Jonathan's govt can't fight corruption—Tambuwal by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62032

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

ASUU: Varsities defy FG's ultimatum to call off strike P.9

Constitution making is not a one-man show STARTING TODAY ON PGS. 28&29

Jonathan's govt can't fight corruption —Tambuwal

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

•Says EFCC, other agencies too corrupt to fight graft A •States why he can't suspend Farouk, others •$2.6trn stolen annually in Africa — AfDB

BUJA—SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday, accused the executive arm of government of paying lip service to the fight against corruption even as the African Development Bank (AfDB), says an estimated US2.6 trillion dollars gets stolen annually Continues on page 8

COLUMNISTS:

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Mr & Mrs

ANTI-CORRUPTION—Anti-corruption crusade, yesterday, in Port Harcourt. INSET: From left, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr Sam Saba; President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Okey Wali (SAN) and Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, at the International Anti-corruption Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: NAN.

I won't interfere with 10 National Confab — Jonathan C M Y K

Over 100 world leaders in S-Africa for Nelson Mandela P..50

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Police recover 8 cars, arrest 40 suspects in Kaduna

ADUNA — THE Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested 40 suspects and recovered eight cars and several ammunition in a raid by the command’s officers and men. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aminu Lawan, said yesterday, in Kaduna that the high rate of car theft necessitated the need to comb some "black spots" notorious for car snatching. "There was what we called strategic plan that the command put in place to ensure combing of some black spots that had been identified in the command. "Such operation yielded positive result of which quite a number of suspects were arrested and a lot of recoveries made. "Some stolen vehicles were recovered; about eight and a lot of guns, both automatic and locally made guns, and some other exhibits too. "No fewer than 40 suspects were arrested and were all screened and charged to courts and some of them are still undergoing trials while some have got convictions.’’ He assured the public of the command’s resolve to end car theft, adding that more strategies were in place to stamp out various criminal activities in the state. He said: "The police are doing everything possible to ensure that people sleep with their two eyes closed. "We will continue to appeal to the good people of Kaduna State to continue to partner with the police in their localities and continue to volunteer to give useful information to security agencies." The PPRO also guaranteed confidentiality and security of any person that would volunteer useful information on reduction of criminality in the state.

Woman who stole 7-day-old baby arrested J

BY TAYE OBATERU & MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

OS — THE Plateau State Po lice command, yesterday, paraded the woman who, last week, stole a seven-day old baby in Bokkos Local Government Area and her accomplice who had faked a pregnancy to con her husband for seven months. Parading the two alongside other suspects, state Commissioner of Police Mr. Chris Olakpe, said the housewife, Chundung Lagi Jugu, allegedly colluded with Elizabeth Zakari to steal the baby boy whose mother was on admission to justify the fake pregnancy. According to him,“The suspects deceived one Mrs. Juliana Zakari who was delivered of a baby boy through caesarian operation after one week while she was still on admission that the governor’s wife was visiting Bokkos Local Government Area to assist all women who had their babies through caesarian operation and they took away her oneweek old baby to an unknown destination.” He said the suspects were arrested in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. Also paraded were three suspected killers of a nine-year-old girl whose corpse was found

with vital parts removed in an uncompleted building in FillinSukwa area of Jos. The girl had been declared missing when she did not return after her grandmother sent her on an errand. The commissioner said two of the suspects had confessed that they were contracted by one

Aminu Saleh, to get a girl for N400,000 which made them to trick the unsuspecting girl identified as Umi Salma and kidnapped her. He said the two confessed to having earlier sold a 12-year-old girl to the same Aminu Saleh for N300,000 but claimed he was yet to pay them for the last deal.

Abuja workers protesting against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday.

Protesting Abuja workers demand minister’s sack BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA — MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed, was yesterday held hostage by staff of FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA over what they termed abuse of workers’ rights, just as they called for his immediate sack. The workers in their hundreds, assembled as early as 8 a.m in front of the gate leading to the office of the minister in Area II of the nation’s capital city. The workers, who made vehicular movement impossible to and fro the minister’s block of the FCDA were members of Joint Unions Action Committee, JUAC; Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN; Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretariats Stenographic Workers, NUCSSSW; Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN; Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU; Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services, AUPCTRE, National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE and Radio Television and Theatre Workers of Nigeria, RATTAWU. The workers who carried placards and sang solidarity songs

A 53-year old man alleged to have raped a 10-year old girl was also paraded. Another middled aged man was paraded for alleged robbery, snatching a Toyota Corolla car from a lady at Zarmanganda area of Jos while two others were alleged to have stolen a Honda car from a shop.

said the minister was insensitive to their plights, even as there were inscriptions on the placards like, “pay uniform allowance to health attendants;“ pay us our 13th month 2012, 2013; “Stop the abuse of workers rights, FCTA”; “Rent 100%; “ FCT workers have been denied promotions for 2012 and 2013 why?; “ Bala must go” Meanwhile, in a statement by

the Chief Press Secretary to the FCTA Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, the minister has assured the staff that issues raised will be tackled despite the grievances of some staff, just as he reiterated that the administration had a staff strength of over 28,000 personnel and pays about N3.6 billion monthly as staff wages and salaries.

Two students nabbed for alleged impersonation BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — THE Com missioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Olaokun Soyinma, has said two applicants into the Ogun State School of Nursing, Ilaro have been nabbed for impersonation and handed over to the police for prosecution. The commissioner who stated this in Abeokuta, yesterday, said the names of the suspects would be withheld. He said they were caught by the officials of the ministry during the auditing of newly admitted students for 2013/2014 academic session. Soyinka claimed that during an interrogation, one of them confessed to the crime, while the other was adamant, adding that

the duo would forfeit their offers. According to him, they were caugh replacing the passport photographs of the mercenaries cellotaped to the admission letter with theirs. He said: “The ministry is tightening its procedures because of rampant examination malpractices. The suspects were caught by the officials of the ministry during the auditing of newly admitted students for 2013/2014 academic session. “In the process, two candidates whose records throughout the admission exercise showed them to be male students, applied for female hostel accommodation. “The students perpetrated the act by replacing the passport photographs of the mercenary cellotaped to the admission letter with theirs."

Man jailed for killing 60-yr-old woman BY SUZAN EDEH

AUCHI — THE Bauchi State High Court Number 10 has jailed a 32year-old man, Usman Abubakar, a staff of Kirfi General Hospital, for killing a 60-year-old woman. Abubakar was slammed with three-count charge which include culpable homicide punishable with death, attempt to commit homicide and criminal intimidation contrary to sections 221, 230 and 397 of the Penal Code Laws Cap 108 laws of Bauchi State Vol 3 (2007). The state counsel, Mohammed Adamu, had earlier told the court that the suspect was arrested by the village head of Kirfi Kasa, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed, and taken to Kirfi Police Division in Bauchi State. In his judgement, Justice Abdulkadir Suleiman said from all the evidence before the court, there was no eyewitness that saw the accused when he actually committing the act, except for the confessional statement of the accused.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—7

Deji’s death: Traders protest continued closure of Akure markets BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE — FOR hours, market women in Akure, the Ondo State capital in their hundreds protested against the continued closure of the markets in respect of the late Deji of Akureland, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, yesterday. The Akure-in-Council had a week ago directed that all the markets and shops across the Akure metropolis be closed as a sign of respect for the late Oba. However, the seven-day stayat-home order by the traditional chiefs lapsed yesterday and both commercial and business activities resumed across the state capital. While other shop owners where allowed to open their shops to customers, those in the Erekesan market were driven away. The youths who said they were acting on the order of the Akure chiefs insisted that the Erekesan market falls under the traditional Obas Market and would not be opened until another Oba ascends the throne. But the women who marched through the popular Oba Adesida Road resisted the youths and for over three hours caused traffic gridlock on the major road. They blocked the roads with their make-shift sheds, stones and wares and rolled on the floor, crying that they could not fend for their children in the last one week. Their spokesperson, Madam Atibioke, said the Erekesan Market was divided into three, and that only one falls under the Obas market. Atibioke said owners of the two other markets should be allowed to operate without molestation. According to her, many of them had borrowed money from different micro credit banks and would have to pay back shortly.

PDP crisis: Jonathan summons Tukur, NWC members to emergency meeting BY HENRY UMORU

The protesting market women, yesterday. She pleaded with the chiefs to consider their plight moreso that the Christmas and new year are around the corner. But the traditional chief who addressed them declined, saying it is a taboo for Oba market to operate when there is no Oba on the throne. Police Commissioner Patrick Dokumor and the traditional chiefs, including the Lisa of Akureland, High Chief James

Olusoga, who addressed the women failed to persuade them to call off the protest. The women who sat on the road called on Governor Olusegun Mimiko to come to their aid. Some commissioners, including that of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bamidele Dada and his Lands and Housing counterpart, Bade Omoloja later addressed the women.

Some of the women, however, agreed to relocate to the Democracy Park while others insisted they were going to force the gate of the market open. Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the state capital as some of the market women have returned to their homes while others still mill round the entrances of the Erekesan Market.“

Police arrest suspected mastermind of Gulf Bank liquidation

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). AGOS — OFFICIALS of the According to her, “Johnson is Special Fraud Unit, SFU, suspected to be the ringleader yesterday, said they have in the collapse of Gulf Bank Plc. arrested a suspect, Prince “The fraud was characterized Adekunle Adeyeba Johnson, by manipulation of records, over a case of conspiracy, suppression of information, forgery, stealing and money criminal concealment/ laundering which led to the misrepresentations and liquidation of the defunct Gulf forgeries of public documents, all leading to colossal loss of funds of the defunct bank. “The complainant (NDIC) alleged that this principal suspect, Prince Adekunle Adeyeba Johnson, was a major shareholder and a director in the defunct bank, used his position and through companies he has substantial interest in, defrauded the bank of over N2.5 billion. "He did this by fraudulently structuring the credits obtained by him in such a way that their details were never disclosed to the board of the bank. “In view of the above, The Nigeria Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU) invited the suspect for interview which he avoided twice before he was apprehended in Yaba area on Sunday, December 8, 2013. “While SFU is making efforts to locate and invite other principal suspects, Prince Adekunle Adeyeba Johnson will be Some vehicles being towed by the Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC, along Mile2- arraigned in court, soon.” Apapa Expressway yesterday. Photo: Diran Oshe. BY OKOLIE IFEANYI

Bank Plc. The Police Public Relations Officer at the SFU, Ngozi Isintume, said in a statement that the suspect was one of the executive members of Gulf Bank Plc (In-Liquidation) who were involved in the insider abuses that led to the bank’s liquidation as reported by the

BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan last night summoned the national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee, NWC to an emergency meeting at the Presidential villa, Abuja. Vanguard gathered that the meeting which also had in attendance the Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih was called to brainstorm on the outcome of Sunday meeting of PDP governors and the subsequent one the President had with the governors as well as some members of the G5 who dumped the PDP for All Progressives Congress, APC. The president on Sunday held a meeting with the PDP governors alongside the Governor of Sokoto state, Aliyu Wamakko and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State who dumped PDP for APC. Bamanga Tukur and members of the NWC drove in the same bus to the Villa from Sheraton Hotel and Towers immediately after the night of tribute for the pioneer national chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Lar at 8.45pm. The meeting as gathered will discuss the burning issues affecting the party, the defection of the governors and planned moves to get them back to the party as well as look into the demands of the governors especially the request that Tukur must be eased out as PDP national Chairman. Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered yesterday that the embattled Bamanga Tukur was lobbying party leaders, stakeholders and governors of North East to ensure that Bauchi, Taraba and Gombe states jettison the idea of producing a chairman for the party thereby narrowing it to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. It will be recalled that governors elected on the platform of the party on Sunday resolved that Tukur must go if there must be peace in the party.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

POCKET CARTOON

WORKSHOP—Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila (3rd R); Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Adm. Patrick Agholor (4th R), With other dignitaries, at the opening ceremony of Strategic Communication Workshop in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Jonathan's Govt can't fight corruption —Tambuwal Continues from page 1 through high level corrupt practices in Africa. Tambuwal, who was the guest speaker at the 2013 International Anti-Corruption Day, organized by the Nigerian Bar As-

sociation, NBA, in Abuja yesterday, also alleged that the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was very corrupt, saying the antigraft body never accounted for huge sums of

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

UR deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world — Marianne Williamson The very first time I heard these uplifting words by Marianne Williamson was from Nelson Mandela during his presidential inaugural speech and these sage words have guided my heart with much hope and assurance over the years. I hope you find it meaningful too. “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others” And from Joel Osteen comes the powerful words of advice and assurance. He says, if you worry constantly that not everyone like you, you’ll have a long term problem of being blessed because when you are blessed, the haters will come out. When they come at you, simply say, in a humble way, I am wearing this blessing well. When I wear my blessings. I am honouring the Divine, my parents and forefathers who gave and served. It is also the goodness and blessings being passed on from generation to generation. C M Y K

money it received from donor agencies.

EFCC

He said: “Let us start with the anti-corruption agencies themselves. I am happy that EFCC is here because they are also corrupt. Let us start by asking them what happens to grants they receive from donor agencies which are neither budgeted nor accounted for; that is corruption. “This is why we have asked the House Committee on EFCC to look into some of these issues and report back to the House. “EFCC said it has started implementing the report on probe of the fuel subsidy regime. Let me say it here today that what EFCC said it is implementing is not the House report which exposed the enormous fraud in the system, but the one by Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. We have done our job, go and do yours.

Pension scam, Aviation, SEC “What has happened to all the exposed corruption cases? The pension scam, recent and obvious fraud in the Aviation sector, that of the Security & Exchange Commission, SEC, where trillions of Naira from private investors were suspected to

have been mismanaged. When we commenced investigations into the matter, what became of paramount importance to the EFCC was allegation that one of our members collected money as estacode to travel but failed to do so. “Our members were immediately rushed to court for prosecution; meanwhile, the top government officer that was found culpable in the main fraud for which the National Assembly called for public hearing, nothing has happened to her till date. “I have not heard or read anywhere that she was invited by the EFCC or that any member of SEC was even invited. We at the National Assembly, for the sake of probity and accountability, agreed that budgetary allocations to the Commission should be suspended, only for us to hear that the Executive found a leeway of funding the agency. We are currently investigating that. “Coming to what happened in the Aviation industry recently, do we need an angel to report to EFCC that something happened there? No, we don’t! We all belong to this country so people should stop taking us for granted,” he added.

FEC vs BPP

Aside calling on the Presidency to eschew the habit of constituting committees to probe manifest acts of corruption involv-

ing highly placed public officers, the Speaker noted that the Federal Executive Council, FEC, “which is not even known to the law, should not be used as a forum for approving and clearing contracts.” He said: “When I raised this issue earlier, some people started attacking my personality, accusing me of confronting the office of the President. However, I still maintain that the provision of the law which requires the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, to set up a council should be respected. The process of award or review of contracts should not be a one-man affair. “On our part, we have the desire to support the anti-corruption agencies in terms of funding, but then, our friends from the other side of government always feel that immediately they bring their budget we should quickly rubber-stamp it for them to go. Yet they do not implement the budget even when it is passed. They have not even met up to 40/59% implementation till this December. “Fight against corruption should be personalized by every Nigerian. All of us, individually and collectively have a role to play. It is my opinion that it is indeed needless for the executive to constitute probe committees to look into allegations of corruption, especially in the public sector.

Probe committees

“Those accused of corruption should be handed over to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution, instead of setting up probe committees. Though the EFCC, also has its own lapses, I trust very few of them there in the EFCC. “Let the executive find a way of referring these corruption matters from the presidency to the EFCC, I believe they will do a better job. But if the body language is not

right from the beginning, your guess is as good as mine.” Reacting to questions on why some members of the House of Representatives accused of complicity in sundry acts of corruption are still attending plenary sessions and making laws for Nigerians, the Speaker said he has no constitutional power to bar any of them but could only prohibit them from heading sensitive positions.

Farouk, others “Farouk Lawan was suspended as chairman of the Committee on Subsidy Fraud and also as Chairman of our Education Committee. We removed him because of the allegations of corruption against him. In fact, we convened the meeting that led to his suspension on a Friday. “He can only cease to be a member of the House if convicted by a competent court or recalled by his constituency. But if there is anything else that can be done, of course we will be willing to learn from this gathering,” he added. In the speech, Tambuwal maintained that, “for us in Nigeria, the reality that no greater challenge than corruption confronts us as a people is not in controversy. Indeed, if the roots of the overwhelming majority of our woes were traced, they are sure to terminate at the doorsteps of corruption. This is a commonplace fact known to all Nigerians and requiring no corroboration. “Yet for the avoidance of doubt, it is important to state that in its 2012 Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by the global corruption watchdog, Transparency International ranks NiContinues on page 50

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—9

ASUU STRIKE: Varsities defy FG's ultimatum

the institution’s Chief Information Officer, said the authorities were waiting to hear from ASUU before taking a decision.

ATBU

Lecturers at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, ATBU, also refused to resume to work yesterday. Alhaji Zailani Bappa, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the university, said the lecturers were expected to resume tomorrow and not yesterday. He said the decision to ask the lecturers to resume on Wednesday came up after the Senate held a meeting on Decemebr 5.

UNIJOS

EMPTY: A hostel complex at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, yesterday. INSET: A lecture hall in the university. NAN PHOTOS. BY TAYE OBATERU, OLA AJAYI, DAYO JOHNSON, ANAYO OKOLI, LAIDE AKINBOADE, DAUD OLATUNJI & MARIE-THERESE NANLON

EMBERS of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, who have been on strike for six months, defied the ultimatum given to them by the Federal Government to resume academic activities yesterday or be sacked. They vowed to continue the strike until government meets their demands. President Goodluck Jonathan, on his part, appealed to them to call off the strike even as the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday, summoned all Vice Chancellors of federal and state universities to a crucial meeting in Abuja tomorrow. President Jonathan, while flagging-off the 2013 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference, which commenced at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, in Abuja yesterday, begged ASUU to calloff its strike that has kept Nigerian students at home for the past five months. President Jonathan, whose speech was read by the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, said: “While views may differ on the utility of industrial action as a means of advancing the collective interest of workers in the polity, it is an unassailable fact that labour and industrial harmony is sine qua non to the socio-economic development of any nation, Nigeria inclusive. “This administration recognises and respects the right of workers, including the right to embark on industrial action, to press home their demand and we have taken concrete steps to address the grievances of ASUU. I, therefore, use this occasion to call on ASUU to call off its strike. “With this, Nigeria’s quest to become one of the world’s 20 largest economies by the year 2020 cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of industrial disharmony.”

Wike summons VCs

Following the expiration of the ultimatum for university lecturers to resume yesterday, Wike directed all Vice Chancellors of federal and state universities to converge in Abuja for a crucial meeting tomorrow. Also invited to the meeting were members of the Implementation Monitoring Committee, IMC, in which ASUU has a representative. The Zonal Chairman of University of Abuja, UniAbuja, ASUU, Mr. Clement Chup, confirmed to Vanguard on phone that the Minister invited them to a meeting.

250 UNIABUJA lecturers resume

Meanwhile, over 250 lecturers of University of Abuja resumed yesterday in compliance with the Federal Government's directive. Although full academic work was yet to begin at the university, most of the lecturers were seen in their offices when Vanguard visited. Few students of distance learning programmes were also seen at the lecture theatre waiting to take examinations, which were disrupted following the strike. One of the lecturers, Yau Damagun, said: “250 lecturers have already signed the register which is a fair number, although some lecturers that are fanatic with unionism are still sitting on the fence. “Those lecturers who are still adamant about resuming are benefitting from the strike. ”

Ibadan

At the University of Ibadan, lecturers refused to sign or open any register as directed by the Federal Government. Though some of them were in their offices doing research works, they insisted they would never be intimidated by the empty threats from the government. Academic activities still remained paralysed in all faculties in the institution

yesterday. Speaking on the strike, National Treasurer of ASUU, Dr. Ademola Aremu, said the Federal Government should document its claim that it had deposited N200 billion with the Central Bank of Nigeria. He said: “How can you call off the strike when there is nothing to show for it? The Federal Government is not qualified to call off the strike. “Our union is waiting for the government to state all it has done in black and white so that we can be guarded by it and Nigerians can see that we have not gone on strike in vain. “However, it is a serious insult on us for the government to be threatening us with signing a register or get sacked. We are not casual workers or labourers.”

MAUTECH

At Modibbo Adama University of Technology, MAUTECH, Yola, the university’s ASUU Chairman, Mr. Augustine Ndaghu, said majority of the more than 300 members of the union in the university who attended the latest meeting voted overwhelmingly for continuation of the strike. The Protocol and Information Officer of MAUTECH, Malam Mustafa Migawa, said forms had been sent to the various departments of the school to be filled by lecturers who wish to resume work. He said: “I can’t say how many lecturers have filled the forms signifying their interest to resume work. We shall wait and see if the response of the lecturers is positive or not.’’

Adamawa, Sokoto

The ASUU Chairman of Adamawa State University, ADSU, Mubi, Mr. Molem Ishaku, on his part said lecturers in the institution had also agreed to continue the strike. He said: “In the first place, it was not the government that told us to go on strike and therefore it should not insist that we must go back to work.’’ The story is the same at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as the lecturers also

resolved to continue with the sixmonth-old strike. The ASUU Chairman in the institution, Dr. Faruk Tambuwal, said: “Our position on the strike remains the same and the strike continues.”

BUK

In Kano, lecturers at Bayero University, Kano, BUK, defied Federal Government’s directive to return to work. None of the lecturers resumed work at the old and new site of the university and most offices remained locked. A security guard at the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, who spoke on condition of anonymity at the new site said none of the lecturers reported to work as at 11 a.m. When contacted on phone, the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Mahmoud Lawal, said the lecturers would not return to work until their demands were met. He added that “government did not order the closure of the universities, so how can it order it to reopen?

Ahmadu Bello

At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the story was the same. All the lecture halls and offices remained closed and no lecturer was seen at the Samaru and Kongo campuses. When contacted, Dr. Mohammed Kabir-Aliyu, the Chairman of ASUU, ABU chapter, said the union did not call off the ongoing strike. He said: “The Federal Government cannot give us directive to go back. We will not resume work until the national body directs us to do so.’’

UNIMAID

At the University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, lecturers stayed away from school and lecture theatres remained closed. Dr. Musa Abdullahi, the university’s ASUU Chairman, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the strike would continue until the demands of the union were met. Malam Ahmed Mohammed,

Lecturers at the University of Jos, UNIJOS, also refused to resume work yesterday as directed by the Federal Government. Although the institution’s management had directed deans of faculties and heads of departments to open registers which lecturers who agree to resume work must sign, most lecturers were not around. Hostels and lecture halls remained deserted.

Lecturers in Ondo resume

The three universities in Ondo State, yesterday, resumed normal academic activities in compliance with the Federal Government’s directives. Mr. Adebanjo Adegbenro, Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, said it complied with government’s directive to university lecturers. He said the institution had resumed since last week and everything had been put in place to ensure that normal academic activities resume this week. In Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, the PRO, Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, said both students and lecturers resumed at the school two weeks ago. The Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, did not join the strike. The institution’s PRO, Mr. Yinka Adekalu, said the school did not have any union in place “and since our lecturers are not members of any union, we have no problems.”

South-West caucus adamant

Dr.Adesola Nasir, who is the South-West coordinator of the Union that comprises University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Lagos State University, University of Agriculture Abeokuta and Tai Solarin University of Education said that they would continue their strike as long as the government refuses to honour the agreements already reached with the union. At the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUA Abia State, the strike was still on. ASUU-MOUA had a congress yesterday to reaffirm that the strike was still on.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

CONFAB: Reactions trail proposal for Jonathan's 120 delegates z As President promises not to interfere BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North, & DAPO AKINREFON

HE proposal for President Goodluck Jonathan to nominate 120 of the delegates to the proposed national conference was, yesterday, flayed by some of the country’s leading pro-democracy figures.

Presidency officials were, however, mum on the proposals made by the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue. Meanwhile, President Jonathan, yesterday, assured that he would not interfere in the proceedings of the national conference. Receiving a delegation of leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

and the South-East geopolitical zone at the Presidential Villa yesterday, President Jonathan also promised that the national conference would be conducted well ahead of the next round of general elections. The Senator Femi Okurounmu-led Presidential Advisory Committee on

MEETING: From left— President/CEO, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Obinna Ufudo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chairman, Transcorp Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, during the Facts Behind the Figures of Transcorp meeting held at the NSE, yesterday.

Terrorists abduct motorists, set cars ablaze in Borno BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, NDAHI MARAMA

AIDUGURI— ANOTHER set of terrorists, yesterday, ambushed motorists along MaiduguriDamboa-Biu Road, setting ablaze two trucks loaded with oranges and another Toyota hilux vehicle, after abducting their drivers and taking them an unknown destination. This was barely 24 hours after some suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed motorists along Gwoza-Firgi-Ngurosoya Federal Highway in Borno State, and killed five passengers, including a man on his way to Maiduguri to attend his brother’s wedding. The sect members struck on a day the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), declared that the government had initiated a new approach and a change of tactics in fighting Boko Haram terrorism, having realised that military operations alone cannot stop terrorism. Vanguard gathered that the

incident took place few kilometres from Limanti/ Bullabulin Ngarwa communities where series of deadly road attacks masterminded by Boko Haram took place in recent times.

“We were told that some Boko Haram terrorists from Sambisa Forests had earlier in the morning barricaded the road and unleashed terror on motorists.”

Eyewitnesses

Govt's reaction

A motorist who escaped the attack, Mallam Musa Usman told Vanguard in an interview that the incident occurred at 9a.m. yesterday. He said: “I have to thank God for sparing my life with two of my children, whom I was taking to Biu for the Christmas holiday after finishing their examinations last week. “We nearly fell into the hands of terrorists. But as God would have it, I saw unusual movements along the road, just some few metres to the scene and I immediately put my vehicle on reverse gear, before making Uturn back to Maiduguri.” Another passenger, Mallam Salisu Yahaya, who came from Biu to Maiduguri, said: “When we reached the place, we discovered that three vehicles were burning, but nobody was there.

Spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Mohammed Dole confirmed the incident, but said the details of the attack were still sketchy. He, however, promised to issue a statement on the matter as soon as the division finished compiling its report on the issue. Meanwhile, the Presidency may have initiated a new approach and a change of tactics in fighting terrorism, saying it had realised that military operations alone cannot stop the menace of terrorism. Dasuki, who made the disclosure at the Strategic Communications workshop held at the National Defence College, yesterday, said ‘a robust public diplomacy’ which would involve every facet of the society, including aggressive mass media participation, is to be put in place to tackle the menace.

National Dialogue had in its report recommended that the president should nominate 120 delegates to the conference, which is expected to have between 500 and 700 delegates.

Reactions

Responding to the proposal yesterday, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a stalwart of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, said: “It is a condemnable proposal. “It shows that he is the one setting up the conference himself and not a conference of the people. He could send some people and not 120 persons. That is outrageous.” Former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae, said: “They are submitting their report on Wednesday (tomorrow). How can I be commenting on a report that has not been published? It is just a rumour.” Former Minister of Petroleum, Professor Tam David-West, said the number of delegates to the conference “is too much.” In a telephone chat with Vanguard, David-West also added that the six months time frame for the conference shows “they are not serious. It is not a serious and responsible thing to do.”

Jonathan’s promise

Meanwhile, the President said Nigerians would be allowed to drive the entire process to produce an acceptable outcome. Jonathan said: “If you listen to the radio, watch television and read online, you will realise that Nigerians are talking. We listen and read the commentaries. “But all the discussions and ideas need to be harmonised. We must come to a point where we can move in one direction.” He assured that there was no need to worry about the time frame of the dialogue as the talks would be completed well ahead of the next general election in 2015. Jonathan admitted that the committee on the national conference had since completed its nationwide consultation and would soon present its report to him. The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary EnwoIgariwey, congratulated the President for initiating the national dialogue. He pledged the South-East’s support for the process and assured the President that Ndigbo will make meaningful contributions to move the country forward in unity.

A'Court okays ruling on suit against Reps takeover of Rivers' Assembly BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA— THE Abuja Division of the Appeal Court, yesterday, dismissed an appeal that sought to halt judgment on a suit challenging the action of the House of Represen-tatives in taking over and performing the functions of Rivers State House of Assembly in July. A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Ambassador Dan Harry, had, in the wake of the free-for-all that led to the closure of the Rivers State House of Assembly, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, and prayed it to “declare that the House of Representatives cannot take over the functions of Rivers State House of Assembly without the occurrence of the conditions set out in Sections 11(4), (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and complying strictly with same.” Aside the House of Representatives, others cited as defendants in the suit were the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Attorney-General of the Federation. The plaintiff equally urged the court to declare as unlawful, illegal and void, the taking over of the functions of the state House of Assembly by the House of Representatives, following its resolution of July 10. However, shortly after the court concluded hearing on the matter and adjourned for judgment, the defendants went on appeal and contended that the High Court erred in procedure when it consolidated all the preliminary objections and heard them alongside the substantive suit. They urged the appellate court to order the lower court to suspend its judgment and hear the main suit afresh. But in a ruling by Justice Abubakar Yahaya, the appellate court, yesterday, dismissed the appeal and gave the high court the nod to proceed with its judgment.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—11

N4.7bn fraud: Babalakin, others challenge court’s jurisdiction BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

AGOS — DR. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, yesterday, challenged the legality of the criminal offence of fraud bordering on illegal transfer of N4.7 billion preferred against him and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before an Ikeja High Court. Babalakin was expected to be arraigned freshly before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo after his case file was transferred from Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, who was handling the case was redeployed to handle commercial cases. However, when the matter came up, yesterday, Babalakin and those standing trial with him, including Alex Okoh, Stabilini Vision Ltd, Bi-Courtney Ltd and Renix Nigeria Ltd asked the court to stand down their arraignment based on their pending applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The EFCC alleged that Babalakin and his co-defendants fraudulently assisted former Delta State governor, James Ibori to transfer huge sums of money through various parties to Erin Aviation’s account in Mauritius for the purchase of a Challenger Jet aircraft. When the matter was called the counsel to EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) also expressed disappointment that Babalakin was not in court, while it urged the court to revoke the bail earlier granted him for failing to attend proceedings twice. He argued that Babalakin’s absence in court was a breach of his bail conditions and act of disrespect to the court. Babalakin’s counsel, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN) urged the court to

discountenance Jacob’s appeal for revocation of Babalakin’s bail, arguing that Babalakin’s absence was on the ground of his pending application challenging the charge and jurisdiction of the court. He said one of the prayers in the said application, which was about to heard by the former trial

E T E R A N JOURNALIST and syndicated columnist, Chief Tola Adeniyi will next Friday December 13 host hundreds of colleagues, friends, relations, well wishers and family members at the City Hall Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu, as he gives a rousing Send-Forth to his 96 year-old Mother who died on October 31, and was buried according to Islamic rites the next day. Madam Princess Selimot Eebudola Adeniyi, born into royal families in Ayepe, IjebuOde, Odogbolu and AgoIwoye grew up in Liyangi, and Ijebu-Ode before finally settling down in 1939 with her late husband Prince Ambaliy Alaba Adeniyi who died C M Y

whatever happened in court. Just as the judge was giving his ruling, Babalakin walked into the courtroom, the judge then ordered that the matter be recalled to acknowledged his presence. However, he refused to go into the dock, leaving only the 2nd defendant, Mr. Okoh in the dock.

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Tunji Bello, Commissioner for Envirionment, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, addressing State House correspondents on the death of Nelson Mandela, and Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, during the briefing at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Mandela: Nigeria deserves glory for post-apartheid gains —Fashola BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI with agency report

KEJA — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said that Nigeria deserved respect for the leading role it played in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa. Addressing newsmen on the death of Nelson Mandela in Ikeja, Fashola said the country made huge sacrifices to free South Africa from the pangs of apartheid. He said it was ironical that Nigerians faced daily harassment in South Africa, while those who January 31, 1992. enthroned apartheid got Late Madam Adeniyi is more respect in that survived by four children country. Deaconess Sarah Adunni Fashola also wondered Ifenuga, a retired teacher, why those who promoted Chief Tola Adeniyi Author the suppression of black and Publisher, Prince South Africans through the Olaitan Adeniyi, policy were the same Toromogbe of Arelu fame, people now celebrating and Prince Bola Adeniyi, Mandela the more. “Tribute to Mandela, a para-medical personnel and businessman, and either during his life or after his death, cannot great grand children. really be too much. “We are privileged to share this planet with him. But then, there are more questions than answers. “When you look at the part of the world where ovation is now the loudest, it was the part the pain was the most vicious. In a very cruel irony, history is being reversed. “The people, who collaborated with the Late Madam Adeniyi government that

Chief Tola Adeniyi celebrates late mother

judge, was that Babalakin’s physical appearance be dispensed with pending the determination of the application. Justice Lawal-Akapo in his short ruling on the issue, however, said Babalakin ought to be in court, adding that bails were granted to ensure that defendants were in court at a named date irrespective of

enthroned apartheid at that time, are the people that are paying the biggest tribute now. “But I ask myself: Is this not the time for deep reflection? I doubt if any African country expended as much time, as much money and as much commitment as the Nigerian government," Fashola said.

Court voids NYSC’s power to deny graduates mobilisation BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

AGOS — JUSTICE MOHAMMED Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos has declared as unlawful and ultra vires the decision by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to deny Nigerian graduates participation in the compulsory National Youth Service for not possessing credit passes in O’ Level Mathematics. One Terna Tarka, who was denied mobilisation on the account that he did not have a credit pass in Mathematics in his O’ Level certificate examination, had filed the suit against chairman, National Directorate of NYSC, and the minister, Ministry of Education, as second and third defendants respectively.

60-yr-old man remanded over alleged drug trafficking

AGOS — JUSTICE Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday, remanded a 60-year-old man over alleged unlawful possession of 150.8g of heroin and 12.3g of cocaine Aneke remanded James Ayepe and 33-year-old Ada-Chinenye Njoku, with whom he allegedly committed the crime. The judge remanded Ayepe at the Ikoyi Prisons

and ordered that Njoku should be kept at the Kirikiri Prisons. He remanded the accused pending determination of bail applications filed by their counsel, Mrs. Lilian Omotunde, but opposed by the prosecutor, Mr. Jeremiah Aernan. The accused are standing trial on a four-count charge, but they pleaded not guilty.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Traditionalists, CAN disagree over Osun schools crisis BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

SOGBO — TRADITIONALISTS in Osun State under the aegis of Traditional Worshipers Association have blamed the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state for allegedly inciting Christians against the state government over the recent merger of public primary and secondary schools in the state. The President of the association, Chief Idowu Awopetu, who spoke in Osogbo, yesterday, accused the leadership of CAN in the state of fanning the ember of discord among the people of the state on the education policy of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola led government. He alleged that the leadership of CAN has shown a high level intolerance with adherents of other faiths in the state, pointing out that the recent merger of public schools could not have generated crisis if Christians are accommodating and tolerant of other believers. He described as absurd a statement credited to the state chairman of CAN, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya that the recent merger of schools embarked upon by the state government was capable of triggering terrorism, saying that such statement, capable of causing crisis, should have been avoided by a religious leader. "We expect credible leadership of a religious organisation like CAN to be mindful of their utterances, especially those that can fan the ember of discord in our dear state, knowing the volatile nature of security and religion in our country," he stressed. He also called on security agencies in the state to investigate the CAN chairman over the statement credited to him, just as he warned the CAN Chairman not to provoke the adherents of other faiths in the state. Chief Awopetu recalled that government had since 1975 taken over the ownership of schools from the missionary, and warned the CAN leadership in the state not to refer to any public school as missionary school irrespective of the name it bears. He also challenged the leadership of CAN in the state to present evidence of their contributions to the up-keep of the schools referred to as missionary schools in the last 35 years. CAN reacts Osun State chairman of Christian Association of Nigerian, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya in his reaction to the allegation, said the leadership of the association are people of peace, who have been co-existing with other religous leaders in the state peacefully. “We are not inciting anybody against the government in Osun State. What we are only doing is to protect the interest of Christians in the state and they are equally free to protect the interest of their members too.” C M Y K

Akinnola Foundation honours widows of journalists

NULGE calls for LGs’ autonomy BY OKEY NDIRIBE

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

IDOWS OF journalists, who were killed in a ghastly auto crash on Ilesa- Ife express way on August 2, 2013 during a Nigerian Union of Journalists,NUJ, assignment, yesterday, received the cash sum of N200,000 each from Richard

Akinnola Foundation. The widows are: Mrs. Anthonia Okonkwo, widow of the former National Financial Secretary of NUJ and Mrs. Toyin Ogundeji, widow of late Photo Editor, of Daily Newswatch. Late Okonkwo, who was the NUJ National Financial Secretary, died alongside two other journalists as they were returning to Lagos from Abuja

after attending one of the union's official functions in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. President of the Foundation, Mr. Richard Akinnola, in a statement, pointed out that the Foundation’s Journalists' Widows scheme was established in April 2010, to give succour to the widows of journalists.

PRESENTATION: From left, Mr. Deji Elumoye, Chairman, NUJ, Lagos Council; Mr. Richard Akinnola, founder of Richard Akinnola Foundation, and Mrs. Anthonia Okonkwo, wife of late Adolphus Okonkwo, during the presentation of cash to widows of some deceased journalists by the Foundation, at the NUJ Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Ooni warns against distorting Yoruba history BY GBENGAARIYIBI

DO-EKITI — OONI of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade has warned Yoruba people against allowing the distortion of the history of their race, saying it is causing colossal damage to the people's cultural values. He said this in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, at the formal launch and presentation of a book , 'Ekiti Historical and Royal Compendium.' He stated in a veiled reference to renewed supremacy war between him and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi. Expressing regret that some traditional rulers were re-writing the history of the Yoruba people and attacking the source of the race, Ile-Ife, Oba Sijuade said: "For centuries, Yoruba have no other source than the cradle,

Ile-Ife, the core centre of the great dispersal. Migrants founded cities, communities and kingdoms and unmistakable references are made to no other source at all times. “It is, however, saddening that today the wet blankets are at work. Yoruba tradition generally is being bastardised in all ways. So, the very foundation of the historical antecedents of progenitors and founders of the dynasty are being daily twisted, concocted, reconfigured and rewritten only for personal egos, selfish reasons and individual satisfaction,” Oba Sijuwade said. Responding, legal icon and the Chairman of the occasion, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), urged Oba Sijuwade to maintain peace with all his brother Obas in the interest of unity. "Based on the point your imperial majesty just raised

concerning the distortion of history, I want to advise that Kabiyesi should make peace with all the Yoruba Obas. Meanwhile, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who described the book as a rich collection of history of all the 131 towns in the state, disclosed his government's intention to establish a modern museum that would conserve the state's historical documents and artefacts. Present at the occasion were the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, represented by Special Adviser, Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr. Samuel Odewumi, Oyo State Deputy Governor; Chief Moses Adeyemo, the Yeyelua of Ile Ife, Olori Mojisola Sijuwade, the Chairman of Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Onitaji, Oba Adamo Babalola, among others.

Igbo traders beg Amosun over shops demolition BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — THE Igbo traders in Ogun State whose shops were demolished by officials of the state government for expansion of roads have appealed to the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to ensure fairness and justice in allocation of new shops.

The President-General, Igbo Community Assembly in the state, Chief Anigwe Osita-Martins stated this, weekend, during 2013 Igbo Cultural Day celebration in Abeokuta. Osita-Martins stated that, the affected traders under the Nzuko Ndi Igbo in the state have written governor Amosun over their

plight and had appealed to him to consider them after the completion of the new shops being built by the government across the state. According to the President, Governor Amosun should be commended for his unprecedented urban renewal programme which will help the economy in the state to grow.

A D U N A — ASSOCIATION of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has called on the National Assembly to ensure that local councils in the country were granted autonomy in the on-going constitution amendment. ALGON National President, Mr Nwabueze Okafor, made the call in a speech presented on his behalf by the chairman of the association in Kaduna State, Mr Akuso Danjuma. Okafor specifically called on the Senate to follow the footsteps of the House of Representatives which had already thrown its weight behind the demand of the association for greater freedom. In his remarks on the occasion, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, SAN, stated that the Department of States and Local Government Affairs which was previously under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, had already been transferred to his Ministry for the purpose of providing interface among the three tiers and arms of government. He stated further that the programme aimed to ensure that participatory development approaches were adopted at urban and rural local government areas for effective local development.

Amosun launches homeowners’ charter

HOMEOWNERS Charter designed for Ogun property owners to regularise their land documents will be launched by Governor Ibikunle Amosun next Monday, in Abeokuta. The Homeowners Charter is an intervention to ease the acquisition of building approvals from the state's planning authority for homeowners who register to regularise the documentation of their houses within the six weeks of the launching of the programme. Homeowners can also obtain Certificates of Occupancy within nine months and at hugely discounted rates.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—13

CERTIFICATE FORGERY: Appeal Court strikes out suit against Senator Obende BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—THERE was jubilation in Edo North senatorial district of Edo State, yesterday, following the victory of All Progressives Congress, APC, senator representing the area, Senator Domingo Obende, at the Appeal Court, in Abuja. The senatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Yisa Braimoh, had filed a suit against Obende, alleging that the primary school certificate presented by Obende for the 2011 National Assembly election was forged. But the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati, dismissed the forgery allegation against Obende on January 25, 2012 and awarded N100,000 costs to him. Alhaji Braimoh then approached the Appeal Court after the lower court struck out his suit, saying it was wrongly commenced by originating summons instead of writ of summons. However, in a ruling written by Justice A. Sanusi and Delivered by Justice Tur, the Court of Appeal said the lower court was right in all its submissions on the matter brought before it by Braimoh where it held that the suit was

wrongly instituted. The Appeal Court struck out the suit and reduced the N100,000 earlier awarded by the lower court in favour of Obende to N30,000. The court declared that the matter in dispute could only be resolved by adducing oral evidence and not mere documentary evidence. It concurred with the defence counsel, Mr. Moses

Ofeashi, that the suit “is meant to harass, intimidate, vex and embarrass his client”. Besides, the judge ruled that the court lacked “the jurisdiction to entertain the suit as it is a matter of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.” However, while APC members celebrated on the streets of Akoko Edo and Auchi, Sen-

ator Obende described the ruling as victory for democracy. According to him, “I am very happy with the ruling because this has confirmed that our judiciary is still the last hope of the common man. I hope these people will go and rest now and support me to move our senatorial district forward to complement what Governor Adams Oshiomhole, is doing in the state.”

COCKTAIL: Senator David Dafinone (left) and outgoing Managing Partner, Horwath Dafinone (Chartered Accountants), Mr. Praveen Bhasin, during a cocktail party in honour of Bhasin, in Lagos.

OBIO/AKPOR: Chairman, councillors ignore dissolution order BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT— TWO weeks after Rivers State governor Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, dissolved Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, the Chairman, Mr. Timothy Nsirim and his 17 councillors have refused to hand over to the Head of Local Government Administration, HLGA, in the local government, as directed by the governor. Recall that the elected executives of the council were suspended by the state House of Assembly six months ago. They later secured a court judgment which invalidated the suspension. Barely five days after the court victory, Governor Amaechi dissolved the council. Mr. Nsirim and his councilors have refused to comply with the dissolution, saying the governor lacked powers to sack an elected local government council. Meanwhile, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Azuibike Singer, at a C M Y K

briefing, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, appealed to Nsirim and the councilors to be law abiding, saying they could still go to court to challenge the dissolution if they were not satisfied with the action of the governor. He urged those doing business in the area to pay their taxes and levies at designated banks and not to make payment to any individual. He said: “The people of

Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, banks and private business organisations operating in the area, should not regard or honour any document in form of letter or announcement, signed by Mr. Timothy Nsirim and in view of this, I advise that all doing business in the area, banks and others, should not honour any individual in the name of revenue collection because I understand that

some people are going about impounding people’s vehicles, seizing property in the name of revenue collection. “Please, I want to use this opportunity to warn that since the dissolution, council has not authorised any person to collect revenue on her behalf, we are therefore saying that all those who have not paid their levies and taxes for the year 2013 should pay their revenues at the designated banks.”

Oshiomhole presents 2014 appropriation bill BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN—EDO State governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, will today, present the 2014 appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval. This was disclosed yesterday, by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Uyi Igbe, during plenary. Igbe, who announced the receipt of the governor ’s let-

ter to the House, said the presentation had been slated for 12 noon. The House also received other two letters from the governor, one of which urged it to confirm Mr. Didi Adodo as a commissioner in the State Executive Council, while the second was in respect of the confirmation of Mrs. Ekiuwa Inneh, the immediate past Edo State Head of Service, HOS, as chairman of Edo State Civil Service Commission.

Others nominated by the governor are: Lugard Aimiuwu, Mathew Ogedengbe, the immediate past permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Tony Oshionebo and George Akhimien, as commissioners respectively. The Speaker, however, directed the nominees to submit 30 copies of their curriculum vitae to the house Committee on Rules, Business and Government House with one week to its report.

IUF tasks Isoko political appointees on cooperation

SOKO United Front, IUF, has called on elected and and appointed officials from Isoko ethnic nationality to close ranks and work as one family to attract development and boost the political fortunes of the area. Chairman of IUF, Mr. Francis Ughegbe, who made the call at a meeting of the body at Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, said that unity and oneness were an essential tool to forge greater sense of cooperation among the people. According to him, the division of the area into Isoko South and Isoko North councils should not inhibit the people from working together. He said: “This mere geographical creation must not be allowed to affect the propensity of our people to articulate issues that would enhance our wellbeing. “There’s no better time than now for our people to come together so that collectively, we can pursue our common goals to make our place a better place for all.”

Chief Okpaiche passes on at 80

HIEF Francis Okpaiche, the Olize of Ibrede Kingdom, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 80. He passed on, December 4, in Warri, Delta State. A statement by the family said burial arrangements will be announced later.

Late Chief Okpaiche

14—Vanguard , TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

SA Tourism boss eulogises Mandela

Gov Obi presents more 100 buses to schools

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

W K A — GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State, yesterday, distributed 100 additional buses to public and mission schools in the state, bringing to 300 the number of schools that have so far benefited from the gesture. A total of 500 buses were purchased by the state government for distribution to all the schools in the state and they have been receiving the vehicles in batches. Obi, who distributed the buses at Alex Ekwueme Square, assured that all public and mission schools in the state would receive the vehicles before the end of his tenure, adding that the schools would, in addition, receive generators and computers and would be provided with school clinics and other necessary facilities. Also on the occasion, Obi presented a cheque of N1 million each to four indigenes of the state from different universities who graduated with First Class honors in their various disciplines and assured that the state government would assist them to secure employment in accordance with the policy of his government.

BOOK PRESENTATION: From left: Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Alex Otti, Hon. Oseleka Obase, the celebrant, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme; wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu, Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi and Chairman of the occasion, Elder Uma Eleazu, during a book presentation to mark Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu’s 70th birthday in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ohanaeze adopts APGA as Igbo party BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—THE Pan-Igbo socio cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has adopted the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, as the political party for Ndigbo. Consequently, the group resolved to join forces with the All Progressives

Congress, APC, and other existing parties in the country. President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter, Elder Chris Eluemuno, who disclosed this yesterday in Awka, said the Igbo race needed to have its own political platform as the Yorubas who established the APC. ‘’If Igbos must have its fair share in the scheme of things in this country, it must h ave its own political

party under which it will negotiate on any matter,” Eluemuno declared. He described APGA as an Igbo party which all Igbos must work hard for its success, stressing that the need for Ndigbo to maintain a political platform could not be overemphasized, now that APGA had been able to provide such a platform for all Igbos to identify with. He said the just concluded Anambra State

gubernatorial election result was a reflection of the will of the people of Anambra State, even as he admitted that although the people of the state loved Senator Chris Ngige, they did not want to follow him to APC which had been identified with the Yorubas. Elder Eluemuno also called for a stronger cooperation between the South-South and SouthEast zones of the country. On 2015 Presidential election, Eluemuno called on all and sundry to support President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term of office, adding that the President had done so much for the South-East and the nation in general.

HE CHIEF executive officer of South African Tourism, Mr. Thulani Nzima, has described late Mr. Nelson Mandela as the nation’s most loved loved citizen and the “father of our democracy.” According to him, Nelson Mandela singlehandedly put South Africa on the minds of billions of people around the world. SA Tourism’s first offices outside S-Africa, billed to open in Nigeria today has been postponed in honour of Mandela who passed on last Friday. His words: “Travel anywhere and say you are from South Africa and without a doubt, the first word people will utter is ‘Mandela’. This is because he is not only a hero for all South Africans, forever changing the course of our combined history, but also because his incredible leadership ability, compassion and vision made him a hero for the whole world. “Mandela opened up our beautiful country, once a pariah state, to the rest of the world and his name alone has attracted millions of tourists to South Africa every year. In 1993, the year before Mandela became first democratically elected president, South Africa had 3.4. million international arrivals. In 2012 South Africa welcomed 13.5 million people to the country, of which close to 9.2 million were tourists.”

Court to rule on Anambra LG poll Dec 12 BY VINCENT UJUMADU

C M Y K

WKA—THE Federal High Court, Awka presided over by Hon Justice M.L. Abubakar has reserved ruling to December 12,in an application for interlocutory injunction brought before it by the embattled chairman of the Anambra State Independent Commission, ANSIEC, Professor Titus Eze against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the ANSIEC,

seeking to stop the state government from going ahead with conducting council election on December 21, 2013. At the resumed hearings in the matter yesterday, Prof. Eze, through his lead counsel, Chief Nnamdi Ibegbu, SAN, applied for an injunction to stop the scheduled election pending the determination of the substantive suit. The main suit according to Chief Ibegbu bothers on the position of the chairman.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—15

2015: Nigeria won’t disintegrate, affirms Kanu, Adebanjo BY IKENNAASOMBA, PRISCA

SAM-DURU&VERASAMANYAGAFU

AGOS—FOLLOWING political intrigues rocking the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections, former Military Governor of Imo and Lagos states and a leader of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, yesterday, said the country would not disintegrate. Noting, however, that Nigeria is currently at crossroads, he said only dialogue among the various ethnic nationalities could keep the country together. Kanu, who spoke at the presentation of his book, entitled: “Nigeria: The Unfinished Business, Selected Speeches of Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos, expressed optimism that the country would not disintegrate come 2015, as, according to him, the bond holding the nation together is very strong.

decide how they want to live together, and for them to have a final say on that decision, Nigeria would be better for it. I must say that what is important today, in this country is that we need a constitution that will bind us together. Whether Jonathan is going to contest or not in 2015 is not paramount. It’s a secondary issue. We need to have a constitution that the people agree upon, not an imposed one like the 1999 constitution. So, once the outcome of the national conference is implemented the way the people decided through a referendum, without anybody amending it, the unity of the country is certain.

Confab more important

“For me, the national conference is more important than

the 2015 general elections because we can’t continue to conduct elections on a fraudulent constitution. The 1999 constitution must be changed. We need to have a new constitution that will detail how we are going to live together as one Nigeria. It’s only the people’s constitution that will tell the future and progress of this country.” The 260-page book containing about 21 selected speeches of Admiral Kanu was co-authored by Messrs Ndubuisi Ofondu, Ogbonna Oleka and Kalu Onuma. It was, however, reviewed by Rev. Okey Ifionu, former Deputy Managing Director of ThisDay Newspapers. Kanu said: “I thank you all for the honour you have done me by your presence at this greatful

occasion. I thank my colleagues who are also still in this struggle for a better Nigeria, where justice and egalitarianism will hold supreme. I have no doubt that there might be some imperfection in the book, or some issues which some people might not be on the same page with me. “However, I know I still have a lot to do, especially through the forum NADECO, towards attaining a nation-state that this country ought to be. As 2015 general elections is around the corner and 2014, when Nigeria would attain 100 years of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates, we are at the crossroad. Nigeria now is just like a coin with two faces.”

Adebanjo on Jonathan

His view was also shared by NADECO and Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who said that those agitating that President Goodluck Jonathan should not contest the 2015 election should have a re-think, as according to him, the forthcoming national conference is more important than the election. Expressing optimism that Nigeria would not disintegrate, he said: “I don’t believe Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015, like many pessimists but it will not be the same. If as the President has embarked upon a national conference, and he carries it through, allows Nigerians to

INDUCTION: Wale Ajisebutu, Vice-chairman/CEO, 21st Century Telecommunications Limited (left) was at the weekend inducted into the Africa Digital Awards, ADA, Hall of Fame. Here, Ajisebutu receives the plaque commemorating his induction from Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

ICPC accuses Customs officials of manipulating ports clearance processes BY OCHAYI & CALEB

AYANSINA

BUJA—THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, yesterday, accused Nigeria Customs Service officials for manipulating clearance processes at the ports to shortchange government for personal gain. According to the agency, that explains the apathy displayed by the Nigeria Customs Service towards sanitising the ports. The commission in a report on the Corruption Risk Assessment in the Port sector, also identified lack of codes of conduct, weak enforcement and underdeveloped system

for investigating complaints as major problems militating against effectiveness of the country’s port system. The report, which covered Lagos, Calabar, Warri, Port-

Harcourt and Onne Ports is a result of six-month project supported by United Nations Development programme, UNDP, and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network,

MACN, and executed by ICPC, Technical Unit on Governance and AntiCorruption Reforms, TUGAR, and the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

FG, Bank of Agric sign N2.4bn deal on cassava bread devt

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

BUJA—THE federal government and the Bank of Agriculture, BOA, last weekend signed a N2.4 billion Memorandum of Understanding, to facilitate the processing of cassava flour for self-sufficiency in bread production and consumption. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr.

Akinwumi Adesina, stressed the need for the cooperation of the two organisations to provide support for cassava farmers and bakers to ensure adequate production and supply of cassava bread to Nigerians. He further emphasized that farmers were to produce cassava under mechanised conditions.

Adesina said: “Today is another day that marks a giant step in our effort to free ourselves from dependency on food imports, because as a country God has blessed us tremendously with resource; land, water, cheap labour, hard working citizens, large population that is supposed to be eating what we produce.“

Ajisebutu inducted into ADA Hall of Fame

AGOS — WALE Ajisebutu, Vicechairman/ CEO, 21st Century Technologies Limited, a top ICT powerhouse was, weekend, inducted into the ADA Hall of Fame, organised by Africa Digital Forum and Awards, ADA, in recognition of his foresight and courage in the telecoms industry. Ajisebutu, alongside Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former EVC of NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, ATCON President, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, and president, Nigeria Internet Group, NIG, Bayo Banjo, and others were honoured for their roles in the development and growth of the nation's ICT sector. At Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, the organisers lauded Ajisebutu, saying he is an example of a Nigerian who has brought value, candour and simplicity to the information and communications technology space. A man of very few words, Ajisebutu has built one of Nigeria’s largest ICT hubs, 21st Century Technologies Limited, 21CTL, a fully mobilised and well positioned converged multi-service provider with arms and legs in telecommunications; software; online marketplace; ICT training and more. Responding on behalf of the inductees, Ajisebutu dedicated the honour to the over 600 staff of 21CTL and paid glowing tributes to Governor Aregbesola for encouraging telecommunications when he was a Lagos State Works commissioner.

Maku blasts Kaduna power plant contractor

ADUNA—THE Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defence, Mr. Labaran Maku, yesterday, berated the contractor handling the Kudenda Electricity power plant, Kaduna. The minister was reacting to the project Manager, when the National Good Governance Tour Team, NGGT inspected the progress of work at the project site. The project manager, Mr. Smart Ukauwa, had earlier told the team that the project, was originally planned to be completed in December this years but suffered a set back due to variations as a result of the relocation from Kakuri to Kudenda and this necessitated a shift in completion date.

16— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 17

WENTY years ago, on 26th T December, 1993, I was cornered by armed-robbers on

the way from Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos. When I slammed into a lamppost trying to escape from them, I heard a “still, small voice” which said: “Femi, nothing is going to happen to you here.” Thereafter, I was shot in the leg. Nevertheless, the voice insisted: “There is nothing wrong with your leg.” As my wife ran down the road screaming for help after the departure of the robbers, I calmly reassessed the situation, wondering what “nothing” meant. Although I was bleeding profusely from the bullet-wound, all I could see was the finger of God.

The day of my resurrection from the dead

Food-for-thought In spite of slamming into a lamppost at top speed, nobody in our car was hurt. We had no seat-belts on. Nevertheless, I did not even hit my chest on the steering-wheel. Five-year-old Femi-Kevin, sitting between my wife and me, could easily have been flung through the windscreen. But God, in his infinite mercy, did not allow that to happen. I discovered that the lamppost, which I thought had scuttled my plans, had actually saved my life. My daredevil escape-plan was suicidal. The road was a descending flyover. Without the lamppost, I would have driven clean off the road headlong onto another road down below where cars were moving in the opposite direction. As it was, the lamppost was a lifesaver in that it broke the fall. God used this to show me that reliance on my ability could prove to be disastrous. But the biggest imponderable of all had to do with t he

nothing wrong with my leg.” Suddenly, she burst out laughing. She laughed and laughed. I have thought about that laughter so many times since that day and have yet to understand it. Did she laugh because she thought I was crazy? Was she just relieved at the deliverance? She has not been able to explain it to me herself. The x-ray revealed that the bullet had splintered a bone. The doctors said only after the fracture had been dealt with would they bother with the bullet since it was not lifethreatening. Therefore, the wound was treated and my leg encased in a plaster-of-Paris and I had to walk with crutches.

Hospital evangelists In all, I spent five days in EKO

Hospital. Those five days were remarkable because of uninvited visitors who came to see me while I was there. They were Christian evangelists who

There is a bullet in my leg, but there is nothing wrong with my leg

gunshot. The bullet pierced the

body of our car and came out on the inside. Had it continued in its trajectory, it would have hit me in the stomach. Failing that, it would have hit little Femi-Kevin. But having come through the car-door, the bullet did something strange. It changed direction inexplicably and headed downwards, burying itself in my left leg below the knee. God used a young lady belonging to Zoe Ministries to rescue us. She came with my wife in a taxi, and I was rushed to the nearby EKO hospital. On getting there, the nurses quickly wheeled me into an emergency-ward where the first order of the day was to have an x-ray on my broken leg. But I felt again a pressing need to reassure my wife. So I appealed to the nurses that I needed to talk to her. When she came, I said to her: “Karen, there is a bullet in my leg, but there is

go from bed-to-bed in hospitals witnessing to the sick. In my five days at EKO Hospital, I became hostage to quite a number of these people. Under normal circumstances, I would not have given them the time of day. But stuck in a hospital bed, I was entirely at their mercy. I noticed that, in the main, they were shabbily dressed. Most of them also spoke very bad English. (Such irrelevancies were important to me then.) Nevertheless, they all spoke with great conviction about things I did not learn in all my nine years of university education and ten years of working in a research institute. It was clear to me from their terms of reference that the one basic source of their knowledge was the bible. Therefore, once I left the hospital, I buried my nose in a bible, read it voraciously and it turned my world upside down.

brother especially) were trying to confuse me. Biodun laughed derisively at me. He said: “If you are so convinced you are healed, why don’t you have another x-ray?” Later that day, I thought again about what he said. I was just learning then to discern the voice of God. I thought: “Why would Biodun tell me to have another x-ray when he does not even believe in divine healing?” I concluded it was not Biodun who was talking to me. It must have been the Lord talking through him. So I decided to have another x-ray that same day. When I got to the x-ray center, the attendant insisted I needed a doctor ’s prescription. I told him if he checked his notebook he would discover I had been there the week before with a doctor ’s note. “There was something wrong with that xray,” I insisted. “That is why I have returned.” After some reluctance, he told me to go and sit down. He would call me when it was my turn.

Jehovah-Ropheka

An accident victim I am fully convinced the Lord had been trying to get my attention for a long time before then, but I was not interested. However, in the middle of a lifethreatening attack, my ears were finally opened. I say this now to the amusement of some, but with all seriousness. In order for me to really know the Lord, I had to be shot by armedrobbers.

Whose report?

rayer became the new departure in my life. Once I started praying, the voice of the Lord that had comforted me during the armed-robbery attack returned. “Femi,” he said to me, “I allowed you to be shot because I wanted you to see yourself using crutches. You have been using crutches all your life. I decided to show it to you physically otherwise you would never know.” Then he asked me: “Can a man walk properly with crutches?” I answered: “No.” He continued: “That is what you have been doing. You have been trusting in chariots and in horses. Now listen to me Femi, put down your crutches and walk.” “But my leg is broken,” I protested. “No,” he said, “there is nothing wrong with your leg. It is not about your leg. It is about your faith. I want you to walk by trusting in me, without using any crutches whatsoever.” The more I thought about it, the more I realised that my “crutches” were actually my

designer shoes. My crutches were precisely those things I thought gave me an edge. They were my pedigree; my educational background; my presumed intelligence and, at that time, my buoyant finances. But how could I comfortably drop such “crutches” and walk confidently without them? I did drop my crutches, but I could not walk. I just hobbled about on one leg in my bedroom. But that did not matter to me anymore. Since the Lord said I was alright, I was convinced that I was healed. However, when I announced to my relatives and friends that Jesus had healed my leg, nobody believed me. Why would they believe when I was still using my crutches? With nobody prepared to validate my healing, I decided to go for an x-ray. My brother, Biodun, is a medical-doctor. He gave me a prescription which I took to an x-ray center. When I got the result, I was heartbroken. The x-ray showed the bone was still broken. Biodun rubbed salt in the wound by giving me calcium tablets to facilitate the healing. He said, in his professional opinion, my leg would take nothing less than another eight weeks to heal.

Divine directive I saw him again exactly one week later. When his father-inlaw asked after my broken leg, I affirmed it was healed in Jesus’ name, but complained that these doctors (including my

t took roughly forty-five minutes for me to be called for my x-ray. Those forty-five minutes were some of the most dramatic in my life. As soon as I sat down in the waiting-room, someone, an invisible person, started molding my broken leg. I was not imagining it: it was real. It went on non-stop for the entire duration of my wait. To use a tired cliché, it completely blew my mind. Let me try to put this in some perspective. There I was, a man who had lived by my wits all my life. I did not believe in ghosts. For me, “seeing is believing.” And yet someone invisible was physically working on my broken leg. Moreover, he was doing so in a manner no human-being could have done; from the inside of the plaster. I sat there looking at the faces of the people in the waiting-room. I asked myself: “Do people really know this kind of thing is possible?” After forty-five minutes, I was called in to do the x-ray. The result was a foregone conclusion. It fulfilled the prophecy spoken by the Lord to my wife through my own lips at the time of the armedrobbery attack: “There is a bullet in my leg; but there is nothing wrong with my leg.” Hallelujah! Today, I have two x-ray momentos at home, readily available for inspection by allcomers. Both of them came from the same x-ray center in Ayinde Giwa Street, Surulere, Lagos. Both are signed by the same man: O.O. Sanusi. These x-rays are dated only seven days apart. The one shows a broken bone in my left leg: the other shows a completely healed leg. “Sing, O heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.” (Isaiah 44:23).

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18 Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 HE sad crash of Associated Airlines plane just outside the perimeter fence of the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammad Airport, Lagos not long ago, exposed, once again, an ugly side of our society, which has become a regular occurrence. As soon as the crash took place, people rushed to the processing of accident scene. scene. Majority of them were genuine Time has come when the authorities sympathisers eager to lend a helping specially set up to deal with these sorts hand to save fellow Nigerians, dead or of emergencies engaged the public to dying, from a most traumatic accident. partner with them in securing crash But among these were hoodlums, sites against the invasion of thieves and whose primary agenda was to rob the looters, whose activities invariably comvictims of their material belongings. promise investigation that helps to These are usually the first to arrive acprevent future occurrences. cident scenes because it ensures they There is also need for the government, would be able to loot as much as possible the media and civil society to debunk before the law enforcement agents and the notion that air travel is a pastime, well-meaning rescuers would arrive. It which the rich and the corrupt engage is a pity that it is these evil people that in to show off their affluence. Views always get there first rather than the law being expressed by many commentators enforcement personnel and other in the social media networks give the imspecialised agents trained and pression that plane crashes are like equipped for rescue operations, who judgements pronounced on the rich and ought to get there first and secure the corrupt. It is this mentality that drives scene to enable full, professional

Crash-sit eR obberies Crash-site Robberies

urchins, who invade crash sites to commence orgies of looting of victims. Our people must be made to understand that air travel is part and parcel of modern society; just another means of transport. Every person, irrespective of their social standing, will have the opportunity or need to travel by air some time in their lives. They must also understand that the wealthy people are not necessarily the enemies of the poor and vice versa. Not every so-called wealthy person is corrupt or achieved that status by oppressing the poor. We live in a society, where social mobility is free. Nigeria is not one of those societies, where the poor have no hope. The truth is that those, who engage in this evil act also practise it upon road accident victims, which shows the act for what it really is: Evil criminality that every right thinking member of society must shrink from. The law enforcement agents, on getting to crash sites of any sort, must be prepared to apprehend culprits, parade them and visit the full weight of law on them.

OPINION BY ROMANUS UWA

HEAD the 2015 general elections, major stakeholders in Abia Central senatorial district of Abia State recently gathered in Umuahia, the state capital, to brainstorm on their political future. In attendance were who-is-who in the zone, including academics such as Prof. Joshua Ogbonna and others. One of the highpoints of the gathering was the adoption of the incumbent governor of the state, Dr. Theodore Ahamefula Orji as the consensus senatorial candidate of the zone in 2015. The adoption to majority of the people was not a surprise, considering the achievements of the Governor so far, especially since his government liberated the state from the claws of an influential godfather. It is obvious that Governor Orji inherited in 2007 a decayed, crisis-ridden, security compromised and highly indebted state begging for attention from an altruistic leader. Like the Biblical Nehemiah, Governor Orji took up the gauntlet at the risk to life and that of his family to fight and liberate the people and at the same time put smiles on their faces. Today, the state that was once a no-go-area because of kidnapping, assassination and other vices is one of the most peaceful states in the country. The state where there were no access roads, basic amenities, and unity of purposes among the people can now boast of many access roads, modern hospitals, human empowerment, and other legacy projects completed and ongoing across the state.

Adoption of Gov. Orji as consensus senatorial candidate Apart from this, the present occupant of the senatorial seat since 2007, Mrs Nkechi Nworgu is from Ngwa. So in the interest of fairness and equity, it will be the turn of Umuahia people to take over the seat in 2015. Also Governor Orji has unequivocally made it clear that come 2015, the Ngwa people will produce his successor. A position that has narrowed the quest and agitation for his successor to the people of Ngwa. Orji’s early clear position on the matter has doused the political tension in the state, and set the tone for the 2015 elections. With Orji’s position concerning the matter, it is clear that his words are his bond. What a visionary and equitable leadership disposition in an unpredictable political climate like ours. So the adoption of Governor Orji to represent his people in the Senate in 2015 is not only welcome, it is well deserved because one good turn deserves another. Governor Orji, despite the stumbling blocks and political landmines laid for him by his predecessor has shown that through dint of hardiwork, dedication, people’s support, and trust in God, all things are possible. Looking at his achievements since the liberation, it is crystal clear that what his government's achievement would have been greater, if not for the distraction and challenges he encountered in the hand of the political detractors from inception. Expectedly, Governor Orji’s adoption has jolted some few cynics in the state. But some undisputable facts which even Orji’s political enemies cannot fail to

acknowledge or wish away is that he has been a good representative of the people right from his childhood till today. It is also a fact that his life has been synonymous with selfless service to humanity. His performance with limited resources at his disposal becomes more obvious when you consider what he met on ground when he came into office in 2007. While it is obvious that the beneficiaries of such adoption in the past were the ones that indirectly influenced it, Gov. Orji’s case was quite different in the sense that it was his people who have been consistently pressing him to accept the gesture. However, Gov. Orji is yet to succumb to the pressure. He has rather decided to concentrate on piloting the affairs of the state by providing good governance to people, and ensuring that his government will complete all the ongoing and yet-to- start projects in the state before leaving office in 2015. This shows that he is not a typical Nigerian politician who is desperate for power by all means. Most of his colleagues who had such endorsement did not hesitate in jumping for it; in fact they went the extra mile to influence it. Immediately, it comes to them, governance will take the back seat. Some have even asked why the adoption of Gov Orji as a consensus senatorial candidate for Abia Central zone in 2015 by the people of the zone after being a governor for eight years. But then they have failed to understand that the beauty of democracy is that the majority will have their way, while minority have their say. So there is nothing

absolutely wrong in people of the zone overwhelmingly adopting Gov. Orji as a consensus candidate. It is a clear testimony that he is and has been a worthy ambassador of his people in whom they are well pleased. This will serve as a lesson for elected political office holders, and those aspiring for elective offices across the country that performance and antecedents will stand them in good stead in the polls. There is nothing wrong with the adoption, and Gov. Orji should accept it. After all, Senator Buka Abba Ibrahim was the governor of Yobe State for eight years . He has been the senator representing Yobe East Senatorial district since 2007. His wife, Khadija Bukar, is the member representing Yobe, Damatura/ Gujba/ Gulani/Tarmuwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2011. Apart from Senator Ibrahim and his wife, there are other former governors that were voted in by their people as senators. They include former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje; his Plateau State counterpart, Joshua Dariye; Dr. Chris Ngige of Anambra State; Senator Bukola Saraki of Kwara State and so many others. Governor Orji’s adoption by his people is constitutional and in line with democratic norms. The only option left for those opposed to it is for them to try their luck against him in the poll in 2015, if he later accepts the gesture from his people to run for the seat. *Uwa, a medical practitioner, wrote from Aba, Abia State.

19—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

ONDAY morning, specifically November 25, 2013, Nigeria’s biggest drama in decades is about to begin. The main actors begin to arrive. They are led by a former General, Muhammed Buhari, with his favourite side-kick and former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who sees himself and has been acknowledged as the leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC. When Tinubu saunters into the reception hall of the official residence of the Kano Governor, his former sworn foe and former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola is there with both hands to shake him. In toe is Chief Bisi Akande, who got the traditional prostration from Oyinlola. In between the drama, steps in the Niger State Governor, and the state chief executive who prefers to be addressed as the chief servant of the state, Dr. Muazu Aliyu Babangida. Not many know a coup is in the offing, even though political enemiesof President Goodluck Jonathan, including one from Rivers State who continues to say he respects the President, but will not stop undermining him, are there. Midway into the political coup, the Niger snake in the monkey shadow steps out of the meeting. He is followed by Kwara Governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed. Some journalists, keeping vigil at the meeting,think there is a crack, whatever the kind of meeting that is going on among the strange bedfellows that are massed there.

When the meeting ends and the coup speech is read by a less than coordinated new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, chieftain, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, it is a bombshell! Many suspect that the Niger Governor, who is conspicuously (others think, conveniently) absent when the communiqué declaring that the nPDP and the renegade G7 Governors had merged, is up to his usual “actor” moves. He has not been short of them since he came to power in a manner that surprised tested politicians in the State. In his usual deft footwork, like his namesake in Niger State, he dissociates himself from the merger of the nPDP and the G7 Governors and the APC within an hour; never mind that bumbling Baraje told the press that he got permission, like AbdulFatah Ahmed, to step out of the meeting to attend to other matters. Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu’s spokesman, quickly rushes on air to say his boss is not part of the merger. Aliyu’s deputy, Musa Ibeto, follows suit to exonerate his boss, but for 48 hours, the Governor does not utter a word. What manner of man is this who keeps mute when silence is not golden? But confusion continues to trail the merger or “working together” as it has been variously described. Even Baraje, in his press conference, is not too sure. In the same breath, he says an agreement has been signed and an agreement is going to be signed. Sule Lamido thunders that he is not part of the merger, but knowing him to hobnob with men like Rabiu Kwankwaso and

If Jonathan wields the big stick, he may bring sanity to the body politic and douse the selfinflicted tension by his party men

Aliyu, his thunder may be a drum beat. Many who know Lamido say he is a man of his words. Murtala Nyako, the drama king Obasanjo foisted on democrats in the North Eastern state of Adamawa, is in a class of his own. The white-bearded former Navy chief now knows the hard truth: that Bamanga Tukur will suffocate him out of the party. In Adamawa, where he thinks all will be well, he is learning the hard way that not everyone wants him in the APC; as the man Tinubu, Buhari, and others go to reconcile him with the APC, Mark Gundiri bares his fang, describing Nyako as a political liability and one contaminated with a political virus capable of destroying any party. He advises Nyako to go look for another political platform. n Kwara, political observers are not sure it is the Governor that speaks, believing that it is the son of the late strongman of Kwara politics who is muscling the Governor to take a position he does not believe in. But the confusion does not end there. Is there actually an agreement? Extracts from a news report in the Daily Trust newspapers speaks volumes: “..., The Abubakar Baraje-led group of defectors announced that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the APC, though

The ZiK legacy: Redressing a national disconnect BY IKE AROH

HE birth of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital came as a result of the genuine aspirations of the people in the present Anambra, Imo, and parts of Delta and Abia states, who hitherto had to travel hundreds of kilometres of bad roads to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, to receive specialised hospital care services. This aspiration of the people was backed by the government desire to provide quality health care for the citizenry and also an opportunity to train some of the teeming youths who are qualified and desirous to make medical practice and other professional training allied to medicine as a profession. But today, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, as the symbol and representative value of Zik’s legacy of championing the aspirations of the people, is under serious threats of infrastructural and development constraints; to such an extent that NAUTH, still operating from the temporal site, do significantly diminish the stature of Zik as a national, continental and global democracy icon. The hospital was established via the Anambra State Edict N0. 10 of 1988. Its present location though temporal, along the Old Onitsha Road, was formally the Nnewi General Hospital under the

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Anambra State Health Management Board. The hospital was officially handed over to the Anambra State University of Technology Teaching Hospital Management Board, on June 6, 1990, and was commissioned on Friday July 19, 1991. It was taken over by the Federal Government as Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in September 1992. This attempt to draw attention to the history of NAUTH is to portray in proper perspective the constraints to meaningful growth and development as a result of the hospital having to remain for decades at the temporary site. It helps to strike a balance between the present level of development at the permanent site and also offer a useful insight into the limited range of funding from the Federal Government for the development of NAUTH since inception. This also provides immediate basis and content for fruitful and significant appraisal of the range of problems involved in the development of NAUTH, as a national institution befitting the stature and eminence of a national and continental hero- the great Zik of Africa. It is valid and worth saying, even in order to remind ourselves, that our culture and other cultures have known and accepted the fact that it does confer legitimacy and value-added sense of belonging and national pride, the application of the names of past national

the contents were not disclosed.” Spokesman for the group, Chukwemeka Eze issues a statement in which he says a power-sharing agreement is still being considered, and that it is only after the details have been worked out that the merger will be consummated. The drama does not end there. Eze thereafter sends a text message to reporters saying that the memorandum of understating has been signed by the two sides. “Please I am just being corrected by the national chairman, Alh. A. K. Baraje, that the MOU has been signed and the merger has been effected,” he says in a text message. In the first statement, Eze says a committee has been set up by the two merging parties to work out “conditions of the merger.” He says the “merger deal will spell out how to ‘share positions.’ We have to agree on what will go to us and what will go to (them). That is what the committee is still working on and nobody has signed the MOU.” Eze after that says the merger agreement has been signed; he does not specify the conditions and the details of how positions will be shared between the two sides. With the confusion, it is increasingly clear that the merger is not well thought out, and for many who enjoy the sympathy of the opposition, the whole drama does not show that the opposition men are any better than the PDP. It appears that the group, rushing into the APC, is merely afraid of the sledge hammer of the PDP. It therefore decides to rush from under the umbrella to hide under the broom. The broom men are gloating as astonished umbrella men continue to wonder what kind of Tsunami hit them. But the Tsunami, apart from the noise in the media, looks a failed

BY FRANCIS EHIGIATOR

APC/nPDP merger drama: Snakes in the monkey shadow

The provision of care by the NAUTH might be of the highest technical quality, but the temporary location cannot make for effective healthcare service delivery

heroes and icons to edify institutions and places. It helps to give future generations proper nationalistic orientation. This is the imperative, at this time, as we prepare to celebrate the centenary of our existence as a nation, to bring to bear on the Nigerian national consciousness and focus, the state of one of the institutions in Nigeria that bears the name of one of our founding fathers. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital has several centres for community medicine and primary health care. There are also two specialised centres for eye and trauma, located in Onitsha (Guinness Eye Centre) and Oba (Trauma Centre), respectively. The spread of NAUTH’s community health care centres across Anambra State is projected to ensure initiation and implementation of programmes and other activities aimed at the provision of quality and timely healthcare services to the people, and at costs they can afford. It also envisions an increase in the quality and life expectancy of Nigerians by ensuring reduction of incidences of both communicable and non-communicable

gambit with the rash of meetings and fears that some aggrieved individuals in the APC, who distanced themselves from the PDP in the first place because of certain individuals, now find they are back in the same boat. Lawmakers in the National Assembly are treading softly, fearing they can lose their seats because of the crafting of the law, despite the assurances from Baraje. The like of Asiwaju Tinubu and Chief Akande, though statesmen in their own sights and rights, appear to relish drama, and finding a willing tool in a normally conservative Buhari, who tags along them to win popularity, not for himself, but for them, delight Nigerians who love drama. In the face of the confusion, it appears that the problem is not President Jonathan, but a party chairman who starts a battle with his state governor over control of the PDP machinery in the state, because both men want to install their sons as governor. The question that continues to nag watchers is whether the President will continue to take flaks for his bumbling party men and aides even if it paints him in bad light. If Jonathan wields the big stick the way one of his predecessors in the recent past did, he may bring sanity to the body politic and douse the self-inflicted tension by his party men and their band of treacherous followers who want him to look incompetent and divert attention from his achievements because 2015 is on its way. It is time to act, and thwart the antics of all these snakes in the monkey shadow.

*Mr. Ehigiator, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

diseases with the aim of meeting the global target on the eradication of diseases and infirmities. Quality of care in health service delivery is the extent to which actual care is in conformity with set criteria for good care. Quality of care has two aspects, namely: * The quality of the provision of care within the institution. * The quality of the care as experienced by the users. The provision of care by the medical personnel and staff of NAUTH might be of the highest technical quality, but the pertinent and central factor of the current lack of space for admission of patients, provision of offices for consultants and other categories of personnel, and the congestion of people, facilities, vehicles and service units within the temporary location cannot make for effective and efficient healthcare service delivery. History is replete with the importance and significant role of economic intervention measures in advancing the growth and development of nations, corporate organisations and institutions, at crucial periods in their growth and development process. The need for the Federal Government intervention measure for NAUTH to relocate to its permanent site has basis in history. The administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo did grant the University of Jos Teaching Hospital presidential grant as an intervention take-off fund to enable the hospital move to its permanent site.

*Mr. Aroh, a public affairs analyst, wrote fromNnewi, Anambra State.

20 Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 21

Developing right infrastructure critical to attracting foreign investors —Adebari BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

FORUM: From left: Mr. Esaie Diei, Group Head, Prepaid Cards, UBA Plc; Mrs. Bimpe Ogunleye, Managing Director, Bowen Microfinance Bank Ltd; Mr. Samuel Osinkolu, Head of Accounts, Octopus Microfinance Bank Ltd and Mrs Itohan Iyalla, Product Manager, UBA Prepaid Card Merchant Business at the UBA Prepaid Card Partners Forum for Microfinance Banks, in Lagos.

Omatek engages CBN, BOI on single digit funding rate … bounces back to profitability By PETER EGWUATU OMATEK Plc has disclosed plans to engage the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Bank of Industry, BOI on a single digit funding rate that would assist small and medium companies raise working capital, even as the company bounces back to profitability. Group Managing Director, Omatek Plc, Dr. Florence Seriki, who disclosed this

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RENMINBI

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+58.00

16.59

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111.41

+0.43

111.41

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CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA

during the presentation of company’s fact behind figures to the capital market community in Lagos, said that Omatek is making effort to source for cheaper offshore funding. According to her “Since our main manufacturers are same for the foreign brands, whose source of funding is via the LIBOR rate and our products are all over Africa now, competing with the foreign brands, we have no choice than to look for cheaper source of finance. Equally we are

154.73 155.23 253.1692 253.9873 211.5623 212.246 172.7283 173.2864 1.5149 1.5198 0.3017 0.3117 236.7001 237.465 25.4397 25.5224 41.2525 41.3858 28.356 28.4476 237.4641 238.2315

SELLING 155.73 254.8054 212.9296 173.8446 1.5247 0.3217 238.2299 25.6051 41.5191 28.5392 238.9988

CBN Exchange rate as at 09/12/2013

working with the Bank of Industry, BOI and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for single digit funding in order to compete with foreign brands that borrow at LIBOR rate and procure their raw materials from the same factories with us.” It should be noted that LIBOR stands for the London Interbank Offered Rate and refers to a set of interest rates banks pay each other to borrow money for very short period of time. While explaining the difficulties in securing cheap fund from local banks, Seriki, said, local banks are not able

to understand our transaction dynamics and accommodate our pioneering structure and supply chain management; in order to understand the right kind of funding structure required for our factory and the distribution companies. We do not import finished products and our distribution company cannot establish letters of credits for their finished products as ordered by their clients. They pay the factory for finished products and the factory in turn can only purchase what is in stock. The factory cannot also await orders from the distribution company before replenishing its raw materials inventory because of the lead and transit time required.” Commenting on the company ’s financial positions, the Omatek boss stated that Omatek has bounced back to profitability, while assuring shareholders that they have invested in the future and in a very viable venture that its results was definitely to be reaped from the day they had invested. In her words, “We had not only survived the storm but had a very successful private placement that led to our being listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. We had moved from a company with only one founder/shareholder to three shareholders and to over 6000 shareholders. We have come out of a situation of a Small Medium Enterprise, SME scheme.” Continuing, she said, “Our result showed our effort in managing our expenses despite rising costs as our administration expenses reduced by 15 per cent from N380million in 2011 to N323million in 2012. The drastic reduction in Finance income from ¦ 12million to about ¦ 2million demonstrate our capabilities in managing relationships with our Bankers and Financiers. We have had impressive growth; recording a turnover that grew by 275 per cent in 2012 from a figure of N367m in 2011 to underscore the series of efforts made to expand the service and product portfolio of Omatek.”

AYOR Rotimi Adebari, a Nigeria born Irish Politician, has stressed the need for Ogun State government to build critical infrastructure if it must attract the right kind of foreign investments. He stated this while delivering a keynote address at the Ogun State Indigenes Forum held in Abuja recently. Speaking on ‘Investment in infrastructure and its importance to Economic and social development in Ogun State’ Adebari decried the inadequacy and decay of infrastructure in the country, saying that for the country to move forward and improve standard of living, right infrastructure must be developed and existing ones in poor shape fixed. He said: “Our country suffers from underdeveloped road and rail systems, rudimentary and unstable electricity supply, poor pipe borne water-supply and sanitation systems. Research has shown that when infrastructural projects are completed, it helps increase society’s wealth and its citizen’s standard of living. I am not in doubt that the ongoing infrastructure investments efforts of Ogun State government e.g. rebuilding roads and constructing bridges will improve citizen’s standard of living when completed. “It is important to note that infrastructure has a bearing on a state’s attractiveness to foreign investors and on its ability to compete with other jurisdictions. It includes the basic services and facilities required for businesses to compete and grow. Business requires infrastructure; therefore, business growth can be limited by poor infrastructure development. Surveys by The World Bank reveal investors citing reliable infrastructure as an important consideration in their investment decisions.” He emphasized that infrastructure is a key measure of a country’s position on the global stage, adding that, ‘it is the second pillar that is assessed by the World Economic Forum when determining the competitiveness of a nation (institutions, being the first).” Explaining further, Adebari further noted that, “research has shown that well designed infrastructure investments can raise economic growth, productivity and land values, while also providing significant positive spillover to areas such as economic development, energy efficiency and public health. It goes without saying that poorly planned, non-strategic, infrastructure investments are not only a waste of resources, but can negatively impact future economic growth. With limited funding available, it is important to select investments that will provide the greatest return, be it economic or social.”

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

HAT was the response of the Nigeria Insurance Deposit Corporation (NDIC) to the plight of those who invested in the failed public offers of Allstate Trust Bank and Trade Bank. Recall that some weeks ago, Investors Forum published an article titled, CBN, SEC, where is investors money in Allstate Trust and Trade Bank. The article was in response to complaint by some investors who participated in the failed public offers, but have not been repaid, as directed by SEC. Last week, at the annual workshop organised by NDIC for Business Editors and Financial Journalists, Investors Forum tabled these complaints before the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim. Below is his response. “We have received enquiries and in fact we were taken to court by an insurance company that placed money with Allstates Trust Bank at one point in time or the other, with the hope that they will partake in that aborted IPO. Ordinarily, the banks are expected to set up an escrow account with the Central Bank, so that in the event of failure or over-subscription the funds will be returned. Unfortunate-

10, 2013

Investors in failed offer by Allstate Trust, Trade Bank to wait long

From left: Mr Adewuyi Alawusa, newly elected Publicity Secretary; Mr Adeyinka Hassan, outgoing Chairman; Mrs Funmi Ekundayo; Managing Director, Skye Trustees, Otunba Francis Meshioye, elected chairman and Mrs Faustina Igwebuike,, new Vice Chairman at the Annual General Meeting of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, in Lagos. ly, from all indications those funds were mismanaged, by those banks that happened to be in liquidation. So we came on board after the event had taken place, and as liquidators, and we have priority of claims. We were even taken to the National Assembly by this same insurance company, and after all the explanation, the National Assembly committee could not

do anything because it is a legal issue. They are ordinary claimants, they are not depositors. They are creditors therefore they have to wait until we have funds either from recoveries of debts or sale of assets of Allstates Trust Bank. Our main priorities is to pay insured depositors, and later uninsured depositors, and then creditors, service providers, like PHCN or Water Board

or landlord to Allstate Bank. That is what we told the insurance company. They went to court but I am sure there is no way they can succeed. They have sent series of complaints to the central bank on the same issue. The same applies to Trade Bank. This is the reality”. For the purpose of those who may not be too familiar with NDIC, the corporation was es-

Top 10 performing stocks O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were Union Dicon Salt Plc, Costain (WA) Plc, African Prudential Registrar Plc, RT Briscoe Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Conerstone Insurance Company Plc. Others were Fidson Healthcare Plc, UBA Capital Plc, Oando Plc and Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. Union Dicon Salt, UDS, listed in the food products subsector, led the top performers with 34.40 percent or N6.83 price appreciation to close the week at N6.83 from N5.12 it started at. This followed the announcement penultimate week by CBO Capital Partners that it has taken over controlling interest in the foremost salt producing company in order to turn around its fortune. Established in 1984, Union Dicon Salt, UDS, has for a considerable period, been the largest producer of salt in Nigeria. It has two factories: one in Lagos and the other in Port Harcourt, with a total installed production capacity of 700,000 Metric tons per

year. Costain plc, which was the highest price gainer the previous week, appreciated by 3 1 . 1 8 percent or N0.29 to close at N1.22 from N 0 . 9 3 . Listed in the building structure/ completion/other sub-sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Costain undertakes construction and civil engineering infrastructure projects. It also produces furniture and joinery for buildings. It is widely believed that amicable resolution of its debt to First Bank of Nigeria Limited is the reason for interest in the stock. Only last month, the company dismissed allegation that First Bank of Nigeria limited had appointed a receiver manager to run the company over a trade debt that arose in the normal course of its business. According to the company, it had made payment to partially liquidate the debt, while

agreement was reached to completely liquidate the debt on a later date. Only recently, it was fined N3.6milion for late filing of its March 2012 audited results. Also, its operation was recently shut down by some of its workers under the aegis of National Union of Construction Civil Engineers Furniture and Woodworkers, CEFWW, and Construction Civil Engineers Senior Staff Association, CCESSA, for non-payment of four months salaries and nonremittance of deducted pension funds. African Prudential Registrar, APR, the first registrar to be listed on the NSE, placed third, rising by 30.58 percent or N0.63 to close at N2.69 from N2.06. It recently acquired UAC Registrar, the oldest nonbank-affiliated registrar in the Nigerian capital market, through a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSPA). The deal is expected to integrate the resources of both companies and drive the deployment of even more robust information technology platforms to further reduce

operating expenses and increase overall profitability for APR. The company reported a profit after tax of N312.23 million for the half year ended 30 June 2013 as against N220.997 million in the same period of 2012, representing 41.3 percent increase. RT Briscoe rose by 18.33 percent or N0.22 from N1.20 to N1.42. R T Briscoe is involved in sales a n d services of motor vehicles and technical equipment and has been operating in Nigeria since 1957. Available financial statement of the company for the half year ended 30th June, 2013, showed a decrease in profit after tax to N31.03 million from a profit of N132.25 million in the corresponding period of 2012. Cost of sales went up marginally to N19.188 billion from the previous N18.874 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2012.

tablished to provide insurance for bank deposits. But the insurance covers only the prescribed maximum insured deposit, which used to be N50,000 per deposit, and now N200,000. When the license of a bank is withdrawn by the CBN, the bank is handed over to NDIC to liquidate whatever assets the bank had. But the Corporation by law is mandated to first pay the insured deposits to depositors. So if you have N300,000 in such a bank, the corporation immediately pays you N200,000. The remaining N100,000, referred to as the uninsured deposit, is paid from money gotten from sale of the assets of the bank, or recovery of its debt. After paying depositors of uninsured deposits, the corporation pays creditors etc as it gets more money from the sale of the bank’s assets. The response of the NDIC boss has two major implications from investors in the botched Allstate Trust and Trade Bank offers. First, it implies there is hope of recovering what they invested in the failed offer. The second implication is unpalatable. They would have to wait long very long before they get back their money.

By NKIRUKA NNOROM Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp Plc, recorded 17.42 percent or N0.62 price appreciation to close at N4.18 from N3.56. The company has been making efforts to put certain strategies in place to boost its operations. For instance, it plans to increase output of the recently acquired Ughelli Power Plant from 160 megawatts to 1,500MW over the next five years and there is also plan to develop a 300 room five-star hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos to complement the flagship Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, and is set to take off in first quarter of 2014, among other strategic initiatives. Cornerstone Insurance went up by 15.38 percent or N0.08 from N0.52 to N0.60; Fidson advanced by 14.29 percent or N0.30 from N2.10 to N2.40; UBA Capital went up by 12.95 percent or N0.18 from N1.39 to N1.57; Oando appreciated by 12.38 percent or N1.74 from N14.06 to N15.80, while Custodian and Allied Insurance rose by 10.50 percent or N0.19 from N1.18 to N2.00 per share.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 23

The place of minority investors in capital market operation By WILLIAM JIMOH

to go about their e-dividends, e-bonus and what to do when they are having misunderstanding with their share bokers and with the delivery of their warrants and whatever. More enlightenment have been done and they are now aware of what to do at the right time.

Investors play cogent roles on market efficiency — Shehu Mallam Mikaili

s regards the formation of shareholders’ associations, there are defined requirements by the regulator that guide the process. But today what we see is a different thing entirely; because today you now see many socalled shareholders’ associations that are there in the market working as if they are recognized by the Act that set up such associations. One of the aims and objectives of setting up shareholders’ association is for them to help in the enlightenment of investors. The association is also expected to build a cordial relationship between companies and investors in the market. The shareholders’ associations have played cogent role in ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the operations of companies. If you take for instance the GSK matter, if not for the pressure from the shareholders’ association, I can tell you that not even SEC would have done anything. Some shareholders’ associations have even gone to the level of

Companies disgust our operations in the market — Chief Robert Igwe

•Igwe dragging certain companies to court on cases where the market regulations were not properly observed. When it comes to the objective of enlightening the shareholders, I think we have also gone a long way. For instance, in my shareholders’ association, we teach them on what form of shares to buy, how to buy it, when to buy, and what should be the motives and aspirations for buying it. Also, we make them to understand the innovations that are coming into sales of shares today. We let them know how

The formation of the shareholders asociations is not just for forming sake. Also it was not designed to be a one man show, like we have it today, people will just come up and pick a name and begin to say that they are the chairman of the association. The real reason for forming shareholders’ associations is to make operators in the capital market to situp and carry out their function. Without the formation of the shareholders’ associations, all these abnormalities that you see in the market today would have been worse. All the innovations that you now see in the market are products of shareholders agitations. Because SEC would not have done or take some of these decisions. Even now, the SEC is very reluctant in what they should do, it is the

INVESTORS SPEAK shareholders’ associations that are forcing them into it. If you look at the CAC, SEC and all the other regulatory bodies, if there were no shareholders’ associations, they would not have been able to do what they are doing now. If you look at the companies, many of them do not even want to see the shareholders at all. For many of them, it is because they are not doing what they are expected to do, and it is the shareholders that are forcing the regulators to force these companies to ensure that they do what they should do. And that is why you can see all the improvements you are seeing in the market today. So the formation of shareholders’ associations is very good as it adds more value to the capital market.The challenge that the shareholders are having today is that, like I told you, many of these companies don’t even want to see us, because they know that we are the people that are forcing the regulators to ensure that the companies comply with the rules governing the market. For the fact that they don’t like this, it takes great effort on the part of the shareholders to ensure that the regulators make the companies do what they are supposed to do. We therefore look at all these things as challenges when it comes to the protection of our interest.

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS I need update on Union Bank shares I bought N20000 worth of Union Bank shares during their last public sales in 2005. But I lost the deposit slip and I have not received anything till date.

Exchange (NSE). Visit the website of NSE (www.nselive.com) for list of registered stock brokers.

I want sell my shares I bought sky bank shares in 2008 and I intend to sale it. How do I go about it? (Usman Shuaibu, FCT).

Investors Forum

If you indicate the correct address, and you have not changed address since then, that means something is wrong. It is either the registrar never received your application, implying that your money never got to them, or the registrar has been sending your letters to a wrong address. In any case we advise that you contact Union Registrars Ltd at 2, Burma Road, Apapa, P.M.B 12717 Lagos Nigeria. Tel: 2793160 – 2; 0700 826 7341

You need the services of a stockbroker to sell the shares. Visit www.nselive.com for list of registered stockbrokers.

I need a reasonable stockbroker Please how can I get a reasonable stockbroker? Help me recommend a registered d better brocker to me as I count on you. (Leonard Onwukwe.) Investors Forum We don’t recommend stockbrokers to readers. In fact there is no way we can guarantee you that a stockbroker is reasonable or not. What we can say is that there are genuine stockbrokers licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigeria Stock

I have difficulty retrieving late Aunty’s shares I obtained an Enrolment of Order from customary court to process my late Aunty’s shares worth about N70,000. A stockbroker now told me that customary papers are not tenable for such purpose. Now, to go to High Court would be ridiculous in view of the small amount. I may forget it all. Please help me. (Efosa Ikhimwin). Investors Forum What is required for this purpose is a letter of administration approved by a High Court, and not an Enrolment of Order. And for this purpose you need the services of a lawyer. Watch out for the next edition of Investors Forum for a comprehensive article on this subject.

I want to sell my shares

them. (IKPEKEME CHIDI BAMIDELE, SURULERE)

Please I have 10,000 units of Fidelity Bank shares looking for a willing buyer. (Uche)

Investors Forum The company merged with British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Company in 2000. The company is now a fully owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco Group. For further information contact Dayo George on 01- 46175002 No dividend from Nigerian Hoechst Plc I bought 500 shares with Nigerian Hoechst Plc, including the bonus, as at 1996 share certificate. I have not received dividend from them till date. Please help!

Investors Forum We are doing assist people to sell or buy shares. That is the function of stock brokers hence we advise you find a stockbroker to help you sell the shares.

I need update on Daar Communications

need update on DAAR COMMU NICATION. I bought DAAR Communication Shares and have received my shares’ certificate in 2OO7 but have neither received dividends or bonus. Has the company been liquidated? (Sunday Okpo) Investors Forum The company has not been liquidated. It is still operating but since its public offer, it has not declared dividend or bonus.

What is the update on Nigeria Tobacco Company? I want you to help me find out the whereabouts of Nigeria Tobacco Company plc (NTC), I am a shareholder with the company, but for many years now I have not heard from

Investors Forum The company is now known as Nigeria German Company. For update on your shareholding and outstanding dividend contact City Securities Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-12641298, 234-1-7924462.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EU to support Nigeria in rural electrification BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA: The European Union, EU, has agreed to partner with the Federal Government to ensure the provision of electricity to rural communities not captured in the national grid. To this end, the two have agreed to hold further meetings with a view to working out areas of cooperation towards building enhanced power infrastructure and improve electricity supply to the country. Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo informed the EU delegation, led by Ambassador Michel Arrion, Head of EU Delegation to Africa and ECOWAS at a meeting in Abuja that the Federal Government had embarked on a robust programme of electrification of the rural areas in Nigeria not captured in the national grid. Nebo, who expressed sadness that the EU countries showed little enthusiasm during the massive privatisation programme the nation recently concluded, explained that the lukewarm attitude gave room for countries like China to seize the momentum by investing billions of dollars in the power sector during the period. He also said that the EU countries still had a golden

chance to plunge their teeth into the huge chunk of opportunities being provided in the area of rural electrification, particularly in exploring investment initiatives, provision of expertise and assistance in capacity building of renewable energy on which the fresh initiative, which pilot

projects have already begun is hinged, to enable the programme succeed. He also notified the delegation that such assistance could also come in the area of energy conservation, stating that since about 90 percent of the energy usage in the country was dedicated to lighting, it

AWARD: Former Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemicals, NNPC, Mr. Phil Chukwu (left) and Mr. Pedro Egbe, Managing Director, WeltekvEngineering when he received the 2013 Professional Achievement Award, by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, in Lagos.

would be good to develop energy efficient bulbs, which he believed the EU countries had the expertise to achieve. Assuring that the demographic indicators on investment in Nigeria were quite encouraging to stimulate the interest of the EU, he said it was necessary for the body, which members were Nigeria’s old allies to invest in the development of critical infrastructure in the sector. The Minister also spoke to his visitors on funding expectation, saying for instance that he was concerned that a particular fund the ministry’s training institute was supposed to draw from, by NAPTIN had not materialized, and wondered whether there were conditionalities Nigeria had not met. In his remark, Ambassador Michel Arrion, while acknowledging that the EU members actually had the capacity to assist in the areas outlined by the Minister, assured of the possibility of a robust relationship of investment and assistance. Stating that EU countries had experience in off-grid power provision, he said that attracting investment in that area was quite key. He added that his team was interested in developing a conducive environment for such investment. This will be done through the provision of funding gap from its grants to match other funds from financial institutions and other multilateral agencies for the execution of power projects.

IPMAN urges members to sell kerosene at N50/L …commends sale of refineries By SEBASTINE OBASI

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to sell kerosene at N50 per litre in their filling stations. It also said that the Federal Government’s plan to privatise the four refineries would enhance the quality and supply chain of petroleum products across the country. Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo, National ViceChairman of IPMAN, who stated this in Lagos, warned that the association would sanction members who flouted the directive. “We have been mandated to ensure the sale of the product at the regulated price of N50 per litre in all our filling stations and which we are complying. “The association has been at the vanguard of ensuring that the product that is meant for the local people is sold at approved government price. “This has also been the focus of IPMAN and the Minister of Petroleum Resources,” he said.

The IPMAN directive came against the backdrop that kerosene price has hovered between N120 and N130 in the last two years, despite government’s insistence that the product is subsidized and should sell at N50 per litre. “I want to assure every Nigerian that if the process is sustained, it will go a long way in assisting the general populace,” Okoronkwo said. The IPMAN boss commended the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Pipelines Products and Marketing Company, PPMC, for the distribution of kerosene to marketers. He advised the companies to be consistent in the supply of the product to marketers and ensure effective monitoring. Okoronkwo also called for increase in the use of cooking gas by Nigerians, stressing that other countries had changed from kerosene to gas. “I want to assure Nigerians that a lot has been done by government to ensure that the use of gas has come to stay. “If you go to Benin, we have compressed

natural gas and in Lagos, NIPCO has 5,000 metric tonnes of LPG. “We are trying to create awareness among the people about the essence of gas usage, advantages and prices,” he said. Commenting on the refineries, Okoronkwo urged the Federal Government to ensure their accelerated rehabilitation, before their scheduled privatisation in 2014. According to him, the rehabilitation of the refineries will boost their production capacities and guarantee a sustainable supply of petroleum products in the country. “We have four refineries; some are almost obsolete, while other ones are functioning far below their installed capacities. These plants were installed with maintenance schedules and these schedules are not being followed; we have several challenges with the plants and they are not producing as they ought to. “We observed that we can’t even get enough crude supplies because of the high rate of pipeline vandalism and that again constitutes a major challenge.

BITS Brief

NERC blames poor power supply on gas By CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA: The National Electric Regulatory Agency, NERC, has blamed the current worsening state of power supply in the country on shortfall of gas supply to the generation companies. Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi who said this in Abuja, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, in order to enhance the commerciality of gas to power to ensure improved electricity supply in the country. Besides, Amadi denied approval for any increase in power tariff, saying, “NERC hereby informs the general public that it has not approved any increase in electricity tariff or charges by the electricity distribution companies, DISCOs. According to him, “we want to make it clear that NERC has not sanctioned any illegal increase by any DISCO. However, customers who feel that they are victims of such purported increases should come forward with evidence. NERC will in turn send out a team to investigate.” He said, “Gas supply is largely responsible for the current drop in generation. As at yesterday, 2,859 megawatts was unutilized capacity due to gas shortage. NERC therefore urges the National Assembly to quickly pass Petroleum Industry Bill as it will further enhance the commerciality of Gas to Power.” Amadi who confirmed that the market operators have remitted a total of N2 billion for the settlement of service providers as at last Monday, added that the agency has completed plans to set up committee to look into the issues raised against MultiYear-Tariff-Order, MYTOII, by Disco operators in Kano, Yola and Jos, the Plateau State capital. He said also that the Commission was presently making preparations for the MYTOII minor review which comes up in December, 2013. “Updates on the MYTOII minor review will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course. “The new owners of the recently privatised utility companies cannot unilaterally increase electricity tariffs and charges without the express approval of the regulator, NERC. Companies who want to charge more for their services must apply for a rate review. Once this application is received by the Commission, a thorough and transparent process of stakeholder engagement follows.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 25

Marginal fields: Status, constraints, prospects By CHIJIOKE NWAOZUZU

C M Y K

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

growing number of Nigerian exploration and production (E & P) companies for the inability to progress on projects, as well as the necessity to invite foreign technical partners. The need to invite foreign partners has become inevitable given that most local banks have not co-operated with marginal field operators in putting these fields into production. However, such invitations run contrary to the core moral concept and principles of the marginal fields’ licensing exercise. The original principle behind this exercise whereby the government took undeveloped discoveries, which has proven oil from the oil majors and awarded these to local companies, was to encourage indigenous capacity building in the upstream petroleum sector. The indigenous marginal field operators were expected

HE recent announcement of the second licensing round for 31 marginal oil fields by the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, came 12 years after the previous round in 2001.But, it is a welcome development and represents an opportunity to increase indigenous participation in petroleum upstream activities. It is also anticipated that the additional production from these stranded/satellite fields will boost the nation’s daily crude production output and government’s revenue. The term ‘marginality of a field’ is subjective, but whether it is untapped, abandoned or partially depleted reserves, the most important factor is always the degree of profitable production. Former Presidential aide, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah defines a marginal field as, “any oil discovery whose production would, for whatever reasons, fail to match the desired or established rates-of-return of the leaseholder.” The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) defines marginal fields as, “non-producing fields whose economics is not considered robust enough using conventional development methods under the prevailing fiscal regime.” However, from an economic stand-point, a marginal field is one that can be developed with marginal profits regardless of the actual size of the oil field. It also requires special field development planning and reservoir management strategies in order to yield acceptable returns on investment (ROI). 2001 Licensing round At the marginal field awards in the 2001 licensing rounds, 17 of these were awarded to sole operators and seven awarded to joint-venture operators, making a total of 24 licenses awarded to 31 companies. Development challenges The government in awarding these marginal fields to indigenous operators hoped to increase oil production by about 1 billion barrels. Some progress has been made in marginal fields’ development as eight out of the 24 operators have taken their fields to first oil. However, more still needs to be done, and six factors have constrained the activities of marginal field operators. These relate to the lack of funding and the marginality of the fields; inadequate technical expertise; government policies on royalties and petroleum taxes; board/partnership wrangling in some cases; and in other cases the presence of significant anti-entrepreneurial mentality among the operators. Funding constraints is the main reason cited by the

Sales of refineries: FG to negotiate with labour, stakeholders

Let us examine the role of local banks in funding marginal field projects and the reason why these projects have been under-funded by the banks. Skye Bank has funded a number of marginal field projects as follows: Platform Petroleum’s Gas Processing Plant, and WalterSmith’s Production Boost Project. Recently, Skye Bank approved a loan facility of $18m for Pillar Oil, to enable the company drill a well at an interest rate of 17% per annum. Former Intercontinental Bank approved $6m for Niger Delta Petroleum for the ‘work-over’ of Ogbelle 1, at an interest rate of 18% per annum, a project that led to their crucial first oil. Brittania-U received their initial funding of $23m from Union Bank in 2007 for its project on the Ajapa field. By the time Brittania-U reached first oil, this loan had increased to $50m. Brittania-U also

From a banker’s perspective, the real problem with funding marginal field projects lay with the definition of marginal fields and how these should be funded

to employ Nigerian geologists and petroleum engineers, acquire workstations for their use. They were also expected to utilise other local skills in field development (in the office and on operational site), put local talent on site to supervise well drilling and produce the oil. This is meant to increase the pool of technically capable oilfield personnel, who can replicate the same exercise elsewhere in Nigeria and abroad. Therefore, to invite technical partners would mean that the country still has not ‘indigenised’ the development of these marginal oil assets. The role of banks

received an additional $30m loan facility from Union Bank, which the company used to buy-out its ‘troublesome’ foreign technical partners. Currently, the company is producing about 2,300 barrels per day (bpd). However, focusing on the fortunes of Brittania-U might give the erroneous impression that the local banks are in a lending frenzy to marginal field operators. The fact is that of the six companies producing from marginal fields as at 2011, only Brittania-U commenced operations with a bank loan. Platform Petroleum, the first to reach production, was able to

do so with funds provided by its partners (New Cross), a cash-loaded Nigerian company. Pillar Oil struggled for cash and was forced to rally funds through shareholder ’s contributions, in order to commence production without a bank loan. Pillar is drilling a new well being funded by Skye Bank, to enable the company increase production. WalterSmith Oil Ltd could not raise funds from a bank until it had established production. Energia Oil Ltd funded its field development with cash flow from its shareholders. From a banker’s perspective, the real problem with funding marginal field projects lay with the definition of marginal fields and how these should be funded. Most banks insist that the problem with funding marginal fields’ development is that the only asset available on the table as collateral is the marginal field itself. But banks insist that if a marginal field operator has cash flow from other oilfield operations, or other businesses or has a sizeable deposit with the bank, then the bank can leverage on these to approve loan facilities. The case of Brittania-U is more of the exception than the rule, whereby local banks were willing to finance their project on projected reserves-based lending. The reason is that reserves-based lending which is the modus required for financing start-ups like marginal field operations is yet to be embraced by local banks in Nigeria. The traditional banking concept in this country, which emphasizes lending against collaterals and securities, still holds sway, and this is not applicable to marginal field development. The concept of reserves-based lending accepts ‘oil in the ground’ as collaterals and more of the local banks in Nigeria should be willing to embrace this concept for their lending decisions in regard to marginal fields’ development.

BUJA: The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisionMadueke has said the government was ready to discuss and negotiate with organised labour in the sector with a view to ensuring smooth sail of the privatisation of the nation’s four refineries. Alison-Madueke who said this in Abuja, explained that adequate room had been made in the privatisation time-table for engagement with all stakeholders to resolve all labour issues to ensure a winwin situation for all. Recall that oil workers under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, have opposed Federal Government’s plan to sell the nation’s refineries. But the minister had insisted that the nation’s four refineries would be put up for sale by the first quarter of next year. She said that the government was going ahead with the original plan to rehabilitate the refineries to be able to get a premium price from their sale, adding, that negotiation rounds for Port Harcourt refinery has already been completed, and is now on the move in terms of turnaround maintenance. According to her, “the privatization of the refineries will come in the first quarter of 2014. At this point in time, the negotiation rounds for Port Harcourt refinery have already been completed. As you know, we started with the turnaround maintenance with the original contractors that built the refinery “As you know, we started with the TAM with the original contractors who built the Port Harcourt refinery and this was with the intent on ensuring that the right people carried out this TAM once and for all. Unfortunately the actual negotiation have extremely been a long drawn out one because of the prices they came in with at the get go. “It has taken a number of months of very aggressive robust negotiation to get to the point with Port Harcourt Refinery where we can actually begin to implement the work. Port Harcourt is now on the move in terms of TAM and once that is close to completion, Kaduna and then Warri will continue.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Nigeria, South Africa partner on power infrastructure By CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA: South African President, Jacob Zuma has expressed the willingness of his country to partner with Nigeria to create business opportunities and development of infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. The South African Deputy Minister for Trade and Investment, Ms. Elizabeth Thabeth, who said this while leading the South African trade and investment delegation to the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo in Abuja, said President Jacob Zuma’s priority, is to develop infrastructure through partnership with other African countries. She said energy as an enabler for economic growth is the focus of the group, adding that Nigeria as a strategic partner of South Africa will help fast track the realization of Pan-African dream of its Government.

Addressing the delegation which was accompanied on the visit by South African’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Lulu Louis Mnguni, the Minister of Power, Nebo assured the delegation that Nigeria’s fledging power sec-

tor still offers a lot of business opportunities to South-Africa. He said this will be a welcome development to Nigeria, as such strategic partnership is in consonance with African Brotherhood and solidarity. Recalling the days pre-

ceding the emergence of majority rule in SouthAfrica, Nebo said Nigeria was there to ensure political freedom for South-Africans. “We are desirous of doing business with South-Africa. The telecommunication giant MTN, Shoprite and other South African companies are doing well here, we want more of them in the power sector too.”

BITS Brief

Nigerdock builds offshore living quarters By SEBASTINE OBASI

CONFERENCE: From left: Sir Collins Onyeama, Managing Director, TechnoGas & Power; Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Executive Vice Chairman, Techno Oil Limited; Mr. Tony Onyeama, Managing Director, Techno Oil Limited and Mr. Godfrey Okigbo, Executive Director, Finance during a press conference in Lagos on the donation of classroom blocks and ICT centre to a community secondary school, Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

NEITI restrategises for 2014

HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, seeks to achieve operational excellence in regulation and enforcement across the extractive industries in 2014 In a statement made available to Vanguard, NEITI stated that it would develop an effective comprehensive framework for the delivery of effective audit, continuous monitoring and evaluation, stronger regulation, enforcement and compliance management. This work plan for next year may have been triggered off by the controversies that trailed the 2012 report, which questioned its veracity and the selection of two firms by NEITI to conduct the audit of the oil and gas as well as solid minerals industries. Some civil society groups had accused the agency charged with the responsibility of promoting transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive industries of neglecting transparency in the selection process that threw up the two firms considered largely unknown. Questions were also raised by civil society organizations against the experience and the technical capacity of the companies to handle a complex assignment as the audit of the country’s oil and gas industry and the solid minerals sector. NEITI in its statement said it would develop a robust multi-stakeholder communication and mobilization strategy/framework for effective stakeholder relationship management, collaboration and cooperation. According to the statement, “NEITI would develop organizational and funding capacity to achieve the NEITI mandate, vision and strategy.

HE local content initiative of the federal government appears to be taking root as the first offshore living quarters have been built at the Nigerdock fabrication yard, Lagos. David Murray, Deputy Managing Director, Nigerdock said that the seven-floor living quarters, with an overall tonnage of 1,500 was built for Ofon 11 project of Total E & P Nigeria Limited. According to him, “local content is important. This is the first time such fabrication is done in Nigeria. It compares with the standard in Europe and America. We worked 1 million man-hours without any hazard or casualty.” He also said that 11 Nigerian sub-contractors and 1,300 other Nigerians worked on the project, and explained that the module has internal living area of 3,500 square metres with a capacity to accommodate 140 persons. It also has a helideck. Also speaking, Mr. Akinola Odusote, Managing Director, OOP Engineering Limited, one of the indigenous subcontractors, said that the project bidding was done in 2006, while the project actually started in 2010. He also said that most of the procurement, electrical works, plumbing and installation were done by Nigerians. “This is the first living quarters to be built in Nigeria, for Nigeria and by Nigerians,” he said. The Total Ofon field is located offshore at OML 102, in approximately 40 metre water depth, 60 kilometers off the Nigerian South-East coast. The OML102 is a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which owns 60 percent and TOTAL, which owns 40 percent. It is operated by TOTAL

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 27

C M Y K

28 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

From left: Mr. Marshal Kunoun, Mr. Ambah Birebi, Mr Tony Nnadi, Hugo Odiogor, Elder Fred Agbeyegbe and Col. Tony Nyiam at the Conference Hall.

Constitution making is not one-man show PARTICIPANTS

INCE the early 1990s, Nigerians have been calling for a Sovereign National Conference, or some form of national discourse to deliber ate on some knotty issues that have remained recurrent in our national life. The issues centre on the relationship between the various national groups that make up the Federation called Nigeria, the agitation for control and management of the nation's economic resources, equal access to political powers, observance of the rule of law, religious tolerance and equity in national polity. Neither the 1994 Constitutional Conference put in place by Late General Sani Abacha, nor theNational Conference under the Obasanjo administration in 2007, could assuage the agitations of Nigerians from the different parts of the country for a national conference where Nigerians should freely discuss the terms of the 1914 Amalgamation, the inherent contradictions of the British colonial rule and the panacea for the healthy growth and development of the country. This is the thematic focus of this edition of Vanguard Conference Hall, which is our interactive, public policy and advocacy platform, to deliberate on issues of national and international concerns.

Moderator:

Distinguished guests, I want to welcome you to this edition of Vanguard Conference Hall, which is focused on the proposed National Dialogue. Without wasting time, the subject matter is quite familiar to all of us here, so, let us get acquainted with ourselves.

My names are Fred Agbeyegbe, I am a legal practitioner and a playwright am also a Theatre practitioner, I am an Itsekiri man and the President of Itsekiri Peoples Congress. From there I went on delegation to the Lower Niger Congress, where I was also elected the

president . Thank you Sir, Next? My names are Barrister Tony Nnadi. I am a lawyer, and I am the Secretary General of Lower Niger Congress. This is a platform that seeks to federate the ethnic nationalities of the Lower Niger areas; that is, the ethnic nationalities

1. Elder Fred Agbeyegbe, Legal Practitioner/ President, Itsekiri Peoples Congress, 2. Col. Tony Nyiam, retired Serviceman/ Social Activist, 3. Barr. Tony Nnadi, Legal Practitioner/ Sec. Gen. Lower Niger Congress, 4. Mr. Ambah Binaebi, Sec. Gen. Oporoza House, 5. Mr. Marshal Kunoun, Chairman, Strategy C'ttee Oporoza House, 6. Mr. Hugo Odiogor, Moderator, VCH 7. Mrs. Nkiru Nnorom, Rapporteur, VCH 8. Mr. Kunle Kalejaiye, Secretary, VCH 9. Bunmi Azeez, Photographer

that spread through todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South East and South South, as Nigerians prefer to call them. These are those eleven states in that part of the country. The Lower Niger Congress is part of the larger platform involving organisations from other parts of the country that make up what is called Movement

for New Nigeria. I am co-convener with late Chief Enahoro. I am Colonel Tony Inyiam, I am simply a concerned Nigerian My names are Ambah Binaebi, the Secretary General of Oporoza House. We are essentially; concerned with championing the Ijaw cause. In addition to

that, we are equally; concerned with where the Ijaw people can live in peace and have harmonious relationship with their neighbours around this country. My names are Marshal Kunoun. I am a member of the Oporoza House and Chairman of the Strategy Committee. Oporoza House came into being after Mr. President's visit to Okerene Koko in 2007. Thereafter, Ijaw people were gathered to create a platform to find a way forward, so that we can have an emancipation programme for Ijaw people. From that time on, we have been meeting and relating with the other ethnic nationalities in the country, particularly people in the lower Niger. We relate favorably and positively with the Movement for New

Continues on page 29

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013‘ — 29

Continues from page 28 Nigeria.

Moderator:

Thank you, Let me start on the issue of National Conference. First we have the dilemma of what name we should call it. Some say National Conference, others say National Dialogue, then we are debating on whether it should be Sovereign National Conference or not. In the midst of all these, there are the issues of timing Conference and the modalities to adopt in selection of representations. All these tend to cast doubts on the integrity and sincerity of those convening the National Dialogue. Sir, what therefore was your reaction, when the after many years of dithering on the demands or agitations for a National Conference, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, suddenly brought up the idea?

Elder Fred Agbeyegbe:

There is no doubt in my mind that it should be called Sovereign National Conference. The setting up of the Committee by Mr. President did not include the word ‘Sovereign,’ but am not at all bordered by that because some time ago, this same president gave an indication that there is no need to talk at all, that Nigeria was doing fine and all we lacked was good

•Col. Tony Nyiam leadership. I took that as the statement of a politician, but thank goodness that he has come to the realisation that there is need to talk. I believe therefore, that as time goes on, he will also come to the realisation there could be nothing less, than to yield to the outcome of the conference which I

•Barr. Tony Nnadi to give out. Apart from that, it also means that when the owners of the land and the owners of the rights delibrate, and come up with what they want, no single individual, be it the president or any group of people, like the National Assembly, will have the right to change what the people have decided. I want to stop there on the

•Mr. Hugo Odiogor

•Mr. Ambah Binebi

•Mr. Marshal Kunoun

this National Dialogue. All the presidents we had in the past were busy protecting some personal interests.

that I have gotten an evidence of what I would call “the excellence of mediocrity”. Prof. Ben Nwabueze has become one example of what we can hold up to show the whole country and the whole world, how low Nigeria has degenerated. I don’t know who taught him his own jurisprudence, but I wish he was here today. I am challenging him to a TV debate on this. I am prepared to face him in court, if he feels maligned, especilly in going all the way back to 1977 /1978, that led us to the unitary 1979 constitution. In that interview he had, he narrated how he was one of the team that drafted a unitary constitution, before a conference was called. Today, he is prescribing that this is what must be done. My concern is for ordinary Nigerians and those who may not know the issues and those who look up to Prof. Nwabueze as the greatest authority in the subject area, especially those in government, who seemed to have used him to do some of the damages I will expose later in my presentation. Let me say that sovereignty belongs to the people at all time, It never leaves the people. Even when the colonial authority were here, our sovereignty was with us. What their colonialists did was to suppress it for the period that they were here but when they left, our sovereignty returned

back to us. If Prof. Nwabueze wants to be told the truth, the government, which he said sovereignty is vested in; is like a management of a company. The owners of the company are the shareholders and the ultimate power rests in them. They draw up their Memorandum and Articles which governs the company. It is that charter that they hand over to the management team. At no time, does it become the business of the management team to begin to tamper with the name and article relating to who brings what and who takes what. What happened to Nigeria in 1966 was a situation where management of the Nigeria enterprise found a way to topple the Memos and Articles that define the mode of operation of the enterprise and replaced that memo and article, which is the constitution, with their own preferences. From that time to 1999, the constitution which is still in place, is the one where we, the shareholders, ot those who are the federating units, in the Nigerian enterprise, have been robbed. It is when the shareholders come forward to say that “ we the Ijaws, the Urhobos, the Ishekiris, the Tivs, the Yorubas, having discussed and agreed; now submit our lands and people, to a union called Nigeria.”

Moderator:

Barrister Nnadi, I will want you to examine the position of Professor Ben Nwabueze, in recent times on the issue of constittution making. We know that for a long time,

•Fred Agbeyegbe

The word “sovereign” worries a number of people in Nigeria, for different reasons. But the people who are about to talk, have that sovereign rights which was given to them by God.

believe could be nothing less than a Sovereign National Conference. It has to be sovereign for many reasons, I am sure we will come to that eventually. The word “sovereign” worries a number of people in Nigeria, for different reasons. But the people who are about to talk, have that sovereign rights which was given to them by God, and those rights are inalienable. If they are coming to talk, I believe there will be issues about the powers that they have naturally which they have prepared to secede to the country they belong to. These rights are sovereign, the people are the only ones that can decide on which powers they want to keep and which powers they want

issue of sovereignty. On the issue of insincerity of interest, or whatever President Jonathan may have in mind, especially as some people are saying that “he has a secret agenda”, let me say again that this does not border me at all as far as we are concerned, what is important is how to make sure that we hold the president accountable to what he said. Whatever he said, regardless of what his intentions may be, I have no doubt that it is the interest of the generality of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria that will prevail at the end of the day. For now, I can say that no President has done what President Jonathan has done in proposing

as a member of the Patriots, he has spoken severally about this type of conference just like late Pa Enahoro whom you also mentioned that he worked with, but all of a sudden he came up with a position that some people see as inimical to the interest of Nigerian people. Sir, what is your own reaction?

Barrister Tony Nnadi:

I have indeed read some of Prof. Ben Nwabueze's interviews on the subject. I think it was in the Vanguard that I read three full pages of it. In the said publications, he made certain postulations. and what came to my mind when I read these postulations, was to say

Continues tomorrow.

30— Vanguard ,

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

By Theodore Opara

Toyota Land Cruiser: The icon lives on W

ITH over 60 years of off-road heritage, the Toyota Land Cruiser has become an icon in the four-wheel drive vehicle segment. Its unrivalled off-road capability and durability has earned it reputation as one of the world’s most capable four wheel-drive vehicle of all times. No, wonder, the Toyota Land Cruiser has remained the United Nation’s choice vehicle in the execution of its tasks in toughest regions of the world. In Nigeria too, the Land Cruiser has won the hearts of presidents, governors, top government officials and many highly place individuals. The Land Cruiser’s dominance by every standard was as a result of its built- quality and attributes over the years. Available in V6 and V8 engines with either manual or automatic transmission, the Land Cruiser comes in VX and GX trims. The Land Cruiser’s top of the range engine version, the 4.7 litre V8 gasoline engine is compact, yet remarkably powerful. It’s VVT-i electronic ignition and variable induction systems yield excellent low-end torque and smooth acceleration, together with class leading fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Coil spring double wishbone and stabiliser bar independent suspension in front and four link-type rigid axle with coil spring and stabilizing bar at the rear guarantee the Land Cruisers excellent road holding and off-road capability. Key to the Land Cruiser peerless off-road capability is its combination of excellent technologies that are hardly found in competing brands. These include the crawl control system, Kinetic dynamic suspension system, Hill Start Assist Control, multi-terrain ABS and full time four wheel drive system. All these advance technologies work together to put the Land Cruiser ahead of its competitors. For instance, the Crawl Control System even on muddy or rocky surfaces requiring sensitive control, this system automatically manages both engines and brakes, maintaining a constant low speed and freeing the driver to concentrate on C M Y K

what lies ahead. The system maximises wheel lock and spin, enhancing vehicle stability and the capability to escape tight spots. The Kinetic Dynamic suspension system is an innovative suspension technology that offers both on-. road stability and long suspension stroke for off-roadexploring. Front and rear stabilisers are linked by a hydraulic pressure system, suppressing any roll occurring on-road while ensuring free wheel-stroke off-road. The multi-terrain ABS continually monitors engine revolutions and vehicle speed; instantly adjusting for wheel

slippage regardless of surface conditions. This ensures stability in both on-road off-road driving. The Land Cruiser is not all about engine performance, advanced technologies and beautiful exterior design. Its luxurious interior leaves lasting impression of prominence. The Land Cruiser sets new 4 wheel drive standard in cabin comfort with the world’s most advanced air conditioning system and genuinely comfortable easily configurable seating throughout. The spacious cockpit has the right functions within the reach of the driver. Leather seats, completes the Land Cruiser’s topend luxury.

Ghanaian president to speak at FRSC 5th Annual Series

OHN Mahama President of Ghana will be guest speaker at the Federal Road Safety Commission’s 5 th Annual Lecture Series, slated for 11 th December, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja. According to a statement by Jonas Agwu, the FRSC spokesman this year ’s lecture by the FRSC, is in continuation of the need to stimulate public

discourse and action on the developmental challenges towards realizing set goals for safer roads in the African continent, in the 21st century, with the theme : Safer Roads: A Century 21 st D e v e l o p m e n t Challenge”. The annual lecture will focus on review of Africa’s growth prospect, analyze the growing incidents of road traffic crashes and attendant deaths arising

from this and challenging Africa to view road safety as a development issue. The forum will further reenergize the campaign to create safer roads in Africa. Many prominent persons have spoken at the FRSC Annual Series in the past. It would be recalled that the Former Secretary of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku was guest speaker at the inaugural edition of the

FRSC annual lecture series in 2009 with the theme: “Sustainable Development and Road Safety ” while the National President of International Road Federation, KK Kapila was guest speaker at the 2010 edition on “Decade of Action on Road Safety: Imperatives for D e v e l o p i n g Economies”.Other previous speakers include the Adjutant Professor in Transport Engineering and Injury

Prevention at the La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, Prof. Richard Tay in 2011, with theme: “ Achieving the Decade of Action on Road Safety: 2011-2020” and last year’s theme was “ Safe and Sustainable Transportation: Lesson for Nigeria” with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Association (AAMVA), Neil Schuster as guest speaker.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—31 By Theodore Opara

XGMA brand ‘ll make used construction equipment unattractive — Richbon boss T

HE Chairman/CEO of Richbon Group, Chief C. J. Chike Mounagolu, has said that the introduction of the XGMA range of construction equipment by his company will end patronage of used construction equipment in the country. Chief Mounagolu, who was speaking at the product launch of the XGMA range of construction equipment at his office, along Oshodi-Apapa expressway, said with

this product introduction, the era whereby federal, state and local government contractors pay so much to acquire used and imported construction equipment without assurance of quality performance is over.’’ According to the Richbon boss, the XGMA product is one of the leading brands of construction equipment in the world; a brand that would in no distant time takeover the construction equipment market in the

country. The chairman who described his company as the pacesetter and trail blaze in the Nigerian automobile and construction equipment market also pointed out that XGMA products are budget friendly, energy saving, user friendly, luxurious and rugged, and promised to redesign the landscape of construction equipment market in Nigeria. ‘ The XGMA range of construction equipment being exhibited at the

venue include excavators, motor graders vibratory rollers, forklifts, bulldozer and wheel loaders, which he said were produced in partnership with respected and established manufacturers across the globe. ‘’The beauty of these machines is that beside being budget friendly, they come with Perkings Cummins and Isuzu Turbo charged and intercooled engines, which are fuel efficient lowemission engine, meeting Euro 11 standard,” he

stated. Continuing, he disclosed that the machines are also equipped with German ZF high efficiency transmissions system.” Vowing to re-enact the ‘magic’ he did with Sinotruk brand of trucks in Nigeria with the XGMA consruction equipment range, he stated that the product is fully backed up with quality after-sales service and warranty, and urged customers to switch over to the new product, which guarantees value for

money. On the part of their partners, he said “Xiamen XGMA Machinery Co. Ltd of China, manufacturers of the famous XGMA machines is ranked among the top global construction machinery companies in the world. The company is also currently ranked as one of Asia’s most valuable brands.” Meanwhile, the CEO has disclosed that plans are on to assemble the XGMA products in Nigeria. “Our XGMA centre under construction would house an ultra modern service centre. We would retail all spare parts for the XGMA machinery. We also intend to expand and have distributors in the geopolitical regions in the country,’’ he further stated. Richbon Group, it would be recalled, achieved a very significant milestone by popularising the Sinotruk brand of truck in Nigeria. It has been adjudged as one of the fastest selling brands in the country in the last three years.

Skoda’s best October of all time

KODA grew worldwide by 7.5% to 83,000 sales in October 2013. 768,700 customer deliveries in the first ten months. ŠKODA has seen a sharp increase in sales this October. The Czech manufacturer delivered 83,800 vehicles to customers worldwide, corresponding to a growth of 7.5% over October 2012 (78,000 sales). This is a new October record for the brand. In Europe, ŠKODA saw double-digit growth of 13.7 % to 55,700 units sold. In Germany, the brand grew by 23.5% to over 12,100 vehicles. Cumulatively, ŠKODA sold 768,700 vehicles worldwide between January to October 2013 (same period last year: 795,100; -3.3%). After the production launches of the new ŠKODA cars during the first six months, the model campaign is unfurling its full power. The brand has set a new record with eight new and revised ŠKODA models being introduced this year alone. Despite some difficult market conditions, new orders continue to develop positively.' ”With an increase of 7.5% in October, we have firmly confirmed the positive trend of recent months,” says Werner Eichhorn ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

32— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 By Theodore Opara

Weststar unveils all new Mercedes Benz Sprinter W

ESTSTAR Associates Ltd, authorised general distributors of Mercedes Benz in Nigeria has launched the all-new Mercedes Benz Sprinter into the market. The all-new Sprinter which sets new standards in its category in terms of driveability, comfort and utility is available in passenger and cargo versions as well as other applications like ambulance and pick-ups. With a design that stands out, the sprinter also scores big in other

areas with drive train that is best in class, long oil change intervals, maintenance as well as drive that is comparable to that of passenger car. Unarguably, one of the most powerful vehicles in its segment , the Sprinter engine boasts 258 horsepower and 5900 rpm of torque with very low noise and emission. The new 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission is the world’s first 7-speed automatic transmission with torque converter for vans. However, it has

been enhanced in the Sprinter to meet the specific requirements imposed by vans thereby achieving low engine speed, low fuel consumption levels and minimum emissions. The Electronic Stability Program ESP® is being constantly enhanced to incorporate increasingly sophisticated subsystems. And embodying the latest generation of ADAPTIVE ESP®, the Sprinter ’s brakes respond even quicker and more effectively-

thanks to two innovative functions: Brake Disk Wipe and Electronic Brake Pre-fill. With these two

innovations, the intelligent, loaddependent dynamic handling control system A D A P T I V E ESP® provides optimum braking performance in critical situations. This translates into enhanced safety for passengers as well as other road users. So it is no surprise that after undergoing tough and rigorous field testing, one of the most prestigious awards bodyThe Van Fleet World Honours presented the Sprinter with the winning awards for ‘Safety’ and the ‘Best Van Fleet’ in 2013. In addition, the payload, more comfortable seats, high roof, maximum availability, low service costs and optimum superior quality of the Sprinter ensure that you definitely get what you paid for- comfort, safety,

luxury and style. Also, its high quality and reliability make it a bundle of energy that is extremely well prepared for intensive use. That is why Weststar confidently grants, for the Sprinter, a general two-year warranty or 200,000km, whichever comes first. The Sprinter spare parts purchased from Weststar come with a two-year warranty as well. A tightly knit, fully equipped service/aftersales support network in major cities in Nigeria, trained, skilled and experienced mechanics, service packages in addition to flexible service hours, ensure speedy handling, brief downtime, and that the Sprinter spends its time where it should: on the road, keeping customer ’ businesses running.

Luxury bus owners committed to safe, smooth Yuletide trips — ALBON

ONG distance luxury bus operators in the country have assured members of the public and intending passengers to various destinations this Christmas season, that they are committed to ensuring safe and hitchfree trips A statement from the umbrella body of the bus proprietors nationwide, Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), said its members are mindful of the usual upsurge in the number of travelers towards the end of the year, and have, therefore, prepared the vehicles and the on-board crews, as well as the ground staff to meet the challenges of the season’s operations. The statement signed by the ALBON President, Sir Dan Okemuo, re-emphasized the high value the luxury

bus operators place on the customers’ patronage, pledging that as always, the safety and comfort of passengers are the operators’ “watchwords and of top priority”. Okemuo further stated: “To this end, all efforts have been made to ensure that all our passengers and customers would have a comfortable and pleasurable trip during this Christmas season and all year round, as all our drivers have further been retrained and cautioned to drive carefully and observe all traffic rules and regulations while driving”. Thanking the customers for their patronage over the years, ALBON wished them happy celebrations and the best of the year ahead, assuring that it would always strive towards meeting their high expectations.

Vanguard anguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

GEMINI: Positive events that started yesterday will continue today. Rely more on your ability to be as bold as necessary so that you can get things done your own way at work. CANCER: Good luck will smile at you. Romantic interlude that started last yesterday may become excitingly louder and melodious to the satisfaction of your soul. LEO: If you allow domestic pressure to affect your working pattern, your senior colleagues may not understand and make things a bit more difficult. IF you’re stable, you will have more to gain financially. VIRGO: After snappy aggressive approach exhibited by you yesterday ,you are back at your being pleasant self to the admiration of others. This is the wrong time to take law and it’s agents for granted. Youngs-at-heart are favoured so also commercial activities.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

...DO I really mean you should save? Yes I do. Even multi-nationals save cost these days. I visited a manager friend in a multinational firm recently and I was surprised he has no secretary any more. And he informed me

Managing your income (2) all the managers except the Managing Director have no secretaries. They all now have their laptop computers. Yet, this company

TERROR MUDA

churns out new products every time. If multinationals could save cost to invest what about you? Stop thinking you have nothing to

in “Never say goodbye”

save. Saving is a habit. Even if you earn millions, your expenditure will rise up to your income. The reason why the manager is a tenant is the same reason why a messenger is a landlord. Think about it! By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Some of you will wake up from slumber and realise mistakes about your finances early enough and make amendment but those who are reckless will commit more blunder. Beware of joint venture. SCORPIO: Although erratic people from unexpected quarters may oppose you openly, your being self assertive will earn you both victory and financial success. Then tomorrow will prove more successful. SAGITTARIUS: The more ambitious you are the better for you. Then you will need to ignore those with queer characteristics within your working arena. CAPRICORN: Mixed trends are indicated. If you take good advice from your cool headed friends, you will benefit more than you imagine, but if you take to unpredictable attitude, you will today start fire that will burn with great intensity tomorrow. AQUARIUS: If you take the veterans within your base for granted, they will fail you painfully. Yet here is a lucky day for you when your being secretive and self reliant will earn you success. Be more ambitious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: Some of the people around you may get on your nerve via careless remarks, you must not allow them to disorganise your plans. The closer you are to the influential people the better for you. ARIES: “Money is the root of all evils” says an adage. And if care is not taken, money may set you and some other people fiercely against each other to the detriment of your cause. Be cautious.

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 is my luck? Dear Joshua, I am deeply interested in Astrology: and the way you analyse people is great, keep it up. Kindly tell me whatever you think I should know about my life together with my luck, social life and my lucky number. Anthony, Abia. Dear Anthony, Thank you for your words of encouragement. Too many things are important but I think what both your immediate and far future have for you must be revealed to you so that you will be prepared. Mars in Aquarius together with Uranus are pointers to an active social life. The more influential social circle you belong to, the better for you. You’re the cool-headed type beloved by many but once your anger manages to fly off, it can be very difficult if not dangerous; it’s because of your natal Pluto. Yet they keep coming your way. Saturn can not help forcing challenges on your way, luckily for you however, you have what it takes to live up to the challenges. And as Saturn will never deny it’s worthy native the deserved success, it also gives recognition. Saturn or no Saturn, good relationship bet Mars and lucky Jupiter when you were born, are green tumb for WEALTH; you will be wealthier more than having liquid cash; nobody can stop your becoming wealthy. Best colours for you include YELLOW, golden, black but not coconut white. Your sleeping posture should be on East/West axis with your head to the West. 5 is your destiny number, 9 is your ambition, 8 is your expression, your other numbers are 1, 6, 7 & 11. Thus, they are as superior as listed. Between now and your 46th year on earth (three and half years) women, money, youngster will greatly feature in your life and a few publicity cum commercial success equally indicated for you. However come your 47th year (around that period) tough challenges which will border on stiff competition, avoidable accident, treachery and money will come your way. Although it sounds somehow, it’s the needed tonic for and or pillar for an endless cycle of success that will follow. Therefore whatever can be shaken to the foundation or be uprooted by that time should not be initiated now. The future is truly brilliant for you.

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Opposition between the Moon and Pluto may induce personality clashes you don’t need at lest for now. What can help you now is love and your being persuasive. Think of the future.

TUESD AY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — TUESDA

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Yuletide: Refuse taking over road medians By DOTUN IBIWOYE

HE Yuletide season is here again. Lagos has started witnessing the usual daily parties for which an average of N3billion is spent monthly. You can imagine the quantity of left-overs, empty cans and bottles that will have to be disposed off. Gifts and end of the year purchases are also being unpacked while various store owners are smiling to the banks. One of the downside of all these is the quantum of dirt generated daily in the megacity. This is compounded by terrible habit of some city dwellers, who prefer to dump their wastes at road medians Consequently today, one of

like this. Although wastes from homes, firms and institutions make up a small part of solid wastes generated in any urban environment, they are certainly most offensive and dangerous to health when accumulated near residential points. In a drive through major areas like Ikeja, Isolo, Ipaja, Festac and Apapa among other urban areas in Lagos, the refuse littering the roads was an eyesore. The street sweepers and the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, have been struggling with clearing the dirts with little success. LAWMA is the state agency saddled with the responsibility of waste management and

Also, the introduction of the recycling initiative has seen LAWMA creating recycling banks across the state for the collection of papers, cans, aluminum scraps and plastics

the most noticeable things one finds around Lagos is waste, littering every nook and cranny of the metropolis, particularly road medians. Waste disposal is an essential part of any developing or industrial society and a major issue in a megacity, so Lagos is not an exception but the indiscriminate littering by residents and improper disposal are the major issues. Being the economic hub of the nation and one of the fastest developing cities of the world, the management of waste needs to be given more attention, especially at times

disposal services. They are to provide adequate waste receptacles as alternative to indiscriminate waste dumping. Whenever the residents of Lagos shop at the store or an open market, they contribute to the mountain of waste that is already littering everywhere. Waste can be divided into many types. The most common methods of classification is by their physical, chemical and biological characteristics. One important classification is by their consistency. Solid wastes are waste materials that contain less than 70 per cent of water.

Recently, LAWMA unveiled plans to construct 20 Transfer Loading Stations, to serve 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas across the state, according to the acting Managing Director of the agency, Mrs Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun said at the ‘Waste to Food’ initiative programme which seeks to inculcate the waste sorting and recycling culture in children at the early stages of life. “Also, the introduction of the recycling initiative has seen LAWMA creating recycling banks across the state for the collection of papers, cans, aluminum scraps and plastics,” she said. She affirmed that the organisation has embarked on the production of green energy which is evident at the Olusosun landfill site where it has developed gas-well to manage and recycle municipal solid waste. “As part of our drive towards clean and sustainable environment through modern waste management practices, the Authority has two Transfer Load-

ing Stations, with the third one encourage the children to paron its way. This is part of the ticipate actively in the recyplan to have 20 to serve the 20 cling programme. Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas,” she said. The Oshodi Transfer Loading Station has healthcare waste treatBy GODWIN ORITSE ment equipment which is first of its syndicate which specializes in tamper kind in West Africa ing with relevant identity documents of sub-region that has imported second hand vehicles has resurfaced a combined capacat the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. ity to treat a total of It was gathered that the syndicate has links 1000 metric tonnes in Europe and allegedly backed by a team of of municipal solid licensed customs agents and some customs waste and 24 metofficers. ric tonnes of healthEven though, fingers were pointed at Tin care waste per day. Can port last year by security official from the LAWMA mainUnited States of America, recent revelations tained that the iniconfirmed that most vehicles, especially trucks tiative will ensure which often come in from Europe are tamthat recyclable mapered with at the port. terials collected by Our correspondent, who has been followchildren are reing the development confirmed that the idenwarded with food tity thieves often remove chassis number of and gift vouchers trucks from the port of loading; such numbers that are redeemable are usually passed from one vehicle to the at designated deother using multiple documents. pots. The approach One of the victims of the syndicate who spoke is an incentive to

Vehicle identity A

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

ESIDENTS of Lagos State have criticized the response strategy adopted by the state government for the two emergency toll free numbers: 767 and 112, saying “the centre hasn’t helped to improve emergency response time in the state.” It will be recalled that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State commissioned the Security and Command control centre, Alausa, to manage the toll free numbers. They argued that call operators’ strategy of asking residents in distress several questions have contributed to increasing the response time of the primary emergency responders to disaster scene. Mrs. Slyvanus Ikechukwu, a trader lamented that while residents are busy answering several questions from the operators, more properties are destroyed. According to her, “the question shouldn’t be much. We all know that someone who needs help will not have the strength and courage to watch his property destroyed.” While speaking at the 7th Security Town hall meeting recently, Mr. Jokotola Pelumi said, “on several occasions, when one calls the emergency numbers, they begin to ask several questions. And these further delay the emergency response time. Several residents have suffered severe losses while answering questions from the call operators.” Pelumi added; “There is need for the government to improve its technology to detect the location of the caller rather than the call operator asking several questions from the victim.”

Residents condemn Lagos call centre response

operators. Later we increased it to 20 and today, we have 60 call operators. And this was due to the volume of distress calls we received daily. I cannot say categorically the number of calls we receive monthly, but it is about two million. A large number of these calls aren’t for emergency.” Fashola added: “They are issues that don’t warrant deploying our emergency team to the location. It may interest you to note that people call the centre on issues like broken water pipe; someone playing loud music, worship centres and others at the dead of the night which other neighbours believe is disturbing their sleep. “But technology is providing us with another option because we want to monitor all those non-emergency calls so that we can get people to respond to those who need water and other social amenities. We realized that this is also a feedback mechanism for the state government.”

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State commissioning the Security and Command control centre, Alausa Mrs. Tonye Timipre said that the population of the state increases daily and the state government should have improved on its technology to ensure that the call go directly to the data base for it to locate where the caller is making the call from.” “For instance, you cannot expect someone who is in distress to answer all the questions posed by the call operators. That is why many residents bang their phone on the operators,” she added. Responding, Fashola said that this is part of protocol for managing call centre. It is the responsibility of the call operator to ask for all necessary details. These aid navigation of the emergency officers.”

On the soft ware

By MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

There is need for the government to improve its technology to detect the location of the caller rather than the call operator asking several questions from the victim

The governor said: “When they are asking for those details, they aren’t wasting your time. In fact, it may be necessary to keep one on the phone longer than expected in order to save life. And these details are important because it helps the emergency responders to

reportedly not free. “Why it is common at PTML is because it handles the largest chunk of vehicle importation,” our source said. The story is coming on the heels of a similar discovery last year, when American police bust a stolen car importation syndicate which included some Nigerians. In the latest case, Tin Can ports were also fingered in the shocking discovery which led to 19 suspects including some unidentified Nigerians facing charges for being kingpins of a car theft syndicate that specializes in the theft which are subsequently shipped to ports of some West African countries, especially the Tin Can Island port in Lagos.

More than 200 vehicles valued at about $6 million were recovered from the syndicates from New Jersey, New York,

In order to improve the technology, the governor said, “this was one of the key issues we discussed at a meeting between me and my commissioners and the management of Microsoft in Washington, USA..”

1, 000 CCTV camera installed

He continued: “When started, we started with only 10 call

Fashola said, “however, the software itself could only assist us to know where the call is coming from in a particular location. Very soon, we will be at that point because all the 1000 Close Circuit Television, CCTV cameras on the street of Lagos today have been connected to the command centre. They will supply us with video image.”

and Kansas in an elaborate scheme that re-tag and export cars with bogus papers to various destinations in West Afri-

ca. US security operatives call the deal ‘identity theft’. According to the prosecutors, a member of the gang who was simply identified as Hope Kantete, 42 , usually arranged for legitimate-looking paperwork, shipping manifests and VIN numbers for the three cars, which were subsequently shipped to Tin Can Island, a port in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. All three were sent through an international shipping company on September 12. They arrived in Nigeria in October. It was further learnt that the strings of theft of luxury cars from different states in the US have been traced to Nigerian port of Tin Can. The cars were given a new VIN number just as the trucks are now being given new chassis numbers.

have an idea of the incident, to know the number of men to deploy to the scene and the required equipments.”

Two million distress calls monthly

thieves resurface at Tin Can ports to our correspondent anonymously hinted that the group is firmly rooted in Belgium and that it is from there that vital parts of vehicles such as the chassis number are tampered with. According to him; “I have fallen victim twice and I was able to get my vehicles because of my insistence on not having anything to do with another vehicle whose identity had been swapped with my own” Apart from him, it was also discovered that some customs officers allegedly collude with some unscrupulous clearing agents to ensure that such vehicles with false identities and forged document exit the port. While the PTML command have been fingered in the scam, which is however unknown to the command’s management, other terminals are

— 35

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

DELTA CENTRAL ELECTION FALLOUT: Utuama slams N1bn libel suit against APC candidate BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA— DELTA State Deputy Governor,

Maiden Songstar winner emerges

HE winner of the first-ever digital music competition in Nigeria, MTN Songstar, was presented with his grand prize of a Porsche Cayman car. The winner, Patrick Mathias, whose stage name is Password, won the car, a record deal with Don Jazzy, a smart-phone, six months data and a chance to perform in Loud in Naija concert. Other winners were presented with new Kia Cerrato cars. General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Kola Oyeyemi, said: “The goal is to add value and develop the entire industry so that both the artistes and the fans benefit in a win-win situation.”

Professor Amos Utuama (SAN), has instituted a N1 billion suit against All Progressives Party's candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, for allegedly claiming that thumb printing of ballot papers was done in his residence during the October 12 Delta Central by-election. A team of lawyers, led by Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, in the suit filed on behalf of Utuama, wanted a declaration that the words spoken by the defendant that, among other things, “thumb-printing took place in the Deputy Governor ’s residence, the PDP candidate

Emmanuel Agwariavwado’s house and one Chief John Oguma’s house,” is defamatory of the claimant. The suit also demanded N1,000,000,000 as damages for defamation, including exemplary damages and an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, or servants from further uttering the said or similar words defamatory of the claimant. The plaintiff has also secured an order of the court to enable him serve the defendant by substituted service. Upon a motion ex-parte filed

in an Asaba High Court presided over by Justice C. O. Ogisi, the court granted “an order for leave to serve the writ of summons and all other processes emanating from the

Okolugbo commended

Peoples Democratic Party, chieftain, Mr. Peter Idion, has commended Sir Kenny Okolugbo, Commissioner representing Ndokwa on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC,

Activist faults calls for Kuku's sack

Niger Delta activist, Mr. Frank Akiefa, yesterday, said the peace and security being experienced in the Niger Delta was a result of the proper handling and management of the amnesty programme by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and coordinator of the amnesty programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku. Akiefa, who spoke in Warri, Delta State, said Kuku had shown courage, commitment, competence and tenacity in the management of the amnesty programme, which had totally rebranded the youths and the

Transition

ORMER Principal of Federal Government College and community leader, Ogbueshi Mike Ebo, 78, has passed on. An indigene of Asaba, late Ebo served as Principal of Federal College in PortHarcourt and Warri at different times. He was also a foundation member of Falcon Club Asaba and survived by wife and children. Burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

region before the international community. He said what the region needed was a total overhaul, which was already going on

through the amnesty programme and other projects under the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

NE of Nigeria’s new airlines, Air Peace Ltd., has denied reports that a German company delivered a ‘refurbished’ jet to it, insisting that most of its airplanes were almost new. Air Peace, which took delivery of its second Dornier 328 jet registered as 5N BQV, in a statement by its Director of Flight Operations, Captain Babatunde Adekoya, said: “Contrary to

HE Ijaw Peoples Congress, IPC, has commended Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited, NAOC, for successfully completing phase one of its exploratory Grangbene Deep “A” Project in Oyangbene community in Burutu council of

Delta State. A statement by IPC’s President, Mr. Ekanpou Enewaridideke, said: “While the project lasted, NAOC religiously followed all the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, entered into with

earlier reports that a German company delivered a “refurbished” jet to Air Peace, we bought the newest Dornier jets available in the world. “We are the proud owners of 5N BQT, which was rolled out in 2008. So how could planes of that age that have hardly done over 1300 hours be ‘refurbished’? “In accordance with our request, the German manufacturers

only reconfigured the VIP seating to seating for business class and economy seats.” On the aircraft delivered weekend, Adekoya said the plane was purchased directly from the German Manufacturers, Dornier, and was flown to Lagos from Germany by Air Peace’s Italian pilots led by Captain Fabrizio Tonelli and First Officer, Raoul Padroni.

Oyangbene community. “There was no move by NAOC to deprive Oyangbene community of its statutory entitlements while the project lasted. NAOC’s modus operandi was in line with global best practice as the local content policy was strictly adhered to. “With visible global best practice signals like these, we are convinced that NAOC has the professional competence and psychological capacity to execute the phase two of the project successfully. “The accredited representatives of Oyangbene community have a progressive, rosy, cordial and meaningful relationship with NAOC. Therefore, the public should ignore any publication conceived to disparage and mislead NAOC.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

on his contribution towards the development of Ndokwa nation. He spoke at a thanksgiving service for Okolugbo at Cathedral Church of Christ, Anglican Communion, Obiaruku. He said Okolugbo’s antecedents and contributions to the development of Ndokwa in particular and Delta State in general made his appointment a well deserved one in line with the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s determination to transform oil producing communities.

IPC assures oil firm on cooperation

Airline denies rumour of ‘refurbished’ aircraft

suit on the defendant by substituted service to wit, by advertising same in the Vanguard, a newspaper circulating within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On FG/ASUU face-off

HE Federal Government, FG, is wrong on that ultimatum. I read somewhere that universities are short of 60,000 lecturers. Sacking the ones we have does not make any sense. They should continue to dialogue on issues that led to the strike. — Miss Olaleye Boyinde, Student.

HE threat of dismissal is harsh. ASUU’s agitations are genuine, so the government ought to know the way to approach the issue, especially when the President was once a lecturer. If you sack workers are you not going to employ humans? — Mr. Boyede Ogun, Lawyer.

F the FG dismisses lecturers for not going back to school, it will create more problems in addition to the strike. I know that FG has the power to sack, but in the interest of the students, let the government just respond positively to the request of ASUU. — Mr. Agim Anslam, Lawyer.

SUU is absolutely right by standing on its demand. It was an agreement entered into by both parties. It is not proper for FG to threaten ASUU members with sack, because it is an association that can achieve its objectives through strike. — Mr. Ife Adebambo, Lawyer.

T is about lack of trust. I believe that the proper thing for ASUU to do after President Goodluck Jonathan had a meeting with them was to trust the President and call off the strike. They should give this administration the benefit of doubt. — Mr. Taofik Elias, Lawyer.

totally support FG on the sack threat. If we say children are tomorrow’s leaders, what kind of leaders are we raising when we fail to give them education? FG is absolutely right in its position. ASUU should be compelled to call off the strike.— Miss Christy Nzete, Lawyer.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—37

Works Minister, senator, Edo gov's aide bag NUJ awards

2015 Delta guber: N-Delta youths drum support for Olejeme

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—EDO State chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has conferred an award of excellence on the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Peter Okhiria, for his “effective public relations and information management.” The union also conferred awards on the senator representing Edo North senatorial district, Senator Domingo Obende and the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenmen, as part of activities marking the 2013 Press Week of the chapel. Speaking at the ceremony, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, urged journalists to adhere strictly to the rules and ethics of journalism in order to help strengthen the nation’s democracy. He noted the contributions of the media to the enthronement of the nation’s democracy, appealing to them to be wary of reports that could endanger the democracy they helped to widwife. He said: “Majority of our journalists in Nigeria have been doing their best by reporting correctly. The Nigerian journalist fought for democracy and must continue to protect it. That is why I always insist on fair reportage, so that we will not destroy our democracy.” While commending Edo State NUJ leadership, led by its chairman, Desmond Agbama, for its laudable programmes in the state, Odubu commended the qualities of persons who received awards at the NUJ Week and assured that the state government and the NUJ would continue to collaborate for the benefit of the people of the state. Expressing his gratitude to the NUJ for the award, Okhiria, who was represented on the occasion by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with journalists in the state to ensure that the ongoing developmental strides of the governor were sustained.

MATRICULATION: Mrs. Nnenna Dennar, Principal, Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, addressing matriculating students during the matriculation of new students for the 2013/2014 academic session at the institute’s conference centre. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Oba’s intervention ends Edo workers' strike BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—FOLLOWING the intervention of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, the striking members of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Edo State, yesterday, called off their strike and gave the state government till the end of January, 2014 to meet their demands. The workers, however, called for the immediate sack of the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Maj. Lawrence Loye (rtd), for allegedly masterminding the manhandling of NLC members, including the Chairman, Comrade Emma Ademokun, during the strike which commenced on December 3. It was not an easy task for the

leadership of the NLC to convince members to suspend the strike, as members demanded that the strike should not be called off until Loye was sacked by the state government. It took the leaders over two hours before they were able to calm the workers who lamented that they were being neglected by a government led by a fellow comrade. However, a communiqué signed by Comrade Ademoku (NLC), Comrade Charles Oronsaye (TUC) and Comrade Shaka Otoede (JNC), stated that Labour had decided to suspend the mass protest earlier scheduled to take off yesterday against the state govern-

ment and Loye, following intervention of the Oba. Ademokun disclosed, however, that the state government had agreed to revisit the 20 per cent balance of the consolidated salary structure for health workers in February, 2014 and most of their demands. “In consideration of the above stated achievements and the intervention of our revered monarch, all Edo State workers currently on indefinite strike should return to work. Edo State Government should, as a matter of urgency, relieve Maj. Loye of his appointment as Permanent Secretary in Edo State because of his uncountable iniquities,” he said.

Why 36 govs endorsed payment of 1% Excess Crude Fund to Police —UDUAGHAN BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said that the 36 state governors endorsed the payment of one percent of excess crude fund for use by the Nigeria Police Force. He explained that the decision was informed by the importance of peace and security to the development of the country as well as meeting the infrastructural and security needs of the police. He spoke in Asaba, when he played host to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, during the presentation of the IGP's scorecard to Nigerians.

According to Uduaghan, the governors saw the need for the Police to update its equipment and manpower to acceptable standard worldwide as well as meet the current security challenges facing the country. The governor also seized the opportunity to warn community leaders to desist from protecting criminals in their midst, while threatening that they would equally be prosecuted as accessories to the crime, should they connive with them. He particularly condemned the attitude of elders and people of Kokori, in the state who, he said, had made it difficult for se-

curity operatives to fish out remnants of the kidnap and armed robbery gang living among them. According to him, leaders and elders in the communities who celebrated their children involved in criminal activities only portrayed their communities in bad light. He said: “This is bad, especially when the state is doing all within its power to fight crime. “Elders and leaders should help to fish out criminals in their communities and should not protect or celebrate criminals because anyone caught doing so will be treated as criminals.”

NIGER Delta youth group, Niger Delta Democrats, NDD, is stepping up mobilisation of support for Dr. Ngozi Olejeme's governorship ambition in the 2015 governorship election in Delta State. The group, in a statement by its president, Furo Ozumo and secretary, Ken Oyakemeagbegha, after a meeting in Warri, Delta State, said she was the most suitable candidate among all the contenders as she had the requisite political and academic wherewithal to govern the state. It said that in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness, Delta North should produce the next governor as the central and south senatorial districts had produced governors for the state. The group said Delta State should be governed by persons with enviable track records of public service, such as like Olejeme who was currently a director and member of several federal government agencies and boards which she effectively managed. NDD observed that her youths and women empowerment programmes had brought joy and restored the hopes of many families which it described as a novelty in the history of Delta State.

Iyase of Ibusa passes on

BUSA community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into mourning, following the passing on of the Iyase (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ibusa, Chief Anikangbolu Okoloichi. He was aged 81. Chief Okoloichi was an active member of Izu-Ani Ibusa and that of the Nigeria Civil War Veterans. Family sources said burial arrangements would be announced later.

Late Chief Okoloichi

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Ex-corps member honoured 33 years after service

BELLE, a community in Ishanland of Edo State, went agog penultimate weekend, as Mr. Wale Akindele, Managing Director of First October Global Resources Limited, was honoured by the old students of the school he taught as a youth corps member 33 years ago. Akindele’s virtues were enumerated by one of the old students of the school, Ebelle Secondary Commercial College, and brain behind the event, Rev. Fr. Ebito Akpekpe, to the admiration of everyone present on the occasion. Present at the event was His Royal Highness, Onogie Madojemu, the Aikpagie I of Ebelle.

Group asks Ekweremadu to resign over alleged poor representation BY CHRIS OCHAYI

BUJA—A pressure group, Enugu Salvation Group, ESG, has called on Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to resign from the upper legislative chamber over alleged under-representation of his senatorial district. National Coordinator of the group, Steve Igweze, warned that if Ekweremadu refused to resign forthwith, his group would be left with no option than to initiate the process of his recall from the National Assembly. Igweze said Ekweremadu more or less served himself and his immediate family, adding that explained the reason he has performed far below the expectations of his constituents in his 10 years as a senator. He advised Ekweremadu to give way now, so the people could seek for a better representation, lamenting that federal roads, including Enugu-Port Harcourt, Onitsha-Enugu and others, were still death traps. He pointed out that the conducts and utterances of the deputy senate president were “unbecoming” of a senator.

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Ezuma Hospital: Imo Police probe ownership of 10 exotic cars BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

WERRI—IMO State Police Command has commenced investigations to establish the real owners of the 10 exotic cars impounded in the premises of Ezuma Private Hospital, Owerri. The hospital was the facility (baby factory) where the police rescued 16 pregnant teenagers last week. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, who disclosed this during an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Owerri, also explained that up till this very moment, the suspect arrested in connection with the factory, who claimed to be a medical doctor (Dr. James Ezuma), had failed to provide a single document for any of the vehicles. He said the man had rather been incoherent, with regards to where he procured the vehicles, who brought them and when. The CP said: “Up till today, he has not been able to say anything tangible. He has not been able to give us the required answers to the questions! “That is why I have set up a team to specifically investigate the status of the 10 exotic vehicles. We are going to contact our partners at the

Force Headquarters in Abuja, for them to give us details of the vehicles.” While noting that the command had so far taken the engine and chassis numbers and all other material elements relating to the vehicles, Mr. Katsina also explained that the whole idea was for the police to know at the end of the day how the vehicles came to be in his possession.

On the whereabouts of Ezuma, Mr. Katsina said he was in police custody, adding that the legal department of the command had started compiling his dossier. “We have it on record that sometime in 2009, he was arrested for incarcerating about 30 pregnant teenagers from one of his dens in Abia State, and that matter is pending at the Federal

High Court,” Katsina said. The commissioner recalled that the same man was arrested in Imo over gun running when the police recovered three prohibited firearms from him. He said the matter was also in court, adding that the current rescue of 16 pregnant teenagers and loss of a baby belonging to one of the girls was another dimension to his sordid record.

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (left)and President General, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey, during a visit to the Presidential in Abuja.

Abia federal workers lament delay in salaries BY ANAYOOKOLI MUAHIA—SEVERAL federal civil servants in Abia State have complained of delays in the payment of salaries. They also expressed disgust at other challenges which they alleged were hampering efficient service delivery. The workers bared their minds at an interactive meeting of federal civil servants organised by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation in Umuahia last weekend. The workers also lamented nonpayment of their promotion and transfer allowances at the meeting presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala. One of the participants, Mr. Donatus Onwuzuruike, a teacher at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, was not happy over the delays in the payment of salaries, which he blamed on the introduction of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS. Onwuzuruike said his salary was no longer paid regularly, pointing out that a trip he made to Abuja to rectify the problem was compounded by official bottlenecks. Mr. Pius Uwalaka, a retired Vice Principal of the Federal

Government College, FGGC, Umuahia, complained about unpaid promotion arrears and delays in the payment of pension. He also complained about ‘’the discrepancies in the amount of pension being paid

to pensioners by the pension administrators.” The workers unanimously also called for the payment of ‘’professional and hazard allowances” to serve as an incentive to workers. Earlier in an address of

welcome, the chairman of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments in the state, Mr. Eugene Ekeh, bemoaned the lack of Federal Secretariat in Abia State and attributed some of the challenges facing federal workers to it.

Cleric tasks Nigerians on transformation BY CHIDINKWOPARA WERRI—THE Anglican Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese, Rt. Rev. David Onuoha, has said the nation would never achieve greatness, stability and crime free society if transformation did not begin from the nuclear homes.

Bishop Onuoha, who stated this while preaching the sermon during the induction of over 30 women into the Mothers’ Union of the Diocese, at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, Umungwa, Imo State, also reminded parents of their God-assigned responsibilities

to their children. His wods: “If our collective plan to make Nigeria strong, crime free, progressive and viable, the transformation must start from the nuclear home.” He condemned domestic violence inhomesandparticularlylambastedmen who turn their wives into punching bags.

Firm donates classroom blocks, ICT centre to students in each classroom. people of the state to invest in community The community secondary youth empowerment

BY KUNLEKALEJAYE MUAHIA—AS part of its corporate social responsibility, CSR, Techno Oil has donated classroom blocks and ICT Centre to Community Secondary School, Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State worth millions of naira. The project at Isingwu comprises a model block of three classrooms to accommodate 30

school would also enjoy ICT learning with no fewer than 30 work stations with internet access, backed with a 20-KVA generator which has been provided by the company. Head, strategy and corporate services of Techno Oil, Mr. Ken Abazie, told newsmen in Lagos at the weekend that the company embarked on the project in response to the call by Governor Theodore Orji for

programmes. He said the project was conceived after extensive deliberations with Abia State Government, the school authority and Isingwu community. His words: “We got the blessing of the Abia State Government through the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Monica O. Phillips, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Victoria Chigbu, the principal of the school.”

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40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Southern Kaduna wants vaccant ministerial slot

CONTEMPT:

Court orders AIG to arrest senator

BY LUKA BINNIYAT

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

UTSE — A CHIEF Magistrate Court, sitting in Ringim, Jigawa State, Alhaji Nuhu Dawaki Aminu, has ordered the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 1, to arrest Senator Danladi Sankara and bring him to his court on December 23, 2013. Aminu gave the order, following the inability of the state Commissioner of Polce, Theophilus Kayode, to carry out the order. The Zone 1, police command comprises Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Kano States. The Chief Magistrate had given an order for the arrest of Sankara, representing Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, his son and another person over alleged contempt of his court. However, when the court resumed, yesterday, without the Senator being arrested and brought to court by the police, the Chief Magistrate said: "As the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police failed to produce the suspects before the court, the AIG in charge of Zone 1, which covers Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states must arrest the suspects and bring them before the court during the next sitting.

Gombe moves to check river blindness

OMBE—GOMBE State Government says it is distributing N4.2 million drugs to the public to curb Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, in all the 11 local government areas of the state. The Coordinator, River Blindness Disease Control Programme in the state, Mrs Talatu Danzaria, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Gombe, yesterday.

DECORATION—President Goodluck Jonathan (R) aided by Vice-President Namadi Sambo (L) and the wife of the Commander, Presidential Airfleet (PAF), Mrs Mercy Ebong in decorating the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Uko Ebong with his new rank of Air Vice-Marshal at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. State House photo.

Kaigama urges Christians to emulate Mandela J

OS—ARCHBISHOP Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Jos weekend, called on Christians to emulate people with exemplary lives like former South African President, Nelson Mandela. Kaigama made the call during his pastoral visit to the Church of Immaculate Conception, CIC, Parish, Zaramaganda, Jos. The Archbishop said that by emulating good people, their legacy would continue to impact on society. “The Catholic Church had long identified such and had been immortalising people that lived righteous and exemplary lives as saints. “We cannot all be saints but I assure that you will be rewarded by God for your ways. “Mandela died and the whole world is mourning him because of his good deeds for humanity. “He loved humanity; he cared for humanity and he served humanity honestly and he was a unique man that left the world better than he met it. “Back home, we had our Mandela. He is late Solomon Lar. He was a man that loved humanity and a man that stood for the unity and peace of Plateau and beyond”, he said. The cleric charged the congregation to imbibe righteousness as a way of life, adding that whatever they do would

live after them. Kaigama also urged Christians to reflect on the period of advent, meant for spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. According to him, it is a period of sober reflection for Christians. “Reflect on your ways and let go things that are not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. “Instead of spiritual preparation, many people concern themselves only with physical preparation”, he said. He charged the parishioners to pray for the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel,

knowledge, fortitude, piety and the fear of God. “These are gifts you should pray for during Christmas and not just the material gifts”, he added. Rev. Fr Dennis Kaye, Parish Priest of CIC commended the archbishop for the visit and urged the parishioners to use the opportunity to develop their spiritual lives. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Kaigama inaugurated the parish hall and offices built by the Church. Kaigama is the President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

ADUNA–THE Southern Kaduna People’s Union, SOKAPU, yesterday demanded that the vacant ministerial seat for Kaduna State should filled by a qualified indigene of the area. SOKAPU said that it was the turn of the area to fill the ministerial slot because of the zoning policy in the state, whereby, the south produces the minister if the governor was from the north. Secretary of SOKAPU Mr, Adamu Marshal who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Kaduna, yesterday, said “ we are not asking for what does not belong to us. What we are asking for is our right!. Go and check and you will find out that since 1999, we have contributed the largest number of votes to the PDP in Kaduna State. “Right now, the political equation in the state favours Southern Kaduna to produce the minister if you want to be fair and just in appointments. Kaduna is divided into two politically, even though we have three senatorial districts. “The Vice President is from the north, same with the governor, the only ambassador from the state, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and the acting Chief Judge. We only have the Deputy Governor and Deputy Speaker as our topmost public officials."

Middle Belt group asks FG to end Boko Haram insurgency BY TAYE OBATERU

OS— THE Middle Belt Development Association has called on the Federal Government to take decisive steps to end the violence being unleashed on Nigerians in parts of the country by the Boko Haram sect. The group in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan said this had become necessary in view of the recent classification of the group as a terror-

ist organization. The letter entitled: “The Middle Belt Region Abandoned” and jointly signed by National President of Middle Belt Youth Forum, Comrade Pius Attah and Secretary of Middle Belt Development Association, Dennis Dateer chronicled various issues which they noted were against the interest of the region. The letter alleged that the Middle Belt Region had been suffering neglect and

attacks which have resulted in increasing insecurity, poverty, famine, high level of school drop outs, among others, which should be accorded attention. “It has become very obvious that the long-plotted strategies to subdue, subjugate and castrate the Middle Belt Region in the country is no longer hidden but in full force for factors earlier stated above. No doubt, the increasing wave of political marginalization, religious extremism and other forms of unnecessary violence which have continued unabated are undermining the existence of the Middle Belt Region”, the letter said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—41

House Leadership: On the cliffhanger

House Leadership: On the cliff hanger the mass movement of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the APC in the House of Representatives will reshape the configuration of the House and its leadership.

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

On the other hand any attempt by him to seek any principal office zoned to the Southeast could lead to a political battle with fellow legislators from the zone given that there are enemies from within. Adeola-Akande too will only survive if there is a palace coup in the form of a change of guards. As for Leo Ogor, otherwise known by his fellow lawmakers as the General he is not expected to face a challenge from within or without given his broad level support within the House. Rep Isiaka Bawa also has a support base that cuts across all the six geo-political zones. He may clinch the coveted position of the Minority Whip.

HE envisaged mass movement of members of the New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP in the House of Representatives to the All Progressives Congress, APC is expected to bring about a change in the configuration in the leadership of the House. Especially at risk in the House leadership is the Deputy Speaker of the House, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. Other principal officers on the platform of the PDP such as the Majority Leader, Mulikat AkandeAdeola, Deputy Majority Leader Leo Ogor; and Majority Whip would also suffer similar fate and could at best be transformed into minority principal officers as the case could be. The expected new configuration of the House would emerge when eventually members of the nPDP decamp en masse to APC which would mean the PDP turning into a minority side in the House. The PDP presently has 208 members, while the opposition APC has 138 members. With the exception of Jigawa and Niger states whose governors refused to decamp to the APC, the other five governors whose governors decamped have a total of 48 lawmakers. Out of the 48 lawmakers, 40 are known to be associated with their governors and are expected to move to the APC. The movement of the 40 lawmakers would bring the strength of the APC to 178 members, while the PDP would be left with 168. Though this would ultimately make the APC to have the highest number of members in the House, it would leave the party three members short of an overall majority which is 181. Should the defection come about, Adeola-Akande, with luck on her side, may emerge as the minority leader, while her deputy, Leo Ogor may clinch the position of deputy minority leader. This would clearly leave the Deputy Speaker, Ihedioha in the cold as there is no minority deputy speaker. Permutations on how Ihedioha could survive in office or as a principal officer are indeed said to be part of issues presently delaying the mass defection of the nPDP members. Even though not as popular, Ihedioha had in the last 18 months remained largely loyal

configuration of the House was going to be changed last Tuesday. He said: “I read in some reports that by Tuesday, 3rd of December, there will be leadership change in the House. Today is Tuesday, there is no change. I told you clearly that until a political party hits 181 members, we will not be talking about another majority caucus. Members know how to activate change in political party. So, let’s not speculate on that.” “As soon as it happens it follows naturally. The only positions that can be said to be at all times at the mercy of all members are the Speaker and Deputy Speaker because this is a position that was voted for by all members. All the other positions arise from the different

But having served as Deputy Speaker, it is difficult to imagine that Ihedioha would condescend to accept any other position in the chamber

•Ihedioha: My time is not up to the speaker in all spheres particularly in matters relating to legislative actions. But having served as Deputy Speaker, it is difficult to imagine that Ihedioha would condescend to accept any other

position in the chamber and may as well decide to stick to being a floor member, a position that may give him all the time he needs to prepare for his well rumoured gubernatorial ambition.

Briefing journalists last Tuesday following a closed door session of the House, the deputy spokesman of the House, Rep Victor Ogene gave an insight into how a change in leadership could be perfected. He spoke against wide speculations that the

standings of all the political parties in the House. So, if you are a majority political party, so produce the majority leader. If you are a minority political party, you produce the minority leader. So as soon as that happens, you don’t need anybody to tell you whether there will be leadership change or not.

2014: Sustaining change in Ekiti BY IDOWU AJANAKU THE most memorable moments of life’s varied encounters sometimes come without a force or fanfare. But as events unfold years later, we come to recognise their landmark nature and what truly defined them. Such was my first chanced meeting with the former governor of Lagos State, the icon of democracy, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1993. It remains an unforgettable scenario which was replicated later with the current, highly resourceful governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi. One can still vividly recall that I was just settling down at The Guardian Newspaper. It was during one of the most turbulent periods of the nation’s chequered political history with the crude and callous annulment of the June 12 presidential election,

adjudged to have been freely and fairly won by late Chief M.K.O Abiola. It was on my assignment to cover the post-election crisis that trailed the aforementioned annulment by the famed military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB when I first encountered the Asiwaju, one of the pillars of the struggle to actualize that mandate. Back then however, his compelling political pedigree and persona were yet to unfold like the colourful flower’s petals to the sun’s glorious rays before he slipped into exile, to the United States during the Abacha regime‘s dreaded military dictatorship. Still, he was elected and sworn in as the governor of Lagos state in 1999. I elected to watch his government from a distance. That

•Fayemi was, until the charm of his then Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Segun Ayobolu drew the attention of notable journalists to his government. Coincidentally, media missiles were then flying all over the political sphere; mostly to ascertain what form and shape his government would take as the take-off itself was up

against the clouds precisely in the first six months. But it was not long before he exhibited a master stroke with the whirlwind of a media tour. On that momentous occasion, he looked relaxed with a wan smile playing around his lips as he gave details of his master plan to institute enduring structures in Lagos state. Good enough for his administration some six months later his promises had started bearing fruits. What with massive infrastructural development in the critical areas of road construction,

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42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

APC: First battle cry in the Senate IT was the first battle between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the newly empowered All Progressives Congress, APC and the ruling party did not mince breaking convention to push its way. BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

T HAD been the Senate convention that two Senators from a state must approve whatever nomination from the state made by the president. However, when it came to the nominations into the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and the Federal Character Commission, FCC, PDP senators did not mind breaking that convention to ensure that the APC was humilated. Yes, these questions arose, given the fact that the president, apart from not consulting governors from the states of the appointees on his decision, went for people who were in some cases seen as antagonists of their state governors. The appointments of Henry Ogiri and Ephraim Etete as Executive Director Finance and Administration and Rivers State Representative respectively, in the 13-member Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Board, was carried out by the president without the knowledge of the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, just as reappointment of Professor Abdulraheem Oba as Chairman, Federal Character Commission, came without the notice of either his state governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed or his erstwhile godfather, Senator Bukola Saraki. Both governors have since switched political camp, along with three others, to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, after months of raging differences between some members and the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In solidarity with their governors who have been drawn in a battle with President Goodluck Jonathan, two senators from Rivers State, Wilson Ake and Magnus Abe, vehemently rose against their state nominees just as two others from Kwara, Bukola Saraki, and Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi, opposed Professor Oba's candidature. They all claimed that apart from not consulting their various states of the decision for the offer by President Goodluck Jonathan, the nominees were not the popular candidates of the people of their states. Interestingly, the four senators are equally among the aggrieved members of the PDP. They cannot openly defect to the APC due largely to constitutional encumbrances. But unlike Senators Ake and Abe who are loyalists of Governor Rotimi Amaechi on positions, Senator C M Y K

•Jonathan: I am having my way! Saraki dictates what Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed of his state does, having been the one that installed him as his successor. When the report of the NDDC board screening was presented at the Senate committee of the whole by its chairman, Senator James Manager, PDP, Delta South, last Wednesday, the two senators from Rivers State protested. They claimed that they

sent their letters to the committee objecting to the confirmation of the Rivers State nominees but that it was not reflected as minority report. In what played up like solidarity, Senator Shola Adeyeye, APC, Osun Central, noted with regret that minority views by the two senators were not reflected in the committee's report, saying: "In democracy,

majority will always have its way but the minority would be heard." Senators Ake and Abe, while supporting their opposition to the clearance of the two Rivers State nominees, noted that references were supposed to be made to the state before nomination of anybody for appointment, saying it was not adhered to by the president. Senator Ake particularly said: “It is unfair not to consult the state on the appointment. The interest of the state is not protected. I am saying that we should be given time, let us go home and see how we can resolve the issue.” But the Senate Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central, cautioned against allowing state politics to play in the Senate, saying every objection had to be logical and legal even as he admitted that the issues raised by the two senators were fundamental. “At any given situation, this Senate must insulate itself from issues between the presidency and state governors,” he insisted. He was supported by all other senators who commented on the issue, as they all concurred that the nominees from Rivers state merited the appointments and so, competence should not be sacrificed on the altar of local politics. Senate President, David Mark who presided over the day's session, appealed that state politics should not be brought to the Senate, urging people to look at issues from the nationalistic point even as he concurred with the position of some senators that the objection was supposed to reflect on the report, saying that would not mean that objection would carry the day. Less than 24 hours after, a similar controversy trailed the confirmation of reappointment

of former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulraheem Oba, as Chairman, Federal Character Commission, FCC, following strong opposition by Senators Bukola Saraki and Shaaba Lafiagi, who are well known sympathizers of opposition APC. Besides, the duo is not only against President Jonathan who they accused of nursing re-election ambition but Professor Oba, who they believe have not been loyal to their satisfaction. The development became like a battle between PDP and APC senators when the Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, APC, Benue North West, when he led APC senators in a battle to frustrate the confirmation. He claimed that Oba's performance in his first appointment as FCC chairman was below expectation. This man is not worthy to be returned to that office whether he is from the North or North Central. He is a failure as far as implementation of federal character is concerned,•h insisted. But Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, PDP, Cross River Central, rose in support of the nominee, saying the Senate must rise above local politics just as he noted that there was a limit to local politics. "This man has impacted in leadership. Yesterday, this distinguished Senate, again, considered after several hours bearing the nature of a national or zonal appointment and the nature of a state representation. And this distinguished Senate in its wisdom, agreed that local politics should be limited to local representation and that when national or zonal appointments are being made, there is a limit to local politics."

2014: Sustaining change in Ekiti Continues from page 41 education, primary healthcare delivery and the transport sector. With them came free eye screening project, LASTMA and LAMATA just to name a few. The rest, as they say, is history. Incidentally, a similar scenario was about playing itself out in my encounter with the current governor of Ekiti State, JKF. First, was the opportunity for me to gain from his fecund mind as one enjoyed reading his thematically relevant and thought-provoking essays in the African Guardian where he worked briefly. That was before one’s professional ship of journalism safely berthed

there. Subsequently, I got more acquainted with him when he became a major fighter in the prodemocracy group. That was during the desperate struggle to find answers and validate the June 12, 1993 election impasse. Worthy of note was the fact that he was the brain behind the immensely popular Radio Kudirat that sent shivers down the spine of late General Abacha’s military monstrosity. All because of the implicit trust the western world reposed in him, JKF became the dependable link between it and the prodemocracy activists. It is on record that twice he was offered huge sums of money in hard

currency, surreptitiously to play the Judas and thwart the collective will of Nigerians and twice he rejected the lure of the lucre which he considered evil. On this score, I had no hesitation in throwing my weight behind him when he took the bold decision to throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring of his state. But in a similar vein to the encounter with the Asiwaju, I waited patiently for two years to critically assess the political situation in Ekiti State if he would match words with action. Specifically, in line with the promises he had made during the electioneering campaign and the well articulated Eight-point

Agenda. Three years on, JKF has indeed, walked the talk In a paradigm shift from the average Nigerian politician angling for power only for selfaggrandizement he has directed the tool of governance to be more people-oriented. From massive infrastructural development through truly free education and human capacity development policy to modernizing agriculture, health care services, industrial development to opening up the beautiful tourist attractions for the entire world to see and gender equality, JKF has become the agent of change.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—43

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44—Vanguard, TUESD AY, DECEMBER 10 TUESDA 10, 2013

FG set to implement policy on occupational health

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

EDERAL Government is set to implement the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health while creating awareness on occupational health in Nigeria. Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, who disclosed this in Lagos, sai occupational and environmental health is the identification and control of the risks arising from physical, chemical, and other workplace hazards in order to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Speaking through the Director, Public Health Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, at the Annual Conference and AGM of the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria, SOEHPON, affirmed that just 510 percent of workers in developing countries have adequate occupational health services compared to 10-25 percent in developed countries as notedt by the International Labour Organization, ILO. National Chairman, SOEHPON, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, expressed dismay over government's failure to draw from the wealth of professional resources of occupational and environmental health physicians, to develop a critical segment of the nation's national health policy. He called for better demonstration, responsibility and commitment, towards the protection of this vulnerable segment of the society, through proper legislation and enforcement.

Kidney failure:

Josephine needs N6m to stay alive BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

OSEPHINE Ibeh who stays at Agboroko area of Iyano-Iba in Lagos State is a mother of four who was going about her life peacefully before she started falling ill frequently. According to her, she was always treating malaria but when it became obvious that the malaria has refused to go, she went for a medical test. “I was always treating malaria until I went for test; it was then that I was told that it was kidney failure. And it was not just

one kidney that failed, both of them. And the doctors told me that I need over N6 million to undergo kidney transplant in India.” Ibeh said that the revelation jolted her and she was down for days. A mother of four whose last child is just seven years old, she wondered where she will get N6 million to undergo kidney transplant operation. Ibeh started undergoing dialysis at the rate of N40.000 per week, but according to her medical consultant, getting a kidney

• Josephine Ibeh undergoing dialysis at LASUTH.

transplant is the only option because both kidneys are no more functioning. “My two kidneys have failed. It is not as if one is bad and the other good. Both are not working.” In order not to waste too much time, friends, family members, well-wishers, and the Catholic Church where she worships rallied round and raised money which was used to send her to India for preliminary treatments while still soliciting for fund from well-meaning Nigerians for the operation proper. But it was discovered that she has an infection that must be treated before the transplant can take place. A substantial part of the money that was raised initially is now being used to treat the infection. Coming from a humble background, Josephine and her husband cannot raise N6 million on their own, so the couple is soliciting the support of well-meaning people. A medical report from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital states: “The above named 39-year-old woman presented at our hospital about four months ago with features of advanced chronic kidney disease. She has been on maintenance haemodialysis on an outpatient basis. She is currently dialysing once weekly as against the recommended thrice weekly due to financial constraints. The Report, signed by Dr B.T. Bello, a Consultant Nephrologist, observed that Josephine has been counseled on the need for a kidney transplant which is the definitive treatment for her kidney failure. Accordingly, an appeal is going out to kind- hearted individuals and organisations wishing to donate towards saving Josephine. Donations can be forwarded to Andrew Emeka Ibeh, Access Bank 0042375108. Further details can be obtained through 080375527922.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 45

By JUDE NJOKU

GIANT leap towards solving the nation’s myriad of housing problems was taken last week with the opening of a Centre of Excellence for Housing Studies at the University of Lagos Akoka, UNILAG. The University of Lagos, Federal University of Technology Minna and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana are among ten universities drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda, that would benefit from an African Development Bank, ADB grant to fund housing research in the continent. The UNILAG Centre of Excellence in Housing Studies is a partnership between the University of Lagos and foreign partners, African Housing Professionals Association of Nigeria, AHPAN and NigeriaUK Housing Society, NUHS. Speaking at a consultation on Chartered Institute of Housing , CIH, Specialisation for Africa which heralded the opening of the Centre, Mr Nojeen Jimoh who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees BOT, of AHPAN said UNILAG would be the flagship university for the programme. He explained that AHPAN was registered by Nigeria- UK Housing Society, NUHS (UK) to access the AfDB grant and hoped that before long, a Nigerian Institute of Housing would be born. The Head, Department of Estate Management in the University, Prof. Timothy Nubi who sued for stakeholders’ collaboration, said the Centre which is being housed by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, will focus on building human capacity for housing development. Prof Nubi said

Mr. Nojeem Jomoh, Prof Kole Odusanmi, Mr. Roger Keller, Prof Timothy Nubi and other offiicers of AHPAN after commissioning the UNILAG Centre of Housing Excellence

UNILAG, nine others get AfDB grants to fund housing research •Opens Centre of Excellence in Housing studies

that the Centre would also focus on sponsored research and projects that would promote the growth of the real estate sector as well as harness expertise, knowledge and skills from different parts of the world in the area of housing development. Giving further details of what the Centre will offer, Nubi said it will play a key role in solving the numerous housing problems facing Nigeria. “The Centre will drive housing research in Nigeria. If you have

a research on housing, send it to the Centre and the research will be funded from the grant from ADB,” he said, adding that both students and lecturers would benefit from the exchange programme as the grant makes provision for training the trainers. Prof Nubi recalled the after a prolonged battle led by Prof Akin Mabogunje, the Federal Ministry of Housing was created ten years ago as an independent ministry. But because the workers were not

well trained, they approached issues with the mentality they inherited from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, hence the Government collapsed the ministry, four years later. “There was no housing expert to drive that ministry because they were not trained,” he said, adding that with the new Centre of Housing Studies, such workers would be given proper training on how to run the ministry. Explaining that the Centre is

Developer unveils 3,800-unit market to decongest Lagos Island CBD By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU and WILLIAM JIMOH

DERA Universal Marketers Limited, the umbrella body of 14 Traders’ Associations doing businesses in and around Central Lagos, has unveiled a total of 3800 units of ultra modern shops at Magbodo along the ever-busy LagosIbadan expressway. The shops which are for sale were built to provide a conducive business environment that will bring a relief to its current location. The project which being developed by Phaseplus Property Development of Limited while Skye Bank Nigeria Plc is the financier. Mr. Opeyemi Akinola, an architect whose firm is

developing the market, told Vanguard Homes & Property that first class facilities would be provided to make the market very conducive to shoppers. The facilities include access roads, shops, a central mall, car parks, banking halls, maximum security network, controlled sewage, waste management and a fire station Others are 24- hour electricity power and water supply, Akinola said the company has put a liberal policy that would investors buy into the project. “We designed the project to ensure that we move business people who strongly desirous of relocating to a more conducive environment where they can conduct their businesses with ease and in an

Arc

Akinola

atmosphere of serene tranquility,” he said.. “In the past one or two decades, the membership of the association had had to contend with very serious economic

difficulties deriving mainly from the problems associated with their present location. The business of buying and selling in the Central Business District of Lagos Island has become a nightmare of sorts. Trading is being carried out under very harsh environmental conditions in places originally planned as residential areas.The infrastructural development of this area did not envisage the present population explosion, with the daily influx of sellers and buyers from all over Nigeria and neighboring countries,” he said Akinola justified the choice of location for the market,. “You should know that the population of Lagos is not on the Island but on the Mainland and the area is devoid of the hardship that is experienced in this part of Lagos.

being housed in a temporary accommodation provided by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Nubi lauded the management of Nigerite for taking up the construction of a one-storey building that would serve as the permanent abode of the Centre. On the partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing, CIH, Nubi said the symbiotic relationship will provide the avenue for practitioners to become members of the UKbased Institute to enable them expand their skills and knowledge base. In his own remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof Kole Odusanmi prayed that the synergy of ideas between UNILAG, the Nigeria-UK Housing Society and Chartered Institute of Housing, would bring “concrete changes to the Nigerian housing system and further reinforce the relevance and commitment of our university systems to the larger society”. Continuing, he stated that CIH which has diverse and growing membership in 20 countries in five continents, in collaboration with UNILAG is poised to “create decent living conditions via the Nigerian housing systems”. CIH’s Head of Education, Mr Roger Keller who gave out a draft specification for those intending to be CIH members in West Africa, assured the authorities of the university of the Institute’s support in the development of the Centre.

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Quantity surveyors make case for infrastructure development bank By JUDE NJOKU

ORRIED by the infrastructure gap in the country, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, has made a strong case for aNigerian Infrastructure Bank that will through active Government support, raise long-term lower interest funds through bonds and other instruments for intervention in Infrastructure. The construction cost experts who rose from their 25th biennial conference in Abuja also sued for collaboration between the three tiers of government, investors and professional associations to stem to rising occurrence of cancellation of PPPs. They noted that PPPs will make a significant contribution in the closure the gap between Nigeria’s current infrastructure endowment and what is required to attract investment, undertake competitive economic activities and provide jobs estimated at a staggering $2.9 trillion. Making a strong case for

PPPs, the quantity surveyors noted that although PPPs are working in Nigeria, they can be made to work better. “PPPs could help reduce corruption in infrastructure procurement because many more parties are involved -the Government, developers, financiers, users etc rather than just Government and contractors that are involved in government procurement. All parties normally have access to all information pricing, technical specifications, quality standards etc. Furthermore, private financiers have no interest in over-paying for construction work. Private infrastructure investors are also an incentive to complete projects on time and not invest in projects that will be abandoned as they cannot charge users for projects until they are completed,” the cost experts said. In a communique issued at the end of the conference, the quantity surveyors advised project sponsors and investors to avoid exploiting access to government officials

Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, new NIQS President to package PPP deals that grant them excessively generous advantages and are not competitively tendered. They posited that such deals usually get cancelled by a succeeding government. “Rather than package unsolicited, non-transparent and unfair bids, the private sector should develop advocacy and interventions

that focus on developing and maintaining public sector capacity to analyse and package deals. Ministries, Departments and Agencies will thus be able develop a robust pipeline of bankable PPP projects for the private sector to competitively bid for,” they said. The high point of the conference was the election of a new executive council to be led by Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Aliyu as President and Mrs. Mercy Iyorter as Deputy President. Messrs Gbmibo Ogunfidodo, Femi Balogun, Ruya Fadason, Jide Oke Kolapo Adeyemo, Ejike Anonike and Abubakar Alkali will also serve in the new council as Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Secretary, Marketing/ Corporate Affairs, Secretary, Professional Development/ Library and Assistant Secretary General respectively. The chairmen of Lagos and Abuja chapters as well as other zonal chapter chairmen are also automatic members of the council.

Haven Homes gets two-year off plan commitment on Richmond Gate By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

Lagos-based private developer, Messrs Haven Homes Limited said last week that it has secured a two years off plan commitments from prospective buyers who would have to exercise patience to get the delivery of homes of their desired brand. The company said in a press statement that this was achieved on their Richmond Gate project located at Alma Beach in the Lekki Peninsula. Richmond Gate is between the third Round About and the new Oando Filling station along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The Chief Executive officer of Heaven Homes, Mr. Tayo Sonuga said the firm is “humbled by the soaring demand for our houses which have become very appealing among the celebrity class”. He noted that this did not come as a surprise, “because the pattern has been building up over the years with our home brand. To have celebrities queuing up for our products is absolutely

humbling and remarkable. We give all the glory to God“. Sonuga claimed that the Haven Homes brand can now be compared to some preferred auto brands for which many prospective buyers all over the world wait several years to get delivery. “Haven Homes’ immensely appealing brand has enabled the firm grow tremendous good will to consistently roll

•Richmond Gate

out units off plan on several projects over the years. The difference this time is that while previous developments were on smaller scale, Richmond Gate comprising 50 units of four- bedroom homes built in two phases is of a higher magnitude”. On how the company intends to cope with the challenges of delivery target without compromise in

quality, Sonuga said, “that is not a problem at all. We will meet every request at the time we promised. However, being signature homes, we do not hurry through our projects but we can expand our scope of operations to cope with increased demand. In any case, our houses are worth waiting for because we always aim to satisfy our home owners.”

Don charges new estate surveyors to uphold professional standards By JUDE NJOKU

HE Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Prof Bioye Tajudeen Aluko has charged newly inducted members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers NIESV, to uphold the best professional ethics and standards in order to make a successful career in their chosen profession. , The don who spoke on Estate Surveying and Valuation Profession in NigeriaUnbundling Latent Competencies and Developing New Frontiers, at the induction ceremony of 242 newly registered estate surveyors and valuers in Abuja, listed six skill sets required to achieve an accomplished consulting practice. He told the inductees that their admission into the Associate membership cadre, is a “signal to employers that you are ready for employment being technically competent and commercially aware”. The six broad categories of competencies and skill sets required, according to Prof Aluko are technical knowledge, business competence, cognitive competence, communication skills, time management skills and ethical and professional competence. Speaking to newsmen after the lecture, Professor Aluko who also is also a Lawyer, lauded the leadership of NIESV under Mr. Emeka Eleh for its consistent emphasis on capacity building through continuous and mandatory development programs. “Training is the key to professional development and this is one area the leadership of NIESV has excelled because the quality of programs and the resource persons are such that the junior members cannot easily afford outside,” he said. In his remarks the president of NIESV, Mr. Emeka Eleh congratulated the inductees and admonished them to practise within the bounds of the ethics of the profession. “You will have the temptation to cut corners just as in any other calling but the long term benefits of acquiring the right skills and competencies cannot be quantified,” he said and pledged the readiness of the Institution to provide opportunities for the professional development of its

2013

Sosoliso crash and the memory of LJC-60 E XACTLY eight years ago to day, 61 students of the Loyola Jesuit College (LJC) were headed home for the Christmas holidays when the Sosoliso aircraft conveying them crashed in Port Harcourt. These students, who had left their school and friends less than two hours earlier, were barely minutes away from re-uniting with their families when the tragedy struck. The crash claimed all the lives on board, except two (one LJC student and another passenger). It was an overwhelming catastrophe that cast a shadow in the lives of everyone involved and the nation as a whole. The scope of that tragedy and the sharp poignancy of its hurt are sufficient triggers to provoke a crisis of faith in those less toughened by the imperatives of love and deep belief in the omniscience of God. But even when we cannot understand why those 60 children were taken away from us, we have taken solace in God’s words in the Bible that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. Today, eight years may have passed and the scars are gradually healing but we will never forget our children who left us in the most heart-breaking manner. Yet while they live forever in our hearts, we want their memories to enrich the lives of others as we demonstrate that abiding bond between parents and children that is aptly captured in the motto of the LJC PTA: “For the sake of our precious jewels”! However deep our pain as parents, the tragedy of December 10, 2005 was not only for the PTA but also for the Loyola Jesuit College. Having 60 promising lives, 10 percent of its entire student population, cut short in one fell swoop, was too much for any school to bear. Yet out of that tragedy, a new Jesuit Memorial College has

Front view of Loyola Jesuit College . edge those beautiful children came to us; and for reasons also beyond our comprehension, they left us. And today in their memory, we have decided to express gratitude instead of grief at the privilege of experiencing their warm companionship. However fleeting their friendship and love, gratitude is a preferable healing force and the path of positive faith. Certainly, those young spirits would wish this path for us because to live forever in the hearts of those who bore and nurtured them is really not to die. It is from this backdrop of love that the Abuja branch of the Loyola Jesuit College PTA has decided to take a practical step of faith and build other monuments in the memory of our departed students. These monuments are to externalize the depth of our timeless ties to these 60 innocent souls. Our purpose is to erect structures that will be an enduring legacy and simultaneously serve a practical purpose for the host school in loving memory of the LJC-60. For us, a day like this also offers opportunity to reflect on some of the challenges of our country, especially with regards to the education of our children. We believe

We, therefore, appeal to moral and political leaders, educationists and believers in the power of the future to donate generously to this project

emerged, on the same ground that our children perished in Port Harcourt. Also, there is now an annual memorial drama by students of LJC Abuja in honour and memory of their departed senior colleagues. At a moment like this we cannot but draw strength from the courage and resilience of Kechi Okwuchi, the only Loyola Jesuit College survivor of that tragic incident, who continues to remind us of the obligations that the living still owe the dead. Kechi experienced the tragedy and lives it every day but she has refused to allow it to define her and the future that is still within her reach. However, as we mark the 8th anniversary of this tragedy today, our unceasing prayers go out to the parents and guardians of our departed 60 children as well as the Port Harcourt branch of the LJC Parents Teachers Association, the management and staff of Loyola Jesuit College, and indeed all Nigerians. For reasons beyond our knowl-

Wanted: A Nigerian political Floyd Mayweather

that the PTA, alumni associations and other public-spirited institutions should get involved by coming together to provide solutions to some common problems in our schools. That is the spirit which defines communities that care. December 10, 2015 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Sosoloso crash and the Abuja branch of the LJC PTA has chosen to commemorate the lives of our 60 children with a worthy project, the ”Loyola Jesuit 60 Angels Memorial Buildings” - a staff residence of 60 units of 2 bedroom flats comprising 5 blocks with 12 flats each – to be dedicated on the anniversary itself as a lasting legacy in the school for years to come. The architectural concept of the proposed monument will be deliberately designed to speak to the minds and hearts of the stakeholders who lost their loved ones and also be at once a reminder and warning to our society to hold fast to enduring values.

We have marked out January 30 next year as the day for the ceremony and cheque presentation. We hope President Goodluck Jonathan who is our special guest of honour will join us on that day as we take a practical step in the bid to redefine the role of parents in the schools their children attend. We are also grateful that the Bishop of Sokoto, His Lordship Matthew Hassan Kukah has graciously accepted our invitation as the guest speaker to engage the interconnection between education and aviation, two critical sectors that are seriously challenged in our country today. However, to achieve our objective for immortalizing our departed 60 students, the LJC-PTA has set out to raise five hundred million naira (N500m) by taxing and tasking ourselves and seeking the support of public-spirited individuals and credible institutions. Interested corporate bodies may alternatively opt to undertake erecting a building worth One Hundred Million Naira (N100m) that would be credited to them. We know we have set for ourselves a big task but it is a deliberate attempt to awaken that spirit of generousity and sense of community that define our people for the sake of our precious jewels. At this existential level on a day such as this, the least we can do is to create a symbol, a structure, a totem that honours our fallen students. For sure, this cannot, and will not annul the hurt we still feel. Nor will it bring back the dead. But this gesture will signify faith in the past and future. Most importantly it will serve as a healing gesture for our grieving colleagues who lost their children in such a tragic manner. We, therefore, appeal to moral and political leaders, educationists and believers in the power of the future to donate generously to this project. After all, as the French philosopher and Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, incidentally a member of the Society of Jesus, owners of the Loyola Jesuit College, once observed, “We are not just human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Taking to heart the core of this rather radical perspective will surely provoke a shift in the understanding and a new appreciation of this journey of life. What’s more, it may force us to deepen and reassess our relationships with others. It will definitely help us to appreciate, perhaps like no other perspectives will, that we are building a monument to 60 LJC spirits that will never die.

Mrs Ochuko Momoh is the Chairperson of the LJC (Abuja branch) PTA.

Y colleague and I had to forcefully dispossess our wallets of some $64.95 to watch the fight between poundfor-pound pugilist, Floyd Mayweather and Mexican boxing icon, Canelo Alvarez on the night of September 14, 2013. In America, land of plenty and opportunity, where big business conglomerates conspire to pay most workers less than $7.50 an hour, this is more than a day’s job for a typical eight-hour job shift. Mayweather weathered the storm despite expectations in some quarters that Canelo was the man to beat the man. Unlike my colleague, I wasn’t part of the optimistic bandwagon that believed that the time had come to quarantine Mayweather in boxing history’s shelf of erstwhile champions. And, once both pugilists stepped onto the ring, I was more convinced that Mayweather had booked himself another ticket to consolidate his sense of invincibility.

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47—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10,

tion came? That reminded me of how Nigerian politicians win access to leadership in Aso Rock but turn out clueless about how to tackle the trouble with their country. Noticed how, at the end of the fight, Canelo’s face was dotted with evidence of the savagery he had been subjected to by Mayweather? That was reminiscent of how Nigerian leaders leave the country at the end of their mediocre stewardship. Back to Floyd Mayweather. He trains hard. He knows that each new challenger is indeed a challenge. He psyches himself up with a determination to conquer. He always studies his opponents and comes up with a credible game plan. He has a team of boxing technicians to assess his training and map out the road to success. Even when he was

That reminded me of how Nigerian politicians win access to leadership in Aso Rock but turn out clueless about how to tackle the trouble with their country

After the mainly one-sided fight, Canelo was asked what went wrong. His response? It was something to the effect that he couldn’t see Mayweather to land solid punches on him; that apparently, Mayweather had turned himself into a phantom in the ring. I believe that Canelo was being sincere and honest. I had arrived at the same conclusion upon noticing that the Mexican could not really land any telling punch on his opponent who, like the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, is a man who comes across like a mirage in the ring to his opponents; a man who strikes with the deftness, venom and speed of an African mamba. While I watched boxing that night, I saw a parallel for Nigeria in Canelo.Noticed how the youthful Mexican was full of promise before the fight? That reminded me of Nigeria, so full of promise. Noticed how some boxing commentators in the media were full of expectation that Canelo had come to re-write boxing history? That reminded me of how Nigerian politicians preach about their redemptive power before elections. Noticed how Canelo had no idea how to deal with Mayweather when time for ac-

at loggerheads with his father, he soon realised that dad was the best trainer in the world and quickly retraced his footsteps to learn at the feet of the master tactician. When he gets into the ring, he takes his time to put his game plan into action and leaves no room for mediocrity. He understands the business of boxing business. When the going gets gladiatorial in the ring, he knows how to retreat to the ropes, how to mesmerize his opponent in order to get the job done, and when to strike with devastating accuracy. At the end of the day, he steps out as the winner, satisfied that he did best in both content and style, the result of which is that he would have made another challenger bite the dust. And, in his post-fight press conference, he salutes the courage of his opponent, admits that the task was herculean, and lets anyone know that success does not come on a platter of diamond. Is there any chance that Nigeria will someday produce the political leadership equivalent of Floyd Mayweather?

48— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

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Jonathan's Govt can't fight corruption —Tambuwal Continues from page 8 geria as the 36th most corrupt country globally! Nigeria placed 139th of the 176 countries assessed, scoring 27% in contrast with the least corrupt countries; Denmark, Finland and New Zealand which scored 90%.

Legions of corrupt cases “A list of manifestation of corruption especially in the public sector of Nigeria is legion ranging from direct diversion of public funds to private pockets, contract overpricing, bribery, impunity, nepotism, general financial recklessness, fraudulent borrowing and debt management, public assets stripping, electoral fraud, shielding of corrupt public officers among others. “It is a well established fact that corruption thrives well in any environment or society where there is community indifference or lack of enforcement policies. Societies with a culture of ritualized gift giving where the line between acceptable and non-acceptable gifts is often hard to draw; societies in which values have been overthrown by materialism, societies in which laws are observed more in the breach. “It would appear that these environmental preconditions are all prevalent in the Nigerian society and no wonder therefore that corruption has found fertile soil to blossom. “As noted earlier, corruption is Nigeria’s greatest problem and a cancerous impediment to any development effort planned or envisaged. It follows then that if Nigeria is to witness true development, then corruption must be dealt with decisively and comprehensively. It is a duty requiring will, zeal and passion on the part of the three arms of government and indeed the entire citizenry. “One other area which has been of great concern is the culture of undue secrecy that surrounded the operation of government. Whereas our Constitution enjoins in its C M Y K

Section 14 (2) (c) that “the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution” government business tended to be run like secret societies to the exclusion of the citizenry. It was clear that this tended and was indeed intended to aid the concealment of corruption such that even in times of suspicion, members of the public including gentlemen of the fourth realm could not access public information.

FOI ACT

“The National Assembly has passed the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to enhance the right of access to public records and information about public institutions. This is one legislation, that attracted massive public interest and it is my expectation that Nigerians will make maximum use of the rights created under this legislation in order to defeat the culture of undue secrecy in the running of government business. “The House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly has been carrying out oversight of government agencies and series of investigations or probes over allegations of corruption and corrupt practices. As you are all aware, the legislature has over the years exposed several cases of corruption. “It is important for me to stress once again at this stage that the mandate of the legislature is to expose corruption. It does not have further mandate to prosecute. That mandate of prosecution lies with the Executive and Judiciary. I have heard public comments to the effect that the public is tired of investigation by the legislature since the people indicted in their findings are never prosecuted and sanctioned. “Let me reiterate that the legislature will not abdicate its responsibilities on the account of inaction or negligence of another arm of government. If nothing else we will at least continue to name and shame. As noted earlier, the war against corruption is the responsibility of all and I call on the citizens of this great nation to rise in the exercise of their

constitutional power to insist on the prosecution and sanctioning of persons indicted by the legislature or by any agency whether public or private concerned in the fight against corruption. “In the exercise of the mandate of oversight the legislature is able to audit both pre and post expenditure of agencies of government and to give appropriate direction on the administration and disbursement of funds and execution of programs and projects under the Appropriation Act. Indeed the Public Accounts Committee of the House has the specific mandate to review the disbursement and administration of public funds by ministries, departments and agencies. “As representatives of the people, legislators will continue to be for all Nigerians their eyes to see, ears to hear and mouth to speak out against corruption anywhere and at anytime it rears its ugly head. “The task may appear daunting but I wish to assure that with will, zeal, passion and determination we shall eventually overcome this hydra-headed dragon. Only let us be single minded that it’s a task that must be done in order to preserve the country for posterity”.

$ 2.6 trillion stolen annually, says AfDB Meanwhile, the African Development Bank (AfDB), says an estimated 2.6 trillion dollars is stolen annually through high level corrupt practices in Africa. This is contained in a statement released by the AfDB’s President, Dr Donald Kaberuka, yesterday, as part of activities to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day. He said that the figure amounted to more than five per cent equivalence of the global GDP. The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Addis Ababa, added that another one trillion dollars were being paid in bribes across the world every year. Kaberuka said that corruption had become a global threat, causing a serious roadblock to economic development and prosperity.

Over 100 world leaders in S-Africa for Nelson Mandela

VER 100 world lead ers have confirmed that they will be part of the funeral of the departed apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela beginning with a memorial in his honour today. Former US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, G.W Bush will make it as well as Britain’s Tony Blair and France’s Sarkozy The world leaders who will be part of the funeral of the former South African leader include Barack Obama of United States of America, Francois Hollande of France, Enrico Letta, Prime Minister of Italy, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and several leaders across the continents of the world. Meanwhile, daughter of the late anti-apartheid crusader, Nelson Mandela, Makaziwe has said that the final final hours of Mandela, who died aged 95 last Thursday describing it as wonderful. Ms Mandela said Mandela’s wife, Graca, the children and grandchildren were all there to say goodbye. In an interview, monitored on BBC, Makaziwe Mandela said “until the last moment he had us, you know... The children were there, the grandchildren were there, Graca was there, so we are always around him and even at the last moment, we were sitting with him on Thursday the whole day.” Speaking further, she said “I think from last week, Friday until Thursday, it was a wonderful time, if you can say the process of death is wonderful. But Tata (Nelson Mandela) had a wonderful time, because we were there. When the doctors told us, I think Thursday morning, that there was nothing that they could do, and said to me ‘Maki call everybody that is here that wants to see him and say bye bye’, it was a most wonderful day for us because the grandchildren were there, we were there.” While commending doctors for the 24-hour care given to her demised father, she said “it was like there were soldiers guarding this period of the king - yes my father comes from royalty - without them knowing they were actually practising our rituals and culture, they were there in silence and when we as family members come in they would excuse themselves and just a few of them would be there to give us the time to be around my dad’s bed.” Ms Mandela said that,

The Queen and I — For Mandela, it was “Elizabeth” not “Ma’am” As global leaders gathered to pay homage this week to South Africa’s anti-apartheid legend who died on Thursday, one former close aide recalled the cheeky lese majeste of a statesmen who charmed enemies, celebrities and ordinary people alike.Not many men call Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II “Elizabeth”, much less dare to comment on her dress style or weight. Nelson Mandela was one of them, July 9, 1996.

for the past few months, she would tell her father that she loved him and that would see him again tomorrow, adding that “maybe he would open his eyes for just a second and close those eyes.” Makaziwe said she believed her father had fought not just for political freedom but also for spiritual freedom. “He talks about the fact that it takes courage to forgive. Forgiveness is a very difficult thing. I think he knew that if he didn’t forgive, he would be forever imprisoned spiritually. The lesson we can take from his life is to have the courage to forgive other people.

Mandela pride of Africans—Harriman

A former member of the

House of Representatives, Ms Temi Harriman described the late Mandela as the pride of Africans and the black race. While paying tribute to the late anti-apartheid activist, Harriman said “I pay profound homage at the passing of the great man of our time,pride of South Africa,all Africans and the black race. We celebrate his character,humanity and extraordinary life. She added that Mandela “courageously sacrificed, symbolised and inspired a noble,resilient struggle, tactically and strategically for freedom, equality, reconciliation and democracy. He attained the unique iconic respect and admiration of the world.”

AGRA board mourns Mandela

HE Board of the Alli ance for a Green Revolution in Africa today mourned the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela and hailed him for playing a central role in the continent’s development. Meeting in London, the Board – led by its Chair Mr. Kofi Annan – expressed deep sadness at the news of Mr. Mandela’s passing and extended its condolences to the former President’s family and to the peo-

ple of South Africa. Board members noted that Mr. Mandela’s passing was a major loss to the African continent which respected and revered him as an iconic leader. “The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass” Mr Annan stated. “By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all.”

Mandela: Human software brain-box out of Africa, ISPON

ANDELA represents and demonstrates perhaps, the most complex and greatest Software – out of Africa that the human mind had ever vision, conceptualized, structurally defined, strategically codified and wholeheartedly delivered for the application and benefit of human progress. Madiba is “Knowledge Magic’ pure and simple. This is why ISPON mourns his unforgettable demise.

If man were God, Madiba Nelson Mandela would not have died! With his death, the world and indeed the entire humanity have lost an enigmatic knowledge fountain and a colossus in the wilderness of constructive logic. During his short span of service to humanity (eclipsed by the twentyseven and a half (27.5) years of unjustified detention at Robin Island jail) he positively touched the lives of many billion people of all races.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—51

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52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 10,, 2013

*WATCH OUT FOR DAILY REPORTS FROM THE CONGRESS ON THESE PAGES

Adeboye welcomes all to Holy Ghost Congress By SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA with Agency reports

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye will from today play host to millions of worshippers from different parts of the world at this year’s edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Congress. The programme scheduled for one week at the sprawling Redemption Camp along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has a unique theme; ‘The Overflow.’ The Redemption Camp, now home to many residential apartments, educational institutions, hospitality units and a few banks came into being in 1985 to host the monthly all-night Holy Ghost service that features praise, worship, scriptural exposition, prayers and personal ministrations in answer to Pastor Adeboye’s request that God should rain His blessings upon the congregation. God had asked him to assemble the people to worship and praise the Lord and the promised miracles have been familiar features of the programme. The Congress, now a six-day event, is an expanded version of the monthly programme with the maiden edition in 1998 on the beachside of Lekki Expressway. Millions of worshippers gathered for an all-night programme to celebrate Jesus in a festival-like atmosphere with the theme; “Divine Visitation”. The crowd was far more than the expected four million people and it took several hours for vehicular and human traffic to clear after an admittedly awesome night characterised by lively music, preaching, and words of prophecies, signs and wonders. The Congress became a sixday programme in 2003. The development of the Congress Arena and support facilities at the camp was rapid and extensive with the incorporation of a modern altar, prayer foyer, offices, parking lots and massive deployment of plastic chairs which have now almost completely displaced the old wooden pews. Then came the roofing and the tilling of the floor with furC M Y K

*HOSTS: General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and wife, Pastor

(Mrs.) Folu Adeboye.

ther expansion and paving of the access and adjoining roads resulting in a massive auditorium said to be one of the largest worship structures in the world. Traffic flow within and around the camp is also better controlled; putting an end to the nightmare of the earlier

years when worshippers spent several hours on their way to and from programmes. With the provision of more parking lots and better manning of routes, shuttles between the camp and Lagos or other nearby cities which took several hours are now done in less than one hour.

The amenities around the Arena and other parts of the Camp have also been upgraded and improved upon for the comfort of worshippers and visitors. More toilets---mobile and fixed---have been built. Water and electricity are adequately supplied all-year round.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS DAY 2: TUESDAY - 10th December

AFTERNOON SESSION 4:00pm - 4:15pm- Praise, Worship & Prayers 4:15pm - 4:30pm - Offering 4:30pm - 5:30pm-Talk & discussion: a Trading: From Kiosk to Supermarket b SMEs: Growth Strategies c Fish Farming: Start-up & Upgrading d Parenting In The Internet Age 1 EVENING SESSION 6:00pm - 7:00pm-Prayer & Intercession 7:00pm - 8:00pm -Praise, Worship & Choir 8:00pm - 8:30pm-Talk One - “Ever Increasing Faith” 8:30pm - 8:45pm -Greetings and Announcement 8:45pm - 9:10pm-Special Prayer 1: “Father, Please Exceed Our Expectations” 9:10pm - 9:30pm - Offering 9:30pm - 10:00pm -Choir Ministration 10:00pm - 12:00am -Talk Two - "Healing Virtues"

As the first visitors arrive the Camp, the General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye has sent a word of welcome to all participants at this year’s fiesta. In his welcome address, Daddy G.O. thanked the Almighty God for “keeping us since the last Congress in 2012. I am most delighted to welcome you to a special Congress that promises to overflow with signs and wonders. “Congratulations for making it to this programme. You have come expectant. As the Lord lives, you shall testify all through the Congress and thereafter. As with the past Congresses, the Lord promises to make this a memorable and fulfilling programme. He is a covenant keeping God and He is faithful to do that which he has promised. In what area of your life are you believeing God for an overflow? All you need to do is to bring your case before Him in humility with praises and thanksgiving in prayerful expectation. He is the One who can do all things,” he said. Continuing, Pastor Adeboye said: “With Him, nothing shall be impossible. He shall answer you in the mighty name of Jesus. The Lord promises to touch every area of your life through His word and the acccompanying sessions of teaching, prayers, seminars and personal ministrations. All the morning, afternoon and evening sessions are specially planned for you. “The evening sessions will run everyday from the Opening Day (Monday) to the Closing Day (Saturday). The morning sessions shall run on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The afternoon sessions featuring teaching on Marriage, the Home, Business, Career and other aspects of everyday life will run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. “I believe you are here for a personal encounter with the Lord of lords. Just wait upon Him and cry out to him on your own and during the general prayer sessions. Do not let anyone or anything distract you. As you key into the various daily programmes and focus on the Lord, your life will never be the same again. You have come expectant: you shall go home testifying,” he prayed.

Vanguard, TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013 — 53

Galatasaray unleash Drogba on Juve

ALATASARAY host Juventus a winnertakes-all Champions League clash at the Turk Telekom Arena tonight. The matchday two fixture between these sides ended 2-2, with

Didier Drogba putting the visitors ahead before late goals from Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella appeared to have given the Serie A titleholders the three points - only for Umut Bulut to fire home two minutes from time to snatch a draw. Drogba has history when it comes to eliminating Juventus from the Champions League, scoring in both games as Chelsea beat the Serie A club 3-2 over two legs in the round of 16 in 2008-09.

•eyes goal record

•Drogba

•Vidal

Man U to bounce back against Shakhtar

ANCHESTER United will once again look to the Champions League for distraction from their domestic woes when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in their concluding groupphase game on Tuesday.

•Rooney

Ronaldo returns for Real

Consecutive home defeats by Everton and Newcastle United have left the defending champions 13 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League. They can secure top spot in Group A, and with it an advantageous draw for the last 16, if they

avoid defeat against Shakhtar, and Moyes has called on his players to finish the job. “It’s important we give ourselves every chance of progressing even further in the Champions League by finishing top,” he said.

RISTIANO Ronaldo can set a new record for goals scored in a Champions League group stage when alreadyqualified Real Madrid visit FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. “Cristiano is fine, he is training with the rest of the team and he will play on Tuesday without any problem,” said the Italian. And despite a lot of talk surrounding what he may do at the World Cup next summer, Ronaldo insisted his primary focus is on delivering trophies for Madrid before making his way to Brazil. “There’s still a long way to go to the World Cup and I am focused on my club. I want to win everything and then we’ll see about the World Cup,” he said. “We have to enjoy the present, right now we are

•Ronaldo playing well in the Champions League, La Liga and now the Copa del Rey. “I hope Madrid can win something important. There is sill a long way to go until the World Cup and anything could happen. My aim is to stay focused on my club and give my best.”

Messi, Ribery, Ronaldo on Ballon d’Or shortlist Mandela: I’ll do it again .As Bale misses out

IONEL Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo are on the threeman shortlist for the 2013 Ballon d’Or. The trio were chosen from the 23-man list, which included Gareth Bale, and the world player of the year will be revealed on 13 January. Barcelona’s Messi has won four years in a row but Real Madrid forward

Ronaldo is the favourite to win this year. The women’s final trio are Nadine Angerer (Germany), Marta (Brazil) and Abby Wambach (USA). Fifa has also confirmed the final three for coach of the year - with former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson vying with ex-Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes and Borussia Dortmund’s

Minister Continues from BP of Turkey’s image abroad and the two footballers’ (freedom of) expression,” he said. Drogba removed his club shirt after a match Friday against SB Elazigspor to reveal a T-shirt that read “Thank You Madiba”, using Mandela’s clan name. Teammate Eboue also honoured the South African anti-apartheid hero who died on Thursday with a T-shirt that said “Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela”. The federation defended its decision to summon the two players, saying they had not sought permission for their action.

But the move caused fury among scores of Twitter users, with some accusing the body of “fascism”. “There’s a minute of silence for Mandela before a match in Britain but in Turkey, there are fines,” said one tweet signed by Erce Sahin. Another Twitter user with the handle Hevallo, said: “TURKISH FASCISM in FOOTBALL like everywhere in Turkey!” The minister also blasted a federation decision last week to initiate disciplinary procedures against a Turkish club whose footballers wore T-shirts paying homage to the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Jurgen Klopp for the award. The world’s top players’ hauls in 2013-14 The winners, to be announced at a ceremony in Zurich, will be decided by a vote among the captains and head coaches of all Fifa-affiliated men’s national teams, as well as by international media representatives selected by France Football magazine. France Football introduced the Ballon d’Or in 1956 to honour the European footballer of the year, with England’s Stanley Matthews the first winner. In 2007 the award

became a world player award and three years later it merged with Fifa’s own world player honour. Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi, 26, has won every year since the merger, but Real Madrid and Portugal star Ronaldo, 28, emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite after his fifth hat-trick of the season sent Portugal to the World Cup at the expense of Sweden last month. Bayern Munich and France winger Ribery, 30, had previously been considered a leading contender after winning the treble with his club last season.

Owens’ Berlin 1936 Olympic gold medal sells for $1.5 million cup won by Spyros Lou-

N anonymous bidder has paid $1,466,574 (£897,445/ €1,070,056) for an Olympic gold medal won by Jesse Owens at Berlin 1936, the highest price ever for a piece of Olympic memorabilia. The price easily broke the previous record of $$867,266 (£541,250/ •661,171) paid at an auction in London in April 2012 for a silver

is, the Greek who won the first Olympic marathon at Athens 1896. Bidding for Owens’ item finished Sunday after it was extended by a few hours and there were a total of 30 bids. The winning bid is nearly five times the highest price previously paid for a gold medal won by a member of the U.S Olympic team.

— Drogba

ROGBA has responded to threats by the Turkish FA to sanction him and his compatriot over their tributes to Mandela by posting a picture montage on Instagram including a photo of his own meeting with the former South Africa president.

“I’d be very interested to see your comments on this...but I’m sorry if I had to I would do it again and again. Not because of political beliefs but because this man inspired me, a country, a continent, the world!!!!! Thanks again Madiba

Fan

Continues from BP league leaders Arsenal. “Macharia jumped from seventh floor of an apartment at Pipeline Estate after realising that his team Manchester United lost 1-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford and committed suicide,” said Nairobi’s County Police Commander Benson Kibui. Macharia’s death is reminiscent of the suicide by a Kenyan Arsenal fan in 2009. Suleiman Omondi, 29, was found

hanging in his flat after the Gunners were trounced 31 by Manchester United in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal. Kibui urged footballobsessed Kenyan fans to support local teams rather than foreign clubs who do not have a link to the east African nation. “The football fans should enjoy the matches... but they should not commit suicide since life is very precious,” Kibui added.

Iran Continues from BP strong too,”the 34 year - old Esteghlal midfielder was quoted as saying by persianfootball.com. Iran, who topped

Asian World Cup qualifying ahead of Korea Republic and Uzbekistan, face African champions Nigeria on June 16 at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba. C M Y K

54— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013—55

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V anguard anguard,, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Today’s Fixtures

C M ManYUtd K Sociedad Copenhagen Galatasaray Benfica Olympiakos Bayern Viktoria Plzen

Shakhtar Leverkusen RealMadrid Juventus PSG Anderlecht ManCity CSKAMoscow

8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

Fan kills self over United loss

We’re not scared of Eagles — Iran

KENYAN fan unable to cope with Manchester United’s loss to Newcastle United committed suicide over the weekend, according to police. John Macharia, 28, plunged to his death from a multi-storey apartment block in the

RAN captain Javad Nekounam has declared that the Asians are not scared of confronting their more illustrious opponents Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia - at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. “Iran has been grouped with three strong teams. Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina are powerful but we are going to do our best and defend our dignity “We are not afraid of facing Argentina. They are one the best teams in the world and we will likely lose to them but we are not scared of anyone. “Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina are Continues on Page 53

v v v v v v v v

capital, Nairobi. This followed United’s 1-0, their second home defeat in four days. Newcastle’s first win at Old Trafford since February 1972 means the reigning champions are now 13 points adrift of

Continues on Page 53

Minister slams Mandela t-shirt action

THREE MUSKETEERS ••• Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery in Ballon d'Or race.

URKEY’S sports minister lashed out on Monday at moves by the football authorities to punish two top Ivorian club players for paying homage to Nelson Mandela. Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue have been threatened with disciplinary action by the Turkish Football Federation for violating

a ban on wearing political slogans on Tshirts – triggering outrage on Twitter. Turkish Sports Minister Suat Kilic called on the federation to review its decision against the two star players with Istanbul giant Galatasaray. “I don’t find it a healthy choice in terms Continues on Page 53

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Tolerate (6) 5 Lout (4) 8 Quarrel (5) 9 Rotter (3) 10 Duct (4) 11 File (4) 12 Happening (5) 13 Moment (6) 16 Gull (4) 18 Mid-day (4) 20 Pig-pen (3) 22 Posed (3) 23 Trap (3) 24 Mirth (4) 25 Detail (4) 28 Notched (6) 30 Test (5) 32 Win (4) 33 Curve (4) 34 Consume (3) 35 Traded (5) 36 Expired (4) 37 Hired (6)

DOWN 1 Pardon (6) 2 Devote (8) 3 Regret (6) 4 Stopped (9) 5 Rotating (7) 6 Warmth (4) 7 Yawn (4) 8 Imitate (3) 14 Attractive (9) 15 Fellow (3) 17 Rodent (3) 19 Salve (8) 20 Cunning (3) 21 Longed (7) 26 Interfere (6) 27 Revised (6) 29 Elderly (4) 30 Season (4) 31 Hired (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 3, Staff 9, Author 10, Outfit 11, Baron 12, Edam 15, Fete 17, Damaged 20, Nor 21, Ditch 23, Grip 25, Torn 26, Cower 28, Bet 30, Degrade 33, Eden 35, Drop 36, Scrap 38, Urchin 39, Ironic 40, Ready.

DOWN: 1, Eased 2, Steam 3, Sob 4, Traded 5, Fool 6, Fun 7, Often 8, Other 13, Dangled 14, Magic 16, Tornado 18, Dived 19, Act 22, Hoard 24, Pod 27, Repaid 28, Begun 29, Teach 21, Arena 32, Epoch 34, Acme 36, Sir 37, Pry

How to Play Sudoku

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. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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