Gold Diggin : 2:00pm,6:00pm Carrie : 4:00pm,8:00pm Best Man Holiday : 8:50pm A madea Christmas : 12:30pm Cloudy with Chance : 10:00am,12:00pm

30 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

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32 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

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34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014— 35

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

BlackBerry may go back to QWERT Y keyboard technology W

ho knows! The Z10 brand may be the first and last of Blackberry smartphone to spot an alltouch screen face. This is going by the body language of the new Chairman and interim CEO of the company Mr John Chen. Chen who took over from Thorsten Heins last year, seems to favour the iconic physical keyboard of the Blackberry smartphone.

Chen was last month quoted as saying that his tenure will see Blackberry returning to its roots and heritages. Again, at the ongoing International Consumer Electronics CES Show, in Las Vegas he has also in several presentations expressed his love for the keyboards.

If Chen’s back to roots and heritages promise is anything to tie with his love for keyboards, it is obviously glaring that all round touch

screen as can be seen in Z10 may take long to surface again. Qwerty Keyboard is one of the most significant roots and heritages of Blackberry.

However, BlackBerry’s body language shows it would now be building devices predominantly with physical keyboards.

But in reality the new CEO may have some quality argument to support his plan.

Several analysts have argued that despite positive reviews of the software and hardware, BlackBerry 10 and its devices have failed to resonate with consumers, mostly due to a lack of apps and the difficulty of gaining meaningful market traction because of the dominance of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

Now Chen’s joker is to return some emphasis to Blackberry’s corporate and government customers, who

were largely responsible for the early successes the company recorded.

Research In Motion (RIM), created a revolution in the mobile industry in 1999 with the introduction of the BlackBerry solution. In a matter of months, BlackBerry products and services caught up with millions of customers around the world, helping them to stay connected to the people The BB messenger which it introduced later, cut the bug and has remained an addiction to many, irrespective of age and gender. But the entrance and subsequent deep penetration of Apple iOS based products and Google Androind platforms, the fortunes of Blackberry have faced serious threats.

Iyaeko opens a new world of culture-t ech diverse cultures. These

one are the days when G the only culture you cared about was

that of your own ancestors. The entire world has been shrunk into one global village with

cultures come with a mishmash of clothing, food, traditions et al. As a lone citizen of this global village, it’s easy to get lost in maze; to misunderstand what these different features mean or worse to not appreciate just how diverse our world is.

That’s where Iyaeko comes in- a new image sharing social networking website www.iyaeko.com- is aimed at promoting images that showcase the very best of world cultures/heritage through inspiring attires, fashion, make-up, events and designs. Within its first week, the site had over 1,000 visitors and generated close to 8,000 page views with an average user spending almost 5 minutes browsing through the 16,000+ images that have been uploaded to the site.Adetola Oredope, the founder of Iya Eko, says that

the new website is very much about bringing the world together under a culturally inspired platform. He said: “Iyaeko.com has been created at such a time as this, where Fashion designers, event managers and lovers of style seek out ways to inspire their creativity as well as celebrate the diversity in culture. The website which features a strong social element prides itself as having the largest collection of culturally related fashion trends that have been carefully selected from [Facebook owned image sharing social network] Instagram.”

Continuing, Oredope said: “Iyaeko.com has been created at such a time as this, where Fashion designers, event managers and lovers of style seek out ways to inspire their creativity as well as celebrate the diversity in culture.

N

eedless to say, technology has permeated every area of life, especially relationships. Love notes and letters have been replaced by text messages and pings while long skype interactions now substitute face-to-face dates. But beyond facilitating relationships, the internet is redefining romance by playing the role of matchmaker.

The days where one needed a friend to connect with a host of other friends are fast becoming obsoleteA little tap on the net does the magic!

Recent studies show that digital dating is the second m o s t common way that couples g e t together, a f t e r meeting through friends.

Check out t h e s e statistics: T e n Americans have used an online dating site or mobile dating app; 66% of t h e s e online daters have gone on a date w i t h someone they met through a dating site or app, and 23% have met a spouse or long term partner through these sites. Experts suggest that current trends hold, come 2015 online dating sites may be the most common way for somebody to enter into a new relationship or meet their future spouse.Another study, 38% of married couples met through family and friends, 27% met through school, while 17% met online. A 3-second search on Google for ‘online dating’ will reveal nearly 600 million hits, and online dating sites are becoming the next best thing in eventure. Experts agree that meeting people through online dates helps avoid the anxiety that comes with initiating a romantic relationship and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that people can be at their best when they aren’t anxious. Also, couples that would otherwise not have ended up together as a result of geographical boundaries or time constraints have a level playing ground online.

However, can we say that in the light of these, the ubiquitous nature of online dating is a good

development? Or are there more disadvantages to this trend? There are many reasons why Africans, for instance, are skeptical about online dating.

Remember Cynthia Osokogu, the 25 year old who was killed in Lagos in 2012? She met her killers on facebook. What about the scam emails you get from supposedly young ladies who saw your profile and took interest in you? They could be male fraudsters for all you know. Sometimes, the disadvantages of online dating aren’t as grotesque as murder, but they can be hurtful nonetheless; Paupers pretending to be Princes, men posing as women, not too pretty girls lying that they are Miss World and married men claiming to be single…! The list goes on and on.

So, how can you explore the gains of online dating without falling into its deathly traps?

•Get a referral: To be on the safe side, don’t think of getting serious w i t h someone who does not at least k n o w someone that knows y o u personally. Someone should be able to vouch for that person to avoid things from going awry.

The truth about online dating

•Watch for the ATM syndrome: Don’t be fooled. Lots of fraudsters build an online relationship simple to obtain cash from people who are starved for love. When the person begins to ask for money, especially early in the relationship. RUN. •Don’t dive in too fast: Protect yourself emotionally until you have met this person in the flesh. Words like ‘I love you’ and steamy pictures of yourself can wait till an actual relationship begins.

•Conversation starters: Avoid people who pay needless compliments and give smooth talk when they barely know you. Discuss interests and likes, find out what both of you have in common before going emotional.

•Sooner rather than later: Sooner rather than later, meet the person face to face. Don’t make it a private affair for security reasons. It could be in a public place with a group of friends. Investigate. Meet members of his or her family, and then decide how you want to play the game.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014 — 37

C M Y K

38— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 ismillahi -Rahamani-Ra heem. May the peace and blessings of Allah continue to abide with the noblest of Prophet in creation, (Muhammad ibn Abdullah) till eternity. Amin.

The Quran says: “O Prophet!

Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner, and as one who invites to Allah’s (grace)

by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light (Siraajan-Muniraa).” Suratul-Ahzab 33:4546.

B

Eid-l-Maolud:

ROMINENT Muslims bared their minds as they gathered at the Tafawa Balewa Square to offer prayers for the nation. The event which was organized by the Joint Muslim Forum was an assemblage of Muslim organisations in the region with prominent Muslim personalities in attendance. among who are Sheikh Ibrahim Garba Akinola, OON, the Chief Imam of Lagos state, Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad of AnsarUd-Deen Islamic Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdullah Akinbode of Nasrullah-il-Fathi society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdurrahman Adamgba of Qareeb Islamic Society, Sheikh Imran Abdul Majeed Eleha, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, SecretaryGeneral, Nigeria Council for Islamic Affairs, NCIA among others.

Delivering a keynote address shortly after the prayers, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, leader of the Forum, beseeched Allah to intervene in the socio-political situation of the country, adding

Prophet also died on Monday of the month and the selection of the first Khalifah Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) So, by the hijrah calculation, this year’s 12th of Rabiul Awwal incidentally falls on Monday. He used to fast every Monday (and other days) of the month primarily as an act of worship on a day that he was born. What else do we need to do if we really want to show our love for the Prophet because if you really love him, you have to obey him?

Because of space and time, we all know that there is no that Muslims are not terrorists as being misconstrued by some enemies of Islam.

Prof Ishaq Oloyede called on Muslims to unite especially those in leadership positions to fight the scourge of unemployment, poverty, disease, hunger, ignorance, misgovernance, corruption, tribalism, among other vices in the society.

We’re not terrorists — Abdrrahman Ahmad

"We feel a sense of duty to pray over the situation in our country.

We all know there is no peace and security, we all know the anger and frustration of people in the country. There are questions to be answered and tongues are wagging. That is why we are here to call on Allah to intervene, to give us the means to attain lasting peace, to enable our leaders to do what is right and to be fair and just to the citizenry."

"We are on the verge of another election and acrimony is already

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, National Missioner, Ansar-udDeen Society of Nigeria (right) greeting (from left) Prof. Daud Noibi, Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria; Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Akewusola, Chief Imam of Badagry Div; Alh Musiliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police and Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, Baba Adinni of Nigeria during the “Muslim Pray for the Nation’ event,held at TBS, Lagos recently. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

Continues on page 39

evidence for the celebration of the birth of the Prophet (s.a.w) but many inferred that because

...instead of using the day to step up their ibaadah as the Prophet did, it is usually an occasion to award titles, raise funds and socialise

,

•Prophet Muhammad's tomb in Madinah

Muslims pray for

We’re not terror •As Oloyede urges Muslims to unite manifesting, open letters here and there. It is only Allah that can intervene on behalf of the downtrodden and marginalised."

"This is also to show the world that we are Muslims, we are not terrorists, we are not arsonists.

We have a duty to call on Allah, we are asking for peace, and praying to Allah for peace is our contribution towards attaining peace and tranquility."

"There is no group in the country that is economically marginalised than the Muslims.

We pray to Allah to intervene."

"In spite of the fact that we’re the object of hate and calumny, we extend our hearts to others.

We pray Allah to help touch the hearts of our leaders; to enable us to tow the path of peace. We

,

P

Are we obeying the Prophet?

,

Muslims all over the world, with the exception of a few sects, will on Monday which is the 12th Rabiul-Awwal mark birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was born on Monday morning in the city of Makkah in 570 AD in the year of the Elephants. Historically, the date is also significant as it also recorded the triumphant entry of Prophet Muhammad and his exiled followers into Makkah which ultimately led to the establishment of the Islamic state (known as Dar al-Hijra and Khilafah after the death of the Prophet). Not only that, the

of the love for the Prophet, they tend to give credence to this bid’ah. A scholar of Islam like Al-Azhari said: “A servant’s love for Allah and His Messenger means obeying them and following their command.” AlBaydaawi said: “Love is the will to obey.” Az-Zajjaaj said: “Man’s love for Allah and His Messenger is to obey them and to accept what Allah (SWT) has commanded and the Messenger of Allah (saw) has brought.

Unfortunately, what is com mon today is the endless cele-

When you see an evil act you have to stop it with your hand. If you can’t, then at least speak out against it with your tongue. If you can’t, then at least you have to hate it with all your heart

pray Allah to help the politicians bury their inordinate ambition."

On Lagos, he stated that some certain people have started to fan the embers of religious divide calling for a Christian governor in Lagos state come 2015. He described this as undemocratic, saying Lagosians had never voted along religious line in history.

From left Hajia Sharifah Andu and other Muslim women

,

We must come together to banish evils — Prof Ishaq Oloyede

“For us as Muslims, I mean true practicing Muslims, we need to join hands to strive and provide exemplary leadership in various spheres of life and endeavours and ultimately for the nation. We must not stay-by and watch. We owe ourselves

Cross section of Muslim women during for the Nation’ event, a joint Muslim fo at TBS Lagos recently.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—39

Cleric tasks Muslims on peace, devt

A

Time tto o st ep up ibaadah, no olities step nott friv frivolities Continued from page 38 bration of the day. Don’t be surprised if you receive invitations for eid-l-Maolud even in Shaaban.

If not for the honour Allah bestowed on Ramadan, it would have been an allround-year celebration. Besides, instead of using the day to step up their ibaadah as the Prophet did, it is usually an occasion to award titles, raise funds and socialise.

Clearly the Prophet didn’t do that.

He said “Whoever has performed a deed which is not in

the religion from its inception is rejected, that is, not accepted to Allah (the Glorified and the Exalted), (Bukhari & Muslim).

Eighty-two days to the end of his life, the Prophet was on Mount Arafat where Allah (SWT) revealed to him: “This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour for you and chosen for you Islam as a religion”.

(Q5:3) The perfection of the Islam meant that every act of worship has been prescribed, perfected and there will be no new thing added unto it or that

there will no need for any new concept to it. So, why are we doing what was not prescribed. The best we can do as followers of the Prophet is to step up our ibaadah that day by fasting and doing some other acts of worship. Let us rather reflect and restrain ourselves with fasting and supplication as expressions of gratitude to the almighty Allah (SWT) because he was the means through which we received guidance and for being alive to witness another Rabiul-Awwal.

r the Nation:

rists —Ahmad against evils and Allah the responsibility to create an enabling environment for the unfettered worship of Allah and practice of Islam in a plural society like Nigeria without annihilating non-Muslims.”

“We must live peacefully with our neighbours in an atmosphere of mutual respect for one another to jointly fight common problems such as unemployment, poverty, disease, hunger, ignorance, misgovernance, corruption, tribalism, moral decadence, drug abuse, insecurity, rape, religious intolerance, human right abuse, impunity, poor/non-existent infrastructure, victimisation, election rigging and so on. To do these, we must be involved.”

Oloyede called on Muslims in the State to join hands to address

the peculiar issues affecting them which include hijab, new hijrah year holiday, coroner law, cremation of unclaimed corpses, un-balanced political appointment and absence of Sharia division in your judicial s y s t e m .

Sponsored decoration Others are state sponsored decoration of streets and highways for Christmas, unemployment of teachers to teach Arabic and Islamic Religious Knowledge in public schools in the face of abundant qualified teachers, proposed plan to scrap the department of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Lagos

From left: Alhaji Musiliu Smith, former Inspector g the “Muslim Pray General of Police and Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, Baba orum initiative held Adinni of Nigeria and Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, Chief Imam of Lagos at the event.

State University (LASU), huge unemployment of Muslim youth, huge and unaffordable fees in LASU, disgraceful treatment of Imams compared to Christian counterparts, among others.

“It is disheartening to know that at this age and time, the use of hijab by female students in public schools is still an issue in Lagos State. It is terribly disappointing that a state which has over 50% Muslim population with very prominent Muslim personalities is still struggling to enforce a right as basic as the use of hijab. I call on all Muslims in Lagos to unite and forge a common font to banish this evil from the Ummah. In doing this, violence must be eschewed; dialogue, wisdom, tact, and constructive

LHAJI Toheeb Ashiru, the Chief Imam of Secretariat Muslim Community Mosque, Abeokuta, recently, urged Muslims to devote more time to prayers for peace and unity in the country.

Ashiru, who spoke at the first Jum’at service of the year, said the country ’s current challenges needed divine intervention.

The Chief Imam prayed for

peace, unity and accelerated development in the country in the New Year.

He said “ we need to be consistent in prayers for the country, let us pray truthfully for peace and bring these challenges to an end.

“Muslims and Christians should ensure that peace and unity, which are the basic principles of both religions, continue to reign in our nation.”

Don’t undermine power of a sitting president, Sinebe warns critics “Nobody should undermine the power of a seating president; and let no one take President Goodluck Jonathan for a ride”. This was the warning of a two-term People Democratic Party (PDP), Chairman in Delta State, Sir Pius Sinebe to those who have continued to insult President Goodluck Jonathan on the pages of newspapers and other media, particularly the social media.

Sinebe said: “Never in the history of Nigeria has a seating President been so insulted by Nigerians, adding that in spite of this, the president has remained engagement must be enthroned.”

He also called on government to respect the right of Muslims and be just in dealing with all groups of people, adding that the government must create an environment devoid of discrimination against the Muslims or any other religious group.

On leadership and challenges of combating evils in the society, Oloyede stressed: “We are all witnesses to evil acts and the decadence in our society as well as the marginalisation and oppression of Muslims as manifested in anti-Islam government policies especially in Lagos State. Clearly leadership without consultation is evil and Holy Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) commanded us: “When you see an evil act you have to stop it with your hand. If you can’t, then at least speak out against it with your tongue. If you can’t, then at least you have to hate it with all your heart. And this is the weakest of faith.” As Muslims I ask you “Which way have you chosen to stop the evil acts you see around you?” Let us all remember that Allah warns His believing servants of a Fitnah, trial and test, that

From right: Sheikh Muhammed Olatunji; Sheikh Dhikrulahi Shafi, Sheikh Moshood Jubreel; Alhaji Zikhrulahi Hassan and Sheikh Suleiman Onikijipa

calm, humble, and focused on his State functions. He, therefore, advised such critics to do unto the president what they would want others to do to them.

He said, with the privatisation of the power sector and other measures taken to reposition the nation’s economy by the Jonathan administration, it is evident that the president is focused.

He appealed to Nigerians to pray God to continue to bless President Jonathan with the wisdom to remain focused in the face of the challenges on his way to making Nigeria greater. encompasses the wicked and those around them. Therefore, such Fitnah will not be restricted to the sinners and evildoers.

Rather, it will reach the others if the sins are not stopped and prevented,” he said.

Alhaji Babatunde Fashinro “The potency of prayer cannot be over emphasised in the life of Muslims. Islam enjoins Muslims to call on Allah in prayer and put their trust in Him. Allah say in many verses of the Holy Qur’an: Call upon Me, I will answer you.

It is incumbent on us to beseech Allah in all our affairs. In addition to taking action, Prayer is also very important in the life of a Muslim. As Muslims we owe our leaders the duty to pray for them to succeed in the task of governance. It is by so doing that we discharge our obligation to support and encourage them to do what is good and just.”

He commended the organisers of the programme, describing it as ‘demonstration of submission to the will of Allah.’

Sheikh Suleiman Onikijipa prayin for the nation

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

A new CBN gov by merit

Lagos rains as garbage collectors

P

BY CHINWE IROHA

O

NE of the very first dilemmas I had on return to the country was trying to underMap of Lagos State stand the rationale behind the Lagos State government’s demolition of garbage in the gutters and its dire consepeoples’ buildings in 2011. The act of demoli- quences to all of us. I honestly would want tion automatically renders people homeless to believe that the people who indulge in it with the attendant physical and emotional con- are ignorant of such consequences. The insequences. The issue then was why the ur- glorious flood of 2011 resulted in loss of lives gency. The government accused the ‘victims’ of children and adults, it rendered many famof building their houses and/or churches along ilies homeless, and it destroyed property the canals and drainages thereby obstructing worth billions of naira in the state. It even the free flow of water. It explained that the disrupted academic activities for a couple of demolition was meant to avert a repeat of the days. Lest I forget, the mother of the girl asked devastating flood in the future. This was a if it is the dirt from their house that caused tough sell as the emotion around homeless- the flood that consumed the whole of Lagos ness beclouded the people’s reasoning and that year.

The truth is that it is not only the dirt of they chose to forget the devastation that folthat household that caused the flood of that lowed the flood of August 4, 2011.

No matter how hard it was for me to believe year but it is the culmination of the dirt that the government that the demolition will stop all of us did not dispose of properly that may the flood back then, it is becoming more be- have caused the flood. It is also the culminalievable. Two years have passed and Lagos tion of the dirt that we all do not dispose of didn’t experience that kind of flooding. May- properly that exposes all of us to the possibe, the government was right after all. The bility of such floods and their attendant conclearing of the waterways helped reduce the sequences in the future.

If Kunle in Gbagada disposes of his fast rate of flooding in the state. However, there food plate in the waste bins provided at the were some pockets of floods in some parts of the state. One of such areas is Ipaja-Ayobo street corner; Chukwuma of Ajamgbadi caraxis of the state. Only recently, I got inkling ries his empty juice pack to his office and as to what may have aided such flash floods Bimbo, a 42 year old market woman in Obalende carries her garbage to the nearest waste in the area.

I was going to a friend’s house in the area bin to her shop then we can truly hope that when it was raining and I saw a girl empty the ugly incident of 2011 will not repeat in what looked like a big bucket in the gutter. Lagos State. We will also save ourselves from The bucket must have contained only dirty the health implications of flooding. A lot of water, I thought to myself. As I continued, an- Lagosians fall ill as a result of exposure to other girl in another compound dragged her dirty water that comes with flooding and pay big bucket and on pouring its contents into huge amounts in hospital bills for the treatthe gutter, I clearly saw that it was their gar- ment of such diseases as malaria, cholera, bage bin that she was pouring into the gutter. typhoid fever and many other fungal infections. The effects of flooding cannot be overemphasized. FloodWhat’s your own in what she was ing also damages our roads and credoing. Is it your gutter or have you ates potholes and bumps. These bumps, in turn, create bad traffic become Fashola? situations and cause road accidents.

I could not contain my irritation as I jumped One way or the other, we pay daily for these down from my car and confronted her. I asked our unwholesome behaviours, and then turn her to stop the unwholesome exercise. She to blame the government for our sufferings. looked at me as if I was encroaching into her I believe that our government can do more space and continued what she was doing. I to assist the residents in disposing their garjumped over the gutter and literally dragged bage properly by providing more bins at the her out and she started raining abuses on me. street corners, by providing more mobile When her parents came out of the house, I garbage collectors, and by providing public walked to talk to them, ‘at least they will unenlightenment to educate the people on the derstand better.’ I barely reported what their dangers of improper disposal of refuse, we, daughter did when they made out on me: the residents of Lagos, should avail ourselves "What’s your own in what she was doing. of the existing provision made by the state Is it your gutter or have you become Fashogovernment. la?” They informed me that “everybody in IpThere are many private sector participants aja throws his or her dirt in the gutters and (PSPs) that have been licensed to complethe water carries them away” and wondered ment the Lagos State Waste Management why their case was different. All my efforts in Authority (LAWMA) in refuse collection in trying to remind them of the implications of the state. The state has also made available such acts fell on deaf ears. big refuse bins at various street corners for Even the few neighbours who stood by their residents to drop their garbage without havcorridors and watched the altercation were ing to work long distances. begging the couple to ignore me and go inEach and everyone in Lagos should resolve side their house. When I saw the futility of to make our environment healthier and more trying to get them understand the implications inhabitable, especially as we approach the of their act, I gave up and went my way, New Year. 2014 should be a healthier and unfortunately. Ever since that incident, I cancleaner year for all of us than 2013. not help but think about the act of throwing •Mrs Iroha is a resident of Lagos

,

BY SOLA ODUNFA

IMF prescriptions.

It is time Nigeria does a re-think and look for patriotic professionals who have expert knowledge and experience and who cannot be swayed by the glitter of Breton Woods commendations and awards. Home-grown Nigerian experts have proved several times over that they understand the environment better and that their most coveted awards would be the rescue of the nation’s economy from the doldrums and the smile they see on the faces of Nigerians whom they assisted to pull out of poverty.

It is common wisdom most of the time to conduct the search for a new Governor, CBN among persons with banking qualifications.

However it is better wisdom to demand that the new Governor should have been not just a banker, but one with cognate experience in both commercial and Cen-

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been taking his time to replace the nine cabinet ministers he sacked last September but one appointment which he cannot keep indefinitely is that of Governor, Central Bank.

The incumbent, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, is widely expected to proceed on terminal leave in the next few weeks and formally disengage from CBN in June when his contract expires.

Since the office can be left in a vacuum only at the peril of the nation’s economic health, a successor is very likely to be appointed and announced any time from now. Mallam Sanusi is leaving a legacy of high professional competence, integrity and courage, even if his style is controversial.

His tenure introduced an unmasking of masquerades who had been straddling the banking and finance sectors like demi gods, resulting in their ignominious purge – some of them prosecuted and convicted – and the reintroduction of confidence by both Nigerians and foreign investors in the finance system. But for Sanusi’s courage and patriotic zeal the Nigerian treasury would have been laid bare by governCBN gov, Sanusi ment contractors and their conniving public officials. His last public act was tral banking and be a sound econthe alert he sounded over the con- omist.

In its present near-prostrate sittinuing sleaze in the management of the country’s oil pro- uation Nigeria needs a CBN Governor who, as a home grown ecoceeds.

Everything was done by NNPC nomic expert by training and exand the finance ministry to dis- perience, can pull off the wool miss him publicly as a scaremon- which US-inspired institutions ger. However after a series of continually stick in our eyes. Only “reconciliations and audits, the such a person, who is Nigeriafinance minister admitted that orientated, is positioned to give indeed US$10billion in revenue the President a balanced advice was yet to be accounted for! That capable of powering the Transforamount in Naira could perform mation train and in speed. It is wonders in Nigeria’s economic on this principle that the US maintains tight grip on key posistruggles.

If his successor has Sanusi’s tions in World Bank and IMF. There may be a tendency to inpedigree Nigerians should expect in the next few years transparen- troduce geo-political or even parcy in accounting at the NNPC, tisan political considerations in and better quality of advice to the the appointment. President President on the macro-economy, Jonathan may wish to look back that is, advice fashioned exclu- into Nigeria’s experience since sively by Nigeria’s national inter- Independence, especially during ests rather than one conditioned the tragic military era, and he will

by World Bank/IMF mentality find that when important deciwhich is totally subservient to the sions were based on ethnicity and interests of the United States of religion the results had been inefficiency, general disaffection America.

In the search for such a person and stagnation.

Place of birth is an irrelevant President Jonathan will be welladvised to look beyond his accident, what matters is a perpresent cabinet of IMF-certified son’s life after birth. In the search “experts”. The economic and fi- for the 11thGovernor, CBN the nancial crises facing Nigeria cur- way forward for Nigeria as a narently are the inevitable results of tion is sign-posted by MERIT. several years of dependence on •Odunfa is a journalist in Lagos.

,

Vanguard, FRiDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 —41

Nigerian experts debunk myths about IVF babies

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE ARE there major biological differences between children conceived through In VitroFertilisation, IVF, and children conceived normally? Are there significant birth defect risks people need to be aware of and understand better when considering IVF as a pregnancy option for infertility treatment?

These are pertinent questions making the rounds all over the world today, even as Louise Brown, the first baby ever to be successfully conceived through IVF, turns 35 this year.

As more babies born through IVF are now reaching their mid30s, medical and scientific experts have begun investigating more significant issues concerning IVF children and probing what the lasting legacy of IVF might be,.

The question is whether IVF makes children more vulnerable to certain cognitive, social, health or other developmental issues is more real now than ever.

Five million babies Todate, no less than five million babies have been conceived via IVF and the euphoria generated by the process of acheiving fertilisation in the laboratory continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

But even though IVF has not only revolutionised infertility treatment, and forever rewritten some of the basic tenets of human reproduction, in countries such as Nigeria, where the number of childrern conceived through IVF is increasing each day and thousands of couples with the challenge of infertility are becoming happy parents, growing concerns continue to be raised regarding the long-term effects and implications of IVF children.

• Set of quadruplets conceived through IVF.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi

It is widely believed that research may just be documenting some of the lasting effects the procedure may be having on early development.

While these concerns rage, two

Nigerian fertility experts Professor Oladapo Ashiru, and Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, remain notable among experts who do not agree with the notion that IVF makes children more vulnerable to cognitive or o t h e r developmental

issues.

Ashiru, who is Medical Director, Medical ART Centre, Lagos, explains that the main difference between normal conception and IVF conception is the environment in which fertilisation occurs.

"In the IVF conception, the egg is removed from the mother and mixed with the sperm in the laboratory dish or tube. Then the embryo is now placed into the mother's womb two or three days after developing in the incubator in the laboratory. Basically the IVF baby stays in the womb for nine months less three days,” he explained.

Intelligence Further, Ashiru says: " IVF babies have grown to be very intelligent, normal and smart just as babies from normal conception.

Also they both have a slight percentage chance of abnormalities. As to whether one

has a greater chance or not is still very controversial.”

Ashiru is also unsure as to whether IVF children more prone to developing childhood cancer. “I cannot categorically confirm this, the facts are not there enough to make such conclusion,” he noted.

“I truly do not have any concern about IVF babies. Those that can have issues are those with multiple conceptions such as twins, triplets or quadruplets. In these cases once they are exposed to good antenatal care they should be fine.

Normal babies In his own view, Dr Abayomi Ajayi of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Abuja and Asaba, remarks that, scientifically, IVF babies are no more unusual than normally conceived babies.

“Some say there is nothing, some say they may inherit their parents’ infertility, of course that may not be far fetched because many causes of infertility are inherited. So it is possible for that one to happen.

Ajayi recalls that there are different things people say. “Some talk about their intelligence but nothing unusual has been found on that aspect; these are just anecdotal. As far these things go, IVF babies are normal babes.”

When it comes to any cognitive our developmental issue, it is difficult to say for certain that IVF babies are unusually different when compared to normal babies.

According to him: “From what I have seen, children conceived through IVF tend to be precocious. But this is not backed up with scientific fact. I haveseen at least 1,000 of these babies and there hasn't been any fact to suggest a risk.Few may have skeletal abnormalities but these things come from the pregnancy.

In summary, certainly do not have any fears about babies born through IVF,” he remarked.

Blue Band nutrition campaign ends

A

• L-R: Tea and Spreads Category Manager, Unilever Nigeria, Vivian Ihaza and Enugu State Nutrition Officer, Henrietta Ugwu with children reached during the National Growth Challenge programme at the grand closing ceremony of Blue Band Margarine Sponsored National Growth Challenge held in Lagos.

S the curtains closed on the Blue Band National Growth Challenge, the basic principles of proper nutrition and implication to the overall health of children have become better appreciated by parents who benefited from the learning and exciting platform.

Tea and Spreads Category Manager, Unilever Nigeria, Ms. Vivian Ihaza commented on the success of the campaign, particularly with the fact that Blue Band has touched the lives of people through improved access to nutritional knowledge.

“Experts agree that for children spreading margarine on bread provides essential vitamins needed for growth and proper development. Blue Band is

nutritious with main meals as well as with snacks to enliven children’s lunch boxes.”

“I encourage mothers on the significance of providing the right nutrition – healthy, varied and adequate diet – for their children and wards in order to help them grow optimally, and demonstrate that right nutrition promotes growth in children,” said Enugu State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Henrietta Ugwu.

In the art competition held as part of the campaign, David Imafidon of Fred Williams Nursery and Primary School, Iju, Lagos, emerged winner with 31 votes, while Adegbite Adejire of New Gate Primary School, Ikorodu, and Oyinkansola Bada of Lyncrest Primary School, Ikorodu tied as runners up with 17 votes each.

42

—

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the needed opportunity to look through windows of the world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or magic days is predicted for lovers today.

LEO: Even if you continue to work under pressure via increased workload, you will have good results to show for your efforts today. Be steadfast.

VIRGO: Better than yesterday. And the more co-operative you are today the better for you. Those of you travelling for love are in for an exciting day.

LIBRA: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of your finances. Let go yesterday, move ahead.

SCORPIO: Once again, you’ll have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of others.

Both love and financial success can be yours with efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Y

ES, I enjoin you to celebrate this New Year. And if you think you have nothing to celebrate, cast your mind back to the beginning of the outgone year. And if you have done that,

Celebrate The New Year now tell me, what are your findings?

The man with whom you shared kola the outgone

year, is he still alive?

What about your friend who slumped and died without previous sign? Are you now convinced

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

on why you should celebrate?

Celebrate! Even when you have no money. At least, you are alive. Remember, when there is life, there is hope.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS: You can make it a successful day with positive approach on your part. You will be in a better position to defuse tension within your working arena.

Try to be more ambitious.

CAPRICORN Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when opposition and/or competition come your way but, if you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better today.

AQUARIUS: Pressure that came your way suddenly will give way unexpectedly, today, to the betterment of your course. The more financially ambitious you are today, the better for you. Be steadfast.

PISCES: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic come to play today, you’ll be better for it. Enjoy your love life.

ARIES: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive to the administration of others. Then those who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and become excited.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS: Even if opposition persists, supports you are getting from the influential people will be enough to see you through. Yet, the more cooperative you are the better.

GEMINI: Your creativity quotient within your working arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if you keep official issues secrets from your challenges at work.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my horoscope?

Dear Joshua, Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.. Please tell me my full horoscope Anonymous. Nigeria

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Anonymous You were born on a Sunday. The Sun was placed in early degree of Scorpio together with many other heavenly bodies. Then with the Moon in Libra when you were born Libra will equally be influential in your characteristics build up but, you are mainly a Scorpio born person.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Day of Birth = Sunday Sun Sign = Scorpio. Sun in Zero Degree of Scorpio Moon Sign = Libra: Moon in 5th Degree of Libra Mercury in 12th Degree of Scorpio Venus in Zero Degree of Sagittarius Mars in 1st Degree of Aquarius Jupiter in 29th Degree of Cancer Saturn in 10th Degree of Scorpio Uranus in 27th Degree of Cancer Neptune in 25th Degree of Libra Pluto in 26th Degree of Leo North Node in 8th Degree of Capricorn South Node in 8th Degree of Cancer No planet in earth spar sign, one in available, two in fire, three in air, four in cardinal, fixed and water star signs hosted five planets each.

PHYSICAL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PHYSICAL INFLUENCE =50% PLANET AT HOME = NONE ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA You are both an intelligent and emotional person. And as there was planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your inner-self is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRiDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 —43

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

FG distributes fishing nets, accessories to fishermen in Bayelsa

Delta 2015: Women group drums support for Olejeme

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA——THE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has commenced the distribution of fishing nets and other agricultural inputs worth millions of naira to local fishermen in Bayelsa State.

Vanguard gathered that a total of 4,000 fishermen from across the eight local government areas of the state would benefit from the scheme.

The Director of Agriculture in the state, Mr. Francis Umokoro, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the gesture was aimed at boosting fish production as well as help improve the income of the local fishermen.

Thanking the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Adewunmi Adesina for the gesture, Mr. Umokoro, said his office had intimated the parent ministry on the need to send more fishing gears to the predominantly riverine state, since majority of the rural folks were fishermen.

He said “Though 1,000 bundles of high quality fishing nets and other inputs were sent to the state by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the quantity is grossly inadequate given the large fishing

W

OMEN group un der the aegis of Woman Solidify Front, WSF, are rallying support for Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, as a contender for the Delta State governorship race in the 2015 elections.

Calling on the people of Delta State to rally round her to ensure she emerged the state governor in 2015, President of WSF, Princess Benedicta Dafiaghor, who spoke to newsmen in Ughelli, said that WSF had been able to set up a strong base that was capable of influencing the people of Delta State to cast their votes for Olejeme.

She maintained that their principal, Dr Olejeme, having served the country in various capacities at the national level, possessed the experience, technical know-how and whatever it will take to govern Delta State and bring dividends of democracy to the people.

population in Bayelsa.

“Everybody is a fisherman here.

Since the commencement of the distribution exercise, they have been coming in droves and we

Jonathan advised to strengthen democracy

P

BY WALE AKINOLA

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonath an has been asked to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

A former acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Pastor Power Aginighan, on the occasion of his 55th birthday, yesterday, made the call, saying “While I commend the President’s avowed commitment to one man, one vote as re-echoed in his 2014 New Year message to Nigerians,

I wish to seize this auspicious occasion to appeal to Mr President to strengthen democratic institutions.

“An agency that is particularly relevant to our quest for a truly democratic Nigeria is the National Orientation Agency."

He lamented that despite the posturing of Nigeria’s political parties as democratic or progressive, none of them practises internal democracy in the conduct of their congresses from ward to national convention.

B

ENIN CITY—CONCERNED Ugborodo Indigenes, CUI, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for bringing peace to Kokori community and urged him to apply same strategy in Ode Ugborodo

community.

Noting that those allegedly behind the violence in the community, were being sponsored by some persons, who were bent on rubbishing the efforts of Governor Uduaghan on Ogidigben Export Processing Zone Project, they urged the governor, to take decisive steps to stop the violence as he had always done.

Ugborodo, made up of five closely-knit autonomous commu-

T

HE South-West Peoples Dem ocratic Party, PDP, has pledged loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan and its national Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The chapter, in a communique at the end of its meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, said Jonathan and Tukur have been exem-

plary.

The communique signed by Adebayo Dayo and Ebenezer Alabi for the Committee of Southwest PDP state executives and stakeholders, praised Jonathan for his political appointments to the region.

They said “We appreciate the beginning of good gesture of our amiable president and leader of

nities, namely, Ode-Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Ijaghalla, Ajudaibo and Madangho, is the host community to the Ogidigben Export Processing Zone project.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City, Edo State, Coordinator of the group, Mr Alex Eyengho, with other Itsekiri leaders, Chief Jolomi Matseagharun, Chief Pullen Essie Mimajemite among others, said the general public had been greatly misinformed about the

“isolated lingering crisis in OdeUgborodo.

“The only Ugborodo community, where we currently have isolated breach of the peace is OdeUgborodo. We wish to state without any equivocation that this isolated act of criminality does not pose any threat whatsoever to the EPZ project as being painted by enemies of progress in Ugborodo.”

our great party, Dr Goodluck Jonathan to our geo-political zone in recent past, most especially in terms of political appointments and patronage. This action is gradually assuaging the perceived marginalisation of the South West and we implore him to continue in this direction.

“We salute the courageous manner he has been administering the affairs of this country despite the security challenges orchestrated by mischief makers and enemies of the country and hereby, pass a vote of confidence on him and his administration. We also pledge our absolute support for him and his administration.

“We reiterate our implicit confidence in the National Working Committee, NWC, of our great party as presently constituted under the leadership of Alhaji Tukur and urge them not to be deterred in their avowed determination to instill discipline and reposition the party for great exploits."

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

“None of them is democratic and none is progressive. All of them have been hijacked by very powerful individuals, who determine who should be party officers or candidates for elective offices. As long as after every election in Nigeria, losers head to election tribunals to protest outcomes of elections lost largely because they were out-rigged by opponents; as long as some electoral officers can, with impunity, declare result for elections not held, we are far from being a democratic nation,” he said.

S-West PDP pledges loyalty to Jonathan, Tukur

Group hails Uduaghan for bringing peace to Kokori

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

have sent request for additional supply.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

Allegation of training snipers

I

do not know why Ni gerians are much more interested on what can destabilize us? It will be better that we concentrate on issues that can unify us. Has anything been published on ways of solving the Boko Haram issues. Mr. Sani Abubakar- Administrator.

A

S far as Nigeria is con cerned, we lack political leader. The people that we think will rescue the masses are adding more burden more on them.

Check how much it cost to clear goods from abroad, and you don’t want people to smuggle things. May God have mercy on Nigeria. Mr. Olowe Phillips- Businessman.

I

have given up on this country. How can a country so great, with abundant natural resources, diverse cultures, beautiful and intelligent people be heading towards a failed state.

All this corrupt politicians should be given the Jerry Rawlings type of treatment.

Mr. Samuel MooreWorker.

T

HE emergence of terrorist activities in the country calls for measures to protect life and property.

It is a shame if we have to train snipers in this country. We need security installations and security gadgets for military operations among others Mr. Erasmus Ubleble- Worker.

I

T is only God that will save Nigerians from this mess. I can’t imagine why any right thinking President will be spending money on training snipers, when there are many sectors of the economy in need of financial attention. Mr. Mancha Dido- Businessman.

T

HIS could take us back to the dark ages of the Abacha dictatorship. I really do not think we need more blood to get things right in this part of the world. Snipers are trained to kill, so who are we killing that we are now training snipers? But let it just end this allegation." Ms. Maggie John- Corper.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—45

Warri group faults bail of detained Ugborodo indigenes

Uduaghan’s Chief of Staff set to join Delta guber race

W

ARRI—People of the three Warri local government areas of Warri South, Warri SouthWest and Warri North, under the auspices of The Core Warri Group, have accused the hundreds of youths who marched round some streets in Warri, Wednesday, in celebration of a Delta State High Court, Warri judgment, granting bail to the four Ugborodo indigenes, remanded in Warri Prison, of plotting to achieve the All Progressives Congress, APC, manifesto in the area.

The group, which staged a counter protest march in areas such as Ajamimogha, Ekurede-Itsekiri, Odion Road, NPA New Port and Ugbuwangue, said that the street walk was “part of an enlightenment effort by some highly placed persons in Warri Federal Constituency of Ugborodo extraction to inculcate in the minds of the public, the true position of the people.”

The group accused highly placed persons and their loyalists of using their actions to condemn the good work of President Goodluck Jonathan for siting the EPZ project in Ogidigben.

According to The Core Warri Group, the counter march was “to enlighten, educate and put up a position different from that of the saboteurs, who want to misinform the country about our position.”

Okolugbo drums up support for Ndokwa apex body

T

HE commissioner repre senting Ndokwa nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Kenny Okolugbo, has charged Ndokwa elites to brace up and support the Paul Enebeli-led Ndokwa National Union, NNU. He said history would be kind to Enebeli for his efforts in repositioning NNU. He cautioned that the present NNU excecutive should insulate themselves from politics even though they cannot pretend not to know what is happening in the governance of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A PRESS CONFERENCE: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State fielding questions from newsmen during a world press conference at Government House, Asaba, yesterday.

Photo: Henry Unini.

2015: Delta guber race open to all districts —UPM CHAIR

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — N AT I O N A L Chairman of Urhobo Political Movement, UPM, Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, has said that Delta State governorship position was open to candidates from the three senatorial districts in the state to contest in 2015.

Obiuwevbi, in a chat with newsmen, shortly after the end of year party of the group in Ughelli, said: “Those clamouring for zoning of the state governorship in 2015 have nothing to offer.”

Insisting that the governorship position should be thrown open to all credible Deltans, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities

and senatorial district, he urged credible Urhobo indigenes to join the 2015 governorship race.

Enjoining President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the presidency in 2015, he said that the group had passed a vote of confidence on him for what it termed “overwhelming performance of his administration.”

He commended the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for deeming it fit to appoint Urhobo sons into notable positions, “such as the Ministry of Water Resources, the entire Ministry of Education, that is the Ministry of Higher Education

and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Housing and to crown it all, the Ministry of Finance, which is the coordinating Ministry of the Delta State economy.

“Giving all these ministries to Urhobo sons shows that Uduaghan has the interest of the Urhobo at heart and we, therefore, commend him as Urhobo people. We resolved also that there was no day we zoned the governorship position in Delta State. Those who are clamouring for governorship on the basis of zoning have nothing to offer and that is why they are saying there is zoning."

PDP backs NMA's ultimatum to Edo govt

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has thrown its weight behind the 21-day ultimatum given to the state government by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to address the deplorable condition of health institutions in the state. It described the ultimatum as timely and a welcomed development.

State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who addressed newsmen in Benin, yesterday, shortly after hosting widows and others in the state to an end of year party, also commended the courage and leadership of the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro, for calling on the government to improve on the state of infrastructure in government health institutions.

He said: “From what the NMA is saying about the deteriorating state of our health institutions, all that I have been saying about our hospitals have been confirmed.

We read in the media that at the General Hospital, Agenebode, a sick patient was operated upon with a flash light.

“Again, for the NMA to come out to say that Edo State has only 150 medical doctors in its service for a population of 3.5 million people is not enough and this is unacceptable,” he said, adding that government has a responsibility to address the deplorable state of health institutions in the state in the interest of the people, who patronise the institutions.

Orbih said that a committee set up by the PDP to as-

sess the grievances of the medical doctors in the state, showed that their grievances are genuine, noting that 95 percent of the state hospitals have no ambulances for emergency calls.

Insisting that PDP has come up with constructive and sustainable programmes to assist women in the state, he called on the government to put in place a sustainable policy that would assist the people and improve on their welfare.

SABA—CHIEF of Staff Government House, Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Festus Okubor, has reportedly joined the 2015 governorship race in the state.

Although Okubor, who has served in various capacities such as commissioner and former Director General of the Campaign Organisation has not formally spoken on the matter, a close political associate told Vanguard in Asaba, yesterday, that “Okubor is set to run.”

The source, a staunch Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, member, who pleaded anonimity, said “we are solidly behind him. Let me tell you, he (Okubor) is already consulting and has been general acclaimed as the right candidate for the job.

“Already, let me let out the cat from the bag, his consultation has so far taken him to elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark and many stakeholders across the three senatorial districts.

“And while he was on the consultation mission, a prominent Deltan gave him a car for his campaign.

That is heartwarming, because while other aspirants are throwing money around buying cars for people, Okubor is rather receiving car gifts to facilitate his campaign,” the source added.

Okubor, when Vanguard, called on phone on his ambition, responded “Mr. Vanguard, I am a Christian and I believe that the will of God will prevail.

That is all I can say for now.”

APC concludes harmonisation in Rivers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has concluded the harmonisation of the various groups within the party at the state level.

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Andy Nweye, in a statement, yesterday, said that the party would continue with the process of

harmonising with the new Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the party at the local government level.

“The current harmonisation process will be finalised with the harmonization committee meeting with the nPDP local government chairmen. That meeting is expected to provide the platform to carry out final harmonisation of the nPDP local government chapters and structures and

fusing all into the APC after which all other groups within the nPDP and other parties shall be effectively declared out of existence,” he said.

He added that the party concluded its harmonisation process at the state level yesterday after a meeting of the committee of the party, its National Assembly members, harmonisation committee, local government chairmen and major stakeholders of the party in the state.

46—Vanguard , FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Dana deworms 6,000 pupils in Niger

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

M

INNA—DANA Pharmaceutical Limited has dewormed 6,000 pupils in Minna, Niger State.

The two-day exercise, conducted in partnership with Niger State Ministry of Health, was flagged-off by the First Lady of the state, Hajiya Jumai Babangida Aliyu.

Godwin Ediagbon, Superintendent Pharmacist, Dana Drugs, who spoke at the event, tagged Deworm with Wormidan, said the programme was aimed at promoting good health in children.

Ediagbon said: “Having understood the dangers of worms to the health of children, Dana Drugs deemed it pertinent to make deworming one of its corporate social responsibilities.

“This is the third in our series of nation-wide deworming project which began earlier in 2013 with Osun and Lagos states.

“The programme is also designed to help state governors enhance good health in children.”

Speaking at the event which coincided with Niger State Maternal, New Born and Child Health Week, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ibrahim Sule, noted that deworming of children was a very vital exercise usually ignored by parents.

Passage

M

ADAM PAULINA Egbe (Nee Okoli) aged 69, of Umuezeakpu Village, Akpu, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State is dead.

There will be a vigil mass on Thursday, January 16, at her husband’s compound, Umuezeakpu Village, Akpu, while a Requiem mass at her compound at Akpu will hold on Saturday, January 18, followed by interment in the family’s compound.

She is survived by the widower, Mr. Reuben Egbe, children, brother, Mr. Victor Okoli, a Lagos-based automotive engineer, and other relations.

Late Paulina Egbe

All bills to Imo Assembly 'll now undergo public scrutiny, say lawmakers

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State House of Assembly has resolved to now subject all Bills sent to the legislature for consideration to public scrutiny before passage.

The member representing Ikeduru State constituency in the Assembly, Chief Sam Anyanwu, disclosed this in an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Owerri.

Anyanwu said: “We have resolved that, henceforth, all executive and private member Bills shall henceforth be subjected to public hearing before passage into law,” He said this was one sure way of ensuring full participation of the citizenry in the making of laws in the state.

“The idea of subjecting the Bills to public hearing is to make sure that people participate fully in the making of laws, especially areas that touch on the sensibilities and beliefs of the citizenry,” he said.

While assuring of more people-oriented legislation in 2014, the lawmaker also promised that the House would re-visit all identified obnoxious laws, with a view to repealing

or amending them for the good of the people.

“Imo people should expect more people oriented laws his year. I would also like to assure our people that all identified obnoxious laws will be re-visited

with a view to amending or completely repealing them as appropriate, for the good of the citizenry,” Chief Anyanwu promised.

He particularly recalled the

deafening public outcry that trailed the obnoxious abortion law, stressing that “what followed the now repealed law would have been avoided if it was subjected to public debate.”

INSPECTION: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, pointing at something of interest, while inspecting the on-going work at the new Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs office complex in Umuahia. With him is the site manager, Mr. Mohammed of J&J Construction Company.

Ndigbo laud Jonathan on confab, back 2015 ambition

E

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—IGBO Leaders of Thought have expressed joy over the excitement and frenzy in the country, especially in Igboland, engendered by the proposed national conference by President Goodluck Jonathan to save Nigeria.

The Igbo leaders said they were proud of the development and also with President Jonathan at the turn of events, adding that they would support the President till 2015.

Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, Evangelist Elliot Uko, who made the expression yesterday in Enugu, stated that they were congratulating President Jonathan on the very bold step to deliver Nigeria from forces that had held it down since amalgamation in 1914 and independence in 1960.

The group said if the conference turned out very successful, as they believe it would, President Jonathan would go down in history as father of modern Nigeria.

It noted that ethnic bigotry, religious hatred, social and political crises bedevilling Nigeria had come to a head, where the country was now strongly marching on the

road to Somalia and where only a genuine restructuring via a national conference and affirmation of a new constitution through a referendum would save it.

Uko said: “We congratulate President Jonathan for his vision to save Nigeria from this tiny minority dominating and oppressive hug that held the

country down for decades. We believe that the conference will be successful and we believe that President Jonathan will go down in history as the man who saved Nigeria."

Community worries over collapsing bridge

BY ANAYOOKOLI MUAHIA—UNLESS something is done urgently, Mmori bridge in Ebem Ohafia on the Federal Government-owned BendeOhafia-Arochukwu road will collapse.

If it collapses, it would leave behind a major disaster

U

as the collapsing bridge is located on a busy road that leads to Ohafia and Arochukwu from Umuahia, Abia State capital.

The bridge currently constitutes serious danger to road users, the iron bars with which it was built are on the verge of collapse.

In fact, some of the iron bars are already giving way, making passage through the bridge very difficult and risky.

Consequently, Ebem community, motorists and other users of the bridge have appealed to state and federal governments to come to their rescue, rebuild the bridge and avert imminent danger.

Full academic work resumes at FUTO, IMSU

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—FULL academic work has resumed at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, and Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri, in accordance with the directives of the national leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. When Vanguard arrived FUTO yesterday, to verify the level of compliance with the ASUU directive to its members, Vice Chancellor, Professor Chigozie Asiabaka, confirmed that full academic work had resumed in the institution.

Asiabaka disclosed that the university had already

completed the last session before the indefinite industrial action called by ASUU. He further disclosed that the

current week had been dedicated to revision, adding that students will start their examinations next week.

Firm holds 2014 free trainers' clinic

L

AGOS—THE 2014 edition of Trainers’ clinic organised by Tom Associates holds on Thursday, January 16,at Tom Associates Management Development Centre, 5/7, Alade Lawal Street, Opposite Anthony Police Station, off Ikorodu Road, Anthony Village, Lagos.

A statement by Media Executive, Mrs. Lola Adewoyin, said the annual

Trainers’ Clinic, with theme, ‘’Harnessing the work place generation divide,’’ was a free meeting that the company convened every year since 1994 for senior human resources practitioners and manpower development managers of various industries, government and media organisations.

Keynote speaker is Mrs. Titilayo Akisanya, a human resources expert.

Vanguard,FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—47

ANNIVERSARY: From left, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Mr. Faramade Ogunsanya, Director, Lagos State Internal Revenue Services, and Mr. Tunde Fowler, Executive Chairman. Lagos State Internal Revenue Services, during January 9 Collective, J9C's second anniversary & annual lecture, entitled: 'Nigeria, Beyond Petrodollar: A realistic Perspective,' at the Sheraton Hotel, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

PROTEST: From left, Comrade Raji Rasheed, Director, Movement for Democratic Change; Mr. Enakoko Eneruvie, CEO, Conscience Reporters; Hon. Segun Olulade, Chairman, Information, Security and Publicity, Lagos State House of Assembly, LAHA; Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy; Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, Chairman, Finance, LAHA; Hon. Kehinde Bemigbetan, Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA; Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye, Chairman, Committee on Ejigbo 2 & Majority Leader, LAHA; Hon. Wahab Jimoh, Vice Chairman, Local Government Activities; Ms Sade Bembatoum-Young, President, Zonta Club of Lagos 1; Mrs. Betty Abah, and other participants, during the protest against abuse of women, at Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos.

LAUNCH: From left, Seun Odewale, former Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor; Abdullahi Aborode, publisher of Afrisphere magazine; Alhaji and Alhaja Aborode, parents of the publisher, during the official launch of Afrisphere magazine, in Lagos

PROTEST: Members of Core Warri Group, during a protest staged in Warri, shortly after a Delta State High Court 1, sitting in Warri, delivered judgement on the detained Ugborodo Four.

DISTRIBUTION: Mr. Chukwujekwu Achuke (middle), a representative of Uju Stores, Lagos, receiving a car key from Orange Drugs Ltd General Manager, Mr. Ernest Ezenna, and Personal Care Supervisor, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogbonna, during the distribution of gifts to its distributors

by Orange Drugs Limited, in Lagos.

LAUNCH: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe (right), decorating the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah (left), with the 2014 Emblem, during the Emblem Launch/ Appeal Fund to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at Governor’s Office Annex, Uyo.

SIGNING: From left, Founding Partner, AfricInvest Capital Partners, Mr. Ziad Oueslati; Vice Chairman/CEO, Broron Oil and Gas Limited; Chief Henry Ojogho, Managing Director AfricInvest Capital Partners Nigeria; Mrs. Abiola Ojo-Osagie, and Senior Partner, AfricInvest Tunis Office, Mr. Hakim Khelifa, during the signing and disbursement ceremony, at Broron Oil and Gas Ltd Head Office, in Lagos.

CHIEFTAINCY: From left, Oba Momodu Asafa & Princess Asafa with Chief Oscar Itimi, during the chieftaincy rite of Dr. Itimi, a 'tradomedicalist,' as the Baba Seto of Ijanikin land, bestowed on him by His Royal Majesty, Oba Momodu Afolabi Asafa, Aladi, Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Lagos State.

BURIAL: From left, Miss Giggo Onokpite, daughter of late Ogbe Onokpite, being carried by a family member; Dr.Veronica Ogbuagu, former Commissioner for Education, Delta State (2nd right); Mrs. Helen Alawuru-Onokpite, late Onokpite's wife, and a guest, during the burial ceremony, at Ugolo-Okpe, Delta state.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Bauchi PDP denies endorsing Jonathan

Sokoto buys N200m materials for schools

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

S

OKOTO—ALHAJI Halliru Dingyadi¸ Secretary, Universal Basic Education Board, Sokoto State, said yesterday that the government has procured assorted instructional materials worth N200 million.

Dingyadi told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto that the materials were meant for distribution to the 1,965 primary schools in the 23 local government areas of the state.

He said, "The materials include registers, text books, chalks and dusters.

These items were bought in December 2013 and the actual distribution to all the primary schools has started.”

Dingyadi said that subcommittees had been set up by the board to ensure that the materials were not dumped in stores, adding, "The board frowns at this obnoxious act and would sanction any education secretary or headmaster who receives and dumps these items in the stores."

Kogi reconstitutes advisory body

K

OGI—KOGI State government has reconstituted the state’s Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for justice, Mr Joe Abraham, SAN, as chairman.

This is contained in a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by the Special Adviser to the state governor on media, Mr Jacob Edi. It listed the other members to include Justice Samuel Otta, Bishop John Ibenu, Alhaji Salihu Abere, Dr Paul Amodu and the Solicitor-General in the Ministry of Justice, Mr Tunde Bello.

The statement said other members of the committee are the representatives of the state Commissioner of Police and the State Controller of Prisons, and quoted Governor Idris Wada as charging members of the committee, to be fair and firm in the discharge of their duties.

Wada, who decried the problem of prison congestion in the country, called on all stakeholders to work together so as to overcome the challenge.

L-r: Managing Director & Head of Syndications Europe & Africa of Standard Chartered Bank; Mr. Hiren Singharay; Director, Financial Institutions North Africa Coverage of Commerzbank AG; Mrs. Mathilde Anthuber; the Deputy Managing Director of First City Monument Bank Limited, Mr. Segun Odusanya and the Bank’s Group Head, Treasury & Financial Markets, Mr. Gerald Ikem, at the agreement signing of $150m of First City Monument Bank, FCMB with Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft and Standard Chartered Bank in London.

Northern group wants Obasanjo to debate with Al - Mustapha

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

T

HE Northern Emancipation Network, NET, has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to respond to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha’s challenge of a public debate, to afford Nigerians the opportunity of knowing the truth about some unresolved issues that happened during his tenure as president.

It also dismissed reports that AlMustapha was in South Korea at the time Obasanjo’s letter was made public, adding that the former chief security officer to late Gen Sani Abacha, was in India for medical

treatment at that time.

A statement by NET’s national coordinator, Abdul-Azeez Sulaiman called on President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his liberal politicking which it said, allowed people to take advantage of.

The statement reads: "We became particularly excited when Major Hamza Al-Mustapha who was covertly referred to in connection with some of Obasanjo’s allegations challenged the former president to a public debate to afford Nigerians the opportunity of learning the truth of some of the alle-

Arewa youths warn political leaders

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

W

ORRIED by the avalanche of open letters being exchanged on a daily basis, Arewa youths have warned Nigerian political leaders not to plunge the nation into avoidable chaos that can dismember the country. Besides, the youths, under the aegis of Area Youths Forum, AYF, have asked the elders to be more cautious in the language they use.

The National President of the AYF, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, who made the plea while speaking to Vanguard in Abuja, expressed regret that Nigerian leaders had abandoned the people who elected them into office and embarked on selfish pursuits to the detriment of the nation.

Describing the current exchange of letters by Nigerian leaders as unnecessary and diversionary, the Arewa youth leader noted that the motive of the letter was nothing more than an attempt to disparage the opponents and grab power in the next election.

The youths, who asked the President to concentrate on the challenges of developing Nigeria and forget letters written to him, said his-

tory would not be very kind to him if he allowed himself to be swayed by the distractions and lose focus.

He said, “We believe that this type of attitude is not good enough for the country and also capable to eroding the gains already achieved in our quest for political and economic development. Consequently, we make bold to say that anything that will take the country backwards is not only unacceptable.

“As youths we are calling on the elders to know that if they continue the way they are going, there may not be any country called Nigeria in the future.

It is because of this that we as youths have deemed it necessary to say that religion and ethnicity must be removed from the ongoing politicking so that Nigerians can begin to understand what their problems are and how to tackle them." The youths urged those in positions of authority should allow Nigerians the freedom to belong to any party of their choice and desist from the current attempt to limit the freedom of association as guaranteed by the constitution.

gations and other issues. We want to insist that Obasanjo should take up that challenge “We also call on President Jonathan to shelve his liberal politicking which people like Obasanjo take advantage of to cause mischief in the land. President Jonathan should remember that apart from being the chief accounting and security officer of Nigeria, he is also the chief enforcer of discipline in the land."

It further said, "and to those that think they can take the President’s extraordinary liberal disposition for granted by manipulating it to their undue advantage, we say, we are prepared to protect him as our president, as well as a symbol of the generational power shift the country needs to conform with the global trend that favours the infusion of fresh thinking and vibrancy in governance."

AUCHI—CONTRARY to insinuations making the rounds that the Bauchi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has endorsed the candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015, a senatorial aspirant on the party's platform, Alhaji Musa Sikeli, said, yesterday, that nobody has been endorsed by the party. He described the rumour as "mere imaginations of sycophants bent on deceiving President Jonathan."

Speaking through his media consultant, Sanusi Muhammad, Sikeli said the state PDP has not announced its position on the 2015 presidency as mischievously claimed by politicians in the state.

He said the PDP was yet to lift campaigns for the 2015 elections, pointing out that anybody making such statement was causing grievous harm to the electoral system which could eventually lead to serious confusion for the party at all levels.

His words, “the leadership of the PDP should serve as an umbrella to its members by treating them as equals if it desires to remain relevant in the polity.

Governor Yuguda as leader of the party in the state has not shown open support to any presidential aspirant for now, therefore, for the party machinery to be quoted as saying it has endorsed the candidature of President Jonathan signifies the existence of a hidden agenda of imposition that may cause anti-party activities against the party in 2015.

"While the opposition APC is struggling to put its house in order, the PDP is busy destroying its own structures through dictatorial tendencies for selfish interests. PDP is already enmeshed in crisis that has defied solutions.

Adamawa APC begins mass mobilisation

Y

OLA—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Adamawa, yesterday, said it had embarked on mass mobilisation campaign ahead of its nationwide membership registration.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that some APC chieftains, led by retired Brig.Gen. Buba Marwa, and Chief Marcus Gundiri, have just concluded tour of senatorial zones in the state.

Marwa, former governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, urged supporters of the party to come out in large number to register with APC. Similarly, Governor Murtala Nyako, who along with four other governors, defected to APC, had directed his

supporters to ensure they were not left out in APC registration.

The governor, who recently received the 27 local government chairmen and their councillors along with 37 state development area administrators into APC, urged them to mobilise their people for the exercise.

NAN reports that the situation has led to all former offices of the ACN, ANPP, CPC and some PDP transforming into APC in the state.

Speaking on the situation, the North East Protem National Vice Chairman of APC, Alhaji Umar Duhu, told NAN that it was a good development and “a big plus for the party ”.

Duhu who said the registration was expected to begin in January enjoined all the stakeholders to close ranks by working for the success of the exercise.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014 —49

C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014 — 51

C M Y K

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

From right: Alh. Yusuf Suleiman, Magajin Gari Jere; Alh. Hamza Yakubu Jere, Secretary, Jere Development Association; Alh. Aliyu Zubairu, Secretary, Jere Chiefdom and Alh. Suleiman Ahmed, Admin Officer, Jere Chiefdom during a press conference on Chief of Jere, Dr. Sa'ad Usman's recent attack at the NUJ Press centre, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

I won't leave office till June 2 —Sanusi, CBN Gov Continues from page 5 appointment was ratified by the National Assembly. His removal is supposed to be ratified by the same body.

“Meanwhile, from what we gathered, the government is making the move to remove the CBN Governor from office because of the revelation he made on the non-remittance of oil revenue to the federation account by some government agencies.

“The CBN governor is due to retire in four months time, so what was the urge from the President to want to remove him from office now by all means?”

According to Lagosbased lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, “President Jonathan does not have such powers. The CBN Governor can only be removed by two-third majority of the Senate.

Therefore, President Goodluck Jonathan will be acting illegally if indeed there is any truth in the report that he asked the CBN Governor to resign."

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Sebastian Hon, said: “The President lacks the powers to compel the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to resign. However, if Sanusi wants to resign today he can do so on his own. He has his tenure of employment and the procedure for removing him from office must be followed.

“The President cannot ask him to resign, except for good reason; he cannot be removed from office. By the way, has the

President come out to ask the CBN Governor to resign? I have also read the Newspaper report and I think it is still within the realm of speculation. Why don’t we wait till the President comes out to formally ask the CBN Governor to resign? In any case, even if the President eventually makes such request, the CBN Governor has the right to reject the directive and insist that due process of the law must be followed.”

Likewise, another SAN, Mr Jubrin Okutekpa, stated: “This is just like asking if President Jonathan has the powers to ask me to leave Nigeria. However, looking at it from another angle, President Jonathan has his fundamental right to expression. Just the same way people have been asking him to resign, with others, asking him not to contest election in 2015, so also has he asked the CBN Governor to resign.

“As to whether or not he has the power to fire the CBN Governor that will be a constitutional issue.

Are we going to gag the President from expressing himself? No! He has a right to do so and I see the directive as a mere advice to the CBN Governor. Sanusi has a right not to comply with the directive.

“The President can say whatever he wants to say, but whether or not what he said has any binding effect is another issue. It is my view that the President asking the CBN Governor to resign has no constitutional effect on the CBN Gover-

nor. I see it as an advice that can be ignored.

Ladi Williams, SAN, however expressed a different view. He said: “The CBN governor holds the office at the pleasure of Mr. President; it is not an elective office. The president is being polite, requesting for his resignation, and he too should do the rightful and resign honourably. For whatever reasons the President had for asking him to go, that is now left for the president to decide. Public office is not office of anybody’s father, people come and go. Until people are forced to leave the office, they don’t do things honorably. As far as I am concerned he does not need any ratification from the Senate.

“The question I will pose is why are Africans like this? For the mere fact that the man is Mr. President, he should respect that office and resign honorably. Whether the President has good reasons or not, that does not matter. Suppose the man asked him not to step into the office, what would happen. Can he do that to President Olusegun Obasanjo, or can he try it with General Obasanjo? This is happening because the President is a complete gentleman.”

Economic operators call for caution, due process On their part, economic experts said that while the President has the power to fire Sanusi, he should do so according

to the terms and conditions of the office. They, however, noted that the confrontation between the CBN Governor and the President was not good for the image of the country in the international community.

Managing Director, RiskGuard Africa, Mr. Yemi Soladoye said that President Jonathan can only operate within the section of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s Act that deals with appointment and retirement of the CBN governor. According to Soladoye, the President has the power to appoint or fire any CBN governor based on the dictates of the CBN Act. Maxi Okechukwu Unegbu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Maxifund Securities Limited, also said that the President should have reported Sanusi to the National Assembly instead of asking him to resign.

According to Opeyemi Agabaje, Managing Director/Chief Executive, RTC Advisory Services Limited, the confrontation between the President and the CBN Governor was not good for the image of the country.

“It is not good. The idea that the CBN Governor and the President are fighting is not good for our image in the international community.”

National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said that government should

be careful in its pronouncements concerning the economy of the country so as not to make Nigeria a laughing stock in the comity of nations.

He explained that the decision to ask the CBN boss to step down should be in line with the terms of his appointment, otherwise the country will be portrayed as a nation that is not serious.

Similarly, Mr. Gbadebo Olatokunbo, Shareholders Activist and a founding member of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA) said: “It is very serious and dangerous for our economy for the CBN Governor to be sacked.

This is a red signal to the world if it happens. The demand for the resignation of the CBN Governor is uncalled for because the Governor will soon leave the office.

Nigeria will be in danger if that happens.

Chief Timothy Adesina, President, Nigerian Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA) said: “The position of Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is very delicate and sensitive because it can send negative signal to the international community about the financial sector and economy.

Godwin Anono, Chairman, Professional Shareholders Association of Nigeria said: "The President has the right to hire and fire. If he feels that the person he hired has not performed to his expectation, he can decide to sack the person by recommending to the National Assembly for its ratification.The President and CBN Governor are like master and servant. So the President has the right to do so. It is not a big deal to sack the CBN Governor provided there are concrete evidences backing it."

Mr. Erem O Erem, Director, Valueline Securities & Investment, Limited, said, the" CBN Governor can be sacked when he is not performing or behaving as expected. He is a civil servant under a Ministry of Finance, though with some level of autonomy.

The Governor talks too much and must be cautioned given his position."

Mr. Boniface Okezie, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said: “The President alone cannot remove Sanusi.

He cannot do it without recourse to the senate.

The President had the opportunity to remove Sanusi when he assumed office as the President of Nigeria. But he did not do it.”

Some operators, however, insisted that the President's request for Sanusi’s resignation was in order. President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, said: “President Jonathan appointed Sanusi as the CBN governor; he has the right to tell him to resign so that the economy is not jeopardized in a way. Sanusi is not in the middle of his tenure as the CBN governor, he is almost at the end of his term,” he said.

The LCCI chief, however, predicts that although Sanusi’s exit might affect the exchange rate of the naira to other currencies until a new appointee comes on board, yet interest rate may not change because it is unilaterally decided by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Similarly, Sir Sunny Nwosu, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said: “The removal of CBN Governor is long overdue. We the ISAN had called on the President before now for his removal.

Don’t suspend Sanusi; APC advises FG The All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to tread softly on his reported plan to force Sanusi to resign, because of the impact such will have on the nation’s economy.

In a statement issued in Lagos, yesterday, by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said asking Sanusi to step down, on the basis of an allegation that he leaked the letter he wrote to the President, over the unremitted $49.8 billion oil revenue, does not bode well for an economy that is already on crutches.

It warned that any move to suspend Sanusi and use security forces to prevent him from entering his office, as reported by the media, will even be worse, because it will mean that the President is willing to circumvent the provision of the law that the Governor of the CBN can only be removed by two-thirds of the Senate membership.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—53

2015:

Families divided over Jonathan

LIKE the sword of Damocles, perception about President Goodluck Jonathan is pushing some of the country’s major political families towards different political poles

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

D

R. Iyabo Obasanjo apparently does not care a hoot about what many Nigerians think of President Goodluck Jonathan; whether good or bad.

She was clear on that when she wrote a blistering severance letter to her father last December.

"This letter is not in support of President Jonathan or APC or any other group or person, but an outpouring from my soul to God,” the former senator wrote in a letter that was partly triggered by her father’s own open letter to Dr. Jonathan.

But how President Jonathan stirred the famous break up between father and daughter was given fillip with the denunciation by Iyabo of her father as a hypocrite who would not allow on himself what he was supposedly doing to President Jonathan.

“For you to accuse someone else of what you so obviously practiced yourself tells of your narcissistic megalomaniac personality,” Senator Obasanjo wrote in a letter that stirred wild celebration among several political associates of President Jonathan.

Given the acidic content of the letter earlier written by President Obasanjo to President Jonathan, many independent stakeholders were tempted to believe that Senator Obasanjo had become a pawn in the fight between the two presidents.

officer reputed to be at one time a very close friend of Governor Murtala Nyako was allegedly instrumental to the nomination of his wife as commissioner in the cabinet of Nyako.

The governor and Senator Sawa served in the military at about the same time. Some claim that the appointment of his wife into the Adamawa cabinet followed the failure of the governor to give his one time friend a federal appointment.

But the truth of how the two fell out remains a secret that only the two men will tell one day.

reasons for her absence.

“I am 100 per cent behind Baba Maimangoro (Governor Nyako) and there is no way that I can abandon him, so I am 100 per cent behind him in APC and wherever he is going, I will go with him,” Mrs. Sawa told Vanguard in a telephone interview. “I don’t know who is behind the reports.”

Clarifying her absence at the eventful State Executive Council meeting where the resolution to defect to APC in solidarity with Nyako was taken, she said: “The truth is that I went for an

•Obasanjo: Daughter angry

•Iyabo: Baba was wrong

•Jonathan: Families at war over Jonathan

Difficult experience But Senator Iyabo Obasanjo whose difficult experience as a senator, especially when she was unduly tried for an offence that was later proved not to be a misdemanour, was quick to disavow political undertones to the issues between her and her father.

Iyabo and her father are not the only family members to be separated on the issue of Jonathan. Across the country Dr. Jonathan has also been the cause of rift among some other families in the public eye.

The Adamawa State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Arziki Sawa and her husband Senator Andrawus Sawa are no less equally divided by the Jonathan phenomenon.

Senator Sawa, a former military

•Tukur: Nyako's in-law

•Nyako: Tukur's in-law

•Akinjide: Pro Jonathan

•Pategi: Defected to APC

Even though Senator Sawa has firmly turned his back on Nyako and become a strong backer of Jonathan, his wife has continued to sojourn in the cabinet.

When on Monday, December 16, 2013 the Adamawa State chapter of the PDP held a massive rally to endorse President Jonathan’s leadership of the country, Senator Sawa was very

visible.

However, two days after that rally when the Adamawa State Executive Council met and unanimously resolved to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the absence of Mrs. Arziki Sawa was as conspicuous as the presence of her husband was noticed in the PDP rally supportive of Dr. Jonathan.

It was as such not difficult for some to speculate that Mrs. Sawa had joined her husband to support Jonathan against the declaration by her colleagues in the State Executive Council to join the APC. A troubled Mrs. Sawa was quick to dissociate herself from the rally and to pledge support for Governor Nyako as she gave

official engagement in Abuja and so maybe because they didn’t see me at the declaration but I cannot point at any person as being behind the reports. If there is anybody spreading the report, that person is telling a lie and he will never see me going the other way and just wants to bring chaos.”

Continues on Page 54

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

16 years after:

Anambra set to democratise third-tier of govt FOR the first time since the turn of the century, the people of Anambra State will tomorrow have an opportunity to elect their local governments. Is it the beginning of a new dawn?

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

FTER many years of postponement, the local government election will finally be held in Anambra State tomorrow, January 11, 2014. The last local government elections were held in 1998 before the advent of the Fourth Republic.

Over the years, grass root politicians, had clamoured for the enthronement of democracy at the local government but the different administrations had for one reason or the other shied away from holding one.

Before the present authorities of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, finally settled for January 11, 2014, the exercise was shifted five times due to what the commission attributed to non availability of authentic voters’ register.

Officials of ANSIEC had said that the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, had insisted that it would not release the revised voters’ register to it until after the governorship election of November 16 last year and when it applied to have the register after the governorship election, the state electoral umpire was again told that it had to apply to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

A member of ANSIEC had to be sent to Abuja to collect the register and it was only then that an authentic date was taken.

The position of some party leaders on the local government poll is already causing some misunderstanding between them and those who paid stipulated amounts of money to secure their parties’ tickets.

These candidates, especially some from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, and Labour Party, LP, insist on contesting the election and have

•Obi: Outgoing governor been campaigning seriously to win in their local government areas.

Take the case of PDP for instance, there were several primaries held for the aspirants by the various factional leaders that ran the party over the years and it took the intervention of the party’s current state chairman, Chief Kenneth Emeakayi, to harmonize the lists of the PDP candidates for tomorrow’s

election.

The same goes for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which had to thinker its list of candidates after the resolution of the crisis that almost tore the party apart last year.

Though the final list of the party for the election caused some disquiet in some wards and local governments, there appears to have been an understanding following the intervention of the

national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, who urged the local government party chairmen to ensure that the issue of candidates did not cause rancour in their areas.

A chieftain of APC, Chief Pat Orjiakor told Vanguard that anybody instigating members of the party to boycott the election was on his own, adding that majority of APC members favoured participation in the election.

Orjiakor said he was surprised that people who contested their own election were asking others who paid money to the party and won tickets of the party for the local government election which everybody had clamoured for, would now ask people not to contest their own election.

He spoke apparently in response to assertions by Senator Chris Ngige, the APC candidate in the last gubernatorial election that the party would boycott the exercise.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the local government poll in the past two years was the suit instituted by the embattled former chairman of the ANSIEC, Prof. Titus Eze. Eze had scheduled the election for December 4, 2012 before he was removed by the state House of Assembly over alleged financial malpractices.

He subsequently dragged the state government and the House to court over the development and the matter was yet to be fully resolved.

Following the decision of ANSIEC to go ahead with the election, some interest groups also went to court to stop the Continues on page 55

2015: Families divided over Jonathan Continues from page 53 Mrs. Sawa was away at a meeting of the National Council on Environment in Abuja when the decision by the cabinet to defect to the APC was taken.

The Minister of State, for Federal Capital Territory, Ms Jumoke Akinjide on her part has united with her father, Chief Richard Akinjide in following the PDP mainstream supportive of Dr. Jonathan against the position taken by her husband, Rep. Ahman Pategi, a member of the House of Representatives.

Pategi from Kwara State, was among the 37 members of the House of Representatives who defected from the PDP to join the APC last month.

The minister who lives with her husband and is reported to have a very solid relationship with him in their Abuja home was quoted to have told the online medium, Premium Times, that she would never leave the PDP for the APC. Apparently, the minister's affection for the PDP will not disrupt the well known affection she is believed to have towards

her husband.

"I’ll never ever leave the PDP. The Akinjide family is loyal to the PDP and loyal to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. My father, Richard Akinjide is a founding member of the PDP and a member of the PDP Board of Trustees. I am the arrowhead of the PDP in Oyo State as the minister in an opposition state. I will continue to work hard to ensure the success of Mr. President, the Transformation Agenda, and the success of the PDP at the polls in the 2015 elections.”

Arguably one of the most intriguing divisions wrought by the Jonathan phenomenon is the acrimony or lack of it within the Bamanga Tukur and Murtala Nyako families in Adamawa State. Tukur, the national chairman of the PDP is in the frontline in the campaign to get the president a second term in office.

Though the preponderance of opinion of stakeholders is that Tukur is the problem with the party, the president it appears is

unwilling to let him go upon the fact that the president is unavailable to find someone more loyal to his cause than Tukur in the north. Nyako on the other hand was one of the governors that split from the PDP and subsequently defected to the APC with their principal focus being to frustrate a second term for the president.

Second term The split on Jonathan between Chairman Tukur and Governor Nyako along the way also led to their sharp differences on the structure of the PDP in Adamawa State. Tukur eventually prevailed in the split despite the near unanimous revolt the National Working Committee, NWC gave to Nyako a year ago on the issue.

Tukur prevailed simply because of the backing he got from the president.

Despite the sharp acrimony between the national chairman and his governor, it is surprising

that Tukur’s son, Abati Mahmud Bamanga Tukur remains happily married to Nyako’s daughter, Hadiza Murtala Nyako.

Even more, is the fact that both Tukur and Nyako have a history of intermarriage between them that was crowned with the marriage of Tukur ’s son to Nyako’s daughter.

The couple according to familiar sources is said to be living in peace impervious to the cat and dog battle between their fathers.

“When the daughter wants to visit her father, she goes along with her husband and when the son wants to visit his father, he goes along with his wife and they are both living happily in Lagos,” a source familiar with the family said. For another female minister in the Jonathan cabinet, her appointment into the Jonathan cabinet became a reality after the exit of her husband from a high flying position in the Jonathan cabinet.

Today, husband and wife are said not to be on talking terms following the female minister’s full devotion to Jonathan and his

administration, a development that is said to have made the husband to be sulking for the last few years he has been out of his position. For yet another female minister in the Jonathan cabinet, Hajia Zainab Mana President Jonathan would not be faulted for the division that once characterized the family.

Hajia Mana and her husband at the time of the 2007 general election were sharply split in 2007 when her husband, Alhaji Umar Joji Maina left with elements formerly loyal to Atiku Abubakar to contest the gubernatorial elections of that year on the platform of the Labour Party.

Joji Maina was running mate to Mr. Joel Madaki in that election while his wife, Zainab was a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT of the PDP actively engaged in the campaign for the election of Alhaji Umar Musa Yar‘Adua. The political split between husband and wife according to sources was a serious stress that may nevertheless have been resolved with time.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—55

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

A

HEAD of tomorrow’s local council election, disagreements between leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have got messier with a camp suspending leaders of another camp.

The disagreements arose over whether or not the party should take part in the local council election.

While a camp led by its governorship candidate in last November election, Senator Chris Ngige does not want APC to take part in the polls, the other camp led by Deputy National Chairman, South, Senator Annie Okonkwo and State Chairman, Mr. Chuks Chinwuba, said APC would participate in the election.

Consequently, the Ngige camp reportedly suspended Okonkwo and Chinwuba for anti-party activities.

Speaking on the issue, Okonkwo described his reported suspension by Ngige as laughable, saying that Senator Chris Ngige and his followers were misleading the people of the state and the country in general.

In a resolution passed by the Interim Executive Committee of APC in Anambra, which was inaugurated on Monday and led by the chairman, Amaechi Obidike, the Ngige camp said: "The Anambra State Interim Committee has examined the

Feud between APC leaders gets messier

Anambra:

•You can’t suspend me, Okonkwo tells Ngige

•Okonkwo: Ngige can't suspend me roles played by our party members in the said election, particularly Senator Annie Okonkwo, the Deputy National Chairman, South,

•Ngige: APC'll boycott council polls

and one Mr. C.J Chinwuba who parades himself as the “State Chairman” of the party and have found their conducts to be reprehensible and

embarrassing which have put the party in contempt, public ridicule and disrepute. These anti-party activities have continued with their

unguarded and unauthorized utterances about the proposed Anambra State local government Council election, and sowing seeds of discord and hatred among party members.

“In view of the above, therefore, the Anambra State Interim Committee of APC hereby suspends the duo of Senator Annie Okonkwo and Mr. C.J Chinwuba forthwith.

Accordingly, the State Interim Committee within 7 days from today, January 07, 2014.”

Claiming that Ngige ought to be the one to be suspended, Okonkwo said: “Between Ngige and I who has been involved in anti-party activities? Ngige and his loyalists organized a meeting in Awka on Monday without the consent of the national interim officers of the party and at the end they said they have suspended me and the state party chairman. Who is supposed to suspend who between me and Ngige? I was elected at the national level with other officers. Ngige is only misleading the people.”

The Senator alleged that Ngige was the cause of APC’s failure in Anambra governorship election. “APC was a party to beat before the primary election. And before the election, we had over 280,000 registered members, but when Ngige emerged the flag bearer of the party he started acting funny,” he said.

Anambra set to democratise third-tier of govt Continues from page 54 exercise. One of them, Mr. Jezie Ekejiuba, a human rights lawyer and president of Association of Registered Voters of Nigeria, instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Awka. The court could however not grant his prayer to stop the election.

As the preparations for the election gathered momentum, the former ANSIEC chairman Eze, said that the issue of the substantive chairman of the commission was still unresolved, adding that the legal norm was that no action would be taken to change the status quo ante bellum as ruled by Justice Hope Ozoh of the Anambra State High Court on the matter sometime last year.

Before arriving at tomorrow’s date, the commissioner overseeing ANSIEC activities, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo held several meetings with the various political parties presenting candidates for the election as a way of smoothening the process.

The meeting, under the auspices of Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, became necessary following uncertainty that engulfed the exercise and, as the

ANSIEC boss put it, the commission needed to carry the political parties along so that they would be aware of the reasons for the continued delay in conducting the election.

Following the pronouncement by the acting chairman of ANSIEC to the chairmen of political parties that the earlier scheduled December 21, 2013 date of the election was no longer realizable, the state chairman of IPAC, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, subsequently conveyed the decision of the parties that the commission should refund them all the financial expenses incurred since it announced that the election was going to be postponed again.

Emeakayi also informed members of the commission that election should not be an issue for speculation, adding that their members were eager to know what the true situation was.

After listening to Emeakayi, Okonkwo commended the party chairmen for behaving maturely, noting that other people would have taken to the streets over such a matter.

He said: “All the issues raised by the parties are genuine, but I

want us to know that the voters register is still a problem. Work is still in progress at INEC for us to get an authentic voters’ register for the exercise.

The people of the state were therefore happy when ANSIEC announced that the January 11, 2014 date was sacrosanct.

He had apologized to the political parties for what he described as pushing them around all these while, adding that the ballot boxes, ballot papers, among other essential materials were ready.

Rigorous campaigns He told politicians: “We therefore want you to mount rigorous campaigns and put up their posters and bill boards. We assure you that we shall give all the political parties a level playing ground.”

Chief Patrick Meniru, a spokesman of LP while reassuring party members, however, said there were still unresolved issues concerning the election. For instance, he said that three versions of voters’ registers were in circulation and wondered

which is the authentic. He also said that ANSIEC was yet to release the list of candidates for all the parties participating in the election.

The chairmanship candidate of APGA for Njikoka local government and former national president of the National Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Chief Emeka Onuorah regretted that some of the parties were already throwing in the towel before the election.

He said that as a candidate, he has been campaigning ceaselessly and wondered why some people who want to win should stay in their houses and be complaining, instead of selling themselves to the electorate.

With everything almost set for the election, Governor Peter Obi has assured that only the electorate would determine the winners.

The governor, who has been campaigning in the 21 local government areas of the state for candidates of his party, insisted that the election would be transparent, free, fair and credible and enjoined supporters of his party, APGA, to sustain effective and massive

•Obiano: Anambra governorelect

mobilization of the people for the polls.

National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said the party was confident of victory because the APGA - led administration in the state had done so well for the people, adding that the only way to reciprocate Governor Obi’s kind disposition that engendered completion of many projects in various sectors of the economy in the state since 2006 was to vote massively for the party ’s candidates tomorrow.

56 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

N

IGERIANS are now familiar with the regular arguments between the supporters of the present Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan and the known antagonists represented by the Opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and other ordinary, but well-meaning Nigerians. The argument is always on the “The State of the Nation”.

The argument has always been, and still is, that a country so naturally endowed as Nigeria has nothing to do with suffering associated with poverty. But the fact is that poverty is a reality of Nigerian life and suffering is widespread. What is wrong even as the Federal Government implemented. As a matter of fact, continue to roll out elegant there is in the Transformation statistical figures and songs of Agenda a big assignment for praises from world acclaimed Agricultural developments to economic watchers? feed the nation and earn foreign Perhaps the debate is often exchange from exports of cash blurred by lack of distinction crops. between party and the individual This important role calls for by the opposing party, but often rural integration and helped by the distortion of the development which would protagonists. involve states and local To some analysts, there should governments ruled by different be a clear distinction between Dr. political parties and also, by the Ebele Jonathan as a person and same party with different his ruling party as a single party, ideologies. It needs the coPeoples Democratic Party operation of all for the (PDP). transformation policy to become However, in any civilised a needed revolution. environment, the quality of Also, there should be a clear leadership could count more on distinction between incentives for the direction of the policy of a peasant farming which is the party – if that party has one. The vogue in Nigeria and plantation truth is that, as some would farming which is more profitable assert, the ruling party has no and desirable. definite policy on any subject The phrase of scientific farming recognizable either in the which adorns our official policy Federal, State or local concerning the use of computers government areas. Perhaps and other sophisticated what is commonly regarded as equipment for productive President Jonathan‘s farming may be of not much use Transformation Agenda, is to a peasant farmer who believes regarded as the party policy, well- in planting his crops at the packaged but not neatly

country. However, more intensification is needed and more visible federal presence is required in all the corners of the country, and especially in States not ruled by the ruling party (PDP).

There should be total integration of all agricultural policies in the country to ensure that Nigeria feeds itself now and in the future. The land is there, the people are there, but the will seems to be lacking.

OBJ and others

I must say that I am a bit disappointed that the issue of letter writing did not go with the problems associated with the eventful year 2013.

Unfortunately, the respected octogenarian Ijaw leader has refused to forgive and forget in his comical misunderstanding of A prosperous peasant farming the characteristics of that soldierwill need not only fertilizer and turned politician, Chief (General) pesticides but also tools and new Olusegun Obasanjo, a former technology – these would President of Nigeria.

Since the former President has depend on improved been subjected to all forms of transportation and abuse with his ‘head bloody but communication facilities.

There is no need for Agriculture unbowed‘, what happens if the Science graduates to be embattled former President writes unemployed; they could be again as he might?

I remember always late trained in agricultural extension services and later deployed into General J. J. Oluleye‘s opinion numerous farms to teach peasant on Chief (Gen) Obasanjo. He farmers to utilize simple wrote, “In terms of crafts, he looks equipment and tools, and to offer deceptive, but he can sketch good advices on modern technique and bad schemes with equal dexterity. He is an expert in and profitable farming.

A progressive agriculture is in confrontational tactics’‘.

I think the former President a state of constant evolution and a revolution is not achieved in a (Obasanjo) deserves a better study that the simplistic approach single term.

The country should go back the of his many of his critics: (the old old ways of helping the farmers foxy general de laugh o).

It looks that after abuses and from planting to harvesting in capital and equipment provision condemnation of the General, the points he raised in his letter to backed by adequate training.

There is no doubt that the the President concerning security, present Federal Government is infrastructural decay and trying through several measures corruption still present to encourage farmers and to formidable problems. Agreed he increase agricultural production could not solve them during his 5hroughout the time.

What to do and how to do it appropriate time of the year, weeding them properly and seeing that the crops are harvested promptly.

To such a farmer, the additional little investment he needs for a bumper harvest are a bit of improved variety of seed, some fertilizer to aid their growth and sprays of insecticides against destructive insects.

A successful peasant farmer would do well to grow cash in addition to food crops. For success, he needs external aid in terms of market and right price at the selling point to ensure continuous production. In addition, the market would also be a point where the farmer could purchase his economic needs for survival. Thus, agricultural policy that would succeed needs a policy of rural development.

The old groundnut pyramids of the North, Cocoa of the West and Palm Oil of the Eastern States were built on prompt payments for crops at reasonable prices and also the existence of exchangeable commodities on which to spend money realized.

Tambuwal: 48 Garlands for the Peoples’ Rep

BY IMAM IMAM

E

ULOGISING the life of any person, especially a respected leader who has stood for the common good, is not easy.

Though today marks the 48th birthday anniversary of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, penning down words to capture the essentials of the man who is today seen as the brightest spot in the Nigeria’s political firmament is no mean task.

Tambuwal is the quintessential humble individual who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, can not say the truth to the powers that be while still in power.

By now Nigerians have come to identify their Number four citizen as a fearless representative whose words and deeds are not at variance with the hopes and aspirations the men and women of his dear country.

The story of Tambuwal is the story of courage. His meteoric rise to the top of the Green

Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly only reaffirmed his position as a master tactician in a discipline built on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take.

However it’s not just in politics that Tambuwal made his mark. Trained at a very young age as a teacher and later as a lawyer; his commitment and doggedness as a moulder of the minds of the future generation and a servant in the temple of justice have served him well in his present endeavours.

Tough challenges His performance as Speaker of the House of Representatives has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in the face of tough challenges have equally served as inspiration to his Honourable colleagues. As many of them pointed out, it has emboldened them to go about their duties without fear, or favour.

For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is a task that must be accomplished. He has,

•Tambuwal at every available opportunity, reminded his legislaturecolleagues, of the need to promote democracy and respect human rights of all.

These ideas stem from his belief that strong democracies are more likely to secure peace, deter aggression, expand markets, promote development, combat terrorism and crime, uphold rights of workers, avoid

humanitarian crises, protect and improve the global environment, and protect human health.

The Speaker ’s widely circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development cannot be lost to genuine lovers of our

country. He had on many occasions demonstrated his love for country above personal interest and taught others to do the same.

In all his conducts, Tambuwal has maintained the humble and truthful disposition universally associated with the descendants Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio. In addition, he has demonstrated high level of compassion for the less privileged. The case of Okikioluwa Olawuyi, the baby without skull, whom he helped to raise N10m to complete her surgery expenses in the USA, is a case in point.

Politically, following in the tradition of democratic inclusiveness, Tambuwal maintains social contacts with all Nigerians, irrespective of their political leanings. It accounts to why he is today visible in social gatherings of people of different ideologies, ethnic groupings and religious inclinations. While some ignorant few tend to interpret such contacts differently, Tambuwal is unfazed and has maintained the need to build bridges of unity and understanding among various Continues on page 57

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—57

Reinventing PDP in the S/west THOUGH it is the ruling party of the central government, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is reduced to a skeletal level in the Southwest. Now, its new leadership in the zone under Prince Buruji Kashamu is aiming to revive the party. Can it? was at one time aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo but is now known to have shifted base to President Goodluck Jonathan is now at the forefront in advocating a second term for the president.

Accordingly, he said, “those fighting Jonathan don’t love Nigeria; their intention is not just to upstage the president but to destroy the country. Once someone has been elected into office, we must support such a person until his tenure is over.

What the APC is doing is destroying Nigeria. Attempting to pull down the president to score political point will not help the nation.

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

L

IKE the surprises it pulled off across the country, when it emerged from obscurity to become the dominant party in the South West geo-political zone, the descent of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, towards extinction in the region, could pass for a sore on the thumb of the party.

Both party chieftains, and faithful are finding this development a hard pill to swallow, given that the glorious future which its overwhelming triumph at the 2003 general elections in the zone signaled, appears to be giving way to an era of apprehension.

The party which had the majority in the National Assembly before 2011, had its numerical strength reduced at the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. And it would not be surprising if the South West PDP, is bereft of any legislator at the NASS following the wave of defections currently being witnessed.

It is against this background of gloom that the National Vice Chairman, Southwest of the party, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has embarked on rescue mission, in order to reposition the party for electoral victory in the zone.

But the Ogun State born politician, is not leaving anyone in doubt about his desire to

•George: Southwest leader Commissioner for Education under Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration, and Otunba Adeleke Adekoya, a former chairmanship candidate of the PPN in Ijebu North LGA. On the heels of that, was the defection of over 15,000 people, who were led by Chief Rafiu Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of the state and former Ogun State chairman of the ACN, a function in Abeokuta.

An elated Ogunleye hinged his action on the efforts made by Kashamu.

“This great journey started on the fateful day when Prince Buruji Kashamu came to my home in Itele-Ijebu in company

,

Kashamu has been supportive of all the state executives in the zone in their bid to rebuild the party, particularly in the area of membership drive

relaunch the party into prominence.

It was gathered that Kashamu commenced from his state by using his Omo Ilu Foundation to give succour to the people by empowering them.

Remarkably, many of those who would have defected to other parties were encouraged to return, just as members of other parties were wooed to join the PDP. For instance at an event on August 11, 2013, no fewer than 5,000 people defected to the PDP from other parties. Of these, 3,250 alone came from Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, while others were from All Progressives Congress, APC, and Labour Party, LP, The defectors were; Elder Yemi Akinwonmi, a former State Secretary of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and

,

of the state chairman of PDP, Engr Bayo Dayo, Otunba Ola Kukoyi, Prince Fakoya and Chief Dele Odulaja to ask me and my group, Imole, for partnership in PDP. Here we are today. The rest, to the glory of Almighty God, is history that is taking place today in the ancient city of Abeokuta, the capital of my dear state. Today is an eventful and remarkable day in my life, but I must let you know that after going through the constitution of PDP, I discovered that PDP is a very progressive and truly democratic,” he stated.

Aside, his state, party faithful in the zone, told Vanguard that Kashamu has been supportive of all the state executives in the zone in their bid to rebuild the party, particularly in the area of membership drive.

Commenting on that, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for the South West PDP, Chief Ishola Filani, said that

•Buruji: but for the support of Kashamu, the party’s plight would have been beyond redemption.

Also applauding the success recorded Ogun State chairman of the PDP, Mr. Adebayo Dayo, said the new lease of life which the party is experiencing, is traceable to the determination of Kashamu to see that the party bounces back to reckoning.

Zonal leadership “Prince Kashamu is the brain behind the current growth we are experiencing in the party in this zone,” he said as he praised the efforts of the zonal leadership towards rebuilding the party.

Kashamu on his part is unwavering in his efforts towards reviving the fortunes of the party in the zone.

“I’m ready to commit myself to ensuring the success of the PDP governorship candidate in Ekiti State during the forthcoming election. It would be a shame on my part if I fail to do that. I’m ready to do the same

thing in Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states.”

In addition, he said, ‘’as an individual, there is a limit to what one can do. On my own, through the Omo Ilu Foundation, I have done a bit to improve the lot of our people. But how many people can a person or even a group touch? For everyone we help, there are many more we wish to help but can’t help due to resource constraints. That is why I am passionate about having the PDP in control in the South West because that is the party that has the concerns of the masses at heart. The PDP is the only party that can help the masses. The APC, it has become clear, is only interested in grabbing power at all cost and visiting untold hardships on the people,” he once said.

Perhaps to push his way through the Southwest region, the Kashamu leadership in the zone has been careful to follow the path of political exigency in advocating a second term for the president.

Kashumu who interestingly

Selfish interest In that same manner, he had said that the five aggrieved PDP governors, who left the party did so out of selfish interest.

“Many of the governors have served second term, why should they oppose anyone who has a similar ambition? Some of them have issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that they want the Federal Government to help starve off. Pray, if they do not have skeleton in the cupboard, why are they afraid of the anti-graft agency,” he added.

Expatiating further, he said, "northerners should not see Jonathan as their enemy, he is a friend to the northerners. If was an enemy, he would not have declared a state of emergency in the North Eastern states; he would have also sacked all the democratic structures and appointed Sole Administrators like Obasanjo did in Ekiti State where he appointed Maj.-Gen. Adetunji Olurin (rtd) as Sole Administrator.

Tambuwal: 48 Garlands for the Peoples’ Rep Continues from page 56 peoples of Nigeria and beyond.

Not since independence have we seen a politician promote an ideology as fervently as the Speaker does. Tambuwal has promoted the concept of a strong dichotomy between politics and governance. To him, there is a marked difference between a candidate in electoral contest on the platform of a political party and an elected official who has assumed a non-partisan responsibility and taken oath to protect and preserve the

constitution, to serve the people and the nation. While the former is not merely at liberty but under a duty to be partisan, the latter must conduct himself in a manner worthy of the call to non-partisanship in governance. And whenever partisan interests conflict with national interest it is partisan interests that must be sacrificed in the preservation of the national interest.

At 48, Tambuwal’s youth points to a future of hope and possibilities. Besides, his apparent willingness not to be

encumbered by the political exigencies or double-speak that had stunted our progress in the past is indeed inspiring. For him, what matters is the nation’s interest. Call that an unyielding idealism and you won’t be entirely wrong.

To this trailblaizer of a lawyer, respected politician, accomplished leader and a trusted parliamentarian, I say a happy birthday. *Imam is the Special Adviser on media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal.

58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 20 14 2014

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All

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 20 14 — 59 2014

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Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Godfrey Inegbenebor and Evang.

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60 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY JANUARY 10, 2014

Eagles, Mexico get March 5 date

T

HE Mexican national team will play two pre-World Cup friendlies against fellow World Cup participants in the USA, its federation announced on Thursday.

El Tri will play Nigeria

at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on March 5 and then face Ecuador on May 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The friendlies will follow a match against South Korea later this month, which

SANDWICHED . . . Super Eagles' Brown Ideye sandwiched by Mexican opponents in the last friendly match

Iran to camp in South Africa •Line up 9 friendly matches for Eagles

A

FTER a meeting with chief of staff of Iranian football federation (IFF), the Iranian sports minister agreed that Persian Gulf League (PGL) competition must be concluded by April 9, 2014 so that Team Melli will have ample time to prepare for Brazil 2014 World Cup. According to Ali Kafashian the head of IFF, preparation for the world cup 2014 will start with Team Melli playing against Kuwait and then Guinea in March.

Then, within the last week of April Team Melli

will have a camp in South Africa where Iran is planning to play three preparation matches.

After South Africa, Team Melli will have a camp in Europe where again Iran is planning to play three more matches.

Eventually, the Iranian team will travel to Brazil and will play its final preparation match against a South American team.

All together, Carlos Queiroz’s team will play nine matches in different continents to prepare Team Melli for the finals of the World Cup 2014 Brazil.

will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Jan. 29, just three days before the U.S. national team plays South Korea at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Playing in the Georgia Dome and AT&T Stadium is nothing new for Mexico, which regularly plays games in the United States and draws massive crowds, through its federation’s partnership with SUM (Soccer United Marketing). According to the Mexican federation, El Tri has averaged 52,000 fans in its three games at the Georgia Dome.

In its 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal loss to Panama at AT&T Stadium, Mexico played in front of a packed house of 81,410.

Mexico, which was kept alive in World Cup qualifying by U.S. midfielder Graham Zusi’s goal in Panama on the final day of the CONCACAF Hexagonal and then defeated New Zealand in a two-leg playoff to earn a place in Brazil, will play against Croatia, Cameroon and host Brazil in Group A of this summer’s World Cup. Ecuador was drawn into Group E with Switzerland, France and Honduras, while Nigeria was drawn into Group F with Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran.

NASCOM, YSFON plan joint football tourney

I

N continuation of its efforts to encourage age grade tournament in schools, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) are planning to stage a national football tournament in schools.

According to NASCOM Chairman, Yemi Idowu, the idea of the competition is in line with the ideals of the committee, which is collaborating with component bodies in executing their programmes.

YSFON is a component

body of NASCOM. “We just finished the 2013 National School Sports Festival and it will be ideal for us to keep up the momentum by also supporting YSFON in its programmes and that is why we want to partner them to organize this tournament for school age children. You will recall that we had always been emphasising that NASCOM is not going to organize competitions but that we will support component bodies by creating conducive environment for them to carry out their

programmes,” Idowu said.

The NASCOM boss however, said that the modalities for the competition would be decided by YSFON while children across the country have equal opportunity to be part of the competition because not all them are in schools in certain parts of the country.

Already, Idowu said under the present dispensation of the National Sports Commission (NSC), an enabling environment has been created for school age sports to thrive in the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014 —61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY10, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014—63

I

WAS so surprised that I put a call to our Tony Ubani to confirm the report he sent in the last week of 2013 from Rivers.

The report was on the opening of Gokana Stadium in Rivers State.

It is a sports facility that has 8,000 seating capacity with tartan tracks, swimming pool and an indoor hall that can host basketball and other sports.

I felt good as I was reading the report. We should have many of this in our country, I thought. And then the surprise: It was built by a local government, not the state government.

Tony confirmed that the Gokana Local Government Area built the facility. Pleasant! Wonderful!! I told him it was so pleasant that my next column would be on it.

And so, fellow Nigerians, kindly join me in thumbing up this local government in Rivers State so that others can emulate the good work that it has done for the development of sports in our country.

Tony’s report emphasised the point that it was the first time any local government would be achieving such a feat in Nigeria. Let’s celebrate Gokana. Let’s encourage men and women of goodwill so that Nigeria can be a better place for us and our children and many more generations to come. If I had an award, the chairman of Gokana Local Government, Demua Ledee Demua, would be the winner.

All over the world, especially in developed societies, you find parks, play grounds or some open spaces just to ensure good environments that enhance healthy living in communities and cities.

Nigeria is different. Even when you have such a plan in the original outlay of our societies it never sees the light of the day. Such spaces are usually sold to those who want to raise structures. And that’s how we have choked up residential areas especially when governments fail to open their cities by developing new areas.

As a boy growing up in Enugu, I played football at the Polo Park. Now, we have a mall there.

Couldn’t they have given Shoprite a virgin land to build their mall? As a young Enugu boy, I also visited the zoo in the city. Now you have residential

08053068728

Gokana leaders have not only made their community environmentally healthy they have also provided a springboard for potentials in the area of sports. I see a number of people going to the stadium to jog, train and also socialise. In many years to come, one would see stars, who started training at the Gokana Stadium. Their talents could have possibly died if there was no Gokana Stadium. The chairman of Gokana has left a legacy that generations will benefit from. I recommend that they name the indoor sports hall after him when he would have left office. hope Gokana people know that the efforts of their local government would be in vain if they do not use the stadium.

I hope that the local government knows that they have to allow their people to use the stadium.

I hope that they know that they should, from time to time, organise sports events in that stadium. I hope they also know that they have to maintain the stadium.

I want to see Gokana organise school sports in that stadium. There should be competitions for students and elite athletes at the Gokana Stadium.

There are so many other things that Gokana can do to produce athletes in different fields. I wish them well. I commend their efforts. And I want to tell other local governments to emulate them. Local Governments in Nigeria do little or nothing to discard the toga of corruption that they wear. Often, we hear stories of them gathering only when they receive their monthly allocations. After sharing the money, they disperse and only return when the next allocation is due. Gokana stands out today. They have confirmed how wasteful and corrupt many other local governments are although we know that their allocations differ. Gokana has won my award as Local Government of the year. Take a bow Gokana.

Our GM, Gbenga Adefaye, once said media houses should publish the monthly allocations of all local government areas so that their people can hold them accountable for the lot they receive.

Gokana officials and their chairman have added voice to Adefaye’s charge.

Let’s hail Gokana, my I local govt of the year buildings in the same place. The past Enugu government sold the beautiful and serene place. The zoo is gone. I have just cited Enugu as an example.

It is so in all parts of the country. The open parks we had in FESTAC in Lagos have all given way to

,

The chairman of Gokana has left a legacy that generations will benefit from

,

buildings.

About one year ago, Stephen Keshi, the Eagles coach and Paul Okoku visited the primary school they attended in Lagos with a hope of donating balls and a few other things to the school. On getting there, they were shocked and disappointed to find a building sitting on the soccer field that produced them. What’s wrong with us? Why do our governments encourage things that are not environmentally friendly and healthy? How can we get other local governments to emulate Gokona?

Emenike on Newcastle radar

T

URKISH NTVSpor has reported that Newcastle United are checking the possibility of signing Fenerbahce duo Emmanuel Emenike and Moussa Sow. It looks like The Magpies would like to take both strikers, but that’s rather unlikely, as Fenerbahce are fighting for the title in Turkish Super

Continues from B/P player, he aspired to be a striker during his youth and has played centre back for clubs including FC Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.

He frequently plays as a box-to-box midfielder for club and country and often switches between defensive and offensive positions throughout matches.

Touré began his playing career at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas, where he made his debut aged 18. He was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011 and 2012.

His performances attracted attention from Europe, playing for clubs in various European leagues. Touré played for Beveren in Belgium, Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, Olympiacos in Greece, and AS Monaco in France. In 2007, Touré moved to Barcelona, playing over 100 matches for the

Lig and probably won’t be willing to lose their top two goalscorers. Yet it is possible that one of them might move to England.

Emenike came to Fenerbahce during summer transfer window from Spartak Moscow, so it’s also unlikely that the Turkish club would sell him just after few

months. Despite the sloppy beginning he has scored 8 goals in 16 appearances for The Yellow Canaries. If Emenike moves to Newcastle he could create an offensive line with his compatriot and teammate from Super Eagles Shola Ameobi, who has played for The Magpies since 2000.

Toure

ry Coast, representing the team in their first appearance in a FIFA World Cup, in the 2006 competition and in 2010.

Touré has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2004.

In 2006, he appeared for les Éléphants in all three of the team’s matches at its first ever World Cup. In the 2010 tournament, he again appeared in all of Côte d’Ivoire’s matches, scoring the opening goal in a 3–0 win over North Korea.

club and was part of the historic 2009 Barcelona team which won six trophies in one calendar year.

Yaya Touré then moved to Premier League club Manchester City in 2010, where he has since scored a number of key goals for the Citizens – most notably the only goals in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and Final. Touré has a distinguished international career with 74 caps for Ivo-

Nigeria dominates CAF Awards Continues from B/P Club won the Supporters Club of the Year. Golden Eaglets play maker, Kelechi Iheanacho won the most promising talent of the year award Al Ahly of Egypt which won its 8 th

African Champions League title also won the club of the year award.

Keshi was again named coach of Africa 11 which included three Nigerian players – Enyeama, Mikel and Emenike

•Emenike

Continues from B/P

Amokachi

will face Argentina, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Iran and in Group F, can go further than any Super Eagles squad has been before in the tournament.

Nigeria have made it out of the group stage only twice in their four appearances at the finals - losing in the next round on both occasions - and Amokachi has urged the team to be more ambitious.

“As far as you are a coach or a team you go to a tournament to win it,” added the former striker, who won 44 caps for Nigeria and spent two years at English club Everton.

“Nigeria are one of the underdogs but probably we’ll be one of the dark horses along with the likes of Colombia and Belgium.

“Coach Stephen Keshi has the same ambition as myself and we think alike - you don’t set a target say-

ing I want to get to the second round or the quarterfinal or the semi-final, we go there to work hard and in football anything can happen.

“We could meet a team like Brazil and they have a bad day and we end up beating them.

“We’re going to take it a game at a time but we’ll look forward to spending the whole month in Brazil.”

Some of Nigeria’s key squad members like Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses missed the Confederations Cup in Brazil last year because of injury and Amokachi is hoping they’ll have a fully fit squad for the tournament which runs from 12 June to 13 July.

“Emenike is a striker that can’t stop scoring goals right now but it’s not just about Emenike, it’s about

the team,” he said.

“We want all the key players to be out there, not just the Nigerians.

“We want the World Cup to be exciting - we don’t want a tournament without Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo. We pray that they keep fit.”

Nigeria’s first match of the tournament will be against Iran in Curitiba on 16 June.

Amokachi believes they are in a tough group and insists they won’t be underestimating any of their opponents.

“When the draw came out a lot of Nigerians were really excited thinking it would be an easy ride.

Definitely not,” he said.

“Argentina are on fire.

Bosnia are one country in Europe that had probably an easy ride in qualification but with the firepower they have in attack you can never rule them out.

“Iran is a country that have shown they can play football and for them to qualify for the World Cup, you can’t take them lightly.

“Any country that is in the World Cup we should respect the way they play and just stick to our own task and business and get the job done.

“We know the spirit that we have in the team right now and everyone’s looking forward to it.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Nigeria dominates CAF Awards F

OR the first time in so many years, Nigeria swept most of the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards held last night at the Event Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The senior national football team, the Super Eagles led the way when it was announced the national team of the Year.. This was followed

Glo-CAF Awards

Toure wins again!

I

VORIAN and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure yesterday emerged the Glo CAF Player of the Year for 2013, beating Eagles star John Mikel Obi and his Ivorian national team mate Didier Drogba to the prized diadem. It is Toure’s third straight African Player of the Year award.

At a colourful, grand and entertaining show held last night at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Toure was presented his award amidst pomp and pageantry.

Born on May 13, 1983, Touré is renowned for combining great vision, passing ability, and physical power with technique. A versatile

Continues on page

with the African NationalYouth Team of the Year Award which went to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria.

Similarly, Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi bagged the national team coach of the Year award just as the Nigeria Football Supporters

Continues on page 63

World Cup 2014: Eagles are dark horses, says Amokachi

S

HAT-TRICK KING: Yaya Toure crowned Africa Footballer of the Year for the third time last night.

UPER Eagles assistant coach Daniel Amokachi says there is a togetherness in the squad that makes them “dark horses” for success at the World Cup in Brazil.

“That ego that has always been in the team has been eradicated,” Amokachi told the BBC World Service.

“Everybody has love for one another and that’s showing on the pitch. The unity in the team has been the key to our success in the last year.

“We’re going to the

World Cup to get something out of it.”

Amokachi is confident the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions, who Continues on page 63

•Amokachi

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Certify (6) 5 Divulge (6) 9 Fragrance (5) 10 Fester (6) 11 Torment (6) 12 Bird (5) 14 Frozen (4) 17 Attempt (3) 18 Present (4) 20 Challenged (5) 22 Jockey (5) 23 Paler (7) 24 Pulled (5) 26 Danger (5) 29 Learn (4) 30 Girl’s (3) 32 Fruit (4) 33 Hell (5) 35 Reviser (6) 36 Elbowed (6) 37 Bar (5) 38 Stubborn (6) 39 Artisan (6)

DOWN 1 Frightened (6) 2 Offer (6) 3 Auction (4) 4 Handle (5) 5 Insinuate (5) 6 Masculine (4) 7 Disputed (6) 8 See-saw (6) 13 Permitted (7) 15 Boat (5) 16 Postpone (5) 18 Chartered (5) 19 Send (5) 21 Father (3) 22 Material (3) 24 Twine (6) 25 Paddling (6) 27 Tattered (6) 28 Guide (6) 30 Ran (5) 31 Renovate (5) 33 Cavity (4) 34 Certain (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Legal 7, Laurel 9, Par 10, Lac 12, Total 3, Toss 15, Noted 17, Allege 19, Ewer 20, Eerie 22, Ilk 24, Tattled 27, Pea 28, Erect 31,Mass 33, Stoned 35, Water 37, Wise 38, Maker 39, Dam 41, Aim 42, Lament 43, Beard.

DOWN: 1, Blithe 2, Hussar 3, Gel 4, Late 5, Erode 6, Academic 8, Lane 11, Cogitated 14, Slit 16, Tell 18, Leap 21, Escapade 23, Keen 25, Test 26, Drew 29, Edited 30, Twenty 32, Swear 34, Oral 36, Arid 40, Mad.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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